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[PP - F04] <<Harbinger of the Night>>


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Not long after Bahr's mind had loosed itself within that wretched cave on the first floor had it wandered beyond. He'd first learned that there existed dimension outside the dimness of that hell. Then he'd learned space existed even beyond where the sky stitched itself to the far edges of those rolling hills. There was much to be had in that space. Caves, forests, towns. But he kept hearing talk of "floors." Floor ten, floor twenty. They spoke of them as though they were different worlds. And soon, Bahr would discover that was not far from the truth.

He'd observed the passersby as they operated the teleport gate in the main plaza, shouting commands into the very air that seemed to take shape around them and whisk them away. "Snowfrost," he'd heard one say. It was worth a shot. So he, with legs shaky as a fish-turned-man, approached the platform. He steeled his voice, croaked the command, and turned to smoke.

Where he arrived, it was cold. He didn't know the word cold, yet, but he recognized the sensation. Scarlet hues darted around as he attempted to familiarize himself with his new environment, which was a stark difference from the one from whence he came. Almost none of it bore recognition for him. Yet, there was a melancholy familiarity to all of it. I've been here. he caught himself thinking. He couldn't remember it, exactly, but he knew it was true. There was something special about this place. He just didn't know what.

As his nerves settled, and the cold soaked his skin, he noticed that the townsfolk were acting a peculiar way. They seemed to be preparing for something, lighting lanterns and setting up stalls. He didn't know what any of it meant. But, he knew someone who might have an idea. He opened his messaging panel.
 

Quote

To: @Morningstar

Hey. I'm in a place called Snowfrost. Something's going on. Want to come check it out?

- Bahr


It was simple, and direct enough. He sent it, dismissing the panels afterward. He'd wait a moment before proceeding, in case the shaggy-haired youth came. If he were busy, Bahr would have to investigate alone.

STATS:

Spoiler

STATS

LEVEL - 32
PARAGON LEVEL - 51
HP - 880
EN - 122
DMG - 20
MIT - 103
ACC - 4
EVA - 3
STEALTH - 4
FALLEN - 8
BLEED - 48
BURN - 56
BLIGHT - 32 | (-20)
BH - 44
HB - 17

TANOS TOTEM ACTIVE - +25 MIT
DIMENSIONAL BACKPACK ACTIVE - +1 Battle-Ready Inventory slot

HOME BUFFS
» WELL RESTED
      -1 EN FOR THE FIRST THREE TURNS OF COMBAT
» RELAXED
      +15 TO OUT OF COMBAT HP REGENERATION
      FULL ENERGY REGENERATION AFTER TWO POSTS OUT OF COMBAT
» SQUEAKY CLEAN
      REDUCE INCOMING DOT DAMAGE BY 25% FOR FIRST INCOMING DOT INFLICTED IN THREAD
» FILLING
      INCREASE EFFECTIVENESS OF A SINGLE CONSUMED FOOD ITEM IN A THREAD BY +1 T1 SLOT
» ITEM STASH
      +1 BATTLE-READY INVENTORY SLOT
» DELICIOUS
      COMBINE 3 IDENTICAL FOOD ITEMS INTO A FEAST ONCE PER THREAD
» SKYLIGHT SEARCHING
      [CURRENTLY UNASSIGNED]
» ANGLER
      +1 MATERIAL GAINED WHILE FISHING
» MULTIPURPOSE
      GAIN +1 TO LD, STEALTH RATING, STEALTH DETECTION, OR PROSPERITY TO ONE POST IN A THREAD
      CAN BE APPLIED AFTER THE ROLL
» DECOR: <<SPOOKY AMENITY>>
      REDUCE INCOMING DOT DAMAGE BY 5% FOR FIRST INCOMING DOT INFLICTED IN THREAD


SKILLS

COMBAT SKILLS
» BATTLE HEALING R5
     
 PASSIVE
      WHILE IN COMBAT, USER HEALS FOR 5% (44 HP) OF THEIR MAX HP EACH TURN
» ENERGIST
     
 PASSIVE
      +20 EN

EXTRA SKILLS
» CONCENTRATION
     
 FREE ACTION
      GAIN ABSOLUTE ACCURACY ON NEXT ATTACK
          
 COOLDOWN: 5 TURNS
» 
DISGUISE
     
 FREE ACTION
      +1 EVA UNTIL START OF YOUR NEXT TURN
      MINOR CRITICALS DO NOT AUTOHIT DURING DURATION
           COOLDOWN: 5 TURNS
» MEDITATION
     
 POST ACTION
      RECOVER AN ADDITIONAL 16 ENERGY
           COOLDOWN: 3 TURNS
» 
FORGOTTEN KING'S AUTHORITY
     
 FREE ACTION
      DISPEL ANY DISABLING EFFECTS ON THE USER
           COOLDOWN: 7 TURNS
           COST: 5 EN
» 
PHOTOSYNTHESIZE
     
 FREE ACTION
      IMPROVE THE EFFECTS OF ANY HEALING THE USER DOES (DISREGARDING PASSIVE) UNTIL START OF NEXT TURN BY 20%
           COOLDOWN: 5 TURNS
           COST: 5 EN
» 
ASSAULT MODE
     
 FREE ACTION
      SWITCH ACCURACY AND EVASION VALUES UNTIL START OF NEXT TURN
           COOLDOWN: 4 TURNS
           COST: 5 EN
» 
FROZEN HIDE
     
 FREE ACTION
      APPLY ONE SLOT OF FROST AURA AND ONE SLOT OF FROST THORNS EQUAL TO TIER OF USER UNTIL START OF NEXT TURN
           COOLDOWN: 4 TURNS
          
 COST: 5 EN
» 
HIDING R5
     
 PASSIVE
      +5 STEALTH

COMBAT MASTERY
» DAMAGE R3
     
 PASSIVE
      +12 DMG

WEAPON SKILLS
» STRAIGHT SWORD R5
     
 PASSIVE
      +7 DMG WHEN STRAIGHT SWORD IS EQUIPPED
           STAMINA ADDON: REDUCES EN EXPENDITURE OF ALL ATTACKS BY 2
           PRECISION ADDON: +1 ACC
           FOCUS ADDON: REDUCES CRITICAL HIT AND DOT THRESHOLDS BY 1

ARMOR SKILLS
» LIGHT ARMOR R5
     
 PASSIVE
      +30 MIT
      -2 STEALTH
           RESOLVE ADDON: +1 ACC AND +40 HP WHEN WEARING LIGHT ARMOR

COMBAT SHIFT
» ST SPECIALIST
     
 PASSIVE
      ST-I, ST-II, AND ST-B ENHANCED
           +3 TO MULTIPLIERS
           +2 TO EN EXPENDITURE

MODS
» BATTLE HEALING MOD: EMERGENCY RECOVERY
     
 PASSIVE
      NON-FATAL DAMAGE THAT LEAVES USER BELOW 25% OF THEIR MAX HP ACTIVATES A 10% OF MAX HP REPLENISHMENT AFTER ATTACK RESOLVES
      CANNOT APPLY MORE THAN ONCE PER THREAD
»
 HIDING MOD: UNTRACEABLE
     
 PASSIVE
      NEGATES THE EFFECTS OF TRACKING SKILL AGAINST THE USER
»
 HIDING MOD: UNTRACEABLE
     
 PASSIVE
      +1 STEALTH
      NEGATES THE EFFECTS OF TRACKING SKILL AGAINST THE USER
»
 HIDING MOD: VANISH
     
 POST/FREE ACTION
      ALLOWS USER TO ENTER STEALTH DURING COMBAT
           CAN ACTIVATE AS REACTIVE FREE ACTION UPON COMPLETING LAST HIT AGAINST A FOE
           COST: 5 EN
           COOLDOWN: 3 TURNS
                COOLDOWN BEGINS UPON EXITING STEALTH
»
 HIDING MOD: SURPRISE ATTACK (TRICKSTER)
     
 PASSIVE
      ATTACKS MADE FROM STEALTH CANNOT MISS
      ATTACKS MADE FROM STEALTH REDUCE FINAL DMG BY 50% AND AUTOMATICALLY APPLY ALL STATUS EFFECTS
           COST: 8 EN

EQUIPMENT

WEAPON
» [EQUIPPED] "FORGOTTEN KING'S SPITE" - STRAIGHT SWORD (T4 - DEMONIC)
     ➥ FALLEN
           +8 TO BASE DAMAGE ON NATURAL ROLLS OF 6-8
     ➥ BLEED
           DEALS 48 UNMITIGATABLE DMG FOR TWO TURNS ON NATURAL CRITICAL HITS
     ➥ BURN
           DEALS 56 UNMITIGATABLE DMG FOR TWO TURNS ON NATURAL CRITICAL HITS
     ➥ BLIGHT
           DEALS 32 UNMITIGATABLE DMG FOR TWO TURNS ON NATURAL CRITICAL HITS
           BLIGHT-AFFLICTED TARGETS SUFFER -20 MIT PENALTY DURING STATUS DURATION

ARMOR
» [EQUIPPED] "BLOODSTAINED COAT" - LIGHT ARMOR (T4 - DEMONIC)
      +48 MIT
      +1 EVA
      HOLY BLESSING
           AFTER TAKING DAMAGE, USER HEALS 2% (17 HP) OF MAX HP AT THE BEGINNING OF THE FOLLOWING TURN

TRINKET
» [EQUIPPED] "EAGLE'S EYE" - TRINKET (T1 - DEMONIC)
      +2 EVA
      +2 ACC

FAMILIAR
» [EQUIPPED] SWINE BAJESUS - RENDING FAMILIAR FAMILIAR
     ➥ FREE ACTION
     ➥ USER AND FAMILIAR ATTACK IN TANDEM, DEALING REND [28 UNMITIGATABLE DMG] TO THE TARGET THAT LASTS 2 TURNS

           COOLDOWN: 5 TURNS

BATTLE-READY INVENTORY

» [ON STANDBY] "DAWN'S DEMISE" - STRAIGHT SWORD (T4 - DEMONIC)
     ➥ HOLY II
           +16 TO BASE DAMAGE ON NATURAL ROLLS OF 9 OR HIGHER
     ➥ FALLEN
           +8 TO BASE DAMAGE ON NATURAL ROLLS OF 6-8
     ➥ PHASE
           IGNORES 50% OF MIT ON NATURAL ROLLS OF 9 OR HIGHER
»
 [x5] VITALITY II SNACKS (T4 - RARE)
     ➥ RESTORES 16 EN
     ➥ ID: 188417 | 188419-A | 188419-B | 188420-A | 188420-B

» [x5] VITALITY II SNACKS (T4 - RARE)
     ➥ RESTORES 16 EN
     ➥ ID: 188423-A | 188423-B | 188423-C | 188423-D | 188426

» [x5] VITALITY II SNACKS (T4 - RARE)
     ➥ RESTORES 16 EN
     ➥ ID: 188427-A | 188427-B | 188429 | 188466-C | 188466-D

» [x5] VITALITY II SNACKS (T4 - RARE)
     ➥ RESTORES 16 EN
     ➥ ID: 188691 | 188692-A | 188692-B | 188697-A | 188697-B

» [x4] VITALITY II SNACKS (T4 - RARE)
     ➥ RESTORES 16 EN
     ➥ ID: 188699 | 188700 | 188702 | 188703

» [x2]TELEPORTATION CRYSTAL 
     ➥ INSTANTLY TRANSPORTS THE USER TO A TELEPORT LOCATION OF THEIR CHOOSING

 

Edited by Bahr
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Morningstar was getting better. His mind was still a sorrowing mess but each passing day brought progress. Sometimes, late at night, he would find himself trapped in an unending thought loop. Images of a quiet living room and a guildhall full of mournful faces played on repeat.

During the afternoon, however, he felt okay. Not quite good, but okay. He found himself spending more time in forests and other quiet places than in cities. It had been a few days since he had last been in a safezone at all. The business and commotion were tiring; they overwhelmed him. The wilderness was, for him, therapeutic in a sense. The second floor's forests were often tranquil, aside from the ridiculous amount of giant bugs that inhabited them. He leaned against the trunk of a tree, flipping the page of his book. Apparently, there were writers in the game. The cover of the book was simple: Red with white text that said "Ashes of Armor." The author was someone named Sto, whom he assumed was a player.

According to the introduction, it was a true story. It recounted Sto's journey to the ninth floor, where he encountered the triple-headed hellhound, Cerberus. Morningstar wondered what "true" really meant. Parts of the tale seemed far-fetched, even for the game.

The sound of a bell chimed in his ears. It shocked him out of his reading and caused him to open his menu. There was a message from Bahr, the memoryless man he had met not long before. Bahr asked him to join him in Snowfrost, a place that Morningstar had been wanting to visit anyway. He sent a message back.

Quote

To: Bahr

Be there soon.

- M

Thankfully, he was only a few minutes from Urbus. It wouldn't take him long to reach the teleporter and head up to the fourth floor. He shut his book and it evaporated into nothingness, returning to his inventory. He would have to come back to it another time.

After some walking and teleportation, Morningstar found his way to Snowfall. As stated in the name, snowflakes were falling slowly from above. He had forgotten how cold it got there. He switched out his usual cloak for his furred, winter cloak. It made a difference. While he did not frequent the floor, he had never seen so many stalls in the town. Not to mention the extreme amount of lanterns. It was like some sort of festival. In the distance, he spotted Bahr.

"What's all this?" Morningstar asked, approaching the man from behind.

Spoiler

Morningstar | Lv. 25 | HP: 500/500 | EN: 83/83 | DMG: 20 | ACC: 4 | MIT: 66 | EVA: 1 | 2 BLD | 1 PAR

Gear:

  • Meteor | Perfect Two-Handed Straight Sword
    +2 BLD
    +1 PAR
  • In Noctem | Perfect Light Armor
    +36 MIT
    +1 EVA
  • Lexa's Light | Perfect Trinket
    +3 ACC

Skills:

  • Straight Sword | Rank 5 | Precision | Stamina | Ferocity
    +9 DMG
    +1 ACC
    -2 ENG per attack
  • Light Armor | Rank 5 | Meticulous
    +30 MIT
    -2 Stealth
    +1 DMG
  • Searching | Rank 5
    +5 LD
    +5 Stealth Detection
  • Survival | Rank 1
    +10% to healing effects
    +Immunity to environmental effects
  • Charge | Rank 1
    +5 DMG (when activated)
    -1 ACC (when activated)
    +2*tier ENG cost to activate
  • Energist | Rank 1
    +15 ENG

Combat Mastery:

  • Damage
    +9 DMG

Combat Shift:

  • TECH Specialist
    +4 to multipliers
    +3 to ENG cost

 

Edited by Morningstar
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A ping heralded the arrival of Morningstar's reply. It appeared he'd answered in the affirmative. Not knowing how long it would take, Bahr took a seat against one of the cold benches that sat close to the teleport gate. He took the time to fully observe and appreciate his surroundings. Flakes of frozen moisture cascaded from the heavens, simply water loosed from its cloud prison and born anew. It collected in heaps on the ground, layer upon layer, a lattice of beauty and freeze. When one of these snowflakes landed on him, it quickly dissipated into nothingness. He wondered why that was.

It didn't take Morningstar long to arrive. Or, at least if it did, Bahr had been sufficiently distracted that he hadn't noticed. "What's all this?" the blond youth inquired, making his presence known.

"Not sure," Bahr replied with a shrug, eyes unmoving from the festival building itself before their eyes. "I had actually been hoping your insight would answer that question for me." There was a humorless indifference in his tone. Not necessarily frustrated or upset, but not exactly enthused, either. With an unflattering grunt, he stood and faced his companion. "Let's go see what they're up to."

Through their meandering and questioning of the villagers, the duo came to understand that there was some sort of festival that was starting. Something about how, every absurd-length-of-time, the perpetually frozen fourth floor would start to heat up just enough for a little snow to melt. The denizens of the space saw it fit to celebrate their brief reprieve from the elements, however minor, and throw a big ol' party. 

Bahr didn't really understand at first, but found it easy to slip right into the holiday spirit with the rest of them. "Looks like they're setting up games. Have you tried any of them, Morningstar?"

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The festival reminded him of Christmas, although it was not the right time of year for that sort of celebration. The warm sun solstice, as the villagers called it, had arrived after two hundred years. Bahr asked him a question that puzzled him. Did he look two hundred years old?

"No, I didn't even realize this festival existed," he replied, scanning the stalls around them.

There weren't any games he'd played before, actually. It was like they were specific to the festival, aside from a game involving tossing snowballs into a hole that resembled a sandbag throwing game that he'd played as a kid. He stepped up to the stand and, with a smile, the NPC authorized him to give it a shot. Gently, he picked up a snowball, packing it tighter in his hands. He closed one eye and stuck out the tip of his tongue, concentrating. There were a total of seven holes, the biggest ones on the bottom giving the least amount of points. The smaller they got, the better the prize. He aimed carefully, giving the snowball a few underhand warm-up throws before letting go.

The white orb flew, sinking directly into the top hole. A bell rang on top of the stand and the NPC cheered, stepping off to the back to hand Morningstar his prize for winning. It was a humongous stuffed ice colossus resembling a field boss found on the fourth floor. The blonde lifted the blue-grey toy and tucked it between his left arm and his waist. He thanked the villager, turning back to Bahr.

"This could be fun," he grinned.

From somewhere behind, he overheard a conversation between two villagers. It was unusual, the way they spoke to each other. Morningstar turned around to get a better look at the two men.

"Never seen the guy before. Wore a strange wool and leather cloak with chainmail underneath it. Wore a helmet too. Looked like he got caught in a blizzard, all covered in snow and ice, even looked a bit frostbitten. But what was even weirder were his eyes,"

"How could his eyes be weirder than his condition?" 

"They were wild, almost like he was chasing something. It was like he saw everyone as a threat or something." 

Morningstar nudged Bahr's shoulder, gesturing at the two NPCs. A few thoughts passed through his head but he held off from speaking just yet.

"Well, what happened to him?" 

"Ran away after he snuck around the festival a bit. I think he was heading towards Darian's campsite by the lake." 

"Well if he's gonna run into Darian we've got nothing to worry about. That guy's as strong as they come."

Spoiler

ID: 207781 LD: 20+5=25
Snowball toss was successful.

 

Edited by Morningstar
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Morningstar's mastery of the snowball toss, despite claiming he'd never attempted it before, was equally impressive as it was vexing. As someone who had only seemed to stumble to and fro in a haphazard daze since awakening, Bahr wondered if every 'normal' person was as naturally good at everything as Morningstar seemed to be. Perhaps even Bahr himself was, at one point. Or, it was possible that Morningstar actually was an exceptional shot. Either way, Bahr felt weary in having to follow such a splendid performance.

The NPC beckoned him and, not wanting to appear shy or cowardly, the swordsman took a step forward. The snowball settled into his hand much like a sea urchin, unfamiliar and setting his skin ablaze with its frosty pricks. He at first attempted to emulate what he'd seen Morningstar do, packing and condensing the ivory orb into something that fit his palm a bit more comfortably. Once satisfied, he sized up his target.

The nuance of the game was not lost on him. Larger holes that were lower would naturally be easier to sink the ball through. Higher ones that were more narrow presented more of a challenge. Though Morningstar had made it look effortless, Bahr's apprehension when taking a gander at the smallest target seemed to freeze him, much like the sphere in he held was starting to freeze him. But the sensation was approaching unbearable, and Bahr knew the longer he waited, the more likely he was to miss his shot when he finally loosed the ball from his grip.

So he took the shot.

It wasn't a spectacular performance, but he had surprised himself by sinking the snowball through the second highest rung - though he had aimed for the highest. Even still, there was an immediate pang of excited, and gratification, that came with the satisfaction of having succeeded. Even if to a lesser extent than his companion. 

With lesser feats came lesser prizes, and rather than a gigantic plush, Bahr was awarded with a simple coffee mug from the NPC (who was still kind in its deliverance, though decidedly less enthused than he had been with Morningstar). It seemed to thaw his fingers at the touch, in stark contrast to the uncomfortable cold he'd felt only moments earlier, as though the vessel was still warmed by the coffee that resided in it last. His scarlet eyes examined the prize as his thumb absently traced over the lettering. White Rabbit Tavern, it read, over a backdrop illustrating an inviting hearth nestled within a cozy parlor. Bahr could swear the visage, and title, bore some modicum of resemblance to him. Whatever it was, it was just beyond his grasp.

Bahr's scrutinization of the mug was cut short as Morningstar nudged him, jarring him from whatever train of thought he'd been riding. He'd been brought back to his senses just in time to hear the tail-end of a conversation a couple of NPCs were having.

"Well what happened to him?" 

"Ran away after he snuck around the festival a bit. I think he was heading towards Darian's campsite by the lake." 

"Well if he's gonna run into Darian we've got nothing to worry about. That guy's as strong as they come."

"Intriguing," Bahr muttered as he shot Morningstar a glance. He was still unfamiliar with the ways of this world, but he still knew a cry for help when he heard it. These men may have put up fronts to hide the fear in their hearts, Bahr's perception cut cleanly through the facade like a honed blade through a burlap sack. They weren't trying to hide their conversation. Hell, they wanted someone to hear it. 

Bahr stepped forward, toward the men.

"Hello. My name is Bahr. This is Morningstar," Bahr said, gesturing toward the blond who stood beside and a few paces behind him. "We couldn't help but overhear. Do you believe this man to be a threat?"

"Warm greetings. I'm Levi," the younger, snowy-haired youth of the duo sounded. He then cocked his head toward the gruffer of the two men. "This is Hermy. And yes, almost certainly. Those heavily-armed sorts don't usually come around these parts, and when they do it's always trouble."

"I see."


Bahr turned back to Morningstar, brow furrowed with a twisted expression half worry, half inquisition. "It might be worth checking out," he asserted. "There's a chance this Darian fellow could be in trouble."

"Bah! As if,"
 the more oafish of the two chided, his cheeks rosy with the influence of ale. "You've got nothing to worry about. Darian's among the strongest of us."

"No, that's what I was trying to explain to you,"
 Levi interjected. "This man was inordinate. I don't know if Darian's shield would hold against him."

"Fret all you like,"
 Hermy retorted bluntly, taking a hearty swig from his flask. "I'm going to return to the festivities."

The group watched as Hermy stumbled along, somehow meandering straight into a table that was in plain view before diverting and inevitably becoming lost in the crowd. Once he'd gone, Levi turned his attention back to the Players. "I would appreciate it if you could find the time to help. Darian is mighty, but there is only so much one man can do alone. I haven't the strength to fight by myself, but the two of you look strong. I can lead the way for you, if that makes it easier."

No sooner had he finished forwarding the request than panels populated before both Bahr and Morningstar. It was asking if they wanted to accept a "quest." Bahr gave Morningstar another glance. "Well?"

Spoiler

ID: 207799 | LD: 16
Snowball toss was partially successful.

 

Edited by Bahr
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From Levi's explanation, it was difficult to tell what they would be up against. That being said, it interested Morningstar. He glanced back at Bahr. It was unlikely that the man knew anything about the fourth floor and Morningstar was not familiar with much outside of Snowfall. "Let's accept it," he said, swiping open his inventory and finding his equipment.

Meteor appeared at his waist with a golden glow and his armor switched out with his regular clothing beneath his cloak. His amber eyes fixed on the white-haired NPC. "We would appreciate it if you would lead the way. Even if it is starting to melt, I'd rather not get lost in the snow."

"Of course," Levi nodded, "it is not far from here."

They wandered off to the edge of town, away from the lively festival and in the forests of the fourth floor. The last time he had ventured into them was with Rebekah and under more casual circumstances. He had always avoided quests on the fourth floor due to the freezing temperatures. That being said, Morningstar was eager to see Bahr's ability in combat. He wondered how much of it was muscle memory and how much had been lost along with his past.

Silent was the forest, aside from the crunching of the snow beneath the trio's heavy steps. If they were not heading towards a fight, Morningstar would have called it peaceful. But he knew better. He blinked, hearing Levi's voice once again.

"Just so you know," he stammered, "I-I'm not of much use in a fight."

The man looked like he wanted to say more but he stopped, hesitating. "It's okay. Showing us the way to the camp is more than enough help," Morningstar said.

Levi's face relaxed. The blonde's words appeared to relieve Levi of his insecurity at least a bit. "I'm a lumberjack, see. But I'm the weakest of the group and I'm not strong enough to do much harvesting. I mostly sit in trees and use my slingshot to scare off wolves."

"Do what you can," Morningstar smiled. "You'll have no judgment from me."

They shared a short look of respect before Levi halted the group. They stood in a clearing that looked out onto a frozen lake. In the corner of the clearing was a campsite consisting of a tattered tent and a firepit. Levi cupped his mouth with his hands, muffling his shock. The body of a man, whom Morningstar assumed was Darian, lay limp in the snow near the campsite. Another man sat quietly by the fire, chewing on some sort of meat. He was covered in snow and looked terribly frostbitten.

Spoiler

ID: 207941 LD: 17+5=22
Campsite found
(LD is on fire this thread)

 

 

Edited by Morningstar
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Bahr followed Morningstar's lead and accepted the quest invitation, which immediately dismissed the panel and activated the subsequent track for the NPC, which immediately began leading the pair out of Snowfrost and into the wilds. The trek there was a bit more lengthy than Bahr had anticipated, and the snow and trees that surrounded the group seemed to suppress all of the noises he had grown accustomed to on the first floor. There were no long blades of grass rustling in the wind, nor woodland creatures chittering and chattering about. The silence enveloped them like a thick miasma, blotting out any noise save for the ragged breath of the men as they trudged forward, and the squelching of half-melted snow beneath their boots with each step.

Morningstar and Levi chatted idly about something or other, but Bahr hardly paid attention. His eyes scanned the tree line, instinctively searching for any sign of movement. As they weren't going out of their way to stay quiet, any stealthier dangers would have the upper hand. But, try as he might, there were no creatures or people to behold. The tundra truly was as desolate as it seemed.

This is, until they stumbled upon the corpse. Levi let loose a gasp as he laid eyes on it, prompting Bahr to place a hand firmly over the youth's mouth and pull him into cover behind a boulder. Bahr tugged at Morningstar's sleeve as well, becoming the blond swordsman to join them behind the bulk of cobble. Once everyone was secure, Bahr peeked around the boulder, keeping his profile slim so as to avoid detection. It appeared the culprit was eating something near a fire he'd concocted, though Bahr didn't really see the point. With frostbite like that, chances were slim that he'd make it through the night. The upside was, that made him an easy target.

He turned back to the pair. "Darian's been murdered," Bahr summarized flatly, keeping his tone low and quiet. "I'm guessing the man at the fire is the guy you were talking to Hermy about?"

Levi nodded in the affirmative, his shaky breath evident in the uneven plumes of steam escaping his lips.

"We can make this clean and efficient. He doesn't look powerful. Morningstar will get his attention while I flank. Levi, stay behind cover, and use your slingshot only if you see an opportunity to take a shot that won't reveal your location."

"Y-you're not actually suggesting we fight that man, are you? He took down Darian, for God's sake!" The poor kid was shaken to his core, but still managed to keep his voice down. Bahr reached out and gripped his shoulder reassuringly. 

"We'll keep you safe."

Bahr pulled his hood over his head, shading his visage as the mask he'd been wearing the whole time finally revealed itself. It unfurled one tangerine triangular pixel at a time, until not a trace of Bahr's face remained. "I'll wait for you to engage, Morningstar," he stated, voice almost digitized through the mask. And then, panels of his frame began to flake away in the same triangular pattern as before, until he was completely imperceptible against the backdrop. If the pair studied carefully, they'd be able to track his boot prints as they trailed a line away from the boulder and around the other side of the encampment. Aside from that, he was air.

Spoiler

Entering stealth.
ID: 207694
LD: 18+4=22

 

Edited by Bahr
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Morningstar felt a twinge at his waist where his sword was secured. He agreed to Bahr's plan, watching as the man entered the shadows. His attention shifted to Levi, whose body shook from behind him. He'd be okay. Like Bahr had said, they would protect him.

"We won't take too long," Morningstar flashed a smile.

Levi nodded, preparing his slingshot and hiding within the trees. The blonde gazed out at the lone soldier, who chewed on his dinner with animosity. His frostbitten hands looked dead and his face was no better. His hand touched the hilt of his blade and with a ring, Meteor was drawn from its scabbard. The noise drew their enemy's attention, but there was no surprise in his look. The meat that he had once been eating fell to the ground, making no sound as it touched the snow. Rage gathered in his misty eyes and he drew his spear and shield.

"Good," the King's Soldier snarled, "I'll have the honor of slaughtering more of you blasphemers."

Without a word, Morningstar dashed forwards. His Charge skill activated, increasing his speed to an inhuman level. The golden glow of his sword was replaced by the Florenthian green sword art he had learned days prior. His blade clashed against the soldier's shield, unable to break through the sturdy defense.

For a moment, he locked eyes with the frostbitten man. The lifelessness within them was terrifying.

Spoiler

Charge Activated
TECH-D Activated
ID: 208180 BD: 2+4-1=5 (Miss)
-21 ENG

Bahr | HP: 880/880 | EN: 122/122 | DMG: 20 | MIT: 128 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 3 | STEALTH: 4 | FALLEN: 8 | BLEED 48 | BURN: 56 | BLIGHT: 32 | BH: 44 | HB: 17
Morningstar | HP: 500/500 | EN: 81/83 | DMG: 20 | MIT: 66 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 1 | STEALTH: -2 | 36 BLD | 1 PAR
Levi | ACC: -1 | EVA: 1

King's Soldier | HP: 1000/1000 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 100

 

Edited by Morningstar
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Bahr remained shrouded as Morningstar made his presence known, acquiring the man's attention exactly as they'd planned. No sooner had the morsel embedded within the snow at the warrior's feet than Morningstar was upon him, advancing with inhuman dexterity. A loud clang shattered the silence that had enveloped the area, with an intense flash to accompany it as the point of impact between the two pieces of equipment ignited. Impressed was Bahr with Morningstar's strength and agility, but equally impressed was he with the fortitude of the man they'd come to vanquish. It was no wonder Darian had fallen. But even as Bahr had the thought, he felt his body moving of its own accord, muscle memory and instinct manipulating his limbs at their whimsy.

Out of the corners of their eyes, they may have caught a glimpse of it. That ribbon of crimson carving an elegant loop through the air, swelling in size and momentum as it neared the two where they stood. All at once, a meteoric force would come crashing down against the man's cheek on his exposed side, the helmet that cupped it splintering into countless crystalline fractals before evaporating into nothingness. Black flames leapt forth from the red and seemingly grasped the mob in its clutches, ensnaring him in an unnatural way. Bahr's figure would flicker back into view shortly thereafter, revealing that his blade had been the culprit, still hot with the scarlet energy that was now gradually dissipating. A comically small boar rode the tip, its tusk protruding ever so slightly beyond the blade's edge. How it had held on through such a harrowing blow was anyone's guess.

The warrior staggered briefly, but stood his ground well. Bahr took the sliver of actionable space he had to plant his boot firmly against the man's chest plate and push as hard as he could. The warrior would stumble backward with a grunt, seemingly still reeling from Forgotten King's Spite, eyes filled with fire staring back up at the two swordsmen through a lattice of unkempt hair freed from the prison of his helmet. It was around now that the true weight of Bahr's attack would begin to take hold. The blood that poured from his wound did so in a sickeningly viscous way, congealing the moment it seeped from his skin into a ebony, gelatinous mass. The burn that now covered half his visage bubbled and popped, the heat still not having dispersed.

"Where is your king, soldier?" Bahr demanded, tone confident and authoritative. Despite the resolve in Bahr's presence, the question would only illicit gruff laughter from their adversary.

"Yours is not the sort to mingle in his presence," the man retorted, falling into a coughing fit shortly thereafter. "You attack from the shadows. You don't even show your face," he continued. "A coward such as yourself is not worthy of an audience in his court."

Spoiler

Bahr: HP: 880/880 | EN: 111/122 | DMG: 20 | MIT: 103 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 3 | STLTH: 4 | FLN: 8 | BLD: 48 | BRN: 56 | BLGT: 32 | BH: 44 | HB: 17
Morningstar: HP: 500/500 | EN: 81/83 | DMG: 20 | MIT: 66 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 1 | STLTH: -2 | BLD: 36 | PAR I
Levi: ACC: -1 | EVA: 1

Bahr used Cyclone Slash [x12 Tech-A Stun], -11 EN
ID: 208218 | LD: 17+4=21, Stealth maintained | BD: 8, Hit
FALLEN ACTIVATED | BURN INFLICTED | BLEED INFLICTED | BLIGHT INFLICTED | REND INFLICTED | STUN INFLICTED
28 x 12 = 336 | 336 / 2 = 168 | 168 - 100 = 68 DMG INFLICTED

Levi attacks King's Soldier.
ID: 208292 | BD: 6, Miss

King's Soldier: HP: 768/1000 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 80 | BURN (1/2@56) | BLEED (1/2@48) | BLIGHT (1/2@32) | REND (1/2@28) | STUNNED

 

Edited by Bahr
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Bahr's exit from the shadows had provided Morningstar with the perfect opportunity to reset the tempo of the fight. Backing away, the blonde watched as the knight burned from Bahr's blade. It was quite an extraordinary weapon. Using their short burst of words to his advantage, Morningstar re-engaged, a green blaze of light crackling along his blade. He activated Shatter once more but, this time, the soldier had no chance to block it.

The edge of the blade dropped down, sliding from the soldier's right shoulder to his lower abdomen. Morningstar's sword retreated for a moment before he swung to the opposite side, looking to steal a second hit. Despite his wounds, the soldier was able to shift his shield outwards, blocking the blow.

Snow crunched beneath his feet as Morningstar bounced back, returning to a safe distance. His gaze was fixed on the soldier's dominant hand. It was hard to tell the range of the spear; he was inexperienced with dueling spear-wielders and the soldier had yet to go on the offense. From the bushes, he could see Levi struggling to replace the rock in his slingshot. Star had not noticed at first, but a stone had kicked up some snow near the soldier's feet. The lumberjack had missed, but barely.

Spoiler

Bahr: HP: 880/880 | EN: 111/122 | DMG: 20 | MIT: 103 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 3 | STLTH: 4 | FLN: 8 | BLD: 48 | BRN: 56 | BLGT: 32 | BH: 44 | HB: 17
Morningstar: HP: 500/500 | EN: 67/83 | DMG: 20 | MIT: 66 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 1 | STLTH: -2 | BLD: 36 | PAR I
Levi: ACC: -1 | EVA: 1

Morningstar regens +3 ENG
Morningstar uses Shatter [x12+4 TECH-D]
-20 MIT to King's Soldier
ID: 208322 | BD: 8 (HIT)
-16 ENG
20*(12+4)=320-60=260+36=260 DMG to King's Soldier

King's Soldier: HP: 508/1000 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 60 | BURN (1/2@56) | BLEED (1/2@48) | BLIGHT (1/2@32) | REND (1/2@28) | STUNNED SHATTER (1/3@20)

 

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  • 2 weeks later...

Things were going well so far. More or less according to Bahr's estimations. If they could keep things going at this pace, it was unlikely the frostbitten warrior would last longer than the next few attacks. A shame for extrapolating more info, but something told Bahr that they weren't going to be getting much out of him anyway.

As the NPC reeled from Morningstar's attack, Bahr sailed in for a follow up. He arched his arm back and high above his head, threatening to bring Forgotten King's Spite down on the man's head. Predictably, he raised his shield as though to block Bahr's strike, but would not find anything colliding with the hunk of metal. As Forgotten King's Spite came down, it would seemingly evaporate into thin air. Instead, the soldier would feel a sharp pain in his side as Dawn's Demise found its mark, gripped tightly in Bahr's other hand. A counterattack would be attempted by the knight, but the man in all his ailments was slow and clumsy. Bahr very cavalierly took a step back, putting just enough distance between himself and swordsman to avoid the blow.

Health drained from the enemy's health bar like the color drained from his face. He wasn't making it out of this, and now he knew it. The meter plunged as though in free fall, stopped just short of full depletion and leaving a sliver of red behind. "Last chance," Bahr suggested as he rested his blade against his shoulder. "You can tell us what you know, or you can face the gallows."

The warrior looked up at the pair of Players thought twists of obsidian hair, humor evident in his expression as he forced a crooked smile through the grimace that had hung over his visage ever since Bahr's most recent strike. "Nothing would make me happier."

Spoiler

[H: 2] Bahr: HP: 880/880 | EN: 103/122 | DMG: 20 | MIT: 103 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 3 | STLTH: 4 | FLN: 8 | BLD: 48 | BRN: 56 | BLGT: 32 | BH: 44 | HB: 17
[H: 1] Morningstar: HP: 500/500 | EN: 67/83 | DMG: 20 | MIT: 66 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 1 | STLTH: -2 | BLD: 36 | PAR I
[H: 0] Levi: ACC: -1 | EVA: 1

Bahr used Quick Change: Forgotten King's Spite [T4-BRN/BLT/BLD/FLN] swapped for Dawn's Demise [T4-HLY/HLY/FLN/PHASE]

Rending Familiar cooldown: 1/5

Bahr used Feint Attack [x15 ST-I], -12 EN
ID: 208823 | BD: 4, Hit
20 x 15 = 300 | 300 - 60 = 240 DMG INFLICTED

Levi attacks King's Soldier.
ID: 208824 | BD: 5, Miss

King's Soldier: HP: 84/1000 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 60 | BURN (2/2@56) | BLEED (2/2@48) | BLIGHT (2/2@32) | REND (2/2@28) | SHATTER (1/3@20)
King's Soldier attacks Bahr
ID: 208825 | MD: 7, Miss

 

Edited by Bahr
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  • 1 year later...

Morningstar marched toward the two men, listening as Bahr offered him a choice. It would never have worked; both of them knew it. Nonetheless, it was noble of him. The King's Soldier dropped to his knees, defeated. Still, there was passion in his dying eyes.

"Praise be—" The warrior's final words were cut short.

His head flew through the air before tumbling to the ground. His body toppled over and, not a second later, disappeared. Blue pixels floated into the sky and the soldier's spirit returned to Cardinal. The victory was bittersweet. He glanced at Levi, who was half-hiding behind a thick pine tree, and gestured for him to come out. They were safe now—for the moment, at least.

The King's Soldier remained a mystery, even in defeat. Questions began to pop into his brain, unanswerable and searing. Who and where was the king? He had seen much of the fourth floor and heard nothing of the sort before then. A window appeared, communicating the completion of the quest.

"Doesn't feel much like an ending," Morningstar thought aloud.

Spoiler

POST ACTION | TECH-D [x16] vs King's Soldier
FREE ACTION | N/A

ID: 218304 | BD: 4+4=8 | 20*16=320-40=280 DMG

[H: 2] Bahr: HP: 880/880 | EN: 103/122 | DMG: 20 | MIT: 103 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 3 | STLTH: 4 | FLN: 8 | BLD: 48 | BRN: 56 | BLGT: 32 | BH: 44 | HB: 17
[H: 2] Morningstar: HP: 500/500 | EN: 54/83 (+3) (-16) | DMG: 20 | MIT: 66 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 1 | STLTH: -2 | BLD: 36 | PAR I
[H: 0] Levi: ACC: -1 | EVA: 1

King's Soldier: HP: 0/1000 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 40 | SHATTER (2/3@40)

LOOTING | ID: 218305 | LD: 7+5=12 | CD: 6
+ 5,000 col
+ 2 materials
+ 1 Rare Weapon
+ 1 Uncommon Consumable
 

 

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"Doesn't feel much like an ending," Morningstar concluded aptly. 

"You're not wrong," Bahr included, eyes illuminated by the quest completion panel briefly scanning their surroundings for any unexpected additions to their quest. When none came, he let loose a sigh of relief and dismissed the window. "More like a beginning than anything."

Afterward, he turned his attention again to the NPC that had accompanied them. "I believe you should be safe - for now."

"Y-yes... hopefully..." Levi's trembling tone betrayed a sense of discomfort and unease. Bahr's eyes narrowed. Was Levi scared that their saga had not actually concluded, or scared of the two men who stood before him, that had systematically dismantled the warrior who claimed one of their best. "At any rate... I'm certainly very grateful for your help. Nobody I know would have been able to do what the two of you did." With a formal bow, the NPC concluded, "You have my sincere thanks." Stiffly, the youth stood straight again. "I'll be off now."

And then he was.

Bahr's attention fell to Morningstar. "I remember," he stated bluntly, expression serious and without a hint or sarcasm or uncertainty. "All of it. Who I was - am. It all clicked while we fought."There was a brief silence, before, "You have my apologies for putting you through all of this for nothing. There's no dramatic reveal or tear-jerking scene. I just... remember."

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  • 4 weeks later...

Morningstar gave a salute to the young man, who wandered back to town. He nodded to Bahr's response. The beginning of what, he did not know and, frankly, he wasn't sure he cared to find out.

A look of surprise formed on the blonde's face as his comrade spoke again. His words were unexpected, cutting through the silence like a freshly sharpened knife. It felt wrong but a part of them found the mystery exciting. He had hoped for a puzzle to solve. The bigger part of him was glad, however.

"I wouldn't say that it was for nothing. I'd have tagged along either way."

The quiet of the forest settled between their words. Snow fell from above, Morningstar's clothes damp from its touch. The memories may have returned but Bahr was still a mystery to him. He was barely more than a stranger. A question lingered in Morningstar's mind.

"So," he began, "who are you?"

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