Nari-Lanreth

"Hey! I can be flexible and unique and different!" Nari's eyes passed over the area, looking for something else to draw her attention away from the wolves she'd spotted just before Onora had spoken. It vexed her that the woman knew exactly what she was going to suggest, before she suggested it. It also vexed her that she knew Onora had already foreseen what was about to occur, because she knew the knightess well enough to figure out her plan of action. "Aha! How about those?"

Onora followed the pointed finger, her eyes locking onto the tall, insectoid alien looking things in the distance that seemed to be walking calmly in a predetermined path. Nari grinned widely as the blonde's nose wrinkled in response to the sight of them, grabbing Onora's arm and leading her towards them. "Just remember this is your fault. We could've been playing with the snappy unfriendly doggos, but no, you wanted to have change. So now you get towering alien things from hell that are clearly someone's idea of a horror film gone wrong."

From the side of her eye, Nari could see Onora's tongue sticking out in response to the jesting, and a slight smile pulling at the side of her lips. Not willing to give any sort of victory to the blonde, Nari rushed forwards, dragging the other along as she bolted straight for the creatures with a determination in her stride. She gave one last flashing smile towards Onora before releasing the woman's arm and thrusting her way into the centre of the horde, determined to draw the attention towards herself even as the blonde moved to circle around the creatures.

Combat
Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 33 | P. 56 | HP [940/940] | EN [91/106] | ACC [4] | DMG [14] | MIT [139] | F.AURA [32 MIT; 16 DMG] B.Healing [+51] | STEALTH [-5] |  FRSTBT [40 DMG; -1 ACC] | THORNS [72] | PARA [8+] | HM [+4 B.DMG] | LD: 3 | -15 EN
Orchid Nymph 1 | HP: 176/396 | DMG: 132 | ACC: 2 | Stunned | Frostbite [40 DMG; -1 ACC | 1/2]
Orchid Nymph 2 | HP: 228/396 | DMG: 132 | ACC: 2 | Stunned
Orchid Nymph 3 | HP: 396/396 | DMG: 132 | ACC: 2
Orchid Nymph 4 | HP: 228/396 | DMG: 132 | ACC: 2 | Stunned
Venomous Claws | Crits cause paralysis and inflict Toxic Venom matching the player's tier for 2 turns.

ID219098 | BD: 9+4 = 13 | <<Tech-F vs. Orchid Nymph 1>> | Minor Critical Hit: (14+1)x12 = 180 damage | Stunned | Frostbite [40 DMG; -1 ACC | 1/2]
ID219099 | BD: 5+4 = 9 | <<Tech-F vs. Orchid Nymph 2>> | Hit: 14x12 = 168 damage | Stunned
ID219100 | BD: 3+4 = 7 | <<Tech-F vs. Orchid Nymph 3>> | Miss | MOB: 1+2 = 3 | Miss.
ID219101 | BD: 6+4 = 10 | <<Tech-F vs. Orchid Nymph 4>> | Hit: 14x12 = 168 damage | Stunned

Whatever argument may have been voiced next was lost at the sound of Nemo's voice cutting in, his typical happy-go-lucky tone signifying their arrival to the garden. "We're here! I hope you enjoy what you find inside. I've collected a large number of creatures, plants and assorted items that I think will be appealing to everyone!"

Nari turned to the NPC, her smile honest. "Thank you for inviting us Nemo, it's always a pleasure to come visit you and your garden of collections...I don't know if you remember our history, but...well, I appreciate your welcoming form in the present. It's...it's refreshing, in this world."

The man seemed to blush slightly in response, nodding his head before disappearing behind a collection of large shrubs. Nari paused only long enough to allow Onora to lead the way in, slipping through the brushwork and into what was clearly an entirely different world. The garden stretched out before her, grasslands and ponds breaking the horizon only to be sectioned and quartered by small groupings of trees that grew in tight formations. Among it all were the various creatures that roamed free within the area, somehow both in harmony and comfort with one another even though they would be natural enemies beyond this small pocket of paradise.

"It's always so interesting coming here. The way that it just seems so...out of place, in a way. Like a treasure that has been protected from the world beyond." Nari nodded at Onora's words, understanding them entirely. Still, she knew they were here for a purpose - and while sightseeing and relaxation sounded inviting, she knew there was work to be done. Pulling up here menu, she began retrieving various items and goods used in the various experiences that she was going to encounter. Her hands moved deftly, and she offered a few of the goods towards Onora even as she consumed a few of them herself, eyes raking over the land before her as she considered her options. "Wolves first, always. You're typical in that..."

Nari-Lanreth Consumes
Sí do Mhaimeo Í {1} | Tier 4; Rare; Support Song | Monsters’ Fortune II
Níl Sé'n Lá {1} | Tier 4; Perfect; Masterpiece Support Song | Monsters’ Favor III [Instant]
Percephonius Pyratius {1} | Tier 4; Perfect Potion | Damage III
Cheesecake {1} | Tier 4; Perfect Dessert | Loot Dice III
Caribou Stew {1} | Tier 4; Rare Meal | Protein II

Updated Statblock
Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 33 | P. 56 | HP [940/940] | EN [106/106] | ACC [4] | DMG [14] | MIT [139] | F.AURA [32 MIT; 16 DMG] B.Healing [+51] | STEALTH [-5] |  FRSTBT [40 DMG; -1 ACC] | THORNS [72] | PARA [8+] | HM [+4 B.DMG] | LD: 3

Nari poked Onora, the woman having fallen silent once more during their casual pace behind Nemo. They'd fallen back once the NPC had begun to lead them in earnest, putting a single step distance between them and him. He had continued to narrate stories that had long ago been told to both the women, and having no further interest in them they had feigned an awareness to the words, when in actuality they had fallen back to discuss other topics of interest. Most recently had been Nari's prodding of Onora's recent development of a new clothing line in Aincrad's lower levels - an involvement that Onora had previously denied.

"You want me to believe that an entire industry of clothing that appears to have your imagery and handiwork directly in it's design - so obvious that even I noticed it - is not something that you were involved with to any degree of measure? That's what you're telling me?" Nari had locked eyes with the blonde in an attempt to force the truth out of her, but her plan had been less than successful in truth. Onora had, regardless of how much Nari pried and poked, refused to accept the obvious in the questions being directed towards her. "I don't believe you for a single second. I will find proof that it's your line, no matter how long it takes me...nor how much col I need to spend on it."

The sound of Onora's laugh caused Nari to smile, the harsh air that had been growing - as false as it may have been - broken in an instant as the other gave in to the teasing ever so slightly. "That just means that you'll be dumping col into clothing you'll never wear. I've seen your outfits, remember? And besides, don't you think if this whole new fashion trend was my doing that I would've tested it on you first, of all things?"

A scowl broke across Nari's face as she recognised the truth in the other's words. If Onora had created an entire fashion line - not that Nari had given up on her involvement in it to some degree - she would've tested the clothing on Nari first for sure. It was a habit that had formed between the two of them, regardless of Nari's consistent complaints and outcry at the happenstances. Although she'd argued, both women knew that it was nothing more than a façade, the purple-haired knightess secretly pleased just to be involved in the process, no matter how little that involvement may be.

Nemo's greeting had been enthusiastic to say the least. The man had almost leapt at being approached, and Nari had found herself sharing a glance with Onora as the two wondered just how sparing his visits had been as of late. Smiling to herself, and trying to show some interest in the stories that the man had started sharing almost immediately, Nari had fallen in alongside Nemo as he began to lead the two towards his garden. Beside her she'd felt Onora press close, her words lowered so that the NPC would be less likely to hear them, although Nari doubted the man-dragon would care about anything they had to say.

"Does he seem...different to you, somehow? As if he's lonelier, in a way? I never would've thought that possible for NPCs." Nari's eyes flitted towards Nemo as her friend mentioned the change in behaviour. It was as much confirmation as she required in order to know that Onora had seen what Nari herself had noticed; an entire change in behaviour for the NPC that seemed to be effecting him in near human ways. It made her brow furrow as she considered the implications, and her response was slow.

"I thought I was imagining things, but maybe the NPCs are feeling the strain of the sparse player base lately as well? I mean, how many players are out visiting Nemo now...most of the frontliners have the gear they require, and fewer and fewer new players are appearing...is it possible that an NPC can feel lonely and abandoned?" Nari didn't like voicing the question. It felt like bringing to light a possibility that had been, until now, impossible to consider. The moment she spoke the words however, she knew there would be no going back. Now she would have to consider whether the NPCs were more than just computerised programs designed to respond and act to the inputs completed by the players. "This could change everything..."

Onora gave a nod of her head, her own face filled with thought as she considered the situation and Nari's words. She wanted nothing more than to change the topic, to brush it all under the hypothetical carpet within her mind and forget that it had ever come up. She knew that would be impossible though; little more than a desire among fallacies. Instead, she walked in silence for a while, letting Onora's form and breath become her focus as she waited for the other to speak.

"You're awfully quiet. Am I boring you that much?" Nari's laughter must've caught the two of guard, because both Nemo and Onora seemed to jump slightly. She gave a soft shake of her head, waving towards the direction they'd been heading in order to continue their march.

"Not at all, I just didn't want to disturb your thoughts. But if that's an invitation..."

"Listen, all I'm saying is that there's no reason to not add chocolate to everything, right? I mean, obviously it's not going to go with somethings, but in general-"

"In general it's going to taste disgusting." Onora's voice cut off the argument Nari was making, her voice harsh and almost condescending, but the smile on her face clearly telling Nari that the woman wasn't being entirely serious about the commentary. Nari gave a heavy sigh and groan of frustration, pushing herself off the counter and tossing a marshmallow at the other, the piece dropping far short of the blonde's form and being snapped up by the kitsune that had been waiting on the floor below.

"It's not my fault you were born without any taste. I mean sure, obviously it's going to go better with some things." She waved a hand towards the marshmallow that had been consumed already, before continuing her lecture. "But there's nothing saying you can't do more with it. I mean, who's to say that chocolate covered pasta is bad?"

"Me." Onora rose from the table, moving to wash and put away the dishes she'd been using for her morning meal. For once Nari had risen before the blonde, and although her attempts at breakfast had been questionable, the blonde did seem to enjoy the attention being given. "So, what is it you want? You never get up before me unless you're dragging me somewhere for the day, whether I want to go or not."

A soft hissing escaped Nari's lips and she mocked grasping at her chest in pain. "Is that really all you think of me? That I would be so selfish as to...drag you to Nemo's garden once more for a bit of toiling about and hunting for materials...in order to eventually get what I need to make a new weapon?"

The eyeroll in response was all Nari needed in answer. Although Onora may had pretended to be upset, she knew that the blonde was as excited about a day together as Nari herself was. The two had become close - extremely close as of late - and these rare times together were enjoyable for both beyond measure. As much as they enjoyed their roles in helping to clear this world, they enjoyed their time alone more, as sparse as it was.

"Hey, Nemo. I hear you've got your garden up here today? Nari gave a soft wave as they approached, her attempt at being welcoming and friendly a change since her first encounters with the man-dragon. She'd long ago found hatred in his presence, but thanks to Onora and a few others, she'd found a way to overcome - if only to a degree - the feelings she'd originally had for the man. Now, understanding his loneliness, she felt only a mixture of pity and sadness for him, and found herself often looking to ease his pain in small ways.

Statblock

Spoiler notes [Theme] Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 33 | P. 56 | HP [940/940] | EN [106/106] | ACC [4] | DMG [9] | MIT [179] | F.AURA [32 MIT; 16 DMG] B.Healing [+51] | STEALTH [-5] |  FRSTBT [40 DMG; -1 ACC] | THORNS [72] | PARA [8+] | HM [+4 B.DMG] Tier 4 | Tier 11 [Laurel Wreath] equipped Póg Deiridh [One-Handed Assault Spear; Tier 4 Daemonic] Enhancement: Frostbite [2 Slots] Enhancement: Accuracy [2 Slots]  Glacadh Morríghan  [Heavy Armour; Tier 4 Perfect] Enhancement: Frost Aura [2 Slots] Enhancement: Heavy Momentum [1 Slot] Póg an Gheimhridh [Tier 4 Daemonic Heater Shield] Enhancement: Paralyse [1 Slot] Enhancement: Taunt [1 Slot] Enhancement: Thorns [2 Slots]   battle-ready inventory Teleport Crystal {3} Starter Healing Potions {4} | Heals 50 HP Siúil a Rún {5} | Tier 3; Perfect Support Song | HP Recovery III Sí do Mhaimeo Í {1} | Tier 4; Rare; Support Song | Monsters’ Fortune II Níl Sé'n Lá {1} | Tier 4; Perfect; Masterpiece Support Song | Monsters’ Favor III [Instant] skills Spoiler Utility Skills N/A Combat Skills Battle Healing [Rank: 5. Active: Passive. Effect: While in combat, recover 1% per rank of your maximum HP (rounded down) at the beginning of your turn.] Fighting Spirit [Active: Passive. Effect: Attacking and using Howl or Focused Howl generates +1 additional Hate. (Ex. Generate 1/2/3 Hate on a Miss/Hit/Critical attack. Generate 5 Hate when using Focused Howl.)] Howl [Active: Post Action. Energy: 2 EN. Cooldown: 2 turns. Effect: Adds +2 Hate each against up to 4 targets.] [Howl Add-on] Focused Howl [Active: Post Action. Energy: 4 EN. Cooldown: 4 turns. Effect: Adds +4 Hate against a single target.] Weapon Skills Polearm [Rank: 5. Active: Passive. Effect: +7 DMG] [Rank 5 Weapon Addon] Stamina [Active: Passive. Effect: Reduces EN of all attacks by 2.] [Rank 5 Weapon Addon] Precision [Active: Passive. Effect: Gain +1 ACC.] [Rank 5 Weapon Addon] <<Weapon Type>> Focus [Active: Passive. Effect: Decreases minor critical threshold by 1. Also reduces DoT thresholds by 1. Players cannot use Focus and Ferocity at the same time for the same Weapon Type.] [Rank 5 Shift] TECH Specialist [Active: Passive. Effect: For TECH Sword Arts, +4 to multipliers, +3 to EN cost. No other Shifts may be taken.] Armour Skills Heavy Armour [Rank: 5. Active: Passive. Effect: 35 MIT. Evasion is capped at 1 slot; -5 Stealth Rating.] [Heavy Armour Mod] Impetus [Active: Passive. Effect: Gain +1 base Damage.] [Heavy Armour Add-on] Iron Skin [Active: Passive. Effect: Gain +15 Mitigation and +15 x Tier HP.] Active Extra Skills Assault Mode [Active: Free Action. Energy Cost: 5 EN. Cooldown: 4 Turns. Effect: As a free action, switch your accuracy and evasion values until the start of your next turn.] Block [Active: Passive. Effect: Requires an equipped shield. User’s evasion cannot be greater than 0 (can still be negative). Grants additional mitigation: 25 MIT.] [Rank 3 Block Mod] Shield Bash [Active: Post Action. Energy: 6 EN. Cooldown: 2 Turns. Effect: Make an attack with an equipped shield. On a hit, deals (Base * 10) damage, stuns the enemy for one turn, and applies status and thorns (and variants)  enhancements present on the shield. Note: When calculating Base Damage for Shield Bash, Weapon Skills do not apply.] [Rank 5 Block Addon] Rampart [Active: Free Action. Energy: 10 EN. Cooldown: 5 Turns. Effect: Reduce final damage that would be dealt to you by 25% (rounded down). Effect lasts until the beginning of your next turn.] Brawler [Active: Free Action. Energy Cost: 5 EN. Cooldown: 5 Turns. Effect: Increase mitigation by 10*tier until the start of your next turn.] Concentration [Active: Free Action. Cooldown: 5 turns. Effect: As a free action, gain Absolute Accuracy on your next attack. In the case Absolute Accuracy is already present, increase your Accuracy by 1 instead. Effect lasts until the start of next turn.] Meditation [Active: Post Action. Cooldown: 3 turns. Effect: Recover an additional (4 * Tier) energy.] Survival [Active: Passive. Effect: Increases Healing effects received from all sources by 10%. Grants immunity to all damage dealing environmental attacks/effects.] Inactive Extra Skills  Frozen Hide [Active: Free Action. Energy Cost: 5 EN. Cooldown: 4 Turns. Effect: As a free action, apply one slot of Frost Aura and one slot of Frost Thorns equal to your tier to yourself until the start of your next turn.] Lady Luck [Active: Free Action. Energy Cost: 5 EN. Cooldown: 5 Turns. Effect: Replace a single enhancement slot on your weapon with a random enhancement using the Appraiser’s Identification roll until the start of your next turn.] Combat Mastery Mitigation [Rank: 3. Active: Passive. Effect: Gain +6*tier Mitigation per rank. Ranks of this Skill obey Mitigation enhancement caps.] Familiar Skills Protector Familiar [Active: Free Action. Cooldown: 3 Posts; Effect: The next time you would take damage, your familiar rushes to your aid, reducing the final damage by 10%.] data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== sword arts Spoiler [x12] ST-I (12 10 EN) | A single-target sword art. [x15] ST-II (15 13 EN) | A powerful single-target sword art. Only available for use when ST-I was used and successfully struck an enemy the previous turn or if ST-II had been used and had missed the previous turn. [x20] ST-B (20 18 EN) | A devastating single-target sword art. Can only be used if the sword art used the previous turn is not ST-B and had rolled a natural CD9+. When performing an AoE attack, use only the first roll. [x11] AOE-I (11 9 + 2 * targets EN) | AOE | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. [x14] AOE-II (14 12 + 2 * targets EN) | AOE | A powerful sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. Only available for use when AOE-I was used and successfully struck an enemy the previous turn or if AOE-II had been used and had missed the previous turn. [x16] TECH-A (16 14 EN) | STUN | A single-target sword art that stuns an enemy. [x16] TECH-B (15 13 EN) | DELAY | A single-target sword art that, on a successful strike, applies [Delay] on the enemy. [Delay] is a status condition that reduces the enemy’s ACC by 1 for one turn. [x16] TECH-C (15 13 EN) | COUNTER | A single-target sword art that, on a successful strike, places [Counter] around the player. [Counter] reduces the final damage taken by its user by 25% (rounded down) for one turn. [x16] TECH-D (15 13 EN) | SHATTER | A single-target sword art that applies [Shatter] to an enemy for 3 turns. [Shatter] is a debuff that can stack up to a cap of 3. Each stack of [Shatter] removes -20 MIT from an enemy, down to 0, if it has MIT. [x12] TECH-F (11 9 + 2 * targets EN) | AOE STUN | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. All struck targets are stunned for one turn. [x16] TECH-G (15 13 EN) | BURN | A single-target sword art that, on a successful strike, applies [Burn] on the enemy. [Burn] is a DoT ailment that deals [14 * Player Tier] unmitigated Burn damage for 2 turns. data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== buffs Spoiler Estate Buffs Bedroom [-1 energy cost for the first two expenditures of each combat.] Living Room [Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.] Storage Closet [+1 Battle Ready Inventory Slot] Basement [Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll.] Extended Workshop [+2 Crafting EXP per crafting attempt & +1 crafting attempt per day.] Greenhouse [+2 Gathering EXP per Attempt and additional +1 LD & CD to gathering attempts.] data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==

So, you did know love?Nari felt herself recoil at the words, her mind repeating them over and over again even as the flow of conversation reached a hiatus, and eventually end. She hadn't expected the revelation, the statement catching her entirely unaware and off guard. She wasn't sure what to make of it, and yet somehow she felt it was important. Perhaps not damning or judgemental in nature, but the way that the other player had stated it left her feeling as if she'd faced some test, some unknown review to determine her place. She wasn't sure whether she had passed, failed, or if it had been entirely irrelevant. More importantly, she wasn't sure what to make of the way in which Freyd seemed to come to a decision, and one that had left her entirely in the dark.

"Not frighten you...I wish I could hold your views on it..." She mumbled to herself, uncertain if the other player would even hear the words as he passed through the entryway and into the queen's domain once more. Nari was curious to see what the queen would have to say, although it took a moment for her to remember that she wasn't the prisoner in question, and that their capture lay from beyond the walls itself. Quietly she moved towards the inner keep, following Freyd in a more reserved manner than she had previously as she found her thoughts leading inwards. She wasn't sure what was to come of their decision to spare the Treant, but Nari knew one thing for sure. "I won't be the one who puts it down, if the queen decides to reject it."

As she approached the waiting queen and retinue - the young commander apparently having returned far faster than humanly - Elfenly? - possible from his task, Nari found herself casting a glance around the room. She would've been content with allowing Freyd to handle the negotiations, to allow him to discuss the decision they had made regarding the Treant and the overall end to their quest. Something in their faces, however, caused Nari to step forwards, a sudden burst of anger and frustration released as she spoke up. "We have chosen to spare the Treant's life, as prisoner of war it is under our protection and I will not suffer any who wish to bring it harm."

Defiantly she stared up towards the queen and her collection of Elfen brethren, realising again just how young they looked now that her eyes had been opened to the concept. She wondered if it was like this across Aincrad, things that she had missed that would now be so obvious. Shaking away the thoughts and feelings - a problem she would have to deal with later - she opened her ears and waited for the response she knew would be coming, her hand gripping the spear ever so slightly tighter in preparation as the shield rose millimetres at a time. She didn't look towards Freyd - she knew she wouldn't be able to stop him if he decided that her stance here was wrong and she needed to be removed, but she also knew that she wasn't going to remain quiet, not now.

The first of the pair exploded into shards, giving a momentary pause to the assault as it's companion seemed to falter. Nari could see the confusion on it's face as it glanced towards where it's companion had stood mere moments before, as if wondering where they had disappeared to in the heat of the moment. She wondered if it had finally realised the danger in a forward assault against her, and the retaliatory measures that she implemented in order to keep the things at bay and the fight under her control. Tiring as it may be, Nari couldn't help but feel a moment of pride at what she had accomplished thus far.

Not willing to linger on the moment however, she thrust her spear forwards and released the flames that had been building up within them, watching as the creature erupted in the flames that licked it's skin, before bursting into a matching plethora of shards that marked it's escape from the world around it. Sighing heavily, Nari let her shield drop slightly, leaning the spear back into her arm and taking a relaxed pose for the first time in what felt like hours. The fight finally over, she let her head fall back and her eyes close, her senses taking a break from the push they had been put through up until that moment.

As if from a distance she heard the sound of a voice, registering belatedly that the NPC had approached her. She listened with a deadpan expression as the man gave his thanks, eventually offering a collection of scales - the quest's final reward, as Nari remembered suddenly - in exchange for her hard work. Without a word she took the reward, noting the completion and congratulation notification even as she turned back towards the main settlement, determined to escape from the horrid smells of the marsh into somewhere more comfortable.

ID219077 | BD: 6+4-2 = 8 | <<Tech-G vs. Fossil Fish 2>> | Hit: 9x16-25 = 119 damage

Word Count: 7,221
8,942 EXP [Total]  | 7,221/10x11x1 [Thread Progression] + 1,000 [Quest]
400 col [Total]
Angler Scales | Perfect T3 Trinket: +1 LD, +2 Prosperity

The first humanoid creature had frozen in place, it's health dipping even as the stunned effect had ripped across it's body. Nari had felt herself give paused as she considered the finality of the battle - barely dodging out of the way as a set of claws raked past her face. She blinked in surprise, realising belatedly that her spear strike had missed the second creature, the thing coming forwards with it's monotonous energy and drive. Even with her lack of awareness however, the thing's strikes were wide and far from their mark, leaving no sting upon Nari's skin as it failed to connect with her form. She felt herself tsk in response, the natural snapping sound of her tongue speaking more of her displeasure than any collection of words would've been able to do in the moment. 

Her eyes shifted to the other creature, noticing as it seemed to shake off the effect and rushed to join it's companion; fear of being alone in this fight having reunited the two faster than Nari would've originally imagined possible. She found herself on the defensive again, the few stabs she made with her spear unable to connect with anything vital or important. Even as claws raked along her form, she felt the thundering sensation of the thorns ripping outwards and impaling the fish creatures, driving into and through their bodies in a relentless manner that would eventually tear them from this world entirely.

Combat
Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 33 | P. 54 | HP [940/940] | EN [20/106] | ACC [4] | DMG [9] | MIT [179] | F.AURA [32 MIT; 16 DMG] B.Healing [+51] | STEALTH [-5] |  FRSTBT [40 DMG; -1 ACC] | THORNS [72] | PARA [8+] | HM [+4 B.DMG] | +4 EN +51HP |  -2 EN -2 HP
Fossil Fish #1 | HP: 0/500 | DMG: 100 (+10 minor crit; +30 major crit) | MIT: 25 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2
Fossil Fish #2 | HP: 64/500 | DMG: 100 (+10 minor crit; +30 major crit) | MIT: 25 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2

ID219076 | BD: 2+4-2 = 4 | <<Tech-G vs. Fossil Fish 2>> | Miss [-2 EN] | MOB: 6+1 = 7 | [100-179] + [100-179] = 2 damage | Thorns: 72 damage | F.Aura: 16 damage

She chose her moment carefully, watching as the pair came closer and closer to her, their movements more and more erratic the longer the fight was going. Nari had given up dodging their assaults altogether, using the shield to simply block the half-hearted strikes. There was little left in the pair, a minimal amount of energy and zealousness that seemed to be fading as each second ticked by, barely keeping up the anger that had spurned them on mere moments ago. Nari could see the lingering death in their features - the acceptance that they were going to lose this fight, and there was nothing they could do about it.

To her surprise, she felt a pang of pity for them. Although not human by any degree, the creatures seemed almost humanistic in their reactions and actions. Even as Nari raised her spear, bringing it around in a whirl of metal and air, she felt a pang of regret for them. She couldn't help but wonder what they would've been like in another life, if they could have been given a chance at something great. What codified decision chose them to become these husks rather than NPCs that players could communicate with, talk to, engage with...what horrors could they have avoided if they'd been designed differently? The questions were pointless, she knew, and yet she found herself unable to stop them even as her spear impaled each one and slashed along their throats before passing onwards.

Combat
Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 33 | P. 54 | HP [940/940] | EN [18/106] | ACC [4] | DMG [9] | MIT [179] | F.AURA [32 MIT; 16 DMG] B.Healing [+51] | STEALTH [-5] |  FRSTBT [40 DMG; -1 ACC] | THORNS [72] | PARA [8+] | HM [+4 B.DMG] | +4 EN +51HP |  -11 EN -2 HP
Fossil Fish #1 | HP: 69/500 | DMG: 100 (+10 minor crit; +30 major crit) | MIT: 25 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2 | Stunned
Fossil Fish #2 | HP: 152/500 | DMG: 100 (+10 minor crit; +30 major crit) | MIT: 25 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2

ID219074 | BD: 6+4-2 = 8 | <<Tech-F vs. Fossil Fish 1>> | Hit: 9x12-25 = 83 damage | Stunned
ID219075 | BD: 2+4-2 = 4 | <<Tech-F vs. Fossil Fish 2>> | Miss | MOB: 4+1 = 5 | Miss

The thorns lashed out again as the creatures impacted against the shield, causing her health to drop ever so slightly before it returned to it's original amount. The fish creatures weren't nearly as lucky however, their own health dipping heavily as the reactionary spikes flashed from the shield and penetrated their forms before quickly disappearing from sight again. Nari had long since stopped questioning whether the pair would figure out the detriment to their own health or not, simply accepting that they would likely impale themselves to death upon her defences. All the less for me to do, so that's fine.

She turned her attention inwards, focusing on re-energising herself even as she moved around the marsh area in a dance of defiance, dodging the more impactful strikes of the creatures. She closed off her mind to the world around her as she focused inwards on herself, urging the energy back into her tired muscles and sore arms. She knew that she was close - the fight was almost over, she could feel the end coming even as she spun and swayed away from the pair. It would be easy to end it all if she just had the energy she needed to lash out with a hard assault, to slam both creatures in unison and break through any defence they may have left.

Combat
Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 33 | P. 54 | HP [938/940] | EN [25/106] | ACC [4] | DMG [9] | MIT [179] | F.AURA [32 MIT; 16 DMG] B.Healing [+51] | STEALTH [-5] |  FRSTBT [40 DMG; -1 ACC] | THORNS [72] | PARA [8+] | HM [+4 B.DMG] | +20 EN +51HP |  -0 EN -2 HP
Fossil Fish #1 | HP: 152/500 | DMG: 100 (+10 minor crit; +30 major crit) | MIT: 25 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2 
Fossil Fish #2 | HP: 152/500 | DMG: 100 (+10 minor crit; +30 major crit) | MIT: 25 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2

ID219070 | MOB:7+1 = 8 | <<Fossil Fish 1/2 vs. Nari-Lanreth>> Hit: [100-179] + [100-179] = 2 damage | Thorns: 72 damage | F.Aura: 16 damage
Nari-Lanreth uses Meditation for an additional +16 EN

With the leader gone and dead Nari found the two remaining creatures more animalistic than they had been earlier, their movements and strikes given over to a pure collection of swats and slams rather than any coordinated assault. She wondered for the first time if perhaps they would be able to overwhelm her, her steps being forced backwards towards the water as the two launched their entire form against her without hesitation or restraint.

Shifting even as she moved, she turned herself in a slow circle, allowing the strikes to impact the more protected parts of her body and avoiding the brunt of their abuse. Although she was able to defend herself, she found her spear pulled back in an almost useless fashion - deflecting strikes rather than imposing them as she looked to simply survive the crazed fervor that had taken over the two fish things. Giving up on any sort of counterassault, Nari chose instead to simply tide out the advance, waiting for the opportunity she knew would eventually come to her - her chance to break free and finish the fight in truth.

Combat
Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 33 | P. 54 | HP [938/940] | EN [5/106] | ACC [4] | DMG [9] | MIT [179] | F.AURA [32 MIT; 16 DMG] B.Healing [+51] | STEALTH [-5] |  FRSTBT [40 DMG; -1 ACC] | THORNS [72] | PARA [8+] | HM [+4 B.DMG] | +4 EN +51HP |  -1 EN -2 HP
Fossil Fish #1 | HP: 240/500 | DMG: 100 (+10 minor crit; +30 major crit) | MIT: 25 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2 
Fossil Fish #2 | HP: 240/500 | DMG: 100 (+10 minor crit; +30 major crit) | MIT: 25 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2

ID219066 | BD: 3+4-2=5 | <<Basic Attack vs. Fossil Fish 1>> | Miss [-2 EN] | MOB: 7+1 = 8| Hit: [100-179] + [100-179] = 2 damage | Thorns: 72 damage | F.Aura: 16 damage

The large form of the creature seemed to become frantic as the escape route it had been determined to use was cut off. Screeching in a way that Nari hadn't previously heard from it, it seemed to lurch and sway in the air before her, as if hoping to cause her to retreat in fear. Gritting her teeth against the sound, she instead jabbed forwards, pushing the spear into the centre of the thing's form and twisting it in a way that activated the explosive skill, causing the very scaled exterior to explode slightly. She watched as flames and frost mingled together over it's hide and tore away at what little remained.

A breath of relief escaped her as the lurker exploded into a collection of thousands of shards, seemingly glittering on the wind before disappearing from sight. Just beyond the showering of crystal lights she could see the pair of fish creatures that had come to a halt, a look of confusion on their faces as they realised their leader had passed from existence. Nari took no pleasure in their sudden fear, focusing instead on what needed to be done in order to finish the quest.

Before she could strike out, however, the two seemed to recover a measure of fury and rushed towards her. Claws raked across steel as they attempted to batter her to death, their efforts no more effective than they had been earlier. She could hear as much as feel the thorns erupt outwards, slamming into and through the two forms before receding back into her shield, and Nari turned towards the brutal work of clearing out the area.

Combat
Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 33 | P. 54 | HP [938/940] | EN [2/106] | ACC [4] | DMG [9] | MIT [179] | F.AURA [32 MIT; 16 DMG] B.Healing [+51] | STEALTH [-5] |  FRSTBT [40 DMG; -1 ACC] | THORNS [72] | PARA [8+] | HM [+4 B.DMG] | +4 EN +51HP |  -13 EN -2 HP
Fossil Fish #1 | HP: 328/500 | DMG: 100 (+10 minor crit; +30 major crit) | MIT: 25 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2 
Fossil Fish #2 | HP: 328/500 | DMG: 100 (+10 minor crit; +30 major crit) | MIT: 25 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2
Lurker| HP: 0/850| DMG: 125 (+20 minor crit; +40 major crit) | MIT: 30 [-20 MIT] | ACC: 2 1 [-1 ACC] | EVA: -1 | Burn [56 DMG | 1/2] | Frostbite [40 DMG; -1 ACC | 1/2][/color]

ID219064 | BD: 10+4+1=15 | <<Tech-D vs. Lurker>> | Major Critical Hit: [9+2]x16-30+56+40 = 226 damage | Shatter [-20 MIT | 1/3] | MOB: 8+1 = 9| Hit: [100-179] + [100-179] = 2 damage | Thorns: 72 damage | F.Aura: 16 damage

The sudden shift in momentum caught her off guard, as steps forward ceased motion and the body before her spun in an almost sinister, naturally defying manner to face her, Nari felt her heart rate rise. Adrenaline shot through her entire form as she felt her hands twitch; the motion reactive in nature in response to the sudden face she found herself before, it's eyes piercing through her in ways that she hadn't felt in quite some time. The question was simple, one which Nari herself had asked once or twice before. Who are the real monsters? She found herself, however, unable to answer it. She'd long ago forgotten who the real monsters were, what horrors lurked within shadow and light. 

She felt a sting as Freyd mentioned loss - providing condolences that were somehow both hurtful and more sincere than most others she'd heard. Faces flashed before her eyes, faces of those she'd known - and still knew, in some cases - but were lost to her forever. While some still lived on, Nari was aware enough to know when they were beyond her reach, as lost to her as those who had died. A bitterness filled her heart in response, a self-depreciating thought passing through and taking root even as Freyd continued speaking, his voice taking on a persistent route that Nari somehow knew they'd eventually reach. We walk together, blade at arm, and yet know so little about one another...

The laugh that escaped her was uncharacteristically sadistic, a tinge of horror and humour that seemed to echo like sounds from a scene designed to spook the very soul. When she spoke, her voice was soft, filled with an emotionless void that seemed to both repel and consume the words that escaped her lips, and her eyes had taken a hollow look that appeared far away from wherever she was currently. "No one who enters this world was anywhere pleasant before. We all had loss, whether we knew it or not...some reason for us to escape into a world that would seem so different from the one before. We knew we would find something here - heroics, stories, escape. But some of us...some of us brought the monsters in with us. Some of us were the monsters."

She'd been looking towards Freyd's hands as she spoke, her distant eyes clouded over in memory and thought. But as her voice paused, she suddenly looked up at the other player, her eyes sharpening and her voice clearing, taking on a much stronger tone. "Who was I before this game? I was a friend. A lover. A loner. I was a lifetaker and a horror to those who knew me. A plague upon memory and future. A monster who saw what she wanted, pulled it in close and lashed out when it was lost. Am I any better than those things we faced out there? How am I any better, when I can name atrocities I committed in the name of love, just as they do? I have no answer to that. All I know...all I care for, is protecting those I can. Call it redemption, clarity or some...quest. This world was my escape, and now I find myself trapped within it as I was without it, forced to fight against all that would harm me and mine once more. Perhaps I am the monster we speak of, or perhaps there is no such thing as monsters - simply those who act, and those who don't."

There was no anger in her voice. She'd long ago learnt to let go of the anger of what had happened. In it's place was a tired resolve, a note that suggested she'd do whatever she needed to do to survive, no matter the cost. And in doing so, she knew she'd ensure the survival of others -  a promise she had placed her life upon.

As the creature burst into shards, Nari's eyes shifted towards the waterfront, looking for the shifting lapse of waves that would signify another of the creatures emerging from the depths. She held her breath, sighing after a few seconds as nothing emerged to greet her vision - and she realised that she was finally heading in a direction where the finality of the fight was becoming clear. She could feel the sudden shift of the battle, an almost relief like feeling having washed over her the moment she realised that no reinforcements were arriving. 

"Looks like we're finally coming to the end of it. I'm going to outlast you all, no matter how hard you try." There was no doubt in her voice, no reservation as she turned her attention towards the largest of the creatures - the Lurker seemingly realising that it had become the centre of her focus. As if in response, it made a collection of noises that could be considered vocalisation, and immediately the two remaining humanoid things rushed towards Nari, attempting to use their very bodies to stop her from advancing towards the larger being.

Nari shifted around them, bringing herself through the twin pairs of defence that moved to stop her and striding towards the Lurker. It was quick, but Nari found herself matching it's speed, stepping alongside and then in front of it as it attempted to make it's escape back to the water - and likely safety from her blade. "We're not done here.

Combat
Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 33 | P. 54 | HP [940/940] | EN [11/106] | ACC [4] | DMG [9] | MIT [179] | F.AURA [32 MIT; 16 DMG] B.Healing [+51] | STEALTH [-5] |  FRSTBT [40 DMG; -1 ACC] | THORNS [72] | PARA [8+] | HM [+4 B.DMG] | +4 EN +51HP |  -13 EN
Fossil Fish #1 | HP: 412/500 | DMG: 100 (+10 minor crit; +30 major crit) | MIT: 25 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2 
Fossil Fish #2 | HP: 412/500 | DMG: 100 (+10 minor crit; +30 major crit) | MIT: 25 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2
Lurker| HP: 146/850| DMG: 125 (+20 minor crit; +40 major crit) | MIT: 50 | ACC: 2 1 [-1 ACC] | EVA: -1 | Burn [56 DMG | 1/2] | Frostbite [40 DMG; -1 ACC | 1/2][/color]

ID219058 | BD: 8+4+1=13 | <<Tech-G vs. Lurker>> | Minor Critical Hit: [9+1]x16-50+56+40 = 206 damage | Burn [56 DMG | 1/2] | Frostbite [40 DMG; -1 ACC | 1/2]| MOB: 4+1 = 5 | MOB: 4+2-1 = 5 | Miss.

The creatures had rushed upwards to swarm at her again, and Nari prepared herself, bringing her shield up and leveling the spear across it's top corner. She waited, watching as they crossed the short distance without care or worry. She felt the reverberation as one of the creatures slammed directly onto the spearhead, apparently unbothered as it wiggled up the spear's length, it's body slowly frosting over as the weapon released it's core effects into the creature. 

No sooner had the thing impaled itself than Nari found herself swarmed by the others, their forms closing over her and battering at the armour in a desperate hope of tearing through her. She found herself, for a moment, pushing back against their bodies in an attempt to free herself - the weight pushing her down towards the muck on the ground. Gritting her teeth, she heaved against the mass, shoving them backwards and opening a hole that she was able to slide through and out into the stale air of the marsh. Ducking a wide swing, she moved across to a more open area, turning to face the creatures even as they moved to follow her, their relentlessness drawing them back to her form like moths to a flame.

Combat
Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 33 | P. 54 | HP [937/940] | EN [20/106] | ACC [4] | DMG [9] | MIT [179] | F.AURA [32 MIT; 16 DMG] B.Healing [+51] | STEALTH [-5] |  FRSTBT [40 DMG; -1 ACC] | THORNS [72] | PARA [8+] | HM [+4 B.DMG] | +4 EN +51HP | -3 HP 
Fossil Fish #1 | HP: 412/500 | DMG: 100 (+10 minor crit; +30 major crit) | MIT: 25 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2 
Fossil Fish #2 | HP: 412/500 | DMG: 100 (+10 minor crit; +30 major crit) | MIT: 25 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2
Fossil Fish #3 | HP: 0/500 | DMG: 100 (+10 minor crit; +30 major crit) | MIT: 25 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2
Lurker| HP: 352/850| DMG: 125 (+20 minor crit; +40 major crit) | MIT: 50 | ACC: 2 | EVA: -1

ID219055 | BD: 10+4-2=12 | <<Basic Attack vs. Fossil Fish #3>> | Major Critical Hit: [9+8+2]-25 = 1 damage | Frostbite [40 DMG; -1 ACC | 1/2]| MOB: 9+1 = 10 | MOB: 9+2 = 11 | [100+10-179] + [100+10-179] + [125+20-179] = 4 damage

No sooner had she made her realisation than she felt a measure of energy course back into her. Once more she returned to her dance of dodging the assaults of the creatures, letting them slash and whip about in the trails of her movements, focusing on avoiding as much as deflecting. She was careful in her return strikes, stabbing outwards only during those openings she was sure would not leave her ready for retaliation, knowing all too well that she had as much time as she required in this conflict. Instead of pressing her attacks, she found herself falling back, leading the gaggle of creatures further and further from the waterfront that they had appeared from, as if trying to remove them from their source of reinforcement. It may have been hopeless, she wasn't entirely sure, but for the time at least she had pulled them further inland - a measure of content in the success of the movement.

As another of the creatures leapt forwards, Nari spun around and out of it's reach, allowing her shield to dip slightly so that the claws passed harmlessly over the metal, rather than deflecting off it and unbalancing her dance. She could hear as much as see the approach of the others, and found herself falling back further rather than confronting or engaging them. Small squeaks of frustration and fury erupted from the creatures as they gave chase, moving to get closer to her and leaving the waterway further and further behind - as if unaware of the way in which Nari was leading them from their home; so bent on violence and death.

Combat
Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 33 | P. 54 | HP [936/940] | EN [16/106] | ACC [4] | DMG [9] | MIT [179] | F.AURA [32 MIT; 16 DMG] B.Healing [+51] | STEALTH [-5] |  FRSTBT [40 DMG; -1 ACC] | THORNS [72] | PARA [8+] | HM [+4 B.DMG] | +4 EN +51HP | -2 EN -4 HP 
Fossil Fish #1 | HP: 412/500 | DMG: 100 (+10 minor crit; +30 major crit) | MIT: 25 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2 
Fossil Fish #2 | HP: 412/500 | DMG: 100 (+10 minor crit; +30 major crit) | MIT: 25 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2
Fossil Fish #3 | HP: 12/500 | DMG: 100 (+10 minor crit; +30 major crit) | MIT: 25 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2 | Stun Immunity [2/3]
Lurker| HP: 352/850| DMG: 125 (+20 minor crit; +40 major crit) | MIT: 50 | ACC: 2 | EVA: -1 | Stun Immunity [2/3]