[PP-EV-F29] What's One More? || Fatal Error: Act 1

[Morningstar 0]

 

Hide contents Morningstar | Lv. 87 | P. 53 | True Tier: 9 HP: 900/900 | EN: 126/126 | DMG: 28 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7 | LD: 6 | REC: 8 | HLY: 16 | AA | FRZ notes: // equipped Yellow Dragon, Red Tiger HLY 2, AA, FRZ Inner Focus EVA 2, REC 2 Sapphire ACC 3, EVA battle-ready inventory Magdalyn's Cuckoo Teleport Crystal Bear Trap x2 skills   Hide contents STRAIGHT SWORD | RANK 5/5 precision, stamina, ferocity shift: tech MARTIAL ARTS | RANK 5/5 precision, stamina, ferocity shift: aoe COMBAT MASTERY: DMG | RANK 3/3 SEARCHING | RANK 4/5 (5) night vision, detect, tracking, reveal QUICK CHANGE UNHINDERED ENERGIST CHARGE extra (active) SURVIVAL FORGOTTEN KING'S AUTHORITY LADY LUCK DISGUISE data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== buffs data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==   Hide contents consumables skewer roll (filled) | protein 3 imperial quarter blend | dmg 3 creme brulee | acc 2 troll's blood paragon Lv. 5 | Gain additional col equivalent to 15% of EXP earned in that thread. Lv. 10 | +1 LD to looting. data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==   data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==

♦ms.

---

Lighting tore through the sky above Kineallan Parish. The toll of a bell echoed from the dead church. Below the constant downpour, the frontliners braved on, challenging yet another Spectral Knight.

There was no end to them. For every knight they slew, it seemed another followed behind. They did all they could to keep them from advancing to Ilridge, forming a stronghold of players upon the hilltop. The knights weren't their only threat. Shamblers and moon-beasts took advantage of the chaos--or perhaps they were drawn mindlessly to it--and attacked whatever unsuspecting players they could find. It was a battle on all fronts, with no end in sight.

Morningstar ran a hand through his rain-slicked locks. He looked dreadful. Mud caked his face and there was practically nothing left of his jacket. At some point, he had substituted his sword for his fists. He had dropped it somewhere and retrieving it from his inventory felt like a waste of seconds.

His eyes cut through the swarm of monsters, and he counted the players closest to him.

[Acanthus 0]

The sky bled like a fatal wound, fracturing the party in its overwhelming noise and darkness. Streaks of faint lightning lifted the veil of black before being chased away by distant thunder. In the distance, the sounds of fighting faded, with no indication of who had won, and who had died.

“Lessa?! Freyd?? Jomei?!”

Acanthus did not know what to look for. She did not know where to go. She stumbled through a swamp that was quickly becoming a lake. I need to regroup. We need to regroup. But how are we supposed to do that in all this rain?

The lightning flashed again, low and red. Acanthus took off in a sprint the moment she realized it hadn’t been lightning at all.

“Morningstar! STAR! I’m over here, thank C—”

Morningstar was not there; only his sword remained, buried in the mud save for the ruby in the hilt, glinting against the precious little light above.

“No. Nonono. MORNINGSTAR!” She scanned the faded black battleground in vain. She spoke out loud to calm herself down. “Okay… it’s okay. It’s just the sword. If there’s a sword, there’s a body. I just have to find him.” Shaking, she stood with Dying Sun, cradling it like a wounded comrade.

The exhaustion of battle displaced her drunken disorientation with a sober variety. Her steps were awkward, and she felt herself drifting between thoughts without a sense of direction. Acanthus was not sure how many more Knights she could fight before the system forced her unconscious.

The sky relented just enough to make out shapes, and another flash illuminated a distant outline. Another splash of red in the muddy brown landscape. Acanthus could no longer sprint, but she ran as fast as the system would allow.

Morningstar looked terrible. His face was caked with mud, his jacket was mostly gone, and his fists showed angry red lines across his knuckles. It looked like a boar had dragged him face first through three floors of Aincrad. But Acanthus probably looked the same, if not worse. Her hair matted down around her face, and her cloak—well, her cloak always looked that tattered. But it usually had some blue showing, at least.

She tried catching Morningstar’s attention. “I found this.” She held out his weapon. “I’m sure it would have returned to your inventory eventually, but I… I was worried.” Acanthus did her best to avoid his gaze directly. Acanthus did not want to know how he felt at that moment, because if she looked at him, she was certain it would be that same cold anger from before. Her eyes averted, she spoke in a clipped tone.

“I don’t want to talk. But. I am sorry.”

 Acanthus | Lvl 81 (34/47) | HP: 920/920 | EN: 124/124 | DMG: 25 | MIT:120 | ACC:6 | AA  | FL.AURA: 16 | THORNS:72 | BH:51 | HB: 40 | LD:6

 

Spoiler

Equipment and Consumables

Spoiler

All enhancements reflected in the stat block unless otherwise specified.

Equipment
Weapon. botan. AA | ACC 3
Armor (Heavy). Corpse Flower's Kiss  MIT II | Thorns II
Shield. Fractured Heart | Holy Blessing 2 | Flame Aura 2

Consumables
None Taken.

Abilities (Skills, Shifts, Masteries, Add-ons, and Mods)

Spoiler

Combat Mastery and Shift
Combat Mastery: Damage R3
AoE Shift

Skills

• Battle Healing R5
• Energist
• Heavy Armor R5
  • Addon: Precision
  • Addon: Iron Skin
  • Mod: Impetus (1/5)
• Searching R4 + 1 (Skylight: Searching)
  • Mod: Night Vision (2/5)
  • Mod: Tracking (3/5)
• Straight Sword R5
  • Addon: Ferocity
  • Addon: Stamina

Extra Skills

• Forgotten King's Authority
• Survival
• Assault Mode
• Block
  • Mod: Shield Bash (4/5)

Inactive Extra Skills

• Photosynthesize
• Disguise

Addons

• Ferocity
• Iron Skin
• Precision
• Reveal
• Stamina

Mods

• Shield Bash
• Meticulous
• Night Vision
• Tracking

Battle Ready Inventory (7 Slots)
Dimensional Backpack + Item Stash

Spoiler

1. Lama Sabachthani | 236687 | Consumable - Soundtrack | Hypnosis 2 | Lullaby 2 (Instant)
   Pain deeper than words, engraved by a hand that does not know its own heart.
2. Edict's Threnody | 236686 | Consumable - Soundtrack | Perpetuate (Instant)
   If my suffering will not end, then neither will yours.
3. [Empty]
4. [Empty]
5. [Empty]
6. [Empty]
7. [Empty]

Housing

Spoiler

House Name: Villa of Coruscating Flowers (The Villa)
Location: Floor 24 - Paradise Islands
Description: See above
Plot Size: Estate - PK Accessible
Rooms: Listed below. All rooms are assigned to Acanthus.

• Master Bedroom
  • Well Rested | -1 energy cost for the first three expenditures of each combat.
• Greenhouse
  • Green Thumb | +2 Gathering EXP per Attempt and additional +1 LD & CD to gathering attempts.
• Extended Workshop: Recording Studio (25,000 col)
  • Hard Working | +2 Crafting EXP per crafting attempt and +1 crafting attempt per day.
• Mega Slime Farm
  • Advanced Training | +10% EXP to a thread. Limit one use per month. Must be used on a player's first post in a thread. Cooldown begins counting down when used in a post.
• Living Room:
  • Relaxed | Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.
• Attic (Bedroom)
  • Skylight (Searching) | +1 Expertise to declared utility skill (Searching). Cannot boost a skill without ranks, or increase a skill past its maximum rank. Cannot boost a skill the user has not learned yet. Ranks obtained using this buff will make the mods of that rank available for purchase. Mods obtained this way are unusable if this buff is removed until the skill is returned to the appropriate rank by way of SP purchase.
• Basement:
  • Multipurpose | Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll.
• Storage Closet: (10,000 col)
  • Item Stash | +1 Battle Ready Inventory Slot
• Master Bathroom: (25,000 col)
  • Squeaky Clean | The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 25% (rounded down)
• Basic Kitchen (15,000 col)
  • Filling | 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.

Crafting and Gathering

Spoiler

Performer | Rank 5
Apollo’s Metronome | Crafting Tool | Meticulous: +1 CD when crafting in one’s workshop.

Forager | Rank 5
Demeter's Cornucopia | Gathering Tool | Bountiful: +1 CD to gathering attempts.

 

 

Edited Thursday at 05:15 PM by Acanthus

[Freyd 0]

How long had it been since the first sighting?  Hours?  Days? Pausing only to help struggling players to their feet or interpose his blade between them and an assailing mob, Freyd had carved a path front one end of the front to the other and back again.  Where lines faltered, he bolstered them.  Where shields buckled, he'd step in and hold until fresh mettle could reinforce.  Where spirits waned, he'd offer a grizzled veteran's stoic resilience.  It all felt... really weird.

He still wasn't used to being the guy in the vanguard. Firm Anima had a whole other division for martyrdom. Sneaky opportunism and devastating blows delivered from conveniently concealing shadows had long since been his trade.  Yet, here he was, keeping a promise made on a scale unimagined when the vow was spoken.  

"Star!  Acanthus!" The briefest look was all it took to realize they were having a moment best not interrupted.  Both also looked more haggard and weary than he'd ever seen them. Nerves were likely frayed. 

"Erm... take a minute, if you need it.  I'll... uh... be headbutting that glassy murder-thing over there."

Awkwardly extricating himself from their catharsis, Freyd charged the nearest gaggle of mobs, at least to the extent that knee-deep mud would permit. It was more like threatening death by Zamboni.  Their enemies, at least, seemed to be struggling with the same slog in the opposite direction.

"Just... yanno... when you have a chance," he added, calling over his shoulder. "It's all good."  

One of the wriggly tentacle horrors promptly bonked him on the cowl for being so stupidly insensitive.

***

Note: CS (Shades of the Gemini) and CSA (Beckon the Void) are in use.  If any other player objects to these, please state in first post and it will be considered inactive.

Freyd consumes:

Elixir of Wrath (Potion) | Tierless Perfect | Damage 3 | 196616b
[Draught of Safeguard] - T4 Perfect Potion | Mitigation 3 | 218116

Freyd consumes and shares:

Gungir’s Shard (Untradeable/Unique/Reusable Consumable): Smokin' Hot Honey Bun Tray | ACC 2 | EVA 2 | Feast (6/6) - 1 portion + ACC Filled

GUILD RANK 4 (+4% col, +4% EXP)

Freyd | HP: 1340/1340 | EN: 166/166 | DMG: 24 | MIT: 212 | ACC: 8 (incl. AA)  | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:4 | BH:74 | VAMP-D: 74 | VAMP-O: 147 | PARA-V | LD:5

Spoiler

Name: Freyd, Bara no kuro kishi
True Tier: 19
Level: 34
Paragon Level: 147
HP: 1320/1320
EN: 164/164

Stats:
Damage: 21+3
Mitigation: 152+60
Accuracy: 4+2+1+AA
Evasion: 2+2
Battle Healing: 73
Loot Die: 4
Stealth Rating: -5
TAUNT
VAMP-D: 73
VAMP-O: 145
PARA-V

Equipped Gear:
Weapon/Armor/Trinket: 
  - Veritas | T4 Katana) | AA, PVO I, VO I, Taunt
Armor/Trinket: 
  - Negare Omnia | T4 HA | MIT III | VD I
Shield/Armor/Trinket: 
  - Night Shades | T3 Trinket | ACC III | EVA I

Combat Mastery:
  - Combat Mastery: Damage R3

Combat Shift:
  - AOE Shift

Familiar Skill:
  - Grappling Familiar

Custom Skill:
  - Shades of the Gemini (CS)
  - Beckon the Void (CSA)

Skills:
  - Battle Healing R5
  - Energist
  - Fighting Spirit
  - Heavy Armor R5
  - Howl
  - Katana R5
  - Searching R4

Extra Skills:
  - Disguise
  - Survival
  - Forgotten King's Authority
  - Meditation

Inactive Extra Skills:
  - Frozen Hide
  - Lady Luck
  - Photosynthesize
  - Brawler
  - Assault Mode
  - Frozen Hide

Addons:
  - Focus
  - Focused Howl
  - Iron Skin
  - Precision
  - Stamina

Mods:
  - Impetus
  - Night Vision
  - Tracking

Inactive Mods:

Battle Ready Inventory:
  - Bear Trap (Reusable 1/combat) x1
  - Bear Trap (Reusable 1/combat) x1
  - Crystal of Divine Light (Reusable 1/thread) x1
  - Mass HP Rec [Inst] (+10% HP) x7
  - Meathook (Reusable 1/combat) x1
  - Ordsea Crystal-B (Reusable 1/combat) x1
  - Ordsea Crystal-B (Reusable 1/combat) x1
  - Rhino's Horn (Reusable 1/combat) x1
  - Samael's Pride | T4 Katana | FLN II | HLY II x1
  - Teleport Crystals x7

Housing Buffs:
  - Bedroom: -1 energy cost for the first two expenditures of each combat
  - Bathroom: The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 20% (rounded down)
  - 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.
  - Storage Closet: +1 Battle Ready Inventory Slot
  - Living Room: Increases out of combatHP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.
  - Attic (Bedroom): +1 Expertise to declared utility skill. Cannot boost a skill without ranks, or increase a skill past its maximum rank. Cannot boost a skill the user has not learned yet. Ranks obtained using this buff will make the mods of that rank available for purchase. Mods obtained this way are unusable if this buff is removed until the skill is returned to the appropriate rank by way of SP purchase.
  - Basement: Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll
  - Guest Room: Players can have one «Amenity» in a «Guest Room» and the «Amenity» cannot be recovered. Players are allowed to change which «Amenity» is in the «Guest Room». Multiple instances of the same «Amenity» do not stack. This buff affects the player and their choice of up to two party members.
  - Extended Workshop: +2 Crafting EXP per crafting attempt and +1 crafting attempt per day
  - Ornate Fishing Pond: +2 Fishing EXP per Attempt and additional +1 LD & CD to fishing attempts.
  - Dining Hall: Turn 3 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Feast. A Feast contains 6 portions of the food items sacrificed. Feasts created this way cannot be used outside of the thread they are created. Limit 1 item created per thread.
  - Mega Slime Farm: +10% EXP to a thread. Limit one use per month. Must be used on a player's first post in a thread. Cooldown begins counting down when used in a post.

Guild Hall Buffs: [Firm Anima] - GUILD RANK 4 (+4% col, +4% EXP)
  - Guild Hall II: Allows a Guild the ability to create up to two Guild Quests. Narratively, it also allows players to teleport back to the Guild Territory when using Teleport Crystals.  
  - Storage Vault: Allows a guild to create a Storage Vault in their Guild Page. Members can use this thread to store and withdraw items. Any items that have trading restrictions cannot be moved to a Storage Vault.
  - Trading Hall III: Reduce LD needed for Salvage by 5 (9+ for Alchemist crystals, 6+ for everything else). +2 EXP per craft. Rank 9 crafters and Rank 4 merchants/performers receive +1 crafting/identification attempt per day. Rank 10 crafters and Rank 5 merchants/performers receive +5 crafting/identification attempts per day. Appraisers gain an initial additional reroll per identified item at no cost.
  - Treasury: +5% bonus col from last-hit monster kills and +10% bonus col from treasure chests.
  - Laboratory I: Once per charge, when receiving single-use consumables from Quest Rewards, if a Guild Treasurer were to receive additional tokens, one guild member may claim 1 x (Additional Token / 2) copies of the consumable.
  - Bureau II: Once per charge, if two or more Guild members are present in a thread, allow two dungeons to be spawned/explored in that thread, regardless of Dungeon-searching cooldowns. This buff may only apply once per thread.
  - Library I: Once per charge, if a Storyteller is eligible to claim a Guild Token, their character gains +10% bonus EXP at the end of the thread. This buff may only apply once per thread.
- Armory II: Once per charge, players may submit a Skill Refund evaluation regardless of the 30 day cooldown window. In addition to Armory buffs, when submitting a Skill Refund evaluation, guild members have the option to pay an additional Token to refund up to 30 additional SP.
- Menagerie III: Guild members undertaking <<Feeding Your Enemy>> gain +1 LD to familiar searching rolls and +1 to familiar taming rolls. In addition to Menagerie II buffs, the maximum number of familiars guild members can tame narratively is five (5). Guild officials may also appoint a familiar mascot, shared between their guild members to accompany them narratively in their threads.

Scents of the Wild Totem:
  - Tanos
Wedding Ring:

Crafting Profession:
 - Appraising[3478exp] R5
Gathering Profession:
 - Fishing[576exp] R5

 

Edited Thursday at 01:24 AM by Freyd

[Jomei 0]

   

Jomei the emerald duelist

Spoiler notes Level: 34 | Paragon: 82 | Tier: 4(12)  Jomei | HP: 1000/1000 | EN: 138/138 | DMG: 21 | MIT:44 | ACC:3 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:4 | BH:55 | HB: 44 | VAMP-D: 110 | BLI: 32/-20  | LD:1  Equipment: Vicious Mockery : ACC II | Taunt | Blight  Fencer's Regalia - Trepidation: Vamp D II | HB | MIT  Token of Serenity: HB| EVA III   equipped Vicious Mockery Fencer's Regalia - Trepidation Token of Serenity battle-ready inventory skills Spoiler Skills Rapier R5 | TECH Spec. Combat Mastery DMG R3 Cloth Armor R5 Charge B Healing R5 Energist MA R2 Howl Fighting Spirit Quick Change Extra: Concentration Survival   Parry Forgotten King's Authority Assault Mode  Lady Luck Meditation Mods Athletics Emergency Recovery Vengeful Riposte Justified Riposte Addons Stamina  Focus Precision Nimble Focused Howl data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== buffs Spoiler Housing Buffs Well Rested: -1 energy cost for the first three expenditures of each combat     Squeaky Clean: The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 25% (rounded down)     Tasty: Turn 2 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Lesser Feast. Relaxed: Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts. Filling: Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps.  Multipurpose: Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll Item Stash: +1 BRI slot Advanced Training: +10% EXP to a thread. Limit one use per month. Must be used on a player's first post in a thread. Cooldown begins counting down when used in a post. data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==

Gasp

Knees sunk into the mud as his body nearly collapsed. Propped up slightly by his rapier, jabbed into the ground where a monster he had slain took their last breath. How long had he been fighting for? With finally a brief moment to catch his breath, Jomei shook his head. "I.." he barely managed to get out. "I don't.."

"I don't know how much longer I can do this." 

It was hard to admit, though he was sure if anyone was listening, they would agree. Morale was low, they were all exhausted, but everyone depended on them. And right now, he hated that.

Because it meant that he couldn't just give up and get that rest he so badly craved. 

He'd get over it, he was just tired. His muscles would ache if the system allowed pain, instead everything just felt numb. How he was even able to bring himself to his feet, let alone swing a sword, was a surprise even to him. "Just...a bit longer."

The sound of metal plates banging against each other drew his eyes to the source, Freyd rushing in (as much as he could in the muck, at least) to fend off another Spectral Knight.. surrounded by a group of smaller monsters.

"Another one.. great." he silently groaned before. "Freyd, slow down or you're going to get yourself killed... again!" Jomei shouted after his comrade. "I'm coming just.. don't draw too much aggro without me." 

Jomei consumes: 
Smokin' Hot Honey Bun Tray | ACC 2 | EVA 2 | Feast (4/6)

Thanks Freyd!

Jomei | HP: 1000/1000 | EN: 138/138 | DMG: 21 | MIT:44 | ACC:5 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:6 | BH:55 | HB: 44 | VAMP-D: 110 | BLI: 32/-20  | LD:1 

[Lessa 1]

Jomei called out to Freyd, and Lessa used the momentary distraction to move up behind the Emerald Duelist. "Hey handsome," she greeted, giving him a few seconds warning before sliding her hands under his armpits and hauling him to his feet. Considering he had nearly a foot on her, the move was not graceful or especially effective. But she still stole a brief moment's satisfaction from the close contact. They had been fighting for what felt like an eternity, grabbing short rests where they could, and traveling where the need was greatest. As often as she could she fought by Jomei's side. But there were huge chunks of time where they were separated, and she worried about him more than she cared to admit. He was a skilled Frontliner, absolutely, and more than capable of taking care of himself. But he was also exhausted - as was she - and with exhaustion came mistakes.

Shoving that aside, she rocked onto her toes and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek. It didn't matter to her that it was caked in grime. Her lips probably were, too. "You looked like you could use a pick-me-up," she informed him, before blasting him with a wide, goofy smile. "Pick-me-up. Get it?" But the smile didn't reach her eyes, and it wavered after only a few seconds, before falling away completely. "When this is over," she stated, falling into step beside Jomei as the pair marched through the muck after Freyd, "I'm going to take an hour-long shower, then I'm going to sleep for five hundred years. Maybe not even in that order."

Lessa consumes Smokin' Hot Honey Bun Tray | ACC 2 | EVA 2 | Feast (3/6).

꧁༺Lessa༻꧂   Lessa, Guardian of Aincrad True Tier: 10 Level: 34 Paragon Level: 60 HP: 980/980 EN: 130/130 Stats: Damage: 18 Mitigation: 127 Accuracy: 2 Evasion: 2 Battle Healing: 29 Stealth Rating: -5 HB: 39 MENDING: 2 REC: 8 HLY: 8 Equipped Gear: Weapon/Armor/Trinket:    - Arcael's Might (T4 THSS - DMG DMG DMG HLY)                                                                                                         Armor/Trinket:    - Vega's Panoply (T4 HA - THNS THNS HB HB)                                                                                                              Shield/Armor/Trinket:    - Red Tide Beacon - Venus (T4 TRINKET - LM LM REC REC) Combat Mastery:   - Combat Mastery: Mitigation R3 Combat Shift:   - ST Shift Familiar Skill:   - Rending Familiar Skills:   - Battle Healing R3   - Energist   - Extended Weight Limit   - Heavy Armor R5   - Straight Sword R3 Extra Skills:   - First Aid R5   - Leadership R5 Addons:   - Field Medic   - Hyperactive   - Iron Skin Mods:   - Barrier   - Energize   - Inspiring Speech   - Large Pockets   - Press the Attack Battle Ready Inventory:   - Blessing of the Wood x4   - Chocolate Truffles (T4 Vitality II Desserts) x13   - Congealing Ale (Tierless Antidote Salves) x4   - March to the Dawn (Instant HP Recovery 3) x14   - Rumbling Rum Party Favor (Tierless Mass HP Recovery Crystals) x13   - Teleportation Crystal x14   - Tiger's Balm (Tierless Antidote Salves) x1 Housing Buffs:   - Bedroom: -1 energy cost for the first two expenditures of each combat   - Bathroom: The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 20% (rounded down)   - Living Room: Increases out of combatHP 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   - Slime Farm: +5% EXP to a thread. Limit one use per month. Must be used on a player's first post in a thread. Cooldown begins counting down when used in a post.   - Basement: Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll Crafting Profession:  - Blacksmith[465exp] R6 Gathering Profession:  - Forager[0exp] R1

[Morningstar 0]

His name hung in the air, but which direction did it come from? Behind him? From his left? A moon-beast jumped at him, tearing his leg open with claws as thick as blades. He knocked it aside with a grunt.

Acanthus came into view. It appeared opening his inventory to find his sword would have been a waste of seconds, seeing as it was in her hands the whole time.

“I’m sure it would have returned to your inventory eventually, but I… I was worried.”

His shoulders dropped and his breath settled. Someone else (Freyd, he thought) spouted off something from the side, but Morningstar ignored it. Was Acanthus still drunk? She hadn't said a word to him all day. Why now?

“I don’t want to talk. But. I am sorry.”

He didn't smile, but his eyes softened. What was he supposed to say? It's okay? I forgive you? Because he had. But it felt like a hollow, insincere formality.

"You look like shit," he told her, and reached out to take his sword.

The Spectral Knight appeared next to them and time seemed to slow. Star's eyes drifted up. A sword fell upon his wrist, severing it cleanly. Strange. He thought the knight was over there, fighting Freyd.

The throb in his forearm brought him back to his senses. Red pixels sprayed out of it, like a geyser of poppy petals. He spun, throwing a side kick to the knight's skull.

Spoiler

POST ACTION | Charge + AOE-I -> Spectral Knight (-20 EN)
FREE ACTION | Bear Trap -> Spectral Knight

ID245628 BD2+8-1 = 9 | DMG: (28+3)*15-100 = 365

Morningstar | HP: 900/900 | EN: 106/126 | DMG: 28 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7 | LD: 6 | REC: 8 | HLY: 16 | AA | FRZ
Freyd | HP: 1340/1340 | EN: 166/166 | DMG: 24 | MIT: 212 | ACC: 8 (incl. AA)  | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:4 | BH:74 | VAMP-D: 74 | VAMP-O: 147 | PARA-V | LD:5
Jomei | HP: 1000/1000 | EN: 138/138 | DMG: 21 | MIT:44 | ACC:3 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:4 | BH:55 | HB: 44 | VAMP-D: 110 | BLI: 32/-20  | LD:1 
Lessa | HP: 980/980 | EN: 130/130 | DMG: 18 | MIT: 127 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | BH: 29 | HB: 39 | MENDING: 2 | REC: 8 | HLY: 8
Acanthus | HP: 920/920 | EN: 124/124 | DMG: 25 | MIT:120 | ACC:6 | AA  | FL.AURA: 16 | THORNS:72 | BH:51 | HB: 40 | LD:6

Spectral Knight | HP: 3335/3700 (3700-365) | DMG: 300 | MIT:100 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 0 | FRB [40/2] | BLD [48/2] | BLGT [32/2] | BRN [56/2]

• Splinter | Whenever the Spectral Knight critically hits (BD 9-10), its attack instead only deals 50 mitigated damage and 60 unmitigated damage to the entire party as the weapon splinters into a sharpened spray. This attack applies all applicable DoT's to all targets when this occurs.
  Mist Body | Natural BD 9 attacks made against Spectral Knight will no longer automatically hit and will use accuracy & damage calculations as normal due to the Spectral Knight bending and twisting to allow dangerous attacks to pass harmlessly through. The hit is treated as a non-critical hit, and all enhancements that would activate on a natural BD 9 (bleed, holy, burn, freeze) will not trigger when this occurs.
  Attempted Rewrite | On a CD 10+, the Spectral Knight will find another NPC nearby and manufacture that NPC into a clone of itself with the same stat block including remaining hit points and any applied status effects.
  Tier Lock | For the duration of the fight, all of the participants’ stats that scale with Tier are calculated as though they’re Tier 4. [DMG/MIT/BLEED enhancements etc.] This skill only locks downward. Those at Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3 will still have T1, T2, or T3 stats, respectively.

 

[Acanthus 0]

He took the sword. “You look like shit.”

There it was. The patented ‘Star humor. There was still an edge to his voice, but the insult was dressed with the tone of care. It was a start.

“Thanks. You too.”

Then, a spray of flower petals. No, blood. Star’s hand vanished, a result of the strange Spectral Knight that loomed over the two.  Morningstar lost no momentum, sending it off balance with a spinning kick, and Acanthus moved in while it reeled, scoring a few powerful hits.

Acanthus stepped back to cover star, raising her shield defensively. “Are you ok? We can fall back if you need to. I’ve got you covered for now.” She didn’t like the thought of him fighting with one hand tied behind his back (proverbially), but he certainly wasn’t slowing down. Besides, she could make out the image of others rushing to join them. With any luck, they could kill this Knight as quickly as the rest.
 

Spoiler

Post Action: AOE-I -> Spectral Knight (-18 EN)
ROLLID | BD 1 + 8 - 0 (Thank Kayaba for AA) | Hit! 25 * 15 = 375 - 100 = 275 damage.
 

Morningstar | HP: 900/900 | EN: 106/126 | DMG: 28 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7 | LD: 6 | REC: 8 | HLY: 16 | AA | FRZ
Freyd | HP: 1340/1340 | EN: 166/166 | DMG: 24 | MIT: 212 | ACC: 8 (incl. AA)  | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:4 | BH:74 | VAMP-D: 74 | VAMP-O: 147 | PARA-V | LD:5
Jomei | HP: 1000/1000 | EN: 138/138 | DMG: 21 | MIT:44 | ACC:3 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:4 | BH:55 | HB: 44 | VAMP-D: 110 | BLI: 32/-20  | LD:1 
Lessa | HP: 980/980 | EN: 130/130 | DMG: 18 | MIT: 127 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | BH: 29 | HB: 39 | MENDING: 2 | REC: 8 | HLY: 8
Acanthus | HP: 920/920 | EN: 106/124 | DMG: 25 | MIT:120 | ACC:6 | AA  | FL.AURA: 16 | THORNS:72 | BH:51 | HB: 40 | LD:6

Spectral Knight | HP: 3060/3700 (3335-275) | DMG: 300 | MIT:100 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 0 | FRB [40/2] | BLD [48/2] | BLGT [32/2] | BRN [56/2]

Splinter | Whenever the Spectral Knight critically hits (BD 9-10), its attack instead only deals 50 mitigated damage and 60 unmitigated damage to the entire party as the weapon splinters into a sharpened spray. This attack applies all applicable DoT's to all targets when this occurs.
Mist Body | Natural BD 9 attacks made against Spectral Knight will no longer automatically hit and will use accuracy & damage calculations as normal due to the Spectral Knight bending and twisting to allow dangerous attacks to pass harmlessly through. The hit is treated as a non-critical hit, and all enhancements that would activate on a natural BD 9 (bleed, holy, burn, freeze) will not trigger when this occurs.
Attempted Rewrite | On a CD 10+, the Spectral Knight will find another NPC nearby and manufacture that NPC into a clone of itself with the same stat block including remaining hit points and any applied status effects.
Tier Lock | For the duration of the fight, all of the participants’ stats that scale with Tier are calculated as though they’re Tier 4. [DMG/MIT/BLEED enhancements etc.] This skill only locks downward. Those at Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3 will still have T1, T2, or T3 stats, respectively.

 

Edited Sunday at 12:57 AM by Acanthus

[Freyd 0]

Was everyone around him shacking up in the middle of a war zone?!  Feeling like an even more redundant fifth wheel, watching the surrounding couples bolstering each other's flagging morale... or possibly trying to kill each other.... or making up after the attempt.  Honestly, it was all a bit much to sort out while another one of these blasted mirror mobs kept trying to skewer his spleen with its fingertips.  Maybe still, giving them a little time.. a few seconds, could make all the difference.

Trading blows with the giant glass monolith, Freyd had figured out their pattern more than well enough.  Though the ever-present rainfall and constant flood of other critters kept you on your toes, or would have if anyone could find theirs.  Kneeling onto one of the knight's offshoot shard, a half dozen of them littering their melee like lethal javelins, the sliver spine fractured and broke, only to spur it on to conjure more.

"Say, has anyone seen or heard anything about this sword thing we're supposed to be finding?"

It felt like he might have been talking to thin air, except all the air around here was thick with other somethings, or so it seemed.  One slithery fish-mob thing with way too many tentacles was even making eyes at him. from behind the Spectral Knight.

"No way, lady.  I'm taken too.  Don't go getting any fishy ideas just because she has better things to do than hang our here... although... fishnets... hrm?"

A wet slap rang across the battlefield, as the Whisper foolishly let himself become distracted.

***

Vanity Tag: @Elora

Spoiler

Note: Added hate values for previous actions.

Post Action | TECH-D (x12, 12 EN): 12 EN - (Rested 2/2; Stamina) = 9 EN.  
Free Action [item] | Meathook
Free Action [Skill] | Grappling Familiar (CD 0/5)

ID #245729 | BD: 3+8-0=11 (hit).  DMG (12*24=288-60=228) vs Spectral Knight | CD 6 | ST-B/BtV Locked.  F-Stun applied.

Morningstar | HP: 900/900 | EN: 106/126 | DMG: 28 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7 | LD: 6 | REC: 8 | HLY: 16 | AA | FRZ
Freyd | HP: 1340/1340 | EN: 157/166 (166-9) | DMG: 24 | MIT: 212 | ACC: 8 (incl. AA)  | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:4 | BH:74 | VAMP-D: 74 | VAMP-O: 147 | PARA-V | LD:5 | GRAPPLING (0/5)
Jomei | HP: 1000/1000 | EN: 138/138 | DMG: 21 | MIT:44 | ACC:3 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:4 | BH:55 | HB: 44 | VAMP-D: 110 | BLI: 32/-20  | LD:1 
Lessa | HP: 980/980 | EN: 130/130 | DMG: 18 | MIT: 127 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | BH: 29 | HB: 39 | MENDING: 2 | REC: 8 | HLY: 8
Acanthus | HP: 920/920 | EN: 106/124 | DMG: 25 | MIT:120 | ACC:6 | AA  | FL.AURA: 16 | THORNS:72 | BH:51 | HB: 40 | LD:6

[1,3,0,0,1] Spectral Knight | HP: 2832/3700 (3060-228) | DMG: 300 | MIT:100 60 SHATTER 2 (0/3) | ACC:5 | EVA:3 0 | FRB [40/2] | BLD [48/2] | BLGT [32/2] | BRN [56/2] | F-STUNNED

Splinter | Whenever the Spectral Knight critically hits (BD 9-10), its attack instead only deals 50 mitigated damage and 60 unmitigated damage to the entire party as the weapon splinters into a sharpened spray. This attack applies all applicable DoT's to all targets when this occurs.
Mist Body | Natural BD 9 attacks made against Spectral Knight will no longer automatically hit and will use accuracy & damage calculations as normal due to the Spectral Knight bending and twisting to allow dangerous attacks to pass harmlessly through. The hit is treated as a non-critical hit, and all enhancements that would activate on a natural BD 9 (bleed, holy, burn, freeze) will not trigger when this occurs.
Attempted Rewrite | On a CD 10+, the Spectral Knight will find another NPC nearby and manufacture that NPC into a clone of itself with the same stat block including remaining hit points and any applied status effects.
Tier Lock | For the duration of the fight, all of the participants’ stats that scale with Tier are calculated as though they’re Tier 4. [DMG/MIT/BLEED enhancements etc.] This skill only locks downward. Those at Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3 will still have T1, T2, or T3 stats, respectively.

 

Edited Sunday at 02:14 AM by Freyd

[Lessa 1]

As Players emerged from the shadows, she realized a party was beginning to form. Star, Freyd, Jom, Star, Acanthus. She mentally ticked each off as she picked them out from the other mud-caked forms staggering about in the dark. They looked as exhausted as she felt. We need a break, she thought, not for the first time. Or the second time. Or probably the fiftieth time. How long had they been out there, battling back the endless waves? It felt a bit like COD zombies, but she couldn't just turn off the game when she got bored. This time, giving up had dire consequences.

So she narrowed her eyes against the darkness and the rain, then lifted her sword. Now was as good a time as ever. "Damage boost," she called, without much enthusiasm, before activating Press the Attack. Everyone knew the routine by now - the same handful of soldiers had been holding the line for an eternity.

At Freyd's question, Lessa shook her head. Then, realizing he likely didn't see the gesture, she put voice to her thoughts. "I haven't heard anything, but I do know there are a bunch of people out looking for it. Hopefully they'll find something."

Spoiler

 

Post Action: Press the Attack -> Entire Party
EN: 10 - 1 (Bedroom) = 9

⚠︎ I increased everyone's damage by four in the statblock. It will last until I post again.

Morningstar | HP: 900/900 | EN: 106/126 | DMG: 32 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7 | LD: 6 | REC: 8 | HLY: 16 | AA | FRZ
Freyd | HP: 1340/1340 | EN: 157/166 (166-9) | DMG: 28 | MIT: 212 | ACC: 8 (incl. AA)  | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:4 | BH:74 | VAMP-D: 74 | VAMP-O: 147 | PARA-V | LD:5 | GRAPPLING (0/5)
Jomei | HP: 1000/1000 | EN: 138/138 | DMG: 25 | MIT:44 | ACC:3 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:4 | BH:55 | HB: 44 | VAMP-D: 110 | BLI: 32/-20  | LD:1 
Lessa | HP: 980/980 | EN: 121/130 | DMG: 18 | MIT: 127 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | BH: 29 | HB: 39 | MENDING: 2 | REC: 8 | HLY: 8
Acanthus | HP: 920/920 | EN: 106/124 | DMG: 29 | MIT:120 | ACC:6 | AA  | FL.AURA: 16 | THORNS:72 | BH:51 | HB: 40 | LD:6

 

 

[Jomei 0]

Getting a little bit of assistance up onto his feet was definitely appreciated, though unexpected. And if it wasn't for the familiar voice, followed by the even more familiar clanging of armor plates with every step, he would have been a bit more caught off guard. His olive gaze turned upon Lessa and a smile found his lips as he felt his woes wash away. She was just as filthy, worn out and exhausted as he was, but there was no sigs of damage. The two were separated briefly as they stumbled upon a group of players who needed assistance. Lessa helped with healing their wounded, while Jomei kept the monsters away. A quick look over her shoulder, and he could see the group retreating. All fine, all happy to be alive. 

Okay, maybe he didn't hate this as much as he thought. 

Fingers gently grazed the cheek where Lessa had kissed him as his smile widened, "More than you could imagine .. the pun didn't exactly help though." he teased with a playful wink. As much as he wanted to just remain in this moment, he knew they needed to get to work. "Just don't fall asleep in the bath or something. 'Killed by Bathtub' isn't exactly the best footnote to on the Monument." Some morbid humor, but maybe that was just today's vibe.

Moving to assist Freyd - wait, the Spectral Knight was gone. Had Freyd already taken it out on his own? The nauseating song of a blade cutting clean through flesh echoed over the storm and Jomei would spin around to see their enemy now standing in range of Acanthus and Morningstar, the latter missing one of their hands. "Star!" Jomei shouted, before rushing off in the opposite direction.
 

Spoiler

Post Action: TECH-D + Charge | 245768 | BD 6(+5)(-1) 10 | SHATTER (12+8) - 20 EN
25(+3)x16 = 448(-40) 408 DMG

Morningstar | HP: 900/900 | EN: 106/126 | DMG: 32 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7 | LD: 6 | REC: 8 | HLY: 16 | AA | FRZ
Freyd | HP: 1340/1340 | EN: 157/166 (166-9) | DMG: 28 | MIT: 212 | ACC: 8 (incl. AA)  | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:4 | BH:74 | VAMP-D: 74 | VAMP-O: 147 | PARA-V | LD:5 | GRAPPLING (0/5)
Jomei | HP: 1000/1000 | EN: 118/138 | DMG: 25 | MIT:44 | ACC:5 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:6 | BH:55 | HB: 44 | VAMP-D: 110 | BLI: 32/-20  | LD:1 | W.R 1/3
Lessa | HP: 980/980 | EN: 121/130 | DMG: 18 | MIT: 127 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | BH: 29 | HB: 39 | MENDING: 2 | REC: 8 | HLY: 8
Acanthus | HP: 920/920 | EN: 106/124 | DMG: 29 | MIT:120 | ACC:6 | AA  | FL.AURA: 16 | THORNS:72 | BH:51 | HB: 40 | LD:6

[1,3,3,0,1] Spectral Knight | HP: 2424/3700 (3060-228) | DMG: 300 | MIT:100 40 SHATTER 3 (0/3) | ACC:5 | EVA:3 0 | FRB [40/2] | BLD [48/2] | BLGT [32/2] | BRN [56/2] | F-STUNNED

Mob Action | STUNNED 

Splinter | Whenever the Spectral Knight critically hits (BD 9-10), its attack instead only deals 50 mitigated damage and 60 unmitigated damage to the entire party as the weapon splinters into a sharpened spray. This attack applies all applicable DoT's to all targets when this occurs.
Mist Body | Natural BD 9 attacks made against Spectral Knight will no longer automatically hit and will use accuracy & damage calculations as normal due to the Spectral Knight bending and twisting to allow dangerous attacks to pass harmlessly through. The hit is treated as a non-critical hit, and all enhancements that would activate on a natural BD 9 (bleed, holy, burn, freeze) will not trigger when this occurs.
Attempted Rewrite | On a CD 10+, the Spectral Knight will find another NPC nearby and manufacture that NPC into a clone of itself with the same stat block including remaining hit points and any applied status effects.
Tier Lock | For the duration of the fight, all of the participants’ stats that scale with Tier are calculated as though they’re Tier 4. [DMG/MIT/BLEED enhancements etc.] This skill only locks downward. Those at Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3 will still have T1, T2, or T3 stats, respectively.

 

[Freyd 0]

"@#*$(@$&*(@#$&"

It had moved with the pace of a blink, and there were no shadows in reach. No easy escape or convenient shortcut to reach and assist an ally.  All Freyd wanted to do in that moment was tear the Knight apart with his bare hands.  

Gotta think outside the box...

Acting on pure, distilled instinct, akin to the most rudimentary yet vicious of mobs, Freyd's form twisted and churned, rewriting his avatar into something terrifyingly appropriate for this floor.  Like some wiry cable-bound bundle of digital sinew and innards turned inside out, he bound across the field like a predator unleashing full fury upon his prey.  No holds barred.  No quarter offered, nor even pretense of it allowed.  Upon reaching the Knight, the once-a-Freyd leapt and lunged, returning to a more familiar shape, slashing a callously honest blade clean through. A hand for a hand, and then some.

Glass shattered, the mob suddenly more spectraller than a moment before.

"Take care of him," he roared to the others, meaning Morningstar and his missing digits.  Where normally a quip or three might dribble from his lips, Freyd just sneered at the beast, his own eyes filled with nothing but the black unending hatred of the void.

Not again.  Not Wulfrin.  Not Morningstar.  NOT ANYONE! 

"Never... again..." he spat at the mob, teeth clenched so tightly they might pop, as if he were addressing Cardinal and Kayaba directly though the reflection of his own face mirrored upon the Knight's marred  polished perfection.

***

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN

Post Action | TECH-A (x12, 12 EN): 12 EN - (Rested 1/2; Stamina) = 9 EN.  
Free Action [item] | Ordsea Crystal-B (+5 Hate)

ID #245776 | BD : 8 (Crit +1).  DMG (12*29=348-40=308) vs Spectral Knight | PARA-V procs | VO procs (no effect) | CD 12 | ST-B/BtV UNLOCKED

Morningstar | HP: 900/900 | EN: 106/126 | DMG: 32 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7 | LD: 6 | REC: 8 | HLY: 16 | AA | FRZ
Freyd | HP: 1340/1340 | EN: 152/166 (157+4-9) | DMG: 28 | MIT: 212 | ACC: 8 (incl. AA)  | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:4 | BH:74 | VAMP-D: 74 | VAMP-O: 147 | PARA-V | LD:5 | GRAPPLING (1/5)
Jomei | HP: 1000/1000 | EN: 118/138 | DMG: 25 | MIT:44 | ACC:5 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:6 | BH:55 | HB: 44 | VAMP-D: 110 | BLI: 32/-20  | LD:1 | W.R 1/3
Lessa | HP: 980/980 | EN: 121/130 | DMG: 18 | MIT: 127 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | BH: 29 | HB: 39 | MENDING: 2 | REC: 8 | HLY: 8
Acanthus | HP: 920/920 | EN: 106/124 | DMG: 29 | MIT:120 | ACC:6 | AA  | FL.AURA: 16 | THORNS:72 | BH:51 | HB: 40 | LD:6

[1,12,3,0,1] Spectral Knight | HP: 2116/3700 (2424-308) | DMG: 300 | MIT:100 40 SHATTER 3 (1/3) | ACC:5 | EVA:3 0 | FRB [40/2] | BLD [48/2] | BLGT [32/2] | BRN [56/2] | F-STUN-IMM (0/3) | PARALYZED

Splinter | Whenever the Spectral Knight critically hits (BD 9-10), its attack instead only deals 50 mitigated damage and 60 unmitigated damage to the entire party as the weapon splinters into a sharpened spray. This attack applies all applicable DoT's to all targets when this occurs.
Mist Body | Natural BD 9 attacks made against Spectral Knight will no longer automatically hit and will use accuracy & damage calculations as normal due to the Spectral Knight bending and twisting to allow dangerous attacks to pass harmlessly through. The hit is treated as a non-critical hit, and all enhancements that would activate on a natural BD 9 (bleed, holy, burn, freeze) will not trigger when this occurs.
Attempted Rewrite | On a CD 10+, the Spectral Knight will find another NPC nearby and manufacture that NPC into a clone of itself with the same stat block including remaining hit points and any applied status effects.
Tier Lock | For the duration of the fight, all of the participants’ stats that scale with Tier are calculated as though they’re Tier 4. [DMG/MIT/BLEED enhancements etc.] This skill only locks downward. Those at Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3 will still have T1, T2, or T3 stats, respectively.

 

Edited yesterday at 02:02 AM by Freyd

[Morningstar 0]

He stared at his now shorter arm. There was not much he could do about it. Wielding his sword was out of the question–at least, it would be far less effective than simply not. With the hand that was still attached, he took his blade from Acanthus, only to toss it back in his inventory.

“No,” he told her. “No, keep going. I’ll manage. Hands grow back,” he joked, although they lived in a world where that was true.

Freyd cleared past them, spectraling the Spectral Knight until it was completely spectraled.

Morningstar could only repeat what the others told Freyd. He had been with them since he had left Bee in Ilridge. He hadn’t heard anything of the missing sword since the quest objective was first released.

With Lessa’s damage boost, Star rejoined his team in combat and did what he could to stay useful despite his missing appendage.

Spoiler

Morningstar gains +4 EN

Post Action | AOE-II -> Spectral Knight (-15 EN)
Free Action | Lady Luck (-5 EN)

ID #245779 | CD: 10 | +8 EN
ID #245780 | LD: 19 | PARA-V -> DMG
ID #245781 | BD: 8 (Crit +1).  DMG (33*18=594-40=554) vs Spectral Knight

Morningstar | HP: 900/900 | EN: 103/126 | DMG: 32 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7 | LD: 6 | REC: 8 | HLY: 16 | AA | FRZ
Freyd | HP: 1340/1340 | EN: 152/166 (157+4-9) | DMG: 28 | MIT: 212 | ACC: 8 (incl. AA)  | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:4 | BH:74 | VAMP-D: 74 | VAMP-O: 147 | PARA-V | LD:5 | GRAPPLING (1/5)
Jomei | HP: 1000/1000 | EN: 118/138 | DMG: 25 | MIT:44 | ACC:5 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:6 | BH:55 | HB: 44 | VAMP-D: 110 | BLI: 32/-20  | LD:1 | W.R 1/3
Lessa | HP: 980/980 | EN: 121/130 | DMG: 18 | MIT: 127 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | BH: 29 | HB: 39 | MENDING: 2 | REC: 8 | HLY: 8
Acanthus | HP: 920/920 | EN: 106/124 | DMG: 29 | MIT:120 | ACC:6 | AA  | FL.AURA: 16 | THORNS:72 | BH:51 | HB: 40 | LD:6

[2,12,3,0,1] Spectral Knight | HP: 1562/3700 (2116-554) | DMG: 300 | MIT:100 40 SHATTER 3 (1/3) | ACC:5 | EVA:3 0 | FRB [40/2] | BLD [48/2] | BLGT [32/2] | BRN [56/2] | F-STUN-IMM (0/3) | PARALYZED

Splinter | Whenever the Spectral Knight critically hits (BD 9-10), its attack instead only deals 50 mitigated damage and 60 unmitigated damage to the entire party as the weapon splinters into a sharpened spray. This attack applies all applicable DoT's to all targets when this occurs.
Mist Body | Natural BD 9 attacks made against Spectral Knight will no longer automatically hit and will use accuracy & damage calculations as normal due to the Spectral Knight bending and twisting to allow dangerous attacks to pass harmlessly through. The hit is treated as a non-critical hit, and all enhancements that would activate on a natural BD 9 (bleed, holy, burn, freeze) will not trigger when this occurs.
Attempted Rewrite | On a CD 10+, the Spectral Knight will find another NPC nearby and manufacture that NPC into a clone of itself with the same stat block including remaining hit points and any applied status effects.
Tier Lock | For the duration of the fight, all of the participants’ stats that scale with Tier are calculated as though they’re Tier 4. [DMG/MIT/BLEED enhancements etc.] This skill only locks downward. Those at Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3 will still have T1, T2, or T3 stats, respectively.

 

[Acanthus 0]

Quote

"Say, has anyone seen or heard anything about this sword thing we're supposed to be finding?"

“Nothing.” Acanthus responded in-between much needed breaths. “I’ve checked with most of the reputable info brokers in Aincrad, and I’ve searched half this floor myself. Not a single solid lead.”

The Knight’s brutal attacks stirred up the chaos once more. Lessa and Jomei joined, spurring the fight with words and actions. Something about the pair seemed different than usual. It was the way they carried themselves around each other. Were they dating? Had they been dating?

People are allowed to just be friends. She chided herself for jumping to conclusions. Just because you see people that are comfortable with each other, it doesn’t mean they’re dating. And it’s rude to assume.

A streak of shadows in shadows rushed by her. Freyd was a whirling dervish, slicing off the pieces of the Knight that dared to attack them. For a brief moment, the rain played tricks on her eyes as she watched him transform into a spindly monster, leaping across the battlefield. Morningstar continued his assault as well, as if unaware that was missing limbs.

The group slowly whittled the Knight down, like so many before. But there were more. There were always more. Even if they were winning the battles, were they winning the war?

Spoiler

Recovery. +4 EN

Post Action: AOE II -> Spectral Knight (-15 EN)
245830 | BD 9 + 8 | Hit! 29 * 18 = 522 - 40 = 482 damage.
245830 | CD 11 | ST-B Unlocked!

Morningstar | HP: 900/900 | EN: 103/126 | DMG: 32 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7 | LD: 6 | REC: 8 | HLY: 16 | AA | FRZ
Freyd | HP: 1340/1340 | EN: 152/166 (157+4-9) | DMG: 28 | MIT: 212 | ACC: 8 (incl. AA)  | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:4 | BH:74 | VAMP-D: 74 | VAMP-O: 147 | PARA-V | LD:5 | GRAPPLING (1/5)
Jomei | HP: 1000/1000 | EN: 118/138 | DMG: 25 | MIT:44 | ACC:5 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:6 | BH:55 | HB: 44 | VAMP-D: 110 | BLI: 32/-20  | LD:1 | W.R 1/3
Lessa | HP: 980/980 | EN: 121/130 | DMG: 18 | MIT: 127 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | BH: 29 | HB: 39 | MENDING: 2 | REC: 8 | HLY: 8
Acanthus | HP: 920/920 | EN: 106/124 | DMG: 29 | MIT:120 | ACC:6 | AA  | FL.AURA: 16 | THORNS:72 | BH:51 | HB: 40 | LD:6

[2,12,3,0,1] Spectral Knight | HP: 1080/3700 (1562-482) | DMG: 300 | MIT:100 40 SHATTER 3 (1/3) | ACC:5 | EVA:3 0 | FRB [40/2] | BLD [48/2] | BLGT [32/2] | BRN [56/2] | F-STUN-IMM (0/3) | PARALYZED

 

Edited 18 hours ago by Acanthus

[Jomei 0]

The sparks of their weapons crashing against the metallic surface of the Spectral Knight doused and sizzled almost immediately as they launched into the pouring rain. Though in their brief moments, they provided enough light to illuminate their faces. Their expressions reading determined, but worn out with each strike. Jomei's was no different as his rapier carved into the knight's body, the lids of his eyes heavy and begging for rest. 

Freyd roared with anger as he barreled past the others and swung his weapon at the Knight. He used the shadows to his advantage ... at least that was what Jomei assumed. One moment, he saw a beast unlike any he had seen before, though definitely of similar fashion to those they have fought on this floor. The next, it was just Freyd again, sporting his new salt and pepper look. Assuming he was merely seeing things due to his exhaustion, Jomei fought on.

"Star, are you alright?" Jomei would ask his comrade, as he skipped back to avoid a backhanded slash from the Knight. Taking note of his hand, or lack of in this case, Jomei looked back up to Morningstar, "Ah, all left. Got it. I've never lost a limb before.. does it grow back all at once, or are you going to have a baby hand for a little bit?" While his breath didn't reek of alcohol ( but goddammit could he use a stiff drink ) the slight slur to his speech and stumble in his step gave off such an impression. 

Holy shit, he was about to collapse.

Spoiler

Recovery: +4 EN
Post Action: TECH B | ID 245848 | BD 3(+5)(-0) HIT (-12 EN)
25 x 16 = 400 - 40 = 360 DMG

Morningstar | HP: 900/900 | EN: 103/126 | DMG: 32 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7 | LD: 6 | REC: 8 | HLY: 16 | AA | FRZ
Freyd | HP: 1340/1340 | EN: 152/166 (157+4-9) | DMG: 28 | MIT: 212 | ACC: 8 (incl. AA)  | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:4 | BH:74 | VAMP-D: 74 | VAMP-O: 147 | PARA-V | LD:5 | GRAPPLING (1/5)
Jomei | HP: 1000/1000 | EN: 110/138 | DMG: 25 | MIT:44 | ACC:5 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:6 | BH:55 | HB: 44 | VAMP-D: 110 | BLI: 32/-20  | LD:1 | W.R 2/3 | CHG (1/3)
Lessa | HP: 980/980 | EN: 121/130 | DMG: 18 | MIT: 127 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | BH: 29 | HB: 39 | MENDING: 2 | REC: 8 | HLY: 8
Acanthus | HP: 920/920 | EN: 106/124 | DMG: 29 | MIT:120 | ACC:6 | AA  | FL.AURA: 16 | THORNS:72 | BH:51 | HB: 40 | LD:6

[2,12,6,0,1] Spectral Knight | HP: 720/3700 | DMG: 300 | MIT:100 40 SHATTER 3 (1/3) | ACC:5 | EVA:3 0 | FRB [40/2] | BLD [48/2] | BLGT [32/2] | BRN [56/2] | F-STUN-IMM (0/3) | PARALYZED

 

 

[Lessa 1]

Overhearing Jomei's question for Morningstar, Lessa turned to face the pair. If the man was in need of healing, it was her job to step in. She was in the support role, after all. "What happened to- oh god." Her blue eyes bulged as she recognized the severed hand. "I, uh, whoa. Yeah, no." She stammered, then nervously reached up to wipe the rain from her face. The cold metal of her gauntlets shocked her, and didn't accomplish much, but she finished the motion anyway. Then she managed, "I haven't seen that yet. Which I guess is sort of surprising, considering we're all using swords." Her jaw worked as she stared at him. "I have to assume it'll grow back. The game covers stuff like that, so I bet it will."

Jomei was flagging, and even if she weren't an expert on his mannerisms, she'd be able to tell. She gently shoulder-bumped him. "We're okay," she told him. Or told them all. Or told herself. Perhaps everyone needed the reminder. "We're okay, and we're going to finish this. It can't go on forever."

It would end sooner, she realized, if she helped chip away at the remaining health bar. Sure, she was playing support, but she had a sword, didn't she? She wasn't helpless. So she left Jomei's side to launch an attack of her own, feeling the energy sing down her sword and up her arms as the blow landed.

Spoiler

Post Action: ST-I -> Spectral Knight
ID: 246026 | BD: 6+2= 8 HIT | 11 (8+3 shift) * 18 = 198 - 40 = 158
EN: 8 - 1 (Bedroom) + 2 (shift) = 9

Boss Turn
Boss is paralyzed. Paralyze fades.

Morningstar | HP: 900/900 | EN: 103/126 | DMG: 32 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7 | LD: 6 | REC: 8 | HLY: 16 | AA | FRZ
Freyd | HP: 1340/1340 | EN: 152/166 (157+4-9) | DMG: 28 | MIT: 212 | ACC: 8 (incl. AA)  | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:4 | BH:74 | VAMP-D: 74 | VAMP-O: 147 | PARA-V | LD:5 | GRAPPLING (1/5)
Jomei | HP: 1000/1000 | EN: 110/138 | DMG: 25 | MIT:44 | ACC:5 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:6 | BH:55 | HB: 44 | VAMP-D: 110 | BLI: 32/-20  | LD:1 | W.R 2/3 | CHG (1/3)
Lessa | HP: 980/980 | EN: 113/130 | DMG: 18 | MIT: 127 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | BH: 29 | HB: 39 | MENDING: 2 | REC: 8 | HLY: 8
Acanthus | HP: 920/920 | EN: 106/124 | DMG: 29 | MIT:120 | ACC:6 | AA  | FL.AURA: 16 | THORNS:72 | BH:51 | HB: 40 | LD:6

[2,12,6,1,1] Spectral Knight | HP: 562/3700 | DMG: 300 | MIT:100 40 SHATTER 3 (2/3) | ACC:5 | EVA:3 0 | FRB [40/2] | BLD [48/2] | BLGT [32/2] | BRN [56/2] | F-STUN-IMM (1/3) | PARALYZED

 

 

[Morningstar 0]

This wasn't his first rodeo. Actually, it might have been his fifth. It was hard to keep track. Losing his eye was definitely the worst. It's hard being blind. He thought he knew how Firefly felt (plot twist: he did not).

"Baby hand," he replied.

"Just kidding. It'll grow back all at once. But until then you can call me One-Hand Star."

He moved away from his half-drunken companions and popped the Spectral Knight with a quick gut punch. He followed it with another side kick, but found his stamina drained. It was time for someone else to finish the job.

"I need a nap," he managed to mutter, and then he toppled over.

He was fully conscious, mind you. Just a little weary. The Spectral Knight had been weakened to a lethal state and the Shamblers nearby were all but harmless. He could rest for a moment or two.

Spoiler

Post Action: AOE-I -> Spectral Knight (-12 EN)
Free Action: Bear Trap -> Spectral Knight
246030 | BD: 2+2= 8 HIT | 32 * 15 = 480 - 40 = 440 DMG

Morningstar | HP: 900/900 | EN: 95/126 | DMG: 32 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7 | LD: 6 | REC: 8 | HLY: 16 | AA | FRZ
Freyd | HP: 1340/1340 | EN: 152/166 (157+4-9) | DMG: 28 | MIT: 212 | ACC: 8 (incl. AA)  | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:4 | BH:74 | VAMP-D: 74 | VAMP-O: 147 | PARA-V | LD:5 | GRAPPLING (1/5)
Jomei | HP: 1000/1000 | EN: 110/138 | DMG: 25 | MIT:44 | ACC:5 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:6 | BH:55 | HB: 44 | VAMP-D: 110 | BLI: 32/-20  | LD:1 | W.R 2/3 | CHG (1/3)
Lessa | HP: 980/980 | EN: 113/130 | DMG: 18 | MIT: 127 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | BH: 29 | HB: 39 | MENDING: 2 | REC: 8 | HLY: 8
Acanthus | HP: 920/920 | EN: 106/124 | DMG: 29 | MIT:120 | ACC:6 | AA  | FL.AURA: 16 | THORNS:72 | BH:51 | HB: 40 | LD:6

[3,12,6,1,1] Spectral Knight | HP: 122/3700 | DMG: 300 | MIT:100 40 SHATTER 3 (2/3) | ACC:5 | EVA: 0 | FRB [40/2] | BLD [48/2] | BLGT [32/2] | BRN [56/2] | F-STUN-IMM (1/3)

 

[Freyd 0]

Somehow, Morningstar had managed to bring the Knight low.  Not quite to ground, mind you.  It was somehow still hanging on by a shard, despite their combined efforts. Not eager to steal a kill from a fellow frontliners, their present circumstances hardly afforded such courtesies.  On their left, their allied ranks were buckling and called for reinforcements.  You could pretty much pick any direction you wanted and their results were slowly turning towards

"Something needs to give," Freyd muttered under his breath, glaring down at their nearly-defeated foe.  "Might as well start with you, and see where that leads us."  A casual flick of the wrist, the last of the mob's health depleted, causing it to crumple under its own weight and disintegrate into dust.

"Thanks again, everyone, and keep your spirits up.  We'll find a break soon enough."

It still sounded like he believed it, but the line was becoming as waterlogged as the every player still trying to hold back the tides.

***

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN

Post Action | AoE-I (x15, 11 EN, +2 shift, +2/hit): 15 EN - (Stamina) = 13 EN.  
Free Action | None

ID #246034 | BD: 8 (Crit +1).  DMG (15*28=420-40=380) | CD 4 | ST-B/BtV Locked

Morningstar | HP: 900/900 | EN: 95/126 | DMG: 32 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7 | LD: 6 | REC: 8 | HLY: 16 | AA | FRZ
Freyd | HP: 1340/1340 | EN: 143/166 (152+4-13) | DMG: 28 | MIT: 212 | ACC: 8 (incl. AA)  | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:4 | BH:74 | VAMP-D: 74 | VAMP-O: 147 | PARA-V | LD:5 | GRAPPLING (2/5)
Jomei | HP: 1000/1000 | EN: 110/138 | DMG: 25 | MIT:44 | ACC:5 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:6 | BH:55 | HB: 44 | VAMP-D: 110 | BLI: 32/-20  | LD:1 | W.R 2/3 | CHG (1/3)
Lessa | HP: 980/980 | EN: 113/130 | DMG: 18 | MIT: 127 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | BH: 29 | HB: 39 | MENDING: 2 | REC: 8 | HLY: 8
Acanthus | HP: 920/920 | EN: 106/124 | DMG: 29 | MIT:120 | ACC:6 | AA  | FL.AURA: 16 | THORNS:72 | BH:51 | HB: 40 | LD:6

[3,16,6,1,1] Spectral Knight | HP: 0/3700 (122-380) | DMG: 300 | MIT:100 40 SHATTER 3 (2/3) | ACC:5 | EVA: 0 | FRB [40/2] | BLD [48/2] | BLGT [32/2] | BRN [56/2] | F-STUN-IMM (1/3)

Loot Spectral Knight ID #246035 | LD: 10+5+1=16 | CD: 6
28,490 col (HP[3700]*7 - incl. +4 CD/LD even, +10% [Col Deposit & Treasury])
T4 Rare Consumable 246035a
T4 Rare Armor/Shield 246035b

Thread Closure:

Morningstar receives:

7,233 EXP (Word Count [3979/5*9] + 1% Guild Rank bonus)
1,095 col (0 page [0] + 15% P5 Reward [1085] + 1% Guild Rank bonus))
1 Mon

Freyd receives:

15,725 EXP (Word Count [3979/5*19] + 4% Guild Rank bonus)
32,081 col (0 page [0] + Loot (28,490) + 15% P5 Reward [2358] + 4% Guild Rank bonus))
1 Mon
T4 Rare Consumable 246035a
T4 Rare Armor/Shield 246035b

Jomei receives:

9,549EXP (Word Count [3979/5*12])
1,432 col (0 page [0] + 15% P5 Reward [1432])
1 Mon

Lessa receives:

7,958 EXP (Word Count [3979/5*10])
1,193 col (0 page [0] + 15% P5 Reward [1,193])
1 Mon

Acanthus receives:

7,162 EXP (Word Count [3979/5*9])
1,074 col (0 page [0] + 15% P5 Reward [1074])
1 Mon

Edited 4 hours ago by Freyd

[Plot Master 0]

A strange pop-up appears once the Spectral Knight is slain.

In times of desperation, the Spectral Knights seemed to turn feral like a wounded animal. In these final moments, they seemed to unravel and forgo their own self preservation. Perhaps it would be wise to cool such anger.