[F17|SP] Return to the Mount | <<Challenge of Olympus: Blacksmith>>

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Challenge of Olympus: Blacksmith

Nari sighed as she glanced at her to do list for the day, knowing what was to come. She’d managed to rank herself up as a blacksmith – no longer creating simple weaponry that could benefit little, she’d managed to make some headway into her newly returned skill set. She had to admit, it was nice to feel the flow of the anvil, the hammer coming down upon the metals beneath her grasp, and the final outcome that arrived from all the work. Though, the heat of it all still bothered her slightly – and Mio all but refused to enter the smithy if he wasn’t dragged into the warmth of the room.

The message flashed into her view almost immediately as she’d awoken for the day – her recent increase in smithing skill had assured her the outcome she expected. The letter from Zeus, if it was even Zeus himself sending it, was simple and overly flashy all at the same time. Her eyes barely passed over the words, confirming only that she was invited to the halls atop Mount Olympus in lieu of her sudden appearance as a great crafter. She sighed as she closed the item, choosing to ignore the fact that she was about to embark on a quest she’d already completed once – all for the singular gain of a small benefit to her crafting.

’It’s worth it Mio, trust me. This time we’ll just…keep it simply, and use the time to our advantage, eh?’ She went through her morning ablutions without haste, somehow both quickly readying herself, and dragging on the time it took to leave the house. It was only at the consistent insistence of Onora that Nari eventually left their home behind, sighing heavily as she made her way out and into the streets beyond.

Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 35 | P. 64 | HP [1,000/1,000] | EN [112/112] | ACC [3] | DMG [9] | MIT [224] | B.Healing [+55] | STEALTH [-5] |  FRSTBT [40 DMG | -1 ACC] | THORNS [72] | F.AURA [16 DMG] | PARA [8+] | HM [+4 B.DMG]   Hide contents Notes  [Theme] Tier 4 | Tier 10 [Laurel Wreath] Equipment Póg Deiridh [One-Handed Assault Spear | Tier 4] Enhancement: Frostbite [2 Slots] Enhancement: Accuracy [2 Slots] Glacadh Morríghan [H. Armour| Tier 4]  Enhancement: Frost Aura [2 Slots] Enhancement: Heavy Momentum [1 Slot]  [coPóg an Gheimhridh [Heater Shield| Tier 4] Enhancement: Paralyse [1 Slot] Enhancement: Taunt [1 Slot] Enhancement: Thorns [2 Slots] Battle-Ready Inventory Dimensional Backpack [+1 Battle-Ready Inventory] Teleport Crystal {3} [Crystal | Tierless | Post Action to Teleport to nearest Town.] Starter Healing Potion {4} [Potion | Tierless | Heals 50 HP] Siúil a Rún {5} [Support Song | Tier 3 | HP Recovery III] Sí do Mhaimeo Í {2} [Support Song | Tier 4 | Monsters' Fortune I [Instant]]  Níl Sé'n Lá {1} [Support Song | Tier 4 | Monsters' Favour III]  Immolation Potions {10} [Portion | Tier 4 | +40 DMG] Skills   Hide contents Utility Skills N/A Combat Skills Battle Healing [Rank: 5. Active: Passive. Effect: While in combat, recover 1% per rank of your maximum HP (rounded down) at the beginning of your turn.] Fighting Spirit [Active: Passive. Effect: Attacking and using Howl or Focused Howl generates +1 additional Hate. (Ex. Generate 1/2/3 Hate on a Miss/Hit/Critical attack. Generate 5 Hate when using Focused Howl.)] Howl [Active: Post Action. Energy: 2 EN. Cooldown: 2 turns. Effect: Adds +2 Hate each against up to 4 targets.] [Howl Add-on] Focused Howl [Active: Post Action. Energy: 4 EN. Cooldown: 4 turns. Effect: Adds +4 Hate against a single target.] Weapon Skills Polearm [Rank: 5. Active: Passive. Effect: +7 DMG] [Rank 5 Weapon Addon] Stamina [Active: Passive. Effect: Reduces EN of all attacks by 2.] [Rank 5 Weapon Addon] Precision [Active: Passive. Effect: Gain +1 ACC.] [Rank 5 Weapon Addon] <<Weapon Type>> Focus [Active: Passive. Effect: Decreases minor critical threshold by 1. Also reduces DoT thresholds by 1. Players cannot use Focus and Ferocity at the same time for the same Weapon Type.] [Rank 5 Shift] TECH Specialist [Active: Passive. Effect: For TECH Sword Arts, +4 to multipliers, +3 to EN cost. No other Shifts may be taken.] Armour Skills Heavy Armour [Rank:5. Active: Passive. Effect: 35 MIT. Evasion is capped at 1 slot; -5 Stealth Rating.] [Heavy Armour Mod] Impetus [Active: Passive. Effect: Gain +1 base Damage.] [Heavy Armour Add-on] Iron Skin [Active: Passive. Effect: Gain +15 Mitigation and +15 x Tier HP.] Active Extra Skills Block [Rank: 5. Active: Passive. Effect: Requires an equipped shield. User’s evasion cannot be greater than 0 (can still be negative). Grants additional mitigation: 25 MIT.] [Rank 3 Block Mod] Shield Bash [Active: Post Action. Energy: 6 EN. Cooldown: 2 Turns. Effect: Make an attack with an equipped shield. On a hit, deals (Base * 10) damage, stuns the enemy for one turn, and applies status and thorns (and variants)  enhancements present on the shield. Note: When calculating Base Damage for Shield Bash, Weapon Skills do not apply.] [Rank 5 Block Add-on] Rampart [Active: Free Action. Energy: 10 EN. Cooldown: 5 Turns. Effect: Reduce final damage that would be dealt to you by 25% (rounded down). Effect lasts until the beginning of your next turn.] Brawler [Active: Free Action. Energy: 5 EN. Cooldown: 5 Turns. Effect: Increase mitigation by 10*tier until the start of your next turn.] Meditation [Active: Post Action. Cooldown: 3 turns. Effect: Recover an additional (4 * Tier) energy.] Survival [Active: Passive. Effect: Increases Healing effects received from all sources by 10%. Grants immunity to all damage dealing environmental attacks/effects.] Inactive Extra Skills  Assault Mode [Active: Free Action. Energy: 5 EN. Cooldown: 4 Turns. Effect:As a free action, switch your accuracy and evasion values until the start of your next turn.] Concentration [Active: Free Action. Cooldown: 5 turns. Effect: As a free action, gain Absolute Accuracy on your next attack. In the case Absolute Accuracy is already present, increase your Accuracy by 1 instead. Effect lasts until the start of next turn.] Frozen Hide [Active: Free Action. Energy: 5 EN. Cooldown: 4 Turns. Effect: As a free action, apply one slot of Frost Aura and one slot of Frost Thorns equal to your tier to yourself until the start of your next turn.] Lady Luck [Active: Free Action. Energy: 5 EN. Cooldown: 5 Turns. Effect: Replace a single enhancement slot on your weapon with a random enhancement using the Appraiser’s Identification roll until the start of your next turn.] Combat Mastery Mitigation [Rank: 3. Active: Passive. Effect: Gain +6*tier Mitigation per rank. Ranks of this Skill obey Mitigation enhancement caps.] Familiar Skills Protector Familiar [Active: Free Action. Cooldown: 3 Posts; Effect: The next time you would take damage, your familiar rushes to your aid, reducing the final damage by 10%.] Sword Arts   Hide contents [x12] ST-I (12 10 EN) | A single-target sword art. [x15] ST-II (15 13 EN) | A powerful single-target sword art. Only available for use when ST-I was used and successfully struck an enemy the previous turn or if ST-II had been used and had missed the previous turn. [x20] ST-B (20 18 EN) | A devastating single-target sword art. Can only be used if the sword art used the previous turn is not ST-B and had rolled a natural CD9+. When performing an AoE attack, use only the first roll. [x11] AOE-I (11 9 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. [x14] AOE-II (14 12 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE | A powerful sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. Only available for use when AOE-I was used and successfully struck an enemy the previous turn or if AOE-II had been used and had missed the previous turn. [x16] TECH-A (16 14 EN) | STUN | A single-target sword art that stuns an enemy. [x16] TECH-B (15 13 EN) | DELAY | A single-target sword art that, on a successful strike, applies [Delay] on the enemy. [Delay] is a status condition that reduces the enemy’s ACC by 1 for one turn. [x16] TECH-C (15 13 EN) | COUNTER | A single-target sword art that, on a successful strike, places [Counter] around the player. [Counter] reduces the final damage taken by its user by 25% (rounded down) for one turn. [x16] TECH-D (15 13 EN) | SHATTER | A single-target sword art that applies [Shatter] to an enemy for 3 turns. [Shatter] is a debuff that can stack up to a cap of 3. Each stack of [Shatter] removes -20 MIT from an enemy, down to 0, if it has MIT. [x16] TECH-E (17 15 EN) | RESTORATIVE STRIKE | A single-target sword art that restores HP to its user (10% of its final damage dealt as HP). [x12] TECH-F (11 9 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE STUN | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. All struck targets are stunned for one turn. [x16] TECH-G (15 13 EN) | BURN | A single-target sword art that, on a successful strike, applies [Burn] on the enemy. [Burn] is a DoT ailment that deals [14 * Player Tier] unmitigated Burn damage for 2 turns. [x2] RAW-A (10 8 EN) | A single-target sword art that utilizes the [Thorns] of the individual against the enemy. Other types of enhancements that apply damage upon contact with the individual are also considered in improving the damage of this sword art (e.g. Immolation Potion/Frost Aura, etc.). Outgoing damage is considered mitigatable. Must have a weapon equipped to activate this sword art. Estate Buffs   Hide contents [Home] Bedroom [-1 energy cost for the first two expenditures of each combat.] Living Room [Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.] Storage Closet [+1 Battle Ready Inventory Slot.] Basement [Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll.] Extended Workshop [+2 Crafting EXP per crafting attempt & +1 crafting attempt per day.] Greenhouse [+2 Gathering EXP per Attempt and additional +1 LD & CD to gathering attempts.]

 

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

The early morning air felt somewhat refreshing as it drifted in along the open plains, the mountainous winds bringing a cooling breeze that was chilly, and enjoyable for Nari. She’d made her way to the main gates of the city, finding the Satyr waiting expectantly as she’d known the creature would be. She was, somewhat, disappointed to see it was an entirely new creature this time – dark hair covering legs that tapped impatient hooves against cobblestone walkways.

’Ah, finally! Come, come! Lots to do! Lots to do!’ The Satyr shifted as Nari approached, turning towards her with an expectant look before bowing slightly. ’My name’s Artius, you may follow me. The pathway to the Mount has been opened for your access. Just this way.’

Nari wasn’t given the chance to introduce herself or say anything in response, simply directed behind the creature as it made its way along the paths and into the distance. Sighing to herself once more, she followed along behind the creature, letting her eyes roam over the pathways for anything of use that could be collected along the way. Not that she expected to find much, especially this close to the city’s walls and the more populated areas.

---

Post Action: Foraging

Spoiler

Loot Rolls
ID255223 | LD [3+1] = 4 | CD [12+1] = 13 | Failure

 

Edited 6 hours ago by Nari-Lanreth

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

The roads led along a winding pathway down into the plains of the floor, and Nari found herself trudging along behind the satyr with a calm manner, her eyes swaying across the open area and eyeing the dangers that remained ever vigilant, though distant, from their procession. She felt the gaze of the Satyr turn her direction numerous times, as though considering starting a conversation, only to let the words fall short as Nari continued running her hands through tall grasses and other areas in search of anything useful. She was determined to maintain a level of awareness to her surroundings as she went, if for no other reason than to attempt to forage something during her time here.

’Excuse me miss…but what’s it like?’ The Satyr’s voice was oddly giddy, as though asking something exciting to a celebrity or someone else of importance. Nari found herself cocking her head in confusion, a reaction that was clearly picked up by the Satyr as it stumbled to explain its question further. ’I mean to explore the world! I don’t mean to sound inconsiderate of everything that gods have given me, and the opportunities, but…sometimes I wish I could see it all. Explore it all…rather than…’ 

---

Post Action: Foraging

Spoiler

Loot Rolls
ID255223 | LD [3+1] = 4 | CD [12+1] = 13 | Failure
ID255224 | LD [12+1] = 13 | CD [5+1] = 6 | Success [2 materials, 1,000 col]

Loot
1,000 col
2 materials

 

Edited 6 hours ago by Nari-Lanreth

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

The question took her by surprise, and she found herself taking a few seconds to respond, considering her answer even as she continued eyeing the area for anything good. When she did speak, it was with hesitation and uncertainty, as well as a small measure of excitement at the thought of being asked such an opinion.

’It’s…amazing, and terrifying, in a way. There’s dangers within the various aspects of the world that are…well, something. A sight to behold, I believe they say…though some I wish I’d never beholden to begin with.’ She fell silent for a few steps, before continuing, the Satyr nearly vibrating at the information she was so willingly sharing. ’It’s not to say that everything is bad – in fact there’s a lot of good things out there, but there’s equally as much terror. It’s…I don’t know if one can really explain it in words. You have to experience, it in a way…though that experience can come at quite a cost. Some days I wish I hadn’t stepped foot beyond the edge of my door frame, and other days I marvel in the wonders of what I’m seeing and engaging in…’

---

 Post Action: Foraging

Spoiler

Loot Rolls
ID255223 | LD [3+1] = 4 | CD [12+1] = 13 | Failure
ID255224 | LD [12+1] = 13 | CD [5+1] = 6 | Success [2 materials, 1,000 col]
ID255225 | LD [18+1] = 19 | CD [2+1] = 3 | Success [1 material]

Loot
1,000 col
3 materials

 

Edited 5 hours ago by Nari-Lanreth

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Artius seemed to fall silent and consider her words, as if reflecting on some major life lesson that she was sharing with him. Nari was more than content to allow the Satyr to remain silent as they walked, in no desire for extended conversation. She knew there would be more than enough of that to come, once she reached the residence of Hephaestus – the god of the forge. The last time she’d come across the godly being, he’d been relatively silent and contemplative, though his excitement had peaked at her creation. She couldn’t help but wonder how he would be this time, and whether his personality would remain identical, or if he’d expand beyond it. I wonder if he’ll remember me?

Nari found herself drifting into thought about the plausibility of it; she’d come across a number of non-player characters that had recognised her. Many that had shown humanistic traits, memories and even awareness beyond that of the simpler folk. She wasn’t sure if this quest character would be the same, but she kind of hoped he would – if for no reason other than to give her a small, easier time with the challenge he would present.

---

  Post Action: Foraging

Spoiler

Loot Rolls
ID255223 | LD [3+1] = 4 | CD [12+1] = 13 | Failure
ID255224 | LD [12+1] = 13 | CD [5+1] = 6 | Success [2 materials, 1,000 col]
ID255225 | LD [18+1] = 19 | CD [2+1] = 3 | Success [1 material]
ID255227 | LD [20+1] = 21 | CD [7+1] = 8 | Success [3 materials, 2,500 col]

Loot
3,500 col
6 materials

 

Edited 5 hours ago by Nari-Lanreth

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

’I think I would like to travel the world.’ The voice shocked Nari back into the moment, her eyes taking a few steps to recognise the Satyr standing beside her, and the way its expression seemed to hold some measure of wonder at the thought it had presented. She wasn’t entirely sure what to make of the statement, and it took her a while to respond to the waiting guide, her mind racing as she tried to figure out something polite and friendly to say in return.

’Have you…considered asking for a leave of absence, so you can…travel the world?’ It was a bland statement, meant as nothing more than to give her more time to consider an appropriate response. She wasn’t entirely sure what was expected here – the social norms she’d grown used to around Onora presenting barriers that wouldn’t work in a regular conversation placement. Desperate to distract herself, and looking for an out, she continued running her hand through the nearby grasses, looking for anything of value, as well as anything that would create a new path of conversation – or an end to one entirely.

---

   Post Action: Foraging

Spoiler

Loot Rolls
ID255223 | LD [3+1] = 4 | CD [12+1] = 13 | Failure
ID255224 | LD [12+1] = 13 | CD [5+1] = 6 | Success [2 materials, 1,000 col]
ID255225 | LD [18+1] = 19 | CD [2+1] = 3 | Success [1 material]
ID255227 | LD [20+1] = 21 | CD [7+1] = 8 | Success [3 materials, 2,500 col]
ID255228 | LD [3+1] = 4 | CD [6+1] = 7 | Failure

Loot
3,500 col
6 materials

 

Edited 5 hours ago by Nari-Lanreth

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

’A leave of absence?’ The Satyr seemed shocked at the idea, as if it had never considered the prospect before. Shaking its head, Artius stifled a small laugh, as though something Nari had suggested was entertaining to it. ’I’m afraid that is not something that the gods would provide to someone like me…we’re indentured in our servitude, and thus are expected to remain in service at all times – waiting for a call of requirement.’

’Oh. That’s…unfortunate…’ Her voice was meek in response, uncertain once again what to say. Silence fell between them once more as they continued onwards, the base of the mountain coming slowly closer. Nari could already see the foliage that dotted the lower half of the mountain; without detail at this distance, little more than a collection of browns and greens against the otherwise grey and white rocks, but a shift against the blackish blur that it had been earlier. 

---

   Post Action: Foraging

Spoiler

Loot Rolls
ID255223 | LD [3+1] = 4 | CD [12+1] = 13 | Failure
ID255224 | LD [12+1] = 13 | CD [5+1] = 6 | Success [2 materials, 1,000 col]
ID255225 | LD [18+1] = 19 | CD [2+1] = 3 | Success [1 material]
ID255227 | LD [20+1] = 21 | CD [7+1] = 8 | Success [3 materials, 2,500 col]
ID255228 | LD [3+1] = 4 | CD [6+1] = 7 | Failure
ID255229 | LD [11+1] = 12 | CD [11+1] = 12 | Success [4 materials, 3,000 col]

Loot
6,500 col
10 materials

 

Edited 3 hours ago by Nari-Lanreth

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

They walked in silence for a while, Nari’s insightful final commentary clearly leaving an impression that she was less than exciting to hold conversation with; a fact that she couldn’t hold against the Satyr at all. She was horrible when it came to small talk, especially with those she was unfamiliar with, or had just met – a measure of her social ineptitude that had carried over from the real world into this one, regardless of her attempt to leave it behind.

’Do you…happen to know what sort of challenge has been created for me today?’ Nari broke the silence, knowing that the Satyr likely wouldn’t have any details, but hoping she could repair some of the damage she’d done during the last attempt of conversing. The creature turned to glance at her, as if surprised she had asked a question at all, before seeming to consider it for a few moments.

’Not entirely…no…I know that Hephaestus likes to create challenges focused around the work itself, whether that be creating, admiring or…something similar. What that will mean for you, however, I’ve not quite the knowledge for…’ The Satyr seemed almost apologetic in its description, as if she truly expected to learn anything from it and it was somehow letter her down. Nari nodded along enthusiastically as it spoke, trying to instil that she was engaged and enthused to hear what it had to say – even if that wasn’t entirely true.

---

   Post Action: Foraging

Spoiler

Loot Rolls
ID255223 | LD [3+1] = 4 | CD [12+1] = 13 | Failure
ID255224 | LD [12+1] = 13 | CD [5+1] = 6 | Success [2 materials, 1,000 col]
ID255225 | LD [18+1] = 19 | CD [2+1] = 3 | Success [1 material]
ID255227 | LD [20+1] = 21 | CD [7+1] = 8 | Success [3 materials, 2,500 col]
ID255228 | LD [3+1] = 4 | CD [6+1] = 7 | Failure
ID255229 | LD [11+1] = 12 | CD [11+1] = 12 | Success [4 materials, 3,000 col]
ID255231 | LD [8+1] = 9 | CD [6+1] = 7 | Failure

Loot
6,500 col
10 materials

 

Edited 3 hours ago by Nari-Lanreth

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

’I think the last time I was here, I had to find the imperfections in his creations…’ She made the comment without consideration, noticing belatedly the odd look that the Satyr suddenly gave her. Belatedly she realised she would need to explain more, and her mind raced as words suddenly poured from her in a failed attempt to overcome what could be an awkward mistake. ’Ah, well…I was a blacksmith before. I mean, way back…then I kinda stopped, now I’m kinda back at it? Sort of…it’s a long story, but essentially…I did a bit of smithing before, and now I’m doing it again…’

The rumbling of words seemed to appease the confused Satyr, at least enough that it turned away from her and continued upon their pathway. Nervously, Nari found herself picking at the nearby brush and grasses once more, her hands ambling about with a mind of their own as she sighed heavily. I wonder what would have happened if I hadn’t explained… She couldn’t see the game punishing her for admitting a repetition of the quest, though she couldn’t say for sure what would’ve occurred.

---

 Post Action: Foraging

Spoiler

Loot Rolls
ID255223 | LD [3+1] = 4 | CD [12+1] = 13 | Failure
ID255224 | LD [12+1] = 13 | CD [5+1] = 6 | Success [2 materials, 1,000 col]
ID255225 | LD [18+1] = 19 | CD [2+1] = 3 | Success [1 material]
ID255227 | LD [20+1] = 21 | CD [7+1] = 8 | Success [3 materials, 2,500 col]
ID255228 | LD [3+1] = 4 | CD [6+1] = 7 | Failure
ID255229 | LD [11+1] = 12 | CD [11+1] = 12 | Success [4 materials, 3,000 col]
ID255231 | LD [8+1] = 9 | CD [6+1] = 7 | Failure
ID255232 | LD [2+1] = 3 | CD [6+1] = 7 | Failure

Loot
6,500 col
10 materials

 

Edited 3 hours ago by Nari-Lanreth

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

They’d begun climbing the mountain a while ago, though Nari couldn’t quite say how much time had passed. Her mind had been clouded as she considered her blundered communication skills, and how they appeared to have fallen and faltered compared to where they’d been not so long ago. Maybe staying away, hidden within my own house with no one but Onora to speak with wasn’t such a good thing. Look at how it affects me…I mean, that was… She didn’t need to finish the thought to know she was embarrassed.

’We’ll be entering his domain soon. You should prepare yourself. The Satyr spoke up suddenly as a nearby brush of trees appeared, a brush of trees that was familiar to Nari’s eye – a hidden entrance that led into a forge separated from the main living areas of the gods, kept secret and contained – though whether that was for Hephaestus’s benefit, or that of the other gods, Nari couldn’t say. She was just happy that the climb had been easier this time around, the miles of hill passing without a real notice, her legs no more tired than if she’d been walking on flat land the entire time.

---

  Post Action: Foraging

Spoiler

Loot Rolls
ID255223 | LD [3+1] = 4 | CD [12+1] = 13 | Failure
ID255224 | LD [12+1] = 13 | CD [5+1] = 6 | Success [2 materials, 1,000 col]
ID255225 | LD [18+1] = 19 | CD [2+1] = 3 | Success [1 material]
ID255227 | LD [20+1] = 21 | CD [7+1] = 8 | Success [3 materials, 2,500 col]
ID255228 | LD [3+1] = 4 | CD [6+1] = 7 | Failure
ID255229 | LD [11+1] = 12 | CD [11+1] = 12 | Success [4 materials, 3,000 col]
ID255231 | LD [8+1] = 9 | CD [6+1] = 7 | Failure
ID255232 | LD [2+1] = 3 | CD [6+1] = 7 | Failure
ID255233 | LD [7+1] = 8 | CD [4+1] = 5 | Failure

Loot
6,500 col
10 materials

 

Edited 3 hours ago by Nari-Lanreth

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

The hallway was dark, though not so much that Nari couldn’t see where she was going. The Satyr had stopped at the entrance, providing a wave of his guiding hand towards the area that she was set to enter, and standing aside for her to pass.

’This is where we part ways, unfortunately I’m not authorised to head any further. For what it’s worth…’ The creature seemed to pause and consider its next words carefully, before continuing with its statement in a manner that somehow seemed apprehensive, and meaningful to Nari. ’…good luck. And thank you, for being kind to me on the walk up. I’ve heard that some of the summoned individuals are…less than friendly, when entering the lands of the gods.’

She hadn’t been quite sure whether that was Cardinal repealing to the way she had originally treated the escort when she’d first attended the quest, or if there was something more to it than she knew about. Whatever the reasoning, she decided it wasn’t worth dwelling on as she stepped into the forge itself.

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

The glow of ember and fire lit up the area, casting a dancing light around her as she spotted the masked being standing to the side, hammer prepared for anvil, and a stance of readiness in its appearance. Nari approached Hephaestus slowly, uncertain how she should address the god, or if she should wait for him to speak. Not that she was given the time required to truly consider it in any measure.

’Welcome to my forge.’ The voice was powerful but not overwhelming. It touched her ears, resonating in a way that spoke to the control that this being had over the area, but it didn’t cause pain or any necessity to shy away from it. In fact, Nari found it rather soothing in a way; similar to the hammer upon anvil that she once again grown accustomed to within her own forge. ’Or should I say, welcome back to my forge, Nari-Lanreth.’

Her eyes flashed suddenly towards the deity’s face, aware that it had purposefully held, then displayed, its awareness of her return. She wasn’t sure how to feel about that, considering it put her at a disadvantage in their communication now. She gave a small nod, biding her time as she considered this development. ’Thank you, Hephaestus, it’s a pleasure to return to a location so…amazing. This forge truly is, amazing. I’m jealous of what you have, though I feel it would be wasted in my hands.’

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

The laugh that rang out in response was far from the soothing tone the voice had been; booming, it struck her ears and caused her to actually wince this time. ’Ahahaha! Humility, paired with flattery. Did you think this would assure you challenge complete? Nay, mortal. I have a task in mind for you – one which will challenge your ability, your wit, and your skills…I should so hope.’

Curiosity took over her as she waited, the deity shifting to place the hammer upon the anvil, depositing carefully the apron and assorted gear that had been worn in preparation for his work – or perhaps in preparation for his presentation, Nari couldn’t say for sure which was more likely. When he turned to face her once more, only the robes of a godly being, and the mask that forever covered his face remained.

’Smithery is not a skill one abandons and returns to whimsically. It is not sewing, or the preparation of foods and wines, or the sweet flattery of poetry and song – skills which I know you possess, hidden not from my sight.’ If there was a warning behind those words, they fell upon Nari with little more than a bristling. She had no intent to attempt to flatter the deity, nor the system behind it – it would be futile, she knew. ’Still, you return with purpose, and desire. Even I can see this much, and I shall not deny you the opportunity to gain once more that which you so easily abandoned.’

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Hephaestus moved to the centre of the forge, opening his arms in order to signify the forge around him. ’I shall extinguish the flame within this forge, lest you can create for me a weapon so perfectly imperfect that I am impressed by the skill required to desecrate the tools and items within. But be warned…I shall be judging your weapon upon its abilities, fragility shall fail, bluntness shall be punished…and cheating, well…I don’t need to declare that.’

Nari found herself staring for longer than she would have liked, waiting to hear the catch to the competition and challenge placed before her. When nothing further came after several moments of silence, she found herself dumbstruck in place further as her mind raced to make sense of the directions she’d been given. Create a weapon so perfectly imperfect…what in the nine hells does that mean? What is it he wants me to do, make something that is horribly ugly, but capable of being used in combat? No, no that doesn’t make sense…perfectly imperfect…an item so perfect, that it contains imperfections that…what? Give it an edge…? Like a sword with an edge that is jagged for cutting…that’s too easy…

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Nari felt her form move to the forge itself, the flames flickering and popping in time with the winds that seemed to gently flow from the bellows. The tools tipped slightly beneath her touch as she moved across them, hands connecting with pieces that she felt she had no right to hold – much less look upon. Perhaps…perhaps I should just…make something, and see what comes of it? The idea was better than any other she had come up with thus far, and so she turned towards her work, picking up metallic ingots that had been neatly stacked, placing them within flame and coal, and beginning the process that would lead to creation.

Time seemed to run quickly and slowly as Nari worked, her metal flowing into an almost liquified state, being poured into the various containers meant to hold and move the metals to the moulds that would be used to shape and form the item she was creating. She could feel Hephaestus watching her from the shadows of the forge, clearly keeping an eye on her – or interested in her process. Though what interest a godly being, a master smith and creator of the most magnificent weaponry she’d ever laid eyes upon – could possibly have in her work, Nari could not say.

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

She’d chosen something familiar, complexly simple in design. A weapon that she had favoured for some time, which had proven capable for a fighting form she’d once had. The moulds had been stored away in a cabinet that could only be called a walk-in closet in Nari’s mind. She’d had to combine some, the item in question oddly similar to some moulds, and yet containing intricate designs that stood out from what the basic designs would allow. At first, she’d hesitated at transitioning any of the items providing by Hephaestus, certain that the deity would take anger at her actions – but as she cut into one mould, expanding it and changing the course that the flow of metals would take without any response from the deity, Nari found herself releasing the tension in her, and continuing on with her work.

If this isn’t perfectly imperfect, I don’t know what is… She resisted the urge to laugh aloud at the thought, knowing how ridiculous her design was. Practically, it was usable, though its overall efficiency was questionable at best. It would do what she expected, being unwieldy and impractical to any but a few – and yet, somehow she felt that it might be exactly what was expected of her.

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

If this isn’t perfectly imperfect, I don’t know what is… She resisted the urge to laugh aloud at the thought, knowing how ridiculous her design was. Practically, it was usable, though its overall efficiency was questionable at best. It would do what she expected, being unwieldy and impractical to any but a few – and yet, somehow she felt that it might be exactly what was expected of her.

’It’s…something.’ Nari picked up the staff weapon, giving it a soft twirl in her hands to show that it could be held – if perhaps not easily. It took a large measure of her skill not to stab herself with it as it whirled around her body, confirming to her that it was entirely impractical in most uses. She took the weapon through a few forms of a kata she had practiced once, confirming that the weapon was something that could be wielded and used by an expert, though it would likely kill the wielder if they were unfamiliar with rebalancing weaponry on the fly.

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

’What…is it?’ Nari could have sworn she heard confusion within Hephaestus voice as the deity stepped forward and held out a hand in demand for the weapon. Nari gingerly handed it over, watching as the non-player god took hold of it and seemed to pause in further confusion. Nari grinned slightly, knowing that the balance of the weapon – almost perfectly equal, in direct violation of the imbalanced appearance.

’I have no name for it…though I’m open to suggestions. I’ve combined the capable design of a scythe, curved blade like those used within the fields of the peasantry, with the dangers of a bladed weapon like a pike or sword upon its far end.’ Nari held back the humour in her voice with a strain that was clearly audible. The weapon was almost atrocious to look upon; the fore aft of its design similar to a simple farmer’s scythe, curved blade sharpened to a point where it would easily cut through the strongest of leathers and bone beneath. On the tail end, Nari had shaped the final half metre, of the three metre haft, into a dual-sided blade similar to a shortsword’s blade.

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

’It contains the ability to slice through heavier leathers, skin and bones – while also retaining the ability to pierce through heavier armours with the pointed blade that a shortsword, pike or spear contain.’ Nari waved a hand along the weapon’s design, pointing to the far end with the pointed blade. ’I designed the blade to contain a larger thickness, while retaining the aggressive point and edge, so that it would have more weight to punch through harder materials, such as steel plate armours. Wieldy, heavy, but capable…’

She paused for a single second, glancing up towards the deity’s face as she let the finality of her sentence hang between them for a breath before completing her thoughts. ’…it’s entirely perfect in design, while being imperfect. Perfect, in that it is a deadly weapon, capable of being wielded by a master of war arts – but imperfect in that it is dangerous in the wrong hands, and a horror to lay eyes upon as a master smith, if I may be so assumptious.’

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

The laugh that followed was anything but what Nari expected, the deity bursting out into a roar of humour and entertainment that would have startled Nari if she hadn’t been slightly expecting it – perhaps not to the measure that the deity took, but certainly to some degree. She shifted on her feet, waiting to see what the deity would say in response, nervously waiting to see if her idea would be rejected and her work wasted.

’Unsightly, horrid to the eyes and hands, entirely imperfect…and yet exactly what I had asked for, in essence.’ Hephaestus held the weapon up to the light more fully, as if eyeing it more closely. ’This would only be useful in the hands of master of war, as you stated. It could be handled to a deadly degree, and yet the average mortal would kill themselves upon it with a single swing! A life taker, through and through – though whose is naught more than knowledge of the gods, and fate itself!’

Nari glanced towards the forge, her impatience getting the best of her as Hephaestus continued to praise and tear the weapon’s existence apart. The god seemed to notice her reaction, and laughed again, before speaking in finality. ’You have done what was asked of you, an item so oddly imperfectly perfect…my treasure is yours to take, to hold, and to use for creations as unique as this one. Depart from here victorious again, Nari-Lanreth – and may it be the final time we meet in this way.’

She took a bow, before heading back out of the forge itself. The hammer in her hand, taken from the forge in honour of their deal, was somehow light suddenly – as if it had become a part of her in true essence. Nari passed the Satyr on the way out, holding out the hammer for the creature to see, and spreading a small grin across her face in what she hoped was a friendly sight, before beginning the descent back down the mountain.

’I can’t wait to be home, and back in my forge…’

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Thread Summary
Word Count: 4,163
Experience Calculation: 4,163/5x10 = 8,326 EXP
Col Calculation: 6,500 [Loot] + 400 [Page] = 6,900 col
10 materials
Hephaestus’ Hammer | Crafting Tool | Meticulous: +1 CD when crafting in one’s workshop.