Re: Eternal Dream: Online

by **Masquerade** Thu Jan 03, 2013 12:14 pm

Masquerade waits.

After a minute or two had passed, I finally managed to calm myself down. Of course I had to have my back turned to the action, so I spared a glance every now and then with a turn of my head. I tried to keep my mind off the fact that my legs weren't working, but I needed to get closer to the creepy, corpse-conjuring cultist in order to attack, and I wasn't going anywhere in this state. However, I noticed that I was starting to get some feeling back in them which was probably a sign that they would be operable soon. Phew, that was a fucking close call, I thought to myself, letting out a sigh of relief, my expression showing clearly my massive discontent for the situation at hand. Silver was handling all the grunt work at the moment--putting himself in (real?) danger. I remember having mused once about dying in this game, and whether it would hurt as much as it would in real life. I didn't want Silver to have to go through that, not one bit.

"Come on, legs, let's get this fucking show on the damn road already," I muttered pleadingly to my out-of-order extremities but to no avail. The only way that they were going to get back to normal was through waiting, and normally, I was a patient person. I was pretty much born to wait. I've never minded waiting too much. This situation was different. My friends were in danger. There was no waiting here. I needed to help them. NOW. My hand clutched my head suddenly and I cringed, squeezing my eyes shut. I monster headache struck me like a ton of bricks. I wasn't...I wasn't losing hope. I wasn't. Opening my eyes, all the light was gone. I was shaking in fear at what I saw. Everything was tinged in a violet darkness. What looked like violet ashes fell across the area, and everything seemed warped and distorted. I blinked and everything returned to normal, shrouded in light and hope just as it usually was. My hand now rested over my heart which was racing uncontrollably.

"What the fuck was that?"

by Durn Tue Jan 15, 2013 4:14 pm

Zone 01: The Backwards Wood
Part H - The Demons Against Us

Location: The Backwards Wood - The Hanging Tree - Cloister of the Hanging Cultist

Objectives: Defeat Jevohas, Savant of the Hanged!

Achievement: N/A

Music: Decree of the Hanged

{ } {W} { } { } {2} { } { } {W} { } A
{ } {W} { } {1} { } {3} { } {W} { } B
{ } {W} { } { } { } { } { } {W} { } C
{ } { } {W} { } { } { } {W} { } { } D
{ } { } {J} {W} { } {W} { } { } { } E
{ } { } {A} { } { } { } { } { } { } F
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } G
{ } { } { } {S} { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } { } { } { } { } {M} { } { } { } I
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Silver enters Furious State! [Silver]

Silver gains two basic attacks! [Silver]

Neutral Phase 5!

N/A

Enemy Phase 5!

Jevohas attacks Silver!

Silver takes 4 damage!

Jevohas moves to E7

Calculation Phase 5!

Allindur is slowed!

Allindur is silenced!

Masquerade is no longer immobilized!

{ } {W} { } { } {2} { } { } {W} { } A
{ } {W} { } {1} { } {3} { } {W} { } B
{ } {W} { } { } { } { } { } {W} { } C
{ } { } {W} { } { } { } {W} { } { } D
{ } { } { } {W} {A} {W} {J} { } { } E
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } F
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } G
{ } { } { } {S} { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } { } { } { } { } {M} { } { } { } I
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Silver (Empath) [+2 Basic Attacks - 3][Furious State - 3]
HP: 12 / 20
MP: 14 / 30
ATK: 1
DEF: 3
INT: 8
SPR: 5
EVADE: 2%
MOVE: 2

Masquerade (Seer of Hope)
HP: 12 / 20
MP: 35 / 35
ATK: 0
DEF: 3
INT: 8
SPR: 5
EVADE: 2%
MOVE: 2

Allindur (Shadow Walker) [Silence - 1][Slow - 1]
HP: 14 / 25
MP: 18 / 30
SO: 2 / 10
ATK: 7
DEF: 3
INT: 6
SPR: 2
EVADE: 4%
MOVE: 3

Corpse (1)
HP: 3 / 3
DEF: 1
SPR: 1

Corpse (2)
HP: 3 / 3
DEF: 1
SPR: 1

Corpse (3)
HP: 3 / 3
DEF: 1
SPR: 1

Jevohas (Savant of the Hanged)
HP: 22 / 35
MP: 69 / 95
ATK: 7
DEF: 1
INT: 3
SPR: 6
MOVE: 4

Hanging Man (1) [Perfect Kill]
HP: 0 / 20
MP: 12 / 20

Hanging Man (2) [Overkill]
HP: 0 / 20
MP: 0 / 20

Stage Wall (Scenery)
[Indestructible] [Passable by Float]

Player Phase 6!

by **Silver** Tue Jan 15, 2013 4:23 pm

Silver *Fury (3)* *Furious State (3)*
Hp: 12/20
Mp: 14/30
Atk: 1
Def: 3
Int: 8
Spr: 5
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 Cells

Silver moves to H6!

It looked like Masq was back in the game (pun optional), but as I strolled over to him to get back into range, I took a powerful stance–one that told him I had this in the bag. "No more crazed ravings?" I quipped aloud, feeling the power course through me. The hanging priest had said nothing since my enlightened assault began, and to be honest I was surprised. I had expected something, more screaming and hysterics anything but silence. "I'm disappointed." I muttered so only Masq could hear me.

Silver attacks Jevohas! 3 Hits! 8 Int Damage per Hit! 20% Chance of Berserk per Hit!

Once again I flung my arm in the deranged creature's direction, feeling the negativity combat its form immediately. I smiled; the bastard was right where I wanted him.

Silver *Fury (2)* *Furious State (2)*
Hp: 12/20
Mp: 14/30
Atk: 1
Def: 3
Int: 8
Spr: 5
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 Cells

by Kurio Tue Jan 15, 2013 5:45 pm

Kuori uses Raven Scout on Stripe. 7 INT Dmg. Chance of Blind
MP: 28/35

Now then, since that thing seems like it would hurt if it were to even flick me I'm just going to go with the usual "hit-and-run" tactic. Sending Beatrice out like I did several times before I backed away from the creature after making sure the black bird hit its mark. Hopefully since it doesn't have eyes the big monster would be too dumb to notice me. He certainly looked very stupid, that was for sure.

Kuori moves to cell I-3

by Allindur, the Lightfoot Tue Jan 15, 2013 6:02 pm

Allindur moves do F6.

I had reached it, time to finally swing at it...and just like that, the ugly thing was gone.

It was frustrating, I opened my mouth to scream in anger, but no sound came out. Resignated, I just started a slow walk of shame to the new location. Fuck this slow effect.

by Durn Tue Jan 15, 2013 6:09 pm

Durn attacks Charlotte! 5 physical damage!

Durn waits.

It seemed that with every blow we dealt to the wicked witch's body, an entourage of thorns and blackness would retaliate in a sudden fury that would result in the further bruising of our bodies. I conjured another stone with what little energy I had left within me, and slammed it into the deepest gut of the scarecrow woman's side. It didn't seem to affect her much and the thorny retaliation seemed minimal. Perhaps the thorns were weighted based off of the strength of our skills?

Then I was in luck, if that were the case. I'm certainly no threat.

Zone 01: The Backwards Wood
Part G - That Which Can Speak

Location: The Backwards Wood - The Pale Garden - Beauty's Edge

Objectives: Defeat Charlotte, the Scarecrow Witch!

Achievement: N/A

Music: Servant of Krizantéma [9:17 - 12:30]

{T} {T} {T} {T} {-} {T} {T} {T} {T} A
{T} {T} {T} {-} { } {-} {T} {T} {T} B
{T} {T} {-} { } {C} { } {-} {T} {T} C
{T} {-} { } { } {C} {D} { } {-} {T} D
{-} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {-} E
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } F
{ } { } { } {X} { } { } { } { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } I
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Charlotte takes 7 damage! [Cerani]

Cerani takes 2 damage from Thorn Cascade!

Durn takes 2 damage from Thorn Cascade!

CRITICAL HIT!! Charlotte takes 13 damage! [Cerani]

Cerani takes 3 damage from Thorn Cascade!

Durn takes 3 damage from Thorn Cascade!

Charlotte takes 1 damage! [Durn]

Cerani takes 0 damage from Thorn Cascade!

Durn takes 0 damage from Thorn Cascade!

Neutral Phase 3!

N/A

Enemy Phase 3!

Charlotte attacks Cerani! 6 physical damage!
Shadow Edge, +4 damage!
Vengeful Malice, +7 damage!
17 physical damage!

Durn takes 11 damage!

Static Veil shatters!

Charlotte waits.

A grim, cheshire smirk crawled across the sewn visage of the scarecrow witch, who burst into an ear-piercing symphony of haughty laughter as two of her foes stood sternly within her reach. "You've made a fatal mistake, creature of flesh." Her black, blank eyes narrowed as she gazed downward at Cerani, her wicked scythe looming over the young girl's skull with thirst. As the scythe began to swoop downward toward Cerani in a screeching gust of noise and terror, an amethyst wall of energy erupted from the corrupt ground and formed a protective barrier around the helpless swordswoman.

"If you want me to back off for a reason like that," I muttered, feeling the sting of the shadowy scarecrow's wrath echo through my bones and out of my body - chills, "then I should be allowed to protect you for an equally as terrible reason." Chills, and then a final burst of pain - blood. I spat blood through the nicks of my teeth, and across my tongue (I could taste the metal, the suffering); the amethyst veil shattered, and the dancing stones around me crashed and fell.

"Just finish her off already. She talks too much." To the ground I went, in a certain degree of pain I'd never before witnessed - never before felt - in my entire life.

Perhaps I should have taken Cerani's advice.

Calculation Phase 3!

Durn becomes Weaker! [Max HP 26 --> 21]

Cerani becomes Weaker! [Max HP 21 --> 18]

Xenosaga is weak! [Max HP 21]

{T} {T} {T} {T} {-} {T} {T} {T} {T} A
{T} {T} {T} {-} { } {-} {T} {T} {T} B
{T} {T} {-} { } {C} { } {-} {T} {T} C
{T} {-} { } { } {C} {D} { } {-} {T} D
{-} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {-} E
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } F
{ } { } { } {X} { } { } { } { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } I
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Durn (Geomancer) [Covering - 1][Weak (2) - 2]
HP: 16 / 21
MP: 0 / 20
ATK: 5
DEF: 6
INT: 1
SPR: 5
EVADE: 3%
MOVE: 3

Xenosaga (Assailant) [Weak (1) - 1]
HP: 18 / 21
MP: 5 / 25
ATK: 9
DEF: 5
INT: 0
SPR: 4
EVADE: 15%
MOVE: 4

Cerani (Swordsperson) [Covered - 1][Weak (2) - 2]
HP: 12 / 18
MP: 6 / 25
ATK: 10
DEF: 6
INT: 0
SPR: 3
EVADE: 3%
MOVE: 3

Charlotte (Scarecrow Witch) [Shadow Edge x5]
HP: 25 / 75
MP: 9 / 35
ATK: 6
DEF: 5
INT: 8
SPR: 6
EVADE: 3%
MOVE: 3

- (Cliff)
[Indestructible] [Impassable]

Tree (Scenery)
HP: 10 / 10
DEF: 2
SPR: 2

Player Phase 4!

by **Cerani** Tue Jan 15, 2013 6:59 pm

For a solid two seconds, my control slipped and I was full panic again. When the scarecrow bitch raised her scythe, I froze, I was gonna die and there was nothing I could do about it. But then Durn's shield raised at the last second and took the blow. I covered my eyes as it shattered, cursing as the straw woman's thorns hit me anyway. What was it with those damn things? Uncovering my eyes, I heard Durn mutter something (something about a terrible reason) and then his command to finish the witch off. I brandished my sword, unsure if I was actually capable of doing that. Or at least quickly enough that I wouldn't be dead before she was. I lunged forward, striking anyway, and cringed in anticipation of the coming thorns.

Cerani attacks Charlotte! 10 Atk damage!

by Durn Tue Jan 22, 2013 4:50 pm

Zone 01: The Backwards Wood
Part I - Boxface and Stripe

Location: The Backwards Wood - The Pond of Selfish Desires - Ruined Overlook

Objectives: Defeat Boxface!

Achievement: N/A

Music: Child and Monster

{ } { } { } {R} {R} { } { } { } { } A
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } {R} { } { } {R} { } { } { } C
{ } {R} { } { } {S} { } { } { } { } D
{ } {R} { } { } { } { } { } {R} { } E
{V} {V} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } F
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } G
{ } { } {R} { } { } { } { } {R} {R} H
{Z} { } {K} { } { } { } {R} {R} {R} I
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Simulacrum spawns at F2! [Vergil]

Zeri gains Haste! [Zeri]

Stripe takes 3 damage! [Kuori]

Neutral Phase 1

N/A

Red Phase 1

Boxface uses Double Trouble on Stripe!

+1 Act Command!

MP: 40 / 50

"There they are! Don'tcha sniff em!? More bad people for you to eat!" The young child with the boxed head pointed at the party, "I'm sure their souls are just as tainted as that scary man you just saved me from, Stripe!" The child chuckled warmly as he hanged on to the back of his Gerdorc, safe and secure from harm.

Stripe uses Stampeding Fury!

Stripe is stampeding!

MP: 26 / 40

Stripe moves to G2!

Calculation Phase 1

Stripe is stampeding!

Simulacrum is immune to physical damage!

{ } { } { } {R} {R} { } { } { } { } A
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } {R} { } { } {R} { } { } { } C
{ } {R} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } D
{ } {R} { } { } { } { } { } {R} { } E
{V} {V} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } F
{ } {S} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } G
{ } { } {R} { } { } { } { } {R} {R} H
{Z} { } {K} { } { } { } {R} {R} {R} I
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Zeri (Novelist) [Haste - 3]
HP: 30 / 30
MP: 12 / 20
ATK: 1
DEF: 4
INT: 8
SPR: 4
EVADE: 1%
MOVE: 2

Kuori (Self-Proclaimed Tactician)
HP: 25 / 25
MP: 28 / 35
ATK: 1
DEF: 4
INT: 7
SPR: 3
EVADE: 2%
MOVE: 2

Vergil (Thaumanaut)
HP: 12 / 25
MP: 25 / 25
ATK: 5
DEF: 3
INT: 4
SPR: 5
EVADE: 3%
MOVE: 3

Vergil (Simulacrum) [Physical Immunity]
HP: 13 / 13
MP: 0 / 0
ATK: 0
DEF: 0
INT: 5
SPR: 0
EVADE: 3%
MOVE: 3

Boxface (Gerdorc Rider) [Piggyback - Stripe]
HP: 10 / 10
MP: 40 / 50
ATK: 6
DEF: 3
INT: 0
SPR: 3
MOVE: 8

Stripe (Pet Gerdorc) [Stampeding - 2] [+1 Act Command - 1]
HP: 122 / 125
MP: 26 / 40
ATK: 7
DEF: 3
INT: 0
SPR: 4
MOVE: 3 --> 6

Desecrated Ruins (Scenery)
HP: 5 / 5
DEF: 2
SPR: 2

Player Phase 2!

by **Masquerade** Tue Jan 22, 2013 6:27 pm

Masquerade moves to H7.

That was scary. That was all I could think as I found my legs capable of taking uneasy steps in a direction closer towards the lunatic corpse-master. As apprehensive as I was to get anywhere near it, abstaining from doing so wasn't about to help take it down once and for all. A part of me just wanted to go to sleep all of a sudden. This was getting too fucking weird, as if it hadn't become weird enough already. Were things only to spiral downward from this point into an abyss of further insanity? It's just a game, they might say, but I had a feeling that they would come to their rude awakenings in due time. For the moment, I kept my mouth shut. The area smelled pretty foul from all the dead bodies, and I thought I might actually hurl in a few moments. I didn't feel good at all. Silver seemed pretty confident, and that was great. Confidence was nice. However, I was just a human at the end of the day--one that was playing one fucked up game with unreal graphics.

Absently, yet with a hint of resentment, I raised my energy-shrouded needles and blasted off the brilliant light towards the cultist. Whatever death this being suffered would be too good for it as far as I was concerned. I don't think I've disliked a first boss as much as I disliked this one when compared to first boss's of other games. Oh wait, no. There was Darkside in Kingdom Hearts. I actually lost to it on my first playthrough ever and gave up because I couldn't beat it. Only later on did I come back in order to try again, wailing on Shadow Heartless with my wooden sword until I got strong enough to beat the damn thing. I felt like an idiot though because it really wasnt' that hard of a battle. But this...this wasn't hard, just annoying, not to mention it had had henchmen. I hate henchmen. A sigh escaped my lips. I needed rest. I really did.

Masquerade casts Radiant Mark on Jevohas! 9 Light Dmg! (INT) [Target becomes Thoughtful]

MP: 27/35

by Durn Tue Jan 22, 2013 8:14 pm

Zone 01: The Backwards Wood
Part H - The Demons Against Us

Location: The Backwards Wood - The Hanging Tree - Cloister of the Hanging Cultist

Objectives: Defeat Jevohas, Savant of the Hanged!

Achievement: N/A

Music: Decree of the Hanged

{ } {W} { } { } {2} { } { } {W} { } A
{ } {W} { } {1} { } {3} { } {W} { } B
{ } {W} { } { } { } { } { } {W} { } C
{ } { } {W} { } { } { } {W} { } { } D
{ } { } { } {W} { } {W} {J} { } { } E
{ } { } { } { } { } {A} { } { } { } F
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } {S} {M} { } { } H
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } I
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Jehovas takes 6 damage! [Silver]

Jehovas gains Berserk!

Jehovas takes 3 damage! [Masquerade]

Jehovas gains Thoughtful! [10%]

Neutral Phase 6!

N/A

Enemy Phase 6!

The corpsemaster's shambling movements, which echoed with the shrieking ringing symphony of rusting chains and angered spirits, came to a sudden halt as Silver executed his attack. Reaching for its reddened-silk mask with a stringent, bony arm of blood and scrapes, the hanging savant spoke assuredly and hauntingly, "Ramblings..." He spat, "Ramblings are for the weak. Ramblings are for those who have yet to acquire enlightenment in the true plane of the Backwards Wood. The true plane..." Nails to mask, and nails to skull - blood - a rusting screech, "The true plane is where my god resides... The plane beneath it...."

As the malice-drenched nails of the hanging warlock seeped deeper and deeper into his masked visage, the sound of crackling bones morphed into those of ripping flesh and bleeding organs, "He judges us all. All of us, even you, and you, and you." Silence, and a gulp of rotten air, "From the plane beneath the pond of our own desires, from there- from within the deepest recesses of our own brains. That is where he sits, atop his throne of minds, beneath the world, yet above... Above us all." Crackling bones, and a murmuring cackle, "... Die."

Jehovas attacks Silver! 14 physical damage!

Silver takes 11 damage!

Calculation Phase 6!

Silver is in a CRITICAL CONDITION!!

{ } {W} { } { } {2} { } { } {W} { } A
{ } {W} { } {1} { } {3} { } {W} { } B
{ } {W} { } { } { } { } { } {W} { } C
{ } { } {W} { } { } { } {W} { } { } D
{ } { } { } {W} { } {W} {J} { } { } E
{ } { } { } { } { } {A} { } { } { } F
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } {S} {M} { } { } H
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } I
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Silver (Empath) [+2 Basic Attacks - 2][Furious State - 2][Critical]
HP: 1 / 20
MP: 14 / 30
ATK: 1
DEF: 3
INT: 8
SPR: 5
EVADE: 2%
MOVE: 2

Masquerade (Seer of Hope)
HP: 12 / 20
MP: 35 / 35
ATK: 0
DEF: 3
INT: 8
SPR: 5
EVADE: 2%
MOVE: 2

Allindur (Shadow Walker)
HP: 14 / 25
MP: 18 / 30
SO: 2 / 10
ATK: 7
DEF: 3
INT: 6
SPR: 2
EVADE: 4%
MOVE: 3

Corpse (1)
HP: 3 / 3
DEF: 1
SPR: 1

Corpse (2)
HP: 3 / 3
DEF: 1
SPR: 1

Corpse (3)
HP: 3 / 3
DEF: 1
SPR: 1

Jevohas (Savant of the Hanged) [Berserk - 2] [Thoughtful 10%]
HP: 13 / 35
MP: 69 / 95
ATK: 7 --> 14
DEF: 1 --> 1
INT: 3
SPR: 6
MOVE: 4

Hanging Man (1) [Perfect Kill]
HP: 0 / 20
MP: 12 / 20

Hanging Man (2) [Overkill]
HP: 0 / 20
MP: 0 / 20

Stage Wall (Scenery)
[Indestructible] [Passable by Float]

Player Phase 7!

by Allindur, the Lightfoot Tue Jan 22, 2013 8:38 pm

The Hanging Hierophant had gone mad. It had started some kind of crazy preach, and wrecked Silver pretty hard. He was battered down, and I could see he was only alive from a miracle. A slap to the face would probably finish my friend off. Oh, I could not accept that.

-This is a game, I've killed gods in games before, I can kill yours. Just like we are going to kill you!

I was not calm anymore. He had slowed me down, baited me around and now almost killed my buddy. I was pissed. And getting pissed in a battle stired the fire in my heart like nothing else. I was now moving with a bestial violence. I didn't sink, but tossed myself into my shadow, jumping right beside the monster and sinking my sword in him with all my strengh.

Allindur uses Shadow Jump on Jevohas! 8 Dmg(Atk)!

Allindur warps to E8!

Allindur waits.

by **Masquerade** Tue Jan 22, 2013 9:17 pm

Masquerade casts Radiant Mark on Jevohas! 9 Light Dmg! (INT) [Thoughtful Stack +1][10% Chance of Blind]

MP: 19/35

Silver. It was a classic case of aggro gain, something I was familiar with due to my MMO experience. The fact that this thing seemed to be on a maddened rampage didn't help. My body trembled in....fear. I was afraid. Why? It was just a game? Which was a lie. I knew very well why I was afraid; I was afraid to see the outcome of death in this game, especially if it hurt as much as it did in real life. This had to end now. I hoped it would end. And I hoped Silver would be all right. I watched as the energy surrounding my needles seemed to grow stronger. Yes, this was the way I was supposed to think. I couldn't let the hope die with me. I watched as the light swarmed about the crazy being's face before lingering once more, strengthening the veil of white I was painting about its visage. Whether or not it could see wouldn't matter. It was pretty much over. The desperation was thick in the air, mingling with the stench of death, sweat, and blood. This was an odor I had never even deigned to have drifting into my nostrils, yet here I was--struggling to determine what was the game and what was reality.

"At least it's finally fucking over," I finally said, feeling a bit nauseated still. I tried to keep my churning stomach under control. It wouldn't do to add vomit to the vile mix of disgusting things in this environment. I groaned and tucked my needles away. I hopefully wouldn't be needing them anymore. And the key word, as expected, was hopefully. Wiping some of the sweat from my brow, I kept my weary, half-lidded gaze focused on the savant as we unleashed the final assault upon him, or at least what was supposed to be the final assault. Not like we have a choice to let this go on any longer...

Masquerade waits.

by **Silver** Tue Jan 22, 2013 9:44 pm

Silver *Fury (2)* *Furious State (2)* *CRITICAL*
Hp: 1/20
Mp: 14/30
Atk: 1
Def: 3
Int: 8
Spr: 5
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 Cells

I smirked as the crazed priest began to ramble, but as the man's weapon came towards me all sense of security and confidence drained instantly. "!" I couldn't even scream as the blade cut even deeper into me than it had prior. When it ripped out of me with a sickening squelch, I could feel every fiber of my being trembling. Shaking terribly. I let out a raspy breath as I looked down at the rather large wound in my stomach. "Oh... my... god..." I managed shakily, fear overtaking my prior determination. "Oh... my... god..." I choked again, tears springing forth as I fell to my knees. More shaking. Terrible, gruesome shaking.

As if my fear wasn't enough, I felt a massive influx of the energy further envelop my sentiments come from thin air. No on in the immediate area, not even the dying corpsemaster was feeling this much fear. And it wasn't my own. No. It definitely wasn't my own. "Oh... my... god..." I thought hysterically, hands pressed tight to my wound. I didn't have anything to bandage it with, and I was going to die. The fear kept building like waves crashing over me, and I knew I wouldn't last much longer. I was going to pass out and die. And though I kept saying this was a game and nothing more, I doubted that statement entirely. I was going to die for real. "Oh... my... god..."

My vision started to become unusually spotty, my peripherals fading out to black. I swayed. This was it. I was going to die. I looked over to Masq and Allindur desperately, knowing there was nothing either of them could do to help me at this point. My vision wavered. "Oh god..." I barely cried out, gaze falling on Jevohas. "He's still alive?!" I let out another raspy breath of disbelief. "NO!" I cried out, throwing my hand out quickly in a desperate attempt to finish this all. If I was going to die, he was going down with me.

Silver attacks Jevohas! 3 Hits! 8 Int Damage per Hit! 20% Chance of Berserk per Hit! 10% Chance of Blind!

Silver *Fury (2)* *Furious State (2)* *CRITICAL*
Hp: 1/20
Mp: 14/30
Atk: 1
Def: 3
Int: 8
Spr: 5
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 Cells

by Durn Wed Jan 23, 2013 3:51 pm

Zone 01: The Backwards Wood
Part H - The Demons Against Us

Location: The Backwards Wood - The Hanging Tree - Cloister of the Hanging Cultist

Objectives: Defeat Jevohas, Savant of the Hanged!

Achievement: N/A

Music: Decree of the Hanged

{ } {W} { } { } {2} { } { } {W} { } A
{ } {W} { } {1} { } {3} { } {W} { } B
{ } {W} { } { } { } { } { } {W} { } C
{ } { } {W} { } { } { } {W} { } { } D
{ } { } { } {W} { } {W} { } { } { } E
{ } { } { } { } { } {A} { } { } { } F
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } {S} {M} { } { } H
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } I
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Jevohas takes 7 damage! [Allindur]

Jevohas takes 3 damage! [Masquerade]

Jevohas takes 6 damage! [Silver]

Jevohas KO!!

- - - - -

All enemies have been defeated!

Part H: COMPLETE!!

EXPERIENCE:

+4 - Jevohas
+2 - Hanging Man PERFECT KILL x1
+2 - Hanging Man OVERKILL x1
+1 - Completed in 10 or less Player Phases
+1 - No Awakening Activated
+1 - No Items Used
+1 - No Player KO

TOTAL EXP: 12

Silver: 0/10 ---> 12/10
Level UP! (Level 4)
3 Stat Points gained!
1 Skill Point gained!
Next Level: 2/16

Masquerade: 0/10 ---> 12/10
Level UP! (Level 4)
3 Stat Points gained!
1 Skill Point gained!
Next Level: 2/16

Allindur: 0/10 ---> 12/10
Level UP! (Level 4)
3 Stat Points gained!
1 Skill Point gained!
Next Level: 2/16

GLOW FOUND: 210

ITEMS FOUND:

Jevohas, Savant of the Hanged:
- Third Eye Choker x1
- Black Skull x1
- Shadow Essence x1

Hanging Man:
- Black Skull x2
- Old Nail x1

AFFINITY GAINED: 2

- - - - -

Music: N/A

Blood seeped against the tightened cloth which concealed the corpsemaster's visage from sight, and spurts of organs, lined with stray tails of musty flesh and diseased innards, spewed forth from his being, "Do you-" He hacked, and gagged and spat something through his mask - more organs, "No... Find him. Find him at the pond, beneath the pond of your own desires. Your desires... He... Desty'lx's creator and nurturer... he will judge you... at the pond..." A final, hoarse choke accompanied the swift, flailing movements of the savant's body as the last gasps of undead life struggled to escape. Before long, only a silent, hanging corpse polluted the air, dangling above the wounded player who had slain him.

by Kurio Wed Jan 23, 2013 3:54 pm

Kuori uses Raven Scout on Stripe. 7 INT Dmg. Chance of Blind
MP: 21/35

Okay hypothesis proven, that thing can't be blinded. Apparently from what the little kid was saying this thing can find us by smell, so no point in hiding either. Some noxious fumes would come in handy right about now. It doesn't matter whether or not this thing can see; I'm still going to send Beatrice at him. It's just about the only way I could do anything to contribute. Turning my head to look at Beatrice just before she flew away to attack made me wish the raven explained to me the whole transformation thing that happened before. Considering what I could do it would be extremely useful here.

Kuori moves to cell I-5

by Allindur, the Lightfoot Wed Jan 23, 2013 8:26 pm

I ignored the monster crumbling in front of us, I ignored the loot and my level up. I just dashed to Silver and tossed my arm around him, giving him suport should he fall.

-Silv! Are you ok?

by **Silver** Wed Jan 23, 2013 8:55 pm

I refused to close my eyes out of relief when the bastard was finally dead–I was too afraid of passing out. I just let out another raspy breath, hands returning the deep wound in my stomach. Allindur rushed over shortly, and threw his arm around my kneeling form, but I hardly heard his question. My focus was almost entirely drawn to the damage the corpse had dealt, and I could just barely manage to shake my head in response. I couldn't offer any more than that, not when my adrenaline was ebbing and the fear still permeated the air around me.

But I knew, deep inside, what needed to be done. I needed something, anything, to bandage this. Give me some sort of chance. As it stood, I would bleed out and then... well... I didn't want to think about what came after that. I tilted my head in Masq's direction ever so slightly, eyes pleading. Allindur didn't really have anything, but he had that long ass robe/dress thing. I'm sure he wouldn't care about tearing it up if it meant keeping me from dying. Well, at least I hoped he wouldn't mind. I was dead otherwise.

by Allindur, the Lightfoot Wed Jan 23, 2013 9:11 pm

The guy was losing it. I was losing him. Oh hell no! Nobody dies on my watch! Nobody dies on me! All my college classes flew before my eyes, until I found something that could be helpful. It could just as well mean nothing here, but doing something would at least calm me down. I made Silver lay down.

-This is ging to hurt. Man up.

I put my left hand over his wound and pressed it. Hard. That should stop the bleeding and avoid the worse, for now.

-Masq, I'm not sure if your priestly style means anything, but if you can't cast a heal, at least bring something to bandage him! I'm not sure the real world first aid works here, but I have to try something. Thanks Braggi for that anathomy class.

by **Masquerade** Wed Jan 23, 2013 9:31 pm

More disgust. There was no relief here. The being ordered them to go to some pond which could have been a metaphor when mixed with the fact that it was a "pond of their own desires." Probably some MMO riddle thing. I couldn't think about that now. All I could think about was the sickening stench that threatened to send me fleeing from the grisly scene, but I was needed apparently. Silver's wound. It was worse than I had thought, for I really didn't pay too much attention to it before. I apprehensively approached. There was a lot of blood. I had never seen so much blood in one place except for the knife accident I had that one time. Pushing that from my mind, I tried to keep my cool, ignoring the foulness of the air. The possibility of Silver actually dying...it scared me. It was happening. What I had feared was happening. No, I can't....I can't let it, I thought before crouching down and ripping off some thick portions of my robe from the bottom such that the robe only went down to just below my knees now.

"Sorry, but I don't have any heals. Not as far as I know. This'll have to do," I said, trying not to sound insult by their words. As if I could care about my clothing more than a friend. And it wasn't exactly like I really wanted to be a healer. Clerics were okay, but that wasn't my deal. Not what I had in mind for this game anyway. So had I wished it, so had it become. As far as I knew, I was a glass cannon. Nice. Regardless, I handed the bundle of cloth from my robes to Allindur so he could take care of Silver whom I hoped would be all right after the makeshift treatment. I didn't think we would be going anywhere soon, so I let myself just fall to my knees near my friends. I sighed. There was too much to think about that I just wanted to log off and take a bathroom break or something. But that wasn't going to be happening anytime soon.

I wondered if it ever would...

by Durn Mon Jan 28, 2013 7:34 pm

A time of peace - at least, what seemed to be the first chance at solace, true solace, those who wandered the Hanging Tree experienced. Despite the gore, and the trauma, and the mental stress, there was finally a break - finally a moment where the trio could exhale, inhale, and exhale again. Upon the fetid stage, only the three battered heroes lay silent, relieved.

Masquerade's ears perked at the first gust of what seemed to be wind, something the party hadn't felt against their cheeks since their arrival in the Backwards Wood, despite their altitude. It felt refreshing, though before long, a deep fear (a fear which the young priest had recently grown so acquainted to) sketched its way into Masquerade's heart: what if it weren't wind after all?

The gusts of wind funneled through a small, yet manageably circular crevice within a peculiar nook of the savant's chambers, which opened up into a hole of an approximately three-foot diameter. Through the chamber's seemingly only downward escape, a small puff (perhaps relatable to the size and description of a dandelion wisp, only darker - blacker) hovered its way into the chamber and rode upon the gust, up until it reached the young priest's feet.

It shuffled at his feet, as if to pillow itself into a comfortable position, "Greetings." The meek ball of shadowy fur whispered upward at Masquerade, revealing a golden-beaded stare which peered right at his eyes.

by Vergil Wed Jan 30, 2013 1:30 am

The marking's on the spirit's weapon began to glow and the blade itself disassembled and sank into the creature's arms. The ethereal being trembled in pain and agony as the pieces of the blade submerged into it.

"̰̼͖̞̠̑͛ͭ͐̑W̸̽̈h̭̽̑̐̐ͥͅA͆ͩͩ̈̐t̪̼̖̏̌̒ͪ͠ ̠̤͊͟Į͚͇͎ͮ͆ͧ̉̈̆s͕̥͚̪͕̣͊̕ ͨͮ͑ͥ̑͂҉͇͎t̵͚̗̜̫̔ͣ͒͌̒̃ͣHͩ̇̑̈́͜i̧̦̗͛͛͂̌̑S̪̟̮̺̠̫ͯ̄?̄͒ͮ̿̈̄͗͡!̮̳̲͉͉͔͉ͧ̉͌͑͑ ͒ͦͩ͊̓ͯ̑ÿ͙͕̗̠̜̥́͂ͩ̚̚̕O̼͙̰͇̙͕ͫ̉ͣU̶̮͙͙͉͛͌͊'̤̺̘̭͚̠͌ͭ̿v̧̠̱̣͛̋̂̐ͨ̾ḕ̵̝̉ ̾҉T̛̙͍̙̘͙͐͂ͮ͌̅̅r̞̻̤̣̾͝ḮͬB͒ͭ̀̈̇͑̚ṳ̗͎͚̝ͮͬ͊̇ͯ̑t͗ͯͮ͐̔͒̕E̵͉͇̲̤̥̩͗̂̉͑ͧ̚D͔̰̩͐̽̊ͬ ͔̼̪O̸̩̲̼ͧD̴̺̖̜̣̳̈́̌̾͐̓ͨD͓̺͎͖̫̑͋͗́ ̧̥̠̳͙͕͖ͯͧ͒ͬͥ͐̐B̭͎͓̝̤̊͆͆̎̂̎ͥL̷̗̥̃̾̅ͩ͑ͅO̵̮̘͈̭̻̓͒̒̉͂̅Ō̴͈͈͈̘͖̯̼̾͐̅̂D̳̟̞͚̭͌̄ͦ̈?̡̖̲̯͍͍̖̟!̙̹͍̟̬̫ͥ"̜͖ͦ͒

Long, jagged claws protruded its hands and it let put a primal roar, no longer speaking in a distinguishable tongue. It began to float about unnaturally and eerily, as it began clawing away at the purple creature.

Simulacrum moves to G-1.

Simulacrum attacks Stripe. 5 Int DMG.
Antagonist Activates! Deals an extra 30% of Vergil's SPR if target has the highest enemy HP.

This definitely wasn't a good sign, the thing I just summoned suddenly went ape-shit crazy, and the pain from bringing it out was still throbbing. I had to back away to catch my breath, and to possibly re-think my life decisions.

Vergil moves to E-1.

by Zerifachias Wed Jan 30, 2013 7:47 pm

Smell?

So that's how the thing was able to detect us so easily. I originally thought the kid on his back had something to do with his sense of direction. Just kind of kick the right area and send the giant thing barreling into the enemy. But this thing had a sense of smell. A strong one at that, if it could sniff us out. I pause for a moment, wondering what we might smell like to this thing. Probably something similar to whatever he was eating before.

Well. If that's the case, then how about a nice dose of perfume, or maybe a noxious gas cloud? I feel like the last one suits my style much better, so that's what I write to happen in the air. At once, a cloud erupts beneath the beast's feet and covers him whole, electricity running through the noxious fumes (which I can smell from way over here. DAYUM that reeks!).

Zeri attacks Stripe! 8 Int DMG!

"Have another!" I say, this time growing a field of pungent-smelling flowers around the creature, which immediately turn their tiny little yellow heads towards the thing and fire a concentrated beam of pollen-energy at it.

Zeri attacks Stripe!

Zeri's S-Ability: I Have An Idea activates! 10 Int DMG!

by **Masquerade** Wed Jan 30, 2013 7:47 pm

A breeze. It reminded me of warm springs with that lingering cooling wind to offer gentle relief every once in a while, perhaps a remnant of winter wishing us luck dealing with the impending heat. Did I relish that breeze this time? Not so much. Sure, it cooled me down a bit, for I had been way more active than I usually was. Why it was taxing still baffled me. This game. What on earth was it? I wondered how long it would take before I could log out. I longed for the real world so much for some reason. I touched a finger to a spot beneath my eye to find just a solitary tear. I was quick to wipe it away and try to recompose myself, turning away from the gory mess that was Silver. I seriously hoped he would be okay. I know I had a headache as it was, but that wound of his was so severe...

Something caught my eye, riding upon the breeze before settling at my feet. My train of thought had long since crashed as I bent down to take a lot at what had come into my possession, though it seemed to be just a ball of black fuzz. It was quickly revealed, however, that this thing was far more than what it appeared to be. This...this thing. It uttered a greeting and I gasped. Golden eyes were staring back up at me. It was a living creature. "Oh...uh, hey..." I managed to utter, still a bit taken aback. Should I be afraid or what? With not knowing the truth behind what this game was all about, I found myself grasping at straws regarding how I should react to everything. A thought occurred that this thing might just be a friendly NPC, so I was bound and determined to treat it as such. And if it turned out to be threatening, I would allow my hope to stamp it out without mercy.

"What are you doing in a place like this?"

by Allindur, the Lightfoot Wed Jan 30, 2013 8:16 pm

I took the long piece of cloth and, still pressing the wound, what probably hurt like hell, I made the best makeshift bandage around the worst wounds. I kept pressure until the blood stopped flowing madly and let Silver lay down, forcing him to bend his heand backwards. Who knows if he was about to pass out or not. In fact, who knows if any biology or first aid knowledge was any true inside the game? Well I was trying, as was my job.

Job finished, I noticed Masq talking to someone a little far from us. I could not see who it was, but it wasn't so strange seeing how big our priest-ish friend was. I turned my head to Silver, who seemed a little bit better now, though I didn't really want to see him walking yet.

-Want to go see who he is talking too? I can carry you no problem.

by **Silver** Wed Jan 30, 2013 8:38 pm

I allowed myself several shaky breaths, doing my best to grunt and bear the pain as Allindur did his best to treat my wound. His work was finished rather quickly. I tried to process to his question, but I failed quite miserably. Movement by Masq caused me to glance in his direction in vain. My attention returned to Allindur; I shook my head. "Go check it out... I... I'll just lay here a bit. I-If we're leaving, then carry me..." I closed my eyes briefly, and tried to ease my rapidly pulsing heart.

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