[SP-08] Anything for a Friend <<DHA:8>>

Freyd · February 14, 2021

Who knew how long he and Mira were falling through the portal? It seemed like ages passed as they fell endlessly through nothing, heading for nothing. Some wild, acrobatic nonsense had managed to connect their hands, but the surreal quality of the experience made it difficult to accurately sense the passage of time. Even their perceptions of each other were so twisted that Freyd could barely manage to tell if he was actually holding onto her, or trying to grasp a waterfall.

*PING*

Freya's daily message finally appeared. Gripping tightly with one hand, he slapped acceptance with the other. Both of them suddenly crashed into the richly stained hardwood of her living room floor, the impact knocking the wind from their lungs. Ko came bounding over, recognizing Freyd and gleefully treating his arm as a chew toy while a badly dazed Persi oozed from his chest like a gushing pool of startlit blood. Freya could be heard scrambling down the stairs.

"It's Freyd," he yelled out loudly so that she might hear, "...uh.. plus one! Your invite worked! Just keep doing it!!!"

Sparing only a moment, he locked eyes with the traumatized woman at his side. She had barely been reunited with her husband only to lose him again an instant later. Freyd's heart pounded at the look in her eyes, knowing what must be done. Anguish prevented her from speaking the actual words.

"I'll going to get him, right now."

Freya's front door slammed open as the Whisper rushed out, running like the lords of Hell were riding his coat tails, no explanation given to his friend for the stranger he'd just left on her badly battered couch.

Vanity Tag: @Freya

***

Freyd | HP:1910/1910 | EN:191/191 | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:191 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | TOX.VEN 24/3 | LD:8 | PROSPERITY 3 | BH:95

Consumes:

Spoiler

Stats:

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows
Level: 88
HP: 1790/1790 (+120)
EN: 191/191

Stats:
Damage: 20 (+3+3)
Mitigation: 79 (+45-45)
Evasion: 2 (+2)
Accuracy: 4 (+2)
BH:89 (+6)
VAMP OFF:179 (+12)
HLY:6
FLN:6
(TOX.VEN 24/3)
LD:5 (+3)
(PROSPERITY 3)

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: Samael's Pride (T3-2HSS, VO 1, HOLY 1, FLN 1)
Armor: Skirmisher's Garb (T3 LA, MIT 2, EVA 1)
Misc: Night Shades (T3-Trinket, ACC 3)

Skills:
2H Straight Sword [Rank 5]
Light Armor [Rank 5]
Searching [Rank 4]
Battle Healing [Rank 5]
Parry [Obtained]
Energist [Obtained]
Charge [Rank 5]
Extended Mod Limit R3 [Obtained]
Hiding [Rank 5]
Martial Arts [Rank 5]
Quick Change [Obtained]

Extra Skills:
Disguise
Familiar Mastery: Fighter 3
Survival
Meditation

Active Mods:
Precision - 2HSS
Finesse - Rank 3
LA Athletics
Ferocity - 2HSS
LA Sprint and Acrobatics
Vanish
Vengeful Riposte
Surprise Attack (Assassin)

Inactive Mods:
Night Vision
Untraceable
Tracking

Battle Ready Inventory:
Teleport Crystals*5
Gungnir Shard: Haniel's Modesty (T3 Perfect HP Rec [Instant]*5
Flash of Rejuvenation (Mass HP Rec [Instant] (+30*Tier HP)*5
Fruit-Infused Tea (T3 HP Recovery)*5
Imugi's Inspiration (T3 Mass HP Recovery)*5
Mega-Duper... Sauce (Antidote 3)*5
Grave Injustice (T3-2HSS, ACC 1, Keen 1, Abs. ACC)*1

Housing Buffs:
Rested: -1 energy cost for the first two expenditures of each combat
Clean: The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 20% (rounded down)
Hard Working: +2 EXP per crafting attempt and +1 crafting attempt per day
Filling: Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot.
Item Stash: +1 Battle Ready Inventory Slot
Delicious: Turn 3 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Feast. A Feast contains 6 portions of the food items sacrificed.
Relaxed: Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.
Skylight (Searching): +1 Rank to the Searching skill.
Angler: +1 material gained when fishing
~~Advanced Training: +2 SP to a thread. Limit one use per month [0/1]~~
Multipurpose: Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll
Decor [Potted Tanabata Bamboo Tree]: This buff affects the player and their choice of up to two party members.

Guild Hall Buffs:
Lucrative: Reduce LD needed for Salvage by 5 (10+ for Alchemist crystals, 6+ for everything else). +2 EXP per craft. Rank 9 crafters receive +1 crafting attempt per day. Rank 10 crafters receive +2 crafting attempts per day.
Col Deposit: +5% bonus col from last-hit monster kills and +10% bonus col from treasure chests.

Scents of the Wild:
Kumatetsu Statue: +1 Base Damage for a thread

Wedding Ring:

Freyd · February 14, 2021

Post #2

A messaged popped up from Jeeves before Freyd even made it to the portal.

From: Jeeves
To: Freyd

You actually found her!? sdhfjslhgjhlajfkghalghslg
Why don't I see Quaestor?! Fuck. Meet me on floor 8. NOW!

Freyd had hardly passed through the gateway when an oversized, heavily worn, brown leather jacket grabbed him and immediately raced towards the outskirts of Florenthia.

He's surprisingly quick, for a little guy.

Had it been nearly anyone else, their hand would be shattering crystals at the moment, but Jeeves got a pass. His sister was alive, rescued by Freyd, but her husband remained trapped.

"THERE! Quick! Kill it!!!"

Blood pounded through Freyd's frazzled skull, but he summoned his weapon to hand and drove it into the poor, startled beast's skull before it even understood what was happening. So much for bath time. The sapphire dragon exploded, then froze in a similar manner to its predecessors, while Freyd and Jeeves dove to make contact with its pixelating form.

An instant later, everything vanished.

Spoiler

Freyd activates Charge.

Galaxy Destroyer: 13 EN - (Rested 1/2; Finesse 3) = 9 EN

ID #182951 | BD: 10 (Crit +2, Charge +5, Holy +6). DMG: 13*39=507-70=437. Tox.Ven. applied.

Freyd | HP:1910/1910 | EN:182/191 (191-9) | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:191 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | TOX.VEN 24/3 | LD:8 | PROSPERITY 3 | BH:95

Dagahra | HP: 0/450 | MIT: 70 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | DMG: 130 | Tox.Ven 24 (1/3) (450-437-24)
<<Submerge>> : Each time Dagahra is damaged, it has a chance to submerge underwater. If a natural LD of 15+ appears in the roll that Dagahra took damage, this boss will submerge and heal itself for 50 HP immediately after damage is applied (Dagahra's attack resolves first as well). After submerging, Dagahra gains an additional 1 EVA on the next attack against it.

Freyd · February 14, 2021

Post #3
[Scene changes to Floor 22]
[Use sub-dungeon map #167265]

Both men tumbled into bizarro-space together, landing roughly and half on top of one another. Jeeves proved to be the more squishy and limped for a moment as he struggled to disentangle himself. His trademarked set of aviator goggle spun to and fro, trying to get some sort of bearing. This place had no such concept. It didn't really exist, and was merely some in-between space, as far as Freyd could tell.

"Give it a second." He added, trying to calm the smaller man down, but his fedora was on overdrive. "Aww, shit, don't tell me that you're claustrophobic?"

Jeeves flattened his back against one of the large stone columns that were the only real feature down here, gasping for breath. This went a long way towards explaining why he had never organized or attempted a rescue mission before now.

"Did you know about this place? Jeeves, focus on me and the sound of my voice. Did you know that this place existed, and that Miri and Typhon had become trapped here?"

"I... I was just starting to figure it out when you told me what happened. There wa...was...nono way... to have known."

The crackling fizzle of electrical discharges rang out through the field of columns, along with a muffled voice.

"Listen to me. If we're to have any chance of saving Quaestor, you need be with me. Put your hand on my shoulder, and you follow every move I make. If there's fighting, hide! Got it?"

Jeeve's hat bobbed vertically as confirmation. It didn't take them long to find the swarm of glitches. Freyd rushed in without hesitation.

Spoiler

Freyd regains 1 EN.
Freyd activates Charge.

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE +8 for hits): 20 EN - (Rested 1/2; Finesse 3) = 16 EN

ID #182952 | BD: 4+6-1=9 (hit, Charge +5). DMG: (31*12=372)
ID #182953 | BD: 9 (Crit +1, Charge +5, Holy +6). DMG (38*12=458). Tox.Ven applied.
ID #182954 | BD: 3+6-1=8 (hit, Charge +5). DMG: (31*12=372)
ID #182955 | BD: 6+6-1=11 (hit, Charge +5, Fallen +6). DMG: (37*12=444)

ID #182952 | MD: 5-4=1 (miss)
ID #182953 | MD: 6-4=2 (miss)
ID #182954 | MD: 5-4=1 (miss)
ID #182955 | MD: 4-4=0 (miss)

Freyd | HP:1910/1910 | EN:167/191 (182+1-16) | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:191 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | TOX.VEN 24/3 | LD:8 | PROSPERITY 3 | BH:95

Freyd · February 14, 2021

Post #4

Two if the glitches fell quickly, cut down with a single wide-angled slash and the acrid scent of burnt... something. Freyd couldn't quite place it, save the fact that he'd now downed over a dozen of these things in his last few visits to this un-place. Crackling flashes could be seen on the far side of his enemies. Something was beating them back.

"Quaestor! Is that you?"

"Freyd?! Christ, I just saw you fall though the hole here not two minutes ago, before this lot showed up. How'd you get back here so quick?"

A series of successive strikes wore down the mobs keeping them apart and forced them back. Two more could be seen accosting his neighbor. He just needed to clear a path.

"Time's screwy in here. Miri and Typhon both felt like it had only been hours since they'd arrived."

"Thank goodness for small miracles," came the muffled reply from the far side of the battlefield.

"Jeeves and I came back to-"

"You didn't bring him here, did you? Crap! He's going to be more of a hindrance than a help!"

Spoiler

Freyd regains 1 EN.

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE +8 for hits): 20 EN - (Rested 2/2; Finesse 3) = 16 EN

ID #182956 | BD: 2 (hit). DMG: (26*12=312)
ID #182957 | BD: 3 (hit). DMG: (26*12=312)
ID #182958 | BD: 8 (hit, Fallen +6). DMG: (32*12=384)
ID #182959 | BD: 8 (hit, Fallen +6). DMG: (32*12=384)

ID #182956 | MD: 3-4=(-1) (miss)
ID #182957 | MD: 5-4=1 (miss)
ID #182958 | MD: 5-4=1 (miss)
ID #182959 | MD: 3-4=(-1) (miss)

Freyd | HP:1910/1910 | EN:152/191 (167+1-16) | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:191 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | TOX.VEN 24/3 | LD:8 | PROSPERITY 3 | BH:95

Neo-glitches #5 & #6 arrive.

Loot Rolls:

Neo-Glitch #2: ID #182960 | LD 15+8=23; CD 8

"6468*Col
2*T3 Materials
T3 Perfect Armor/Shield #182960a
T3 Perfect Weapon #182960b
T3 Perfect Weapon #182960c

Neo-Glitch #4: ID #182960 | LD 1+8=9; CD 7

"5659*Col
4*T3 Materials
T3 Rare Trinket #182961a

Freyd · February 14, 2021

Post #5

"We're, uh... working through it?" Freyd couldn't tell if the man had his eyes squeezed shut behind his goggles, but would have bet dollars to donuts that he did.

Fighting continued on the far side of the mobs, giving Freyd the opening he needed to unleash a lethal combination of heavy downward hacks. It wasn't particularly graceful swordsmanship, but it was effective. The two mobs closest to him disintegrated and the barrage of blows, screeching like rent metal the they were cut to pieces.

"It's good to see you, Cooper. I only wish that we could have figured this out sooner." Lightning arced to strike the ceiling as Quaestor's shield deflected another of the glitches' strikes. The tension in the bigger man's voice was palpable, and betrayed the blame being cast at his former comrade and extended family member.

"I looked everywhe-"

"STOW IT!" Freyd interrupted. "You can have it out later. First, we need to get you both out of here."

"And you!" Quaestor insisted.

"Yeah, yeah. Me too, though I must be racking up the frequent flyer miles by now."

Spoiler

Freyd regains 1 EN.

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE +8 for hits): 20 EN - (Finesse 3) = 17 EN

ID #182962 | BD: 2+6=8 (hit). DMG: (26*12=312)
ID #182963 | BD: 10 (Crit +2, Holy +6). DMG (34*12=408). Tox.Ven. applied.
ID #182964 | BD: 9 (Crit +1, Holy +6). DMG (33*12=396). Tox.Ven. applied.
ID #182965 | BD: 5+6=8 (hit). DMG: (26*12=312)

ID #182964 | MD: 10 (Crit +2) | DMG (266-79=187)
ID #182965 | MD: 8-4=4 (miss)

Freyd | HP:1723/1910 (1910-187) | EN:136/191 (152+1-17) | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:191 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | TOX.VEN 24/3 | LD:8 | PROSPERITY 3 | BH:95

~~Neo-Glitch #1: HP: 0/770 | DMG 264~~ (86-312)
~~Neo-Glitch #3: HP: 0/770 | DMG 264 | TOX.VEN 24 (1/3)~~ (14-408-24)
Neo-Glitch #5: HP: 350/770 | DMG 264 | TOX.VEN 24 (1/3) (770-396-24)
Neo-Glitch #6: HP: 458/770 | DMG 264 (770-312)

Loot Rolls:

Neo-Glitch #1: ID #182966 | LD 11+8=19; CD 3

4851*Col
4*T3 Materials
T3 Perfect Consumable #182966a
T3 Rare Trinket #182966b

Neo-Glitch #3: ID #182960 | LD 18+8=26; CD 2

8085*Col
T3 Perfect Consumable #182967a
T3 Perfect Consumable #182967b
T3 Perfect Armor/Shield #182967c
T3 Perfect Armor/Shield #182967d

Freyd · February 14, 2021

Post #6

Spotting two of the larger glitch-ogre-thingies inbound, Freyd put on the pressure and charged between the remaining smaller ones, hoping to catch them both and clear the field before their reinforcements arrived. The first part of his plan went perfectly, a vibrant flash of light from the void shard he carried sundering the nearer mob. It partner seemed incensed and somehow sped up its own strike, catching him off guard. Light crackled against light as the thing's massive claw slashed Freyd in the chest, re-opening wounds he had only just closed by drawing the strength from the first one. Momentum halt, Freyd spun sideways and struggled to regain his footing while the monster moved to follow. Then the pulse and clarion called.

Behind them both, Quaestor slammed the base of his heavy rectangular shield into the ground, looking very much the part of some centurion challenging the barbarian horde all on his own. The monster wheeled back, its attention drawn away, giving Freyd the break he needed to recover.

"Come on, lad. No quitting now!"

Spoiler

Freyd regains 1 EN.
Freyd regains 95 HP from BH
Freyd activates Charge

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE +4 for hits): 16 EN - (Finesse 3) = 13 EN

ID #182968 | BD: 9 (Crit +1, Charge +5, Holy +6). DMG (38*12=456)
ID #182969 | BD: 2+6-1=7 (hit, Charge +5). DMG (31*12=372)

Freyd regains 191 HP from VO

ID #182969 | MD: 9 (Crit +1). DMG: (265-79=186)

Freyd | HP:1724/1910 (1723+95+191-186) | EN:124/191 (136+1-13) | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:191 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | TOX.VEN 24/3 | LD:8 | PROSPERITY 3 | BH:95

~~Neo-Glitch #5: HP: 0/770 | DMG 264 | TOX.VEN 24 (2/3)~~ (350-456-24)
Neo-Glitch #6: HP: 146/770 | DMG 264 (458-312)

Mega-Glitch #1 and #2 arrive

Loot Rolls:

Neo-Glitch #5: ID #182971 | LD 6+8=14; CD 10

9702*Col
T3 Rare Armor/Shield #182971a

Freyd · February 14, 2021

Post #7

Both lumbering brutes had heard Quaestor's howl as well, and closed on him from behind. Stepping sideways, Freyd vanished from sight only to reappear in a flash beside the weaker glitch and striking it down. From there he danced across the battlefield, there and then not again, reappearing in time to make contact with his blade and cleave into their gathered opponents. The big boys focused on the tank, as well they should.

"At least we know those game mechanics hold in here."

"Yup. No worries. I've got their attention. You whittle them down while they waste their effort on me."

"Done." Freyd craned his neck to look at the dull grey column beyond. "Jeeves! You still with us?"

"Ye...yeah." His response but feeble, but at least he'd managed to get out the words.

"Good. Be ready. A big one should spawn after these two. When it dies, all three of us need to jump into the tear it created, and must maintain contact. It's the only way to be sure that we all get back to Aincrad proper. Got it?"

A small, leather-clad arm extended from behind the stone, offering a thumbs up.

Spoiler

Freyd regains 1 EN.
Freyd regains 95 HP from BH
Freyd activates Vanish (-6 EN)

Stealth roll: ID #182975 | LD: 15+8=23 (Success)

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE +6 for hits): 18 EN - (Finesse 3) = 15 EN

ID #182976 | BD: 3 (Autohit, Assassin +3). DMG (29*12=348)
ID #182977 | BD: 6 (Autohit, Assassin +3, Fallen +6). DMG (35*12=420-44=376)
ID #182978 | BD: 5 (Autohit, Assassin +3) DMG (29*12=348-44=304)

ID #182977 | MD: 3-4=(-1) (miss)
ID #182978 | MD: 10 (Crit +2). DMG (332-79=253)

Freyd | HP:1566/1910 (1724+95-253) | EN:104/191 (124+1-6-15) | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:191 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | TOX.VEN 24/3 | LD:8 | PROSPERITY 3 | BH:95 | VANISH (0/3)

~~Neo-Glitch #6: HP: 0/770 | DMG 264~~ (146-348)
Mega-Glitch #1: HP: 724/1100 | DMG 330 | MIT: 44 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1 (1100-376)
Mega-Glitch #2: HP: 796/1100 | DMG 330 | MIT: 44 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1 (1100-304)

Loot Rolls:

Neo-Glitch #6: ID #182979 | LD 8+8=16; CD 10

10510*Col
T3 Rare Trinket #182979a

Freyd · February 14, 2021

Post #8

Quaestor smashed his hammer into their foes repeatedly staggering their assault and breaking their advance, giving Freyd the opportunities he needed to strike at them from the rear and flanks. There was something odd about the man's weapons.

"Is that... a meat cleaver?!"

Quaestor cackled with a delightful mien of nuanced madness and berserker fury on the far side of the fight.

"Oh, you noticed! Yeah. Nothing wants to mess with me when I have Betsy in hand, or maybe I should say that everything does? Harharhar!" The man laughed like a pirate, or cliched villain. It was heartwarming and endearing in a ridiculous sort of way. The two glitches didn't seem to see the humour in it and kept bashing their fists into his heavy shield. Other than raising quite the clatter, they didn't seem to be accomplishing much.

"Mind telling me how you got in here?"

A snort and pause were his only replies while they both waited for the wails of metal and autotuned squeals to end.

Spoiler

Freyd regains 1 EN.
Freyd regains 95 HP from BH
Freyd activates Charge

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE +4 for hits): 16 EN - (Finesse 3) = 13 EN

ID #182980 | BD: 3+6-1-1=7 (hit, Charge +5). DMG (31*12=372-44=328)
ID #182981 | BD: 2+6-1-1=6 (hit, Charge +5). DMG (31*12=372-44=328)

ID #182980 | MD: 7+1-4=4 (miss)
ID #182981 | MD: 6+1-4=3 (miss)

Freyd | HP:1661/1910 (1566+95) | EN:92/191 (104+1-13) | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:191 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | TOX.VEN 24/3 | LD:8 | PROSPERITY 3 | BH:95 | VANISH (1/3)

Mega-Glitch #1: HP: 396/1100 | DMG 330 | MIT: 44 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1 (724-328)
Mega-Glitch #2: HP: 468/1100 | DMG 330 | MIT: 44 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1 (796-328)

Freyd · February 14, 2021

Post #9

"I still checked my tracking mod for Miri and Typhon, from time to time. Never expected to get a response." Quaestor bashed his shield against both mobs, shoving them back and off balance for Freyd to hack to pieces. The poor things didn't know which way to turn anymore and simply kept teetering back and forth endlessly between blows, looking like a pair of self-leveling children's punching bags.

"Time between checks got longer as I gave up hope of ever finding anything, and then I did. Not quite sure how it happened, but I just ran out of the shop and chased after the signal. I was too afraid that it would vanish. Instead, it led me to some glitchy portal that dropped me in here. The mod led me to Miri, and also to you. The rest you already know."

A vicious series of lunges and thrusts from Freyd's blade peppered the bodies of both glitches with orange-rimmed holes. The mobs sizzled and crackled as he did so, but kept their focus on Quaestor instead.

Spoiler

Freyd regains 1 EN.
Freyd regains 95 HP from BH

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE +4 for hits): 16 EN - (Finesse 3) = 13 EN

ID #182982 | BD: 7+6-1=12 (hit, Fallen +6). DMG (32*12=384-44=340)
ID #182983 | BD: 4+6-1=9 (hit). DMG (26*12=312-44=268)

ID #182982 | MD: 2+1-4=(-1) (miss)
ID #182983 | MD: 2+1-4=(-1) (miss)

Freyd | HP:1661/1910 (1566+95) | EN:80/191 (92+1-13) | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:191 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | TOX.VEN 24/3 | LD:8 | PROSPERITY 3 | BH:95 | VANISH (2/3)

Mega-Glitch #1: HP: 56/1100 | DMG 330 | MIT: 44 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1 (396-340)
Mega-Glitch #2: HP: 200/1100 | DMG 330 | MIT: 44 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1 (468-268)

Freyd · February 14, 2021

Post #10

"Okay, sure. I get all that, but how did they end up here in the first place?"

Pregnant silence followed.

"Let's clear these two out, and then you'll get your answers. I promise, Freyd. Goodness knows, I owe you way more than that for Miri alone. And... Jeeves, I suppose." Whatever bad blood sat between them, his brass-clad companion seemed to be reconsidering his position. Some consideration had to be given for the fact that the man had just recovered a wife he thought dead, only to lose her again. Most people would have cracked, completely. Quaestor just got a touch moody, and could hardly be faulted for it.

Freyd spotted Jeeves' tear-stained face peering from around the edge of the column, a look of desperate hope in his eyes. He must have blamed himself also for whatever fate befell their original troop. His lips pursed and colour filtered back into his face, behind the goggles. The kid looked like he'd just gotten his moxie back.

Spoiler

Freyd regains 1 EN.
Freyd regains 95 HP from BH

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE +4 for hits): 16 EN - (Finesse 3) = 13 EN

ID #182984 | BD: 5+6-1=10 (hit). DMG (26*12=312-44=268)
ID #182985 | BD: 4+6-1=9 (hit). DMG (26*12=312-44=268)

Freyd | HP:1756/1910 (1661+95) | EN:68/191 (80+1-13) | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:191 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | TOX.VEN 24/3 | LD:8 | PROSPERITY 3 | BH:95 | ~~VANISH (3/3)~~

~~Mega-Glitch #1: HP: 0/1100 | DMG 330 | MIT: 44 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1~~ (56-268)
~~Mega-Glitch #2: HP: 0/1100 | DMG 330 | MIT: 44 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1~~ (200-268)

Loot Rolls:

Mega-Glitch #1: ID #182986 | LD 16+8=24; CD 10

18480*Col
T3 Perfect Consumable #182986a

Mega-Glitch #2: ID #182987 | LD 17+8=25; CD 9

6930*Col
4*T3 Materials
(22) Intermediate Dungeon Map #182987

Freyd · February 14, 2021

Post #11

Quaestor stumbled against the column at his back as the two mega-glitches fell to pieces before him. He hadn't fought a decent battle in years and this one had taken its toll. Emotionally, he was also completely drained. Tilting up his face plate, his chestnut beard spilled out, matching eyes suggesting a mixture of pain and relief. His wife was alive. That meant everything.

"The Madrigal was a guild - one of the earliest in the game - started by Miri, Cooper, Curtis and I."

"He won't know those names, Q." Jeeves had finally managed to pull himself from the shadows, though his shaking trench coat suggested that it was barely done.

"Right, right. Err... Smarmy, Typhon, Jeeves here, and myself. We never grew like the others, but held our own and even managed to expand with a few dozen players. We were the core, and by far the strongest members, all of us helping out on the frontlines."

Spoiler

Freyd regains 1 EN.
Freyd regains 45 HP from passive healing.

rest 1/2

Freyd activates Vengeful Riposte (-5 EN)

Freyd | HP:1801/1910 (1756+45) | EN:69/191 (68 +1) | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:191 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | TOX.VEN 24/3 | LD:8 | PROSPERITY 3 | BH:95 | VENGEFUL

Freyd · February 14, 2021

Post #12

"Something went wrong." Jeeves' word carried a bellicose tone that mirrored Quaestor's earlier mood.

The other man's brow furrowed, and lips pursed, but he nodded his agreement.

"We were leaving the labyrinth of floor five when 'it' happened. Some sort of black hole just 'opened' around us. Miri and Typhon were pulled in." Even after all of these years, the old knight struggles with the emotions as if the wounds were still fresh. To be fair, the scars had just been ripped open and left raw.

"We thought they were dead. Nothing could pin-point their locations. No messages got through or were returned. They were just... gone." Jeeves barely pushed the words out, his throat threatening to seal shut at their utterance.

"Wait? Messages didn't get through? Then how come-"

A sonorous bellow, like an auto-tuned fog-horn, rang out among the forest of stone pillars around them. A big one was coming. Their way out, if they were lucky and careful. If not...

Spoiler

Freyd regains 1 EN.
Freyd regains 45 HP from passive healing.

Stealth roll: ID #182988 | LD: 7+8=15 (success)

rest 2/2

Freyd | HP:1846/1910 (1801+45) | EN:191/191 (refreshed) | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:191 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | TOX.VEN 24/3 | LD:8 | PROSPERITY 3 | BH:95 | VENGEFUL

Freyd · February 14, 2021

Post #13

It sounded like a train wreck smashing its way through an underground parking garage, tearing up the asphalt, wiping out support columns and scraping itself against the ceiling all at the same time. This one was bigger than the others Freyd had seen, by almost double. Barreling through the orderly rows upon rows of identical pillars, a trail of crackling orange-lined grid followed in its wake, the finished face of the space having been wiped out by its passage.

"Oh, shit. That's not good." Quaestor and Freyd were both instantly aware and alert, facing the imminent threat. Jeeves was working REALLY hard at not breaking down into a burbling puddle of trench-coaty goo on the floor. It was highly likely that he'd already peed himself.

"Hold it here!" The old centurion assumed his battle stance and nodded, shield held high before him. Freyd stepped into his own shadow, cast upon a nearby column, reappearing on the creature's flank. A massive downward strike signaled his arrival before the tank could raise his aggro.

"Freyd, too soon! I hav-"

*SMASH*

The gigantic glitch struck Freyd with a fist nearly as large as his entire body, meeting a blade set to parry the assault.

Spoiler

Freyd regains 95 HP from BH

Maintain Stealth: ID #182996 | LD: 20+8=28 (success)

Galaxy Destroyer (x13): 13 EN - (Rested 1/2; Finesse 3) = 9 EN

ID #182995 | BD: 2 (Autohit, Assassin +3). DMG: (13*29=377-110=267)

ID #182995 | MD: 8+2-4=6 (hit, Vengeful Procs). DMG: (440*0.5=220-79=141)

Vengeful Riposte (220-110=110)

Freyd | HP:1769/1910 (1846+95(max)-141) | EN:182/191 (191-9) | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:191 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | TOX.VEN 24/3 | LD:8 | PROSPERITY 3 | BH:95 | ~~VENGEFUL~~ | PARRY CD (0/2) | VENGEFUL CD (0/3)

Big Daddy-Glitch: HP: 1273/1650 | DMG 440 | MIT: 110 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 (1650-267-110)

Critical (MD 9): Deals (484) DMG to the target with the highest hate. Also deals (242) DMG to every other player.
Critical (MD 10): Deals (528) DMG to the target with the highest hate. Also deals (264) DMG to every other player.

Freyd · February 14, 2021

Post #14

Freyd's counterstrike carried so much force that he was thrown backwards, flipping head over heels because finally sliding to a stop several dozen yards away.

"He's like a bloody cat!" Jeeves muttered in wonder. "How did that not cost him one of his nine lives?!"

"Hrmpf. Because the kid actually knows what he's doing. This is what the front lines look like now, Jeeves. We're dinosaurs by comparison." Smashing his shield into the ground to trigger his howl, Quaestor rushed forward to engage. He couldn't let his friend face this monster alone. The big blob-like glitch was vaguely humanoid in shape and turned what passed for its head, only to have most of it lopped off as Freyd seized upon the opening and bit deep with his blade as he charged past.

"Jeeves! Get clear. These things have absolutely massive AoE attacks that might squish you like a bug. You too, Quaestor."

The chef rolled his beady brown eyes.

"You might have told me that before I howled at the bloody thing!"

Spoiler

Freyd regains 1 EN.
Freyd regains 95 HP from BH
Freyd activates Charge

Galaxy Destroyer (x13): 13 EN - (Rested 2/2; Finesse 3) = 9 EN

ID #182997 | BD: 4+6-2=8 (hit, Charge +5). DMG: (13*31=403-110=293)

ID #182997 | MD: 3+2-4=1 (miss).

Freyd | HP:1864/1910 (1769+95) | EN:174/191 (182+1-9) | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:191 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | TOX.VEN 24/3 | LD:8 | PROSPERITY 3 | BH:95 | PARRY CD (1/2) | VENGEFUL CD (1/3)

Big Daddy-Glitch: HP: 980/1650 | DMG 440 | MIT: 110 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 (1273-293)

Critical (MD 9): Deals (484) DMG to the target with the highest hate. Also deals (242) DMG to every other player.
Critical (MD 10): Deals (528) DMG to the target with the highest hate. Also deals (264) DMG to every other player.

Freyd · February 14, 2021

Post #15

Oh, great.

"Back off. Kite it if you have to, until I can pull its aggro off you." A relentless series of shadow-laced slashes and prods sought to pull the phosphorescent titan back away from his allies, but without success. Its focus was set and intent on murdering the brash centurion, despite the constant, nasty, cuts from his cleaver.

"You know, I never really appreciated that you could be this annoying." Freyd's tone carried mirth, if only for the benefit of distracting the other two from the true peril in which they were placed.

Quaestor actually laughed, that hint of craziness fully and formally confirmed.

"Talk with Miri. She'll confirm it, but it will all be lies!"

At least the mob was slow. Whatever burst of speed had called it forth in the first place seemed to have faded and turned into a lumbering power that might crush them if it connected.

Spoiler

Freyd regains 1 EN.
Freyd regains 95 HP from BH

Galaxy Destroyer (x13): 13 EN - (Finesse 3) = 10 EN

ID #182998 | BD: 6+6-2=10 (hit, Fallen +6). DMG: (13*32=416-110=306)

ID #182998 | MD: 5+2-4=3 (miss).

Freyd | HP:1910/1910 (1864+95[max]) | EN:165/191 (174+1-10) | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:191 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | TOX.VEN 24/3 | LD:8 | PROSPERITY 3 | BH:95 | ~~PARRY CD (2/2)~~ | VENGEFUL CD (2/3)

Big Daddy-Glitch: HP: 674/1650 | DMG 440 | MIT: 110 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 (980-306)

Critical (MD 9): Deals (484) DMG to the target with the highest hate. Also deals (242) DMG to every other player.
Critical (MD 10): Deals (528) DMG to the target with the highest hate. Also deals (264) DMG to every other player.

Freyd · February 14, 2021

Post #16

"You planning on killing this thing anytime soon? I'm getting tired of walking it around in circles."

Freyd chuckled back, amused by the both banter and the dark sense humor shared between them. Crossing between Quaestor and the mob, he sought to draw it off again with a rapid succession of strikes, but to now avail.

"Hey. That's your own damned fault! How many howls did you hit it with?! I can't distract it at all." For all the times he'd considered picking up Fighting Spirit, he was actually kicking himself for never doing so. This wasn't the first time someone he sought to protect was left exposed because he didn't want to pull the pressure back onto himself. Ironically, if he was fighting it solo, he'd be carrying all the risk anyway.

"All the howls, man. ALL OF THEM!"

*THUNK*

Without realizing it, Quaestor had lost track of his invisible trail and backed himself against one of the hall's massive columns.

"Uh... Freyd. Now would be a really good time for you to learn how to howl."

Spoiler

Freyd regains 1 EN.

Galaxy Destroyer (x13): 13 EN - (Finesse 3) = 10 EN

ID #182999 | BD: 3+6-2=7 (hit). DMG: (13*26=338-110=228)

ID #182999 | MD: 2+2-4=0 (miss).

Freyd | HP:1910/1910 | EN:156/191 (165+1-10) | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:191 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | TOX.VEN 24/3 | LD:8 | PROSPERITY 3 | BH:95 ~~| VENGEFUL CD (3/3)~~

Big Daddy-Glitch: HP: 446/1650 | DMG 440 | MIT: 110 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 (674-228)

Critical (MD 9): Deals (484) DMG to the target with the highest hate. Also deals (242) DMG to every other player.
Critical (MD 10): Deals (528) DMG to the target with the highest hate. Also deals (264) DMG to every other player.

Freyd · February 14, 2021

Post #17

Brilliance of righteous light flared into being in his hands as Freyd flung himself desperately at the beast's back, plunging his blade deep following a sky-bound jump, then pulling it down with the weight of his own body until the sword slipped free and the creature turned with rage in its would-be eyes. It wasn't dead, but it was close. And, more importantly, he had drawn it away from the beleaguered tank.

"Oh. Heh. Look at that. It actually worked!" Freyd gave a little wave to the towering, semi-solid electric goop sloshing around angrily before him, barely dodging as it cratered and disintegrated the floor where his feet had been moments ago. "Be ready," he called to the others. "Its health bar is dipping into the red. When it dies, the portal should open. We have to keep together, and in contact. Otherwise..." He shrugged his shoulders. There was no way to tell what might happen if they separated.

Spoiler

Freyd regains 1 EN.

Galaxy Destroyer (x13): 13 EN - (Finesse 3) = 10 EN

ID #183000 | BD: 9 (Crit +1, Holy +6). DMG: (13*33=429-110=319). Tox.Ven. applied.

ID #183000 | MD: 6+2-4=4 (miss).

Freyd | HP:1910/1910 | EN:147/191 (156+1-10) | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:191 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | TOX.VEN 24/3 | LD:8 | PROSPERITY 3 | BH:95

Big Daddy-Glitch: HP: 103/1650 | DMG 440 | MIT: 110 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | TOX.VEN 24 (1/3) (446-319-24)

Critical (MD 9): Deals (484) DMG to the target with the highest hate. Also deals (242) DMG to every other player.
Critical (MD 10): Deals (528) DMG to the target with the highest hate. Also deals (264) DMG to every other player.

Freyd · February 14, 2021

Post #18

Timing this moment couldn't be left to chance. A flash of light replaced the dark blade in his hand with one of polished steel with a heavy brass cross guard in the shape of a pair of scales; Grave Injustice, indeed. Tumbling to the side, Freyd intended to join his compatriots on the other side, but fate predictably intervened. Roaring in protest at his maneuver, the glitch threw itself at him, intending to flop its massive bulk on top of him to crush him to death. It nearly worked, save the the sword seemed to angle itself just right that the mob's own weight speared it upon the tip of its gleaming blade. It popped, like a giant, candy-filled balloon, spilling a flood of orange pixels over Freyd and the rest of the floor. Everything around him fell apart, including the floor and any semblance of proper existence.

"NOW!" He cried, having little time for anything else.

Two figures jumped in after him, grabbing his legs firmly. Not exactly as planned, but if it worked it was good enough.

Spoiler

Freyd regains 1 EN.
Freyd uses Quick Change (Swamp Samael's Pride for Grave Injustice)

Galaxy Destroyer (x13): 13 EN - (Finesse 3) = 10 EN

ID #183001 | BD: 1+7-2=6 (hit). DMG: (13*26=338-110=228)

Freyd | HP:1910/1910 | EN:138/191 (147+1-10) | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:7 | ABS.ACC | TOX.VEN 24/3 | LD:8 | PROSPERITY 3 | BH:95 | QUICK CHANGE (0/3)

~~Big Daddy-Glitch: HP: 0/1650 | DMG 440 | MIT: 110 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | TOX.VEN 24 (2/3)~~ (103-228-24)

Critical (MD 9): Deals (484) DMG to the target with the highest hate. Also deals (242) DMG to every other player.
Critical (MD 10): Deals (528) DMG to the target with the highest hate. Also deals (264) DMG to every other player.

Loot Rolls:

Big Daddy-Glitch: ID #183002 | LD 1+8=9; CD 9

12127*Col
4*T3 Materials
T3 Rare Trinket #183002a

Freyd · February 14, 2021

Post #19

"So.... ummm... how long do we stay like this, exactly?" Jeeves sounded nervous again. He was always sounding nervous.

"You have somewhere to be?" Freyd asked, mixing sarcasm with incredulity, especially since they were physically nowhere at the moment. "Sorry boys, this part it uncertain. I have someone on the outside to reach out at regular intervals, but time is all wibbly-wobbly in here, so it could take bit."

*PING*

"That was incredibly well-timed," Quaestor remarked with a chuckle.

"Oh, she's very punctual. Damned good cook, too." Freyd winked an eye at Quaestor, whose cuisine had basically kept him alive for the better part of the last year. Accepting the offer before his friend could protest, all three men felt their innards get wrung out and reassembled, then promptly crushed as they landed on top of each other in Freya's yard.

"Hah! After last time, I thought it might be best to do this outside." Freya clapped her hands in mockery and joy. "Glad I did. Ko's still chewing on what remains of my previous couch."

Vanity Tag: @Freya

Freyd · February 14, 2021

Post #20

A frazzled blur of unruly ruby hair rushed past and pounce on top of the pile, hugging everybody. Laughter started then spread and turned to tears of joy and agony at having been parted. Miri had joined the fun. Extricating himself as best he could, Freyd wiped off the snot-concoction mixed with eye lubricant and now smeared all over his dark clothing.

"Eww."

The heart of The Madrigal was whole again, having been cast adrift and forgotten by time and misfortune, and restored by the same tools of fate plus a little player agency. He watched them and imagine four people with similar features one day cherishing their freedom from this hellhole, and hopefully the better part of ten thousand others like them elsewhere in the world.

"Thank you Freyd." Quaestor's voice boomed with joy and liveliness the likes of which he had never witness from the man. Then all four turned, placing their hands over their hearts and echoed the same sentiment. Freya heard the lump catch in Freyd's throat, confused and about to be overwhelmed by the emotions that were rising from within. He wasn't used to this sort of thing, and had been caught completely off guard. His cowl dipped down in a humble bow, but not before Freya spotted his lips warble, unsure of what to say.

"So, Freyd," their hostess intervened on his behalf, her soft and cheerful rescuing him from a complete meltdown. "Who are your friends and what will I be making them for lunch today?"

Vanity Tag: @Freya

***

Thread Summary:

6 SP (1 page, +1 event, +2 quest +2 sub-dungeon)

84,112 Col (400 page + 900 quest + 82,812 loot)
18*T3 Materials

T3 Perfect Armor/Shield #182960a
T3 Perfect Weapon #182960b
T3 Perfect Weapon #182960c
T3 Rare Trinket #182961a
T3 Perfect Consumable #182966a
T3 Rare Trinket #182966b
T3 Perfect Consumable #182967a
T3 Perfect Consumable #182967b
T3 Perfect Armor/Shield #182967c
T3 Perfect Armor/Shield #182967d
T3 Rare Armor/Shield #182971a
T3 Rare Trinket #182979a
T3 Perfect Consumable #182986a
(22) Intermediate Dungeon Map #182987
T3 Rare Trinket #183002a

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