Mr. Whisker’s POV

“What have we got?” I asked ShockerSnipe as he returned from scouting the clearing.

“Corrupted grove. I counted ten treant saplings, four treants, two elder treant, and one ancient grove guardian.”

“They grouped up?” I asked, hoping for a yes. That would make it much easier.

“Not really. Grove guardian is right in the middle of the clearing, both elders nearby. The rest are more spread out.”

“Levels?”

“Saplings clock in at 140, regulars at 165. Elders are both 190 and the ancient guardian is at 225.”

“I think we could work with that. Ice Queen, do you have a spell to create a ring of ice around a target?”

“Yes. It won’t hold all three of them long though.”

“Alright, here’s the plan. Ice Queen leads us off with an ice ring around the three big enemies. Cinder and ShockerSnipe, target the closest sapling and unload on it. As it gets closer, Eric and GotYerBack will intercept and finish it off. I’ll be on the other side, damaging what I can and bringing them around. When they break out of the ice ring is when it’s going to get hairy.”

“Plans for when that happens?” Dr. HealYaButts asked.

“Back will take the Ancient and hold it. Eric and I will each pick up an elder and kite them around the clearing, while Shocker, Cinder, and Ice Queen blast kill the saplings and regulars. Then we’ll switch out, gradually working our way up to the guardian. Heal, you focus on Back, he’s going to be taking the most damage.”

“I assume you want me blasting saplings as well?” Ice Queen asked.

“That would be great. Especially if you could spread the love around, keeping them slowed. Give me three minutes to get into position before you start the fun.” Once everyone had the plan down, I headed around to the opposite side of the grove.

Looking things over, I had three saplings on my side and only one of the regulars. The saplings were around six feet tall, while the regulars were pushing ten. My first target would be the one wandering around by his lonesome.

“[Grand ice ring]!” I heard Ice Queen cast her spell, creating a barrier ten feet tall and nearly thirty across, easily trapping the three we were worried about as well as one of the saplings inside.

“[Keen edge][Assassinate].” I activated one of my favorite combinations, instantly teleporting behind the unsuspecting sapling and driving my blades deep into its back. It would count as a critical attack, but it wouldn’t cause the massive bleeding damage it would normally if I had hit both kidneys. Once the blades were buried in the bark, I ripped both downward to open massive wounds.

“[Burning blades].” Another skill to add fire to my attack, as the sapling groaned and started to turn to face me. Ex slash with the blade, double backhanded slash followed by a stab, stab, overhand slash and a mule kick to get some distance, and the sapling I was working on was already in critical health. The other nearby enemies finally noticed me, but it was too late. I charged in and finished off the sapling, easily avoiding its telegraphed limb bash.

As it died, I heard a massive shattering sound, and saw the ice ring had crumbled. “Ok, here we go. [Blink].” I activated the teleportation skill after sheathing one blade, grabbing on to one of the branches of the elder treant and hanging on. “Special delivery.” I chuckled as I shattered a pyrophoria potion right where the main split was for the branches.

Dropping down, I rolled away as the creature thrashed about in panic. Taking stock while it was distracted, Cindrfy was having a blast. The only saplings that were left were the two that started on my side, and they were headed my way. Ice Queen had a regular treant bound in an ice coffin, though from the cracks that were forming it wouldn’t last too much longer. Eric and Back were taking turns cutting into the back of another treant, while Shocker and Cinder were both firing blasts at the remaining treant.

“Shocker, Cinder, switch to Eric’s treant. Eric, Back, pick up your primaries!” I yelled, but it wasn’t required. Back had already disengaged and was heading toward the ancient guardian, while Eric unleashed a massive combo to get the treant’s attention. It turned to him, catching a fireball to the back from Cinder, and falling over in death.

The distraction cost me, as a the elder treant had figured out where the fire that was tormenting it came from, and punched me in the chest. I got to my feet, missing a third of my health, and grunted in annoyance as I started circling the clearing, staying close enough the elder kept trying to reach me.

“[Creeping frost].” Ice Queen targeted the legs of the treant following me, slowing it down. I nodded my thanks, and hit it with a few throwing knives to keep it mad at me. I downed a health potion as I played keep away from the treants that were following me, trying to get them to move in a direct line towards or away from Cinder so that he had less chance to miss.

A few minutes of this, and we had a nice little rotation going. The elder treants were on opposite sides of the ancient guardian, which was happily whaling on GotYerBack as Dr. HealYaButts kept him topped off in health.

“Whiskers, I’m switching to your treant!” I heard Cinder yell, glad he informed me.

“Ready when you are! [Burning blades].”

“[Creeping frost].” Ice Queen slowed down the creature, again targeting the legs.

“Release the spark to light your pyre. Perish, in a [pillar of flame].” A blue spark shot across the gap, striking the elder treant in the back and erupting into a pillar of blue flame as the plant screamed in agony. The other two treants froze for a second, but GotYerBack was able to reclaim aggro. Eric wasn’t able to, and I intercepted the charging treant with a flurry of blows.

“[Crippling blow][assassinate][rending blades].” The second elder ent lost a major portion of its health from the blows, and backhanded me with a blow strong enough to send me flying.

“[Greater mend].” Heal was right on time, fixing the broken ribs I had gotten.

“[Immolate].” Cinder put an end to the treant with a fire spell, though it sent the ancient guardian into a rage.

“They were my oldest friends! You’ll pay for this! [Miasmatic pollen].” Shaking his limbs, clouds of purple dust descended and sent the three of us closest to the tree into coughing fits.

“[Elemental flame arrow storm].” Instead of targeting the trunk, ShockerSnipe fired a volley of burning arrows into the upper leaves of the guardian, catching them on fire. This luckily stopped the dusting we were getting, but definitely gained aggro from Back. Heal was trying his best to purge us from the debilitating pollen, but it was so thick he could only keep casting as it came off of cooldown and keep Back from falling over. I stumbled out of the range of the pollen, and was soon joined by Eric.

As I turned back to look, Cinder let the guardian get halfway to Shocker before trying to pull aggro back. “[Blue fireball][Clinging flames].”

“AAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!” Bellowing in pain, the guardian turned and stomped toward Cinder. While Cinder was smart and had placed himself across the clearing from Shocker, he forgot about GotYerBack who was on his knees from the coughing. The guardian stomped on him, killing his already weakened body.

“Fuck, tank’s down.” I heard Ice Queen say. “Shocker, let him get close and pull him back. I’ll slow him down and we can try and whittle him down.”

“[Piercing explosive arrow].” I was impressed with the result of the spell. Not only did he manage to pierce through the bark, but the resulting explosion exposed a large portion of the back of the guardian to further attack. Again it started stomping across the way, and Ice Queen started her chant.

“Descend from the ends of the world, freezing all in your path. [Polar storm].” I hadn’t seen this spell in action, and it was impressive. Shards of ice and snow fell in a fifty foot clearing, rapidly building up. The treant not only slowed down, but kept slowing the longer it stayed in the spell area. “Stay out of the area if possible, it affects friends and foes.”

“Thanks for the warning. How long will it last?”

“Thirty seconds.”

“Alright, I’ll get his attention next. Eric I need you to head in as well and we can bounce it back and forth. It’s already at half health, with everyone pouring on damage we should be able to take it down. Make sure you target the open area of the back if possible.”

Plan in place, the assault on the guardian kicked up a notch. We were absolutely vicious in our attacks, and each blast into that unarmored part benefitted from a critical damage bonus. Within three minutes, the creature was down into critical health and went with another area attack. Instead of pollen, it was explosive seeds that released clouds of miasma. They weren’t targeted, and the spread would arc out as if we were playing in some of those older “bullet hell” style games. It would have been a better strategy against the entire raid, but with only two people gaining quick stacks of poison Heal was more than able to keep up with it. It only took another minute to take out the last bit of the guardian’s health, and with a creaking groan it fell over.

“Sorry for the delayed resurrection.” I patted GotYerBack on the back after Heal brought him back to life.

“No worries. I was watching the battle, and you never really got any chances. Can you guys do me a favor?” After getting a nod from everyone, he continued, “Don’t tell the raid I got killed by being stepped on by a tree. That’s just embarrassing.” We all had a good laugh at that, and started heading towards the meeting point.

Congratulations!

The northwestern guardian has been defeated.

Guardians remaining: 1 of 4

Boss remaining: 1 of 1

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Crimson King’s POV

This didn’t make sense. I know I was at the right spot, there was a large clearing. But no matter what vision modes I used, I couldn’t see the guardian. The only thing I could see were vine covered rocks spread out across the meadow. I backed away and went back to the group.

“Well, we have the right area, but no sign of the guardian.”

“Any chance the guardian was stealthed?” HolyDungeonDiver asked.

“Unlikely. I’ve got a high perception, and looked through both darkvision, manavision, and heat sense. Still didn’t sense anything.”

“We’re going to need someone to draw it out of hiding then.” Shieldwall spoke up. “I guess that’s my job?”

“I think so.” I said. “Diver will be ready to heal immediately in case you get a sneak attack, but I highly doubt that’ll work.”

“Well, no time like the present.” He said with a defeated voice, and started stomping through the undergrowth to reach the clearing. Three feet in, and he stopped as the boss started to make an appearance.

It started with a soft rustle. Leaves moving without any wind. Then the vines started contracting, slowly pulsing to life and getting faster each second. A tight coil of vines rose up, swiftly being covered in more layers as the rocks were pulled closer. A large golem formed, with three overly long arms that ended in rocks. It had multiple legs like a spider, and four rocks added additional armor to where the vine heart had disappeared to.

Miasmatic liana golem

Level 200

Corrupted vines that have gained sentience, they pulp their enemies with massive rocks. The resulting mess is then absorbed for the nutrients it can provide. Able to lay dormant for months at a time, this creature is nothing if not patient.

“Shield! Get in close so it can’t use those rocks properly!” I shouted, worried as he delayed just a second. However, he was simply baiting the creature. As it raised two rocks and started swinging them down to crush the tank, he used [Shield rush] to get well within the damage area and start slashing at the construct.

“No time like the present. [Elemental barrage: flame arrows].” I joined the fight after Shield drew aggro, sending twelve burning arrows into the creature.

“[Blue fireburst].” Grandelf was right on my heels, sending a boosted spell that would explode on contact and add some burn over time.

In a perfect world. Our spells impacted at the same time, and the blue flames did cling for a second. They fizzled out far too quickly. Something weird was going on.

“Wax.” SirMixaLalalot spoke up as he stepped forward. LadyFisticuffs and GoldGuard had both engaged. GoldGuard was going for close range with his hammer, targeting the stones instead of the vines, while LadyFisticuffs was using her spear to target the vines forming the arms, trying to sever them.

“Say what?” I asked, confused.

“The vines. They’re covered in a waxy layer that prevents them from burning.”

“Anything you can do about it?”

“Not really. We don’t have the best build to take on this boss, but there is a chance. Do you guys trust me?”

“Hurry with the plan, it looks like our melee isn’t making much progress.” I snapped.

“That’s because it is able to move the vines freely, so they can’t wear down a single area. What we need is for Grandelf to constantly blast it with water. I’ll be weakening the wooden skin of the vines. Once they’ve swollen, we need to use several of these frost bombs as well as any freezing spells that you have.”

“I see. Freeze the water in the creature, let its own weight crush it.”

“Bingo.”

“Alright, let’s do it.” I said.

“[Hydro blast][water whips].”

“[Plant manipulation: Wood to pulp].”

Mix started his spell, having to channel it the entire time to make any headway. Grandelf was blasting away with water spells, while the rest of us used attacks to damage as much of the woody exterior as possible. We settled into a routine, and Diver was more than able to keep up with the healing. After five minutes of battle, the boss switched up his attack pattern.

“Everyone on the defensive!” I yelled as the arms were brought in and the boss hunkered down. It spun in a circle, gradually opening up and smashing those nearby with the rocks. GoldGuard and Shieldwall managed to weather it with skills, but LadyFisticuffs ended up stunned and in critical health. Before Diver could get around to her, she was immediately targeted by the boss and smashed with an overhand blow.

“Huh. Looks like it gets an altered table after that spin attack, and targets the weakest member. Have to keep watch for things like that. Diver, get them back up to full health first, then bring back Fisticuffs. We’ll be needing her.” I said, getting a nod from the healer.

Once everyone was back in the battle, we settled into a combat routine. I was impressed with Lady Fisticuffs ability to keep from drawing aggro, even as the tanks split it between them. The ranged crew wasn’t doing nearly enough damage to have to worry about that.

“New plan everyone, once the boss releases another AoE, we will implement Mix’s plan. Fisticuffs, I want you to bail before the attack lands, you won’t be able to survive it. Shieldwall and Goldguard will keep close together, and hopefully weather the follow up if Diver deploys an area heal before the attack lands.”

The routine was working. The vines were nearly three times their original size, and several patches of wood armor had been reduced down to a normal plant stalk. It was also looking incredibly frayed from our harassing attacks.

“Everyone ready, HERE IT COMES!”

“[Blessed circle of light]!”

“[Lunge].” Lady Fisticuffs used a lunge attack to propel her out of the range of the attack, an inspired move.

As the boss used its area attack, Grandelf started to chant, “The north wind descends, caring not for your hopes and dreams. All fall before its merciless onslaught. Run. Hide. Stand and fight. Nothing shall avail you, for all roads lead to death. [Arctic gale].”

I involuntarily shivered. Most people got excited when unleashing massive moves, often nearly yelling the name of the skill. Grandelf was cold and detached through the entire thing, his voice never wavering. A frigid wind blew in, carrying shards of clear ice and snow. The coldest portion formed a horizontal vortex, extending from Grandelf’s hand and hitting the back half of the boss, sparing our tanks as much as possible. Several locations started freezing from the outside of the boss, but I could also see frayed portions exploding outward as the water in the vines froze, barely able to provide structure to the plant as it had two of its stones raised to pummel our tanks.

The sound of cracking ice got both tanks moving, as they turned and ran for their lives. As they fled at top speed, the legs gave out first and the entire thing came crashing down. Ice shards flew, and the raised rock smashed even more on its way down.

“Damn. Took out over 80% of its life.” Diver muttered in awe, seeing the boss had dropped down into critical health.

“So close.” Grandelf said, stumbling a bit. “Whew, that one takes it out of ya.”

“Looks like the core is barely intact. Let’s take it out boys.” Lady Fisticuffs called, having headed in to check out the damage. The two tanks approached as well, and they started attacking in turn. Unlike before, the health of the construct was visibly dropping with each attack. Soon enough it was done, and we got a very welcome popup.

Congratulations!

The northeastern guardian has been defeated.

Guardians remaining: 0 of 4

Boss remaining: 1 of 1

“Looks like we are the last to finish things up. Let’s hurry and meet with the others, we still have a big boss to take care of. We’ll save the looting for later.” Turning, I led the group towards the meeting place.