Freyd

Freyd listened to Vigilon's recounting, solitary eyebrow raised by the quirky fickleness of fate.

"Wait... does all that have anything to do with why we usually meet with you falling out of the sky?  Oh, and thank you for offering, but I ate before I came," he added, patting his flat and unassuming stomach.  "Standard pre-raid procedure.  You know how it is."

"I'm afraid what he says is true, Vigilon has no shortage of enemies, including ones that will make war against him upon sight, even monsters with a neutral temperament have had hostile reactions to his presence from time to time. Why that is, however, I currently do not know."

The other eyebrow raised, and deadpan delivered an unbidden comment.

"Have you considered switching aftershaves," he suggested, jokingly.  It took him a moment to catch Krysta's meaning and distinguishing of 'raid' versus 'floor battle'.  Everyone uses their own jargon, and her mannerisms were unexpectedly formal.  'Must be a princess thing,' he told himself.

"Freyd, you have experience in the front lines, so you must know at least a fair hint of the path you believe Night has cleared for us, correct? Even if we run into any monsters, the path she traveled should still be the safest route for us."

"Umm.  Yes?  I was planning on doing just that before I ran into the rest of you.  Others will be gathering as well.  The sheer amount of frontliner traffic converging on one place should help keep the path clear."  Shrugging, as he had no other plan to suggest, he was quite content to follow hers as outlined.  "I have some modest talent as a scout.  Hopefully, it will steer us clear of trouble, despite Vigilon's strangely afflicted fortunes.  But, there are no guarantees."  Spoken like a true merchant.

"Floor bosses are unpredictable," was all that he could offer Morningstar in response.  "I've only seen a few, so far, but each has been considerably different from the others.  Just keep your teleportation crystal warmed up, in case.  If there's anywhere you are most likely to need it, this will be it."

Oddly enjoying the role of informal sensei, Freyd had never actually pictured it for himself.  Yet, truth be told, it was one he'd donned many more times than most would ever consider possible.  Offering only a smile at Wulfrin's venting.  The life of an appraiser was to make the RNG your nemesis and savor those fleeting moments when fate intervened to give you something that wasn't a complete and total piece of crap.  Good times.

"I won't pretend to sit here and give you tips to instantly improve your game.  Experience and time are the best teachers you could find, though maybe the system would enable a few useful shortcuts.  We'll get to those once you've gotten your gear.  In the meantime, keep at it.  I'd say you've already gotten the gist, and a good knack for it to boot.  Practice will make it easier."  Echoes of his own origins flittered behind his eyes, taunting him with awkwardness that made Wulfrin look like a total star by comparison.  He chuckled without explaining, waving off any questions about it and flicking a finger towards another boar.

"Have at it.  These things don't quite manage to kill themselves."

Watching Nari move was a marvel.  He'd never actually fought in heavy armor himself, but every other carapaced veteran of the game he'd ever fought beside couldn't hope to match her speed or flexibility.  In a strange way, it was a rare treat of refreshing novelty.  But the equally unexpected turn in their continued conversation was what pierced his casual nonchalance about such things.  Nari had struck a nerve that he rarely, if ever, allowed to be exposed; multiple, in fact.

"Call me naive, but...what are your thoughts on i-"

Right.  Combat.  Eyes on the ball.

The treant's size and sheer physical brutality impacted the gate, it's heavy leaves visibly shattered at several points by the force of the blow.  Neither player looked much worse for wear, signaling the relative scale of effects in play.  Freyd's machine mind was already triangulating optimal attack vectors, ready to call his 'Pride' to hand and smash this would-be assailant to ashes, backed by a selectively fiery sword art that struck him as ideal for these circumstances.  Something gave him pause.  That other self, stirred by the image of green hair, scent of special tea and elongated ears - the same worn by the elven children surely watching in terror from above.  They knew terror.  Though trivial a battle, for them their home hung in the balance. 

Wrath.

That all-consuming void - partially imbued by Shadow's touch and legacy - called from within for their enemy's utter destruction.  End the threat.  Slay the monster.  Be the monster!  Instincts or programming?  Which was calling to him with these thoughts?  Some days, he wasn't really sure anymore.  It would be so easy...

The memory of warmth pressed against his shoulders under shades of moonlight.  A hand pressing against his own as his body shattered into a thousand scintillating shards hanging on the brink of oblivion, called back with a plea and a cry.  Someone cared, and reminded him to do the same.  Perhaps she taught him what had always eluded his ability to rationalize - adding kindling to a fledgling flame that nurtured it into beginnings of alien passion, and eventual compassion.  The Shadowed Rose pinned to his chest and concealed beneath a fabric fold, yet dearest to the thing he called his heart. 

What doth believe the Thing Behind All Lies?

Intent was instantly repurposed as boundless conviction flared behind Freyd's scowling azure eyes, the tenets of a sneer forcing themselves upon his lips, yet not for malice or destruction.  This was fulfillment of an oath given to a robe made and paid for in the blood of guilt and innocence alike.  It was a promise and covenant of hope.  Dodging the treant's wild, slashing swings the Whisper weaved and wobbled as the wind dancing through its branches.  Time slowed for him in its pacing as the power grew.  Shaping fate did such a thing when wielded by those under contract.  Miasmic haze of black and purple wreathed his hands as he neared his goal, parrying its last, desperate defenses and pulling back to strike.

Thunderous force, like a gale wind focused precisely to a point, struck a knot and weakness in the treant's bark and shell, already fractured by their prior yet biting assaults.  The trunk folded inward against his fist as a snap cracked the air and bent the tree near in half, shedding half the leaves from its canopy by whiplash alone.  Sap sprayed sideways all around, the very fibers within the creature having compressed beyond their bearing, shooting out of every break and cut including its eyes and mouth, then dropping harshly to the ground like a bathtub full of water conjured in mid air.  It's face contorted with pain that couldn't be, repealing anger to reveal despair.  The treant felt the end of its existence as that same miasmic haze spread along infectious veins through every part of it.  Bark flaked off.  Its few remaining leaves withered and fell like ashes from above.  Desiccated from within, it shuddered in its entirety as it creaked and slowed, while Freyd's awareness of time resumed its proper pace.

Precision.  Threshold achieved, and on the mark.  His voice neutral, yet verging on the realm of sympathy, Freyd spoke softly.

"There is still time.  Will you wield?"

The monster twitched, wrenched by the fury he'd unleashed within it and quickly drawing its existence toward a painful, terrifying close. Here was the futility of war summed into a single moment, and the very rarest of opportunities for change.  Easing the clenching of his fist into an open palm, Freyd slid it upwards to caress what might pass as the mob's cheek with surprising tenderness.  

"For all of us, ...please."  Looking up, the dark concealment of his cowl fell back revealing the least and last of expectations: tears of inky shadow dribbling down a face locked in fiercest determination, jaw locked and set.

"There isn't much time."

The tiniest hint of motion returned to their foe, enabling it to turn its awkward glance down, even as its body crumbled all around.

"I... willl.... yiellldddd."

Leaning forward to press his head against its withered form, Freyd delivered it the antidote held ready in his other hand.

"Thank you," he offered, eyes closing even as Persi's inky form slithered up from within his clothes to coil herself about his head and hide his features.  Even her lummox deserved some dignity, and she would ever be his cowl.  Turning and stuffing his extinguished hands back into his pockets, head dipped low to focus on the ground, Freyd strode slowly and pensively back in the direction of the palace.  He paused, but for an instant, and turned only slightly towards Nari.

"You have my answer.  I hope it means something."  And then he carried on.

♪ ♫ ♪ ♫

***

Vanity Tag: @Elora @Raidou

Freyd regains +4 EN
Freyd regains 62 HP from BH
CD 9 (+8 REC proc) ID #219022

Post Action | TECH-D (x12, 12 EN): 12 EN - (Rested 1/2; Stamina) = 9 EN.  
Free Action [Item] | Rhino's Horn

ID #219023 | BD: 10 (Crit +3).  DMG (12*27=324-95=229) to Treant.  Blight applied.  PVO applied.  Wooden body blocks Static.

Treant is paralyzed and suffers 32 blight damage.  Mercy triggers.  Combat ends.

Freyd | HP: 1140/1140 (1085+62[cap]) | EN: 144/152 (141+4+8-9) | DMG: 21 | MIT: 45 | EVA: 2 | ACC: 7 (inc.AA) | BH: 62 | LD: 6 | BLGT: 32 | PARA IMMUNE | P.V.O | REC: 8 | STK: 40
Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 33 | P. 54 | HP [1,081/1,081] | EN [84/106] | ACC [6] | DMG [12] | MIT [209] | F.AURA [32 MIT; 16 DMG] B.Healing [+59] | STEALTH [-5] |  FRSTBT [40 DMG; -1 ACC] | THORNS [72] | PARA [8+] | HM [+4 B.DMG] | +4 EN +59 HP | -13 EN
Ellesmora Gate | HP 400/500.

[2,4]Treant | HP: 279/450 | MIT: 175 (-60 [2/3], -20 [1/2]) | DMG: (See Shockwave Punch) (279-229-32)
Abilities:
Shockwave Punch | Every turn, the Treant shall use this attack spreading its damage between every single target in the vicinity. Deals 300 mitigatable damage spread between all players and the gate. This attack will not miss. For example: If there are two players taking this quest then both players and the gate shall take 100 damage per turn. 
Burning Timber | Should the Treant be affected with a Burn ailment, its Mitigation shall become 0, its damage output will double, all Burn damage to it shall be doubled and the Mercy effect will no longer be an option. 
Wooden Body | Treant is not affected by any DoT effects other than Burn and Blight. Treant is also immune to Stun attacks. 
Mercy | Upon reaching 50 or less HP, the Treant will surrender and no longer attack unless the player attacks them again. If this option is chosen, begin the Mercy Ending. 

"Fishing is about a lot more than just catching fish," he replied coyly, a wistful smirk spreading across his lips.  "The rest really needs to be experienced to learn, though we could try it if you wish.  Kyu doesn't seem particularly keen, but maybe we could offer some conversation in exchange, at least to pass the time until something else is selected?"

Dismissing his bag back to inventory, Freyd wandered out into the water until it rose to the level of his knees, not bothering to remove his footwear.  Antiquated rod already in hand, suitable bait was promptly summoned, hooked and cast with the hand of a practiced angler.  Hook, line and bobber sailed through the air, landing in the drink some distance away and closer to the depths.

"And yes, the lake is definitely warm enough to swim.  It's also why it's typically so great for fishing," he added.  "But if you're going in, would you mind tossing me a sandwich, and maybe watching your bits around my bobber?  I wouldn't want to hit anything important."  The smirk broadened to a full-fledged grin.  "The future Mrs. Morningstar would likely not appreciate the perforations."

Turning his attention once more to Vigilon, he became pensive once more.  

"I tend to take a very pragmatic view on people who earned themselves an orange cursor, or otherwise performed deeds that should have done so.  The simply truth is that there are only so many of us in Aincrad - players, that is.  And every time one of us dies, by any means, our odds of getting the rest out typically get a little bit worse.  I'd much rather see everyone marshalled towards that singular goal.  Those who choose to actively work against that can be incapacitated or culled.  I really don't care which.  It's unfortunate, and nasty, possibly cruel, but also unavoidable.  If anyone has a viable alternative, I'd love to hear it."

Meanwhile, Freyd casually sat casually in a third-hand lawn chair cobbled together from stray bits of refuse and detritus strewn about the sludge fields just beyond the Liminal Blind.  Awkwardly functional, yet tastefully macabre, the egregious bit of furniture looked like Frankenstein had taken up carpentry, but used his own parts.  Relying mostly on congealed zombie drool as an adhesive, bits of bone, tattered clothing, and fleshy hides whose origins were best left unconsidered, it was perfectly suited to its environs.  This was floor thirteen, or the undead-invested, miasmic wasteland that remained of it.  Freyd called it 'home.'

Currently clinging to a steaming cup of vanilla-scented coffee to ward of the local scents, he'd spent most of the morning rousing Dingo and setting the boy to task cleaning his 'shop.'  The aptly named 'Freyd Edges' was nestled in the ruins of some forgotten monastery on the outskirts of Angel's Point, blending in so splendidly with the local state of disrepair that one might easily overlook it.  That was the whole point.  Why else would he have set up shop in such a desolate landscape few dared to visit and the local trash bandits were distinguished by their particular colour of plague?  But the blissful days of languishing in a pristine modernist dungeon better categorized as a bond villain's wet dream were soon coming to an end.  He was a taken man, and his life was changing.  No one would ever have believed it was possible, most notably including himself.  Still, it felt good.

In his right hand he held a ghostly green effigy of a flower in bloom - The Shadowed Rose.  Kasumi has crafted the masterpiece he now spun slowly, pondering the undeniable influence its namesake had over him.  It had all happened so gradually that Freyd barely realized it.  Yet, closing his eyes brought back a dozen vivid memories triggering varied senses, all of them bring joy, connection and... warmth.  It was nearly time to leave this place behind and begin a new adventure, with her.

Surveying the destitute scenery and decay, it was hard to claim that he'd ever truly miss any of it.  But it had still been a home of his own making - his own fortress of solitude, finally breached and no longer necessary.  Bringing his cup into reach of his lips, fate notoriously intervened.

"I swear that the universe knows when I aim to relax and conspires against it."

Persi was simultaneously sprawled and nestled in the gap between his torso and the arm of the chair, twitching occasionally as she mauled some poor field boss in her dreams.  Nari's message popped up, to be read over the rim of an undeniable need for extra caffeine.  

"Hrm..."

Setting the cup down on a nearby crate of expended emergency supplies, Persi sniffed and peered through heavily slitted eyes, drawn by the swirling wisps of steam drifting over her.

"What do you say, Persi?  Should we go clean up the yard one last time before we leave?"

Minutes later, the two were at the appointed destination, Persi already trailing a shower of orange fractal shards from 'playing' with the local wildlife on the walk over.

"Someone said something about a janitorial suicide mission?"  There was a lilting sarcastic laughter behind the words.  "Count me in!"

***

Vanity Tag: @Raidou @Elora

Freyd consumes:

Gugnir’s Shard (Untradeable/Unique/Reusable Consumable): Crème Brûlée Tray | ACC 2 | Feast (6/6) - takes 1 portion and shares the rest with the group
Armageddon Juice (Potion) | Damage 3 | 197162
Super-Duper Anti Snake Sauce (Salve) | Antidote 2 | 197142
Madlad Muffin | Tierless Rare Meal | EVA 2 | 216699 + (Filled)
Divinity's Wait (Meal)| T4 Mitigation 3 | 188383-3
kintsugi. | TIER 4 PERFECT SALVE | TOXIC VENOM | (3/20) https://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19383-f01r10-alchemist-cintamani-open/?do=findComment&comment=676877

Freyd | HP: 1140/1140 | EN: 152/152 | DMG: 24 | MIT: 105 | EVA: 6 | ACC: 6 | BH: 62 | LD: 6 | HLY 16 | FLN 16 | TXV 32/3 | REC: 8 | DOTE: 2/2 | VD 125

Freyd's left eye twitched and winced uncontrollably at Nari's description of Persi's owner as 'caring, capable and well-meaning.'  These were definitely not traits commonly associated with him or any of the various demeanors he so often donned while about his business.  And yet, it had been used by others as well.  Were time more permissive, he might have dwelled upon it a while longer.  Circumstance dictated otherwise, hurtling them towards yet more conflict.

"The things we do in our final hours define who we are..."

"Well put." Monologuing had never been his goal, only sharing a sliver of awareness and enlightenment gleaned through patient observation.  "And, I suspect you also mean it in the sense of our very existence in Aincrad?"

"It brings a measure of pity towards them, doesn't it? And yet, I can't help but wonder if they deserve such pity, or if it's simply a...humanistic reaction. What does that say about me?"

Piercing eyes drifted over to gaze at his companion, accustomed to judgement yet rendering none by their present gaze.  Pensive consideration flashed behind deep and cold blue irises.  "That you would even question your own assumption speaks volumes.  It's refreshing, and also heartwarming, I suppose."  The natural tensions in his stance and features seemed to ease as they passed beneath the arched gate and barbican.  Whether intentionally stated or not, Freyd admired those who were willing to question themselves and their beliefs - especially those they never realized they held.

"I'm no better equipped to answer to that bias than you," came his response, his smile growing along with a certain weariness in his eyes.  "What do you think it says?  What do you want it to say?  Those may be better questions."  Life did its thing, just then, interrupting their worthy conversation.  Nari rushed the massive treant as it emerged from the forest, darkness gathered around two hollows in its trunk and passing for eyes - angry, bitter eyes.  It, too, was an elm.  Freyd wondered, for an instant, whether he'd just been sitting on its friend.

***

Post Action | TECH-D (x12, 12 EN): 12 EN - (Rested 2/2; Stamina) = 9 EN.  
Free Action | None

ID #219014 | BD:2+7=9 (hit).  DMG (12*21=252-155=97) to Treant.  (CD 3 | ST-B locked)

Treant uses shockwave dealing...
100-209=1 damage to Nari.
100-45=55 damage to Freyd
100 damage to the Ellesmora Gate.

Freyd | HP: 1085/1085 (1140-55) | EN: 141/152 (-9) | DMG: 21 | MIT: 45 | EVA: 2 | ACC: 7 (inc.AA) | BH: 62 | LD: 6 | BLGT: 32 | PARA IMMUNE | P.V.O | REC: 8 | STK: 40
Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 33 | P. 54 | HP [1,080/1,081] (-1) | EN [106/106] | ACC [6] | DMG [12] | MIT [209] | F.AURA [32 MIT; 16 DMG] B.Healing [+59] | STEALTH [-5] |  FRSTBT [40 DMG; -1 ACC] | THORNS [72] | PARA [8+] | HM [+4 B.DMG]
Ellesmora Gate | HP 400/500.

[2,2]Treant | HP: 336/450 | MIT: 175 (-20, 1/3) | DMG: (See Shockwave Punch) | Delay [-1 ACC] (450-17-97)  ...Nari forgot to apply her damage on previous post.
Abilities:
Shockwave Punch | Every turn, the Treant shall use this attack spreading its damage between every single target in the vicinity. Deals 300 mitigatable damage spread between all players and the gate. This attack will not miss. For example: If there are two players taking this quest then both players and the gate shall take 100 damage per turn. 
Burning Timber | Should the Treant be affected with a Burn ailment, its Mitigation shall become 0, its damage output will double, all Burn damage to it shall be doubled and the Mercy effect will no longer be an option. 
Wooden Body | Treant is not affected by any DoT effects other than Burn and Blight. Treant is also immune to Stun attacks. 
Mercy | Upon reaching 50 or less HP, the Treant will surrender and no longer attack unless the player attacks them again. If this option is chosen, begin the Mercy Ending. 

"Good," Freyd replied, watching and nodding as Wulfrin dispatched the porcine critter.  "I'd say your talents are at least offering you some inherent insight into navigating the mechanics.  It gets to be second nature after a while, though also considerably more complex.  The closest comparison, I've always found, is the sort of muscle memory demonstrated by practiced gamers.  They can fly through wicked combos on a console controller, or navigate the interactions of complex macros through a keyboard without batting an eyelash.  Weird as it might sound, those are the skill sets of frontliners... except your actual life might be on the line."

Dismissing his gaudy tray back to some unknown elsewhere, Freyd went on to point at the morsel Wulfrin had taken, but yet to ingest.  "Now, try taking that and see the effects.  Aim is within your control, but also subject to the vagaries of the random number generator.  You need to be prepared for those eventualities.  Even the best aimed strike will still occasionally miss.  Conversely, even the wildest swings can still product fantastic success.  Life is just strange that way."

"Saving face?"  One corner of the man's thin slivered lips curled at the unexpected insight.  The question was directed at why her thoughts had drifted to that answer, not what was meant by it.   "Yes.  Very samurai, wouldn't you say?  Strange how these elves seem to follow western conventions, and yet... not so much?"  Mirth remained, but the fool was gone from his tone and a different glint shone behind his eyes.  Could his ramblings have been some sort of a ruse?  

"I don't think the Lord Commander Utter-Failure over there is very happy about us being here, but teach him to screw up in the first place. I'd still keep an eye out on him...I don't trust him for some reason. And after my last quest...well, let's just say Cardinal isn't so against betrayal and backstabbing."

Walking away from the palace to permit greater candor, Freyd navigated the streets expertly without any reference to a map.  He practically took them to the gate by brail, his eyes everywhere and anywhere save the direction of their travels.

"You know, if I hadn't recognised your voice I'd have never guessed it was you laying on the ground wrestling a cat of all things...far cry in appearance from the capable, strategic frontliner who led the assault against the Many Headed Dragon of Doom and Death."

"Mongoose," he politely corrected.  "She hates it when someone calls her otherwise, and I bear the brunt of her displeasure.  Nice fox, by the way.  I'm genuinely surprised that its not a more common familiar, given the game's distribution and demographics."  Freyd stuffed his hands in a pair of invisible pockets, straightening his posture and gait the moment they exited the palace.  It was like watching him become another person within the span of three footfalls, fitting in more closely with her comments and expectations.

"Elves are exceptionally long-lived, even in this world.  Have you perchance noticed how young the guardsmen and warriors about this city are?  By their standards, these men and women are barely out of diapers.  That includes the Lord Commander.  They just don't think we can see it or understand."  There was that dour, serious tone he'd demonstrated at the raid meeting and in the field against Wushen himself; Many-headed Dragon of Doom and Death, indeed. 

"These people are the products of their lineage and legacies, of untold history preserved in flesh and song.  Yet, the very age and maturity that defines them has been lost, it's blood literally spilled to the woods themselves, and for what?  Ellesmora is dying.  They know it.  They fear it.  What becomes of elvenkind when no old elves remain?  What is the value of immortal lifespans if they are cut short in their infancy."

Freyd signaled to twin youths up on the battlements to open the gates as they approached.  Even their walls were manned by children.

"Arun is a boy pretending to be a man.  He has no examples left to follow and so clings to the impetuous temptations of emotions.  His Queen, in her fury and desperation, encourages his foolishness because she feels that she has nothing else left to grasp for.  They both need jarring to displace them from their grief and ignorance.  Nothing else can save this place, but change."  The gates thundered shut behind them, leaving the two players  alone in the forest.  Birds chirped and scattered beams of sunlight danced across the forest floor to whatever magical tunes lay hidden in the winds.  Freyd sat akimbo on a nearby fallen elm, looking down upon the bough and tracing the lines of it failing bark.

"What a fitting symbol for this state of affairs." 

"Still," he added more joyfully, "I'm glad you finally recognized me."

"Vancouver?  Really?!  I grew up in Burnaby, on the edge of Coquitlam!  Small world, eh?" Freyd chuckled, shaking his head and somehow seeming to forget or ignore the peril gathering around them.  It had been more than a decade since he'd left that life behind, plus whatever time had passed since they'd been trapped in this nightmare.  But now wasn't the moment to wistfully reminisce. 

Mayhem followed the sailing of a severed hand, instantly driving Freyd into a frenzied flurry of action.  Fists and feet flung themselves in various directions all at once, the first catching the dismembered hand and driving right between the eyes of its former owner.  Adding insult to injury was just a bonus.  The fact that it caused his head to explode paid credence to Morningstar's talents as a swordsman.  Freyd, meanwhile, was already working on the balance of the group.  Speed meant sacrificing accuracy and his next blow fell short against the fallen man's partner.  

"That one's yours," Freyd managed in passing, leaping up onto one of the alley walls then pushing off for added oomph, clocking both thugs with a single cross cut trailed by a a roiling of shadows that seemed to dance about the Whisper, or perhaps with him?  Two knives stabbed, and one should surely have found purchase, yet the man's agile grace somehow supplanted his presence with that of his shade.  Steel met nothing but void instead, while the Whisper stood from his crouch behind both attackers, neither realizing where he'd gone.

***

Note: Slain mobs do not meet loot minimums.

Pulses like lightning began to flash beneath the modest rippling waves on the open lake.  Moments later, rumbling shook the sand, like thunder through the ground, or... depth charges?  Portions of the lake slumped suddenly, like pockets created by some massive invisible ladle scooping the water away.  Before the voids could refill, water erupted upwards in a series of massive jets, like geysers blowing simultaneously or a pod of humpback whales discovering the joys of synchronized swimming.  Bits of orange crystal began raining down like fireworks; until Katoka realized that they were actually mob bits.  Because, of course they were.   And probably fish bits at that, because Freyd.

Speak of which, he fell next, forming a similarly-shaped crater, but with added spoop.  

"Ph... hack... wheeze... ptooey! Fucking... FISH!"

One and a half amorphous blobs of something dark and angry soon ambled out of the waters at the shore, angrily burbling something towards the players as they closed.  Judging by the crackling electrical auras turning sand to glass in their wake, they'd already met Freyd and probably lost a few family members during the encounter.

***

Used Random Dungeon Map 199926a

Loot Squishy Jelly Fishy 3: ID #220218 | LD: 13+9=22 | CD: 7
+4 materials (+4 CD/LD odd)
1200 col (HP[400]*3)
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220218a
T4 Perfect Consumable 220218b
T4 Perfect Consumable 220218c

Loot Squishy Jelly Fishy 4: ID #220219 | LD: 8+9=17 | CD: 4
2800 col (HP[400]*7 - incl. +4 CD/LD even, +X from roll)
T4 Rare Consumable 220219a
T4 Rare Weapon 220219b

"Well he's a charmer," Wulfin grunted, emerging from Lyle's forge and smithy, soot already forming a thin layer of his gear.  Freyd laughed heartily in response, that certain twinkle in his eye.

"Really?  I think so too," he replied, beaming.  "Got you to do what he wanted without negotiating terms, though, didn't he?"  There was tangible admiration in the Whisper's voice.  "Which either means you're a sucker, or they've definitely laced his programming with a few psychology subroutines.  And, I don't think you're a sucker, so let's just blame the system and go kill some boars."  Whatever anyone might think of his quirks, Freyd definitely had an oddly insightful perspective on mob and NPC behaviours.

Directing them towards the fallow fields outside of Tolbana, where the big boars roam, he quickly point out a few key combat basics.  "Energy is the bane of your existence in most fights.  Multi-target attacks, or A.o.E.'s are the worst for that, but carry their own advantages.  You'll eventually get to pick a specialization when you hit the second tier, choosing between single target, AoE, or the more support-based 'Tech' spec.  For now, let's just see how rusty that sword arm of you is, as you try to channel those real world talents in a fantasy environment."

Stuffing his hands in his pockets, he leaned slowly against a lone oak tree offering the only tangible shade and nudged Wulfrin forward towards the nearest boar, one with its head turned away from them.

"Try one on its own before considering a full group.  Get the hang of it.  If I step in and kill them for you, it'll ruin your drop chances.  Oh, and you might want a bite of this before you go all ham."  Summon a small platter from a weirdly shaped amulet, Freyd partook from its contents, offering another portion to his companion.

***

Freyd consumes:

Gugnir’s Shard (Untradeable/Unique/Reusable Consumable): Crème Brûlée Tray | ACC 2 | Feast (6/6) - Freyd takes 1 portion (filled) and offers the rest to the party.

Freyd | HP: 1140/1140 | EN: 152/152 | DMG: 21 | MIT: 45 | EVA: 2 | ACC: 7 (incl. AA) | BH: 62 | LD: 6 | BLGT: 32 | PARA IMMUNE | P.V.O | REC: 8 | STK: 40 

Note: CS (Shades of the Gemini) is in use.  If any other player objects to this, please state in first post and it will be considered inactive.

"Congrats. And, I'd be happy to continue helping," Freyd replied to the invitation, having quietly watched from the shadows as Wulfrin had his moment.  Every player went through this at some point, it seemed.  It was like watching a rookie earn his stripes and be let out into the field for real, except that they were all in the field at all times.  At least the man would be better prepared as a result, and Freyd meant what he said about investing in his fellow players.  It was the very reason he ran a tab with Ren at the Knight Shift to arm and equip as many new players as possible.  Their futures literally depended on it.

"Tolbana's not that big a place.  We can get to Lyle's in a jiffy.  Just make sure you have something to help with accuracy.  Nothing sucks worse than getting beat up by boars..."

***

Thread Closing:

Wulfrin receives:

899 EXP (Word Count [6420/10*1*0.7] + Quest [450])
1978 col (1 page [400] + Quest [500] + from Freyd [1078)
5 Materials (Quest [5])

(5) T1 Uncommon Health Potions: Heals 5% of Maximum HP.
(1) T1 Uncommon Damage Potion: +1 DMG for an entire thread.
(1) T1 Uncommon Overhealth Potion: Adds 5% of Maximum HP to users Maximum HP for a thread.
(1) T1 Health Potion, quality is based on Crafting Results.

Unlock <<The Second Lesson>> quest

Freyd receives:

7190 EXP (Word Count [6420/10*16*0.7] + Quest [0])
0 col (1 page [0] + 15% P5 Reward [1078]) - Given to Wulfrin
7 Materials (Loot [7] )

T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 218868a
T4 Rare Armor/Shield  218868b
T4 Perfect Weapon 218871a
T4 Perfect Weapon 218871b
T4 Rare Weapon 218871c
T4 Perfect Weapon 218954a
T4 Perfect Weapon 218954b
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 218954c
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 218954d
Random Dungeon Map 218954e
T4 Perfect Weapon 218961a
T4 Perfect Weapon 218961b
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 218961c
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 218961d
Random Dungeon Map 218961e
T4 Perfect Weapon 218977a
T4 Perfect Weapon 218977b
T4 Rare Weapon 218977c

"Really? Does the queen just invite anyone to these meetings?"

"Erm... I mean... probably?"  Groaning a dull ache throbbed across his entire front, which had born the brunt of his impact, Freyd managed to roll over onto his back to glance at the two figures looming over him.  His cowl fell back as he did so, revealing a plain-faced boy with pale skin and few notable features; only a pair of bright blue eyes reminiscent of his familiar's.

"The quest probably triggers just by wandering into this part of the City," he guessed, wincing at imagined pain in his ribs.  The system's pain suppressors were functioning. It was more that he felt like it should have hurt, than it actually did.  "I'm not entirely sure, since it seems different than the last time I did a quest for the elves."  Realizing the awkwardness of their current speaking arrangement, Freyd gladly accepted her offered hand and assistance in regaining his footing.  The introduction that followed was even more surprising, especially given that they'd each led a team in the recent floor raid.  Catching himself just before a comment could leave the tip of his tongue - he might have bitten it had he been any more forceful - the man just looked dumbly confused, blinking silently several times while his brain stumbled.

"Uh... right.  Nari, not-Lanreth.  Got it.  But I feel compelled to ask: why tell me the 'Lanreth' part when you don't want me to use it?  Is it a me thing, or is everyone in the no-Lanreth club?"  Without seeming to realize it, Freyd had summoned a honey bun from his inventory and was nervous-eating his way through it.  In actuality, it was the best cover he could conjure on the fly to seem awkwardly absurd and hopefully gloss over the odd moment.  Their escort interrupted with a timely throat clearing, overshadowing the rest of Nari's questions and indicating that they had arrived at The Great Tree and palace of Queen Haela.  Pages opened majestically carved wooden doors that made Freyd wonder whether elven magics might have grown them in place.  The throne room beyond was similarly impressive in grandeur and resplendent in its display and mastery of woodwork and craftsmanship.  The opulence was sedate and sublime, yet overwhelming all the same.

"Niiiice digs," Freyd muttered under his breath, as they entered.  His father would have scoffed and muttered something about Baroque extravagance, but he'd always been an arrogant ass.

"Apologies for disturbing such a beautiful day," Queen Haela began, in a regal tone delivered with the grace of a voice akin to that of songbirds. "I would never have planned to ask for assistance from humans, but we are short on capable fighters.  Too many of my soldiers have fallen or been gravely injured. This centuries-old war has taken its own toll on the elves of Ellesmera." She stands and gestures to the armored elf beside her. "Scouts report a pending attack from the treants, with a main force at least twenty strong. Commander Arun plans to take the rest of our forces to face them before they reach the city as to not bring harm to any of its citizens, but doing so would leave our walls and gates unprotected from attack." 

"Wait.  What?"  Freyd's words blurted out without him even realizing, his face contorting and eyes narrowing with doubt.  "You're leaving your entire capital exposed to attack and your solution is to ask two random strangers to protect it?!  We could be thieves, traitors or... vegetarians, hell bent on exfoliating your palace to the ground!  Doesn't this seem like really bad strategy?  I mean, if you want mercs, I'm all for it.  We can go beat up those twenty treants for you, if you'd prefer, but..."

"SILENCE!"  The elven commander had grown red-faced with anger, though Freyd sensed his fury was less at the breach of protocol and more about having his poor leadership qualities so openly called out.  "Queen Haela has spoken, and we shall march as she commands.  YOU," he added, pointing at the two of them, "will remain here and do as instructed.  Is that understood?"

Pinching the bridge of his nose, eyes squinted shut, Freyd looked over towards Nari-not-Lanreth with a total non-plussed expression.  Sometimes, quests just didn't make sense.

"I hate dumb mobs," he uttered through clenched teeth and under his breath, quietly enough that only she could hear.

Having reeled in nothing more either, Freyd dismissed his gear with the wave of a gloved hand then rolled sideways off his stone to stand.  Hands stuffed casually in his pockets, he followed Wulfrin back towards town, the sun making a race towards the end of its own daily journey overhead.

"You'll have a chance for combat in the second lesson, should you prefer to complete that as well.  It's not a bad idea, and entirely your choice.  Either way, your blade will be ineffective against Terra Firma until you learn more skills and build up your energy reserves.  That quest would be entirely a carry, but not without merit.  Tougher mobs are too resilient for most attacks to do much damage, unless powered by the most potent sword arts and the reserves needed to sustain their use in a fight.  There are many other options available."

As they passed through the city gates, Freyd paused a moment to whisper something to one of the tall, heavily armored guardian NPCs who kept watch.  The greatsword held in its hands, tip to ground, was longer than Freyd was tall.  More than a few orange-tagged players had learned  the hard way not to tangle with them.

"I'll see you around, Marv," Freyd called back to the guard, walking faster to catch up with his companion.  They NPC's facing and features had never changed, never acknowledged Freyd's presence in the slightest.  Only as they parted did the giant slowly lift an arm to cover his yawning mouth.  It was a pre-programmed movement made at random by every guardian to make them seem less static.  Freyd simply smiled and carried along the road towards Zackariah's.

***

Fishing ID 218979 | CD 1+1=2 | Failed (+5 EXP)
Practiced Angler: (+2 EXP/attempt, +1 CD, +1 LD when fishing)
R4 Fisher | +3 to LD when opening fishing treasure chests
No Olympic Fishing Tool

+115 Fishing EXP this thread

"Don't let it get to you," Freyd offered, as Wulfrin vented some frustration.  He absolutely hated this quest too, and marveled that it had never been improved or retired.  The entire exercise seemed designed to generate the sort of disinterested malaise that kept players from foraying into the world.  But then, maybe that was the point?  Cardinal was Kayaba's weapon and tool, and he clearly wasn't above using it to play psychological games against his lab rats.  "You'll be done this soon enough and we can get to kitting you out."  Content to patiently wait things out himself, he cast his line once more.

"I think it's actually called 'Terra Firma', or somesuch, which is kinda weird when you consider how fast and agile the thing is when swimming through sand.  You can think of it as a bulette, if you're familiar with the term.  Otherwise, 'giant gaping mouth with teeth that swims in sand like a shark in water' pretty much sums it up.  It's one of the nastiest critters you can find as a quest mob, and could probably give some field bosses a run for their money.  But, it does have one notable flaw: Terra Firma fixates on a single target.  If you have a decent tank along, who can withstand its attacks, it will never even touch the rest of the party."  Freyd beamed as he laid out his tactical analysis.  

"So, basically, I bitch slap it.  It tries to eat me.  We kill it and you get a whole heaping load of experience, and a goodly power boost to go with it.  I've probably done it a dozen times over by now.  It works like a charm and should get you a good way along to reach the second tier.  Life and content gets easier from there."

***

Fishing ID 218976 | CD 10+1=11 | LD 13+1=14 | +1 Material | Critical Catch! (+18 EXP)
Practiced Angler: (+2 EXP/attempt, +1 CD, +1 LD when fishing)
R4 Fisher | +3 to LD when opening fishing treasure chests
No Olympic Fishing Tool

Opening Fishing Treasure Chest | ID 218977 | LD 11+4=16

T4 Perfect Weapon 218977a
T4 Perfect Weapon 218977b
T4 Rare Weapon 218977c

+110 Fishing EXP this thread

A minor explosion of col at a nearby vendor's stall barely forestalled the system triggering a theft, and all of the unfortunate consequences that would have followed.  Instead, Freyd came racing around the corner into the open street with his pockets turned out, chasing a small zigzagging shadow of pure darkness bearing two mischievous and very self-satisfied azure eyes.  Precariously perched in its tiny maw, and leading the bizarre procession, was a small and very startled looking rainbow trout.

"PERSI!  Get back here with that fish before you set us both in a giant heaping load of trouble!"

Donning her celestial guise to better blend in with the more noble bearings of Ellesmora's fauna, the little shadow mongoose looked deceptively catlike as she wove her way through nooks and crannies too tight for her master to follow.  This was not, truth be told, an unfamiliar game.  Persistence was overly fond of certain strong odors as her primary source of sustenance and had cause similar stirs at more than a few public occasions.  Feasting on the entrées during the last pre-raid meeting was one such recent example.

Taking a flying leap over several carts, somehow still taking care not to cause any property damage along the way, Freyd was scrambling after his familiar before she could reach some safe harbour beyond his reach.  She'd already chosen her spot and was rapidly making her way towards that refuge when he realized that he'd have only one last chance to possibly preventing her getaway.  Using a park bench as a spring board, Freyd leapt high over one of the nearby canals, tumbling to his feet on the far side and lunging to catch the prize with the tips of his outstretched fingers.  One giant clamoring mess of twists and contusions later, the Whisper was sprawled out at the feet of two others with a fish in one hand and a frustrated and flattened familiar in the other.

The elf sighed.

"Hrm.  Sadly, sir," the elven herald added with hoity-toity airs, "I regret to inform you that your presence has also been requested."

Trademark cowl somehow still in place and covering most of his vision, Freyd had absolutely no idea who it was that was even speaking to him.

***

Freyd consumes:

Gugnir’s Shard (Untradeable/Unique/Reusable Consumable): Crème Brûlée Tray | ACC 2 | Feast (6/6) - takes 1 portion (filled) and shares rest with party

Freyd | HP: 1140/1140 | EN: 152/152 | DMG: 21 | MIT: 45 | EVA: 2 | ACC: 7 (inc.AA) | BH: 62 | LD: 6 | BLGT: 32 | PARA IMMUNE | P.V.O | REC: 8 | STK: 40

"Yeah... sure," Freyd gladly responded jovially, tamping out sparkly mob bits drifting like embers down onto his clothes.  "Uh... how about we head up to that new floor we just helped open and see what's poking around there?"  Lite'tara wasn't a large settlement, and also located just outside the labyrinth's gates.  It took them mere seconds to reach the teleportation arch in the main square.  "Oh, crap... what was it called again?  Ummm... something Wizard of Oz meets spy movie... Oh!  Right.  Glyndebourne!"

The dull and ominous greys of floor 25 faded from view to be replaced by far more vibrant yellows, oranges and reds of a forest in full autumn splendor.  Maple trees dotted the broad boulevards of the town's rustic thoroughfares, with a seemingly endless quantity of maple and oak leaves slowly drifting to the ground.  "A small army of workers must be required to regularly clear those," Freyd muttered as he watched a gaggle of kids jumping into a nearby pile.  "This place reminds me a lot of some of the old colonial museums we used to visit when I was a kid.  I grew up in British Columbia," he added for clarity.  "Some of the details are a bit off, but this whole floors seems disturbingly New-England-y, by which I mean oddly different than all of the others we've cleared to date."

Freyd's trained eyes often looked first where others' would never even bother to glance, drifting naturally to a dark alley behind a nearby tavern.  Several long shadows reached out from the lane, thanks to the approaching dusk.  Their shape and jagged movements instantly roused suspicion as they clustered and one fell, the others racing away.  Wasting no time, Freyd tapped Morningstar on the shoulder as his companion emerged from the portal and darted towards the alley. A young woman lay bleeding and on the ground, her coarse brown dress likely stained by waitressing - an apron on the ground at her side.  

"Bad move, chums," came a voice from behind them.  

"Can't have no witnesses, lads," echoed another from the far end of the lane.  "We do what we have to."  A pair of ruffians blocked both ends of the narrow passage, each bearing knives and with faces covered by red bandana masks.

"That didn't take long,"  Freyd snarked, cracking his knuckles as they approached.  "Maybe this floor isn't as boring as it looks after all."

***

Use Random Dungeon Map [200014b]

"I swear that they're just using AI art generation rejects at this point, you know?"  By the time Hirru would turn, he was already gone.  Having closed the distance between them in the blink of an eye, Freyd caught their would-be assailants off guard and turned the very same tactic against them.  Snaring the nearer naga-thingy by the edge of the cleft of its malformed figure, he barreled high into its chest knocking it prone on its back.  Then, using his momentum, he summersaulted over top of it grabbing onto its shoulders and used his own momentum to launch the startled mob right at its partner.  All of its mouths screeched in horror as the bodies collided, the impact dazing the launched and smashing the impacted into a hundred different fragments.

"Hah!  I wondered if that would work."  A quick screech from his wrappings and flurry of follow up strikes left the lone remaining mob badly beaten with a whole slew of extra holes that hadn't been there just moments before.  "Does this feel like fighting plaque?  Maybe tartar build-up?  Shouldn't we have some PSA music queuing in the background, or something?"

Despite the bizarro nature of their circumstances, Freyd actually seemed to be enjoying the moment and having a good time.

***

Loot Malediction's Utterance 2: ID #218972 | LD: 14+9=23 | CD: 3
+2 materials (+2 CD odd)
3500 col (HP[700]*5 - incl. +2 LD even)
T4 Perfect Trinket 218972a
T4 Perfect Weapon 218972b

"I have one very simple goal, though most people think I have more schemes than they have items on their grocery lists, just because of how I dress.  To be perfectly honest, I usually prefer to foster those assumptions and let their hang-ups paralyze them so that I never need to.  All the spoopy cloak and dagger stuff aside, we all need to get out of here and the clock is ticking.  Beyond the challenges of time, there is one very finite resource available to us in this game: ourselves.  Players, to state it more specifically.  We're non-renewable.  Every one of us we lose it one person less to help the rest."  Freyd cast his line once more, memory calling to its forefront the ever-growing list of names appearing on the monument at the heart of the nearby city.

"Call it enlightened self interest, if you prefer. Helping get players on their feet and up to competence isn't a chore; it's a necessity.  As much as I hate to say it, we need soldiers and each one we lose is virtually impossible to replace."  The harshness of Freyd's pragmatism weighed heavy in contrast to the pastoral landscapes and brilliant sunshine gleaming through the gentle meadow breeze.  It was easy to forget that they were all in a fight for their lives. "So, yeah.  I'm always willing, and have done so more times than I can count.  And I will continue until everyone gets out, or there are none of us left to try."

He nodded in agreement as Wulfrin suggested tending to his gear before facing actual foes.  It was a good plan.  Preparation often made the difference between a cake walk and near-death experience.  He was living proof of that so many times over.  

"Familiars are useful, but not crucial."  Persi splashed him in protest.  "Sorry, but it's true," he added, laughing.  "Persi's saved my butt more than a few times, but most aren't quite as critical in a pinch.  She and I are just well synced, I guess.  I'd wait a while and get your bearings first.  There are also some items that can also help ease that pain, when you finally feel ready to undertake that trek."

***

Fishing ID 218960 | CD 11+1=12 | LD 10+1=11 | +1 Material | Critical Catch! (+18 EXP)
Practiced Angler: (+2 EXP/attempt, +1 CD, +1 LD when fishing)
R4 Fisher | +3 to LD when opening fishing treasure chests
No Olympic Fishing Tool

Opening Fishing Treasure Chest | ID 218961 | LD 17+4=21

T4 Perfect Weapon 218961a
T4 Perfect Weapon 218961b
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 218961c
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 218961d
Random Dungeon Map 218961e

+92 Fishing EXP this thread

Sighing and laughing simultaneously, Freyd knew exactly how Wulfrin felt.

"Yeah.  I get why they were designed it this way, but these intro quests can be absolutely brutal.  This one's probably the worst, since there really isn't much you can do to circumvent the requirements.  I've probably helped dozens of players get through it, and it still feels brutal every time."  Pensive for a moment, Freyd seemed to be weighing options.  "There's another quest up on... floor five?"  It wasn't clear who he was meant to be asking, when something shifted beneath his clothes then slunk out like a syrup to ooze onto a nearby rock.  Initially shaped like a liquid stream of shadow, the thing soon coalesced into the form of a small marmot, or cat, or...

"She's a mongoose," Freyd filled in.  "Everyone tends to get it wrong.   A shadow mongoose, to be technically precise.  "Persi, here, is my familiar.  You'll get the chance to get one for yourself, eventually, though that's probably about the closest thing to the pain of this ordeal as you can get.  For whatever reason, they really don't make it easy."

A pair of burning blue azure eyes winked into existence as the small creature took on her loose form made from pure shadow.  Stretching in a very feline manner, she arched her back and shivered momentarily to slough of sleep, the darkness of her features shifting to reveal a celestial pattern of constellations within, only to fade again to black a moment later.  

"She eats field bosses, not players," Freyd joked.  "You should be mostly fine.  But, uh... floor five.  Right.  Persi's from there.  Desert floor.  Very hot.  But there's a mutant sand shark in the area that we could go after.  It would earn you a fairly significant level boost, and it's nowhere near as boring as playing peekaboo with a bunch of plants.  If we do that, you should be able to get that gear and handle more content on your own."

***

Fishing ID 218956 | CD 10+1=11 | LD 5+1=6 | +1 Material (+10 EXP)
Practiced Angler: (+2 EXP/attempt, +1 CD, +1 LD when fishing)
R4 Fisher | +3 to LD when opening fishing treasure chests
No Olympic Fishing Tool

+74 Fishing EXP this thread

"Meh," the fisherman snubbed, dismissing his companion's comments about being rusty.  "In here, your muscles are digital, just like the rest of... well... everything.  I've been a swordsman, a staff-wielder and a martial artist.  There's definitely value in practicing, but I wouldn't say that any of it was inherently carried over from the 'real' world."  Freyd's line went sailing casually through the air as he spoke, plunking into a swirling part of the brook by the far bank.

"My point is: be who you choose to be, and give yourself time to get there.  Progress rarely happens overnight.  It took me ages just to build up the nerve to poke my nose out of the Town of Beginning, and months more to learn what the heck I was doing.  A few weeks back, I was tanking my first raid boss, which is hilarious considering I've always been all about damage output."  A wistful smile curled the edges of his lips.  "You never know what life might throw your way, y'know?"

A honey bun materialized in his right hand, Freyd snarfing down a quarter of it in a single bite.  "You want one?  I've got a billion of these in my inventory.  Freya makes them - a friend and guildmate.  They're bloody addictive."  Chuckling between mouthfuls, Freyd was certain he'd carry the habit with him if they ever got out of Aincrad, and probably end up weighing three hundred pounds because of it.

"Some will boast otherwise, but the truth is that none of us can survive this place on our own.  Being as self-sufficient as you can?  Yeah.  I did that for a long time myself, and it will get you so far, but don't shy away from leaning on others and letting them lean on you.  It's our only hope of every truly beating Kayaba."

Judging by the bobbing bobber, the fish agreed.

***

Fishing ID 218953 | CD 12+1=13 | LD 9+1=10 | +1 Material | Critical Catch! (+18 EXP)
Practiced Angler: (+2 EXP/attempt, +1 CD, +1 LD when fishing)
R4 Fisher | +3 to LD when opening fishing treasure chests
No Olympic Fishing Tool

Opening Fishing Treasure Chest | ID 218954 | LD 18+4=22

T4 Perfect Weapon 218954a
T4 Perfect Weapon 218954b
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 218954c
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 218954d
Random Dungeon Map 218954e

+64 Fishing EXP this thread

A woman, regal and matronly, sat quietly upon said throne, wrapped in endless layers of cloth straining the eyes as they covered every imaginable shade from terra cotta to deepest maroon.  He hair, replete with symbols of office and intricately delicate decorations, was splayed over the seat back and merged into all of the surrounding fabrics.  It took little effort to realize that the entirety of the chamber and all he had witnessed beyond originated here.  All of those sickly gossamer strands and glowering filaments originated here, of the top of this singular mob's head.

Thousands of stringy tendrils suddenly shot out from every imaginable direction, wrapping themselves in a cocoon lattice around Freyd and squeezing him in both body and mind.  When her voice came, it was from the inside of his head.

"You were foolish to come alone," it chided, dripping in malignant sweetness the way he might imaging a spider queen might when pridefully secure in the power of her own lair.  Creaking and tearing wrenched his clothes tighter as the tendrils coiled around and pulled him forward into line of sight.  Her features were gaunt and pale, as if, despite all she had taken, it was somehow still not enough to sustain her.  Parched, greying skin laden with wrinkles from too many burdens demonstrated the toll this expansion had taken on her.  Freyd just couldn't be sure whether the woman before him was the actual source or just another host of the red thread menace.

"I get that a lot," he eeked out, struggling to replace lost breath for the sake of a witty quip.  "Oh, and Delilah says hello, Lady Aldenbrook."

An angry sneer twisted her features, only adding to her aura of palpable malice. 

"Clever, but futile.  That information will never leave this room.  You will join with us, or you will die."

"Yeah," Freyd seemed to agree, stressing his discomfort.  "I get that a lot too.  By the way, I love the way the light from your hair bring out the hag in your face.  It also leaves a lovely shadow behind your throne."

In the moment it took for the magistrate's face to drop, Freyd had made his move.  Exhaling and compressing himself using his mastery of the disguise skill, he slipped his bonds and dove into the darkness, making his impossible escape.

Good luck, guardian.  Now we know who and where you are.

As far away as Glyndebourne, players and mobs alike turned their heads at the thunderous, raging cries emanating from the distant Wailing Woods.

***

Scouting | 218950 | LD 6+16=22 | Stealth challenge
Total: 321/300

Stealth roll | ID 218951 | LD 5+2=7 (Fail).  HP reduced by 328 to 983/1311

Spiralling stone tunnels soon turned into stairs, ever changing in direction, yet consistent in the pace of their upward climb.  The filaments pulse more loudly and steadily now, their rhythmic pattern falling into the familiar cadence of a heartbeat.  

"Yeah.  That's not creepy at all," Freyd muttered under his breath, wondering where this was all leading.  He had joined a few raids, but never hunted or face a labyrinth before and wasn't quite sure what to expect.  All reports received to date suggested that these mobs could be entirely unique, on par with raid bosses in that respect.  It wasn't the sort of enemy you wanted to face on your own and cornered, though he apparently had little choice.

Following the final passage to a large open chamber spanning several hundred feet across, the entire space was decorated in massive sweeping fabrics and tapestries that all inevitably melded into one - draped directly over a central, ornately carved wooden throne.

The passage itself was quite tight, most of it already choked by the same thick translucent strands that he'd been encountering since he first entered this forest.  A sickly, pinkish-red hue clung to them, providing minimal amounts of light that made him feel like he'd just entered a submarine rigged for battle stations.  Hints of worked stone poked through, here and there, but most of the available space was consumed by the threads, which wove themselves into patterned bundles as they clung to the corridor walls and ceilings.  Heat?  It was also uncharacteristically warm in here, with increase moisture as well.  Nothing was damp, but you could feel the difference on your skin as you moved through.

Moving as quickly as he dared, Freyd stayed close to the walls, all while listening for more braying and barking from behind that never came.  Perhaps the dogs never came in here?  Maybe their spectral natures were kept out?  Or, he was starting to believe, maybe they were never the enemy after all.  He'd never actually been attacked by them, and every indication was that they were most likely after Delilah herself.  

"What battle are you fighting out here, Cardinal?  And with whom?"

Nothing about this seemed benevolent.  Could it be that some aspects of Kayaba's vaunted system weren't overly pleased with their maker, or perhaps straining at their leashes?

More howling broke the silent solemnity of the scene. 

"The wolves," Freyd declared, cursing his luck.  "Look like I didn't manage to lose them after all."  A second call echoed from farther to the east.  Then a third, closing off the only remaining option for escape.  "Cornered.  Great." Taking stock of the dwindling options, Freyd realized he hadn't yet checked on his fighting partner since Delilah's passing.

"Persi, are you okay?"  Shadow mongoose never made any vocal sound, but she came close and pressed her muzzle against his forearm, wrapping herself around and ultimately slinking her way back under his armor, where she normally hid.  The measure of her purring was different.  Cosier?  Persi had never been particularly affectionate, which had always suited him fine, but something about today's encounters had shaken her usually indominable resolve. 

"Yeah.  That's fine.  You hang out in there for a bit, okay?"  Gently patting his chest, he felt a shimmy around his ribs as she nestle in close.

"Looks like we don't have a lot of options left."  Turning around to face the entrance to the labyrinth where all the gathered gossamer strands collected and merged, he know that there were no other remaining choices.

***

Scouting | 218948 | LD 7+16=23 | Stealth challenge
Total: 299/300

Stealth roll | ID 218949 | LD 19+2=21 (Success).