IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Light =&gt; Light: Exotic Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: BruceTheCat on 21-12-2012, 22:24:04</h2>
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				Title: <strong>IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BruceTheCat</strong> on <strong>21-12-2012, 22:24:04</strong>
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				<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size">-----FLOOR 50-----</span></strong></div><div align="center"><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">(http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120828201403/swordartonline/images/thumb/3/3b/Algade.png/1000px-Algade.png)</div></div></div><br><br>---------------------------------------------<br>Jonathan<br>08:00 pm<br>Floor 50<br>Entering Algade Town Square<br>---------------------------------------------<br><br>Jonathan drew in a long breath as his boots shoved down deep into the piled snow of the Algade streets. Winter had certainly come, and the sight was a sheer marvel for the man. Before logging into the game the man came from a part of the world that certainly got cold during the later part of the year, but never snowed like this. The pure, small white flakes simply wouldn't stop, covering the small player town of Algade in a fine sheet of white. It was oddly beautiful, especially illuminated as it was beneath the multi-colored Christmas lights that were strewn across the windows, street-lights and intersections. Since the year he had been involved in the killer game, John felt almost happy about his situation. His family had never been into the whole holiday's thing, even though Jonathan had always wished it were the case. It was all so festive and pretty.<br><br>Music played somewhere in the distance of the Town Square, accompanied by a chorus of NPCs singing carols. The place was nearly filled to the brim with players, gathering around and socializing while everyone waited patiently. Algade had just been discovered after the front-line players cleared the previous floor. When arriving at the town it became clear from the signs stationed about that the game had some sort of special plan for the event. The clock was ticking, four hours left until the hand struck midnight and whatever happened would happen. The Halloween event just a few months prior had been a deadly one to say the least. The game turned off the safe-zone restrictions of floor 45 and spawned a demonic version of the Wizard of Oz characters to come terrorize the place. Each one dropping an excellent piece of loot afterwards.<br><br>The assumption was that something similar would happen, so everyone wanted a piece of the action and came to Algade with their gear and wits about them. Jonathan was of course no exception to the rule, setting his gloved hand on the hilt of the katana at his side and looking around for other's who appeared to be alone. "If I'm going to have any chance at getting the drop for the event, I need to find a group".
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				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>xPeachyPuff</strong> on <strong>21-12-2012, 23:14:06</strong>
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				-----------------------------------------<br>Megumi Komoko<br>8:00pm<br>Floor 50<br>Algade Town Square<br>-----------------------------------------<br><br>Algade Town Square was currently bustling with players; it didn't surprise her. A message had been sent out to all players, letting them know of the Christmas Midnight Event that would take place on Floor 50 in Algade's Town Center. Like a lot of the other players in the area, Megumi was hanging around Algade in order to see first hand this 'Special Event.' Looking around, most players were in groups; it was probably safer to go along with a party than to be alone. However, some people were simply that cocky, others were just looking for a good time under the Christmas lights. A pair of oddly coloured eyes looked on from the circular water fountain that made for a beautiful center piece of the square. The left orb was a dull green colour, while the right was a bright caramel/honey colour. She watched the lights that hung above her head for a moment before glancing around at the other players; some sitting around, like her, others playing in the snow and gawking at the lights. <br><br>Fingerless gloved hands toyed with the black hilt of her large silver sword that rested between her legs for a few seconds. If only she could be as carefree to play around in the pretty snow. Pushing off the fountain's edge, Megumi lifted her sword and lifted it over her shoulders before securing it on the black leather harness between her shoulder blades that was decorated with a pair of small, fluffy white wings. Megumi didn't stand very tall, only reaching 5'0" at full height and her figure kept her petite image; though her shoulder pads and armored boots made her look a little bulkier while her sword made her seem even smaller than she actually was. The female began across the snow covered road, her eyes trained on her footsteps as she made small dents in the white sheet that covered the entirety of the ground, a small smile playing on he pale features. Quickly lifting her view once more, she began to glance along the market stalls that lined the far wall; some contained food items and ingredients, others weapons and amour. She headed straight for the food ingredients cart, giving the contents a glance over with a somewhat interested glance. <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Niki315</strong> on <strong>22-12-2012, 02:23:08</strong>
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				<br>----------------------------------------<br>Skosha<br>8:00 PM<br>Floor 50<br>Algade Town Square<br>----------------------------------------<br><br><br><br>Outside the window the snow just kept falling.&nbsp; Skosha was not a fan of cold weather.&nbsp; She sat inside a warm inn enjoying a glass of hot milk.&nbsp; Was the Christmas event worth it?&nbsp; She could have been relaxing on one of the floors with a beach.&nbsp; Even the lava pits were a lot more enticing than Algade's frozen roads right about now.&nbsp; Not only was it cold, but the streets were crowded and covered in snow.&nbsp; She murmered to herself annoyed while she poked at a knot in the table.&nbsp; The heavy sword leaned up against the table tended to ward off anyone who would normally approach her, her angry stares were doing the job right now.&nbsp; The Diabolic Greatsword was a drop from a rare devil that surfaced in the lava pits.&nbsp; It was a tough battle, but she managed to defeat him, due to her knowledge of the floor and minor exploit.&nbsp; When she hit level 90, the sword would unlock new abilities, but she still had a ways to go.&nbsp; The more she thought about it, the more she considered heading back to the pits to spend her Christmas killing fire devils.<br><br>Skosha wasn't always a grump with the holidays.&nbsp; This year was supposed to be special.&nbsp; Not only did she not get to visit with her family, but her boyfriend was dead.&nbsp; It would have been the first year that they all spent the holidays together.&nbsp; Skosha really wanted to try out a restaurant in town this year, but even if she had gotten out of the game, she would be alone on Christmas.&nbsp; She tried to mask her depression with anger and to some, she just came off as a scrooge, but others could tell.&nbsp; This holiday was going to be a tough one.&nbsp; <br><br>The Huntress idly sifted through her inventory to pass the time, not sure what she really wanted to do.&nbsp; She continually ordered hot drinks as she finished them, ignoring the fact that she was no longer hungry.&nbsp; <em>Maybe I'll sell some of these items.&nbsp; I don't ever use them anyway,</em> she thought sullenly.&nbsp; She ordered one more hot milk and prepared herself to go outside.&nbsp; Her original avatar had been short and cute, but the mirror overrode the settings.&nbsp; Her real body was eye-catching.&nbsp; She was tall, busty, and had long legs.&nbsp; Her hair was much longer than anyone she had ever met, and her blue eyes made it clear that she was definitely a foreigner.&nbsp; She had long ago acquired an outfit in game that improved her running speed.&nbsp; It had no armor rating, and it showed off a lot of skin.&nbsp; Despite having nearly maxed her sewing skill, she couldn't find a way to make her own outfit with the same boost.&nbsp; And to make matters worse, she had gotten used to the higher speed, so switching to a different outfit threw off her timing.&nbsp; She almost never equipped any other armor items because of it.&nbsp; Luckily her resistance was maxed for her level, so standing in the cold was just bothersome, and wouldn't cause any status effects.<br><br>The white and gold dress almost blended in with the drifts of snow, and Skosha was just another face in the crowd.&nbsp; She looked around to see where people were crowding around and moved in to check out the vending carts.&nbsp; She sent out a public message letting people know she was selling gloves, hats, and overcoats for cheap, as well as full unique outfits.&nbsp; Maybe some of the players waiting for the event would appreciate it.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BruceTheCat</strong> on <strong>22-12-2012, 02:37:31</strong>
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				---------------------------------------------<br>Jonathan<br>08:05 pm<br>Floor 50<br>Vendor Area<br>---------------------------------------------<br><br>Another long wind cut through the thick crowd of people, the Christmas chill dragging any remaining heat that he had beneath his body. Despite the many layers of leather and armor, plus his already high resistance skill Jonathan didn't feel as though the clothing was doing anything to keep the cold back! If he wasn't mistaken, it was getting worse as the minutes ticked by, illuminated by the large clock-tower in the distance. The mindless exploration of the city had slowly brought him into the vendor's area, the concentration of players being the highest here in preparation for whatever the event was that night. Nobody knew any details, but everyone wanted to be prepared for everything. "Excuse me" he repeated over and over, extending one hand out while trying to cut through the cluster of NPCs and players.<br><br>His heads-up-display suddenly blinked, a public message coming through from one of the players in the area. Another player, Skosha was selling some unique coats and gloves along with specialized themed equipment for the right price. Like clockwork another gust of cold air moved through the crowd, encouraging his action to find something more appropriate for the season. With a determined nod the handsome man found his way to where Skosha designated she would be to find the woman. He was taller, and was fairly easily able to pick out the woman in the crowd. As it turned out Jonathan had actually met her before, and dealt with the woman once before several floors below.<br><br>"Hey there" he said with his best smile, trying to keep his teeth from shattering when he found Skosha in the vendor square. "Uh... Jonathan" extending out his hand to greet her. They had met once before, coincidentally Jonathan hired her to find a PKer who had killed off a previous lower level comrade he made while still in the floor 20 areas.
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				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Vaulera</strong> on <strong>22-12-2012, 03:48:20</strong>
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				---------------------------------------------<br>Suki "Archangel"<br>08:00-8:05 pm<br>Floor 50<br>Algade Town Square<br>---------------------------------------------<br><br>Suki enjoyed the sights and sounds of the city around her, but for the larger part, didn't partake in the event, so much as reap the rewards. During the halloween event when the safe zone was taken down, she went about eliminating the wanted men in a methodical and mechanical way. Though she didn't get the special item drops, she made more money than anyone else that day, along with a single piece of special gear from one of her clientele. It was a strange business, killing in a game. It took Suki a long time to come to terms with exactly what she was doing, but she had been a part of the murderer guilds, seen just how far their evil influence spread and experienced some of the worst they had to offer. It was christmas in the darkest way imaginable for Suki tonight. Her reverie was snapped somewhat by the swath of people and the items being sold. It was only a glance at the message, but Suki recognized her more goodly counterpart, Skosha. "Huntress" and "Archangel" were two sides of the same coin, that being the one of vigilante justice. She already had a full list of targets for when the safe zone would supposedly come down and the various prices on their heads, but she always liked to add more. <br><br>Though she wasn't exactly a discreetly dressed woman in the throng of casually dressed players and NPCs, she was left mostly unnoticed, her hide skill rendering her all but invisible while active. She started to gravitate towards the girl selling the items, those recognizing her stepping out of the way ever so slightly and those that didn't being nudged out of the way. The strangest part of her gait was the absolute lack of noise. Her boots didn't emit any of the noise files that regular ones did, instead, just the motion of her walking and the brushing of her own leather against that of the crowds. Suki finally broke through the ring and in her colder, impassive voice, began to address Skosha like she was an NPC. "Skosha. I would request any names you have written down for known PKers in this city. You don't need to know why. I'm willing to pay a substantial sum or my services." She had to pull her mask down to talk, lest it get dirty. Her features were extremely feminine, but her eyes were always set in an impassive stare. The contrast between the two was evident. Though her outfit left little to the imagination, Suki's covered her entire body, save the top half of her head, whereas her goodly counterpart was showing off plenty. The outfit made Suki a little angry, but it was never shown to the innocent, and Skosha was innocent, and frankly useful. Only after she was done speaking did Suki notice the man attempting to make conversation. In her own particular fashion, she stared directly at him, unwavering.<br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Niki315</strong> on <strong>22-12-2012, 08:00:18</strong>
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				<br>----------------------------------------<br>Skosha<br>8:05 PM<br>Floor 50<br>Algade Town Square<br>----------------------------------------<br><br>"300 for those, and uh, 1000 for those.&nbsp; I have these in three other colors if you're interested.&nbsp; Yeah, I could have a matching scarf for you before midnight.&nbsp; Meet me at 10:00 and I'll throw one together for you."&nbsp; Skosha's wares were more popular than she had thought, and she was trying to keep up with the rush of customers she had run into.&nbsp; <em>I should find another vendor to work with.&nbsp; The only thing more popular than gloves in a snow storm is hot chocolate,</em> she thought.&nbsp; Then Jonathan introduced himself and held out his hand.&nbsp; It took a second for her to figure out what was going on, but once it clicked she smiled and shook his hand.&nbsp; "Oh hey.&nbsp; Do you remember me?&nbsp; I'm Skosha.&nbsp; Are you in the market for some gloves tonight?"&nbsp; She completed a few transactions on her menu screen before displaying her sellable inventory for Jonathan.&nbsp; Gloves were the most popular item tonight, so she was starting to run low on them, but she had plenty of other items.&nbsp; <br><br>While she was shaking Jonathan's hand she heard Suki's voice.&nbsp; The Archangel.&nbsp; The executioner of the PKers.&nbsp; The two had traded information several times over the last few months, both being well known PK hunters in the top tier of players.&nbsp; Their methods varied enough that they almost couldn't work together, but their business overlapped a great deal.&nbsp; "Oh,yeah.&nbsp; I wanted to talk to you.&nbsp; Do you think you'd have time around 11?&nbsp; We could set up a meeting and I'll drop you some info.&nbsp; I have a room at the Blue Ladle Inn for the night.&nbsp; Meet me in the common room?"&nbsp; 
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				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BruceTheCat</strong> on <strong>22-12-2012, 10:05:07</strong>
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				Jinathan nodded at the qyestion, following it up quickly with one of those faces which told that he had been waiting to make sure he remembered him before embarrassing himself. "Actually I was looking more for some kind of casual-" words were cut off though when the second woman approached. In contrast to Skosha, Suki's attire kept the majority of her body hidden beneath layers of leather and armor. Even the lower half of her face was obscured in mystery, though John wagered from.the look of her eyes, tone of her skin and sight of her hair that she was probably quite beautiful as well.<br><br>'Quite direct' he thought to himself, smiling in a charming way while doing his best not to look as though he were intentionally listening in on their conversation. However, the mention of wanting a list of PKers in the city did seem relevant, even though Jonathan did not fancy himself a hunter of those sort like so many else did. "Sorry to involve myself" hoping they wouldnt actually be pissed by it "but actually I think I can help."<br><br>"There's a supposedly a seasonal spawn called the Naughty and Nice list that you can only get today from a certain place. It's suppose to reveal hidden PKers".
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				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Vaulera</strong> on <strong>23-12-2012, 01:34:12</strong>
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				---------------------------------------------<br>Suki "Archangel"<br>08:00-8:05 pm<br>Floor 50<br>Algade Town Square<br>---------------------------------------------<br><br>Suki's fingers went down to her mask when Skosha talked, about to pull it up after a curt reply, but they left when the man made reference to an item that would reveal the names of PKers. Her eyes bored holes into him before she spoke. "Tell me where I can find it and if it's possible to have it before the event starts. Oh, and on a side note, be sure to avoid any known PKers when the safe zone goes down. I have a client who will pay me per bounty head with proof of kill." Her hands went to her chin in a moment of rare contemplation. "I suppose I'm a bit like santa. I give to both the good and the bad. To the nice, I give the gift of vengeance. To the naughty, I give the gift of certain doom." <br><br>While she waited for the reply, she gave one to Skosha. "If I can get this supposed drop and make it back in time, I will oblige. Though I think you know very well what I'd say if you told me to spare them. No quarter is given to the scum of Aincrad." With that said, she opened her inventory and equipped one of her many swords. This one was a larger Ninjato, specced for PvE and hidden strikes. It never struck her as strange, that she would have a weapon geared for PvP in SAO, but then again, her style of play was very different. Sneaking in SAO didn't give any sort of bonuses besides not being seen and a single, prepared strike. It worked well clearing all of the trash, but bosses tended to spot her easily enough. She was the only one in the lead group who snuck, hell, maybe the only one that chose the stealth route. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Niki315</strong> on <strong>23-12-2012, 03:58:19</strong>
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				<br>----------------------------------------<br>Skosha<br>8:05 PM<br>Floor 50<br>Algade Town Square<br>----------------------------------------<br><br><br>"I heard about the Naughty/Nice list.&nbsp; The item description for the snow globe says that it pairs with the list or something like that, and I heard rumors the two items can only be obtained in December.&nbsp; I don't know how true the rumors are though; it's very difficult to check facts in Aincrad," Skosha said while pulling the snow globe out of her inventory.&nbsp; "Do you know something about the list Jonathan?&nbsp; How long would it take to get one?"&nbsp; On December 1st, one of the NPC dealers she went to frequently to obtain supplies had new seasonal items on display.&nbsp; She bought all of the sewing related ones, and a couple of the cooking items.&nbsp; The snow globe she bought on a whim because it looked cute, and she wanted to put it in her room.&nbsp; She hung up about 10 stockings over the fireplace in the common room of the inn she was staying at for fun as well.&nbsp; The inn's decorations seemed lacking without them.<br><br>Suki's comments were a little darker.&nbsp; "Well, I think I'd prefer a lump of coal.&nbsp; Certain doom doesn't go with my color scheme."&nbsp; It figured that Suki would use the Christmas event as a chance to corral the PKers.&nbsp; It was the only time that the safe-zones would be down in such a popular area.&nbsp; It would be easy to cover it up if people died.&nbsp; And anyone could disappear in the chaos that was coming.&nbsp; There was a massive amount of people in Algade tonight.&nbsp; Probably ten times as many than a normal night.&nbsp; A couple walked through the vendor market, hand in hand, without a care in the world.&nbsp; There was a certain amount of envy in Skosha's eyes as she watched their carefree stroll.&nbsp; It honestly didn't feel like Christmas to her.&nbsp; All of the lights, wreaths, decorations, seasonal items didn't matter.&nbsp; Even after buying all the seasonal items that were available, none of it really managed to shake her from the reality.&nbsp; They were all in a game of life or death.&nbsp; Mistakes could not be made, Skosha could never let her guard down.&nbsp; Even now she stood in the middle of a safe zone with a sword as large as she was staked into the ground at her side.&nbsp; All she had to do was grab it and parry and almost any PVP attack would be ineffective.&nbsp; Parry-bypass builds weren't very effective against most players because parry was the fifth most useful defense on the server, by a large margin, making it one of the least used.&nbsp; It was only a matter of time before someone was willing to spend a few levels respec-ing to take her out.&nbsp; It was the same for Suki.&nbsp; PK guilds were not happy with the growing interest in hunting.
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				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>apygoos</strong> on <strong>23-12-2012, 05:28:57</strong>
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				Jake "Mid-Knight"<br>8:00-8:05<br>Floor 50<br>Algade Town Square<br><hr><br>"Alright! Jake's Weapon Forge is now open!.." Jake, under the character name of Mid-Knight, had finally just finished setting up his weapon smithing shop, the final touches made after setting up a "grand opening" banner in front of the place. Jake thought he would likely get some customers immediately, but this wasn't the case. "Weapons?..anyone? best forged weapons around guaranteed! maybe some equipment repair?..." He lets out a sigh, pulling up his inventory and taking out a packet of hot cocoa, his forges fire now being used to warm some milk he got in the market, at least his cooking skill was comparable to his smithing skill.<br><br><em>"Don't worry Jake, someone has to come at some point.."</em>
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				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BruceTheCat</strong> on <strong>23-12-2012, 09:00:09</strong>
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				----------------------------------------<br>Jonathan<br>8:05 PM<br>Floor 50<br>Algade Town Square<br>----------------------------------------<br><br>Biting lightly into the side of his cheek in a frustrated manner, Jonathan turned his attention to one of the roads which lead from the center of the town square out towards the open plain's and eventually forest of the 50th floor. Given the presence of the snow storm almost nothing could be seen, but as each were plainly aware dangers existed at every turn when playing SAO. Especially when it came to leaving the safe zones.<br><br>"Ya I know how to get one" he told Skosha, but with a tone that also said he was not happy about possessing the information. "A few miles north of Algade's there's a big lake hidden within some of the forest". John's eye's widened slightly, as though realizing that he was giving away precious information while still being surrounded by several players he was not familiar with. Though John had never worked with Suki personally, the tales of the Archangel were not foreign to his mind. He knew her reputation well enough to wager that she wasn't going to betray him for a few coins. "Here, follow me" he asked the two women quickly before stepping aside from the crowd and working his way into an adjoining alleyway where some privacy could be had. "There's this lake that freeze's over in the winter, during the seasonal change" extending his finger up towards the torrent of snow which had ceased to let up every since December had begun.<br><br>"There's an old ship frozen in the middle of the lake, with some boss inside I assume. Apparently he's got it" he admitted with a wary glance between the two girl's. "But if you are going after it you're going to need a group". That was more a statement of fact over anything else. John was careful about giving away the information, not because of what it or the item might be worth, but because he didn't want to give Suki or Skosha inspiration to go running off on their own! "As it just so happens..." smiling handsomely while scratching his unshaven stubble with his leather gloves "I've got a free evening to help. And a few friends who I think would be willing to join".<br><br>Perhaps not as well known amongst the players as Suki or Skosha for their PK hunting activities, John had actually garnered a reputation for himself specifically when it came to PvE. With the exception of what had transpired with a near party wipe on floor 47, where John ended up being the only boss combatant who survived, he was one of the more prominent front-liners. Bringing up his HUD, Jonathan sent two messages out to previous allies of his who were present in the town that John had worked with in the past.<br><br>Message to Jake: "Hey Jake, interested in a treasure hunt on Christmas Eve? - John"<br><br>Message to Megumi: "Hey Megumi, interested in a treasure hunt on Chrustmas Eve? - John"
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				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Vaulera</strong> on <strong>23-12-2012, 10:31:27</strong>
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				---------------------------------------------<br>Suki "Archangel"<br>08:00 pm<br>Floor 50<br>Algade Town Square<br>---------------------------------------------<br><br>Suki was getting excited in spite of herself at the prospects of a list of PKers. What she could do with that was simply astounding. She always worked fast, her method was often so much easier than Skosha's own. It was a simple matter of ambushing a villain, placing her blade in the right place from the darkness. Another one of her favourite methods was to wear something normal and enticing, luring in the often women starved criminals and knifing them while they are away with her hidden weapons skill. A shiver ran up her spine as she remembered the halloween event. The screams of remorseless PKers rang throughout the night air in every part of the city, as well as the screams of the innocent, falling prey to the PKers own schemes. Her kill number was into the dozens by the time the last boss was cleared and the safe zone brought back. It was truly magnificent, the moment the social order devolved, each and every terrified, calculated player deciding how much they could make by trading their humanity. Some could argue that she was the same as them. Killing out of desperation, but Suki didn't see it that way. Anyone willing to join a group of murderers in a situation where teamwork is so vital was worse than just taking a life. It was placing them all at the risk of death, of extortion and never seeing the outside world again. She shook her head before opening her inventory to check her items. Her few throwing weapons were in place, but she didn't use them much, but she swapped weapons for her PvE sword. She looked at the stats, it was a weapon that didn't measure up quite as she would like it. "I would appreciate that very much, but there is a smith about, and my PvE sword is at least two classes worse than my PvP sword. I need to buy a new one, so wait here."<br><br>Her silent leather boots hit the seamless, incredibly clean cobblestone ground in perfect harmony, every bit of her as balanced as someone would imagine a real assassin to be. She checked the logs and it was indeed a smith who had opened, promising the <em>" best forged weapons around guaranteed!"</em>. Suki shook her head and her fingers went back to the mask, debating whether or not to bring it over her fine, feminine features once more. She shrugged internally and decided against it. It was christmas, and all who thought of her as an enemy would likely be dead by sun up. Suki stood right at the front of the kiosk, her eyes roaming about the welcome banner and the owner of the establishment, her lip curling ever so slightly at the mug of cocoa on the coals. Her cold stare landed directly on the smith, and her tone was just as icy. It was worse than deadpan, it spoke volumes about her without any description needed. "I require a very specific blade. Price is of no object, so I can pay you for services, materials and as much tax as you like. The most I'm willing to pay is two MegaKor, enough for a small house. It needs to be a Ninjato, a class of one-handed curved swords. It needs to be at least above item level seventy and specced for PvE. If possible, a heavy, more damaging and slow class metal for forging is my preference. If you need a name, I'm sure Archangel covers it well enough. Anything else need to be gone over?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Niki315</strong> on <strong>23-12-2012, 11:46:06</strong>
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				<br>----------------------------------------<br>Skosha<br>8:10 PM<br>Floor 50<br>Algade Town Square<br>----------------------------------------<br><br>Rare drops and boss locations were definitely coveted information, so talking about it in the open could be dangerous.&nbsp; Jonathan made the smart move to direct everyone into the alleyway for a private chat.&nbsp; With the commotion on the streets, the negatives on listen checks would probably make it incredibly difficult to overhear their conversation.&nbsp; <br><br>Jonathan was more enthusiastic about the raid than Skosha expected.&nbsp; Suki was just as excited as would be expected.&nbsp; Skosha smiled to Jonathan as he contacted a few people to set up a group.&nbsp; "I would enjoy a group raid tonight actually.&nbsp; It's hard to solo bosses, so let's make sure we're all prepared."&nbsp; Skosha was surprised at Suki's neglect for her PvE weapon.&nbsp; Two classes behind meant that she had probably spent at least the last ten levels doing completely PvP.&nbsp; If there was one word to describe Suki, it was dedicated.&nbsp; Skosha was known for hunting players, but Suki lived it.&nbsp; She watched as Suki silently walked off, back into the commotion to work on procuring her new weapon.&nbsp; While she and Jonathan were alone, Skosha decided to take advantage of the situation and get some more info.<br><br>"So, how do you know the people we'll be partying with?" Skosha asked as she sent a party request to him.&nbsp; "And about how tough is this raid?&nbsp; Are these guys gonna be up to the challenge?"&nbsp; Skosha double checked her equipment, which was stupid because she almost never changed out her equipment.&nbsp; Then she realized she still had the snow globe.&nbsp; She pulled it out of her inventory and shook it.&nbsp; She let out a sigh and smiled faintly.&nbsp; A little something to forget about the severity of their situation.&nbsp; "Oh.. and didn't you want to buy something earlier?&nbsp; Discounts for party members."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BruceTheCat</strong> on <strong>24-12-2012, 03:42:17</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Jonathan finally dismissed his HUD, half listening to Skosha's questions while looking through to make sure there was nobody else present in Algade who might be willing to party up with them. "They're just some old friends from other floors" he told her with a kind smile, glancing around once more to make sure that nobody else was trying to eve's drop on them.<br><br>"How hard is it? To be honest I don't know, however I remember that the October seasonal dungeons seemed about 5 floors more difficult. So... probably about a Floor 55 - 60 dungeon" he told her with an almost regretful shrug. "That's why I knew it would be important to get a party together sooner rather than later. Especially if you're looking to try and get your hands on whatever gear drops at the midnight event."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>apygoos</strong> on <strong>24-12-2012, 15:04:19</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=160817.msg7429017#msg7429017">Quote from: Vaulera on 23-12-2012, 10:31:27</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">---------------------------------------------<br>Suki "Archangel"<br>08:00 pm<br>Floor 50<br>Algade Town Square<br>---------------------------------------------<br><br>&nbsp;Her cold stare landed directly on the smith, and her tone was just as icy. It was worse than deadpan, it spoke volumes about her without any description needed. "I require a very specific blade. Price is of no object, so I can pay you for services, materials and as much tax as you like. The most I'm willing to pay is two MegaKor, enough for a small house. It needs to be a Ninjato, a class of one-handed curved swords. It needs to be at least above item level seventy and specced for PvE. If possible, a heavy, more damaging and slow class metal for forging is my preference. If you need a name, I'm sure Archangel covers it well enough. Anything else need to be gone over?"<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Jake "Mid-Knight"<br>8:08 PM<br>Floor 50<br>Jakes Forge: Algade Town Square<br><hr>He rest his hands on the counter a moment, a grins slowly comign onto him as he goes into his inventory, pulling out several items. "To think, people called me crazy for farming this stuff. Not alot of it, but If you want a sword of that caliber, you'll get it." He spend about a month two floors down before returning to the front lines. He starts to piece it together as per her specifications. "Dragon marrow for the hilt... and...Ah here it is..Darkforge steel.." He sets the steel block into the furnace to super heat.<br><br>While it heats, he gets a PM from an old friend he met a few floors back<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=160817.msg7428801#msg7428801">Quote from: Red Lobster on 23-12-2012, 09:00:09</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">----------------------------------------<br>Jonathan<br>8:05 PM<br>Floor 50<br>Algade Town Square<br>----------------------------------------<br>Message to Jake: "Hey Jake, interested in a treasure hunt on Christmas Eve? - John"<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>"Treasure hunt huh?..." He says absently. While the steel is still heating he takes the time to reply <br>"Sure, my Shop just opened here on Floor 50. If you need any weapons or equipment before heading out you can make the party from here. Cant leave /just/ yet, filling in a hefty order, the place is in Algade Town Square! -Jake"<br><br>After the message was sent, he opens the furnace, using some heavy tongs to remove it, not using the hammer that was out already, instead taking one out from his inventory. The hammer he was using was an actual weapon to forge this, not your standard smiths hammer. After a few pounds, the blade came together, now pulling out his own blade. He would hold the newly forges Ninjato out, bringing his own blade down onto it with a powerful strike, fully charged. The clash reverberated through the area for a few moments. Satisfied at the weapons preformance, he makes sure the weight is just as she wanted it, taking a few more idle swings at the air. "Well here we are, probably my best smith work yet. Then again outside my own weapons, no one has ever requested a weapon that requires a maxed smithing skill." He records the information of the forged blade. "The Seraph's Embrace, level seventy-eight Ninjato. There is a life time warranty on the blade ,though whit a blade of that quality.. you'll probably never need to replace it." He selects a fitting sheath for the weapon. She would see the weapon is superbly statted for both PVE and PVP. "That woudl be Two MegaKor even please."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Vaulera</strong> on <strong>30-12-2012, 06:30:03</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				---------------------------------------------<br>Suki "Archangel"<br>08:00 pm<br>Floor 50<br>Algade Town Square<br>---------------------------------------------<br><br>Suki didn't say a word when he started talking about the materials, not even a syllable. Her lips, though freed from the mask, were no more mobile. She watched him work however, noting the familiarity with which he operated the computer generated furnace and materials. An internal wince happened when he mentioned dragon marrow. It sounded expensive, and darkforge steel sounded almost more so. Though he might not notice her face unchanging, she was slightly impressed, and slightly agitated, that he was messaging someone while making her sword. Suki couldn't help but let a grin slide onto her thin and feminine features, it's name strangely fitting. She looked at the sheath and saw that he had a sense of humor. There was a classical Japanese character, it reminded her very much of the Uesugi clan symbol, a little joke about her religious nickname, along with the shinto-buddhist origin of the clan. Suki placed the sheath on the counter and started to test the blade. Her swings were expert, but clearly she wasn't intending to fight monsters. Her swings were cutting low, exploiting the game system for toe cutting and finger slashing, her thrusts were confusing to the eye and clearly she had specialized in anti-parry techniques and one-hit kill attacks rather than the more conservative and cautious monster fighting techniques. <br><br>She was done in a little over a minute, and her small hand grabbed the sheath and held it out, before it snapped over it's respective blade with a loud and audible click, all in the blink of an eye. She held it out at her side and her free hand swiped through the menus. Two megakor was a hefty price, without question, but it was an investment. This sword had higher stats than either of her blades, and the bleed damage dealt by her PvP sword could be replaced by&nbsp; applied poisons. A couple more swipes and she had sent him the owed money. "Bye bye smith, time for me to go give all the naughty boys and girls their christmas dues, courtesy of... what might your name be? Make it quick though, I have to go meet up with a group, we're getting a special item and he said he was calling some friends for a treasure hunt or a raid or something of the like." While she was talking to him, Suki swiped through some more menus, the sights and sounds of a smithy reminding her of someone who could help in the raid. Her fingers worked their way down her extensive list of contacts or "friends" and found the name she was looking for, Kamatsu. She'd worked with him on several front line boss raids and talked with him a few times. The letters were all arrayed on the message board neatly, only taking a moment or two. <em>Kam, I know very well that you're in town, and I also know that you couldn't possibly be doing anything with someone important, and I am in need of skilled assistance for a special seasonal raid. It'll widen my list of targets, help out and I'll cut you in at 10%, no strings.</em> Suki sent the message and closed the menu, turning to look back at the smith, impatiently waiting for his answer, eyes still boring holes.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>FallenAngelNajdan</strong> on <strong>30-12-2012, 07:25:33</strong>
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				---------------------------------------------<br>Kamatsu<br>08:05 pm<br>Floor 50<br>Algade Town Square<br>---------------------------------------------<br><br>Kamatsu was wondering around the square. It was one of the days he had his shop closed. He did not need the money, he had enough left over from his time on the front lines and the profits that he did make during his business days to live quite well. He wanted to see what all the fuss was about, after being in this game for so long, you come to see things a little different. The events that were held became almost like national holidays. People were everywhere. It was even hard to walk around. He did not even know there were this many players left in the game. For some reason he thought most of them would have died out. It was not because he thought the players were not good, but because this game was made to kill them. <br><br>He walked up to one of the small shops and stood in line for a small snack that was being sold. He did not even know what it was really called, only that it had a high cooking value and was said to be very good. It looked something like a small piece of bread with some green frosting on it with small red dots. It some what resembled a Christmas tree, so he thought of it as a Christmas cookie. He took a bite and its flavor came to him. It was almost very like one, but like with everything in the game, the taste was somehow different. He heard the notification alarm telling him that someone or something had sent him a message. He flicked his wrist to open up the HUD. He scrolled down and opened up the messages. It seemed like one of the people he knew while running the front lines had sent him a message. It was from Archangel: <em>Kam, I know very well that you're in town, and I also know that you couldn't possibly be doing anything with someone important, and I am in need of skilled assistance for a special seasonal raid. It'll widen my list of targets, help out and I'll cut you in at 10%, no strings.</em> He read it over once more, just to make sure what it said. A raid, once more. He did not know if he really wanted to or not. After all it has been some time since the last one he went to. He was not unsure about it because he did not keep his level up, but only because he had no real reason to go anymore. Decayingitch was gone, and that was the one reason he had to go.<br><br>He moved over to close the message, but then he remembered. He needed to get out of this game. It was a death trap, and he could not just leave it up to others to clear it. His friend would not like that, not one bit. He quickly hit the reply button and started to type out a message. <em>I guess it is time for me to dust off the armor and come along. Make it 12% and any crafting mats that you get and its a deal. Tell me where everyone is meeting up and I will see you there.</em> He sent the message and moved over to his inventory menu. He looked over his gear, most of it not being used in a long time. He had some stuff that he used to level, but that was lower then his old set. He scrolled, coming across his shield and sword. Pressing the button he equipped them, both of them coming into reality with brightly lit pixels. Another scroll down and he came across his armor set. Putting it on and watching his body become a glowing shape for a moment always seemed to fill him with dread. It was as if he was being removed from the world.<br><br>He closed his HUD and started to move across the square thinking he knew where everyone was going to be at with out even needing the reply. After all, if it was anything like the old raids, they all met up in somewhat the same place.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BruceTheCat</strong> on <strong>30-12-2012, 09:04:49</strong>
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				----------------------------------------<br>Jonathan<br>8:15 PM<br>Floor 50<br>Algade Streets<br>----------------------------------------<br><br>Jonathan glanced up at the sky again, momentarily enjoying the dancing white flecks of snow as they descended to the earth before meeting eyes with Skosha again. "Well we better be on our way, only have a few hours before midnight and we need to be back in town when the clock strikes 12". It was so cliche the man actually stammered out a quick chuckle before walking through the alley then back out into the main roads. While doing so he sent a message out to those players he had hoped to party up with for the evening. "We can meet the others outside of town, no need to have them walk all the way here." Fingers then working down his list of added players to find Jake, Suki and Megumi.<br><br><em>Let's rendeveous at the North entrance to the town. We are headed to a lake only a few miles away. Bring your best gear.</em><br><br>The bright 'SENT' message appeared then disappeared, clutching onto the hilt of his katana before glancing back to be certain Skosha was following him. "I heard this boss was an Ice Elemental type" he offered, deciding that talking strategy for the boss ahead was as good of small talk as any.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>apygoos</strong> on <strong>30-12-2012, 23:17:03</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Jake "Mid-Knight"<br>8:16 PM<br>Floor 50<br>Jakes Forge: Algade Town Square<br>with: Suki<br><hr><br>"The name's Jake" He said with a smile ,now taking the time to look over her fine feminine physique. A slight blush comes over him as in that moment, he noticed both of them received a message at the same time. He recalled her saying something about going on a raid or something for some treasure. When he opened the mail and saw it was from Jonathan, he looks up once more asking her, "I guess that must mean we are in the same party then? meeting up with Jonathan? either way,.." He starts to close up shop, two megakor was enough profit for a good long while, so a one and done day would be alright for him, especially since it was christmas eve. He pulls up his inventory, equipping his heavier armor onto himself, equipping his sword and hand axe, lastly getting his great sword out, contemplating&nbsp; equipping it, deciding for now against it, putting t back away. ".. I'm off if we are in fact heading the same direction, i guess its not quite goodbye just yet, hell were prolly gunna party together if that's the case." He said over with a smile at her, her stare seeming odd to him though. Something told him there was more to her than she was letting on, maybe he could get to know her a bit before they all group up. Assuming they were going in the same direction, he sent her a party invite, scratching the a back of his head shyly
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SirHakado</strong> on <strong>31-12-2012, 15:21:32</strong>
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				------------------------<br>Hakado<br>8:00 PM to 8:15 PM<br>Floor 50<br>Streets of Algade and Town Square<br>------------------------<br><br><br>Hakado calmly walked into the over-full streets of Algade.<br>The cold win whipped past his face, causing him to draw his cloak closer.<br>The whipping of the wind exposed his blue armor and sheathed sword underneath from time to time.<br>"Tch, I figured there'd be a lot of oppertunists coming for the event, but I never figured it'd be this many." He said to noone in particular.<br>He looked around, seeing if there was anyone he'd know, but most people were bundled up and unrecognisable.<br><br>He idled around the streets, passing couples enjoying the seasonal decorations and groups with more steel equipped then your average skyscraper alike.<br><em>Seems I'm going to have to find myself a group, else everything'll be tagged before I can respond at midnight...</em><br>He sauntered off towards the town square, since it seemed to have the largest collections of players.<br>Ignoring the cold, he pulled down his hood, exposing his face to the masses... and making it much easier to look around himself.<br><em>Let's see if we can find anyone dependable</em>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BruceTheCat</strong> on <strong>02-01-2013, 15:37:03</strong>
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				<div align="center">(http://inspirationexhibit.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/snowy_landscape-angus_clyne.jpeg)</div><br><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size">Plains of Floor 50</span></strong></div><br><em>Perhaps because the 50th floor marks the halfway point between the beginning and the end of the killing game, the number of dangerous one could find by simply wandering around the dangerous zone are actually quite few. All things considered the long rolling plains, dense forest isolating long streams and tall mountains, are actually quite safe for even low level characters to set up homes country homes or relax at their leisure!<br><br>However, that is not to say that Floor 50 is not completely without it's dangers. For all that is beautiful and peaceful about the floor, it has recently become known that the reason for this is that the floor possess almost no 'fodder' creatures, or 'mobs'. High level boss type monsters have been rumored to wander this vast, open terrain, slaughtering any who have the unfortunate luck to come across their path.</em>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Niki315</strong> on <strong>02-01-2013, 23:26:47</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				----------------------------------------<br>Skosha<br>8:15 PM<br>Floor 50<br>Algade Streets<br>----------------------------------------<br><br>Skosha wasn't particularly aiming to obtain the event drop, but she didn't want to miss out.&nbsp; There were a lot of people here tonight, and at the very least she wanted to see what happened.&nbsp; Midnight tonight would probably be the most exciting moment in the game since, well, ever probably.&nbsp; It was cutting it a little close to be doing prep work just hours before the event, but until now, there wasn't enough information to act on it.&nbsp; With Jonathan able to bring together a group and knowing the location of the raid, it seemed a pretty safe bet they'd be able to get the drop and be back in time.&nbsp; <br><br>Skosha nodded at Jonathan's suggestion to get moving.&nbsp; Meeting the others outside of town would be far easier.&nbsp; Navigating the streets was getting to be a pain, and even with the ease of finding friends on a map, there would be trouble actually locating each other.&nbsp; "Ice elemental type.&nbsp; How many heavy hitters are going to be coming along?&nbsp; Ice DR can be tough for precision types to overcome.&nbsp; Do you have any idea of who'll be tanking?&nbsp; I can volunteer if you have no one better in mind."<br><br>Skosha's weapon was good for damage and parrying, so as long as the enemy wasn't overwhelmingly strong, she could probably take the hits.&nbsp; If it was really fast, she would have trouble landing a hit, but could do some pretty good damage if she managed to land one.&nbsp; If only she knew more about the monster in advance.&nbsp; Coordinating teams was something Skosha actually really enjoyed.&nbsp; It was something that she never knew about before entering the game.&nbsp; 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BruceTheCat</strong> on <strong>03-01-2013, 06:59:16</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Name: Jonathan<br>Time: 8:15 PM<br>Floor: 50<br>Location: Leaving Algade<br><hr><br>Skosha's questions were important, however John released a small sigh in frustration when realizing that he did not have any proper answers for most of them. Time spent on the front lines for the majority of the last year had given the man a trained skill for arranging boss fights. He had participated in over a hundred, nearly half of which were the Floor bosses, so he would have needed to be completely inept not to learn something along the way.<br><br><strong>"Not sure about most of those right now"</strong> laughing slightly at the embarrassing reality. <strong>"We still aren't sure who is going to respond to the message and meet us outside of town." </strong>Volunteering to be the tank for a boss fight was no small measure of courage, a role that most often needed to be assigned to the one who drew the shortest straw. Why was never really a question, the person tanking the boss had the highest chance of death. Especially considering SAO had no healing spells.<br><br><strong>"We've got almost no intel on the boss except his location and drop."</strong> His hand raised, running the gloved leather tips of his fingers through the fuzz coating his chin as both passed beneath the archway leading into Algade. <strong>"But my gut tells me he's going to be a heavy hitter. I started noticing during the Halloween even that a lot of the bossess had everything going for them except health. Maybe this one will be the same"</strong> he speculated.<br><br><strong>"Tentatively, for now we can assume you will take point."</strong>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SirHakado</strong> on <strong>03-01-2013, 18:02:53</strong>
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				----------------<br><br>Name: Hakado<br>8:15 PM<br>Floor 50<br>Algade Streets<br><br>----------------<br><br>Hakado sighed as he looked around the streets, not seeing anyone familiar.<br>Felt like every player in SAO had come out to play.<br>Of course, his friends list told him a few of his old guildies were in the neighbourhood...<br><em>... No, that bridge hasnt just been crossed, but burned.</em><br>Why he hadnt removed them from his friends list... even he couldnt really tell you.<br><br>He smirked, figured he'd go stag to this dance.<br>Still, his smirk turned to smile when he thought he saw a familiar face as Jonathan crossed the alleyway he was in, seemingly heading out of town.<br><em>Isnt he...?</em> He turned and followed, almost everyone had heard of Jonathan's amazing feat of survival... and his face rallying the front-line players.<br>He turned and followed Jonathan and the shapely woman beside him, though at the moment he payed her no mind.<br>"Hail, Jonathan!" He called out. "Arent you heading in the wrong direction?"<br>He didnt know if he'd be recognized, he wasnt much of a frontliner until recently, but you can't succeed if you never try anything!
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mysterica</strong> on <strong>03-01-2013, 22:27:25</strong>
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				----------------<br><br>Name: Rose<br>8:10 PM<br>Floor 50<br>Algade Streets<br><br>----------------<br><br>Rose shivered as she walked out of her newly purchased home.&nbsp; She had been working hard for months and had finally just arrived at the front line two floors ago which meant that now she would be able to start grouping up with people to be able to fight stronger enemies than what she had fought thus far sticking only to the weak mobs on a floor and fighting them until they were no longer even remotely challenging, then proceeding to the next floor.&nbsp; It was awful tedious, but it was the only way to be able to catch up without risking her own death.&nbsp; She was going to live to see the outside world again for James's sake.<br><br>This area was so strange.&nbsp; She hadn't been able to see any of the other holiday events, so seeing the place decked up for Christmas was very pleasing.&nbsp; Something to remind the players that there is hope is always a good thing.&nbsp; Everyone seemed to be taking it easy, walking around in small groups wearing festive clothes laughing and joking.&nbsp; It made Rose a little sad.&nbsp; Everyone else fighting on the front lines had real connections with each other while she had been alone the whole time.&nbsp; The only person she had been properly introduced to so far was a guy named Jonathan whose party she had been in during the last boss fight.&nbsp; Surprisingly, she had even received a message from him that he wanted her help with an event boss.&nbsp; The idea of being able to meet up with some new people and maybe make some friends was too good and opportunity to pass up.&nbsp; She couldn't wait until time to meet up though, she would have to hunt him down and see what he knew about the boss, as well as to hopefully meet some of the other people they would be partying up with.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BruceTheCat</strong> on <strong>04-01-2013, 07:38:00</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Name: Jonathan<br>Floor: 50<br>Location: Leaving Algade<br><hr><br>Jonathan was stopped in his tracks, feet planting in the snow and pivoting from his waist to turn back towards the calling voice. <strong>"Hey Hakado! How've you been?"</strong> he asked, exchanging the necessary pleasantries while reaching out to shake his hand. Hakado was a bit new to the front lines, however among any players who considered themselves versed on Guild politics and information the man was actually rather famous. Jonathan recognized him instantly from the familiar blue armor and large sword he sported, not to mention Hakado was also the only person in all of SAO who greeted with the classic MMO 'Hail!'. Something which always drew a chuckle from John.<br><br>Hakado had previously been a member of the Dragon-Riders, a guild that during the late teens and almost all the way through the 20s Floors was known for clearing whole dungeons and giving maps away to lower level players at no cost. Also when able the Dragon-Riders had been recruited to the front lines for this reason and that during those floors, preceded only by good reputation. As Jonathan had heard it back then, probably 6 months ago now he speculated, most of that was because of Hakado. But eventually popularity and fame took it's toll on the Dragon-Riders, recruiting the wrong people for the wrong reasons until finally they fell off the grid.<br><br><strong>"Skosha this is Hakado, <em>previously</em> of the Dragon-Riders right?"</strong> he asked while introducing them. <strong>"We are trying to fit in a seasonal quest before the midnight event. Want to come along?"</strong>, knowing they still needed all the help they could get.<br><br>Even through the thick snow he could still make out the clocktower situated in the center of the town. Time was running out and the lake wasn't exactly close by. Bringing up his HUD Jonathan sent out another message to everyone present on his friends list in town alerting them that they could only wait at the front of Algade for another 5 minutes before needing to head out.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SirHakado</strong> on <strong>04-01-2013, 18:36:44</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				----------------<br>Name: Hakado<br>Floor: 50<br>Location: Leaving Algade<br>With: Skosha and Jonathan<br>-----------------<br><br>Hakado smiled at his good fortune when Jonathan recognized him immediatly.<br><em>Seems the price for the armor dye was worth every penny</em> he chuckled to himself.<br>Though he supposed his old-fashioned way of talking at times also helped.<br>One too many MMO had rotted his brain and English, it seemed.<br>He walked up to the pair while he was introduced to the lady besides him.<br>"Well met, Skosha!" He had the feeling the name should ring familiar, but he couldnt quite remember at the moment.<br>He'd shake her hand if she'd let him.<br>"Previously is right! Left before they went from bad to horrible..." He said jokingly, though there was a slight bitter undertone.<br>"A special quest? Well I'm never one to turn down a good challenge!" And he was already looking for a party for midnight, so this was right up his alley.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>FallenAngelNajdan</strong> on <strong>05-01-2013, 04:27:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td>Name:<br>Time:<br>Floor:<br>Location:<br>With: </td><td>kamatsu<br>21:15<br>50<br>Leaving Algade<br>None<br></td></tr></tbody></table><hr><br>He had left the city, and head out to the fields, a place where most of the special event boss fights meeting where held. He never did understand why they would have them out in the open, but then again it did make sense to have it closer to the boss then having a lot of travel time. He wondered just how this fight was going to be held, who was going to be doing what. It has been some time since he been to one, and maybe most of the people that used to go to them had died or given up like he had. Time would soon tell. He stuffed along, enjoying the feeling of his shield on his forearm and his sword at his hip. It has been too long since they where there.<br><br>He saw what seemed like a small gathering, most of the people there he did not know. He approached them, holding up his free hand. <strong>"Hail! Is this the gathering spot for the event boss?</strong> There seemed to be three people talking to each other, his question open to any of them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Niki315</strong> on <strong>05-01-2013, 08:13:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				----------------------------------------<br>Name:&nbsp; Skosha<br>8:20 PM<br>Floor: 50<br>Location: Leaving Algade<br>----------------------------------------<br><br>Skosha and Jonathan walked making idle chat about their raid, when they heard a voice call out from behind. Skosha smiled at the old MMO greeting. It was the first time she had actually heard it used on a server. The newcomer that Jonathan knew, approached and they greeted each other as friends. Jonathan seemed rather popular.&nbsp; The man in the blue armor was introduced as Hakado, and was apparently part of the Dragon-riders back before the guild became... unsavory.&nbsp; Skosha gave a small bow and shook his hand, which looked awkward due to the massive sword resting on her shoulder.&nbsp; "Nice to meet you, Hakado.&nbsp; I've never been part of a guild, let alone one as well-known as the Dragon Riders.&nbsp; That's really cool."&nbsp; Skosha realized that she would have a hard time being a member of a guild and not a leader, so she had been saving up to start a guild.&nbsp; But that only led to more problems.&nbsp; Finding members, determining a purpose, setting up a base and to a lesser extent coming up with a name.&nbsp; Skosha was not ready to tackle these issues, so she sort of lent out her skills to other guilds as needed.&nbsp; Today, was more of apersonal mission it seemed though.<br><br>"Yeah, we're going to try and squeeze as much into tonight as possible.&nbsp; We were just discussing some tactics for the fight.&nbsp; What's your specialty Hakado?"&nbsp; From the look of it, he appeared to be a sword and shield fighter. An ever-reliable build, if nothing too fancy.&nbsp; The slow and steady style was always a good fallback when entering new territory.&nbsp; And tonight's monsters were going to be unknown and dangerous.&nbsp; Even worse, the midnight event would remove the safezones for the town, so monsters wouldn't be the only enemies tonight.<br><br>While standing around another player showed up.&nbsp; Jonathan sure had invited a lot of people.&nbsp; "Yeah, this is the place.&nbsp; I'm Skosha, it's nice to meet you."&nbsp; She extended her hand to shake, still resting her sword over her shoulder.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BruceTheCat</strong> on <strong>05-01-2013, 09:05:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Name: Jonathan<br>Floor: 50<br>Location: Leaving Algade<br><hr><br>Jonathan was pleased to see, and even almost laughed that the first question out of Skosha's mouth directed at Hakado was asking him what his primary skill-set entailed. That certainly was the way of things these days. If you hoped to survive on the higher floors you needed to be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of everyone around, especially now that their collective progress in the game slowly began to weed out those who meant to gain power and win, from those who had simply given up. It meant that Skosha's mind was 'in the game' so to speak, on top of things.<br><br>The sound of snow crushing under foot, someone approaching from their side perked Jonathan's ears, slowly turning while setting a hand on the hilt of his katana. They were currently outside of town, which meant they were capable of being attacked by other players. Realistically no PKer in his right mind would attack three people who clearly had gear of high level so close to a town, but one never could be too careful. Especially during a seasonal event, and with a thick snow like this where little could be seen at a distance.<br><br>Surprisingly he was just as confused by who this newcomer was as the rest, eye's turning to meet Skosha and Hakado's out of his side vision before slightly shaking his head to indicate that he didn't know who the man approaching was. He wore an incredibly broad suite of armor that, admittedly, looked rather intimidating. Likely he was a similar level to them. Jonathan hadn't known that Suki was inviting a few members of her own for the boss raid, however obviously this guy didn't just stumble across their location and guess that they were gathering for a boss raid out of sheer luck.<br><br><strong>"Ya that's us"</strong> he replied with a kind smile. <strong>"Were you invited by Suki?"</strong> he asked, knowing that she ran off to run a quick errand. <strong>"Jonathan, nice to meet you"</strong>.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>FallenAngelNajdan</strong> on <strong>05-01-2013, 10:03:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td>Name:<br>Floor:<br>Location:<br>With: </td><td>kamatsu<br>50<br>Leaving Algade<br>None<br></td></tr></tbody></table><hr><br>Two of the people turned to greet him. He smiled a little and shook the woman's hand. <strong>"I am Kamatsu. And I was invited by Archangel. She said you were going to go for the event boss so I thought I would tag along. Its been a long time since I came to a boss fight."</strong> He looked around at everyone gathered, thinking that it was a little lacking compared to normal. <strong>"So is this event not as good as the others? It seems like not a lot of people are missing."</strong> He knew that a few of them could still be showing up, there was still a little bit of time left. He wondered just what this boss had. He tried to remember some of the bosses before. There was many different mechanics that came to mind right away, adds that came out of no where, poison, and changing weapons and abilities at health percents. Out of all of them, the last would be the most deadly. With a boss that little was known, a ability chance could kill the whole group.<br><br><strong>"So have you picked out rolls for the raid yet? There seems to be one other shield user here, and a few two handers."</strong> He kept an eye on people, there was a few times were these gatherings held red named people. It was not often, and mostly people kept an eye out for them, but it was always good to do the same. He after did not know anyone here.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SirHakado</strong> on <strong>05-01-2013, 12:12:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				------------<br>Name: Hakado<br>Floor: 50<br>Location: Leaving Algade<br>------------<br><br>Hakado gave Skosha a little smile.<br>"Much like anything in life, a larger guild a mixed bag. Can be hugely satisfying... and extremely frustrating." He replied to her comment about his former guild.<br>"My style? Sword 'n Board, the old-fashioned way of tanking. Not the most fancy, but it's a style that's never let me down yet!"<br>"I'd ask the same for you, but with that giant sword on your back, I'm pretty sure that'd be a silly question."<br><br>He turned towards the new arrival as he and Jonathan exchanged pleasantries, slightly weary of the new guy since Jonathan didnt seem to know him... and he knew most front-line players, given his role.<br>But he'd stay quiet for now.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BruceTheCat</strong> on <strong>05-01-2013, 21:20:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Name: Jonathan<br>Floor: 50<br>Location: Leaving Algade<br><hr><br><strong>"We won't decide who's taking what positions until we see what we are up against"</strong> he informed Kamatsu. They could speculate all they wanted but the fact was without knowing what kind of enemy this boss would be, they had no idea which of them would be the best person to take the boss's hits. <strong>"It's just less known over the other"</strong> Jonathan admitted in a small whisper, knowing that with the storm being the way it was he probably could have shouted and nobody would have heard him outside of this small group.<br><br><strong>"How long has it been since your last boss fight?"</strong> he probed, obviously slightly wary of that admission. Fighting a seasonal boss was hard enough, but they were doing it with less than a full party. Which meant that they would all need to be at the top of their game, and experienced.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mysterica</strong> on <strong>05-01-2013, 22:29:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Name: Rose<br>Floor: 50<br>Location: Leaving Algade<br><hr><br>Upon receiving a new message, Rose quickly flicked it open and upon reading it swore loudly.&nbsp; She thought she would have had more time to prepare.&nbsp; At least have enough time to get some more...&nbsp; fitting clothes for the snowy environment than her usual dress.&nbsp; Then again she had grown rather used to fighting in the outfit and putting on any extra layers may have had a chance to drop her speed.&nbsp; She wasn't one to wear big heavy armor, relying more on her ability to simply not get hit, and couldn't risk anything different if they were fighting a potentially very strong enemy.<br><br>Rose tore through the town making her way to the rendezvous point when she saw four people standing around talking.&nbsp; What was more, one of them was Jonathan!&nbsp; She quickly made her way to join the group throwing out a quick "Hey!&nbsp; Not thinking of leaving without me are you?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>apygoos</strong> on <strong>05-01-2013, 22:31:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jake "Mid-Knight"<br>Floor: 50<br>Location: Leaving Algade<br><hr><br>After the quiet walk over, Jake found Jonathan, as well as teh small gathering there. "Guess I found the party huh?" He said, looking the gathered over. "Nothing like a raid on Christmas eve, eh? Hopefully the last in this world...Any information on the loot we are after? Also, Hi everyone,<br>&nbsp;he says as he greets with a polite bow and smile.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BruceTheCat</strong> on <strong>06-01-2013, 09:27:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Name: Jonathan<br>Floor: 50<br>Location: Leaving Algade<br><hr><br><strong>"Jake, Rose!"</strong> Jonathan exclaimed with a growing smile at the sight of two of his old party members. He had not been certain whether the message had actually gotten through or not. Six gave them far better chances at coming home with a victory, without casualties. At least that is what the man convinced himself, dragging those leather gloves over the scruff on his chin as he began reminding himself the respective strengths and weaknesses of the two newcomers.<br><br><strong>"I think this is everyone we're going to get"</strong> he said with a growing smile, stepping away from the group for a moment, only to turn back and face them after a few paces. <strong>"Thank you everyone for coming tonight, and helping to increase my chances of making it through Christmas alive. Wouldn't be the holidays at the Hellyer household without a small chance of death, hehe...."</strong> laughing awkwardly at his own bad joke, feeling suddenly like some shitty standup comedian.<br><br><strong>"Anyway, let's head out. If we hurry we won't miss Santa</strong>", that same awkward laugh again before Jonathan finally turned and walked off with the party towards the looming tree-line of the forest ahead. Through the haze of the snow the light, sounds and sight of Algade would be gone within only a few moments, replaced by tall snow covered pines which thankfully caught enough of the falling white powder to seem as though the storm was letting up a bit. The trek would take nearly an hour he estimated before the lake was within sight. Well, that was another hour they had to prepare, and for Jonathan to try and devise a gameplan.<br><br><hr><br><em>David watched as the party made it's way off into the woods, his stealth skill from months of covert operations for various unsavory people having been more than enough to keep him undetected beneath the layers of snow. <strong>"Now where, oh where, are they headed off too."</strong></em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SirHakado</strong> on <strong>06-01-2013, 16:27:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				-----------<br>Name: Hakado<br>Floor: 50<br>Location: Leaving Algade and beyond<br>-----------<br><br>Hakado looked over the newcomers as they arrived.<br>Seemed their little group was a little more rounded now.<br>"I suddenly feel afraid of your mother's cooking..." He replied to Jonathan's poor joke.<br>"But atleast it's business as usual for you, right?" He chuckled so the poor comedian wouldnt feel too bad.<br>Naturally, he'd follow the group out of town, staying near the front of the group so he could react in time should something come up.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Vaulera</strong> on <strong>07-01-2013, 11:41:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				-----------<br>Name: Suki "Archangel"<br>Floor: 50<br>Location: Leaving Algade and beyond<br>-----------<br><br>Suki stared at him with little restraint as he offered her the party invite, but internally shrugged, and pressed the button to confirm. <strong>"I need to go and check the rest of the equipment."</strong> It took a little bit to check on the rest, but it worked out well enough, she didn't have to break the bank on anything. She checked the time and realized that she had been late for a while, reading the message about the meeting place change. She ran fast, her steps still silent, sprinting as fast as she could. When she got to the meeting place, she could see the group out ahead in the snow. She kept her mask down, but ran forward to catch up. There was no sound to herald her arrival, just her voice. Her voice was as cold as always, but it had a sort of humorous tone. <strong>"I hope you're not thinking of doing this boss raid without me. After all, that list is the entire reason we went for this boss run, and only two of us could make use of it."</strong> Soon she had fallen into a walking pace beside Jake, her gear for battle and gear that she wore around completely the same. <strong>"By the way, what sort of roles should we take? What should our switching pairs be?"</strong> It was of note that she in no way apologized for showing up late to the raid that was planned to obtain the item that she had requested, but it just wasn't in her nature to be apologetic or meek.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BruceTheCat</strong> on <strong>07-01-2013, 17:14:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Name: Jonathan<br>Floor: 50<br>Location: Leaving Algade<br><hr><br><strong>"I figured we would just sell it to you when we got back"</strong> Jonathan replied at the sound of Suki's voice present once again among the party. He was joking, at least partially. Granted the primary loot that this boss was known for was the PKer list, however the experience and potential other item drops made it worth it regardless of whether they had a PK hunter among them.<br><br>The forest began to close around them, growing more dense and difficult to traverse. Raised roots scattered amongst breaks in the earth that barred certain directions made the trek slow going, requiring the group to put an enormous amount of effort into traveling only short distances. However if memory served right, they were going the right direction.<br><br><strong>"We are going to wait until we see what kind of boss we are up against before picking the primary defender, but I suppose it couldn't hurt to pair up"</strong> he admitted with a slight shrug. <strong>"Jake, Rose, Suki and I look like the best suited for damage. So we need to pair up with somebody who had a defense stat as their primary skill. Anyone want to volunteer?"</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SirHakado</strong> on <strong>07-01-2013, 21:15:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Name: Hakado<br>Floor: 50<br>Location: Leaving Algade<br><hr><br>Hakado wasnt too bothered by their sauntering through the forest. If he'd been bothered by things such as these, he'd never make it at the frontline.<br>There, a raised tree root was the least of your worries.<br>"I'll pair up. I'll take point if you don't mind.." He said to Jonathan's ask for volunteers.<br>He didnt know much about most of his teammates, so he'd rather be the one up front. Better him then someone whose skills he didnt know yet.<br>"I'll leave whoever you want to pair me with up to you." He said with a wee smile.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Niki315</strong> on <strong>07-01-2013, 22:40:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The casual nature of the meeting was appealing to Skosha.&nbsp; The jokes and laughs and smiles.&nbsp; All of it was stuff that felt so distant.&nbsp; Skosha smiled back and laughed along with Jonathan and the others, but it felt somewhat hollow.&nbsp; When was the last time she had actually laughed?&nbsp; Probably sometime before entering the game.&nbsp; As long as she was in the game though, she had something to stay focused on.&nbsp; She needed to beat the game.&nbsp; Even if she didn't clear the final floor herself, she wanted to see the outside world again.&nbsp; It would be a little dimmer, and much harder with what she'd lost, but she, like so many others, had resolved long ago to complete the game.<br><br>While they chatted, their small group had doubled in size and things were starting to look like a full party.&nbsp; Plenty of damage dealers and damage takers, so a standard raid formation would do just fine.&nbsp; Hakado had volunteered for point, so Skosha didn't need to be primary tank, though her skills were still best utilized for defense, and maybe positioning the enemy.&nbsp; "Okay, that sounds good, Hakado.&nbsp; I can be a secondary defender, and maybe if there's enough, time wind up for a heavy hit."&nbsp; Skosha gestured slightly to the sword on her shoulder before continuing, "Suki, would you like to pair up?&nbsp; Since we're probably more interested in the event drop than anyone else here, it would make sense."&nbsp; Considering the two of them had apprehended dozens of PKers, they were closely matched.&nbsp; Skosha would still probably place her bets on Suki though.&nbsp; "Unless you were thinking of not pairing off.&nbsp; That would be very like you."&nbsp; It was then that Skosha noticed not everyone in the party had winter gear.&nbsp; "Oh and since this boss might be an ice elemental, I have gloves and cloaks if anyone needs frost resist."&nbsp; Skosha opened up her inventory and displayed what was available again to anyone who might need it.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>apygoos</strong> on <strong>08-01-2013, 16:47:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jake "Mid-Knight"<br>Floor: 50<br>Location: Leaving Algade<br><hr><br>"I'm open to pair with anyone as a switch partner, though my DP is much more consistent if I can stay out in the fight longer..not sure but i think my crit chance rises longer I'm in battle. Either way, seeing waht we have here, i think we could take on any boss, hehe"<br><br>His attention turned then to Skosha, eyeing her up and down a moment. Even though when it came down to reality, these were just pixels, but then again. for them, this is very much reality until this death game is beaten. A slight blush came onto him as he admired her figure before chiming in about a cloak. "I'll take one, very nice of you to share, hehe, how about I repay you with a&nbsp; weapon when we get back?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mysterica</strong> on <strong>10-01-2013, 17:35:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rose smiled at the offer for a cloak and gloves for the upcoming fight.&nbsp; "I would love a cloak if that wouldn't be too much to ask."&nbsp; She said.&nbsp; "I just wasn't willing to go and get any kind of other winter clothes both because of a small amount of money left over after buying myself a house to save on trips to the inn, and for fear of dropping my speed.&nbsp; I only wear 'cloth armor' because I'd rather not get hit.&nbsp; I've spent the last several months alone out there fighting mobs to try and get here and even against just the regular enemies, if you are alone and allow yourself to be hit very often you won't survive too long.&nbsp; I learned to try and just dance my way around the enemies and not get hit.&nbsp; This shouldn't hold me back any though."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Niki315</strong> on <strong>14-01-2013, 09:35:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				----------------------------------------<br>Skosha<br>Floor: 50<br>Time:&nbsp; 8:30<br>Location: Outskirts of Algade<br>----------------------------------------<br><br>Jake's addition to the tactical discussion was something that Skosha had to keep in mind.&nbsp; Having crit chance linked to battle duration could be very useful if the fight were to get drawn out longer than expected.&nbsp; It would be foolish to underestimate a critical hit in Aincrad.&nbsp; He also seemed rather confidant based on the group of fighters assembled, and Skosha had to agree.&nbsp; This was as good a group as any, and aside from some of the floor bosses, it seemed unlikely that they would get taken down.<br><br>When it came to the sale of her items, Jake and Rose both showed interest.&nbsp; Cloaks were quite useful to equip.&nbsp; They had low requirements, took up an equipment slot that didn't see much use, and offered a good resistance to weight ratio.&nbsp; Finding cloaks as drops were pretty rare, and the pattern and sewing skill didn't allow for anything other than minor buffs.&nbsp; One day, Skosha hoped to find a better pattern to improve the cloaks' stats.&nbsp; For now, as seasonal items they sold pretty well, and they looked pretty cool too.&nbsp; Jake's comment about offering a weapon was a little surprising. "I don't think I could accept a weapon as repayment.&nbsp; Weapons have about 50 times the demand as a cloak.&nbsp; I'd accept a discount maybe."&nbsp; <br><br>Rose was a dodge build, and as such, the armor and winter clothing would reduce her move speed, which would in turn make her more likely to get hit.&nbsp; She also mentioned being a solo-er which was getting harder and harder these days.&nbsp; Skosha would know.&nbsp; She spent a great deal of her time solo.&nbsp; She flipped through her inventory and found the best resist to weight ratio she could and gave it to Rose.&nbsp; "This should keep you toasty warm for the trip, and will definitely reduce frost damage considerably.&nbsp; I hope it serves you well."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BruceTheCat</strong> on <strong>23-01-2013, 02:09:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Eventually the forest began to thin again, giving way to a large open white field covered in a slight layer of snow. The sky was overcast in a sheet of clouds, masking the welcoming stars and moonlight from view. The lake revealed itself no more than a few yards off from the edge of the tree-line. Given how cold it was, the waters were completely frozen over. The foggy ice stretched as far as the eye could see from their position. During any other night the waters of the lake would be icy cold, however it still would have been water. Because of the event tonight, the game had changed and adjusted to allow users to traverse the vast waters.<br><br>Off in the distance, perceivable by the party due to everyone high level and perception skill, they could see a large wooden three mast ship frozen in place. <strong>"There it is"</strong> he signaled to the rest, motioning towards the structure. The snow stopped, but all at once it felt colder as the party entered the eye of the storm. For a brief instant, the front-liner questioned whether or not to turn back, and whether the item drop and potential gear to be obtained was worth it.<br><br>Ever wanting to put on the good face though he smiled handsomely and turned back to the team. <strong>"Last chance to turn back guys" </strong>he laughed, already quite certain nobody was going to have come this far and go back to Algade now.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>apygoos</strong> on <strong>23-01-2013, 13:57:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jake "Mid-Knight"<br>Floor: 50<br>Location: Ice Lake<br><hr><br>"A discount it is then." He walked along with the rest of the group, putting on his newly squired cloak. It felt fantastic. What a great level of comfort, given they may as well had been walking into a blizzard. The Snow ceased though, and he looked around, noting that it got considerably colder. He saw the ship in the distance, sizing it up, trying to fathom what possibly might await them inside. Then again, with this death game, you just had to take it as it came. Not much in the way of anticipation would help you if you were going in blind.<br><br>"Turn back? you wish, last hit bonus is mine." He said with a grinning, competitive tone. With his crit chance he was pretty good at taking last hits, one some of the easier bosses he was even accused of kill stealing. He didn't care ultimately. The more dead bosses, the closer they would be to ending this Death game. Besides, It didn't hurt to have a little competition in the frigid air, did it?<br><br>"Alright so, who we gunna switch with?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SirHakado</strong> on <strong>23-01-2013, 21:45:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hakado<br>Floor: 50<br>Location: Ice Lake<br><hr><br>Hakado looked at Skosha's inventory list, but decided he didnt need anything of it.<br>He already had frost resist gear, though it was slightly less effective then the equipment the lovely lady made, he'd feel bad taking any.<br><br>"Turn back? Are you mad, Jonathan?" He said, his grin wide.<br>He turned more serious as he saw the pirate ship's masts appear in the distance though.<br>"I figure I'd be your best bet, Jake. I'm the first in and planning on being the last out." He replied to Jake's question.<br>"It'd give you the most ramp-up time, so to speak... And the most chance at that last hit."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC Sword Art Online - A Game of Life and Death</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mysterica</strong> on <strong>25-01-2013, 17:03:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rose smiled as she saw the woman shuffling through her inventory to find the right tool for the job.&nbsp; "Thank you."&nbsp; She said, gratefully accepting the item.&nbsp; Just tell me what I owe you later... though we may have to make it an IOU unless this guy drops a lot of money."&nbsp; She blushed lightly before equipping the cloak.&nbsp; "Wow.&nbsp; That actually helps quite a bit!"<br><br>Rose gulped lightly as the ship came into view and couldn't help but think about how inexperienced she was with this kind of fight.&nbsp; All of her months of training had been against little small fries, and this was going to be a real challenge.&nbsp; "I can't turn back now.&nbsp; I'm going to need stronger gear now if I'm going to be up here on the front lines, and this is the only way to get the truly strong stuff!"
			</dd>
		</dl>
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