[F01 | PP] All Bark and No Bite <<Scents of the Wild: Keepers of Nature>>

Katoka · August 2, 2023

It was always strange to be back in the Town of Beginnings. Katoka watched various NPCs and players as they walked about their daily business. The impending boss raid was still on her mind, making it difficult for her to focus on much else other than the battle to come. However here, on floor one, things just felt tranquil and disconnected from everything else. The blonde walked the cobbled streets of the city with her mind at rest for once in the past several hours. Her stroll led her through the various streets and alleyways until she finally came to her destination, Freyd's favorite NPC Marv. The town guard stood in position near the exit of the safe zone in his usual idol pose.

"It's probably for the best that I got here first Marv, otherwise Freyd would use you like a table or something again." Kat said as she stood next to the guard. He simply yawned in response as usual. The samurai smiled and rolled her eyes, why did she entertain her friend and his eccentric treatment of this worlds inhabitants.

----
Katoka | HP: 720/720 | EN: 106/106 | DMG: 23 | MIT: 78 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 5 | BH: 31 | AA | BLGT: 32 | P.V.O | REC: 8 | STK: 40

Spoiler

Katoka, The Cerulean Storm
Level: 32
Paragon Level: 12
HP: 720/720
EN: 106/106

Stats:
Damage: 23
Mitigation: 78
Evasion: 1
Accuracy: 5
Battle Healing: 31
AA
BLGT: 32
P.V.O
REC: 8
STK: 40

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: Raijin's Corruption | T4/Demonic/Katana | Abs.Acc, Blight, Para.Ven (off), Static
Armor: Oni Haori | T4/Demonic/Light Armor | MIT 2, REC 2
Misc: Aquamarine | T4 Demonic Trinket | ACC III, EVA I

Custom Skill:

Skills:
Battle Healing R4
Katana R5
Light Armor R5
Energist

Active Mods:
Meticulous
Vengeful Riposte

Inactive Mods:

Addons:
Ferocity
Stamina
Resolve
Precision

Active Extra Skills:
Survival
Concentration
Parry
Forgotten King’s Authority

Inactive Extra Skills:

Battle Ready Inventory:
Teleportation Crystal x5
Starter Healing Potion x3
Hellstorm x1

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)
Filling: Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot.
Relaxed: Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.
Col Stash: +5% bonus col from monster kills and treasure chests
Basic Training: +5% Exp to a thread. Limit one use per month [0/1]

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:

Wedding Ring:

Edited August 3, 2023 by Katoka

Freyd · August 3, 2023

The only thing missing was a bathrobe. He had the steaming cup of coffee and his hair was already in a permanent state of helmet head. The package under his arm might also have been confused for a newspaper by those who scurried to get out of his way. Shambling along as he was, one of @Freya's famous honey buns clenched in his teeth, but drooping slightly as if seeking to acknowledge its devourer's fatigue.

"Mrnng... Mrvw..." he mumbled, approaching his favourite mob. There were bags under his eyes, yet also a sense of satisfaction at having crossed every item off his to-do list. Everyone was as ready as he could make them, given timing and circumstances. The toll would pass. In the meantime, he'd permitted himself a brief break to come pass some time with his best pal, and that being... "Katoka?"

Baggy blinks and furrowed brow suggested delays in processing. "Whff yoo doofin wiff Marfin?" Tired eyes traveled back and forth, like a child who'd just spotted someone in his favourite spot, unable to process how to proceed.

***

Freyd consumes

Also given to Katoka:

Freyd | HP: 1311/1311 | EN: 148/148 | DMG: 27 | MIT: 123 | ACC: 7 | EVA: 3 | BH: 71 | LD: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | TXV 32/3 | TROLL'S BLOOD | PARA IMMUNE | REC: 8

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadow
Level: 32
Paragon Level: 118
HP: 1140/1140+171
EN: 148/148

Stats:
Damage: 24+3
Mitigation: 78+45
Accuracy: 5+2
Evasion: 0+2+1
Battle Healing: 62
Loot Dice: 5+3
FLN: 16
HLY: 16
TXV: 32
PARA IMMUNE
REC: 8

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: Samael's Pride (T4 MA | HLY 2 | FLN 2)
Armor: Fallen Angel Garb (T4 Demonic Light Armor - REC 2, MIT 2
Misc: The Shadowed Rose (T3 Demonic Trinket - ACC 3, Paralytic Immunity)

Skills:
Martial Arts R5
Battle Healing R5
Light Armor R5
Searching R4
Charge
Energist
Quick Change
Extended Mod Limit
Fighting Spirit
Howl
Extended Weight Limit

Active Mods:
Night Vision
Tracking
Meticulous
Emergency Recovery

Addons:
Ferocity
Precision
Resolve
Reveal
Stamina
Focused Howl

Active Extra Skills:
Disguise
Survival
Forgotten King’s Authority
Brawler

Inactive Extra Skills:
Meditation
Frozen Hide
Photosynthesize

Battle Ready Inventory:
Teleport Crystals x7
Mass HP Rec [Inst] (+30*T HP) x7
Mass HP Rec [Inst] (+30*T HP) x7
Crystal of Divine Light (Reusable) x1
Rhino's Horn (Reusable) x1
Hmr.Pk: The Thing Behind All Lies (T4 Demonic MA, AA, Blight, Static, Para.Ven (Off)) x1
EWL: Hope's Covenant - Resolve +4 (T4 MA | AA, Phase, Frostbite, VO) x1
EWL: x1

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)
Working: +2 EXP per crafting attempt
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: +10% Exp to a thread. Limit one use per month [1/1]~~
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.

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

Edited August 3, 2023 by Freyd

Katoka · August 3, 2023

The sight of Freyd, haggard and exhausted was not a surprise to Kat, though she wished a would sleep more than he did. She gave him a smile as she stepped away from her spot next to Marv, "Morning Freyd, I thought I might find you around here. Care to accompany on a boring quest that will lead into a boss hunt to another and another and another?"

She knew that a boring stroll in the woods might be what her friend needed to release some the tension he was feeling. What he really needed was a good nights sleep and some tea from Elora, and her company, but that would have to wait until after the raid was completed. "We've all been busting our asses to get things together for the upcoming fight, it might be nice to venture into a spooky cave and visit an ominous tree don't you say?"

Katoka eyed the package under his arm, "Oh? Did you come baring gifts as well? You shouldn't have."

----

Katoka Consumes:

Katoka | HP: 720/720 | EN: 106/106 | DMG: 26 | MIT: 123 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 7 | BH: 31 | AA | BLGT: 32 | P.V.O | REC: 8 | STK: 40

Spoiler

Katoka, The Cerulean Storm
Level: 32
Paragon Level: 12
HP: 720/720
EN: 106/106

Stats:
Damage: 23+3=26
Mitigation: 78+45=123
Evasion: 1+2=3
Accuracy: 5+2=7
Battle Healing: 31
AA
BLGT: 32
P.V.O
REC: 8
STK: 40

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: Raijin's Corruption | T4/Demonic/Katana | Abs.Acc, Blight, Para.Ven (off), Static
Armor: Oni Haori | T4/Demonic/Light Armor | MIT 2, REC 2
Misc: Aquamarine | T4 Demonic Trinket | ACC III, EVA I

Custom Skill:

Skills:
Battle Healing R4
Katana R5
Light Armor R5
Energist

Active Mods:
Meticulous
Vengeful Riposte

Inactive Mods:

Addons:
Ferocity
Stamina
Resolve
Precision

Active Extra Skills:
Survival
Concentration
Parry
Forgotten King’s Authority

Inactive Extra Skills:

Battle Ready Inventory:
Teleportation Crystal x5
Starter Healing Potion x3
Hellstorm x1

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)
Filling: Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot.
Relaxed: Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.
Col Stash: +5% bonus col from monster kills and treasure chests
Basic Training: +5% Exp to a thread. Limit one use per month [0/1]

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:

Wedding Ring:

Edited August 11, 2023 by Katoka

Freyd · August 6, 2023

At first looking like he might protest at the pilfering of supplies under his arm, Freyd suppressed his inner hoarder for the sake of tranquility. If the system somehow interpreted the act as theft, Katoka would meet Marv's bad side and he'd have a very awkward situation on his hands.

"Yva, Shrr. Fwy noff," he replied through his overstuffed mouth, his brow flattening with resignation and a sudden gulpish swallowing. "What craziness are we getting up to this time?" A snap of his fingers and his gear instantly swapped to more appropriate adventuring attire. The twinkle in his eye rekindled as Katoka drew his attention to the quest of interest. "Scents of the Wild? Rai and I did this together ages ago, but I've heard that it underwent some changes after the whole... thing." Waving his hand in the air, Freyd dismissed any reference to Shadow's flood, imagining that it remained a sore spot for many, Katoka included. "I've got a kit for this that might help." Carefully removing a small but precious pin concealed beneath folds of leather on his armor, Freyd replaced it with a small candy pouch slung around him like a satched.

"Yeah. I know. It looks a little weird, but it does the trick. Now, lead on MacDuff." He shooed his friend along, giving an apologetic look to Marv, who didn't look like he gave a damn.

***

Freyd removes the Shadowed Rose and places it in his empty battle-ready slot, replacing it with:

Small Konpeito Sack | TIER 1 DEMONIC TRINKET | LOOT DIE III, QUALITY I Crafting ID: #185195 A small cloth pouch of Konpeito; albeit, the candy inside isn't actually edible.

New stats:

Freyd | HP: 1311/1311 | EN: 148/148 | DMG: 27 | MIT: 123 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 3 | BH: 71 | LD: 11 | QLTY: 1 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | TXV 32/3 | TROLL'S BLOOD | REC: 8

Katoka · August 6, 2023

A grin spread across Katoka's face as they exited the safe zone and out onto the main road out of the town. If there was one thing Freyd was, it was reliable. She knew that she could always count on him for anything, but she also had to remember not to rely on him too much or then she would be taking advantage of that kindness. She turned to the Whisper, once more taking in how tired he really looked. "You know, you don't have to come with me for this. It's an easy quest, no combat, and you could really use a nap. Or you know, a full 8 hours sleep."

She was concerned, but she figured that if he was too tired to do anything then he wouldn't have been out and about either. Kat just didn't want him to burn himself out before the big day. He was going to be be their tank after all, despite not being a tank at all really. Leave it to Freyd and the rest of Firm Anima to find a way to use the system in a way no one could think of before.

It had taken some time for the duo to reach the forest they were required to enter. Locating the cave they had to enter shouldn't take much time since the info Kat had looked over said it wouldn't be far from the edge. "You said you and Rai did this quest a while back. How was it back then? Did you two get into anything crazy?" she smiled at the thought of the two of them getting caught up in some ridiculous trap or lost in the woods. Highly unlikely, but the images in her head made her giggle.

Freyd · August 6, 2023

"Nap? Sleep?" Freyd looked back at Katoka like she was speaking another language. The words simply didn't exist in hi vocabulary, at least in so far as being applicable to himself. Outright denial being true to form, Freyd merely moved on as if the suggestion had never been made. His brow further furrowed when Katoka asked what sorts of hijinks he and Rai had gotten up to. "Does that really sound like a me and Rai thing?" It was amazing that she would even ask it, though now his mind was reeling through its own internal way-back machine trying to recall whether any such moment might have occurred. "I remember the electric horse thing, and the lich with an attitude. Persi might have taken out the puma all by herself, but that's kinda her thing." Shrugging as nothing else pierced the internal veils of memory, he vowed to keep thinking on it, but not really.

The whole 'cavern' thing was new, as was the tablet. Approaching it with his scrutineer's eyes, some parts of it seemed familiar.

"The previous quests used to provide totems that you could collect but not use until you had the full set. I guess that someone decided to create a carry case for them, or use them as an unlock? I don't remember any of this having been around before." Gazing upon the stone door, Freyd couldn't help but wonder what might be within. "Some things have definitely changed." Approaching the carvings in the facade opposite the doors, the Whisper did his best to decipher their message.

***
ID 214958 | LD 17+8=25 (consumables do not apply)

Total; 25/60 LD

Edited August 8, 2023 by Freyd

Katoka · August 8, 2023

"You know, I'm honestly not surprised that Persi did that. At this rate she could probably take on a raid boss." Kat laughed at the thought of the little shadow creature taking on a floor boss on her own. "Hey you think she could be our tank for the fight? Then you can punch stuff." She did her best boxing impression, throwing fake punches while make sound effects and hopping from one foot to the other.

As the two approached the large stone doors Freyd seemed to take and interest in some writing on the wall. Katoka looked at it as well but couldn't make heads or tails of it. It was almost like Cardinal was going out of it's way to make the text carved into it unreadable. This didn't stop the samurai from pretending like she knew what it said. "Ah yes, I see. I see." she mused as she held her chin in thought, looking over the lines as if she was reading it with ease. "Of course that's what it says, it makes perfect sense." She looked to Freyd, "Well I think I've figured it out, how about you?"

----

ID# 215052 | LD: 11

Total: 36/60 LD

Edited August 8, 2023 by Katoka

Freyd · August 8, 2023

Poking and prodding at various symbols on the cavern wall, Freyd was in the zone and barely aware of Katoka's efforts at his side. Something about these ruins seemed eerily familiar, and not in a good way. But, how was that even possible if this was also new content he had never explored? It was precisely the sort of thing that would nag at him until his lizard brain puzzled it out. Tracing lines of text with gloved fingertips, he also had a dozen open UI windows full of madman's scrawl that might have earned him a prize position at any sanitorium on the outside. Here, it was just business.

"Hmm? Wassat? Persi? Persi. Oh, PERSI!"

A slinky inky head of black popped up from beneath his collar, bright blue slotted eyes laden with drowsy sleep startled back to the waking world. Realizing that no fighting was going on, she bopped her lummox on the head with a tiny fist for daring to intrude upon her beauty sleep. Things might have escalated from there if Freyd hadn't tapped his fingers on the wall to draw her attention away. The shadow mongoose immediately spotted what had taken him minutes to discover and leapt at the wall, disappearing into it via a larger, deeply carved rune.

"Yeah, I think I got it too..."

A series of mechanical clinks and clunks interrupted him, sounding like a gigantic pinball machine at play immediately behind the stone. One final resounding gong implied an ominous finality, leaving Freyd beaming at his companion, the smile vanishing amidst wide saucer eyes as the floor suddenly gave way beneath their feet.

***

ID 215064 | LD 20+8=28 (consumables do not apply)

Total; 64/60 LD

Use BID dungeon map 193406

Edited August 8, 2023 by Freyd

Katoka · August 10, 2023

It was almost comical how long they seemed to hang in the air before they fell.

Once gravity seemed to catch up the two players plummeted down into the depths of the cave, various rocks and debris that had been in the room above pinged and bounced off of the walls and the both of them. Once they hit the ground it was either by design or pure luck that the floor had been overgrown in a soft and rather bouncy bed of moss. Katoka managed to land face down having the wind knocked out of her. She rolled over with a groan and sat up after she caught her breath. "What the hell happened? Did you push the flush button or something?"

Kat climbed out of the moss bed and began to brush herself off, pulling various bits of rock and branches from her hair. Looking around the dimly lit room she could see one long hallway made of old cut stone placed along the walls, ceiling, and floor. "How in the hell did you manage to find a dungeon in here of all places? Wasn't this supposed to be a combat free quest?" she sighed and shook her head as she began to walk down the dark hallway to wherever it seemed to lead.

Freyd · August 10, 2023

Freyd bounded acrobatically along the rock face, landing at Katoka's side with a barely controlled puff of moss and dust and tumbling back to his feet with a competent level of grace. "Falling with style," he added, before Persi came barreling down behind him and made the entire verdant patch explode like some sort of over=pressurized plant fart. His back side was instantly covered in grass stains and the scent of mildew, his familiar wisely nowhere to be found. "Yeah. Switch. I guess," he grumbled under his hood, jaw clenched and making silent promises of retribution.

The tunnel network they were in was completely dark, save the same variety of moss now covering his backside. At least he could serve as a suitable flashlight while they explored whatever mine-laden sinkhole he'd accidentally led them into this time. "I don't find dungeons," came his response. "The bloody things are bloody well attracted to me instead." His mind couldn't help but conjure a mental image of himself wearing a black t-shirt with 'hot for dungeon' scrawled in glow-in-the-dark gel on the front. Sleep depravation was clearly taking its toll.

He'd barely taken another step when the walls around them suddenly came to life, their mossy layers parting to reveal the rotting husks of giant, six-legged insects with gaping, postulant holes where their compound eyes should have been. The mere look of them was enough to instantly trigger Freyd's smash reflex.

***

Spoiler

Post Action | AoE-I (x15, 11 EN, +2 Shift, +2/hit): 21 EN - (Rested 1/2; Stamina) = 18 EN.
Free Action | None

ID #215129 | BD:9 (Crit+2, Holy +16, Troll's Blood). DMG (15*43*2=1290-60=1230) to Creepy Giant Undead Bug #1. Dead.
ID #215130 | BD:5+7-1=11 (hit). DMG (15*27=405-60=345) to Creepy Giant Undead Bug #2
ID #215131 | BD:8+7-1=14 (hit, Fallen +16). DMG (15*43=645-60=585) to Creepy Giant Undead Bug #3. Dead.
ID #215132 | BD:7+7-1=13 (hit, Fallen +16). DMG (15*43=645-60=585) to Creepy Giant Undead Bug #4. Dead.

Freyd | HP: 1311/1311 | EN: 130/148 (148-18) | DMG: 27 | MIT: 123 | ACC: 7 | EVA: 3 | BH: 71 | LD: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | TXV 32/3 | TROLL'S BLOOD | PARA IMMUNE | REC: 8
Katoka | HP: 720/720 | EN: 106/106 | DMG: 26 | MIT: 78 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 5 | BH: 31 | AA | BLGT: 32 | P.V.O | REC: 8 | STK: 40

~~Creepy Giant Undead Bug #1: HP: 0/400 | DMG: 180 | MIT: 60 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1~~ (400-1230)
Creepy Giant Undead Bug #2: HP: 55/400 | DMG: 180 | MIT: 60 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1 (400-345)
~~Creepy Giant Undead Bug #3: HP: 0/400 | DMG: 180 | MIT: 60 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1~~ (400-585)
~~Creepy Giant Undead Bug #4: HP: 0/400 | DMG: 180 | MIT: 60 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1~~ (400-585)

Loot Creepy Giant Undead Bug #1: ID #215133 | LD: 14+9=23 | CD: 2
2800 col (HP[400]*7 - incl. +4 CD/LD even)
T4 Perfect Trinket 215133a
T4 Perfect Weapon 215133b

Loot Creepy Giant Undead Bug #3: ID #215134 | LD: 7+9=16 | CD: 1
+4 materials (+4 CD/LD odd)
1200 col (HP[400]*3)
T4 Rare Consumable 215134a
T4 Rare Weapon 215134b

Loot Creepy Giant Undead Bug #4: ID #215135 | LD: 14+9=23 | CD: 8
2800 col (HP[400]*7 - incl. +4 CD/LD even)
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 215135a
T4 Perfect Weapon 215135b
T4 Perfect Weapon 215135c

Edited August 11, 2023 by Freyd

Katoka · August 11, 2023

"You know, I'm honestly not surprised. Cardinal loves to give you the weird stuff doesn't it?" Kat rolled her eyes.

When the husks of what looked like zombie bugs crawled out of their various hiding spaces a shiver went down the samurai's spine. "Case and point! What the hell are these?! Ew ew ew ew!" she watched as Freyd smashed all but one of them with an AoE. As he moves out of the way to let her attack Kat grimaced, she was not happy about having to fight a giant bug. Let alone a zombie one. The fact that it's health bar was in the red meant that she wouldn't have to do much to kill it.

"I hate this. I wasn't mentally prepared to FIGHT GIANT BUGS!" she screamed as she launched herself at the decaying arthropod. When she hit it there was a pop as it exploded into ichor and bits of carapace before shattering. The samurai shoot her hands and made a disgusted face as she danced around, "Ew ew ew ew ew it got on meeeeeee!"

----

Post Action | ST-I [x15] (12 EN+2 Shift): 14 EN - (Rested 1/2; Stamina) = 11 EN.
Free Action | N/A

ID:215195 | BD:7+5+1-1=12, CD: 5, HIT Using [x15] ST-I vs. Creepy Giant Undead Bug #2 Dealing 345-60=285 DMG

Freyd | HP: 1311/1311 | EN: 130/148 | DMG: 27 | MIT: 123 | ACC: 7 | EVA: 3 | BH: 71 | LD: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | TXV 32/3 | TROLL'S BLOOD | PARA IMMUNE | REC: 8
Katoka | HP: 720/720 | EN: 95/106 (-11) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 78 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 5 | BH: 31 | AA | BLGT: 32 | P.V.O | REC: 8 | STK: 40

~~Creepy Giant Undead Bug #1: HP: 0/400 | DMG: 180 | MIT: 60 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1~~
~~Creepy Giant Undead Bug #2: HP: 0/400 | DMG: 180 | MIT: 60 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1~~ (55-285)
~~Creepy Giant Undead Bug #3: HP: 0/400 | DMG: 180 | MIT: 60 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1~~
~~Creepy Giant Undead Bug #4: HP: 0/400 | DMG: 180 | MIT: 60 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1~~

Looting:

Creepy Giant Undead Bug #2 | ID#: 215196 | LD: 8 | CD: 7

Rewards:

2640*Col
2*Materials
T4 Rare Trinket #215196a

Edited August 11, 2023 by Katoka

Freyd · August 11, 2023

"Bah! Suck it up. Can't possibly be worse than Slime King," Freyd came Freyd's retort, his shoulders shuddering at the recollection. "So much bad Jell-O..."

Catching a glance at the last of the mobs as his blonde blur companion dispatched it with one of her ever swift strikes, something caught his attention. "Oh, that's not good." The cowl flicked from side to side, as if expecting something extra-perilous to suddenly spawn. "Uh, Kat... please tell me you have a teleport crystal on you at all times." It was a rare thing to hear an edge of concern coming from the Whisper. "If this place is what I think it is, we just drew the shortest short straw." What followed sounded like cursing, but was too muffled by the splashing of light footfalls in shallow water to be sure. Freyd, already surging headlong down the corridor, barely made it thirty feet before twin... somethings... roared and interposed their massive, disgusting bulk in his path.

Half-expecting the attack, Freyd dodged and rolled hard to the left, swiping the nearer mob off whatever passed for its feet, a heavy squelching sound following as it crumpled forward under its own weight. Partially concealed in shadow, their enemies' hulking shapes were difficult to define and resembled roughly humanoid spectral masses with bits of congealed flesh attached in ways that were never intended. It was like watching Dr.Frankenstein if he'd actually gotten it catastrophically wrong and put all the parts in the wrong order, throwing in a few spares for shits and giggles. And the smell...

Kicking himself up out of this groundward spin, Freyd's fist caught the second foe beneath one of several visible chins, splintering it into a thousand far more pleasant motes of light.

"Ever wonder what happens to mobs when they've been shattered? Where they get reconstituted? Ever wonder why some respawns take longer than others?" He pointed to the lone remaining thing. "Sometimes, Cardinal gets the pattern wrong."

***

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN
CD 10 (REC proc +8) ID #215205

Post Action | AoE-I [x15] (11 EN+2 Shift+2/hit): 15 EN - (Rested 2/2; Stamina) = 12 EN. (Charge, CD 0/3) +8 EN)
Free Action | N/A

ID:215206 | BD:3+7-1-1=8 (hit, Charge +3) (DMG: 15*30=450-120=330) to Abhorrent Thing #1
ID:215207 | BD:9 (Crit +1, Charge +3, Holy +16, Troll's Blood); DMG (15*46*2=1380-120=1260) to Abhorrent Thing #2

Freyd | HP: 1311/1311 | EN: 122/148 (130+4+8-12-8) | DMG: 27 | MIT: 123 | ACC: 7 | EVA: 3 | BH: 71 | LD: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | TXV 32/3 | TROLL'S BLOOD | PARA IMMUNE | REC: 8
Katoka | HP: 720/720 | EN: 95/106 (-11) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 78 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 5 | BH: 31 | AA | BLGT: 32 | P.V.O | REC: 8 | STK: 40

(0,0) Abhorrent Thing #1: HP 370/700 | DMG: 280 | MIT: 120 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1 (700-330)
~~(0,0) Abhorrent Thing #2: HP 0/700 | DMG: 280 | MIT: 120 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1~~ (700-1260)

Loot Abhorrent Thing #2: ID #215208 | LD: 8+9=17 | CD: 4
4900 col (HP[700]*7 - incl. +4 CD/LD even)
T4 Rare Consumable 215208a
T4 Rare Weapon 2015208b

Edited August 12, 2023 by Freyd

Katoka · August 12, 2023

Katoka found Freyd's uneasiness off-putting, "Yeah? I always carry some with me, why?"

She heard the amalgamations before she saw them. The slapping of flesh against stone, the scraping of god knows what, the groans and hisses. The hair on the back of her neck stood up as they came into view. They were wrong, all wrong. As if a child had taken several action figures of different species and glued them all together. It took all of Kat's willpower not to run away and throw up at the same time.

Freyd dispatched one of them with ease, the sound of it shattering knocked some sense back into the woman. She readied her sword and charged in, hitting the creature with the sword art she haphazardly charged while closing the distance. It took the hit and Kat watched it's health bar drop deep into the red, instead of dying on the spot it took a clawed pincer and swung it in Freyd's general direction. It was slow and almost lazy so it was easy to dodge, but it's lethargic attack still made Kat put some distance between her and the monster.

"Freyd, I don't like this. I really don't like this."

----

Katoka regains +4 EN
CD 12 (REC proc +8) ID# 215272

Post Action | [x18] ST-II (15 EN + 2 Shift) = 17 - (Rested 1/2; Stamina) = 14 EN
Free Action | N/A

ID#:215289 | BD:3+5+1-1=8, CD: 10, HIT Using [x18] ST-II vs. Abhorrent Thing #1 Dealing 468-120=348 DMG

Abhorrent Thing #1 attacks Freyd!

ID#: 215274 | BD: 2+2-1=3 Miss!

Freyd | HP: 1311/1311 | EN: 122/148 (130+4+8-12-8) | DMG: 27 | MIT: 123 | ACC: 7 | EVA: 3 | BH: 71 | LD: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | TXV 32/3 | TROLL'S BLOOD | PARA IMMUNE | REC: 8
Katoka | HP: 720/720 | EN: 95/106 (-11) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 78 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 5 | BH: 31 | AA | BLGT: 32 | P.V.O | REC: 8 | STK: 40

(2,1) Abhorrent Thing #1: HP 22/700 | DMG: 280 | MIT: 120 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1 (370-348)
~~(0,0) Abhorrent Thing #2: HP 0/700 | DMG: 280 | MIT: 120 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1~~

ID#: 215274 was an invalid roll

Edited August 12, 2023 by Katoka

Freyd · August 12, 2023

Catching the edge of distress in Katoka's voice, Freyd twisted and parried the behemoth's flailing limb, ducking beneath and inside its defenses. Unleashing a series of rapid strikes close in ruptured the few remaining strands of digital mesh still holding the beast together. Parts, fortunately less whole than before, scattered in the opposite direction.

"Are you okay? Did it tag you?" Definite concern apparent in his tone, Freyd scanned her quickly, walking a full circle check around her to ensure no lingering trace of the cancerous mass that held these monstrosities glued together. "I've come across this place once or twice before. Odd that it's made to be a legitimate dungeon. Even more odd that it should appear so close to the new content for the Scents quest." Ever vigilant, Freyd scoured every nook and cranny of darkness around them. "The boss will be on us soon. They seem drawn to sound, possibly struggling with visual overload, what with so many eyes." A grimace crossed his expression as he spoke, the smell of proximity to these wretched things being among the most foul he'd ever had to ensure. It was as if their entire existence fell into the deepest mires of the uncanny valley.

"Come on," he beckoned, recognizing a small passage tucked behind a few fragmented wall panels in the far corner of the chamber. "I think it's this way."

Pausing, he spared a moment to check on his friend.

"Will you be alright?"

***

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN
CD 2 (No REC proc) ID #215285
Charge (CD 1/3)

Post Action | ST-I [x12] (12 EN): 12 EN - (Rested 1/2; Stamina) = 9 EN.
Free Action | N/A

ID:215286 | BD:5+7-1=11 (hit) (DMG: 12*27=324-120=204) to Abhorrent Thing #1. Dead (CD 10 | ST-B Unlocked)

Freyd | HP: 1311/1311 | EN: 117/148 (122+4-9) | DMG: 27 | MIT: 123 | ACC: 7 | EVA: 3 | BH: 71 | LD: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | TXV 32/3 | TROLL'S BLOOD | PARA IMMUNE | REC: 8
Katoka | HP: 720/720 | EN: 95/106 | DMG: 26 | MIT: 78 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 5 | BH: 31 | AA | BLGT: 32 | P.V.O | REC: 8 | STK: 40

(4,1) Abhorrent Thing #1: HP 0/700 | DMG: 280 | MIT: 120 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1 (22-204)

Loot Abhorrent Thing #1: ID #215287 | LD: 13+9=22 | CD: 6
+2 materials (+2 CD odd)
3500 col (HP[700]*5 - incl. +2 LD even)
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 215287a
T4 Perfect Consumable 215287b
T4 Perfect Consumable 215287c

Edited August 12, 2023 by Freyd

Katoka · August 16, 2023

"I--I don't think it got me." she managed after a moment to catch her breath. Whatever those things were had not been what scared her, it was Freyd's reaction to them. If something had frightened him? That was something to be worried about.

"How do you know about these things? What happened with them to have scared you so much?" she looked at him with genuine concern. As he looed around the room Katoka did much of the same, she didn't want to be taken off guard by those things next time. "I assume the boss isn't going to be anything pretty either then?" she attempted to insert a bit of humor into their situation, it was her defense mechanism after all. If Freyd was going to be this scared she needed to take a deep breath to calm herself. If he saw that she was calm it might help him remain calm as well.

Taking that breath she turned around, her face now a mask of determination, "I'll be fine. Let's slice and dice this thing and get the hell out of here. I don't need to come back to Elora without you, she'd kill us both."

Freyd · August 17, 2023

"I've only heard rumours about such a place, but the very prospect that it might actually exist in-game is disconcerting." Freyd's form was taut as a coiled spring, ready to unleash at the first sign of movement in the darkness. "I had a few episodes a while back where I fell through some code glitches and ended up between floors. Turns out my neighbour's wife got stuck there back near the beginning of the game. He thought she was dead, but instead she was just lost in the code."

Something dripped, causing them both to freeze dot a moment. When no onslaught came, Freyd eventually continued.

"There were things inside that place - mobs that shouldn't be. If they even touched you, they would strip the skin right off your avatar. I saw it first hand. So, yeah, anything that can do that sort of thing or is associated with the same brand of bad system shit gets my full attention."

A small bubble inflated and popped in a nearby puddle, barely deep enough to drown a tapeworm.

"Aww damn."

It was upon them instantly.

***

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN
CD 8 (REC proc +8) ID #215650
Charge (CD 2/3)

Post Action | ~~ST-B [x20] (20 EN): 20 EN - (Rested 2/2; Stamina) = 17 EN.~~ Missed (2 EN)
Free Action | Grappling Familiar (CD 0/5)

ID:215649 | BD:1 (Missed) +1 hate

Freyd | HP: 1311/1311 | EN: 127/148 (117+4+8-2) | DMG: 27 | MIT: 123 | ACC: 7 | EVA: 3 | BH: 71 | LD: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | TXV 32/3 | TROLL'S BLOOD | PARA IMMUNE | REC: 8
Katoka | HP: 720/720 | EN: 95/106 | DMG: 26 | MIT: 78 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 5 | BH: 31 | AA | BLGT: 32 | P.V.O | REC: 8 | STK: 40

(1,0) Guudgog Wuttizdat: HP 2000/2000 | DMG: 360 | MIT: 160 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 3

Critical (MD 9): Deals (400) DMG to the target with the highest hate. Also deals (240) DMG to every other player.
Critical (MD 10): Deals (440) DMG to the target with the highest hate. Also deals (340) DMG to every other player.

Edited August 17, 2023 by Freyd

Katoka · August 17, 2023

Her attempts to feign confidence seemed to have no effect. Freyd was on edge more than she had ever seen before. The tension in the air was thick enough to smother them. "The thought of being trapped somewhere like that, somewhere that you're not supposed to be or even be able to get to. It's terrifying."

Kat felt her eyes darting around frantically, trying to keep as much of the room in her field of view as possible. She felt small again, like she was level one and had gotten trapped in a dungeon with no way out. She opened her mouth to say something again but felt her skin prickle, it was here.

The monstrosity lunged forward catching them off guard, Freyd attempting to land a hit and missing. Katoka leapt back and drew her weapon, attempting to locate a weak spot on the glitched boss. It seemed to have five arms, all various sizes and shapes that were moving and undulating at once. A long slender tail whipped back and forth from it's rear as it stomped about on four legs, each one of it's a feet from a different mob stomped and scratched angrily at the ground.

The samurai didn't leave much time for her mind to comprehend the enemy in front of her, instead she lunged forward to attack. Her blade striking it's chest covered in what looked like eyeballs. She flinched away as each pupil focused on her, but the boss lurched and remained still. Thankfully she had managed to paralyze her opponent.

"Ok, this guy really needs to get a new plastic surgeon."

----

Katoka regains +4 EN
CD 8 (REC Proc ID#: 215739) +8 EN

Post Action | [x15] ST-I (12 + 2 Shift) = 14 EN - (Rested 2/2; Stamina) = 11 EN
Free Action | N/A

ID#: 215740 | BD:8+5+1-3=11, CD: 4, HIT Using [x15] ST-I vs. Guudgog Wuttizdat Dealing 390-160=230 DMG, [Paralyzed] applied

Freyd | HP: 1311/1311 | EN: 127/148 | DMG: 27 | MIT: 123 | ACC: 7 | EVA: 3 | BH: 71 | LD: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | TXV 32/3 | TROLL'S BLOOD | PARA IMMUNE | REC: 8
Katoka | HP: 720/720 | EN: 95/106 (+12) (-11) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 78 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 5 | BH: 31 | AA | BLGT: 32 | P.V.O | REC: 8 | STK: 40

(1,1) Guudgog Wuttizdat: HP 1770/2000 | DMG: 360 | MIT: 160 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 3 (2000-230)

Critical (MD 9): Deals (400) DMG to the target with the highest hate. Also deals (240) DMG to every other player.
Critical (MD 10): Deals (440) DMG to the target with the highest hate. Also deals (340) DMG to every other player.

Edited August 20, 2023 by Katoka

Freyd · August 19, 2023

Monstrous as its appearance may be, Freyd knew better than to underestimate the capabilities of Cardinal's rejects. Their very natures defied the rules that governed all of Aincrad's other mobs, including tolerable minimums and maximums. They were lethal, which was why he'd instantly been on alert the moment he recognized the telltale signs.

"Quaestor was beside himself for years, barely more than a hollowed shell and broken spirit. Most of his guild had been wiped out and his wife lost. I stumbled across the whole mess by accident."

Spinning sideways, Freyd caught the enemy with a vicious jab, triggering Samael's Pride's keening wail and hunger. His fist ate a hole right through it, yet hardly seemed to phase the creature, other than making it very, very angry.

"Surgical," he added, in reference to Katoka's comment. "Let's pick it apart and see what happens. I'll keep driving it back. You see if you can take off a few more limbs. We'll wear it down and take it out!"

***

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN
CD 2 (No REC proc) ID #215838
~~Charge (CD 3/3)~~
Grappling Familiar (CD 1/5)

Post Action | AoE-I [x15] (11 EN, +2 shift, +2/hit): 15 EN - (Rested 1/2; Stamina) = 12 EN
Free Action | None

ID:215839 | BD: 7+7-3=11 (hit, Fallen +16); DMG (15*43=645-160=485) to Guudgog Wuttizdat

Freyd | HP: 1311/1311 | EN: 119/148 (127+4-12) | DMG: 27 | MIT: 123 | ACC: 7 | EVA: 3 | BH: 71 | LD: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | TXV 32/3 | TROLL'S BLOOD | PARA IMMUNE | REC: 8
Katoka | HP: 720/720 | EN: 106/106 | DMG: 26 | MIT: 78 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 5 | BH: 31 | AA | BLGT: 32 | P.V.O | REC: 8 | STK: 40

(3,1) Guudgog Wuttizdat: HP 1285/2000 | DMG: 360 | MIT: 160 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 3 (1770-485)

Critical (MD 9): Deals (400) DMG to the target with the highest hate. Also deals (240) DMG to every other player.
Critical (MD 10): Deals (440) DMG to the target with the highest hate. Also deals (340) DMG to every other player.

Edited August 19, 2023 by Freyd

Katoka · August 20, 2023

Katoka made a mental note to never get trapped in the no no zone of SAO. It made hell sound like a vacation spot worth visiting. She watched as Freyd punched a hole into the monster, but that didn't seem to slow it down. Her sight turned to it's tail, which might serve as more than just decoration to the monster. Most animals with tails used them for balance, and if they could knock it off balance then maybe it would be easier to deal with.

"I'm going to try and dock it's tail!" she called to her companion, rushing in to sever the long appendage. As she was bringing her blade down the amalgamation moved with lightning speed just out of reach, her katana striking the floor with a clang. Kat looked shocked, when was the last time she missed? It had been... Forever?

Katoka snapped back into focus as she heard the creature roar, swinging one of it's many fists at Freyd. Both of the players rolled out of harms way as a shockwave of dirt and rock exploded from under it's fist. "Ok, how the hell is it so fast? It's huge!"

----

Katoka regains +4 EN
CD 8 (REC Proc ID#: 216065) +8 EN

Post Action | ~~[x18] ST-II (15 EN)~~ Miss -2 EN
Free Action | N/A

ID:216066 | BD:2+5+1-3=5, CD: 5, MISS Using [x18] ST-II vs. Guudgog Wuttizdat

Guudgog Wuttizdat attacks Freyd! | ID# 216068 | MD: 5+3=8-3=5 Miss!

Freyd | HP: 1311/1311 | EN: 119/148 (127+4-12) | DMG: 27 | MIT: 123 | ACC: 7 | EVA: 3 | BH: 71 | LD: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | TXV 32/3 | TROLL'S BLOOD | PARA IMMUNE | REC: 8
Katoka | HP: 720/720 | EN: 104/106 | DMG: 26 | MIT: 78 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 5 | BH: 31 | AA | BLGT: 32 | P.V.O | REC: 8 | STK: 40

(3,1) Guudgog Wuttizdat: HP 1285/2000 | DMG: 360 | MIT: 160 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 3

Critical (MD 9): Deals (400) DMG to the target with the highest hate. Also deals (240) DMG to every other player.
Critical (MD 10): Deals (440) DMG to the target with the highest hate. Also deals (340) DMG to every other player.

Edited August 20, 2023 by Katoka

Freyd · August 20, 2023

"I noticed, thanks!"

Freyd was struggling with footing. The usually agile Whisper was flopping around all over the place like a fish out of water, unable to right himself despite all of his efforts. Every time he got close, the 'thing' would swipe at him, forcing him to tumble out of the way. Thinking he might just barrel it over to expose its underbelly, Freyd's latest plan went wrong the moment he snagged his armor on an old weapon halft sticking out of the local debris. Lucky not to have speared himself in the process, his efforts amounted to naught as the fiend they were fighting against quickly darted out of the way.

"Wait a second. Did you miss?! I thought you didn't do that anymore. Can we agree that you're not doing that anymore? THERE WILL BE NO MISSING IN THE RAID, GOT IT?"

He didn't mean it, of course. All sorts of nonsense happened in raids that were well beyond anyone's ability to control. But the joke made him feel better, even as he worked to maneuver another opportunity against this tiresome beast.

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN
CD 3 (No REC proc) ID #216070
Grappling Familiar (CD 2/5)

Post Action | ~~AoE-II [x18] (14 EN, +2 shift, +2/hit): 18 EN - (Stamina) = 16 EN~~ -2 missed
Free Action | None

ID:216069 | BD: 1 (missed) (CD 7 | ST-B locked)

Freyd | HP: 1311/1311 | EN: 121/148 (119+4-2) | DMG: 27 | MIT: 123 | ACC: 7 | EVA: 3 | BH: 71 | LD: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | TXV 32/3 | TROLL'S BLOOD | PARA IMMUNE | REC: 8
Katoka | HP: 720/720 | EN: 104/106 | DMG: 26 | MIT: 78 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 5 | BH: 31 | AA | BLGT: 32 | P.V.O | REC: 8 | STK: 40

(4,1) Guudgog Wuttizdat: HP 1285/2000 | DMG: 360 | MIT: 160 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 3

Critical (MD 9): Deals (400) DMG to the target with the highest hate. Also deals (240) DMG to every other player.
Critical (MD 10): Deals (440) DMG to the target with the highest hate. Also deals (340) DMG to every other player.

Edited August 20, 2023 by Freyd

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