View source for 3611/The Newbie and the Dungeon

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2016/01/05
|Location=Alfheim Online <ALO>
|Synopsis="Tana" as Nagato goes by in ALO, gets a request to do a dungeon and meets up with a few people to finish it.
|Cast of Characters=1, 6, 162, 215, 385, 680
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cait Sith area, in front of one of the weapon shops... Tana is leaning down to rub the chin of one of the tamed beasts that are nearby, her giant axe upon her back as she does so. "Aren't you so cute..." she whispers, "Eventually I'll be able to train something like you..." with that, she picks herself up and leans against the building, pulling up the menu and giving a light hum. "Let's see. Friends... Message... Kirito, Kagura, Zekken..." she taps a finger here and there and nods...<br /><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subject: Can we meet?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Body: Tana here. After everyone logged off last night, I stayed up a bit longer to finish the expeditions given to me by the townspeople and gained a few things. I have another expedition that is for a 'dungeon', is what she called it, would you three like to join my fleet and sortie?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tana~<br />------------<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"There, that should do it... I wonder if they're busy..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Subject: Re: Can we meet?<br />Body: Give me a bit, I'm in Aincrad. Be there ASAP!<br /><br />It takes a little while for Kagura to actually get to the Cait Sith home region; she had to finish up in a dungeon and get out into the 'open' part of Aincrad, and then used a teleport crystal - which are still pretty expensive, but when you absolutely, positively, have to be there NOW, they're worth the expense and she doesn't want to leave Tana cooling her heels when she has offline responsibilities of her own. It's actually pure luck in a large part that she was online at the same time Tana sent out the inquiry.<br /><br />"Hey Tana!" the white-armored Puca calls out, jogging over to where Tana was waiting. "Sorry about the delay ... so, where are we heading? I don't know a lot about the Cait Sith early dungeons ..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:215|Iria (215)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Iria has nothing to do once in awhile. Apparently, there's times where there's no bounty to hunt and there's nothing much to do. So Iria decides to take this time to log into Alfheim and meet up with the others. She gets a little lost at one point but finally regains her bearings and continues making her way to the Cait Sith region. Once she arrives, Iria skids to a halt on her heels. "I hope I'm not too late."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Too late for what, you ask? She wants to meet the new Cait Sith in the group, and is hoping this would be a good time as any!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1|Kirito (1)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's a thing of good timing indeed! Kirito had logged in earlier and was pondering if he ought to head out, because a Spriggan in Freelia is not a common sight and... and...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The last thing he needs is Alicia Rue catching wind of it and starting her... antics.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yeah, best to avoid those.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Which is why he emerges from an alley. And his Color Cursor only appears at the last possible moment.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Someone's been using the Hiding skill to great effect.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Spriggan's smiling mischeviously when he emerges into sight, fully equipped for battle. "I've focused mostly on Aincrad. For Alfheim I'm most familiar with the Sylph territories and the neutral zone! Pretty much know the Ancient Forest like the back of my hand by now... so you're headed for a dungeon?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;New message. "Oh, hey. Kagura responded!" and the next thing she knows, the Puca is nearby... "Ho... how did you get here that fast?" a pause, "You probably know how to fly well." she laughs a bit and nods, "Ah, it's good to see you here, Kagura. Ah... you don't mind me using that name here, do you?" a slightly sheepish grin. In game Nagato is completely different than out of game Nagato... "I sent a message to Kirito and a few others... I have the location marked on my map so we can sortie when ready."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though, when Iria shows up, she tilts her head in a cant, ears twitching... "Hi." comes a flat response, Iria's someone new... someone she hasn't seen before, but when that Color Cursor suddenly appears... "Ah!" comes a surprised little yelp from Tana when Kirito shows up... "I... I see. Ah... I do have the place to go marked so we can leave as soon as everyone's ready. I spent some yrd on some potions... another person said they were important."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tana pulls up the menu once more... and stares. "Umm. Hmm... here?" tap... tap... tap... "no, here?" tap... tap tap... tap... "Eh...heh."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:162|Zephyr Windstar (162)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=" bold_fg_y bg_n ++ hy">New Message!</span><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Zephyr was logged in doing some of her own quests, just the usual repeatable 'Gather 5 XXXX' stuff and that. So when the message is opened, she quirks a brow. "Huh, new girl wants some help..."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;SubjectRE: Can we meet?<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Body: Eh, sure, just gimme a sec while I hand this set of dailies in. BTW, you figure out how to Wall Run yet?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Message sent, it takes the Sylph a few minutes to arrive, after everyone else has shown up, of course. Mistral comes screaming in at high speed, and lands with a skidding, dust-spraying flourish. "Yo!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Kagura giggles softly, "That *IS* my name here, Tana. I don't dive as deep into the role as some people might, but Kagura is still my identity here in Alfheim." She doesn't even say the 'Online' part of the game's title, because she's not talking about the game - she's talking about the *world*.<br /><br />Kagura takes a moment to wave to Iria, then looks around at the others as they arrive. Of course Kirito is here, and Mistral arrives while Kagura's still taking a look around to figure out who else will be joining them. "Hey Mistral, good to see you again!"<br /><br />If she can get away with giving Mistral a quick hug once the Sylph has finished landing, she's going to try. It really HAS been too long.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:215|Iria (215)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yeah, hi, I'm Iria," Iria replies to Tana. "I've been in the group for awhile. I heard about you joining our group and I thought I'd come meet you. But it seems you're in need of help, and we're more than happy to help you." She runs a hand through her hair and smiles. "We've got plenty of experience here, and once we've walked you through the basics, I'm sure you'll be skilled in no time!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Iria then turns to wave to Kagura with a smile. "Hey there," She says smirking. "Good to see some familiar faces too!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1|Kirito (1)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Have you stocked up on recovery items? Got your gear in order?" Kirito asks Nagato while he walks up. He's helped plenty of people new to VRMMOs by now! So these are pretty straightforward questions to ask. But then there's a new humdinger...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"... And, have you figured out flying?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tana nods towards Kirito, pulling out what looks to be a potion... maybe. "Yep." then a quick pull of her equipment menu... and another nod. Then... flying. "I don't fall on my face anymore... if that's an answer..."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A new message window? Tap... "Oh, Mistral's comin...g..." then Mistral shows up.. "Ah... to answer your question, no I haven't, MIstral." a pause, "I'd like to try though." Then she turns towards Iria and nods, "Well, we have a good chance to teach then... the 'dungeon' is... that way.." as she points... in what looks to be a random direction...<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:162|Zephyr Windstar (162)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mistral grins a bit, and hugs Kagura tightly. "Yeah, way too long!" she replies, then turns to Tana with that same grin. "Oho~, I'll show ya how then! It's a racial trait for the ligher bodied races like Sylphs and Cait Sith." she says, then hugs Nagato briefly. "Yo Kirito, hey..." she doesn't /know/ Iria, but then the she introduces herself and she gets a greeting wave.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Yeah, potions are a lifesaver, but they can be costly," Kagura agrees. "So are you using the assist controller, or have you gotten the hang of flying with your back instead of your hand? Direct flight has a bunch of advantages - plus it's more fun that way," she adds, grinning.<br /><br />She should probably try to get some practice in at wall-running, she thinks, as the others mention it. That's one thing Kagura hasn't put much time in on training ... and it's as much a skill for the player as for the character in-code.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:215|Iria (215)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Flying is a good skill to have, indeed," Iria adds to Yuna's comment. "I have some extra potions too if you need them." Unlike Kagura, Iria knows a bit about wall-running both in the game and outside of the game. Of course she doesn't say anything about that because... well, just because.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"All right, let's head for the 'dungeon,' then. I'm eager to get some action in!" She rolls her neck around and cracks her knuckles. "When there's nothing going on outside the game, there's plenty to do inside of it!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm still using the assist controller, Kagura, and it's still shaky. Maybe I'll try without the controller one day but Iria's right, let's get to the dungeon.. I'm ready to complete this expedition and finish this sortie." a pause, "As soon as I find the right menu to invite you all along..." a pause, and about three minutes later, everyone should have gotten an invite... "I'm still getting used to basic commands here, it's... difficult."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once it's all accepted, Tana starts with the assist controller once more and shakily goes up... and up... and waits for the rest, then leads off towards the dungeon!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1|Kirito (1)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Off to a good start then!" Kirito doesn't seem to need the Assist Controller. Without even conjuring it his wings simply APPEAR and off he goes, matching speed with Nagato easily!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Have you figured out Sword Skills yet? Or are you working more on magic?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:6|Tomoe (6)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tomoe was a bit late on arriving but she's here she got the message, She'lll fly in with the others and she's clearly not using the controler. Having wings are about second nature to her at this point as she flyies in to fall into formation with the others. She waves and would appear on the party list as well. <br /><br /> "Sorry I'm late, I was dealing with some work for Yimir and a paper for Becon! I'm done both now!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Kagura wastes no time in accepting the party invite - she may well accept it faster than it took Tana to SEND them. She takes to the air as well, not even bothering with the invisible joystick; she takes a moment to 'flutter' around Tana before settling into level flight, waving to Tomoe as she joins the group.<br /><br />She winces a little as Tomoe mentions doing a paper for Beacon, though ...<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:162|Zephyr Windstar (162)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mistral is a natural flier outside of the game. Even though she uses magic to actually fly, she moves like she was born in the sky. She also doesn't use the assist controller and joins Tana and Kirito in the air, after accepting the party invite. "All it takes is some practice, just like anything else really. I, half cheat because I'm an Aerial Combat Mage, so I have a bit more experience in the air from real-life side." she says, then greets the others as they fall into formation. "I can teach ya if y'like."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tana gives a brief smile towards Kirito, "I spent a while practicing... so I'm not as shaky as I was when I flew with Staren." a pause, "It's still not great." with a look forward, she nods, "I haven't tried a sword skill yet as I don't have a sword.. and Staren showed me how to use Earth and Fire magic for defense and offense. That barrier is pretty nice." she mentions towards Kirito and when she looks up to the left... everyone's names and a bar.. "Fleet formation was done correctly then...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She looks behind her and gives a wave with her free hand towards Tomoe, "Welcome to the fleet formation." she replies to Tomoe, "It's okay... important things were done." speaking of, she has a fleet report to write later... But when Kagura shows off... "I'm teaching you how to be a destroyer and now you're teaching me how to be a fairy. Fair enough lessons, would you agree?" and when Mistral perks up and falls in, she gives a nod...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Sure, would be good to learn without this controller. I feel like I've just been laid down at port, ready for my first sortie." a pause, "That's... exactly what this is, isn't it...?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"You're already learning magic outside of your starting specialty?" Kagura grins, doing an honest-to-god barrel roll. "Well, this is more recreational than work-oriented, but if you want to think of it that way, who am I to argue?"<br /><br />She does another barrel roll, followed by a modified Immelmann - or at least, what STARTS as one. She has to abort when she nearly drops out of the maneuver in mid-loop, and a sheepish-looking Kagura just flies normally to rejoin the 'formation'. "Anyway, yeah, the game's set up to ease new players into things, at least up to a certain point. Not that we had the leisure to really ease into anything when the Gatecrashers started in Alfheim Online ..."<br /><br />Kirito is the brief recipient of a playful grin.<br /><br />"Now's probably not the best time to switch up how you fly, but basically, 'direct flight control' involves actually moving your wings with the muscles in your back, as if you really were a fairy and not just playing one in a virtual-reality game. We can work on that later if you want, but direct flight is faster and more maneuverable, and it lets you fight while you're flying - which you *can't* do with a hand on the assist controller."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:6|Tomoe (6)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tomoe says "You okay, Yuna?" <br /><br /> She seems concerned but she will not press about it. She does seem to be in good spirits as the group seems ot be forming up. <br /><br /> "Got to see you too. It's still a bit of a thing to know you." <br /><br /> The Salamander seems pretty relaxed as she falls in. "IT's a good thing it's not sink or swim like it was for some of us. This is actually fun unlike back then."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1|Kirito (1)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well. You can fight. Just not two-handed. Anyways... any weapon has Sword Skills! You should've started with a basic sword in your inventory. I'll show you how those work!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tomoe's arrival is heralded with a mischevious grin from the cheerful Spriggan. He's in such a good mood these days. Thanks to clearing his conscience a lot over Gun Gale Online and some other things? Maybe.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Such a difference.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yo, Tomoe! Don't forget we can't hog all the EXP. It's Tana's dungeon."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:215|Iria (215)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's time for showing off and time for doing things by the book. In this case, Iria prefers to do the flying by the book. Kagura can show off her flying skills all she wants, but Iria just wants to get to the dungeon in one piece. "Try to keep focused on what you're doing," She adds. "You mess up in flight, you're in for a long fall!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well, I... didn't have a chance to really learn the beast taming, it was called, from my race. But I'll get to it." she grins and nods, "But it's a start. Perhaps after the dungeon I'll go work on clearing the expedition for beast taming." she nods, "Thanks for joining me everyone, I don't think I could get through this one myself." she turns towards Yuna and watches... "All without the controller?" yep, the newbie is obvious in this one, but when she says she can't fight, but when Kirito pops up with the confirmation she can... "Ah, so this axe..."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'll learn with this axe for a bit, Staren got it for me so it would be... disrespectful to not use it for a while." she nods, "Ah, there's the dungeon ahead! I think." she stops flying a moment to look at the map.... "Yes, this is it..." and down the Cait Sith goes, a bit more smoothly this time. "Shall we go in and clear it? The expedition states we need to defeat the boss inside of it and report back."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"I'm fine, yeah," Kagura replies to Tomoe, waving the concern off with a sheepish grin on her face. Kirito's correction is also taken in stride; the fact is, though, Kagura made a point of learning to fly without the controller pretty early on, and it seems like she doesn't want the newest Gatecrashers to grow dependent on the virtual stick either. She'd actually think it feels more awkward for the Fleet Daughters to use a manual control to fly, when they're used to sailing on the open seas under their own power and their own will *without* going through a secondary layer of having to think about how to do that.<br /><br />"Having the axe as well as a sword is probably a good idea," Kagura agrees, circling quickly while Nagato stops to check the map. "The axe for big swings and heavy, armor-breaching damage, the sword when you need more finesse and control?" ... she might be overestimating how much more power the axe will carry in its swings, but time will tell. "Just remember, it's not as simple as 'kill the boss'; there are going to be other monsters between us and the boss fight, and the boss might have reinforcements to throw at you too. But," she indicates Kirito, "like he said, this is your quest - we'll help out where you need us, but any monster we kill is experience that doesn't go into growing your own skills."<br /><br />It really is a good thing ALO isn't built around advancement by overall levels, isn't it?<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:215|Iria (215)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The more the merrier," Iria comments to Kagura. "But yeah, we gotta be careful. Who knows what we'll find this time around?" She pauses to check herself over, making sure she's got the extra potions she mentioned earlier. "Granted, I do like a good fight now and then, but even then I have my limits."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1|Kirito (1)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oooh. So there'll be a boss fight!" Kirito's pumped now. But he's kind of a BATTLE FREAK so this is just to be expected. Already the SPriggan's pondering just WHAT kind of enemy they'll be facing! He's never been to this specific dungeon deep in Cait Sith territory, after all...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The basic Sword Skill for a Great Axe is 'Whirlwind.' Sixty percent physical damage, forty percent wind. You start it by Raising the axe behind you with one foot forward. ... I forget which one. You'll have to check the menu. It's great for taking out hordes of foes when you're surrounded... but if you're a newbie you REALLY don't want to get surrounded!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Although this doesn't quite explain what a 'Sword Skill' is...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, Kirito used plenty of them in their duel. Maybe Nagato will make the connection.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Mmhmm, a boss fight." a pause, "Boss... fight?" she shakes her head and looks at Kirito's enthusiasm for this dungeon. Well, he is the more experienced one here. Then there's everyone... bah, being the Private in a party full of Admirals is kinda humbling.. "Well, shall we?" on the way in, the Dungeon's lit up...<br /><br /><br />The entrance to this dungeon is before them, a large cavernous entrance, moss around the entrance and on some intricate stonework leading further in. It's lit up by torches along the walls and seems crawling with life the further the Party gets in. There's multiple side rooms here and a very large archway at the end of this room, with various spider-like and deer-like mobs dotting the area before said archway, a red arrow above them all, fortunately all the mobs seem to be spaced out in decent distances, likely to ease a group in.<br /><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ah, were they those skills you used on me to great effect back in the WMAT? You mean this axe can do something like that?" She pulls the axe off her back and nods, "Area shelling. So don't get surrounded..." she pauses a moment and starts to poke at her menu... ah there. Just like she did last time but with the words changing a magical earth barrier gets erected in front of the party members... "I think... that should help."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Whirlwind... but being surrounded is bad... Sounds like T-Cross disadvantage when you put it that way. Well, let's not have that happen." She points at one of the spider like enemies before them and with a nod, "Shall we take out that one?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:6|Tomoe (6)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tomoe says "Yo Kirito, and I won't. We need to help Tana level right so what I'm here for, I might even tank in DPS spec!" <br /><br /> Okay she is being a bit sassy today herself. he gives Iria a wave, as she'd seemed to be in very good spirits as she looks to Kagura. She just grins and falls into formation again. <br /><br /> "I'll just be taunting to keep agro while you get the damage and kills in. I needed to work on my battle healing anyhow."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1|Kirito (1)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yeah. those were Sword Skills!" Kirito affirms upon landing at the dungeon's entrance. He's futzing with his menu almost the very moment his wings vanish. No doubt changing his HUD configuration so there's a DUNGEON MAP display in the upper right corner of his vision or something.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But he's quick to demonstrate Sword Skills! he does so by drawing a very basic sword - not Vox Unitas. Seems he's shifted to a weapon that's barely above a newbie sword - a generic 'steel sword.' It doesn't even have a unique name!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Every attack skill has a 'starting position.'" He demonstrates by shifting his stance to having both feet in line with his shoulders and neatly spaced out, then bringing his weapon up... and resting across his right shoulder. Right as it stops...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The weapon starts shining in a very familiar fashion! The effect's accompanied by a high-pitched charge-up whine. The dungeon's entrance is even illuminated by the blue light cast from the weapon.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"At this point? You can still cancel the skill by moving any way you want EXCEPT the beginning motion. Move in the direction of the technique though..." Again demonstrating, he ever so slightly lifts the sword's angle-- and then it happens!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His arm moves with impressive speed for a potent downward chop! Then the glow dissipates, leaving him stuck with his blade near the gound and body exposed for about a second.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Evey Sword Skill has a 'freeze duration.' You're stuck in place and can't move for a bit. The stronger the skill the longer you'll be stuck, so you should never use the most powerful ones unless you're SURE they'll get the job done. Also, once you've used a Sword Skill, you can't use it again for a little while. It's called a 'cooldown' period. That one, Vertical, is one of the simplest One Handed Sword Skills... so its cooldown is only about twenty seconds."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Up he stands fully again, sheathing his blade. "You'll get the hang of it. Just remember not to FIGHT the motion once it starts! Instead, if you can, try to support it. The system's forcing you to move a certain direction but if you can do everything in your power to ASSIST THE SYSTEM ASSIST--" That's a phrase, spoken in English, that might make Tomoe cringe... "--you can boost the impact power. Which means more damage."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:215|Iria (215)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As soon as Iria makes her way into the dungeon, she frowns a little, as if something seems a little off to her. After looking around for a moment, she simply shrugs it off and shakes her head. "I must be getting paranoid or something," She says to nobody in particular as she clutches her sword with one hand. "Then again, in dungeons you can't let your guard down." She pauses again, looking around. "Wait a minute, why am I talking like this?" She scratches the back of her head nervously.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She sighs a little, feeling like she's having a real personality switch right now. It could be because of Tana here still being kind of new to things, but that's still slightly uncertain. "Well the point is, keep your senses sharper than your blade!" She smiles a little. "I like that!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"And this," Kagura murmurs, "is why I still believe in games having manuals ..." That's a fair amount to keep track of on the fly, really; Kagura tends to depend on magic and basic melee rather than focusing on a lot of Sword Skills. Not that she doesn't use Sword Skills at all, of course - they exist, they're useful, they can be a critical advantage in fights; she'd be an idiot to ignore that option. Spells are more fun in her opinion, though ...<br /><br />And on that thought, she pulls out her harp, balancing it against her shoulder with her left arm, and begins plucking lightly at the strings with her right hand, playing a series of buffing tunes to boost the party's damage resistance, reaction speed, and so forth. "That should give us a leg up as we're getting started," states Kagura as she finishes laying down that first set of buffs. "I'll try and keep them up while we're in combat."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tana's eyes light up as the Sword Skill is used... she's actually going to get to do one herself, maybe, but the fact she'll be able to do things like that... Hmm. "I see, a reload period then, but that was a very impressive chop. Tatsuta would be impressed too." though when Kirito doesn't move for a moment... "Ah. Ok. I see.. though you did quite well against me despite the freezing motions there."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tomoe gets an odd look. "Tank? DPS spec? Aah... umm. OK. You do your thing. Because I'm not following it." she gives a shrug and when Kagura's songs start, she sees the buffs near her name... "Well, First flee... aah... Let's go." and with this.. Tana looks at one of the spider mobs and... starts charging in! It's just like that antelope-like mob staren showed her... just chop it and it goes down.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With a mighty swing, Tana expects to finish it off quickly like that Antelope-like mob... but when the axe connects... it retaliates and rams Tana, sending her skidding back.. "H..hey. It should have dissapeared..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:6|Tomoe (6)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tomoe Says "Tank means the person who keeps the monster's attention on them. Much like how Tanks in ground combat draw a lot of fire. DPS is short for damage per second, and spec just what mode your in for your role. Think of it like classes of ship, everyone has a role." <br /><br /> She not3es before she falls in with the rest of the group and Kirito is explaning things. She's okay until the Engrish hits. There's a look of visable pain on Tomoe's face as she out right cringes.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1|Kirito (1)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With the demonstration over, Kirito focuses on Tana's attempts. He's quite grateful for the boosts and gives Kagura a grateful, brief smile.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But seeing Tana get clobbered, he's quick to leap in and- well... he doesn't really ATTACK the spider. He uses the flat of his blade to batter it away and give Tana a chance to recover.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Where you strike a monster affects the damage you do. For most spiders, aim for the eyes! Damage depends on impact speed, weapon power, and strength... against the enemy's defenses like parrying and armor."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tana gets up slowly, shaking her head a bit... "Ow... okay..." she lifts up that axe and gets ready... angry ship is angry. She steps aside to the front and growls, taking a quick check of the menu... and ... with the right foot forward and axe raised... she's oging for a bit of overkill here, letting the system take over to hit it with the Whirlwind Sword Skill. She holds still for a few moments, allowing the rest period to happen while the spider finally dissapears. "That... was enjoyable." she muttered, panting just slightly.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though, with more clearing of the area, the party makes the way to the boss... a really... really huge spider. Tana's eyes widen and she backs up just a bit, "This... this is big." she whispers, looking towards Kirito, Tomoe and Kagura... "Umm." she refreshes the stone barrier around the party and gulps... "Aim for the eyes, right?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1|Kirito (1)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It takes a while. Clearing chambers, pulling a few switches to reveal the boss chamber... but there it is. ONE GIANT SPIDER!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kirito's a little less than impressed. That's one conclusion people might draw, based on the way he just rubs his chin with his free hand and peers calmly at the huge spider, unbothered by its ferocious appearance or SHEER SIZE.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"With a Boss monster it could be different, but give it a try! I'll cover for you while you try things out! You won't die."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And that's a promise he WILL keep. Kirito speed-thumbs through his menu. In a flash of light the steel sword's exchanged for Vox Unitas!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He's probably just going to be parrying strikes a lot to give Tana openings though...<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tana looks at the new weapon that Kirito pulls out... "My..." she shakes her head before focusing on that GIANT SPIDER! With a twitch of that tail and a tighter grip on that axe... she blasts off like a rocket to make a leaping attack against those eyes, only to get smacked by a leg and into a wall... feet hitting it first to launch herself off that wall and back at the spider with another overhead swing... "Oh no, I had enough of getting smacked around by spiders!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The swing makes a nice gash in the spider but... it's not down.. of course it's not down.. it's freaking huge. "Whirlwind won't do much here, will it?" she loudly questions over to Kirito as she looks for another opening... before thumbing through her menu to swap out to that basic sword, Tana's got an idea. "Tomoe, can you distract it enough to let me under it? I'm going to strike from beneath!" a quick fireball is launched out from her free hand... and she waits for her opening from Kirito and Tomoe.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:6|Tomoe (6)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tomoe seems ready for things as she moves in and is spamming her various taunt abilities, she's also using her few agro building attacks but that's it. She's otherwise holding back so Nagato is able to get the lion's share of the EXP here. She looks up at the spider for a moment. "...You know I'm disturbed that this doesn't disturb me like it used to." <br /><br /> She spins about with a Naginata in hand and is seemingly doing all right. <br /><br /> "Hey Ugly! You want some of this?!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1|Kirito (1)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Every boss monster has a weakness! Always some point on its body. Also some element like fire or wind. There's also always some PATTERN to how they fight! The trick to fighting a boss monster--" Moving like a well-oiled machine he's quick to tag-team up with Tomoe and dive in to deliver another light blow as the Spider moves to attack. It's a carefully aimed SLANT Sword Skill, executed with ten times the speed and precision as the demonstrated Vertical. Barely grazes the creature but sends it rearing back on its hind legs and hissing.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The results of having Parry at &lt;1000/1000 - Mastered&gt; no doubt.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Is learning those patterns and weaknesses, then ruthlessly exploiting them!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tana nods and rushes in once that opening is there... "Patterns and weaknesses. Patterns and weaknesses. Got it!" Tana twitches... and off like a rocket she goes towards the opened belly. "Alright... how did he do that again..." a quick rush through the skill in her head and she nods, skidding into just under the belly with her feet in line with her shoulders and the sword resting along her own right shoulder, and with it, the glow. "It.. it looks right so far..."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With the twitch to make the blade do its thing, the system starts controlling her and suddenly, that same chop, albeit not with the same speed and precision as Kirito's own practiced movements, but it digs right in and cuts deep into that soft underbelly of the spider, the blade hitting ground and leaving her there for just a bit... she looks up... waiting for that effect to dissipate so she can move out of the way because it won't stay up for long if that strike didn't kill it.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm going to have to practice this dungeon quite a bit... am I?" she looks behind and then rushes out of the way... in case it is still up.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:6|Tomoe (6)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tomoe is doing her b est to keep the boss' attention on her. <br /><br /> "They have a set of reactions nad moves. It's like a puzzel you have to figure out hwo to deal with." <br /><br /> She's doing pretty good with the parrying herself she's likely got her Parry mastered as well given she's a tank after all. She's dances about getting it's attention. <br /><br /> She parryes one attack with inhuman speed, she shifts her body, it's clear she's good at it and thankfully they are able to take it down. <br /><br /> "Not bad for a first run, my friend."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1|Kirito (1)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With Tomoe pulling all the aggro, Kirito's... well. This is a n00b dungeon boss. He's definitely not fighting that seriously against the thing. He only periodically dives in and stabs it - without using any Sword Skills.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Looks like the underside is its weak point!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He dives in to cover for Tano during her momentary freeze, once again batting the thing's legs away with the flat of his blade!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With the weakpoint for massive damage found, Tana gives a grin. "Perfect!" The cover and the taunting helps her not lose much damage, along with the healing from Kagura to help keep alive. "Tana, going in for final strike!" with this, she backs off and weapon swaps once more, back to the massive axe. While Kirito's not fighting seriously, Tana is. It's her first real boss... and something she's able to cut loose with. Both figuratively and literally.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tana rushes back in and with one giant swing of the weapon, using the momentum of running to help carry it home... she slams the blade right into the underbelly of the spider boss.. and there weapon sticks in and boss just freezes... "Did... I get it?" she questions... before the boss succumbs to the strike, the last wound Tana makes starts to glow before the entire boss bursts into blue light and sparkles... and with that, Tana drops the axe and to her knees.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Seems.... I... did..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1|Kirito (1)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kirito skids to a halt after all that dancing around.... then executes, simply out of habit, a curious little flourishing finish. He strikes the air with his blade as if to fling blood from it, then decisively sheathes the blade across his back.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tomoe's undoubtedly seen this gesture a thousand times by now.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The boy folds both arms over his chest, grinning. "Congratulations. First boss ever under your belt. .. One day, you should look at some of the recordings people made of the Aincrad floor boss raids in the last few months... because that's what we're working towards. Eventually!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:6|Tomoe (6)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tomoe watches as Tana goes in and makes her move the hit is good it seems as the Boss finally goes down, thankfully Tomoe did not lay on the DPS much so Tana does get a very nice chunk over it. She pauyses at the word Congratulations, however. That word will always be a sore spot for her. <br /><br /> "I been on quite a few of those and I'll be happy to share the recordings with you and looks like you got last hit too."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tana lies back and grins... "Ah.. heh. Well, I'll be glad to help... once I can skill up more." a pause, "Am I saying that right?" she looks between Tomoe and Kirito, "Is there something special about last hit?" a bing comes into her quest window to mark it being complete... "Looks like I need to turn this in. I want to say sortie complete..." a quick look around, "That was a bit tiring though, are boss fights usually this exhausting?" another look at Kirito and Tomoe...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You two barely broke a sweat..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:6|Tomoe (6)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tomoe looks a bit sheepish at Nagato as she comment on about how they didn't break a sweat. <br /><br /> "Your doing all right with it but as for that? Kirito and I are quite expertianced at this. Don't knock your self, as I said we had to learn in a sink or swim situation. Don't get down on your self about it. You'll catch up with us soon enough."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1|Kirito (1)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Last Attack Bonus. Whoever defeats a boss gets a special drop. For little bosses like this they're nothing too special..."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kirito manipulates his menu for a moment though! Then... another blade materializes. it, like Vox Unitas, is a bit fancier looking than a generic sword... but it definitely fits Kirito's style of picking heavy, plain, and durable swords. It's tinged a neat blue color, almost like it's covered in crystal. "THIS was the Last Attack Bonus for Aincrad's 15th floor boss. Wonder if the 50th boss will be the same as in Aincrad..."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tomoe may remember what he got that day. After that insanely grueling fight that earned Heathcliff his full fame (albeit through cheating, as it turned out...)<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Elucidator.<br> <br>
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