Jump to content

[SP-PT-F04] The Warm Sun Solstice | <<Night King's Trilogy Pt1>>


Recommended Posts

Today was meant to be research. Mainly into the location of the gate to Stygia, the fifth layer of Hell, at least that was where Wulfrin assumed he would find his target. From what he had gathered so far about Aincrad's "Secret Maps", the Hell based floors were among the least talked about. The Black Iron Dungeon was an ever growing dungeon on Floor 1 that increases in size with every floor cleared. There was also supposedly a secret garden dungeon called Little Eden, but Wulfrin had yet to locate that one. Then there was Avernus. Nestled behind a gigantic three-headed dog, was a pair of giant wrought iron gates that barred entry to the hellish battleground. If Cardinal was operating off presented mythologies, the river that flowed through its center should be able to take Wulfrin where he needed to go, but if he could find a back door directly to Stygia, it would save him having to travel four entire landscapes. What better place to start the search for a secret entrance to the constantly frozen plane of hell than Floor 4, home of never ending frost and Avalanche.

As Wulfrin stepped into Snowfrost for the first time, he was taken aback by the lively energy around him. The village was in a full blown celebration. The "sun" had manged to break through the normally cloudy sky and warmed up the surface allowing grass to be visible and water to flow freely. It was a radically different tone than his previous visits.

"Perhaps a little celebration might just be what I need," Wulfrin remarked to himself as he began to mingle into the crowd of celebrating citizens. "People tend to have looser lips when they are partying."

He refrained from mentioning drinking. For a game designed to present a new life to its player base, even going so far as to trap them in it, you'd think there'd at least be some way to take the edge off and relax. Unfortunately, Cardinal didn't seem to like the idea of inebriation, so players were barred from such luxuries. Though there were rumors floating about that a quest on Floor 29 granted players a condition that would allow the affects of alcohol to take effect, though Wulfrin was trying to avoid that floor like the plague. He'd had enough eldritch abominations lashing out at him to last him a good while.

The festival around him was lively. Merchants were calling for business, offering samples and discounts that if Wulfrin were actually in need of anything, he would have probably taken them up. Instead he opted to mainly observe, only occasionally taking the free goodies offered him. Carnival games, all thematic recreations of real world games, filled the centers of the streets. There were ring the bottle booths, a fishing game that advertised a prize every time, and even one of those rigged dart throwing games. Wulfrin couldn't help but chuckle at the memories surfacing of state fairs from back home.

* * *

RP at the festival

Wulfrin consumes: Gungir Shard - Sharkuterie Board | T1 Feast | ACC 2 [filled] EVA 2

Wulfrin | HP: 920/920 | EN: 124/124 | DMG: 23 | MIT:103 | ACC:7 | AA  | PHASE | EVA:2 | PARA-IM | BH:51 | REC: 8 | HLY: 16 | LD:5

Spoiler

"Name: Wulfrin
True Tier: 9
Level: 34
Paragon Level: 47
HP: 920/920
EN: 124/124

Stats:
Damage: 23
Mitigation: 103
Accuracy: 7
Evasion: 2
Battle Healing: 51
Loot Die: 5
Stealth Rating: -5
AA PHASEPARA-IM REC: 8
HLY: 16
Equipped Gear:
Weapon/Armor/Trinket: 
  - Blade of Zariel | T4 Demonic Straight Sword | Holy 2 | Phase | AA
Armor/Trinket: 
  - Helldusk Armor | T4 Demonic HA | MIT 2 | REC 2
Shield/Armor/Trinket: 
  - Echoes | T2 Perfect Trinket | ACC 3 | Para-Imm

Combat Mastery:
  - Combat Mastery: Damage R3

Combat Shift:
  - TECH Shift

Familiar Skill:
  - Rending Familiar

Custom Skill:
  - Shades of the Gemini

Skills:
  - Battle Healing R5
  - Charge
  - Energist
  - Heavy Armor R5
  - Searching R5
  - Straight Sword R5

Extra Skills:
  - Forgotten King's Authority
  - Frozen Hide
  - Survival
  - Parry

Inactive Extra Skills:
  - Disguise
  - Meditation
  - Brawler
  - Assault Mode

Addons:
  - Ferocity
  - Iron Skin
  - Precision
  - Stamina

Mods:
  - Impetus
  - Night Vision

Inactive Mods:

Battle Ready Inventory:
  - Bear Trap x5
  - Crystal of Blood Dragon Hoard | Mass Healing x5
  - Crystal of Divine Light x5
  - Popcorn | T4 Vitality 2 x1
  - Rhino's Horn x1
  - TP Crystals x1

Housing Buffs:
  - 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 (Storage): +5% bonus col from monster kills and treasure chests
  - Basement: Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll
  - Master Bedroom: -1 energy cost for the first three expenditures of each combat
  - Master Bathroom: The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 25% (rounded down)
  - 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:
  - Trading Hall: Reduce LD needed for Salvage by 5 (10+ 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 +2 crafting/identification attempts per day.
  - Treasury: +5% bonus col from last-hit monster kills and +10% bonus col from treasure chests.

Scents of the Wild Totem:

Wedding Ring:
  - -
Crafting Profession:
 - Blacksmith[2250exp] R8
Gathering Profession:
 - Fishing[525exp] R5"                                                                                                                            

 

Edited by Wulfrin
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted (edited)

The festival was nearing it's climax now; the streets were packed and people roared and cheered with excitement. Wulfrin was finally starting to understand what it was all about. To the people of Snowfrost, and likely the broader Floor 4 area, a day like this only happens once every few hundred or so years. When it does come about, the citizens all get out and have a massive day long celebration known as the Warm Sun Solstice. Alarm bells now started to ring in Wulfrin's mind. A celebration every few hundred years, a day when all the citizens all come out and party, a game where death is literally around every corner, there was definitely a quest flag here somewhere.

Wulfrin's focus shifted from party to business almost immediately. He wove through crowds of people trying to grab even the smallest bit of info he could. He was only picking up bits and pieces so far. So we've got a random dude running around outside of town in a tan cloak with chain mail and weird eyes. Definitely some kind of quest mob.

As if on queue, a text box flashed into Wulfrin's view. New Quest: The Harbinger of Night, would you like to accept? Wulfrin clicked the accept button and the quest added itself to his journal with his next objective flashing into view: Locate Darian's Camp. Unsure of who Darian even was, Wulfrin sighed and made his way over to the NPCs that had served as his quest flag.

"Pardon me," He announced as he emerged from the crowd. "I overheard part of your conversation about some dude with weird eyes shambling around the festival."

"Oh yeah?" The larger of the two spoke up. "You haven't seen him have ya? Dude was creeping me out, so I'm trying to stay as far from him as possible."

"No sorry. I haven't seen him, but I am interested in his were abouts. Anything else distinguishing you can tell me?"

"I mean he looked like a soldier. Had a tattered brown cloak over some chainmail on him."

"You should mention the ice," The younger white haired NPC chimed in.

"Oh yeah! Thanks Levi. The soldier was also covered in ice. It almost looked like he was frostbitten all over. That plus eyes that looked wild as if he was hunting something does not make for a fun Warm Sun Solstice."

"I'm sure it doesn't. You happen to see where he ran off to?"

"Nah. He took off after skulking around here for a bit. I think he ran out towards Darian's camp."

"Well if he's headed out towards Darian, he's going to be sorry. Darian's as strong as they come."

"Probably wouldn't hurt to check on him. Guys walking around like that aren't exactly your run of the mill fight. I'll head out and do a safety check in on him."

"I'll come with you. I know the way pretty well and I think there is a storm blowing in soon."

* * *

RP Overhearing Rumors & Gathering Information

Edited by Wulfrin
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted (edited)

Wulfrin and Levi exited Snowfrost. Already behind their target, Wulfrin opted to move swiftly and with purpose. There was no telling how far the mystery soldier had gotten, especially given that Wulfrin didn't have an exact timeline laid out. Levi was helpful in getting him pointed in the correct direction, the young lad was kind of reminding him of Astra in a way. They both had a bit of eagerness about them, but their rather novice skillsets would likely set them back quite a ways. Astra was growing out of this rather quickly, in fact if he stuck to it, Wulfrin and Astra might even be fighting together on the frontlines before long. Wulfrin held out a hand gesturing for Levi to stop.

"We've got some tracks that the snow has yet to cover," Wulfrin spoke softly, his voice barely louder than a whisper. "I can also see the smoke from a campfire in the distance. Stay close, but once we approach the camp, stay out of sight."

Levi nodded as Wulfrin took the lead position. The two followed the tracks to the edge of a forest only a couple minutes walk form Snowfrost's borders. Between the trees, Wulfrin was able to spot a faint glowing light from a campfire. It was at this point Wulfrin reached over his right shoulder and drew his blade. The Blade of Zariel's celestial steel blade emitted a faint light in the area immediately around Wulfrin. For now it was obscured by the sun still high in the sky, but that would only last for a couple hours.

"Keep low and out of sight." Wulfrin reinforced his orders to Levi. "There's no telling what might have happened to Darian."

* * *

Post Action: Searching for Camp
ID 249479 | LD 15+5= 20 Camp Found

Edited by Wulfrin
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted (edited)

As the two approached the camp, Wulfrin located a place where Levi could hide whilst he investigated further. Not wanting to say anything to give away their approach, Wulfrin gestured for Levi to stay put and keep his head low. Levi nodded in acknowledgement before crouching behind a log and producing a slingshot. It was good thinking, so Wulfrin gave a thumbs up but also assured Levi that his primary goal should be to get help in the event Wulfrin starts to lose ground.

The campsite before them was in shambles. Clearly a fight had broken out here, but currently Wulfrin could see no signs of a victor. Slowly he pressed forward, stalking the edge of the camp like a prowling wolf. It was a trick he had picked up watching the wolves of floor 1 try to hunt him so many times. Wulfrin approached the edge of the frozen lake, still iced over despite the high sun of the solstice. One tent battered and torn, one bed roll tossed, and rations were scattered across the area. Then Wulfrin spotted the body. A burley hunter lay slain, insides strewn across the campsite. Next to the lit fire, a cloaked figure sat hunched over, gnawing away at the remnants of a wolf haunch. The figure's eyes were wild and its chainmail clad body looked like it had been left in the freezer for far too long. Wulfrin took a deep breath before taking a step out into the open, blade ready for what ever may come his way.

"Excellent," The soldier growled as its eyes, wild and filled with rage, locked to Wulfrin as he shot to his feet in one fluid motion. "I was wondering when I'd get the honor of slaughtering more of you heretics."

* * *

RP Encountering Soldier

Edited by Wulfrin
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted (edited)

The spear raced towards Wulfrin with lightning speed, but Wulfrin had dealt with faster. The Blade of Zariel arched to meet the spear mid thrust causing it to fly harmlessly past Wulfrin. A name and health bar finally appeared above the knight alongside a red cursor. The King's Soldier, as dubbed by the system, wielded a shield and spear in addition to the previously described cloak and chainmail, and yet despite all the defenses, still manage to leave itself vulnerable to a follow up attack. Wulfrin sidestepped the charging spearman, allowing a clean strike at the vulnerable back. The celestial blade ignited in a bright vibrant emerald light effect, signifying the activation of Wulfrin's sword art. Sword raised high overhead, Wulfrin swung downward, delivering a heavy impact into the soldier's blind spot. In his free hand Wulfrin held two key items for a heavy opening, the horn of a rhino and a crystal containing the divine light of the heavens. The power of both items surged through Wulfrin and into his blade that erupted in a blinding flash. Sprawling cracks appeared across the soldier's chainmail as it spun to strike Wulfrin again.

Stuck in the post sword art freeze that would normally not be an issue for him, Wulfrin found himself forced to take the spear strike head on. It pierced his chest as he felt the static reverberation of the Crystal of Divine Light's recoil. His health bar took a significant hit, bringing him down to about a third of his maximum HP. This was good. That meant the King's Soldier wasn't much of a threat to his life. With a sharp whistle the familiar flames of his phoenix familiar began to orbit the knight as Wulfrin grabbed the spear. Solaris clawed and pecked at the soldier adding to the already large sum of missing health from their shared target.

* * *

Recovery? Not Needed
Wulfrin is at Full EN and HP
Cooldowns:

Post Action: [x16] Tech-D vs King's Soldier (15 EN) -2 Stamina -1 Well Rested
Free Action [Item]: Rhino Horn, +3 DMG -1 ACC -1 EVA
Free Action [Skill]: Rending Familiar -> King's Soldier

ID 249480 | BD 9 Minor Crit | CD 5 | 23+3+2+16+8=44 * 16= 704-40= 664 DMG. Shatter Applied. Rend 28 Applied.
CoDL Proc: Wulfrin takes double damage until his next turn

King's Soldier Attacks Wulfrin
ID 249480 | MD 10 Major Crit | 200+2+50=252-103= 149*2 = 298 DMG to Wulfrin

Wulfrin | HP: 622/920 | EN: 112/124 | DMG: 23 | MIT:103 | ACC:7 | AA  | PHASE | EVA:2 1 | PARA-IM | BH:51 | REC: 8 | HLY: 16 | LD:5

King's Soldier | HP: 308/1000 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 100 80 | Shatter 1 (1/3) | Rend 28 (1/2)
Abilities:
Soldier's Insight | Howl does not produce hate against the King's Scout. Instead it focuses his attack on the howler for one post. Afterwards he continues to attack those with the highest hate. If players hate values are equal, he targets the player with the least mitigation and lowest total health, in that order.
Battle Fury | When his health reaches 500 or lower, every other post, his attacks deal 50 additional damage. On the turns he does not receive this bonus damage, he holds his shield up to mitigate 50 additional damage against him until his next turn.
Frozen Soldier | If the freeze enhancement is activated on him, he will not receive the frozen affect, but instead receive -1 EVA and -1 ACC for one post.

Edited by Wulfrin
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted (edited)

Wulfrin grabbed hold of the soldier's spear still lodged in his abdomen with a grin. With a heavy push, Wulfrin dislodged the spear sending the King's Soldier staggering backwards. In the blink of an eye, Wulfrin closed the distance, Blade of Zariel raised high and primed with another heavy sword art. Judging by what remained of the soldier's health bar this battle was all but decided. Sword met mob as the heavy burst of light tore through the soldier, taking what little lifeforce it had remaining.

"I was worried there for a sec," Levi rushed into view as he examined the corpses. "Shame Darian had to meet his end like this. He was a strong hunter I'm surprised a soldier like this could even best him."

"You fools," The King's Soldier coughed, a spattering of red escaping its mouth. "I am but a harbinger. The prophecy still remains unfulfilled. The Frost King. My... King... YOUR King shall return."

"Ominous," Wulfrin remarked as the King's Soldier finally vanished leaving behind a simple loot panel. "What do you suppose he meant by prophecy?"

"Dunno. But I bet Elder Mark would know! He's a bit of an expert on things like this."

Just like that a new panel occupied Wulfrin's vision. Quest Complete: Harbinger of Night. New Quest Started: The Night's Shadow. There was no option to accept or deny this time. Wulfrin's best guess was that he had just stumbled into a quest chain that he might regret tackling solo. Regardless of the bad feelings starting to tug at Wulfrin, he extended a hand helping Levi to his feet.

"Take me to him. We need to get to the bottom of this."

* * *

Recovery? ID 249482 | CD 2
Wulfrin regains 51 HP and 4 EN
Cooldowns: Rending Familiar (2/5)

Post Action: [x16] Tech-D vs King's Soldier (15 EN) -2 Stamina -1 Well Rested
Free Action:

ID 249481 | BD 3+7+1 = 11 hit | CD 9 | 23*16= 368-60= 308 DMG. Shatter Stacked and Refreshed

Wulfrin | HP: 673/920 | EN: 104/124 | DMG: 23 | MIT:103 | ACC:7 | AA  | PHASE | EVA:2 1 | PARA-IM | BH:51 | REC: 8 | HLY: 16 | LD:5

King's Soldier | HP: 0/1000 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 100 80 | Shatter 1 (1/3) | Rend 28 (1/2)
Abilities:
Soldier's Insight | Howl does not produce hate against the King's Scout. Instead it focuses his attack on the howler for one post. Afterwards he continues to attack those with the highest hate. If players hate values are equal, he targets the player with the least mitigation and lowest total health, in that order.
Battle Fury | When his health reaches 500 or lower, every other post, his attacks deal 50 additional damage. On the turns he does not receive this bonus damage, he holds his shield up to mitigate 50 additional damage against him until his next turn.
Frozen Soldier | If the freeze enhancement is activated on him, he will not receive the frozen affect, but instead receive -1 EVA and -1 ACC for one post.

* * *

Looting King's Soldier
ID 249483 | CD 4 | LD 8+5+1= 14
7700 Col: [HP*7 incl CD/LD even + 10% Col stash/deposit]
Rare T4 Trinket 249483

* * *

Thread Closing

Wulfrin Receives:
5460 Exp: 2172/5*9 + 1500 [quest] + 1% Guild Rank 1
8604 Col: 7700 [Loot] + 819 [P5] + 1% Guild Rank 1
1 Mon
Rare T4 Trinket 249483

Edited by Wulfrin
Link to post
Share on other sites
Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
×
×
  • Create New...