[F13 - SP] - Consequences of a Dishonest Hero - Arabian Nights: Part 3 [Hero & Liar Route] [Completed]

[Shield 0]

Spoiler

Progressive Story/Quest Series

[Arabian Nights]

Third Night - “Slander!”
This quest takes place on Floor 13
This quest is not repeatable

[Edited to exclude irrelevant quest options and paths]

Quest Background: (Hero Route)

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Completely unexpected, a message appears on your Inbox, the sender being the same NPC that tasked you twice before. He requests you to see him on the 13th floor. ‘Angel’s Share’ is the name of the Inn he selected as the meeting place. Upon your entry there, you notice that not only Ali but also his brother Cassin is there, with a beautiful redhead girl next to him. “Slander!” shouts Ali with all his might, showing signs of drunkenness. His partner in crime was in a similar state as he also had a drunken expression: “Aye brother! Those dirty thieves are spreading lies about us!” he added excited, empathizing by slamming his more than half emptied mug on the table. The girl who appeared to be the only one sober sighted; she is later introduced as their friend, Morgiana.
“Can I rely on your skills once more?” asks Ali in a surprisingly serious tone. “Can you and Morgiana go deal with those who spread lies about us?” he continued. On that instant, yet again a quest window appears in his immediate vicinity, will you accept it?

Route options:  None! Follow the consequences of your actions and be guided by luck.

Prerequisites:

• All of the thread participants must have completed the previous quests of this series:

1. First Night - "It all began with a couple of words" (Hero Route or Killer Route)
2. Second Night - "Have you heard?" (Any route)

• Players need to link the two threads, in their first post along with displaying their stats, skills(+mods), equipped items and battle ready inventory. 
• Players that went the 'Hero Route' cannot participate in the quest with players that completed the 'Killer route'.

 

Common Requirements:

1. Thread must have at least 1 completed page of roleplaying. (21+ posts).

2. Must roleplay talking to Ali at the Inn before and after you take on the quest, in min. 3 posts. (in total)

3. Fight against a group of thieves alongside Morgiana, she will become a extra member in your party.

4. As a group, you cannot opt to fight the thieves one by one, they spawn in groups. Morgiana doesn’t have the Sneak & Hide skill.

5. Any number of players can be take part in this quest. A party constitutes of 6 players max.+ Morgiana, for the first group If there is more than one party, the bandit number multiplies accordingly:
   Total number of bandits= 4(per group)*(number of parties)
   Note#1: The secondary party can have between 1 and 4 members, a secondary team can be formed only when there are more than 4 players participating on this quest.

6. In posts which contain multiple rolls, the roll order is as the following: Player roll -> Thief(s) roll || Player roll -> Morgiana || Player roll -> Morgiana -> Thief(s) roll -> Player roll.
   Note#2: When more than one player team is present, attack turns are as the following: Player team 1 -> Morgiana -> Bandit team 1 -> Player team 2 -> Morgiana -> Bandit team 2 / etc. || Player team 1 -> Morgiana -> Player team 2 -> Morgiana / etc.

 

Route Specific Developments (ramifications):

True of spirit, false in words! (Hero & Liar)

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1. Morgiana's polished instincts and intuition tell her that you may have not been entirely Honest with Ali in the past. Depending on the 2nd night's GM roll, she decides to ignore or heed them: 

• (CD: 1-3) She decides to ignore her instincts and trusts you; continue from the beginning of the  “I shall fight by your side!” ramification.
• (CD: 4-12) She heeds her instincts, she will ask you to come clean and admit your wrong doings. If you hand her the mask you gained in the previous quest, you will gain her trust. The item will completely disappear from your inventory. If you give her the mask, continue from the beginning of the  “I shall fight by your side!” ramification. 
  • Any other action, except handing her the Manticore mask, will result in her attacking you with her full damage, not stopping until either one of you is dead. In case that you refuse and manage to kill Morgiana continue with the following steps:

2. After killing Morgiana, players need to roll a LD of 18+ in order to find the location of the Treasure Cave.
3. Kill the Cave Guardian that stands in front of a stone entrance.
4. Quest ends directly after the defeat of the Cave Guardian, the fourth quest starts a few moments after the Quest Ending Window is closed.

 

Clarifications:

• Dice modifiers don't apply on the different conditions.
• For groups, sum the different BD/CD/LD/MD of the thread members and divide the result by their number.
• In case of duels, Morgiana will fight against the strongest player from the group(s) of players.
• The ramification is set by the thread creator's previous choices.

 

Quest Mob Information:

             

<<Elder Thief>> - A masked NPC in shady clothing of sand-like color wielding a dagger. The are only four Lieutenants that heed the Thief King's orders and manage the thieves in his stead. They receive their own dice roll!

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When rolling for a group of thieves, make sure to use your own username. The dice results apply to every member of the group.
Example: on a successful hit for 'Tri Pierce' each bandit will use that specific sword art on the player with most hate in the party. In case that 2 or more players have the same highest amount of hate, the thieves will split equally in and attack those players.

Note#4: You CANNOT modify the preset stats for the thieves. 

Stats: 

• Health: 400 / Damage Mitigation: 36 / Accuracy: 3 / Savvy: 1 / Tier 2 Bleed 
• Basic Damage: 15 (20 on a natural BD of 9 , 25 on a natural BD of 10)

Available Sword Arts / Conditions (Thief dice):
Bandits don't have an energy bar but they will use sword arts with every successful hit.

• Infinite - 5x1*(Basic Damage) / [On a successful hit, CD roll 1-3]
• Tri Pierce - 3x1*(Basic Damage) / [On a successful hit, CD roll 4-8]
• Cross Edge - 2x4*(Basic Damage) / [On a successful hit, CD roll 9-10, MD roll 1-5]
• Armor Pierce - 1x1*(Basic Damage) & Stun / [On a successful hit, CD roll 9-10, MD roll 6-10]
• Shadow Stitch - 3x2*(Basic Damage) / [On a successful hit, CD roll 11-12]

 

---

<<Morgiana>> - Friend of Ali and Cassin, she had been with them for a long while and swore to protect them as she would protect her family. She wears a apparently simple white robe, a pair of silvery hand ornaments and a golden pendant. She relays on her insticts and is pretty straightworward with her feelings. At first she acts cold and distant towards others but once they gain her trust and prove their worth to her, she will see them as a brother/sister in arms and fight by they side. Those that betray her will pay with their lives. Morgiana receives its own Dice Roll. When rolling for it, make sure to use your own username.

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Note#5: You CANNOT modify the preset stats for Morgiana.

Stats: 645 Health / 65 Damage Mitigation / Accuracy: 2 / Evasion: 2 / Tier 2 Burn (2 slots) / Tier 2 Flame Aura (2 slots)
30 Basic Damage (33 on a nat BD: 9, 35 on a nat BD: 10)

Equipment and Skills:

• Phoenix Equipment: Morgiana's items are supposedly enchanted with a firebird's spirit. Her hand ornaments in particular are a Tier 2 Rare Unique Gauntlets/Handwraps with 2 slots of Burn. 
   
• Crescent Moon - 3x1*(Basic Damage) & Stun/ [On a successful hit, CD roll 1-4]
• Tornado Kick - 1x4*(Basic Damage) & AoE / [On a successful hit, CD roll 5-8]
• Acupuncture - 4x2*(Basic Damage) / [On a successful hit, CD roll 9-10, LD roll 1-5]
• Tornado Spin - 1x7*(Basic Damage) & AoE / [On a successful hit, CD roll 9-10, LD roll 6-10]
• Embracer - 1x1*(Basic Damage) & Stun / [On a successful hit, CD roll 9-10, LD roll 11-20]
• Twisted Rod - 3x3*(Basic Damage) & Stun / [On a successful hit, CD roll 11-12, LD roll 1-10]
• Snapping Twig - 5x2*(Basic Damage) / [On a successful hit, CD roll 11-12, LD roll 11-20]

 

 

---

<<Cave Guardian>> - A field boss in the shape of a massive scorpion erupts from the sand, its giant pincers snapping and its tail stinger swaying threateningly. This beast will not let anyone but the Bandit King get close to the Stone Entrance of the Cave behind it.

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Stats: 735 Health / 65 Damage Mitigation / Accuracy: 3 / Evasion: 1 / Tier 2 Envenom (Offensive) (2 slots) / Tier 2 Envenom (Deffensive)  (2 slots)
150 Basic Damage

Abilities:

• Tornado twist ( 175 AoE Damage) - On its starting post, the mob activated a AoE skill that auto-hits all the members of the player party that engages it in battle. The scorpion's body starts spinning around raising the sand in its vicinity. The Envenom status effect apply to all players hit by this mob's ability. This ability affects Morgiana as well. This ability activated once every two full rotations.

 

Rewards:

1. 3 SP & 5,000 Col.

• The completion of this quest will be a prerequisite for continuing the series.

Quest Ending Description:

1. (Morgiana is not in your party) - As you stand in front of the supposed cave entrance blocked by massive stone, Ali comes from behind you. "You managed to get all the way here." he looks around the asks you with a puzzled expression: "But where's Morgiana?" Whatever you tell him the truth or not, it doesn't matter as he will rudely interrupt you saying: "Ah she'll get here. Now how about we take a good look inside. I've only been here once with Cassin but we we're found out by the Thief King and we didn't get a chance to explore it all." This quest stance ends there as the Quest Ending Window pops in front of you, displaying your hard earned rewards.

 

Recommended Level: 35
Parties or Groups of players are recommended and encouraged.

Credits: Morgiana is based on the character with the same name from the 'Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic' manga series written and illustrated by Shinobu Ohtaka.

Prerequisites:

Spoiler

Night One: Hero Route
GM Roll: 83099 - Battle: 4 - Craft: 5 - Loot: 12 - MOB: 3

 

Night Two: Liar Route
GM Roll: 83098 - Battle: 2 - Craft: 8 - Loot: 13 - MOB: 7

Result: True in Spirit, False in Words - Morgiana attacks after fight with thieves.

Shield Stats:
HP: 1094
EN: 96
DMG: 3
ACC: 0
EVA: -1
MIT: 134
BLD: 24 - 2 turns (8+)
THN: 42

Gear:
Bloody Hell (T2): 2 DMG, 24 Bleed (8+)
Razor Ire (T2): 28 Thorns , 1 Recovery
Pain Drinker (T2): 54 Regen

Familiar:
Norbert: 54 Mit

At Ready:

Steel Buckler - Vanity T2 shield
Seeking Aura - +3 LD Trinket (Equipped at start, but switching soon after)
Finder's Keeper - +1 Skill Slot Trinket(Search & Detect) (Equipped at start, but switching soon after) 
Healing Crystal (160 HP) x 3
Immolation Pot (14 Thn) x 5 - Drinking one
Manticore Mask - Taunt, +16 dmg Flame Aura (-14 dmg Thorns) Heavy Armor

Skills:
Block: 5
Heavy Armor: 5
Battle Healing: 3
Search & Detect: 1
Howl
Parry
Familiar - Mit: 3

Active Skill Mods:
Focused Howl
Stonewall

While it had not been terribly long since his acquisition of the Manticore Mask and the defeat of both the Manticore and the second batch of thieves, Shield awoke in his living room, sprawled out on the floor in front of the fireplace, with a message from Ali, the overly boisterous NPC from the first two Arabian Nights quests, awaiting his eyes. This time, he was being called to the thirteenth floor, to the Angel's Share tavern.

"Floor thirteen," he thought aloud, rubbing his eyes to clear the fleeting sleepiness that he willed to diminish. "That's likely going to mean much meaner foes. I'd better come prepared."

He stretched and stood up, swapping out his vanity flannel pajama pants and tshirt for the typical gear that he wore into combat, his Razor Ire chain armor, his Pain Drinker shield, and his Bloody Hell axe. In the wings, he kept his Seeking Aura and Finder's Keeper trinkets, as well as his Steel Buckler in case he needed the benefits of block while still using three slots worth of enhancements. Once he had checked and double checked his gear, he set off for Taft, and from there, teleported to the thirteenth floor.

The skies were just as dismal as ever, but the inside of the tavern was bright and warm. It was such a stark contrast that he almost felt as if he had fallen through a trap door into another floor, like the trap dungeon he had entered with his allies some time ago during the Search for the Hoya quest.

"My friend!" called out the familiar and, although expected, unwelcome greeting of Ali. Shield turned to greet him, extending a hand that he fully expected to be wrung out like a dish rag, which it was twice over, once by Ali and once by his brother, Cassin. There was a newcomer accompanying the familiar NPC, a surly looking woman with bright red hair.

Edited April 26, 2017 by Shield

[Shield 0]

After a profuse shaking, Shield managed to pull his hand free of the iron grip of Ali. He gave both NPC's a nod.

"Good to see you again too, Ali," he answered, massaging his hand. "What can I do for-"

"Slander!” shouted Ali with all his might, showing signs of drunkenness. His partner in crime, Cassin, seemed to be a similar statejudging by his expression.

“Aye brother! Those dirty thieves are spreading lies about us!” Cassin added excitedly, empathizing by slamming his more than half emptied mug on the table. The girl who appeared to be the only one sober sighted.

“Can I rely on your skills once more?” asked Ali in a surprisingly serious tone. “Can you and Morgiana go deal with those who spread lies about us?”

He gestured as he spoke to the woman, who in addition to her impatience with the drunken men, seemed to be eyeing Shield with calculated eyes. Shield returned her eye contact with a steady gaze, keeping his expression as neutral as possible. 

A side-effect of keeping the mask? We'll see what happens, I suppose.

Edited April 25, 2017 by Shield

[Shield 0]

He turned his gaze back to Ali, finally addressing the NPC's question as he put the staring contest on hold.

"Of course," he said with a sigh. "Give me the details and I'll get right on it."

Cassin took out a map and began plotting out exactly where the thieves in question were said to gather. It was beginning to seem rather formulaic. The player gets notified of a quest, they're sent off to fight some thieves, they do something pivotal, they fight more thieves, and then they get a payout. That addition of the NPC escort was new though. Once he had finished documenting the details on his own map, he sent a message off to one of the more informed information brokers he dealt with.

Quote

"In part 3 of the Arabian Nights quest, what role does the NPC tagalong serve? She seems suspicious of me. I did lie to the NPC's in the last installment, to be fair, but I still saved Cassin before that."

He attached a few Col to the message before motioning for the woman, apparently named Morgiana, to follow him.

Edited April 25, 2017 by Shield

[Shield 0]

The journey was a short one, but before Shield and Morgiana managed to catch sight of the bandit's den, he heard the ping from his message box. He pulled up his messages, eager to read the reply from his broker.

Quote

"- Shield

You mean Morgiana? She helps you fight through the thieves since they're a little tougher, but if you lied about the mask, dollars to donuts she's going to turn on you as soon as they're dead. Good luck, brother. Most of her attacks are no big, but if she crits on the right sword art, you're out a lot of health.

Pleasure doing business!"

Shield frowned to himself as he thought through his options. However, something occurred to him. If she helped him in the first fight and then turned around and attacked him, then allowing the thieves to take some health out of her would help him take her down more effectively when they fought. He kept the thought to himself, quickening his pace.

As they rounded a bend in the road, four figures darted out from behind rotting trees, surrounding the player and his NPC escort. Shield put up his weapon, and, just as expected, Morgiana charged forward, swinging her fists into the crowd of thieves.

Spoiler

Morgiana:

Action: Parry

ID# 83117 results:

 Battle: 2 + 2 = 4 - Miss thief 1

ID# 83118 results:

 Battle: 7 + 3 - 2 (+2 savvy for 1) = 8 (10) - All Hit Morgiana! - 5 x 15 dmg = 75 - 65 = 10 dmg x 4 = 40 dmg, Flame Aura - 32 dmg

 Craft: 2 - Infinite

 

[H:0] Shield - HP: 1094/1094: EP: 96/96 | DMG: 1 | EVA: -1 | MIT: 134 | RGN: | BH:30 | THN:

[H:0] Morgiana - HP: 605/645 | DMG: 30 (33 on 9, 35 on 10) | MIT: 65 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | BRN: 24 (8+) | FLA: 32

[CD 1-4] Crescent Moon - 3 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 5-8] Tornado Kick - 4 x (Basic Damage) & AoE
[CD 9-10]
    [LD 1-5] Acupuncture - 8 x (Basic Damage)
    [LD 6-10] Tornado Spin - 7 x (Basic Damage) & AoE
    [LD 11+] Embracer - 1 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 11+]
    [LD 1-10] Twisted Rod - 9 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
    [LD 11-20] Snapping Twig - 10 x (Basic Damage)

 

Elder Thief 1 - HP: 368/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) 
Elder Thief 2 - HP: 368/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) 
Elder Thief 3 - HP: 368/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) 
Elder Thief 4 - HP: 368/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) 

[CD 1-3] Infinite - 5 x (Basic Damage)
[CD 4-8] Tri Pierce - 3 x (Basic Damage)
[CD 9-10]
    [MD 1-5] Cross Edge - 8 x (Basic Damage)
    [MD 6+] Armor Pierce - 1 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 11+] Shadow Stitch - 6 x (Basic Damage)

Her flailing strikes failed to connect, while the rogues each managed to take a small piece out of her health. However, Shield was dismayed to see that their hands were covered in burns as they withdrew from their attacks, each of their health bars having suffered as a result of the attack.

They're already in worse shape than she is, and she hasn't even landed a punch!

Edited April 25, 2017 by Shield

[Shield 0]

Spoiler

ID# 83120 results:

 Battle: 7 + 2  - Hit all! - 30 x 4 = 120 dmg - 36 mit = 84 dmg

 Craft: 5 - Tornado Kick

ID# 83121 results:

 Battle: 9 - 2 + 3 = 10 - Hit Morgiana! - 20 x 3 = 60 dmg - 65 = 1 dmg x 4 = 4 dmg, Bleed - 24 dmg / 2 turns

 Craft: 4 - Tri Pierce

 

[H:0] Shield - HP: 1094/1094: EP: 96/96 | DMG: 1 | EVA: -1 | MIT: 134 | RGN: | BH:30 | THN:

[H:1] Morgiana - HP: 577/645 | DMG: 30 (33 on 9, 35 on 10) | MIT: 65 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | BRN: 24 (8+) | FLA: 32 - BLD 1/2

[CD 1-4] Crescent Moon - 3 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 5-8] Tornado Kick - 4 x (Basic Damage) & AoE
[CD 9-10]
    [LD 1-5] Acupuncture - 8 x (Basic Damage)
    [LD 6-10] Tornado Spin - 7 x (Basic Damage) & AoE
    [LD 11+] Embracer - 1 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 11+]
    [LD 1-10] Twisted Rod - 9 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
    [LD 11-20] Snapping Twig - 10 x (Basic Damage)

 

Elder Thief 1 - HP: 284/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) 
Elder Thief 2 - HP: 284/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) 
Elder Thief 3 - HP: 284/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) 
Elder Thief 4 - HP: 284/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) 

[CD 1-3] Infinite - 5 x (Basic Damage)
[CD 4-8] Tri Pierce - 3 x (Basic Damage)
[CD 9-10]
    [MD 1-5] Cross Edge - 8 x (Basic Damage)
    [MD 6+] Armor Pierce - 1 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 11+] Shadow Stitch - 6 x (Basic Damage)

As the thieves grouped up for a second attack, Shield saw Morgiana's legs begin to glow the same glow that Beats did any time he fought a crowd of mobs.

"Oh, Balls," he muttered, standing back as the red haired woman launched into the air and spun twice, sending the top of her foot into each of the rogue's heads and taking a more than considerable chunk out of their health bars. They were not in the yellow yet, but they were more than half way there.

Meanwhile, the rogues each kipped back up onto their feet and came back, knives flashing, catching the NPC just as she landed and riddling her body with slashes and slices along her most vital spots. Little traces of red pixelated blood spurted from each cut, and her health began to slowly drain, but despite this having been a good attack for them, the effects were negligible.

"This may not be as helpful as I had hoped..."

Edited April 25, 2017 by Shield

[Shield 0]

Spoiler

ID# 83122 results:

 Battle: 3 + 2 = 5 - Missed thief 1!

ID# 83123 results:

 Battle: 1 - Miss

[H:0] Shield - HP: 1094/1094: EP: 96/96 | DMG: 1 | EVA: -1 | MIT: 134 | RGN: | BH:30 | THN:

[H:1] Morgiana - HP: 553/645 | DMG: 30 (33 on 9, 35 on 10) | MIT: 65 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | BRN: 24 (8+) | FLA: 32 - BLD END

[CD 1-4] Crescent Moon - 3 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 5-8] Tornado Kick - 4 x (Basic Damage) & AoE
[CD 9-10]
    [LD 1-5] Acupuncture - 8 x (Basic Damage)
    [LD 6-10] Tornado Spin - 7 x (Basic Damage) & AoE
    [LD 11+] Embracer - 1 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 11+]
    [LD 1-10] Twisted Rod - 9 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
    [LD 11-20] Snapping Twig - 10 x (Basic Damage)

 

Elder Thief 1 - HP: 284/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) 
Elder Thief 2 - HP: 284/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) 
Elder Thief 3 - HP: 284/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) 
Elder Thief 4 - HP: 284/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) 

[CD 1-3] Infinite - 5 x (Basic Damage)
[CD 4-8] Tri Pierce - 3 x (Basic Damage)
[CD 9-10]
    [MD 1-5] Cross Edge - 8 x (Basic Damage)
    [MD 6+] Armor Pierce - 1 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 11+] Shadow Stitch - 6 x (Basic Damage)

Shield continued to hang back, Morgiana already having drawn enough hate by striking first to no longer require any defensive actions on Shield's part. She stepped closer to the thieves, making a swing out of blind rage at having been cut so many times, but the rogues scattered, springing off of the nearby stones and trees to come back for their own attacks.

However, as Morgiana's fist streaked through the air, she rounded out the swing by ducking into a perfect roll. The thieves, having planned on her remaining stationary, bounded back to find the space unoccupied and had to stop their attacks short, lest they strike one another by mistake. Shield, meanwhile, kept a close eye on Morgiana's health. To his surprise, accepting the quest had forcibly added her to his party. Her health bar stopped depleting from the bleed effect just about the 550 mark. She was not even down a hundred hit points.

Edited April 25, 2017 by Shield

[Shield 0]

Spoiler

Morgiana:

ID# 83124 results:

 Battle: 9 + 2 = 11 - Hit thief 1! - 99 dmg - 36 mit = 63 dmg, Stun! Burn - 24 dmg / 2 turns

 Craft: 6 - Crescent Moon

Thieves:

ID# 83125 results:

 Battle: 4 + 3 - 2 = 5 - All Miss!

[H:0] Shield - HP: 1094/1094: EP: 96/96 | DMG: 1 | EVA: -1 | MIT: 134 | RGN: | BH:30 | THN:
[H:1 - 1:3] Morgiana - HP: 553/645 | DMG: 30 (33 on 9, 35 on 10) | MIT: 65 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | BRN: 24 (8+) | FLA: 32

[CD 1-4] Crescent Moon - 3 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 5-8] Tornado Kick - 4 x (Basic Damage) & AoE
[CD 9-10]
    [LD 1-5] Acupuncture - 8 x (Basic Damage)
    [LD 6-10] Tornado Spin - 7 x (Basic Damage) & AoE
    [LD 11+] Embracer - 1 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 11+]
    [LD 1-10] Twisted Rod - 9 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
    [LD 11-20] Snapping Twig - 10 x (Basic Damage)

 

Elder Thief 1 - HP: 197/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) STN, BRN 1/2
Elder Thief 2 - HP: 284/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) 
Elder Thief 3 - HP: 284/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) 
Elder Thief 4 - HP: 284/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) 

[CD 1-3] Infinite - 5 x (Basic Damage)
[CD 4-8] Tri Pierce - 3 x (Basic Damage)
[CD 9-10]
    [MD 1-5] Cross Edge - 8 x (Basic Damage)
    [MD 6+] Armor Pierce - 1 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 11+] Shadow Stitch - 6 x (Basic Damage)

With a roar, Morgiana was back into the fray. Her hand balled into a fist, her arm straightening as she threw a punch into the head of the nearest thief. It connected and then some, her stiff arm driving the force of her punch hard enough to lay the thief out. His health dropped into the yellow, and more than that, his clothing seemed to be burning. Shield glanced back over at the brawler build, and her fist, still extended, glowed with its own smoldering flames.

The thieves leaped back, thrown by the shock of such a powerful attack. The victim of her strike, meanwhile, seemed unable to rise, or even to move for that matter. He was not dead, else he would have burst like a glowing glass pane, but he seemed to either be paralyzed or stunned.

I never thought I'd find myself rooting for the thieves, and yet here I am... Get up! Gut the wench!

Edited April 25, 2017 by Shield

[Shield 0]

Spoiler

Morgiana - ID# 83126 results:

 Battle: 8 + 2 = 10 - Hit thief 1! - 10 x 30 = 300 dmg - 36 mit = 264, Burn - 24 dmg / 2 turns

 Craft: 12 / Loot: 16 - Snapping Twig

Thieves - ID# 83127 results:

 Battle: 6 + 3 - 2 = 7 - All hit! - 3 x 15 = 45 - 65 mit = 1 x 3 = 3 dmg, Flame Aura - 32 dmg

 Craft: 5 - Tri pierce

[H:0] Shield - HP: 1094/1094: EP: 96/96 | DMG: 1 | EVA: -1 | MIT: 134 | RGN: | BH:30 | THN:
[H:1] Morgiana - HP: 550/645 | DMG: 30 (33 on 9, 35 on 10) | MIT: 65 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | BRN: 24 (8+) | FLA: 32

[CD 1-4] Crescent Moon - 3 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 5-8] Tornado Kick - 4 x (Basic Damage) & AoE
[CD 9-10]
    [LD 1-5] Acupuncture - 8 x (Basic Damage)
    [LD 6-10] Tornado Spin - 7 x (Basic Damage) & AoE
    [LD 11+] Embracer - 1 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 11+]
    [LD 1-10] Twisted Rod - 9 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
    [LD 11-20] Snapping Twig - 10 x (Basic Damage)

 

Elder Thief 1 - HP: -91/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) [DEAD]
Elder Thief 2 - HP: 252/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+)
Elder Thief 3 - HP: 252/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) 
Elder Thief 4 - HP: 252/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) 

[CD 1-3] Infinite - 5 x (Basic Damage)
[CD 4-8] Tri Pierce - 3 x (Basic Damage)
[CD 9-10]
    [MD 1-5] Cross Edge - 8 x (Basic Damage)
    [MD 6+] Armor Pierce - 1 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 11+] Shadow Stitch - 6 x (Basic Damage)

Shield's prayers would not be answered, however. The next attack that Morgiana sent towards the momentarily half-lifed rogue was a downward sweeping axe kick that literally cratered its face as the rest of his body exploded into blue glowing fractals. Shield's jaw tightened as the number of damage sources dwindled before his eyes.

Meanwhile, the other rogues, hoping to exact some revenge, surrounded her, sending a number of strikes into her body that did... next to no damage. Growling and swearing under his breath, Shield watched as the rogues individually lost more health out of their bars for attacking her than they dealt to her altogether.

"This must be what it's like to be a monster fighting me," he grumbled, watching as the rogues continued to tick down closer to half health. He had half a mind to jump in himself, but he had a sneaking suspicion that if he were to jump in now, he would earn himself an orange cursor. He had heard of the same happening to players who killed Cassin in the first part of the quest line.

Edited April 26, 2017 by Shield

[Shield 0]

Spoiler

Morgiana - ID# 83130 results:

 Battle: 7 + 2 = 9 - Hit Thief 2! - 30 dmg - 36 mit = 1 dmg, Stun!

 Craft: 10 / Loot: 16 - Embracer

Thieves - ID# 83131 results:

 Battle: 7 + 3 - 2 = 8 - All hit! - 15 x 1 = 15 dmg - 65 mit = 1 x 2 - 2 dmg, Stun!, Flame Aura - 32 dmg

 Craft: 10 / MOB: 10 - Armor Pierce

[H:0] Shield - HP: 1094/1094: EP: 96/96 | DMG: 1 | EVA: -1 | MIT: 134 | RGN: | BH:30 | THN:
[H:1] Morgiana - HP: 548/645 | DMG: 30 (33 on 9, 35 on 10) | MIT: 65 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | BRN: 24 (8+) | FLA: 32 STUN

[CD 1-4] Crescent Moon - 3 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 5-8] Tornado Kick - 4 x (Basic Damage) & AoE
[CD 9-10]
    [LD 1-5] Acupuncture - 8 x (Basic Damage)
    [LD 6-10] Tornado Spin - 7 x (Basic Damage) & AoE
    [LD 11+] Embracer - 1 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 11+]
    [LD 1-10] Twisted Rod - 9 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
    [LD 11-20] Snapping Twig - 10 x (Basic Damage)

Elder Thief 1 - HP: -91/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) [DEAD]
Elder Thief 2 - HP: 227/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) STUN
Elder Thief 3 - HP: 228/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) 
Elder Thief 4 - HP: 228/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) 

[CD 1-3] Infinite - 5 x (Basic Damage)
[CD 4-8] Tri Pierce - 3 x (Basic Damage)
[CD 9-10]
    [MD 1-5] Cross Edge - 8 x (Basic Damage)
    [MD 6+] Armor Pierce - 1 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 11+] Shadow Stitch - 6 x (Basic Damage)

It was becoming painful to watch. Even with superior numbers, the rogues were outclassed. Shield continued to mutter curses and expletives under his breath as Morgiana managed to stun another of the thieves, thought his time with an attack weak enough that it did next to no damage. Still, it was enough. No matter how well the thieves managed to strike, there would only be two sources of damage.

However, it seemed that turnabout was fair play. In Morgiana's triumph at having stunned yet another of her puny adversaries, The remaining active rogues each slipped their knives between sections of the martial artist's padding. In the corner of his screen, Shield noticed a yellow stun icon appear next to Morgiana's name. She was out of commission, at least for a moment, and would be considerably easier to strike.

There we go! That's the way to do it!

It still felt backwards for him to be cheering for them, but this was the best and smartest way to proceed. Let them all wind each other down.

Edited April 26, 2017 by Shield

[Shield 0]

Spoiler

Morgiana - Stunned!

Thieves - ID# 83132 results:

 Battle: 4 + 3 = 7 - Hit! - 3 x 15 = 45 dmg - 65 mit = 1 dmg x 3 = 3 dmg, Flame Aura - 32 dmg

 Craft: 5 - Tri Pierce

[H:0] Shield - HP: 1094/1094: EP: 96/96 | DMG: 1 | EVA: -1 | MIT: 134 | RGN: | BH:30 | THN:
[H:1] Morgiana - HP: 545/645 | DMG: 30 (33 on 9, 35 on 10) | MIT: 65 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | BRN: 24 (8+) | FLA: 32

[CD 1-4] Crescent Moon - 3 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 5-8] Tornado Kick - 4 x (Basic Damage) & AoE
[CD 9-10]
    [LD 1-5] Acupuncture - 8 x (Basic Damage)
    [LD 6-10] Tornado Spin - 7 x (Basic Damage) & AoE
    [LD 11+] Embracer - 1 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 11+]
    [LD 1-10] Twisted Rod - 9 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
    [LD 11-20] Snapping Twig - 10 x (Basic Damage)

Elder Thief 1 - HP: -91/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) [DEAD]
Elder Thief 2 - HP: 203/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+)
Elder Thief 3 - HP: 204/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) 
Elder Thief 4 - HP: 204/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) 

[CD 1-3] Infinite - 5 x (Basic Damage)
[CD 4-8] Tri Pierce - 3 x (Basic Damage)
[CD 9-10]
    [MD 1-5] Cross Edge - 8 x (Basic Damage)
    [MD 6+] Armor Pierce - 1 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 11+] Shadow Stitch - 6 x (Basic Damage)

Shield had let his hopes rise in the moment of the NPC's weakness, but he should have known better than to trust Cardinal to do the work for him. Despite their attacks being an almost assured hit, the thieves each picked the same weak sword art that had failed already to deal more than minimal damage. He slapped both palms against his foreheads as he watched the rogues all fall victim to their paralyzed opponent, each taking more damage than they managed to deal.

It was about this time that Shield had to make up his mind that this fight was not going to go the way he had hoped. While the following battle would be less danger for him, and while he's learned more than a little about how to handle the martial artist if and when she turned on him, she was not going to be nearly as low on health as he had hoped by the time they went toe to toe.

Edited April 26, 2017 by Shield

[Shield 0]

Spoiler

Morgiana - ID# 83134 results:

 Battle: 8 + 2 = 10 - Hit thief 2! - 30 x 9 = 270 dmg - 36 mit = 234 dmg, Burn - 24 dmg / 2 turns

 Craft: 11 / Loot: 1 - Twisted Rod

Thieves - ID# 83135 results:

 Battle: 9 + 3 - 2 = 10 - All hit! - 3 x 20 = 60 - 65 mit = 1 dmg x 2 = 2 dmg, Bleed - 24 dmg / 2 turns

 Craft: 7 / MOB: 5 - Tri Pierce

[H:0] Shield - HP: 1094/1094: EP: 96/96 | DMG: 1 | EVA: -1 | MIT: 134 | RGN: | BH:30 | THN:
[H:1] Morgiana - HP: 519/645 | DMG: 30 (33 on 9, 35 on 10) | MIT: 65 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | BRN: 24 (8+) | FLA: 32 - BLD 1/2

[CD 1-4] Crescent Moon - 3 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 5-8] Tornado Kick - 4 x (Basic Damage) & AoE
[CD 9-10]
    [LD 1-5] Acupuncture - 8 x (Basic Damage)
    [LD 6-10] Tornado Spin - 7 x (Basic Damage) & AoE
    [LD 11+] Embracer - 1 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 11+]
    [LD 1-10] Twisted Rod - 9 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
    [LD 11-20] Snapping Twig - 10 x (Basic Damage)

Elder Thief 1 - HP: -91/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) [DEAD]
Elder Thief 2 - HP: -55/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) [DEAD]
Elder Thief 3 - HP: 204/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) 
Elder Thief 4 - HP: 204/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) 

[CD 1-3] Infinite - 5 x (Basic Damage)
[CD 4-8] Tri Pierce - 3 x (Basic Damage)
[CD 9-10]
    [MD 1-5] Cross Edge - 8 x (Basic Damage)
    [MD 6+] Armor Pierce - 1 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 11+] Shadow Stitch - 6 x (Basic Damage)

Morgiana, her bodily control returning to her, leaped into the air, turning around in midair as she switched feet and sent the other heel through the head of the next rogue. His health bar vanished in an instant, and he exploded into light and shards at the impact of the martial artist's powerful kick. The remaining two rallied, each managing to land what had to have been critical strikes by their placement and the resulting fountains of red pixels, but the damage had been exactly the same as the prior attack.

"Do they even KNOW other sword arts?" he groaned, hiding his face in his hands as the battle failed to improve.

It was around this time that he was reminded of a quote, something to the effect that attempting the same action repeatedly and expecting different results was the definition of insanity. In this case, however, Shield settled for the thought that it was merely the opposite of artificial intelligence.

Edited April 26, 2017 by Shield

[Shield 0]

Spoiler

Morgiana - ID# 83138 results:

 Battle: 8 - Hit thief 3! - 300 dmg - 36 mit = 264 dmg, Burn - 24 dmg / 2 turns

 Craft: 11 / Loot: 17 - Snapping Twig

ID# 83139 results:

 Battle: 10 + 3 - 2 = 11 - Hit! - 25 x 8 = 200 dmg - 65 mit = 135 dmg, Bleed - 24 / 2 turns

 Craft: 9 / MOB: 1 - Cross Edge

[H:0] Shield - HP: 1094/1094: EP: 96/96 | DMG: 1 | EVA: -1 | MIT: 134 | RGN: | BH:30 | THN:
[H:1] Morgiana - HP: 360/645 | DMG: 30 (33 on 9, 35 on 10) | MIT: 65 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | BRN: 24 (8+) | FLA: 32 - BLD 1/2

[CD 1-4] Crescent Moon - 3 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 5-8] Tornado Kick - 4 x (Basic Damage) & AoE
[CD 9-10]
    [LD 1-5] Acupuncture - 8 x (Basic Damage)
    [LD 6-10] Tornado Spin - 7 x (Basic Damage) & AoE
    [LD 11+] Embracer - 1 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 11+]
    [LD 1-10] Twisted Rod - 9 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
    [LD 11-20] Snapping Twig - 10 x (Basic Damage)

Elder Thief 1 - HP: -91/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) [DEAD]
Elder Thief 2 - HP: -55/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) [DEAD]
Elder Thief 3 - HP: -84/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) [DEAD]
Elder Thief 4 - HP: 204/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) 

[CD 1-3] Infinite - 5 x (Basic Damage)
[CD 4-8] Tri Pierce - 3 x (Basic Damage)
[CD 9-10]
    [MD 1-5] Cross Edge - 8 x (Basic Damage)
    [MD 6+] Armor Pierce - 1 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 11+] Shadow Stitch - 6 x (Basic Damage)

The martial artist stamped her foot, turning her hips as she pivoted on her planted ankle and powered her foot through the head of yet another thief, leaving only one standing. Shield buried his face deeper in his hands, shaking his head in disbelief at the pitiful fight the rogues had managed to put up. With a deep breath to gather his willpower, he withdrew his face to watch what he was sure would be the last moments of the fight.

The remaining bandit, however, sprang into the air and knocked Morgiana to the ground, pinning her by one shoulder and swiping his blade back and forth across her face. Shield watched as her health gauge plummeted, and his jaw dropped. In the party HUD, her health read that it had dropped over a hundred hit points as well as sustaining the Bleed status effect.

Could it be that these rogues have death throes and kick into high gear when they're the last ones standing?

Edited April 26, 2017 by Shield

[Shield 0]

Spoiler

Morgiana - ID# 83140 results:

 Battle: 1 - Missed thief 4

ID# 83141 results:

 Battle: 6 + 3 - 2 + 1 = 8 - Hit! - 15 x 5 = 75 dmg - 65 mit = 10 dmg, Flame Aura - 32 dmg

 Craft: 3 - Infinite

[H:0] Shield - HP: 1094/1094: EP: 96/96 | DMG: 1 | EVA: -1 | MIT: 134 | RGN: | BH:30 | THN:
[H:1] Morgiana - HP: 326/645 | DMG: 30 (33 on 9, 35 on 10) | MIT: 65 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | BRN: 24 (8+) | FLA: 32 - BLD END

[CD 1-4] Crescent Moon - 3 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 5-8] Tornado Kick - 4 x (Basic Damage) & AoE
[CD 9-10]
    [LD 1-5] Acupuncture - 8 x (Basic Damage)
    [LD 6-10] Tornado Spin - 7 x (Basic Damage) & AoE
    [LD 11+] Embracer - 1 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 11+]
    [LD 1-10] Twisted Rod - 9 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
    [LD 11-20] Snapping Twig - 10 x (Basic Damage)

Elder Thief 1 - HP: -91/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) [DEAD]
Elder Thief 2 - HP: -55/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) [DEAD]
Elder Thief 3 - HP: -84/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) [DEAD]
Elder Thief 4 - HP: 172/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) 

[CD 1-3] Infinite - 5 x (Basic Damage)
[CD 4-8] Tri Pierce - 3 x (Basic Damage)
[CD 9-10]
    [MD 1-5] Cross Edge - 8 x (Basic Damage)
    [MD 6+] Armor Pierce - 1 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 11+] Shadow Stitch - 6 x (Basic Damage)

Shield let out a groan at the next exchange. As if thrown for a loop by the powerful strike, the martial artist managed to do little more than knock the rogue away. However, it still managed to get in a strike before she managed to do so.

"But that was- Your other sword art is stronge- Why would you... What!?" he burst, practically pulling his hair out in frustration. "How can you knock so much of her health away with one attack and then go back to something weaker with the next?"

His teeth ground together as he stamped in a circle, holding his upturned hands out in questioning disbelief. He had thrown all pretense of being allies out the window now, openly egging the rogue on as his NPC companion stumbled back to her feet. Morgiana's wounds closed as her health stabilized. Shield had twice now watched her do nearly, if not easily, enough to finish off the remaining rogue. It was just a matter of time.

Edited April 26, 2017 by Shield

[Shield 0]

Spoiler

Morgiana - ID# 83142 results:

 Battle: 1 - Miss

ID# 83145 results:

 Battle: 5 + 3 - 2 + 1 = 7 - Hit! - 15 x 3 = 45 - 65 mit = 1 dmg, Flame Aura - 32 dmg

 Craft: 8 - Tri Pierce

[H:0] Shield - HP: 1094/1094: EP: 96/96 | DMG: 1 | EVA: -1 | MIT: 134 | RGN: | BH:30 | THN:
[H:1] Morgiana - HP: 325/645 | DMG: 30 (33 on 9, 35 on 10) | MIT: 65 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | BRN: 24 (8+) | FLA: 32

[CD 1-4] Crescent Moon - 3 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 5-8] Tornado Kick - 4 x (Basic Damage) & AoE
[CD 9-10]
    [LD 1-5] Acupuncture - 8 x (Basic Damage)
    [LD 6-10] Tornado Spin - 7 x (Basic Damage) & AoE
    [LD 11+] Embracer - 1 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 11+]
    [LD 1-10] Twisted Rod - 9 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
    [LD 11-20] Snapping Twig - 10 x (Basic Damage)

Elder Thief 1 - HP: -91/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) [DEAD]
Elder Thief 2 - HP: -55/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) [DEAD]
Elder Thief 3 - HP: -84/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) [DEAD]
Elder Thief 4 - HP: 140/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) 

[CD 1-3] Infinite - 5 x (Basic Damage)
[CD 4-8] Tri Pierce - 3 x (Basic Damage)
[CD 9-10]
    [MD 1-5] Cross Edge - 8 x (Basic Damage)
    [MD 6+] Armor Pierce - 1 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 11+] Shadow Stitch - 6 x (Basic Damage)

Morgiana attempted another finishing blow, planting her foot for another kick, but the rogue, for once, saw her telegraph her attack and dodged to the side, rolling and coming up on her flank as her foot swished harmlessly through the air. Shield might have normally let himself get excited at the possibility of the rogue finally wising up and fighting right, but he would have been immediately let down again as the failure of a mob used its favorite and least effective sword art again.

The usual song and dance transpired, with Morgiana losing next to no health and the rogue suffering thirty fold what she suffered from his own attack. Shield shook his head, resting his cheek in his hand as he watched the fight, still flabbergasted at the pathetic artificial intelligence. Regardless of how long it took, he began preparing himself for whatever confrontation was coming between the martial artist and himself.

Edited April 26, 2017 by Shield

[Shield 0]

Spoiler

Morgiana - ID# 83146 results:

 Battle: 9 + 2 = 11 - Hit! - 33 x 9 = 297 - 36 mit = 261 dmg, Burn - 24 dmg / 2 turns

 Craft: 12 / Loot: 2 - Twisting Rod

[H:0] Shield - HP: 1094/1094: EP: 96/96 | DMG: 1 | EVA: -1 | MIT: 134 | RGN: | BH:30 | THN:
[H:1] Morgiana - HP: 325/645 | DMG: 30 (33 on 9, 35 on 10) | MIT: 65 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | BRN: 24 (8+) | FLA: 32

[CD 1-4] Crescent Moon - 3 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 5-8] Tornado Kick - 4 x (Basic Damage) & AoE
[CD 9-10]
    [LD 1-5] Acupuncture - 8 x (Basic Damage)
    [LD 6-10] Tornado Spin - 7 x (Basic Damage) & AoE
    [LD 11+] Embracer - 1 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 11+]
    [LD 1-10] Twisted Rod - 9 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
    [LD 11-20] Snapping Twig - 10 x (Basic Damage)

Elder Thief 1 - HP: -91/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) [DEAD]
Elder Thief 2 - HP: -55/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) [DEAD]
Elder Thief 3 - HP: -84/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) [DEAD]
Elder Thief 4 - HP: -145/400 | DMG: 15 (20 on 9, 25 on 10) | MIT: 36 | ACC: 3 | SAV: 1 | BLD: 24 (8+) [DEAD]

[CD 1-3] Infinite - 5 x (Basic Damage)
[CD 4-8] Tri Pierce - 3 x (Basic Damage)
[CD 9-10]
    [MD 1-5] Cross Edge - 8 x (Basic Damage)
    [MD 6+] Armor Pierce - 1 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 11+] Shadow Stitch - 6 x (Basic Damage)

It had been a long time coming, but with one last stamp and swish of her foot, Morgiana ended the fight, crashing her foot all the way through the last of the rogues. Shield let out a sigh. He was unhappy to see how little they did, but it was still a relief that the struggle was over. As much as he believed in saving his own skin, he hated not doing anything.

"Well, that's that," he said aloud, folding his arms over his chest as he watched to see the NPC's next move.

The woman looked at Shield, her eyes narrowed as she stepped over to him, her light boots padding across the stone strewn ground. She stopped in front of the tank, crossing her arms over her chest.

"It's time we had a chat," the woman said, narrowing her eyes further.

"About how I left you to the wolves?" he asked, at this point, confident that the quest wasn't intelligent enough to notice it was being mocked.

"That last errand Ali sent you on," she said, completely ignoring his question. "You found more than you claimed, didn't you?"

In the message from the broker, Shield did not remember seeing an option to avoid the upcoming fight, but he did his best regardless.

"I think your imagination is getting the better of you," he replied, trying to deflect the conversation.

"A likely story," she snapped, which only somewhat fit with Shield's response. He had a feeling his reply was irrelevant. "You're not worth trusting, and for that matter, not worth leaving alive."

Edited April 26, 2017 by Shield

[Shield 0]

Spoiler

Shield - ID# 83157 results:

 Battle: 1 - 2 = -1 - Miss

Morgiana - ID# 83158 results:

 Battle: 2 + 2 + 1 = 5 - Miss

[H:0] Shield - HP: 1094/1094: EP: 96/96 | DMG: 1 | EVA: -1 | MIT: 134 | RGN: | BH:30 | THN:
[H:1] Morgiana - HP: 325/645 | DMG: 30 (33 on 9, 35 on 10) | MIT: 65 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | BRN: 24 (8+) | FLA: 32

[CD 1-4] Crescent Moon - 3 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 5-8] Tornado Kick - 4 x (Basic Damage) & AoE
[CD 9-10]
        [LD 1-5] Acupuncture - 8 x (Basic Damage)
        [LD 6-10] Tornado Spin - 7 x (Basic Damage) & AoE
        [LD 11+] Embracer - 1 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 11+]
        [LD 1-10] Twisted Rod - 9 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
        [LD 11-20] Snapping Twig - 10 x (Basic Damage)

"Alright," Shield sighed. "But for the record, I think this whole fight is a bad idea."

That, apparently, was all of the dialogue that the game had planned. Morgiana charged in fists first, swinging so wildly that Shield found it difficult to get a bead on her. He took a few swipes here and there, but each fell wide of the agile martial artist.

"I wonder if this is what it's like fighting Beat in this system," he thought aloud. "Sure, I fought him countless times in Crossreign, but never as a martial artist. Besides, the graphics were far less immersive than anything the Nerve Gear can produce."

He was letting his attention slide. That was something he probably shouldn't let happen in this fight. While most foes were no trouble for him, he had seen this fighter do some unbelievably high damage. While his defenses could most likely handle it, he couldn't be too careful.

Edited April 26, 2017 by Shield

[Shield 0]

Spoiler

Shield - ID# 83159 results:

 Battle: 10 - 2 = 8 - Hit! - 3 dmg + 2 = 5 dmg - 65 mit = 1, Bleed - 24 dmg / 2 turns

Morgiana - ID# 83160 results:

 Battle: 7 + 2 + 1 = 10 - Hit! - 30 x 3 = 90 dmg - 134 mit = 1 dmg, Thorns - 42 dmg, Stun!

 Craft: 1 - Crescent Moon

[H:2] Shield - HP: 1094/1094: EP: 96/96 | DMG: 1 | EVA: -1 | MIT: 134 | RGN: 54 | BH:30 | THN: 42 - STN

Morgiana - HP: 258/645 | DMG: 30 (33 on 9, 35 on 10) | MIT: 65 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | BRN: 24 (8+) | FLA: 32

[CD 1-4] Crescent Moon - 3 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 5-8] Tornado Kick - 4 x (Basic Damage) & AoE
[CD 9-10]
        [LD 1-5] Acupuncture - 8 x (Basic Damage)
        [LD 6-10] Tornado Spin - 7 x (Basic Damage) & AoE
        [LD 11+] Embracer - 1 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 11+]
        [LD 1-10] Twisted Rod - 9 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
        [LD 11-20] Snapping Twig - 10 x (Basic Damage)

With time, Shield began to see some method to the madness. While the attacks were rapid, unhindered by weapons, he could still see them winding up from the ground, like with any real martial artist.

You're still bound by rules.

With his eyes narrowed and focused, Shield waited for a strike he could read. It came in the form of a roundhouse kick, which he threw his axe blade in the path of. As the leg connected, red fireflies danced from the wound, the particles denoting a successful bleeding strike. However, before he could celebrate, Shield found that he was immobile. He checked his HUD and sure enough, the symbol for stun appeared next to his health.

Sneaky minx...

He struggled against his imprisonment, but he knew that the efforts were futile. He was going to have to ride this out until it wore off. On the plus side, between his bleed and the enhanced thorns that his immolation potion had granted him, Morgiana's health had dropped well into the red.

Edited April 26, 2017 by Shield

[Shield 0]

Spoiler

Action: Stunned

Morgiana - ID# 83162 results:

 Battle: 8 + 2 + 1 = 11 - Hit! - 30 x 3 = 90 dmg - 134 mit = 1 dmg, Thorns - 42 dmg, Stun! Burn - 24 dmg / 2 turns (Dmg irrelevant after RGN)

 Craft: 2 - Crescent Moon

[H:2] Shield - HP: 1094/1094: EP: 96/96 | DMG: 1 | EVA: -1 | MIT: 134 | RGN: 54 | BH:30 | THN: 42 - STN / BRN

Morgiana - HP: 192/645 | DMG: 30 (33 on 9, 35 on 10) | MIT: 65 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | BRN: 24 (8+) | FLA: 32 - BLD END

[CD 1-4] Crescent Moon - 3 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 5-8] Tornado Kick - 4 x (Basic Damage) & AoE
[CD 9-10]
        [LD 1-5] Acupuncture - 8 x (Basic Damage)
        [LD 6-10] Tornado Spin - 7 x (Basic Damage) & AoE
        [LD 11+] Embracer - 1 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 11+]
        [LD 1-10] Twisted Rod - 9 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
        [LD 11-20] Snapping Twig - 10 x (Basic Damage)

Slowly, Shield's bodily control returned to him. With his limbs finally able to move after the effects of the stun attack, he wound up his axe to strike only to have another roundhouse kick catch him across the chest and stun him yet again. As he had observed with his Stonewall skill mod, his body remained stock still during the strike, as though he were made of stone himself. Still, despite the resolute position of his body despite the solid kick, granted much more solid than the last, it was vexing to say the least.

In addition to the stun symbol, he also saw that the attack had triggered the burn effect that he had seen Morgiana invoke upon the thieves. He wasn't worried just yet. The damage was inconsequential and would be healed as soon as his Regen kicked in, but it was unsettling to think of that extra little damage on top of the force she was capable of dealing even without Burn.

Edited April 26, 2017 by Shield

[Shield 0]

Spoiler

Morgiana - ID# 83163 results:

 Battle: 7 + 2 + 1 = 10 - Hit! - 4 x 30 = 120 dmg - 134 mit = 1 dmg, Thorns - 42 dmg

 Craft: 8 - Tornado Kick

[H:2] Shield - HP: 1094/1094: EP: 96/96 | DMG: 1 | EVA: -1 | MIT: 134 | RGN: 54 | BH:30 | THN: 42 - BRN END

Morgiana - HP: 150/645 | DMG: 30 (33 on 9, 35 on 10) | MIT: 65 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | BRN: 24 (8+) | FLA: 32

[CD 1-4] Crescent Moon - 3 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 5-8] Tornado Kick - 4 x (Basic Damage) & AoE
[CD 9-10]
        [LD 1-5] Acupuncture - 8 x (Basic Damage)
        [LD 6-10] Tornado Spin - 7 x (Basic Damage) & AoE
        [LD 11+] Embracer - 1 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 11+]
        [LD 1-10] Twisted Rod - 9 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
        [LD 11-20] Snapping Twig - 10 x (Basic Damage)

After two already problematic kicks, Shield saw the telltale light surrounding Morgiana's legs that denoted the Tornado Kick sword art, which was Beat's trademark whenever fighting groups. Against the thieves, it had been a brilliant move. Against Shield, it was a goof at best. As she leaped and spun in midair, sending her heel crashing into Shield's ribs, his health remained practically unmoved. Meanwhile, a myriad of scratches sprang to life up and down her leg.

He was still unable to move. Morgiana's prior attacks had seen to that. Still, with the burning and stun both wearing off, Shield's health was more or less untouched.

That makes me uneasy. I know she's capable of so much more. Why isn't she doing what I know she can? It must be a quirk of the fight. She just his a single target with an AoE attack. Her entire move set must be randomized or something.

Edited April 26, 2017 by Shield

[Shield 0]

Spoiler

ID# 83164 results:

 Battle: 9 - 2 = 7 - Hit (due to crit)! - 3 dmg + 1 = 4 - 65 mit = 1 dmg, Bleed - 24 dmg

ID# 83165 results:

 Battle: 6 + 2 + 1 = 9 dmg - Hit! - 10 x 30 = 300 dmg - 134 mit = 166 dmg, Thorns - 42 dmg

 Craft: 12 / Loot: 18 - Snapping Twig

[H:2] Shield - HP: 928/1094: EP: 96/96 | DMG: 1 | EVA: -1 | MIT: 134 | RGN: 54 | BH:30 | THN: 42

Morgiana - HP: 83/645 | DMG: 30 (33 on 9, 35 on 10) | MIT: 65 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | BRN: 24 (8+) | FLA: 32 - BLD

[CD 1-4] Crescent Moon - 3 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 5-8] Tornado Kick - 4 x (Basic Damage) & AoE
[CD 9-10]
        [LD 1-5] Acupuncture - 8 x (Basic Damage)
        [LD 6-10] Tornado Spin - 7 x (Basic Damage) & AoE
        [LD 11+] Embracer - 1 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
[CD 11+]
        [LD 1-10] Twisted Rod - 9 x (Basic Damage) & Stun
        [LD 11-20] Snapping Twig - 10 x (Basic Damage)

The attack he had been waiting for was not far off. With a stamp, Shield saw Morgiana squaring up for a kick that was much more solid than any he had encountered first hand so far. However, this left him with a choice. He knew that her leg would be planted for the attack, which made it an easy target. If he ducked, he might be safe from the strike.

Dropping low, he swung his axe into her thigh, right where the femoral artery would be. Sure enough, a spout of red glowing particles rained out of her wound, However, although her move sets might be robotic, her aim was not. He felt a powerful impact in his ribs and knew that she had struck home. However, unlike the thieves with pitiful HP, Shield was not dropped to zero health. It did, however, put him in the place of being unable to immediately heal up as much damage as had been dealt to him.

At least she didn't stun me this time.

Edited April 26, 2017 by Shield