[PP-NK-F2] Sticky Situation <<Long Live the Queen>> (Domarus)

[Grave 0]

"Thanks a lot!" I called to the NPC as I left the building. Of course he could not understand me, but NPCs were so lifelike that it was only natural to speak pleasantries to them. I had gone to a cheap tailor NPC on the Second Floor to get two things embroidered on my coat; a white dragon on my back, and the Knights of the Blood Oath emblem on the inside of the coat's right breast. I was on my way back to the teleport gate to head to the Third Floor, when I heard a small group of low-leveled players chattering about a quest - a quest to kill the Wasp Queen. Whatever this quest was, it sounded very low-leveled and old. I was surprised I had not taken it previously. I continued to eavesdrop, overhearing them talking about killing a certain number of Wind Wasps to summon the boss. With a smile and a sigh, I thanked them under my breath and headed for the rolling hills, wanting to take this quest very quickly before heading back to Delilah.

[Domarus 0]

Floor two.  This floor could deal more damage than the first floor but it's leveled mobs still couldn't penetrate his armor unless they were in large groups.  And the higher the floor the better the experience.  Domarus had been working nonstop to grind his way to the top and he intended to reach it swiftly.  Ever since he had received his gear this has become increasingly easier.  However his training was over for the day and thus he wandered around the town in his dragon bone armor, getting to know the players in the town.  Just as he had done on the first floor, he was 'befriending' players and keeping an eye out for any strong individuals who didn't cower behind the walls.  There were more of them than the first floor, but they still weren't nearly strong enough to be suitable followers.  Not to mention they mainly fooled around it seemed.  As Domarus smiled and waved to a child, his familiar Rhozarth, the red dragon with dark iron skeleton-like armor and was always ablaze, kept it's eyes on everything around them as it sat on his shoulder.  Keres stayed close by Domarus, dressed in her maid's outfit with Porvós, her snake that looked pretty much exactly like Rhozarth, curled around her arm.  Domarus thought it best for the snake to not curl around her in a sexy manner as it usually did whenever they were in public, since it wouldn't give off the best first impression.  And reputation was one of the biggest keys to his grand plan.

@Grave

[Grave 0]

The exit to the wilderness was rather far away from the teleport gate in town, so I essentially had to make my way through the entire city to get there. However, on the way, I felt Hikari pop out from my shirt and perch herself on my shoulder, sudden pulling on my coat and squeaking at something behind me. I swung around with wide eyes and grasped the silly weasel, laying her across the back of my neck. I came face to face with two players; one with crimson hair and a menacing-looking dragon, and the other a young girl in a maid's outfit, with a snake curled around her arm. Hikari poked her head up and continued squeaking, obviously interested in the two reptilian creatures. "Oh, hey! Sorry about her, she gets excited when she meets other familiars, especially ones that are completely new to her." I apologized and chuckled, pointing at the creatures.

[Domarus 0]

When the familiar jumped out at them Domarus didn't budge and glanced at the familiar.  A weasel.  Quite an unusual animal to choose from.  It seemed particularly interested in Domarus' own dragon as well as Keres' snake.  The proud, flaming creature on his shoulder turned to the weasel, it's eyes scanning to see if it and the player was actually worth it's time.  When the scene happened however, Porvós curled up towards Keres and slowly began to curl around her in a sexy manner, and thus she turned to see the newcomer.  When the player spoke Domarus kept up his 'knight in shining armor' appearance and smiled brightly, giving a light chuckle.

"No need to apologize friend!  You can't help what a familiar does from time to time right?"  Rhozarth continued to observe the weasel before deciding she was childish and could probably annoy him to no end.  He scanned the player next, it's calculative eyes doing what Domarus normally did when he wasn't keeping up his pretense.  After analyzing the man it blinked and stared at him.  Domarus took note as this meant there was a chance he might make a good follower and a chance he wouldn't.  However when he spotted the guild symbol by his name he new chances of this were slim indeed...  Unless he and the guild ended up having a falling out that is.  From what he saw the guild was the KoB.  He hadn't met a member yet but he had heard rumors.  Keres smiled brightly and stood still.

@Grave sorry for the wait

[Grave 0]

My eyes flicked questioningly to the snake that began curling around the maid girl sexily, and the right corner of my lips pulled back as if to say 'eesh...'. The player assured me I did not need to apologize, and I smiled widely; he seemed like a really relaxed guy. "I am glad you understand! She is a bit of a rogue, rarely does what I ask unless it has to do with cooking." I placed my finger under the weasel's chin and lifted her head to look at my. "Is that not right, you brat?" I asked Hikari with a chuckle and let her slack off around my neck once more. "The name is Grave, by the way. Pleasure to make your acquaintance." I extended my hand out to the player, and looked to the girl, offering her a bow as well. "Pleasure to meet you as well, Miss." I greeted her politely, before looking back to the male with the dragon.

[Domarus 0]

Keres was working hard not to smirk as it seemed the snake's movement made him a bit uneasy.  Another person she could make uncomfortable eh?  This should be fun.  When the player mentioned how his familiar was a spoiled brat Domarus couldn't help but wonder why he got it then.  If you couldn't control your own familiar what good was it?  While Rhozarth was a familiar himself, he too had the same exact thoughts, only vice versa.  Why would the weasel join someone it didn't even obey?  It had to be bribed to do things.  Rhozarth's eyes followed the weasel as it curled around the player's neck lazily.  When the player identified himself as Grave he shook Domarus' hand then bowed to Keres, who bowed even deeper in return.  Domarus smiled.

"Hello Grave!  My name is Domarus, and this is Keres.  It's a pleasure to meet you.  And don't worry about Rhozarth here, he's a bit rough but an excellent companion."  Rhozarth glanced at Porvós before looking back at the player Grave.  It made no movement or sound and Domarus took note of that.  He stretched himself for a moment.

"So, you busy today?  You look like you were hurrying a little while ago."

@Grave

[Grave 0]

I could not help but feel uneasy with the dragon eyeing both me and Hikari off, as if sizing us up, but I acted unfazed so as not to attract attention. "Pleasure Domarus, Keres." I greeted them with a wide smile. "Ah, I am sure he is. You two seem to get along well!" I noted, before pointing at the snake. "And... the snake without a sense of shame over here?" I asked, motioning to the manner in which it was curling around Keres's body. "It seems under even less control than Hikari around me neck here." I chuckled and sighed.

Domarus asked if I was busy and I shrugged. "Not really, was just on my way back to my shop after getting something embroidered on my coat, when I overheard talk about a low-level quest that I surprisingly have yet to take, so I was on my way to deal with that before going back." I explained, and motioned to the fields outside the town. "I will not mind if you two would like to join me. It is just killing a few Wind Wasps and a field boss, but hitting things is always a good way to blow off steam, do you not agree?" I offered with a smirk, hoping I could have just a little company.

[Domarus 0]

When the player mentioned the snake, Porvós turned it's gaze to him, it's eyes not analytical like it's friend, but curious.  It was a young familiar and it didn't really care what others thought of it.  What mattered was that it's actions helped Keres make others uncomfortable as well as it's flames gave her the sensation of pain she always craved.  A great way to enjoy herself even when in public.  Keres smiled and stroke the serpent, deciding to take it slow until they could determine what kind of player he was.  

"Who, Porvós?  He's young and curious is all.  I don't see anything wrong with him.  He doesn't try to choke me and keeps me company after all."  The serpent's tongue darted out for a second or two as it observed the weasel.  It too seemed to like to hang around the player for relaxation.  As the familiar's interacted, Domarus nodded when Grave spoke of the quest.  That pitifully weak one no doubt, but it did offer extra experience.  

"Ah yes, that quest.  I was told it was so easy that all but the newest of players could one shot it.  Perhaps it will have some minions though.  I see no reason why not to accompany you."  And with that the three were off, Domarus walking beside Grave and Keres behind the two.  As she did so, Porvós continued to stare curiously at the weasel, and if Grave turned to look he'd see that it would move itself a little closer bit by bit, hoping to get it's attention.  Meanwhile Rhozarth was still as a statue on Domarus' shoulder, scanning for any possible dangers as they made their way out.

"Might I ask what level you are and what build?"

@Grave

[Grave 0]

The girl contradicted my thoughts on the snake, Porvós, and I shrugged. "I see." I agreed, but silently was a little estranged by the girl's acceptance of the snake's actions; it seemed both of them had little care about public image. Then again, Keres did wear a bloody maid's outfit in public. I turned from Keres and her familiar back to Domarus. "Yes, I should have taken it long ago... guess I was too focused on taking down the higher quests, huh? But oh well, nothing like extra experience, am I right?" We began to leave the city, Keres in tow like an escort of sorts, and I barely caught out of the corner of my eye the snake reaching out to try and get Hikari's attention. With a grunt, I slipped the weasel off my neck and set her on my left shoulder facing backwards so she could 'talk' to the serpent.

Domarus asked my level and build, and I grinned. "Level twenty eight, berserk healer. I make use of mitigation and rapid healing to survive attacks, while dealing a large amount of it myself and healing others if need be." I told him, before motioning to my body. "I never wear my armour in public because it gets too hot... and it is a bit large to be walking around the streets in." I admitted, pointing to the fields. "I will show you it out there. Now, I would like to ask the same of both of you." I probed them about their own stats too, making use of the topic to find out more about them.

[Domarus 0]

Keres noted that Grave was uncomfortable with her response to the snake's actions and was pleased that he was uncomfortable.  Where Domarus' one goal in life was ultimate power, her goal was to serve Domarus and entertain herself at other's expense.  At the simple reply she just nodded with a smile.  Porvós stared at the player, wondering why the man was so serious.  When Grave mentioned the quest and experience he chuckled.

"Indeed.  Any way to collect experience helps push us further to the front lines.  Goodness knows I could use it.  Especially to catch up with a certain few front liners."  He was, of course, thinking about Teayre, Takao, Calrex, and a few other front liners who'd past level fifty.  When Grave moved his familiar suddenly Porvós backed up his head but when the weasel became stationary again he drew in close, flicking it's tongue at the animals nose as a form of greeting, trying to get a bearing on how the animal's personality was.  Grave then told Domarus about his own build and Domarus was a little surprised to hear that he was a healer.  Four healers he now knew in Aincrad.  This was getting interesting.  He then asked Domarus what he wanted his own build to be.

"I'm shooting for a dps, as much damage as I can possibly muster.  That's why I also plan on doing dot as well.  However unlike most dps, I have heavy armor that I'll also reveal once out in the field that deals thorn damage, protects me, and revives my health on occasion.  After mastering my two handed battle ax skill, as well as get it's mods, I intend to start and max out battle healing.  However the rest of my skill choices I think I'll leave a surprise."

"Domarus has done most of the fighting for me so with what little experience I had I spent on searching and agility skills."  Domarus chuckled.

"Yes, people think she's a massive target but she can usually avoid any sort of attack thrown at her."

@Grave

[Grave 0]

"Ah, yes... I was almost a frontliner, but I disappeared as I hit a safe level to join, so I need to get back up there. And I heard this quest, for a low level one, gives a surprising amount of Skill Points." I explained to the player, pondering in my stupidity in going missing right when I was finally within reach of the people I looked up to. The snake and Hikari seemed to be getting along rather well, which brought a smile to my lips; she could use a friend, I thought. As for the dragon... he seemed like a serious gargoyle, nothing Hikari would ever want anything to do with.

Domarus explained his aspiration to be a DPS player utilising heavy armour and DOT, and I nodded. "There are quite a few DPS players on the front line... and while it does not hurt to throw in a few more, from what I have heard they are low on tanks and healers, so I guess I'm taking a bit of a triple role for that reason." I responded, and nodded in reply to his Battle Healing comment. "I only have it at rank one and it is a lifesaver. To think the kind of power it would hold at Grandmaster..." I mused.

Keres mentioned that Domarus did most of the fighting, while she dealt with search and agility, and I hummed in ackowledgement. "Ahh, so she plays the utility role in your pair. Having two vastly different builds in a pair that travels together often would be useful." I mentioned, cursing inwardly for travelling alone and fighting alongside random players I happen to run into.

Soon we came across a hill that sung with the buzzing off enormous insect wings; the Windwasps hung idly in the air, their intimidatingly large stingers glittering in the sun. Anyone would fumble their weaponry momentarily upon first seeing a giant bug the size of your torso. "I guess we are here."

[Domarus 0]

Domarus listened to Grave explain why he had been absent of late and found his explanation not only a poor one, but discrediting to his character.  Nonetheless it was obvious this player could become a powerful one in the future...  It was obvious that Grave was in a guild, but with the right methods that shouldn't be an issue.  He nodded to the symbol.  He'd address it at a later time however.  The two players had only just met after all.  And if Domarus was good at anything, it was patience and manipulation.  

"So essentially you took some vacation time while everyone else continued to level up?  You afraid you're too far behind or do you think you might be able to catch up?"  He spoke gently enough so as not to sound rude, but it was something the player would have to face eventually:  Would he one day drop back once he'd reached a decent level or would he push himself to keep going?  Whether he did or didn't, Domarus would watch him closely.  He'd also have some of his...  Closer targets assist him in this area as well.  Domarus listened to Grave's comment on Keres and nodded.  He only desired focusing on raw damage and thus his area in gathering was very poor.  While she didn't actually invest in search and detect, she certainly helped in that area.  And then the target came into view.  Multiple larger wasps were in the air but none of them were the queen wasp.  He was informed that you had to kill her children to draw her out.

"Well then.  This will only take a second," He said as he opened his menu and switched his pitiful dragon bone armor for his hope breaker set:  A black suit of armor covering him head to toe, made to appear intimidating and pulsed a dark red glow.  A two handed ax of the same appearance materialized in his hands.  Domarus didn't hesitate to strike and four of the wasps in a single blow, causing them to flee and a screech of rage to be heard as the queen emerged.  Domarus brandished his weapon and as the giant wasp charged him he swung his ax at the creature.  The queen changed directions and the two of them missed as a result.  Domarus spun the weapon in a circle before holding it in front of himself like a spear, which with the spike coming from the center it very well could be.

ID#  72676  BD:  3  MD:  5

Domarus:  420/420  42/42

@Grave:  ??/??  ??/??

Queen Wasp:  50/50  20 dmg

Edited December 22, 2016 by Domarus

[Grave 0]

"Hey, I never intended to!" I exclaimed as I raised my hands in surrender, cheeks flushing red with embarrassment at the notion that I went on 'vacation'. "I had my doubts when I came back... but I'm sure I can get up there. And even if I cannot, I know my food from my diner will help those on the frontier." I explained with a sigh. Domarus took note of the suspicious field of wasps also, nimbly navigating his menus to equip a black, intimidating armour, that gave off the aura of a dragon's rage.

Funny that.

I followed suit and clicked my fingers on the transparent grey and gold GUI, equipping my own armour, styled like that of a shining white dragon, with red gems inset into the chest and shoulders. "Seems like our outfits are quite similar." I mused with an echoing chuckle, watching Domarus scare off a group of wasps and drawing the queen out. "What do you say we play with our food a bit? I do not feel like insta-killing the thing. I need some fun." I asked of the draconic player, sending one taloned fist crashing into the palm of my other hand, cracking the knuckles within the gauntlets.

As Domarus faced off against the wasp, I took the moment of stillness and rushed towards the Queen, my fist glowing blue as I prepared a simple <<Flash Blow>>. My fist screamed through the air and caught the Queen in the site of the head, just beside her mandibles; for such a low-level Sword Art, it still did a number on the wasp, taking her health down almost half way. "Your turn!" I called to Domarus as I backed away from the Wasp Queen, not fancying the idea of becoming a kebab on that long skewer of hers.

Spoiler

ID: 73736 | BD: 8 (Hit)

Flash Blow: 1 x 12 = 12 DMG to Wasp Queen (1 EN)

Party

Grave: 580/580 | 57/58

Domarus: 420/420 | 42/42

Enemies

Queen Wasp: 38/50 | D: 20

 

Edited January 4, 2017 by Grave

[Domarus 0]

Domarus saw a flash and took a second to look at Grave's armor when he made his comment.  Essentially, white dragon like armor.  It wasn't designed to look intimidating, just cool.  Domarus mentally grunted.  Maybe to you they're similar.  Domarus was about to make another strike when he heard what Grave suggested.  Play with it?  This time Domarus really did turn to look at him and, of course, Grave rushed in and used a weak sword art on the queen.  Domarus was silent as he watched.  There was literally no point.  They were here for experience, which they could gain swiftly and move on to more experience collecting.  The only reason Domarus would ever have would be if he were manipulating the target.  Which there was no point with this boss since it had no mind and was so very very easy to kill.  Half of him demanded to just end it there.  However he was a patient man as well.  Instead he charged his weakest sword art and rushed at the boss.  Unfortunately, with Grave having already hit the creature it was wary that they could deal decent damage now.  When Domarus charged the queen flew to the side, evading his attack.  Domarus mentally cursed and turned sharply, hoping to deal a fatal blow to the monster when Grave hit it again.

ID#  73784  BD:  5  MD:  4

Domarus:  420/420  HP   40/42  EN

@Grave:  580/580  HP   57/58  EN

 

Wasp Queen:  38/50

Edited January 5, 2017 by Domarus

[Grave 0]

Domarus seemed... hesitant about attacking. Was it what I said? Did he not want to have a bit of fun with the creature? I shrugged and sighed to myself. Perhaps he was not as 'up and and at 'em' as I was, as friendly as he seemed. Maybe combat just did not give him that kick that I got every time I landed a blow into the digital flesh of some monster. I guess I could give him his peace, and let him finish the wasp personally.

I approached the wasp queen as Domarus's strike missed its target, the boss now more aware of the damage we could do. I charged up Embracer to attempt to stun the monster for Domarus, but again she was too quick and narrowly evaded the golden spear-handed strike towards her abdomen. "Go ahead and finish her if you like, she actually does not seem that fun to play with." I shrugged at Domarus, stepping back to let him take center stage.

Spoiler

+1 EN

ID: 74378 | BD: 1 (Critical Fail)

Party
[H:1] Grave: 580/580 | 56/58
Domarus: 420/420 | 40/42

Enemies
Queen Wasp: 38/50 | D: 20

Edited January 26, 2017 by Grave

[Domarus 0]

Domarus watched as Grave attacked, then complained about how it didn't seem as fun.  Domarus of course, suspected a trap.  Was he testing him?  Seeing if Domarus would just rush in and destroy the beast?  The huge wasp suddenly charged him and stabbed him with it's stinger through the midriff area, causing him to grit his teeth not from pain as that was nonexistent.  It was from the fact that it managed to hit him in this way.  He would kill it.  He didn't have a choice anyways, as that would make him look suspicious.  However the manner in which he killed it was important as well.  He couldn't go too fast or he'd risk letting his violent nature take over during the sword art, and not too slow or it would be obvious he was holding back.  So he charged the sword art and released Crimson blood, the lowest sword art required to hack off the last of it's health.  He shoved the creature off and immediately followed with the three spins, cutting through it three times before it shattered into crystals.  Domarus stood still as the congratulations menu popped up, as well as the stinger from the boss.  Domarus was about to toss it to Grave when he saw he had received his own stinger, so Domarus put his own in his inventory and sheathed his huge ax.  

"Well then.  I guess that's that.  What shall we do to celebrate?"

ID#  75834  BD:  8  CD:  1  MD:  10  Crimson Blood used  3x2  -6

Domarus:  419/420  36/42  -20-27=1 dmg-
@Grave:  580/580  56/58
Wasp Queen:  0/50  -10x3x2=60 dmg-

Edited January 29, 2017 by Domarus

[Grave 0]

I winced as Domarus's abdomen was skewered by the wasp's scarily large stinger, the steely point sinking into his body and glinting out the other end. I stepped up to try and help the player, but he reacted to the brutal attack from the wasp with a low-level Sword Art that chipped away at the last of the queen's health. The field boss shattered into crystals and I sighed, upset that the fight was already over, but relieved that I made the choice not to play with such a boring, low-level creature. The 'Congratulations' text box appeared in my view with my rewards; a heavy amount of SP and <<The Matriarch's Stinger>>. I materialized it and held it up to the sun; venomous liquid seeped out of the top, and I assumed it was to be applied to a weapon. Domarus received his own one, and I waved mine at him to show I did not require one. I stuffed it back into my inventory and looked back to Domarus. "Well, usually after a victory I go and have a couple drinks at whatever local tavern there is... but this just does not feel worth even half a pint. What do you do to celebrate your victories?" I asked the player, hoping he had a better idea; I did not feel like drinking after the anticlimactic end to that battle.

-Received Matriarch's Stinger

[Domarus 0]

Domarus turned to see how Grave reacted and saw that he seemed upset.  However the fact that he appeared upset before the congratulation menu popped up, told Domarus that he was upset for more reasons than the fact that the boss was killed swiftly.  When Grave showed that he had also received the stinger he nodded and placed his in his own inventory.  It would provide some use at a random time he thought to himself.  Perhaps a quest.  He began to open his battle menu to switch back to his dragon bone armor when Grave told him that he felt this battle wasn't worth the drink.  So that was it after all.  The man enjoyed a challenging battle was it?  When Domarus reached tier two perhaps he could challenge the player and give him that fight he's been looking for.  As long as he could build the relationship between the two up, therefore getting the player closer towards joining Domarus, he could care less if he lost.  However if he did lose, he'd need to rework his gear and skills.  That however was minor to the potential of gaining another follower.  As far as he was concerned, that was his top priority at the moment.  Gaining personal strength came second.  Then Grave asked him what he did with his victories.  Domarus grinned.
     "Well defeating a quest boss, or anything thus far for that matter, wouldn't really count as a victory for me.  This is more like exercise for me than anything else.  And thus I usually either grind, gather, help out the players in the town, craft or just get a drink.  However when I get to the real bosses...  Who knows?  I hope to have many allies by that time so perhaps we all go out and have a drink together.  That would be a great way to celebrate it in my opinion."  Domarus was, of course, referring to his eventual empire, but it was so vague it could be imagined as nothing more than friends, a party, or a guild if the player took it that far.  Domarus had considered making a guild, but not that deep into the matter.  He didn't think it mattered until he actually gathered followers first.  Keres walked over to the two, smiling as she did so and Rhozarth landed on Domarus' shoulder.  He grinned to his flaming dragon, who was told to observe and learn.  He needed the familiar to rank up soon.

@Grave

[Grave 0]

I tilted my head at Domarus's curious explanation, but nodded nonetheless; his victories were found in the events that made progress not just for himself but for others, it seemed. Something larger than just a creature that granted a boost in power, something more like a floor boss. I smiled at the surprisingly honorable notion, or as far as I could tell. "Well, I guess neither of us will be celebrating after that then. My spirits have been dampened by such an... underwhelming fight. Guess it is my just desserts for leaving such a low level quest until I am where I am now." I sighed and scratched the back of my head, watching Domarus's gargoyle-like dragon perch atop his shoulder, and Keres approached as well, her disturbing snake still present. "I believe this is where we part ways then, Domarus." I concluded with a friendly smile and an extended hand. "Been a pleasure fighting alongside you. Been a pleasure to meet you too, Keres, and both your familiars. Hikari agrees." I turned to the weasel that was now hiding in the collar of my coat, and she squeaked, recoiling slightly from the sight of the dragon. "Well, the dragon not so much." I added with a chuckle as she hid once more.

[Domarus 0]

The truth behind what Domarus had said was more of the fact that the quest bosses didn't seem too strong thus far and therefore weren't much of a challenge.  He was guessing that the event bosses and floor bosses would be far more deadly.  However in the sense of event bosses, he would be sorely wrong.  Domarus nodded after Grave had spoken.
     "Indeed.  I intend to clear all the easy quests first and then burn through the rest.  I intend to get stronger fast.  I've been lagging behind for too long."  Then Grave mentioned that it was time for them to part ways.  That was clear but Domarus was not through with Grave yet.  He would have a little talk with Aereth and have him investigate Grave, learn everything about him.  Shadow him if need be, but to do that his stealth needed to be maxed out.  He needed his scout to refocus on his scouting abilities.  He'd talk to him when it was revealed that he was a general.  For now however he would not worry about it.  He had other pressing matters that demanded his attention.  Domarus nodded to Grave.
     "Of course my friend."  The player then mentioned how it was a pleasure to meet Domarus, Keres and their familiars.  Then he messed with his own familiar and talked a little more, making a joke to which Domarus chuckled in response.  Rhozarth's expression was unchanged and Porvós simply flicked his tongue at the air.  Domarus shook Grave's hand.  
     "May we see each other on the battlefield again my friend.  I can assure you that I shall be stronger when we meet again."  Whether Grave could become a follower or not was secondary to the main priority of phase one:  finding all four generals.

@Grave