[PP-F11] Breaking Bark 2 (w/ Nari)

[Hirru 0]

Breaking Bark 2

 

Yet another day upon the 11th floor.  Another time to remember all of the ant hills that propagate the floor, and for the memories of Taft.  The guild hall of the Knights of the Blood Oath still hangs there, as symbol of a time stood still.  He could never go back.  Not again.  Not since the events of the 23rd floor, would he ever say that the crimson red was home.  His home was now in the water covered island of Jacob's Ladder, and Baldur's Dojo.  He truly wished that he didn't have to be here, but the need would weigh more.

There was a single consumable that the hunter had gained.  It was a rather useful item that could create a heavy barrier against a large enough attack.  Hirru thought it would be good enough for the last boss fight that they had, but he had forgotten all about it.  Especially when the guy was, just a guy.  There was much more to the floor boss, and what happened afterwards, but it all kind of went up in smoke.  The hunter never really did much, but heal everyone and protect them.  With this, he would easily be able to.

That being said, he would need someone to come with him this time.  Koga was with him last time, and they had a very informative talk about the issues that Hirru had faced.  Now, he was hoping not to do it again, so he sought help from someone that he had recently got to know, Nari-Lanreth.

Sending her a message stating that he was looking to farm a particular consumable that would be helpful with the front lines, the hunter would wait outside the Forbidden Forest; where the field boss usually resides.

"I hope she comes.  I'm not that great at hunting things, like I used to."

Hirru consumes

• Field Ration - 12% (Filling) -> 16% Max HP
• Gungnir Shard | IDENTIFICATION | T4 FEAST (Infinite) | T4 MIT III = MIT +60 5/6 uses (Reusable) [T2 reduction -> 30 mit]
• Immolation Potion T4 -> +40 Thorns [T2 reduction to -> +20 Thorns]
• Spyglass -> Get another field boss after 10 posts instead of 15!

Hirru stats

Spoiler

Hirru | HP: 1067/1067 | EN: 104/104 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 187 | BH: 53 | HLY BLS: 43 | MENDING: 2 | REC: 8 | THRNS: 76

T2 Stats
Hirru | HP: 1032/1032 | EN: 104/104 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 122 | BH: 51 | HLY BLS: 41 | MENDING: 2 | REC: 4 | THRNS: 36

Hirru Lvl 32 (PL 58)

920 HP (+220 PL)
104 Energy (+22 PL)1 Base Damage
5% Battle Healing
8 Recovery
187 Mitigation [+60 feast]
76 Thorns [+40 immolation]
32 Holy Blessing
20% Life Mend

Equipment

Paladin's Oath ..................... // +4% Holy Blessing / +20% Life Mending
Light's Embrace .................... // +8 Recovery / 32 Thorns
Bulwark ............................ // +72 Mitigation
Blades Cloak ....................... // Vanity
Lun'Rael's Insignia ................ // Unique Vanity |
Fates Armament (Shield) ............ // Unique Vanity | 
Dimensional Backpack ............... // +1 B.R.I Slot

Battle Ready Inventory

<Teleportation Crystal> x5 ......... // Teleport to a town / out of a dungeon [Uses 2 posts: 1 for use, next to teleport]
<Spirit of the Jade Dragon> ........ // +2 Accuracy / +1 EVA
<Betrayal of the Fallen Knight> .... // +12 Damage
<Mass HP Recovery Crystal> x5 ...... // +10% AOE Heal
<Empty>
<Empty>

Skills

Heavy Armor ........................ // Rank 5: +35 MIT
Battle Healing ..................... // Rank 5: +5% HP each turn
Search ............................. // Rank 5: +5 Loot Die / +5 Stealth Detection
Quick Change ....................... // Rank 0: Change equipment / 3 turn cooldown

Extra Skills (Max 4)

First Aid .......................... // Rank 5: +20% ST-H / -15 EN
Leadership ......................... // Rank 5: Command the Front w/ Buffs

Skill Mods / Addons (Max 5 Mods)

Iron Skin (Add on) ................. // +15 Mit / +60 HP
Field Medic (Add on) ............... // +25% AOE-H / -15 EN / 3 turn Cooldown
Hyperactive (Add on) ............... // +3 EN Regen for 3 turns / -5 EN / 3 turn Cooldown
Reveal (Add on)..................... // +2 to Dungeon, Labyrinth searches / Post 10 searches / 3 turn Labyrinth Cooldown

Barrier ............................ // -15% Dmg shield AOE / -15 EN / 2 turn Cooldown
Energize ........................... // +8 EN ST / -10 EN
Rally .............................. // +1 ACC AOE, -1 ACC self / -6 EN / 3 turn Cooldown
Press The Attack ................... // +(Target Tier) Dmg, -(Cumulative)Dmg / -10 En / 5 turn Cooldown
Detect ............................. // +1 to Labyrinth searches | +2 Stealth Detect

Housing Buffs

Rested ............................. // -1 EN for 2 uses
Relaxed ............................ // OOC HP regen 5*tier Rec EN after 2 turns
Filling ............................ // Increase food by +1 T1 slot
Multipurpose ....................... // +1 LD, Stealth, Dection, or Prosperity to 1 post
Practiced Angler ................... // +2 EXP & +1 LD & CD to attempts

 

Edited January 7, 2023 by Hirru

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

The message had been simple, calling Nari to the eleventh floor. She'd taken a few moments just to get ready, before leading the small kitsune out her front door and towards the teleporter. She'd met the green-haired knight not long ago, and had immediately taken a liking towards him - so it was no surprise that she responded to his request for help, making her way immediately towards the eleventh.

"Hirru! Hey! I got your message, something about hunting down a local field boss who has some sort of...shield?" She wasn't sure if she'd gotten that part entirely right, but his message had mentioned something about a protective shield - something that she was definitely interested in. Especially if it would help with any upcoming floor bosses. "So, you need my help...?"

She shifted on her feet, smiling at the green haired man as she realised she'd jumped immediately towards the job at hand, ignoring all pleasantries. "It's good to see you again, by the way..."

---

 

 

Statblock

Spoiler notes -- Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 32 | P. 41 | HP: 820/820 | EN: 98/98 | ACC: 5 | DMG: 20 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 30 | B.Healing [+46] | L.Momentum: 1 | LD: 4 | Static: 20/12 Tier 4 | Tier 8 equipped Reaper's Charge [Scythe; Tier 4 Perfect] Enhancement: Accuracy [3 Slots] Enhancement: Static [1 Slot]  Reaper's Defence  [Light Armour; Tier 4 Perfect] Enhancement: Evasion [2 Slots] Enhancement: Light Momentum [1 Slots] Twin-Fox Bracelet [Tier 4 Perfect Jewellery] Enhancement: Recovery [2 Slots] Enhancement: Evasion [1 Slot]   battle-ready inventory Teleport Crystal {3} Starter Healing Potions {4} | Heals 50 HP Divinity's Wait {4} | Tier 2; Perfect Potion | Mitigation III Divinity's Protection {4} | Tier 3; Perfect Potion | Overhealth III Cold Brew Coffee {3} | Tier 1; Perfect Potion | HP Recovery III Percephonius Pyratius {9} | Tier 4; Perfect Potion | Damage III Ketchup Chips {3} | Tier 4; Perfect Snacks| Probiotics III Siúil a Rún {2} | Tier 3; Perfect; Masterpiece Support Song | HP Recovery III [Mass] skills Spoiler Utility Skills Extended Weight Limit [Active: Passive. Effect: +2 additional Battle-Ready inventory slots.] Searching [Rank: 4. Active: Passive. Effect: +1 LD per rank. +1 to Stealth Detection per rank.] [Rank 3 Searching Mod] Detect [Active: Passive. Effect: Grants +2 Stealth Detection. Grants +1 LD when searching for dungeons and labyrinths.] Combat Skills Battle Healing [Rank: 3. Active: Passive. Effect: While in combat, recover 1% per rank of your maximum HP (rounded down) at the beginning of your turn.] Fighting Spirit [Active: Passive. Effect: Attacking and using Howl or Focused Howl generates +1 additional Hate. (Ex. Generate 1/2/3 Hate on a Miss/Hit/Critical attack. Generate 5 Hate when using Focused Howl.)] Weapon Skills Polearm [Rank: 5. Active: Passive. Effect: +7 DMG] [Rank 5 Weapon Addon] Stamina [Active: Passive. Effect: Reduces EN of all attacks by 2.] [Rank 5 Weapon Addon] Precision [Active: Passive. Effect: Gain +1 ACC.] [Rank 5 Weapon Addon] <<Weapon Type>> Focus [Active: Passive. Effect: Decreases minor critical threshold by 1. Also reduces DoT thresholds by 1. Players cannot use Focus and Ferocity at the same time for the same Weapon Type.] [Rank 5 Shift] TECH Specialist [Active: Passive. Effect: For TECH Sword Arts, +4 to multipliers, +3 to EN cost. No other Shifts may be taken.] Armour Skills Light Armour [Rank: 5. Active: Passive. Effect: 30 MIT. Mitigation is capped at 2 slots.] [Light Armour Mod] Meticulous [Active: Passive. Effect: Gain +1 base Damage.] [Light Armour Add-on] Resolve [Active: Passive. Effect: Gain +1 Accuracy and +10 * Tier HP.] Active Extra Skills Concentration [Active: Free Action. Cooldown: 5 turns. Effect: As a free action, gain Absolute Accuracy on your next attack. In the case Absolute Accuracy is already present, increase your Accuracy by 1 instead. Effect lasts until the start of next turn.] Meditation [Active: Post Action. Cooldown: 3 turns. Effect: Recover an additional (4 * Tier) energy.] Parry [Active: Post action. Energy cost: 9 EN Cooldown: 3 Turns. Effect: Apply the energy cost upon proc, not activation. Reduces the final damage of the next successful attack against you by 50% (rounded down) and negates stun/paralysis effects of that attack. If hit by multiple attacks, only apply parry to the first attack against you. Parry lasts for three turns. Cooldown starts when the player activates the Skill. If the player is hit when using Parry, the cooldown is reset to 3 turns.] [Parry Mod] Vengeful Riposte [Active: Passive. Cooldown: 4 Turns. Effect: A successful Parry also returns 50% (rounded down) of the raw damage that would be dealt to you back to your opponent. The reflected damage can be mitigated by the opponent.] Survival [Active: Passive. Effect: Increases Healing effects received from all sources by 10%. Grants immunity to all damage dealing environmental attacks/effects.] Familiar Skills Protector Familiar [Active: Free Action. Cooldown: 3 Posts; Effect: The next time you would take damage, your familiar rushes to your aid, reducing the final damage by 10%.] sword arts Spoiler [x12] ST-I (12 10 EN) | A single-target sword art. [x15] ST-II (15 13 EN) | A powerful single-target sword art. Only available for use when ST-I was used and successfully struck an enemy the previous turn or if ST-II had been used and had missed the previous turn. [x20] ST-B (20 18 EN) | A devastating single-target sword art. Can only be used if the sword art used the previous turn is not ST-B and had rolled a natural CD9+. When performing an AoE attack, use only the first roll. [x11] AOE-I (11 9 + 2 * targets EN) | AOE | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. [x14] AOE-II (14 12 + 2 * targets EN) | AOE | A powerful sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. Only available for use when AOE-I was used and successfully struck an enemy the previous turn or if AOE-II had been used and had missed the previous turn. [x16] TECH-A (16 14 EN) | STUN | A single-target sword art that stuns an enemy. [x16] TECH-B (15 13 EN) | DELAY | A single-target sword art that, on a successful strike, applies [Delay] on the enemy. [Delay] is a status condition that reduces the enemy’s ACC by 1 for one turn. [x16] TECH-C (15 13 EN) | COUNTER | A single-target sword art that, on a successful strike, places [Counter] around the player. [Counter] reduces the final damage taken by its user by 25% (rounded down) for one turn. [x16] TECH-D (15 13 EN) | SHATTER | A single-target sword art that applies [Shatter] to an enemy for 3 turns. [Shatter] is a debuff that can stack up to a cap of 3. Each stack of [Shatter] removes -20 MIT from an enemy, down to 0, if it has MIT. [x12] TECH-F (11 9 + 2 * targets EN) | AOE STUN | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. All struck targets are stunned for one turn. [x16] TECH-G (15 13 EN) | BURN | A single-target sword art that, on a successful strike, applies [Burn] on the enemy. [Burn] is a DoT ailment that deals [14 * Player Tier] unmitigated Burn damage for 2 turns. buffs Spoiler Estate Buffs Master Bedroom [-1 energy cost for the first three expenditures of each combat.] Master Bathroom [The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 25% (rounded down).] Dining Room [Turn 2 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Lesser Feast. A Lesser Feast contains 4 portions of the food items sacrificed. Lesser Feasts created this way cannot be used outside of the thread they are created. Limit 1 item created per thread.] Basic Kitchen [Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps. Ex: A perfect T2 MIT food gives 35 MIT instead of 30.] Living Room [Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.] Attic (Storage) [+5% bonus col from monster kills and treasure chests] Storage Closet [+1 Battle Ready Inventory Slot]

 

[Hirru 0]

Hirru was glad to see that Nari had come as soon as she could.  It was gonna be an ordeal, and he figured that it would be a good time to bond with those that he had not talked to before.  This would be a fine way to break through his initial barrier, especially since Nari didn't know what happened before.  This was his fresh slate.  He would take the moment to try to make better bonds.

He would smile as she asked about the work ahead, but then she seemed to revert to a simple greeting.

"It's good to see you too, Nari.  Meet anyone that you knew yet?"

Hirru would then point slightly to the Forbidden Forest.  Figured they may as well start walking towards the appropriate spawning ground for the field boss.

"I did ask for help, since I'm no longer a damage dealer, but the boss has a boss drop that can help with further quests and raids.  It's a good idea to set out to grab as much as we can."

He would rub the back of his neck.

"Thought I could ask you to come along, if it didn't seem to trouble you?  I'm only a healer, but it's enough to keep you up for a bit.  Though, I am asking you to do pretty much all of the work."

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Nari gave a beaming smile to Hirru as the man addressed her, just happy to see a familiar face for once. She turned and headed towards the forest that the man had motioned at, more than willing to get their journey started even as they spoke and caught up. She shook her head as Hirru asked about any other familiar faces, her smile dropping ever so slightly.

"Just Jomei...otherwise it's been...well, quiet. I have come across some new faces, but...some of the older ones seem to have disappeared. Either taking time for themselves, or..." She didn't finish her thought, preferring not to speak aloud what she had come to worry about. That they would likely never be seen again - perhaps not dead, but the fight gone from them, their presence diminished until there was little, to nothing left.

Shaking off the chill of the depressing thought, she turned back to Hirru - her smile rekindled as she tried to remain positive. "But, we're here now...and we're ready to take the fight forwards. You keep me healed up, and I'll tear through anything in front of us. Maybe not as fast as some of the others...but I'll do it nonetheless!"

She accented her words with a wink that she hoped would come across as playful and energetic, before turning back towards the forest ahead of them. She'd had limited experience on this floor, and suddenly realised that she would need to be the follower for the time being. Halting a half step in order to fall in behind Hirru, she waved her right hand casually, the left swinging the scythe behind her back into a ready position. "After you...lead me to whatever it is we need to take down, and we'll get this done!"

[Hirru 0]

Hirru kept them moving steadily, with slight variations to the left or right, depending on specific spawn zones within the region.  Although the ant hills of the 11th floor were a bit farther out, that didn't mean that their tunnels didn't extend throughout the entirety of the floor.  Little holes or caves could suddenly turn into their spawns for a month, if not dealt with before hand.  If it wasn't for Shield explaining how the game's system probably worked, then the hunter wouldn't understand how the system kept tabs on our leveling and farming locations.  It would spawn things in for a certain amount of time, before getting rid of it, or making it less effective of a leveling spot.

"I've been wondering about that for a long time, as this is not the first time that something like this has happened.  Players will flourish for a time, and suddenly we will be struggling to find even the most basic of raid teams."

He would continue as the woods started to get a bit more entangled in undergrowth.  He would pull out his blade to get rid of some of the foliage, but that was unfortunately all that blade was good for anymore.  His skills were no longer able to give it the power it used to hold.

"It's difficult for us to get out with things going on like this, but I know I am not without my fault in quite a bit of that."

He winced at those words.  He said the thing that would make Nari question those words, and he would have to do another story about the past.  About his short comings, and his failures.  He was having enough of that, but why was he always so negative towards himself.  He couldn't figure out why.  Was it to cast pity upon himself?  He was more than that!  Mack would have smacked some sense in him already for those words.  He would shake his head as he pointed towards a stump that was coming up.

"Just ahead.  The field boss appears from here.  It looks like someone else was here before us, or else that stump would be a full treant ready to attack."

As he said that though, the stump seemed to be sprouting a sapling, so the boss would be respawning soon.  A quick scan of the area confirmed that the players that had probably attacked the boss were long gone.  It takes half a day for the boss to respawn, but it takes a quarter of the time if you have specific items / skills / and just know what to look for.

"I don't sense anyone nearby, so that's good.  I guess."

He would double check his buffs and his equipment as they settled by a couple of trees nearby.

"Make sure you're ready.  We've probably got a good.. 30 minutes.  Enough time to add some buffs or to change your load out.  Oh!  It doesn't like fire, obviously.  So if you have anything with the Flame Rune, then it might be good to get that out."

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Nari had followed along behind Hirru as the green-haired warrior explained his own confusion at the situation. It surprised Nari, slightly, to learn that the issue had been a recurring one. Somehow that was both comforting and disturbing all at the same time, and she couldn't figure out whether that should be something to worry about, or simply let lay aside. She perked at his comment about himself, and his own faults, before realising that it was likely a historical story not worth bringing up. Everyone had their own dark secrets that they wished to leave behind. Nari knew that she had enough of her own.

"Well, we're here now. So that's a start. So long as someone is still here...that's all that matters, isn't it?" She tried to be positive about the situation, about the fact that things may have been rather dire but that there was still hope. She doubted that her words made anything better, but saying nothing or admitting to the bleakness of it felt...wrong. 

Her eyes passed over the stump as it was pointed out. She nodded, slowly and silently, as she shifted her eyes to look around the area. Like Hirru she spotted nothing in the form of any other players. She figured that her companion had better means of spotting a threat, however, and trusted his word that they were truly alone on this front.

"Well, I've got a few minor consumables that'll help a bit...but nothing that brings about the flaming damage...except maybe the tech skill. It applies burn, so maybe that'll help a bit?" She flicked through her menu as she spoke, pulling out a few minor consumables as she considered the fight ahead of them. She knew it was going to be relatively difficult - far from impossible, but dangerous nonetheless. As soon as she'd made her own choices, she flipped the screen for Hirru to view. "If you see anything that could be useful to yourself, please feel free to it. I'd hate for either of us to...well, anything you want, you can have."

---

Consuming

Nari consumes Axintori Alcemitanti | Tier 4; Perfect Potion | Overhealth III | +123 HP
Nari consumes Percephonius Pyratius | Tier 4; Perfect Potion | Damage III | +3 Base Damage
Nari consumes Divinity's Wait | Tier 2; Perfect Potion | Mitigation III | +60 Mitigation
Nari consumes Cheesecake {3} | Tier 4; Perfect Dessert | Loot Dice III | +3 LD

[T2] Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 32 | P. 41 | HP: 943/943 | EN: 98/98 | ACC: 5 | DMG: 23 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 60 | B.Healing [+46] | L.Momentum: 1 | LD: 7 | Static: 20/12

Link to Consumables in Nari's stores:

[Hirru 0]

As Nari started to down each of her potions, the hunter kept watch before she asked if he needed any.  He would only shake his head.

"I got plenty, though the boss reduces stats, so most of my buffs will mean more than nothing.  Besides, I probably won't be hurting it as much as you will."

The woods seemed to quiet down as they conversed.  The birds would chirp and sing but a moment ago, but have grown silent.  The sapling in the stump would begin to grow at an alarming rate.  Branching from the main trunk, a few branches would grow into rough appendages, or so it would seem.  As it went on, the bark would start to crack and age, as if time was speeding up for this sad tree.  Leaves would grow green, drain orange, and fall.  This was the initial tree before it becomes the field boss.

"Alright, looks like it's up.  Would you like to start us out?  Maybe a shatter, or that burn art you talked about."

He would say before a yellow light would permeate Nari's being.

"A little pick me up to keep you going.  You'll need it."

Post Action: Hyperactive -> Nari-Lanreth +3 En Regen | -5 EN -> Hirru
Cooldown: Hyperactive [O/3]

[T2] Hirru | HP: 1032/1032 | EN: 99/104 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 122 | BH: 51 | HLY BLS: 41 | MENDING: 2 | REC: 4 | THRNS: 36
[T2] Nari-Lanreth | HP: 943/943 | EN: 98/98 | ACC: 5 | DMG: 23 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 60 | BH 46 | L.Momentum: 1 | LD: 7 | Static: 20/12 | Hype 0/3 

[0,0] <<Wicked Wood>> HP: 1050/1050 | MIT: 75 | DMG: 110 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 0
Abilities:

• Burning Timber | BURN effects applied to the Wicked Wood won’t run out.
• Set Aflame | While afflicted with BURN, the boss’ MIT will be reduced to 50, and its DMG increased to 125.
• Ingrain | On a CD 9+, the boss will root itself in the ground instead of attacking. This will heal it for 120 HP, and it will roll again to attack. However, its EVA will be reduced to -2 until its next turn.
• Tier Lock | For the duration of the fight, all of the participants’ stats that scale with Tier are calculated as though they’re Tier 2. [DMG/MIT/BLEED enhancements etc.] This skill only locks downward. Those at Tier 1 will still have T1 stats.

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

The creature appeared while Nari had been looking away; a large, lumbering form that reminded her of a collection of Ents from a movie long ago. Something about its form had almost seemed peaceful when she first spotted it, and had it been roaming the fields in any other place, Nari may have assumed that it was little more than a quest giver, or a friendly NPC that could be communicated with.

In this instance, however, she had Hirru to confirm that the target was in fact a danger. Something to faced and brought down at the first moment. She gave a nod of thanks as the man used his powers to give her the boosts she'd need in order to overcome the fight they were about to face, before readying herself. The scythe swung backwards into her ready stance, and she gave one final glance towards Hirru. Her expression had taken on a more serious approach, and her eyes seemed to glance through and beyond him, as if focused on something other than the man who accompanied her.

"Stay back and safe...keep an eye on my health, but otherwise let me focus on tearing into him. He's going to come at me hard, most likely...but don't be afraid. I can take a beating, more so than I may appear to be able to." With that she took off, letting her momentum pick up before forcing herself into a full spin as she brought the scythe around towards the creature's form, hoping to slam the weapon into it as hard as she could.

---

Combat

[T2] Hirru | HP: 1032/1032 | EN: 99/104 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 122 | BH: 51 | HLY BLS: 41 | MENDING: 2 | REC: 4 | THRNS: 36
[T2] Nari-Lanreth | HP: 943/943 | EN: 86/98 | ACC: 5 | DMG: 23 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 60 | BH 46 | L.Momentum: 1 | LD: 7 | Static: 20/12 | Hype 0/3 | -12 EN

[0,2] <<Wicked Wood>> | HP: 849/1050 | MIT: 75 50 | DMG: 110 125 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 0 -2 | Burn [28] | -321 HP +120 HP
Burning Timber | BURN effects applied to the Wicked Wood won’t run out.
Set Aflame | While afflicted with BURN, the boss’ MIT will be reduced to 50, and its DMG increased to 125.
Ingrain | On a CD 9+, the boss will root itself in the ground instead of attacking. This will heal it for 120 HP, and it will roll again to attack. However, its EVA will be reduced to -2 until its next turn.
Tier Lock | For the duration of the fight, all of the participants’ stats that scale with Tier are calculated as though they’re Tier 2. [DMG/MIT/BLEED enhancements etc.] This skill only locks downward. Those at Tier 1 will still have T1 stats.

ID217346 | BD: 3+5=8 | <<Tech-G vs. Wicked Wood>> | Hit: 23 x 16 + 28 - 75 = 321 damage
ID217347 | BD: 3+2-3=2 | <<Wicked Wood vs. Nari-Lanreth>> | Miss | CD: 12 | Wicked Wood ingrains itself! +120 HP
ID217348 | BD: 6+2-3=5 | <<Wicked Wood vs. Nari-Lanreth>> | Miss | CD: 1 | No effect.

[Hirru 0]

"I doubt I'll need to, but I got your back."

The fight began as Nari and the Wicked Wood would engage each other.  With a swift and heavy hit, the lavender haired warrior would bring down hell upon the treant.  Fire would spread through their being from where Nari's scythe would touch down on.  It would envelop the field boss, invading the cracks and getting into its very core.  This one didn't really seem to be that bad, but that could change in an instant.  The flames seemed to burn more and more, but the treant would not kneel to them.  It's blade would sing with the heat from the fires within it.

"Now we're getting somewhere!"

As the creature began its assault, Nari would be able to get around most of its attacks.  Though, that was when it rooted itself into the ground, and started to heal.  Hirru cursed at it for using that trick so quickly, but calmed himself as it was an easy boss to deal with.  A bit of energy would go a long way, so he let a small green flash pass from his hands to Nari's arm.

"Already?  Damn thing didn't start healing until half way, last time!  Here's some more energy."

EN regen: +4
Recovery?: [ID: 217349][CD: 10] +4 EN (Max)
Post Action: Energize -> Nari +8 EN | -10 EN -> Hirru

[T2] Hirru | HP: 1032/1032 | EN: 94/104 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 122 | BH: 51 | HLY BLS: 41 | MENDING: 2 | REC: 4 | THRNS: 36
[T2] Nari-Lanreth | HP: 943/943 | EN: 94/98 | ACC: 5 | DMG: 23 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 60 | BH 46 | L.Momentum: 1 | LD: 7 | Static: 20/12 | Hype 0/3 | -12 EN

[0,2] <<Wicked Wood>> | HP: 849/1050 | MIT: 75 50 | DMG: 110 125 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 0 -2 | Burn [28] | -321 HP +120 HP
Burning Timber | BURN effects applied to the Wicked Wood won’t run out.
Set Aflame | While afflicted with BURN, the boss’ MIT will be reduced to 50, and its DMG increased to 125.
Ingrain | On a CD 9+, the boss will root itself in the ground instead of attacking. This will heal it for 120 HP, and it will roll again to attack. However, its EVA will be reduced to -2 until its next turn.
Tier Lock | For the duration of the fight, all of the participants’ stats that scale with Tier are calculated as though they’re Tier 2. [DMG/MIT/BLEED enhancements etc.] This skill only locks downward. Those at Tier 1 will still have T1 stats.

Edited August 30, 2023 by Hirru

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

She hadn't been expecting the boost in energy that Hirru was able to provide her, but as the flash of green touched her, she felt a small amount of revitalisation. Nodding to the other, she smiled and glanced back at the tall tree-like structure that had been attempting to catch her. "It's not very fast, so it's easy enough to avoi-" 

As if it had been waiting to hear her gloat, the tree struck out with one of its branch-arms, catching Nari and slamming into her stomach. It was far from the most painful experience she'd had in Aincrad, but the fact that it had come when she was speaking about having been able to dodge it somehow made the attack more hurtful to her pride.

"Ohkay...ohkay it can hit...not nice..." She lashed out with her scythe again, activating the Shatter skill as she slammed the blade along the bark that made up the outer layer of the tree. Her blade dug along the thing, shattering away the outermost layer in a pair of spots, and leaving a gushing flow of what Nari assumed was sap-blood. "Ha! Take that you ugly thing!"

---

Combat

[T2] Hirru | HP: 1032/1032 | EN: 94/104 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 122 | BH: 51 | HLY BLS: 41 | MENDING: 2 | REC: 4 | THRNS: 36
[T2] Nari-Lanreth | HP: 878/943 | EN: 86/98 | ACC: 5 | DMG: 23 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 60 | BH 46 | L.Momentum: 1 | LD: 7 | Static: 20/12 | Hype 2/3 | -12 EN -65 HP +7 EN

[0,4] <<Wicked Wood>> | HP: 483/1050 | MIT: 75 30 | DMG: 110 125 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 0 | Burn [28]; Shatter [-20 MIT; 1/3] | -366 HP
Burning Timber | BURN effects applied to the Wicked Wood won’t run out.
Set Aflame | While afflicted with BURN, the boss’ MIT will be reduced to 50, and its DMG increased to 125.
Ingrain | On a CD 9+, the boss will root itself in the ground instead of attacking. This will heal it for 120 HP, and it will roll again to attack. However, its EVA will be reduced to -2 until its next turn.
Tier Lock | For the duration of the fight, all of the participants’ stats that scale with Tier are calculated as though they’re Tier 2. [DMG/MIT/BLEED enhancements etc.] This skill only locks downward. Those at Tier 1 will still have T1 stats.

ID217350 | BD: 2+7=9 | <<Tech-D vs. Wicked Wood>> | Hit: 23 x 16 + 28 - 30 = 366 damage
ID217351 | BD: 8+2-3=7 | <<Wicked Wood vs. Nari-Lanreth>> | Hit: 125 - 60 = 65 damage

[Hirru 0]

"That's why I'm here.  It may be a second rank field boss, but that just means that we have to be careful of our stats."

The hunter would say as he kept his distance from the boss, but close enough to run over to Nari.  It was the roughest part of First Aid, as nearly all the actions it can make are close range to nearly touching the other player.  It especially would take more out of him than normal because of the plate armor that he wore to instill the life giving effects of Mending and Blessing.  Though they may not do half as much as need, when they are, it makes up for all the time that they are not active.

Though, Hirru would not activate that enhancement now.  It would be a waste of energy to do so now.  Instead, he would continue to pump energy into the scythe user's form, the green light constantly working their way around her limbs.

"If it hits you again, I'll send some health your way."

He hoped it didn't heal again.

EN regen: +4
Recovery?: [ID: 217404][CD: 2] Nope
Post Action: Energize -> Nari +8 EN | -10 EN -> Hirru
Hyperactive CD: [2/3]

[T2] Hirru | HP: 1032/1032 | EN: 88/104 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 122 | BH: 51 | HLY BLS: 41 | MENDING: 2 | REC: 4 | THRNS: 36 | -10 EN
[T2] Nari-Lanreth | HP: 878/943 | EN: 94/98 | ACC: 5 | DMG: 23 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 60 | BH 46 | L.Momentum: 1 | LD: 7 | Static: 20/12 | Hype 2/3 | +8 EN

[0,4] <<Wicked Wood>> | HP: 483/1050 | MIT: 75 30 | DMG: 110 125 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 0 | Burn [28]; Shatter [-20 MIT; 1/3] | -366 HP
Burning Timber | BURN effects applied to the Wicked Wood won’t run out.
Set Aflame | While afflicted with BURN, the boss’ MIT will be reduced to 50, and its DMG increased to 125.
Ingrain | On a CD 9+, the boss will root itself in the ground instead of attacking. This will heal it for 120 HP, and it will roll again to attack. However, its EVA will be reduced to -2 until its next turn.
Tier Lock | For the duration of the fight, all of the participants’ stats that scale with Tier are calculated as though they’re Tier 2. [DMG/MIT/BLEED enhancements etc.] This skill only locks downward. Those at Tier 1 will still have T1 stats.

Edited September 1, 2023 by Hirru

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

The tree was putting up far better of a fight than Nari had expected. She knew that her own statistics being downed by the limitations of the system were causing things to progress far less smoothly than if she had her entire power behind her, although she was aware that it was just an excuse she was using. This thing is difficult, no matter what. Thankfully it's not proving to be overly dangerous, just an annoyance... 

"You're doing an awesome job as it is, Hirru. Just keep things going as you are, and I think we'll be good to go here!" She called out as she dodged another root, letting it slam into the ground beside her as she stepped off to the side. The thing was slow, at first, but she knew there were whiplash limbs that would sail backwards and catch her suddenly - those were the dangers she needed to watch for. "I think we're almost done with it...maybe. So long as it doesn't heal again." 

She'd charged forwards, wanting to put a quick end to the fight and knowing just how to do so. Lashing out with her scythe, she dug it into the creature and released the sword art that had been held within it. At the same time she saw the currents of electricity jump from the blade into the tree's form, causing a burning smell to rise from the thing. "HA! That should help a bit..."

---

Combat
[T2] Hirru | HP: 1032/1032 | EN: 88/104 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 122 | BH: 51 | HLY BLS: 41 | MENDING: 2 | REC: 4 | THRNS: 36
[T2] Nari-Lanreth | HP: 924/943 | EN: 85/98 | ACC: 5 | DMG: 23 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 60 | BH 46 | L.Momentum: 1 | LD: 7 | Static: 20/12 | Hype 2/3 | +7 EN +46 HP -13 EN

[0,7] <<Wicked Wood>> | HP: 81/1050 | MIT: 75 30 | DMG: 110 125 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 0 | Burn [28]; Shatter [-20 MIT; 2/3]; Static [20 DMG; 1/2]; Stunned | -402 HP 
Burning Timber | BURN effects applied to the Wicked Wood won’t run out.
Set Aflame | While afflicted with BURN, the boss’ MIT will be reduced to 50, and its DMG increased to 125.
Ingrain | On a CD 9+, the boss will root itself in the ground instead of attacking. This will heal it for 120 HP, and it will roll again to attack. However, its EVA will be reduced to -2 until its next turn.
Tier Lock | For the duration of the fight, all of the participants’ stats that scale with Tier are calculated as though they’re Tier 2. [DMG/MIT/BLEED enhancements etc.] This skill only locks downward. Those at Tier 1 will still have T1 stats.

ID217405 | BD: 8+5=13 | <<Tech-A vs. Wicked Wood>> | Minor Critical Hit: (23+1) x 16 + 28 + 20 - 30 = 402 damage | Static [20 DMG; 1/2]; Stunned
ID217406 & ID217407 rolled in error; Wicked Wood was stunned.

[Hirru 0]

"Huh.. Is that right?"

Hirru would start to notice something as the lass would continue her attacks against the living tree creature.  Every single one of her attacks was something that would fall under the Technical arts.  Was she a tech shifter, like Jomei?  This would be the second or third time he had seen this type of fighting mastery, and it probably wouldn't be the last.  There were so many that he ventured with that mostly took Area Of Effect shifts.  This was a breath of fresh air really.

"Just one more hit and it'll be done with."

Seeing as they seemed to have a bit of passive healing, the hunter decided to continue boosting their energy.  It would be the least that he could do to keep them going.  The boss wasn't really hitting them for much after all, but it's healing was a problem.

EN Regen: +4
Recovery?: [ID: 218104][CD: 10] +8
Post Action: Energize +8 EN -> Nari | -10 EN -> Hirru

Combat
[T2] Hirru | HP: 1032/1032 | EN: 90/104 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 122 | BH: 51 | HLY BLS: 41 | MENDING: 2 | REC: 4 | THRNS: 36 | +4+8-10 EN
[T2] Nari-Lanreth | HP: 924/943 | EN: 94/98 | ACC: 5 | DMG: 23 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 60 | BH 46 | L.Momentum: 1 | LD: 7 | Static: 20/12 | Hype 2/3 | +8 EN

[0,7] <<Wicked Wood>> | HP: 81/1050 | MIT: 75 30 | DMG: 110 125 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 0 | Burn [28]; Shatter [-20 MIT; 2/3]; Static [20 DMG; 1/2]; Stunned | -402 HP 
Burning Timber | BURN effects applied to the Wicked Wood won’t run out.
Set Aflame | While afflicted with BURN, the boss’ MIT will be reduced to 50, and its DMG increased to 125.
Ingrain | On a CD 9+, the boss will root itself in the ground instead of attacking. This will heal it for 120 HP, and it will roll again to attack. However, its EVA will be reduced to -2 until its next turn.
Tier Lock | For the duration of the fight, all of the participants’ stats that scale with Tier are calculated as though they’re Tier 2. [DMG/MIT/BLEED enhancements etc.] This skill only locks downward. Those at Tier 1 will still have T1 stats.

Edited September 10, 2023 by Hirru

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

The large tree was engulfed in flames, and Nari couldn't help but to stand back for a second as she eyed up her target. There was no doubt that the fight was almost over - in fact, she could likely stand back and watch the poor thing burn to death, given enough time. Somehow, however, that just felt wrong to her; as if it was something that should never be done, computer program or not.

"One more hit it is..." She stepped up and slashed outwards at the tree, bringing her blade down to bare on it as she attempted to bring the fight to a finality. A single second elapsed before the tree shattered into the wind, the shards quickly disappearing and leaving Nari and Hirru alone in the forest once more. She sighed a breath of relief before turning with a smile to the green haired warrior. "Well that was...not as difficult as I expected. Not to say it was easy, mind you...but...it's nice when these things aren't overly dangerous."

She felt her smile slip slightly as she realised the insinuation she had made. Her eyes flitted towards the now-empty position where the tree had once been, her hand twitching ever so slightly in response. She hadn't meant to think negatively about the situation, to think of what could've happened, and yet she found her mind wandering there regardless. "At least we're okay..."

---

Combat
[T2] Hirru | HP: 1032/1032 | EN: 90/104 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 122 | BH: 51 | HLY BLS: 41 | MENDING: 2 | REC: 4 | THRNS: 36 | +4+8-10 EN
[T2] Nari-Lanreth | HP: 924/943 | EN: 94/98 | ACC: 5 | DMG: 23 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 60 | BH 46 | L.Momentum: 1 | LD: 7 | Static: 20/12 | Hype 2/3 | +8 EN

[0,7] <<Wicked Wood>> | HP: 0/1050 | MIT: 75 30 | DMG: 110 125 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 0 | Burn [28]; Shatter [-20 MIT; 2/3]; Static [20 DMG; 1/2]; Stunned | -386 HP
Burning Timber | BURN effects applied to the Wicked Wood won’t run out.
Set Aflame | While afflicted with BURN, the boss’ MIT will be reduced to 50, and its DMG increased to 125.
Ingrain | On a CD 9+, the boss will root itself in the ground instead of attacking. This will heal it for 120 HP, and it will roll again to attack. However, its EVA will be reduced to -2 until its next turn.
Tier Lock | For the duration of the fight, all of the participants’ stats that scale with Tier are calculated as though they’re Tier 2. [DMG/MIT/BLEED enhancements etc.] This skill only locks downward. Those at Tier 1 will still have T1 stats.

ID218257 | BD: 2+5=7 | <<Tech-G vs. Wicked Wood>> | Hit: 23 x 16 + 28 + 20 - 30 = 386 damage | Wicked Wood Defeated!

[Hirru 0]

"Yes, we're okay.  You did good.  Relax a bit, okay?"

A gauntlet would lay upon their shoulder for only a moment, to reassure them that they were outside of harm, and could calm down a bit.  He could tell that she was trying her best, but doubt can have a nasty aftertaste.  Even the single thought of doubt could cause miscalculations.  The slightest miscalculation will roll into blunders.  Blunders to cascade down and cause disaster.  All it took was a single thought.  He knew more than anyone how that would be.  He was reason enough for a major subject matter. 

"Though, I'm sure we would be fine regardless of the stat debuffs these bosses distribute."

The spoils of their combat would soon come up as a little seed would fall into their palms.  This was what he was looking for.

"There it is.  A little thing, but it contains a potent power.  Keep it for a particularly stressful time, or when you need to take a breather from a dungeon wave."

The description of the seed would be visible for those that tapped on it.  Blessing of the Wood, a more powerful barrier that could last until it was fulling destroyed.  Although against most bosses, it may not really do too much, but it is essentially a free pass from a strong hit.  That or a decent mitigation from the damage that would come up.

1/5 posts until next field boss

Edited September 21, 2023 by Hirru

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Nari nodded as Hirru tried to comfort her, to assure her that she'd managed better than she was giving herself credit for in the moment. She smiled in response, pretending to accept the compliments and the general air of his words, but internally she was still cursing herself. She knew she could've done better, knew that she could've ended this soon - if only she'd been more capable. More ready, stronger. A number of different things that could've made her...more.

That sort of thought process will only make things harder. Hirru's right, and you're being too hard on yourself. The two of you survived - more than that, you had an ease of a time with it all... She couldn't very well deny the fact that it had been relatively easy. Longer than she'd like, sure, but relatively easy all things considered.

"So what's next?" She asked, looking over at the green-haired man as she leaned back against a nearby tree. She doubted they were done for the day - there were more field bosses, more loot, more hunting to be done. It was like a never ending cycle, where one started to fight, feared for their survival, and then jumped right back into it all after a short break to recover.

[Hirru 0]

"Huh?  Oh, now we wait.  It takes half a day to summon again, but thanks to that little spyglass I used, it should only take a quarter of the time."

He said while finding himself a place to sit while they waited.  Taking a few things from his time with Koga, he figured that there would probably be some questions or other things.  Nari was pretty level headed, or so it seemed.  There were plenty of things that he could talk to her about.  How things would be for the front, if she thought to join them.  What it was like on the front?  Were there ever challenges that nearly broke them..

"I don't intend to do too much before the next field boss.  Rather not strain our resources and bodies unless we need to.  Though, I'm sure a dungeon wouldn't be out of the question later, if you wish."

It was better to only fight when one knows that they could easily win, or if the variables could easily be swayed into their favor.  These seeds were part of those variables.  A quick shield to boost their survival was a much better choice than constantly draining ones energy reserves to keep the party alive.

"It's not like this venture isn't rewarding you too.  We both get a seed for each time we kill the boss, so it's good to bring a couple more people.  Hmm..  Maybe, I should've done that..."

He started to trail on under his breathe for the last bit, but it was still audible.

3/5 Post until Field Boss

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Hirru had settled, truly moreso now that he had relaxed enough to focus on relaxing, and Nari nodded along as he explained the necessity to wait. It came as a surprise to her that the most obvious answer had avoided her - there would be a reset time, but she'd never considered how long it would take for the creature to return. Before she could really focus on the fact that they would be limited for a bit, however, Hirru had continued the conversation into a new direction.

"A dungeon later would be nice. If for no reason other than to...well, to have something to do, if that makes sense?" She was sure there were still things that needed their attention, but if she were being honest with herself, Nari was enjoying the time away. The time to simply work with another towards their goal of clearing the world and finding the freedom that had been taken from them. It was surprising, a moment later, when Hirru mentioned how she was always benefitting from their time out - and she couldn't stop the laughter that escaped from her in response. "Oh, sorry. You don't need to worry about rewarding me. Honestly, just being in the company of another is rewarding enough. A break from the silent torture that's...this, alone."

She waved a hand to encompass the world around them. She knew she was far luckier than some - she had Onora to spend time and company with, but many others were far less fortunate. Far more alone. She wondered for a split second if Hirru was one of those, and if she was doing him a service by spending time together. It doesn't matter, honestly. We could both be benefiting from it, or neither at all...but we're here, all the same. And I'm thankful for that. She gave a nod towards where the field boss had been moments before, her smile faltering only slightly at the thoughts within her mind.

"So, this is far from the first time you've faced this one, let alone the other field bosses, right? Any advice for an up-and-coming frontliner on how to deal with...well, all of this?"