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[PP-F1] Starting A Small Business: Part I | <<Earning a Living>>


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Posted (edited)

"How about this, Wax," Morningstar returned his sword to its sheath, confident in his own drawing speed. "You supply me with potions and I supply you with crafting materials. Whatever items you want, I'll hunt down. You can stay out of combat, where it's safe and I don't need to spend so much on consumables. It's a win-win, really."

"Nonsense. I'm perfectly capable of fighting. I'll join you in some battles."

"Uh," the blonde crossed his arms, "what am I doing here then?"

Kingsley shook his head. "Kids these days... You're my entourage, my bodyguard. I can't do everything all at once!"

"Okay, okay! Fine, you can accompany me on quests from time to time if you really want to. But you need to follow my lead and act as support only. Deal?"

"You've got yourself a deal, Mr. Morningstar. You'd make a good business man if you put some effort into it," Kingsley chuckled, marching ahead.

Morningstar stopped in his tracks, hurt. "I am a good business man!"

***

Spoiler

Gathering (3/5) | Material found on LD 15+

ID: 220326 LD: 3+3=6

 

Edited by Kingsley
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A glimmer poked out from behind the leaves of the tree line. It was metallic and small. Morningstar called out to Kingsley, asking him to wait up for a moment (which the old man promptly ignored). He took a closer look and discovered a treasure chest. It was his lucky day, considering he had purchased a golden key from a general merchant only days prior. Unlocking the wooden crate would be simple.

Meanwhile, Waxton Kingsley had gone off on his own, far up ahead where Morningstar could no longer see him. "Where'd that slow kid run off to," the old man muttered to himself. All of their walking had made him tired, hungry, and parched. He filed an idea in his brain for later; the blonde bodyguard would absolutely be buying him dinner after all was said and done. He would have something expensive and a cold drink. Kids had to look after their elders, after all.

***

Spoiler

Treasure chest found!

ID: 220327 LD: 17+9=26

 

Edited by Morningstar
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Berries were sparse in the small radius that Kingsley was searching in. His eyes scanned the underbrush, hoping to catch a hint of ripe fruit amidst the tangled foliage. But the forest seemed unusually quiet, the usual chatter of birds and rustle of leaves conspicuously absent. Undeterred, Kingsley pressed on, his determination unyielding despite the daunting scarcity of his endless scavenge. Every step he took seemed to echo in the stillness, amplifying the sense of solitude that enveloped him. Yet, the thought of quitting was absent from his mind; the berries he sought were an important asset, a currency that would provide him with knowledge of alchemy. Although the sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting long shadows through the trees, Kingsley took no notice and wandered deeper into the heart of the forest.

Morningstar continued to play around with the locked chest that he had uncovered. He turned his golden key and lifted the lid to see what was inside.

***

Spoiler

Gathering (3/5) | Material found on LD 15+

ID: 220328 LD: 2+3=5

 

Edited by Kingsley
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The hinges creaked in protest as the lid swung open, revealing a treasure trove of golden coins gleaming softly in the dim light filtering through the trees. Among the riches lay a demonic shard, an item quite valuable to Morningstar. The items flowed into his inventory and the col into his virtual wallet. Then, he moved on to look for his new comrade.

The old man had wandered off without the blonde, despite their agreement. He was a handful, almost like an ancient toddler with a wicked arm. He wondered if Kingsley had played baseball in his youth because his leg still stung from the last smack.

Picking up the pace, he trotted along the winding forest path, keeping a look out for the wise, tea-loving old man. He called out a few times with no response. It was his fault, really, for trusting that Kingsley would stay put while he looted.

***

Spoiler

Using Golden Key | +2 LD

ID: 220329 LD: 19+2=21
300 col
15 materials
1 Demonic Shard

Spoiler

LOOT TOTAL

29,420 col
23 materials
1 Demonic Shard
1 Gleaming Scale
Random Dungeon Map 220215
T4 Perfect Weapon 220191a
T4 Perfect Weapon 220191b
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220191c
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220201c
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220201d
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220206c
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220206d
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220211a
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220224a
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220318a
T4 Perfect Trinket 220224b
T4 Perfect Trinket 220318b
T4 Perfect Consumable 220201a
T4 Perfect Consumable 220201b
T4 Perfect Consumable 220206a
T4 Perfect Consumable 220206b
T4 Perfect Consumable 220211b
T4 Perfect Consumable 220211c

 

Edited by Morningstar
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Kingsley was face to face with a bear. Time seemed to slow to a crawl. The massive creature loomed before him, its fur bristling with fury and its eyes narrowed into slits. Every instinct should have screamed at him to run, to flee from the beast before it was too late. Instead, he stood their calmly, scowling right back at the beast.

With a steady hand, Kingsley raised his walking stick, his fingers closing around the wood. He knew that he was outmatched, that facing a bear head-on was a foolish gamble. But what other choice was there?

As the bear let out a low growl, its hot breath washing over Kingsley like a wave of heat, he braced himself for the inevitable attack. The bear lunged forward, its massive claws slicing through the air with deadly precision. But Kingsley was ready.

He lifted his staff and met the bear's charge head-on. 

***

Spoiler

Gathering (3/5) | Material found on LD 15+

ID: 220330 LD: 2+3=5

 

Edited by Kingsley
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Before the bear could even swat at Kingsley, Morningstar swooped in. Fluidly, he interposed himself between Kingsley and the hungry beast, his sword gleaming gold.

Kingsley was unsurprised by Morningstar's sudden appearance. He held his employees at a high standard and would expect nothing less from the man but to defend him at the last second. He grinned without a word.

With a fierce roar, the bear lunged forward, its massive claws slashing through the air. With quick reflexes, Morningstar deftly parried the bear's attack, his sword flashing in a blur of gold and green as he switched between sword arts. Each blow he delivered whittled away at the bear's defenses, which had the unintended effect of enraging it even more so. It's large health bar was overwhelming just to look at; but, Morningstar continued to strike nonetheless.

Sensing an opening, Morningstar pressed his advantage, driving the bear back with a relentless barrage of attacks.

***

Spoiler

Post Action | TECH-B (x16, 15 EN): 15 EN - (Well Rested (3/3); Stamina) = 12 EN
Free Action | None

ID220331 | BD: 1 (crit miss) | MD: 5-4=1 (miss)

Morningstar | HP: 720/720 | EN: 110/110 | DMG: 26 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 4 | BH: 39 | LD: 8 (9) | BLD: 48 | FB: 40 | REC: 4 | Pros. III

Bear | HP: 416/416 | DMG: 132

 

Edited by Morningstar
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Kingsley, who had gone back to ignoring the ongoing battle, turned to the bushes. He had found something unexpected: a blueberry bush. It was a stroke of luck, he thought, that he had found anything else in the forest at all. Perhaps the bear was looking for the same thing.

He picked quite a bit more than a handful, filling two fair-sized containers to the brim before even taking another look at Morningstar and his enraged, wild foe. "How's it going over there?" Kingsley asked, ready to move on.

"Almost done, Wax. You just sit back and pick your berries," Morningstar said, dodging a close slice from the bear's long claws.

"Good, good. It's about time we headed back, don't you think? The sun should be setting soon and my back aches. You don't want to carry me back to town, believe me," the old man laughed.

"Yeah, yeah. Patience is a virtue."

***

Spoiler

Gathering (4/5) | Material found on LD 15+

ID: 220332 LD: 14+3=17

 

Edited by Kingsley
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With a final, decisive blow, he struck true, his sword piercing the beast's heart with a resounding thud. As the bear slumped to the ground, defeated and lifeless, Morningstar stood victorious, his chest heaving with exertion and his eyes ablaze with triumph.

Turning to Kingsley, Morningstar shrugged. "Piece o' cake," he chuckled.

Kingsley nodded, his expression a mixture of awe and gratitude. "Thank you, Mr. Star," he said, his voice cheerful. "I would have expected nothing less from a master such as yourself."

"You flatter me," Morningstar rolled his eyes, following behind the old man. "You don't have everything that you're looking for, do you? Are you sure we should head back so soon?"

"We'll find more materials along the way, I'm sure. And if we don't, maybe I'll just borrow some of yours."

"No way. That's illegal or something. You've got to hunt for your own materials or the quest won't accept them."

"Darn computers."

***

Spoiler

Post Action | TECH-B (x16, 15 EN): 15 EN - (Well Rested (3/3); Stamina) = 12 EN
Free Action | None

ID220333 | BD: 10 (crit +2) | DMG: 28*16=448 to Bear

Morningstar | HP: 720/720 | EN: 86/110 | DMG: 26 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 4 | BH: 39 | LD: 8 (9) | BLD: 48 | FB: 40 | REC: 4 | Pros. III

Bear | HP: 0/416 | DMG: 132

Looting
ID: 220334 LD: 13+9=22 CD: 7
(6*416)=2,496 col
4 materials
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220334a
T4 Perfect Consumable 220334b
T4 Perfect Consumable 220334c

Spoiler

LOOT TOTAL

31,916 col
27 materials
1 Demonic Shard
1 Gleaming Scale
Random Dungeon Map 220215
T4 Perfect Weapon 220191a
T4 Perfect Weapon 220191b
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220191c
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220201c
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220201d
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220206c
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220206d
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220211a
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220224a
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220318a
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220334a
T4 Perfect Trinket 220224b
T4 Perfect Trinket 220318b
T4 Perfect Consumable 220201a
T4 Perfect Consumable 220201b
T4 Perfect Consumable 220206a
T4 Perfect Consumable 220206b
T4 Perfect Consumable 220211b
T4 Perfect Consumable 220211c
T4 Perfect Consumable 220334b
T4 Perfect Consumable 220334c

 

Edited by Morningstar
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Posted (edited)

A dungeon had opened sometime since they had entered the forest. Considerate of Kingsley's level, however, Morningstar forbid him from entering. He explained that he had already seen enough low-leveled players enter dungeons far above their tier, only to have a rough time the entire run through. At Kingsley's level, he would be lucky to scratch a boss and surviving a hit would be astronomical.

"Fine, fine. I have no need for the items anyway," Kingsley admitted.

"Good. We'll come back another time, if nobody else clears it by then." Morningstar promised, although he found it unlikely the dungeon would still exist in a week's time, or perhaps even less.

From Kingsley's left came crashing through the branches. Another bear had discovered them and Morningstar found it to be a strike of good fortune. The more they caught the attention of wild creatures, the more loot he would receive. He stood in the way of Kingsley as the bear rushed forth.

***

Spoiler

Gathering (4/5) | Material found on LD 15+

ID: 220335 LD: 4+3=7

 

Edited by Kingsley
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The bear rushed forth with a booming roar and yet Morningstar stood firm, his stance unwavering despite the looming threat before him. His heartbeat was steady as he timed the bear's approach.

With a swift motion, Morningstar raised his sword, the icy blue metal catching sunlight. He braced himself as the bear came into range.

Things seemed to slow down as the bear closed the distance between them, its massive form hurtling toward Morningstar with unstoppable force. In that fleeting moment, the world around him faded away, leaving only him and his opponent.

A single swipe of Morningstar's blade was all it took to fell the bear. His bleed and frostbite status effects activated in an instant, crippling the beast. It shattered like mobs always did when they were defeated.

"I think I'll donate these materials to your shop, once you've opened up. I don't have as much of a use for them, being an appraiser. They're kind of like my currency, since I use all of my col at work."

***

Spoiler

Post Action | TECH-B (x16, 15 EN): 15 EN - (Well Rested (3/3); Stamina) = 12 EN
Free Action | None

ID220336 | BD: 8+4=12 (hit) | DMG: 26*16=416 to Bear

Morningstar | HP: 720/720 | EN: 74/110 | DMG: 26 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 4 | BH: 39 | LD: 8 (9) | BLD: 48 | FB: 40 | REC: 4 | Pros. III

Bear | HP: 0/416 | DMG: 132

Looting
ID: 220337 LD: 11+9=20 CD: 1
(6*416)=2,496 col
4 materials
T4 Rare Trinket 220334

Spoiler

LOOT TOTAL

34,412 col
31 materials
1 Demonic Shard
1 Gleaming Scale
Random Dungeon Map 220215
T4 Perfect Weapon 220191a
T4 Perfect Weapon 220191b
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220191c
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220201c
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220201d
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220206c
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220206d
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220211a
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220224a
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220318a
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220334a
T4 Rare Trinket 220334
T4 Perfect Trinket 220224b
T4 Perfect Trinket 220318b
T4 Perfect Consumable 220201a
T4 Perfect Consumable 220201b
T4 Perfect Consumable 220206a
T4 Perfect Consumable 220206b
T4 Perfect Consumable 220211b
T4 Perfect Consumable 220211c
T4 Perfect Consumable 220334b
T4 Perfect Consumable 220334c

 

Edited by Morningstar
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Posted (edited)

"Lucky me!" Kingsley chuckled, "my very first sponsor! Now, come on. Let's get home. You owe me a drink or three."

"I owe you a drink? Shouldn't it be the opposite way around?"

"Nonsense."

The walk back to the Town of Beginnings was pleasant. The sun began to set and Kingsley couldn't help but be reminded of home. Not the inns that he so often stayed in, but his real home, with his family. Morningstar was similar to a grandson of his, in personality more than looks. They shared a sense of sarcastic humor that Kingsley found appealing. It was familiar and that was all a man his age could have asked for in a youngster companion.

"I appreciate that you came along. I know you had other things on your mind this morning in the shop."

"Nah, it was nothing, really. I'm sure someone else stepped in during my absence. Or the guards took down the dragon. Or maybe nothing happened at all and it's still waiting for me to come by and stop it. Either way, I'm in no rush."

***

Spoiler

Gathering (5/5) | Material found on LD 15+

ID: 220338 LD: 12+3=15

 

Edited by Kingsley
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The Town of Beginnings came into view, marking the end of their journey.

"See you around, Waxton Kingsley, founder of Kingsley Slate Company," Morningstar smiled as he waved goodbye to the old man, setting off for home, ready for a long slumber.

"Goodnight to you, Mr. Star. I'm sure we'll meet again soon. We have lots of business to do together!" The old man laughed as he walked away, his short frame disappearing into the crowd of players that filled the primary street. 

Morningstar teleported back to his beach house on Raitoborou Bay, where Willow waited for him. He regaled her on every bit of his day, and his odd encounter with the old adventuring soon-to-be alchemist, Waxton Kingsley.

Meanwhile, Kingsley returned to Evangeline's shop, all of the necessary potion making ingredients prepared (or, at least, what he thought were the necessary ingredients). He pushed open the tall wooden door and waltzed right in.

***

Spoiler

Post Action | TECH-B (x16, 15 EN): 15 EN - (Well Rested (3/3); Stamina) = 12 EN
Free Action | None

ID220339 | BD: 3+4=7 (hit) | DMG: 26*16=416 to Bear

Morningstar | HP: 720/720 | EN: 62/110 | DMG: 26 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 4 | BH: 39 | LD: 8 (9) | BLD: 48 | FB: 40 | REC: 4 | Pros. III

Bear | HP: 0/416 | DMG: 132

Looting
ID: 220340 LD: 3+9=12 CD: 2
(6*416)+(2*416)=3,328 col
2 materials
T4 Rare Trinket 220340

Spoiler

LOOT TOTAL

37,740 col
33 materials
1 Demonic Shard
1 Gleaming Scale
Random Dungeon Map 220215
T4 Perfect Weapon 220191a
T4 Perfect Weapon 220191b
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220191c
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220201c
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220201d
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220206c
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220206d
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220211a
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220224a
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220318a
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220334a
T4 Rare Trinket 220334
T4 Rare Trinket 220340
T4 Perfect Trinket 220224b
T4 Perfect Trinket 220318b
T4 Perfect Consumable 220201a
T4 Perfect Consumable 220201b
T4 Perfect Consumable 220206a
T4 Perfect Consumable 220206b
T4 Perfect Consumable 220211b
T4 Perfect Consumable 220211c
T4 Perfect Consumable 220334b
T4 Perfect Consumable 220334c

 

Edited by Morningstar
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Posted (edited)

They began working immediately. Evangeline taught him the basics, which he immediately added his own twist to. The blueberries were his primary ingredient, as well as some unnamed leaves and herbs he had picked along his travels. Kingsley strained them carefully, ensuring that nothing but hot, flavored water remained in the mixing pot. It bubbled overtop an orange flame, signifying that it was complete. He used a ladle to pour some into a ceramic mug.

"You did such a great job!" Bringing the mug up to eyelevel, Evangeline studied it more closely. "Actually, I've never seen anything exactly like it. Mind leaving me the recipe before you go?"

"Very well," he said, writing two ingredients down on a piece of scrap paper.

The first was hot water and the second was whatever else she felt like adding to the mix. After that, all she had to do was let it sit a while and absorb the flavors.

He took his "antidote" with him and went on his way, the next step in is business plan clear as water. It was time he opened his shop.

***

Spoiler

Crafting T1 Salve
ID: 220341 CD: 10 (Uncommon item / 1 slot)
Antidote I | Salve

Item details:

Item Name:
 Blueberry Tea
Tier: 1
Rarity: Uncommon
Type: Salve
Enhancements: Antidote I
Craft ID and Roll: ID220341 | CD: 10
Description: Full of antioxidants, this blueberry tea is the perfect cure for many known illnesses and ailments.

 

Edited by Kingsley
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Thread Closing

Morningstar receives:

2,057 EXP (Word Count [5,877/10*5*0.7])
38,448 col (1 page [400] + Loot [37,740] + 15% P5 Reward [308])
1 Demonic Shard
1 Gleaming Scale
Random Dungeon Map 220215
T4 Perfect Weapon 220191a
T4 Perfect Weapon 220191b
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220191c
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220201c
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220201d
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220206c
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220206d
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220211a
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220224a
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220318a
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield 220334a
T4 Rare Trinket 220334
T4 Rare Trinket 220340
T4 Perfect Trinket 220224b
T4 Perfect Trinket 220318b
T4 Perfect Consumable 220201a
T4 Perfect Consumable 220201b
T4 Perfect Consumable 220206a
T4 Perfect Consumable 220206b
T4 Perfect Consumable 220211b
T4 Perfect Consumable 220211c
T4 Perfect Consumable 220334b
T4 Perfect Consumable 220334c

Kingsley receives:

1,122 EXP (Word Count [5,877/10*2*0.7] + Quest [300])
38 Materials (Loot [5] + Gift from Morningstar [33])
Blueberry Tea | Antidote I (Will submit for evaluation after thread approval).
Standard <<Alchemist>> Shop

Edited by Morningstar
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