Nikodemus_Blackwood

Following right behind Rain and Zandra, Nikodemus came to a stop right where he knew the beast come down. Waiting, Nikodemus charged a Sword Art, the blade of his axe glowing a sickly emerald green. As the beast came down Nikodemus brought his axe in an uppercutting swing. As the blade connected to the beast, his Sword Art <Undertone> activated. The beast stopped it's descent and was lifted back into the air slightly, before Nikodemus leapt above it and brought his axe down in a slashing arc onto the beasts head, knocking it into the ground with enough force to fracture the ground. Landing beside the beast, Nikodemus backed up a few feet and raised his shield. The beast lay motionless, unable to move from being stunned by Rain.

ID# 63300 results:

 Battle: 5 + 1 = 6. <Concentration> used. 5/5 turns left before use

 Craft: 9

 Loot: 4

 MOB: 7 Stunned. MD ignored

Sword Art: Undertone - 4x2 - (8 Energy)

My DMG:  12 x 4 x 2 = 96 - 40 = 56

@Zandra: 200/201 (49/49) H: 3
Rain: 80/80 (16/20) H: 1
Nikodemus_Blackwood: 108/108 (19/27) H:1

<Byakko>> 93/150 HP | MIT: 40 | DMG: 48 STUNNED

Standing tall, Nikodemus watched as the beasts charged him. Preparing himself, he brought his axe forward, but the boars had predicted it and slid to the side and under the blade. Unable to do anything, Nikodemus watched as the beasts slammed into him with full force. Their tusks slashed across his legs and abdomen as they tore pixelated gashes into him. He grunted slight and then shrugged off the damage. Preparing his axe once more, he grumbled and then prepared for another bought.

ID# 63239 results:

 Battle: 1

 Craft: 10

 Loot: 19

 MOB: 9

Boars: 3 + 1 = 4 - 74 = 0 + 1 = 1 x 4 = 4

Nikodemus: Lvl: 27 | 100/108 HP | Energy: 13/27 | MIT: 74 (7+13+54) | Thorns: 28 (14+14) | DMG 9 (1+4+4)

[Giant Boar] [HP (13/60)] [DMG 3] [MIT 13] 

[Giant Boar] [HP (13/60)] [DMG 3] [MIT 13] 

[Giant Boar] [HP (13/60)] [DMG 3] [MIT 13] 

[Giant Boar] [HP (13/60)] [DMG 3] [MIT 13] 

"Ok. No problem." With that, Nikodemus approached the boars. His axe began to glow a sickly emerald color. Throwing his axe out, he activated his Sword Art <Tomahawk Thrust> and hurled the blade through the air. As it whipped around, the blade slammed into each boar and tore through them, then returned to his opened hand. Catching it, he watched the boar begin to muster a charge. Preparing his axe once more, he readied himself to attack once more.

ID# 63227 results:

 Battle: 9 Crit + 1

 Craft: 4

 Loot: 14 

 MOB: 1

Sword Art Used: Tomahawk thrust – 6*1 - AoE - (12 Energy)

My DMG: 9 + 1 x 6 x 1 = 60 - 13 = 47

, 

Nikodemus: Lvl: 27 | 104/108 HP | Energy: 15/27 | MIT: 74 (7+13+54) | Thorns: 28 (14+14) | DMG 9 (1+4+4)

[Giant Boar] [HP (13/60)] [DMG 3] [MIT 13] 

[Giant Boar] [HP (13/60)] [DMG 3] [MIT 13] 

[Giant Boar] [HP (13/60)] [DMG 3] [MIT 13] 

[Giant Boar] [HP (13/60)] [DMG 3] [MIT 13] 

As the trio broke through the cover of the immolated jungle, a large shadowed form stood before them in a clearing of burnt jungle. The beast was burning with an inner fire, wreathes of flame engulfing the beast. With each bestial roar, the beasts open mouth revealed burning flame within it. It's claws were large and able to shred through armor, each one long as a dagger and twice as sharp. It turned and placed a burning gaze upon the trio of people, it's next meal. With a shout, Nikodemus brought his axe and shield up and prepared for battle.

"Well, we found the verdammt thing!"

Nikodemus: Lvl: 27 | 108/108 HP | Energy: 27/27 | MIT: 74 (7+13+54) | Thorns: 28 (14+14) | DMG 12 (1+4+4+3)

Zandra: Lvl: 49 | 201/201 HP | DMG 13(17) (1+5+6+1(4) | Energy: 49/49 | MIT: 79 (12+8+54) | Acc: 3 | LD: 1 |  DMG 12 (1+4+4+3)

[Rain] [Level 20] [HP (80/80)] [Energy (20/20)] [DMG 10 (8+2)] [ACC 3] [EVA 2] [MIT 27 (9+18)]

<Byakko>> 150/150 HP | MIT: 40 | DMG: 48 
On MD rolls of 9 or 10, half the damage dealt is instead as burn damage, which ignores mitigation as a status. This has no DoT.

Sitting there in the tall grass, Nikodemus opened his eyes and inhaled deeply. The earthy scent of the grass in summer, the soil, and the breeze of warming leaves just before the autumn change filled him. Looking to Rain, he watched him dispatch another set of boars. With a slight smile, he chuckled in his throat and then looked about. His eyes caught on the area around him. Deciding he would go for more boars, He stood and patted himself down of dust and clinging grasses. Readying his axe and shield, he began heading out into the field with Rain, ready to fight,

Max EN

Sitting down, Nikodemus relaxed and allowed himself to regain more energy. He didn't need much, but he was not going to be foolish. Similar issues had once cost him to be stuck in battle for longer than it should have taken. Watching Rain, Nikodemus debated what he was thinking. The man seemed to be determined, but also slightly distracted. Ever the inquisitive person, Nikodemus fought himself from questioning the alchemist, having learned about the ideal of personal space and such living in this game. With a sigh, Nikodemus closed his eyes for a moment and let himself wander in his mind.

+1 en

Entering the shop once more, Nikodemus came straight towards the counter and dug out the mats and col needed to pay. He stood ready and called out for the owner. "Hey, Rain. I am here for that order. I got the payment and everything!" Smiling, he set the materials down, and then counted them out. Next he counted out some Col. "Sorry I have to split it this way. I am running low on mats. Hopefully this is ok." Smiling, he gathered the items up and was ready to leave once he was sure the transaction was completed.

Order picked up:

-15 Mats

-2,200 Col

Seeing Rain pull off the main path and towards something, Nikodemus beagn to raise his hand but stopped. He began to smell the smoke through his sealed helmet. Tilting his head, Nikodemus followed Rain through the jungle. After a moment, They began to see burnt and charred flora all around, in various degrees of immolation. The further in they went, the more it became burnt and charred. Looking around, Nikodemus saw the various stages of damage and sighed. The beast was large and dangerous, and he could see the damage it left. Looking to Zandra, Nikodemus sighed. "So, when we come on this beast--" Before he could speak, he heard the howl of the beast, from nearby. With another sigh, Nikodemus gripped his axe and shield tighter. "Well, it's close..."

Hearing the auto-chime of his door being opened through the HUD, Nikodemus looked up from the finishing table he sat at in the forge behind his shop. Just beyond the small wooden door that seperated the two, Nikodemus could hear a familiar voice and smiled. Standing, Nikodemus set down the items he was working on, a small dagger and a pair of armored greaves, and took off the large leather gloves he wore to protect his hands from the open flames. Wearing his normal tunic, a black and grey affair over matching breeches with a leather apron handing around his waist with a pouch of tools along the front, Nikodemus exited his forge and entered the shop. With a white cloth, he rubbed his hands free of the grime and soot of the forge and then set it on a table near the counter. His short brunette hair and long beard were both left free of ties, and his icy blue eyes were behind small wire-framed spectacles. Seeing the young man whom he had come to know through a few quests, Nikodemus smiled slightly and gave a curt nod.

"Willkommen to Mein shop Herr Kekoa. Glad you could make it. How may I be of assistance?"

Moving about with the group, Nikodemus listened to the idle talk between players. Hearing Hirru mention keeping ready, Nikodemus brought his shield up a bit and made sure he was prepared. Looking around more, Nikodemus tried to pick out anything helpful, but his eyes were unfocused at the moment, drawn back to the conversations around him. Hearing Zandra promise protection to Avilon, Nikodemus felt a bit of relief. He had been worried for the young shieldmaiden, and he was worried that if worse came to worse, she would be abandoned. He sighed slightly and rolled his shoulders as they moved, preparing himself mentally.

Standing near Rain, Nikodemus felt the rock smash into his armor, knocking him to the left slightly. Grumbling, he brushed his armor off and looked to where Rain had been. "You ok Rain?" Looking about, he noticed the young lady he had stopped for during the trip standing beside a wall. With a sigh, Nikodemus moved over to where he figured Rain was and nudged around rocks, locating the alchemist and dragging him from the rubble. "Gotta be careful mate." After digging him out, Nikodemus sat down and relaxed his head.

Moving along, Nikodemus could feel eyes upon him. He had come to be used to the feeling. Many people, even NPCs, stared at him. Not only at his height and build, nor just his armor, or even the orange cursor above him, but just at him. He didn't mind either way. He learned long ago that this game was never going to be cleared without as many people banding together and helping one another. So he tried to make himself as useful as possible, and put aside all other thoughts but escaping. Hearing her ask about whether she could trust him, Nikodemus turned and looked her over. "Yes. You can. I may be insane, but even at my worst, I will not harm anyone who I am charged with protecting. I am not like some of the others you'll meet. I know what is needed for escape. And that is people. As many as possible. We won't get fresh faces appearing in the Town of Beginnings every day like some other game. We are all who will be here, and if more of us continue to slay one another for petty reasons, then no one will escape... So, yes, you can trust me."

Approaching the area, Nikodemus noticed the large wolves while the young lady was going for a flower. With quick reflex, Nikodemus brought his axe and shield out and slashed at the beasts, getting their attention, but not hitting them. Fending off a few bites and claws, Nikodemus made sure that he was the only target they would see. With a hushed tone, Nikodemus spoke to Jazper. "Stay back, and do not do anything to these beasts. They are stronger than most floor strength mobs. They will target me as the highest level, and leave you be so long as you do not attempt to attack them. One hit from them, and you will most likely be no more..."

ID #63168

BD: 2

MD: 5

"Hearing her mention that she had accepted his offer to help, Nikodemus looked up to the jet black raven on the roof of the building. It's head quirked to the side, one burning azure eye glaring down at him. With a grin, he tapped his shoulder and then began to walk off in the direction of the exit to the grasslands. The bird gave a loud caw and then leapt from the roof, taking a short gliding flight, and landing directly on the armored giant's shoulder. "Well then. That settles that. I needed something to do, or else my insanity would have began to strain at me, and Typhus here hates playing hide and seek. Usually flies to some tall building and waits til I give up. Fighting some boars and digging for materials seems to be better than anything else." Walking through the town's gate, Nikodemus felt the safezone barrier pass by. Once outside, he slid the ornate metal helmet from it's resting place and put it on, sealing it in place. The large spiked crown and beak-like face plate gave it an ominous look, and Nikodemus knew all to well that it was another nail in his infamous reputation.

With a sigh of relief, Nikodemus stretched out his back and smiled. "Whew! That was fun. You doing ok Rain?" Smiling, the armored giant sat down for a moment to catch regain some energy and strength. Looking to the Alchemist, he wondered at the mans thoughts. "Things going well?" His axe and shield sat across his lap, ready to be brought to bear against a boar incase one snuck up. His eyes constantly gazed the landscape looking for materials if any were nearby for either of them to grab. His attention was split between watching for enemies, trying to talk to Rain, and looking for materials.

With his shield gripped in his left hand, and his right hand close to his axe, Nikodemus trudged through the jungles of floor 6. He had been there once before and had grown to dislike it. The wet slosh of the dirt, the overgrowth full of snakes and other things, and the humidity. Looking around, he wondered where the boss would spawn. "So, anyone know what this thing looks like, or evidence of it's nearness?" Looking to Zandra and Rain, Nikodemus he noticed they too were on guard.

OOC: Sorry for the small post. Work is hectic.

Hearing her ask about where to find the best and most materials, Nikodemus swiped a hand down in the air and opened his map. Tapping a couple places here and there, Nikodemus decided on one. Not his usual hunting grounds, as that area had been more populated with stronger enemies, but one he knew of and had gotten from a reliable friend of his. Checking the coordinates, he then looked to the young lady before him. "Well, there are many spots where mobs spawn in larger numbers, but most of them have undergone some... changes. The best option then is an old mud pit in the dead center of the lowlands. Boars root around there, nesting in the mud or nearby scrub brush, and many natural resources can be found there. Here are the Coordinates." With that, Nikodemus opened the message HUD and sent them via a private message to her. "Best to actually search for items unless you have some good gear and a level or two under your belt. Or, if you have a dedicated tank helping you."

Entering the snow fields heart, Nikodemus came face to face with the towering ice pillar. Kicking it with his spiked metal boot, Nikodemus called out. "Hey!!! Marshmallow! Wake up ya lazy popcicle! Yoohoo! Wakey wakey Schlafmütze!!!" Not getting a response, Nikodemus grumbled and brought his leg back. With a powerful kick, his boot chipped the ice slightly, and stirred the sleeping beast. The ground rumbled slightly, and the air was rent with the cracks and snaps of ice splitting. Slowly, the pillar of ice rose up and two large rents appeared, the ice slipping free and forming arms and hands. Another set of splits appeared and the legs emerged. Lastly, the tip of the ice, which was actually Avalanche itself, fractured in a straight line and the head rose up on a neck of ice. A whitish blue fire appeared deep within the ice, forming the eyes, and a jagged slash appeared, forming the mouth. With a roar, the beast shook free snow and hanging ice from it's body and looked around. Spotting Nikodemus, it stepped forward, ready to kill the man where he stood.

Nikodemus: Lvl: 27 | 108/108 HP | Energy: 27/27 | MIT: 74 (7+13+54) | Thorns: 28 (14+14) | DMG 9 (1+4+4)

 <Avalanche>  HP: 100/100 |  Damage: 24 | MIT 0

Feeling his legs begin to tingle, Nikodemus stood and began to stretch them out. He felt his strength return to him, and was almost ready to fight. Making sure his muscles hadn't locked up on him (An all to common issue he dealt with in the real world after working to much forging steel, then resting for a moment while things were being heat treated or while eating lunch in between orders, then returning to hammer away at a fresh billet), Nikodemus stretched and rolled his arms, hands, legs, and torso. After a moment, he smiled and then took his axe from it's length of chain and his shield from it's resting place on his back. Marching out into the snow field, Nikodemus began to whistle a tune.

Full EN regen.

Waiting was normally a hard thing for Nikodemus, but today he was making sure his patience was outstanding. Resting on the rock, he continued to relax and breath deeply. He watched the obelisk of ice for any movement, and occasionally gazed about for other <<Ice Elementals>>. Thankfully none showed up. Sitting there, he had time to be with his thoughts, and they were turned to the first time he did this. He had been newer and much weaker, but he prevailed. He smiled at this, and once more prayed he prevailed again.

+1 EN Regen

Shrugging his shoulders at the comment of niceties and such, Nikodemus then stood just outside. He looked up to his familiar and smiled for a moment, then opened his HUD. Still no word on his orders. He could hear the conversation between the young lady and the NPC Smith, much the same as he had with the NPC in the smaller, dingy shop on the outskirts of the town. He had heard this familiar line of dialogue many times, having helped many people with this quest. For a time, Nikodemus had been a solo player, doing what he could by himself. But the time came that he had to end that foolishness. It had been almost like the Cardinal System had anticipated the changing world within SAO, and so adapated. New mobs spawned with higher difficulties, some on floors once safe for relatively low leveled players. The latest being the wave of three field bosses on floors 6, 7, and 8. Even more recently was the rumors of bandits holding a strange beast on floor 7, a monster of mythical and deadly proportions. Nikodemus had read the Info Broker book on that quest, and denied taking it solo, even at his level and skill.

After a moment, the young lady emerged and spoke to him. Listening, he nodded. "Sure. Inquiry away. Any help I can offer. That's my Guilds code."

((OOC: Feel free to wrap the quest and collect rewards. I get 1 SP, Rain 3, you 3 + <<Matriarch Stinger>>.

Having not even bothered moving, Nikodemus watched the <<Wasp Queen> emerge. Still not moving, he glanced at Rain, knowing the man could deal with it. As he gazed on, he watched rain deal with the beast and smirked. The <<Wasp Queen>> burst to pixels and vanished after one hit. Standing up to his full height, Nikodemus returned his axe to the length of chain it normally hung from and leaned lightly on his tower shield. "Good job Rain. Well, Looks like that is one quest done Kekoa." Looking to Kekoa he smiled. "Go grab that <<Matriarch Stinger>>." Nikodemus pointed to the small item laying in the snow where the <<Wasp Queen>> had been.

Moving to the edge of the snow field, Nikodemus spotted the large jutting obelisk of ice. It was the field boss, Avalance (or more commonly to Nikodemus, Marshmallow), slumbering. Nikodemus need only approach the beast and it would stir, and become active. Deciding to deal with Marshmallow at his full strength, Nikodemus cleared the snow from a rock and sat down on it, resting his arms in his lap and calming himself internally. With a deep breath, Nikodemus watched the field before him and waited.

+1 en regen

Hearing her agree to be shown the shop, Nikodemus nodded softly then nudged the bird with his head. "Go." The large raven took flight and soared high above the roofs of the settlement, moving a short distance away and then landing on a roof. Nikodemus knew it would be there waiting for them. Turning, he began walking towards the opposite end of the square, where he had mentioned the shop being. He made sure she was following, and that the crowd gave them a wide berth, ensuring clear line of sight. As he walked, he heard her mention her name and speak about it being curteous to and such. With a deep hearty laugh, Nikodemus shook his head. "Well, I am from Germany. We are taught that yes. But, in this game, it's easy to learn ones name. Most people just check the name in the top corner of the HUD. When you interact with someone, it usually shows. I am also used to people knowing me by... My reputation.'

At this, Nikodemus motioned his finger up above his head, to the large orange cursor bobbing above his head. It meant he had, at some time, harmed another player or an NPC. 'Word had spread through most of the floors that I and another had completed a quest, and had slain an NPC during it... So, I am typically known here and there. I also had flyers around this floor for my Blacksmith shop. So that is another reason. I must apologize once again. I am to used to the game, and my madness doesn't help at times. I am Nikodemus Blackwood. But you may call me whatever you wish. My name is hard for most to pronounce. Even by fellows of my homeland. It is nice to meet you Mamzel Jazper. And that, I mean." Shooting a soft smile to the young lady, he returned his attention to the street.

After a winding turn, and a few minutes of walking, Nikodemus stopped infront of a shop. It's sign fluttered back and forth gently, the paint fading, but still visible, detailing the word 'SMITH' boldly. Atop the roof, the large black raven gazed down and cawed once, then resumed it's vigil. Entering the shop, Nikodemus held the door for the girl and allowed her space to enter. "Here we are. Just go to the counter and speak to the smith. He'll give you a quest to deal with boars or find stuff. Just accept it and your on your way."

((OOC: @Kekoa, go ahead and spawn the beast. Rain or I will deal with it.

Seeing Rain finish the others off, Nikodemus sighed with relief. Rotating his shoulders, Nikodemus stood to his full height and looked about. He heard the faint rumblings of the <<Wind Wasp Queen>> as she was spawning. Not paying much attention, Nikodemus yawned and then looked to Kekoa. "You ok? You need to get some armor and a weapon. May wanna come see me at my shop." Patting the young man's shoulder, Nikodemus turned and crouched down, sitting on his legs as he waited for the beast to spawn.

+1 EN regen.

Nikodemus: Lvl: 27 | 108/108 HP | Energy: 23/27 | MIT: 74 (7+13+54) | Thorns: 28 (14+14) | DMG 9 (1+4+4)

I, like my good friends Kain and Eibon, am from Utah. The state with the weird blue mountains, strange religion, and even stranger state nickname. We are also one of the 4 states that contribute to 'The 4 Corners' landmark. We just celebrated Pride week beginning of june, and are gearing up for Independence Day (YAY NO WORK!!! TAKE THAT!), and I have got to say... It is too hot here...