[F6-SP] Calming a broken mind. <<Calming the Soul>>

[Nikodemus_Blackwood 1]

Hearing about a waterfall on floor 6 that many go to for meditation, Nikodemus decided he should go there and try something to help with his fractured psyche. Of late, he was able to keep himself more lucid and sane. His last breakdown to knowledge was almost a month ago, when he had ventured out to slay a <Dark Elf> and had to fight randomly spawning mobs. With hope that this would help him with his insanity, even if only a little, Nikodemus traveled from Floor 7 to Floor 6. Making his way to the waterfall, Nikodemus found it with ease, his body seeming to be pulled lightly in the direction of it. Seeing many flat round rocks, Nikodemus found one that he thought would be the most comfortable and sat down upon it's cool surface. A light mist from the spray of the water crashing into the pool below the waterfalls height prickled his skin and cooled him, mkaing a small shiver run down his spine. Not minding the feeling of the cool mist, Nikodemus began to relax and concentrated on his fractured mind and meditating.

 

After a moment, Nikodemus felt his mind shift slightly. The feeling wasn't painful, nor was it unsettling, but it was something Nikodemus hadn't felt in his life. Hazarding a glance, Nikodemus opened one of his eyes slowly, then both of them, and blinked. He was no longer sitting cross legged before a giant waterfall and the quaint pool that it fell into. He found himself in a what he could only describe as a room, but it had no real dimensions that a human mind could comprehend. There was blackness in every direction, but not the blackness of a moonless night, or of a room with the windows shuttered, curtained, and walled over. It was more of just a visible color, but he could see infront of himself, and all around. He could make out what could be thought of as walls, but they moved when he moved. Having a moment of disorientation and unease, Nikodemus curled up lightly and began to breathe deep ragged breathes. He felt as if his mind had finally unraveled and he had been pitched head first into a dark realm of lifeless emptiness and would never escape. For the first time since his mind broke, he felt true fear.

 

 

My Stats/Gear:

Spoiler

Nikodemus: Lvl: 6 | 24/24 HP | Energy: 6/6 | MIT: 30 (3+9+18) | Thorns: 14 (7+7) | DMG 3 (1+1+1)

Skills: 

Heavy Armor: Rank 1. +3 Mitigation

One handed Battle Axe: Rank 1: +1 dmg

Spoiler

RANK 1

Shield Bash - 1x1 - Stun - (4 Energy) - A strong bash to the enemy

Hack - 2x1 - (2 Energy) - Two diagonal cuts

Crescent thrush - AoE -  1x2 - (4 Energy) - A round slash with the blade, creating a half moon that bites through enemies

Plague Knight's Battle Axe: One handed Axe. +1 dmg, +1 BD, Bleed: 8 DMG on BD of 9-10 for 2 turns

Plague Knight Armor: Heavy Armor. +9 Mitigation +7 Thorns, Regen +9HP

Scales of the Dragon God: +18 Mitigation, +7 Thorns

 

The stats for my Inner Demons:

Spoiler

<<First Inner Demon>> is a single time spawning Quest Mob.
HP: 1/2 of the Player's Max HP. (12 HP)
Damage per Attack: 1/2 of the Player's Max Damage (Max Damage = Base damage x Highest available Sword Art without use of Buffs)(Max Damage: 3 x 1 x 2 = 6 / 2 = 3) 3 DMG
Mitigation: 1/2 of the Player's Base Damage (Base Damage = 1 Base + Weapon Rank + Weapon Damage Enhancement + Mod) (Base Damage: 1 + 1 + 1 + 0 = 3 / 2 = 1.5) 2 MIT

<<Second Inner Demon>> is a single time spawning Quest Mob.
HP: 1/3 of the Player's HP (8 HP)
Damage per Attack: 1/3 of the Player's Max Damage (Max Damage = Base damage x Highest available Sword Art without use of Buffs)(Max Damage: 3 x 1 x 2 = 6 / 3 = 2) 2 DMG
Mitigation: 1/3 of the Player's Base Damage (Base Damage = 1 Base + Weapon Rank + Weapon Damage Enhancement + Mod) (Base Damage: 1 + 1 + 1 + 0 = 3 / 3 = 1) 1 MIT

<<Third Inner Demon>> is a single time spawning Quest Mob.
HP: 1/2 of the Player's HP (12 HP)
Damage per Attack: 1/2 of the Player's Max Damage (Max Damage = Base Damage x Highest available Sword Art without use of Buffs) ( Max Damage: 3 x 1 x 2 = 2) 3 DMG
Mitigation: 1/2 of the Player's Base Damage (Base Damage = 1 Base + Weapon Rank + Weapon Damage Enhancement + Mod) (Base Damage: 1 + 1 + 1 + 0 = 3 / 2 = 1.5) 2 MIT

<<Final Inner Demon>> is a single time spawning Quest Mob.
HP: 3/4 of the Player's HP (18 HP)
Damage per Attack: 3/4 of the Player's Max Damage (Max Damage = Base Damage x Highest available Sword Art without use of Buffs)(Max Damage: 3 x 1 x 2 = 6 x 3 = 18 / 4 = 4.5 ) 5 DMG
Mitigation: 3/4 of the Player's Base Damage (Base Damage = 1 Base + Weapon Rank + Weapon Damage Enhancement + Mod) (Base Damage: 1 + 1 + 1 + 0 = 3 x 3 = 9 / 4 = 2.25) 3 MIT

 

Spoiler

This quest takes place on Floor 6

This quest is not repeatable

This RP will not count in the benchmark

A mysterious waterfall, named The Waterfall of the Sage, is said to call players to it, giving them a feeling of complete relaxation upon arriving. Several flat topped rocks lay in front of the waterfall as seats for all who wish to attempt and understand the waterfall's secrets. It is said that occasionally one will open their eyes to find themselves in empty space, sometimes its an endless white space, or a never ending pitch black void, or even an endless field of flowers as it depends on how player's inner self is built. Here one's deepest thoughts can be heard echoing in the distance. A shadow like being with the appearance of a featureless human being appearing. Its size and shape similar to that of the one lucky enough to venture into the empty space, it simply points at you as a bright and disturbingly large smile appears on upon what seems to be its face.

Here four doors present themselves behind the shadow like creature, each one custom made to the player in design possibly depicting a symbol or image with significance to them. The figure lowers its hand and signals the player to enter the doors at their own pace. Upon choosing a door you  must face your inner demons and prove your might, each demon proving more difficult than the one before. When entering the doors an entirely new room is found, each one's layout depending on the demon being faced. After a demon is defeated the player will exit the room and can rest before engaging the next one, if you are incapable of continuing however your mind will begin to unravel and your fears will cast you out of the space and back into reality causing the quest to fail. Failing will not only cost you the rewards but can even cost a person's mind, or at the very least part of it.

Requirements:

-At least one [1] Page (21 or more posts)

-This RP must be a Solo

-You must meditate and face your deepest nightmares (Defeat all <Inner Demon(s)>)

-You must post all current equipped gear in your first post of the thread. You may not switch gear throughout the thread.

Inner Demons Information:

<<First Inner Demon>> is a single time spawning Quest Mob.
HP: 1/4 of the Player's HP
Damage per Attack: 1/4 of the Player's Max Damage (Max Damage = Base Damage x Highest available Sword Art without use of Buffs) 
Mitigation: 1/4 of the Player's Base Damage (Base Damage = 1 Base + Weapon Rank + Weapon Damage Enhancement + Mod)

<<Second Inner Demon>> is a single time spawning Quest Mob.
HP: 1/3 of the Player's HP
Damage per Attack: 1/3 of the Player's Max Damage (Max Damage = Base Damage x Highest available Sword Art without use of Buffs) 
Mitigation: 1/3 of the Player's Base Damage (Base Damage = 1 Base + Weapon Rank + Weapon Damage Enhancement + Mod)

<<Third Inner Demon>> is a single time spawning Quest Mob.
HP: 1/2 of the Player's HP
Damage per Attack: 1/2 of the Player's Max Damage (Max Damage = Base Damage x Highest available Sword Art without use of Buffs) 
Mitigation: 1/2 of the Player's Base Damage (Base Damage = 1 Base + Weapon Rank + Weapon Damage Enhancement + Mod)

<<Final Inner Demon>> is a single time spawning Quest Mob.
HP: 3/4 of the Player's HP
Damage per Attack: 3/4 of the Player's Max Damage (Max Damage = Base Damage x Highest available Sword Art without use of Buffs) 
Mitigation: 3/4 of the Player's Base Damage (Base Damage = 1 Base + Weapon Rank + Weapon Damage Enhancement + Mod)

 

Rewards:

1. You will be gifted the Extra Skill <<Meditation>>.

   1. Spoiler

      ►Meditation: (Extra Skill)

      5 Ranks

      Post Action

      Effect:

      Recover X Energy on natural CD rolls of 10+ (X=Rank Level)

      Description: Recover small amounts of energy in battle. The amount recovered is X. Not affected by Combat craft enhancement.

      Quest: Calming the Soul

       

2. 3 Skill Points

 

[Nikodemus_Blackwood 1]

After what seemed to him to be a mixture of 10 minutes and 10 years, Nikodemus sat up and tried to calm himself. His mind felt strange, as if it was clear, but he knew he was still broken. Without warning, Nikodemus felt the hair on the back of his neck stand on end, and the feeling of eyes upon him made his stomach turn. Looking around, Nikodemus took notice of something that he knew wasn't there before. Just away from him, no more than 10 feet, stood a humanoid being. It was roughly the same height as Nikodemus, and had the same broad shoulders, long powerful arms, thick body, and tightly corded legs. Nikodemus noticed a strange wooden door behind the being, large iron bands riveted to it. Cracks in the door could be made out, each one varying in size and shape.

 

Standing, Nikodemus felt about himself. His hands brushed along the cool steel of his armor, felt the weighted length of chain at his hip where his axe rested, and felt the weight of his shield at his back. Realization came to him like a club to the side of the head. He was truly in his mind and it had recreated his armor and weapons. Looking at the being before him, Nikodemus cleared his throat and spoke clearly. "Who, or what are you? Where am I?"

 

The being before Nikodemus tilted it's head slightly, and the sudden image of a grinning demon entered Nikodemus' mind. Taking a step back, Nikodemus tried to calm himself as more images flooded his mind. Thoughts of terrible events, all fears he had outside of the game. Images of his shop being closed, his wife being left desolate without a penny, and force to live out of shelters and food banks, his brother drinking himself to death, alone and unfound in an alley, and Nikodemus himself stuck in Aincrad, unable to leave and stop the horrors he saw before his minds eye. "No... NO! STOP! STOP NOW!" Shouting out, Nikodemus yanked his axe free of the chain it hung upon and loosed his shield from his back. With a growl, he crouched down and prepared to attack. "Demon! Prepare to die!"

 

Nikodemus: Lvl: 6 | 24/24 HP | Energy: 6/6 | MIT: 30 (3+9+18) | Thorns: 14 (7+7) | DMG 3 (1+1+1)

 

<<First Inner Demon>> 12 HP | Damage 3 DMG | Mitigation: 2 MIT

Edited April 20, 2016 by Nikodemus_Blackwood

[Nikodemus_Blackwood 1]

 

With a howl of rage, Nikodemus launched himself forward into a run. His axe carved a swathing path from behind him, across his right side, and into the Demons side. The blade seemed to bite deep, and the sound of bone grating rang in Nikodemus' ear. From the corner of his eye, Nikodemus saw a health bar floating above the demons head. 'Inner Demon' was all it said. The small gauge of health dropped alittle, turning from the bright green or full health to orange color of medium health.

 

Distracted by the health bar and the final confirmation that Nikodemus was somehow lock within his own mind, he did not notice the strange limb swiping in behind him. As it impacted his armor and knocked the wind from him, Nikodemus watched his health tick down by 1. His armor protected him from the brunt of the damage. A status effect appeared on his HUD and Nikodemus braced himself as the <Thorns> effect ripped through the <Inner Demon> and dropped it;s health to 0. It faded in and out, then broken into millions of pixels, vanishing from site.

Stepping back and taking a breath, Nikodemus glanced around looking for any other enemies. Seeing none, he focused on the door before him and reached out touching it's wooden surface with his fingers. As he brushed the door, it opened on noiseless hinges. Beyond was a white light, and nothing more. With a sigh, Nikodemus decided that the only way out was through, and ventured through the door, deeper down the rabbit hole.

 

ID# 57169 results:

 Battle: 7 + 1 = 8

 Craft: 10

 Loot: 14

 MOB: 6

 

My DMG: 3 - 2 = 1 + 14 = 15

 

Inner Demon: 3 - 30 = 1

 

Nikodemus: Lvl: 6 | 23/24 HP | Energy: 6/6 | MIT: 30 (3+9+18) | Thorns: 14 (7+7) | DMG 3 (1+1+1)

 

<<First Inner Demon>> 0 HP | Damage 3 DMG | Mitigation: 2 MIT DED

Edited April 21, 2016 by Nikodemus_Blackwood

[Nikodemus_Blackwood 1]

Walking through the door, Nikodemus had to close his eyes do to the sheer brightness of the white light beyond. After a moment, he felt the light fade and was able to open his eyes. Before him was what seemed to be a hallway to his mind, even though it was much like the previous area he had come from. There was no real walls, nor any true dimension as the human mind knew it in reality, yet he felt as if there was walls beside him. Every few feet there seemed to be a screen hanging from these imaginary walls, and upon the screen player scenes of memory from Nikodemus life. Stopping before the first one, Nikodemus tested his curiosity and attempted to walk behind the screen. As he did, he found that the images were mirrored on the back, as if it was a double-sided viewer. He could walk around them, proving there were no real walls, and assumed if he tried to walk as far away as he could, he would never find a wall, but always turn to see the screens behind him.

 

Returning to the "proper" orientation, Nikodemus walked along the screens and took each scene in. Each memory was different. Scenes of him and his wife on a picnic in fall, surrounded by trees with beautiful shades of amber orange and burgandy red in their leaves. Another of him forging his first billet in his newly opened shop behind his home. His wedding day, on a cool October night surrounded by friends and family, his blushing bride laughing as she danced around with him. Scenes of their 5 year anniversary together, eating a home cooked dinner by candlelight and sharing desert while watching a horror movie. Christmas spent around a tree with their whole families, opening presents, drinking coffee, and then preparing for family dinner.

 

Scenes of more holidays flashed, accented slightly with still images of Nikodemus smiling, laughing, and having good times with his loved ones. As he walked further down the line, the images went from merry ones to ones of sorrow, frustration, anger, and lament. Scenes of customers backing out of transactions, leaving Nikodemus in a deficit of funds and materials. Loss of pets due to old age or accidents involving traffic. Fights and falling outs with friends and family. Bad illness, hospitalizations, and long roads of recovery fraught with weariness, frustration, and sorrow. The death of grand parents, parents, aunts and uncles. As Nikodemus faced all these, his heart panged with sorrow. He wished he was home, with his wife, finding comfort with one another. But he was here, stuck in this game.

 

Pushing aside these thoughts and feelings, Nikodemus steeled himself and moved on. He would escape, return to his wife, and live his days out to their end happily. As he walked, the images on the screens ahead of him, and behind him blacked out and vanished. Ahead of him, one screen stood in the middle of the mock hallway. It's image remained. A large tree, dead and fruitless, a small stone cross sits before a grave mound beneath the tree. Standing beside it was his wife, weeping into one of his handkerchiefs he owned. His name was engraved in a scrawling text in the stone, his death date mere months after entering SAO. This was not a memory, but one of his fears.

 

Suddenly, his wife turned towards the screen and looked out at him through tear filled eyes. Her voice rang out, as if amplified, and spoke to him. "You... You failed. You failed and left me. You broke your promise to me! Now... you must be punished!" Her voice, no A voice changed in pitch and depth, becoming warped and twisted with rage and darkness. From the screen, the beast mimicking his wife stepped through the screen and altered itself into the same shape and height as him, but it was another formless being like the first one he had came across. Shaking himself free of his fears with the realization that it was another of his <Inner Demon>s, Nikodemus drew his axe back and snarled back at it. "I will kill you for that. I will purge you from my mind you foul demon! Prepare yourself for oblivion!"

 

Nikodemus: Lvl: 6 | 23/24 HP | Energy: 6/6 | MIT: 30 (3+9+18) | Thorns: 14 (7+7) | DMG 3 (1+1+1)

 

<<Second Inner Demon>> 8 HP | 2 DMG | 1 MIT

[Nikodemus_Blackwood 1]

 

Taking three large steps before planting his feet, and swinging his axe in a wide two handed arc. Connecting with what would be the fleshy bit of the beings stomach, carving a large gouge through it. the <Inner Demon> growled and then jumped backwards and back into the screen. within a moment, it jumped out of view and was gone. With a grimace on his face, Nikodemus backed up a couple steps and looked about here and there. Hearing a fizzling static, Nikodemus turned just in time to see the <Inner Demon> swing it's massive clawed limb from another screen behind him. Ducking into a roll and back a few feet, Nikodemus brought himself back to his feet and turned in half circles, checking each screen around him.

 

ID# 57181 results:

 Battle: 5 + 1 = 6

 Craft: 11

 Loot: 6

 MOB: 4

 

My DMG: 3 - 1 = 2

 

Nikodemus: Lvl: 6 | 23/24 HP | Energy: 6/6 | MIT: 30 (3+9+18) | Thorns: 14 (7+7) | DMG 3 (1+1+1)

 

<<Second Inner Demon>> 6/8 HP | 2 DMG | 1 MIT

Edited April 21, 2016 by Nikodemus_Blackwood

[Nikodemus_Blackwood 1]

 

Hearing a horrific howl from one of the screens, Nikodemus watched with a sickening fascination as the <Inner Demon> slipped from the screen and began to slither about on it's four appendages. Turning it's head, or what should of been a head, it saw Nikodemus and leapt at him. Ducking the creature and then rolling forward and returning to a standing position facing it, Nikodemus prepared his axe for a lunging strike. As his muscles tensed, the <Inner Demon> made a gurgling weedy noise, then began to speak once again. It's voiced mimicked his wife's once more, and this boiled his blood. "come to me and accept your punishment little man. I will make it quick and painless!"

 

ID# 57183 results:

 Battle: 3

 Craft: 6

 Loot: 19

 MOB: 4

 

Nikodemus: Lvl: 6 | 23/24 HP | Energy: 6/6 | MIT: 30 (3+9+18) | Thorns: 14 (7+7) | DMG 3 (1+1+1)

 

<<Second Inner Demon>> 6/8 HP | 2 DMG | 1 MIT

Edited April 21, 2016 by Nikodemus_Blackwood

[Nikodemus_Blackwood 1]

Seething with hate, Nikodemus stood his ground and prepared himself for an attack from the <Inner Demon> to come at any moment. When it didn't, he tried to discern any weakness in the creature. Seeing nothing revealing in it's movements, Nikodemus sighed and tried to relax himself. Attacking with a hot head would lead to his death. The thing knew this because it was a part of his mind. It was taunting him, goading him into attacking in rage. Steadying his breathing and relaxing, Nikodemus prepared to attack.

 

 ID# 57184 results:

 Battle: 3

 Craft: 1

 Loot: 18

 MOB: 3

 

Nikodemus: Lvl: 6 | 23/24 HP | Energy: 6/6 | MIT: 30 (3+9+18) | Thorns: 14 (7+7) | DMG 3 (1+1+1)

 

<<Second Inner Demon>> 6/8 HP | 2 DMG | 1 MIT

Edited April 21, 2016 by Nikodemus_Blackwood

[Nikodemus_Blackwood 1]

Having prepared to attack, Nikodemus began to circle the <Inner Demon> and tried to get around it's flank so that he could try and drive it away from the screens. As he began his circle, the creature caught his intentions and decided to counter his flanking circle and began it's own circling movements. As they danced this stalemate each of them made feints and strikes, missing each one.

 

ID# 57186 results:

 Battle: 4 + 1 = 5

 Craft: 8

 Loot: 10

 MOB: 3

 

Nikodemus: Lvl: 6 | 23/24 HP | Energy: 6/6 | MIT: 30 (3+9+18) | Thorns: 14 (7+7) | DMG 3 (1+1+1)

 

<<Second Inner Demon>> 6/8 HP | 2 DMG | 1 MIT

Edited April 21, 2016 by Nikodemus_Blackwood

[Nikodemus_Blackwood 1]

 

With the two of the combatants circling one another at a stalemate, Nikodemus knew he had to end the fight. With a sudden stop to his turning, Nikodemus lunged in and slashed with his axe in a short arc. Striking the <Inner Demon> in the shoulder, Nikodemus drug his axe down it's limb and tried to widen the gouge. The <Inner Demon> then swung and struck Nikodemus in the shoulder and forced him backwards. Breaking off, Nikodemus leapt backwards and prepared for the next pass.

 

 

 ID# 57187 results:

 Battle: 7 + 1 = 8

 Craft: 5

 Loot: 20

 MOB: 9

 

My DMG: 3 - 1 = 2

 

Inner Demon DMG: 2 + 1 = 3 - 30 + 1

 

Nikodemus: Lvl: 6 | 22/24 HP | Energy: 6/6 | MIT: 30 (3+9+18) | Thorns: 14 (7+7) | DMG 3 (1+1+1)

 

<<Second Inner Demon>> 4/8 HP | 2 DMG | 1 MIT

Edited April 21, 2016 by Nikodemus_Blackwood

[Nikodemus_Blackwood 1]

 

Moving in to attack, Nikodemus swung hard but came up short. The <Inner Demon> swung also, but over extended itself slightly and missed by a fraction of an inch. Side stepping quickly, Nikodemus made sure to keep himself between the <Inner Demon> and the screens, lest it take refuge within. Another round of passes came and went with both Nikodemus and the <Inner Demon> swinging at one another. With a sigh, Nikodemus tried to think of a way of ending this quickly.

 

 

 

 

 ID# 57313 results:

 Battle: 3 + 1 = 4

 Craft: 9

 Loot: 18

 MOB: 3

 

Nikodemus: Lvl: 6 | 22/24 HP | Energy: 6/6 | MIT: 30 (3+9+18) | Thorns: 14 (7+7) | DMG 3 (1+1+1)

 

<<Second Inner Demon>> 4/8 HP | 2 DMG | 1 MIT

Edited April 21, 2016 by Nikodemus_Blackwood

[Nikodemus_Blackwood 1]

 

Deciding it was now or never, Nikodemus crouched into a lunging stance and brought his axe behind him, ready to strike. Taking a deep breath, he prepared himself for what needed to be done. The <Inner Demon> sensed something was up, or knew what Nikodemus was going to do since the beast was a part of his own mind, and tried to leap up and over Nikodemus and flee to the screens. As the <Inner Demon> leapt up, Nikodemus lunged himself and activated his Sword Art <Hack> and made a cross shaped carving attack, splitting the <Inner Demon> in 4 pieces. As it began to fall, it broke into pixels and vanished. Looking back to the screens, Nikodemus noticed the one from which the <Inner Demon> exited had turned into a door. Stepping to it, he pressed his hand against it and opened it up. Another bright light shone through it, and Nikodemus stepped through cautiously.

 

 ID# 57314 results:

 Battle: 6 + 1 = 7

 Craft: 10

 Loot: 12

 MOB: 1

Activated:  Hack - 2x1 - (2 Energy) - Two diagonal cuts

 

My DMG: 3 x 2 x 1 = 6 - 1 = 5

 

Nikodemus: Lvl: 6 | 22/24 HP | Energy: 6/6 | MIT: 30 (3+9+18) | Thorns: 14 (7+7) | DMG 3 (1+1+1)

 

<<Second Inner Demon>> -0/8 HP | 2 DMG | 1 MIT DED

Edited April 21, 2016 by Nikodemus_Blackwood

[Nikodemus_Blackwood 1]

Coming into the next part of his mind, Nikodemus found himself before a field of of tall grass, Nikodemus realized he was standing in his minds recreation of the outside zones of the first floor. Seeing the area around him, Nikodemus began to walk around and sought for the next door, and the inevitable battle he would have to engage in with the <Inner Demon> of this area. Seeing a large tree, Nikodemus made his his way towards it. Realization dawned on him once he got to it. The tree was one of the first places Nikodemus had ventured to during the first days of being trapped in Aincrad. It was here he witnessed the death of hundreds of players as their NerveGear's were removed by medical staff. It was here that Nikodemus went irreversibly insane.

 

As he approached the tree, the scenes repeated over and over again infront of him like it was a video on repeat. Watching himself upon his knees screaming as the hundreds of people clutch at their heads or hearts and then vanish in bursts of pixels. Seeing the images once again brought Nikodemus to tears once again. Watching the images on repeat, Nikodemus sighed and wiped his eyes, then turned about and surveyed the scenes again and again.

[Nikodemus_Blackwood 1]

While watching the scene playing before his eyes, Nikodemus turned his back to the tree. As he did, the image of himself suddenly stood and thrust it's arm forward and struck Nikodemus in the back. Falling forward and rolling to his knees, Nikodemus looked back and saw the mimicked image shift and become another <Inner Demon>. "Should of known that would happen... You damn things are shifty." Looking just beyong the <Inner Demon, a large wooden door was forming in the tree. Much like the others, it had large bands of iron riveted to it. Standing up, Nikodemus smirked and then lunged forward and brought his axe around in a cutting arc, slashing the <Inner Demon> across what would have been it's face. A large red gash formed. Jumping back once more, He prepared himself to charge in and strike once more.

 

 ID# 57344 results:

 Battle: 7 + 1 = 8

 Craft: 12

 Loot: 14

 MOB: 6

 

My DMG: 3 - 2 = 1

 

<Inner Demon> DMG: 3 - 30 = 0 + 1 = 1

 

Nikodemus: Lvl: 6 | 21/24 HP | Energy: 4/6 | MIT: 30 (3+9+18) | Thorns: 14 (7+7) | DMG 3 (1+1+1)

 

<<Third Inner Demon>> 11/12 HP | 3 DMG | 2 MIT

Edited April 22, 2016 by Nikodemus_Blackwood

[Nikodemus_Blackwood 1]

Without hesitation, Nikodemus launches his next attack and swings his axe in a harsh downward arc that split the <Inner Demon>'s flesh, if you could call it that, and caused a deep wound. With the depth of the wound his axe's <Bleed> effect activated hurting it worse and making it take damage for each movement it made. Kicking his foot off of the <Inner Demon>s body, Nikodemus leapt backwards and rolled to his feet and prepared to attack one last time.

 

 

ID# 57349 results:

 Battle: 9 + 1 = 10 <Bleed> activates on natural BD of 9. +8 dmg done for 2 turns.

 Craft: 3

 Loot: 5

 MOB: 1

 

My DMG: 3 + 8 = 11 - 2 = 9

 

Nikodemus: Lvl: 6 | 21/24 HP | Energy: 4/6 | MIT: 30 (3+9+18) | Thorns: 14 (7+7) | DMG 3 (1+1+1)

 

<<Third Inner Demon>> 2/12 HP | 3 DMG | 2 MIT

Edited April 22, 2016 by Nikodemus_Blackwood

[Nikodemus_Blackwood 1]

Seeing the <Inner Demon>'s health dip to nearly 0, Nikodemus did not have to attack the <Inner Demon> as the <Bleed> effect would finish it soon. Taking a defensive stance, Nikodemus held his shield up and prepared to take any hits the <Inner Demon> would throw at him. As he expected the <Inner Demon> lunges forward and slammed into Nikodemus shield, thrashing it's limbs at him around the shield. Realizing that he would need to beat the thing back, Nikodemus swung his axe hard and smashed it into the <Inner Demon>'s side. The axe bit deep once more and activated the <Bleed> effect once again. With one last thrash against his shield, the <Inner Demon> fought as it's life ebbed away. With the last thrashing hit, Nikodemus <Thorns> effect kicked in and shredded the <Inner Demon> into pixels instantly.

 

As the pixels vanished, Nikodemus fell to his knees for a moment and took a deep, long breath and then shook the weariness from his muscles and pressed on. Touching his hand to the door, it opened again and let out a bright light like the others before had. With hope that this would be the last time he went through a door, Nikodemus stepped in cautiously, his shield before him once again.

 

ID# 57355 results:

 Battle: 10 + 1 = 11 <Bleed> activates again on natural roll of 10. Crit of +2 added to base damage of 3.

 Craft: 3

 Loot: 11

 MOB: 6 <Thorns> activates.

 

My DMG: 3 + 2 + 8 + 8 = 21 - 2 = 19

 

<Inner Demon> DMG: 3 - 30 = 0 + 1 = 1

 

Nikodemus: Lvl: 6 | 20/24 HP | Energy: 4/6 | MIT: 30 (3+9+18) | Thorns: 14 (7+7) | DMG 3 (1+1+1)

 

<<Third Inner Demon>> 0/12 HP | 3 DMG | 2 MIT DED

Edited April 22, 2016 by Nikodemus_Blackwood

[Nikodemus_Blackwood 1]

Coming through the door and into the next area, Nikodemus looked about and found himself once more before the waterfall. Listening to the sounds of the water crashing upon the rocks, insects chirping about in the reeds, a gentle breeze kissing the leaves of the trees around, Nikodemus would have normally thought that he had come out his mind and was done with his ordeals. Yet, he did not feel as he normally did. He could hear all the sounds, but they sounded duller, or even quieter, than normal. The breeze touched his skin, but he did not feel it's coolness, nor did he feel his hair move with its caress. With a sigh, he looked about for the next door and it's guardian. He was still stuck in his mind, and he needed to escape.

 

After turning a full circle, Nikodemus' gaze fell back on the waterfall and the door that had appeared in it's water. Standing before the door was another <Inner Demon>, it's body larger than the others he had fought. Gripping his axe tighter, Nikodemus sighed and prayed this would be his last fight. His body ached from the dozens of cuts and bruises he had, and his muscles were weary from the exertion. Readying himself, he felt the breeze stop, the sounds around him mute, and the <Inner Demon> before him let loose a blood freezing howl.

 

Nikodemus: Lvl: 6 | 20/24 HP | Energy: 4/6 | MIT: 30 (3+9+18) | Thorns: 14 (7+7) | DMG 3 (1+1+1)

 

<<Final Inner Demon>> 18 HP | 5 DMG | 3 MIT

[Nikodemus_Blackwood 1]

Upon hearing the <Inner Demon> roar, Nikodemus took the opportunity to charge in. Swinging his axe in a hard downward angle. The blade bit deep and created a large gash down the <Inner Demon>s body. The wound activated the <Bleed> effect on Nikodemus axe and would cause the creature to be hurt everytime it moved. With another howl, the <Inner Demon> smashed one of its limbs into Nikodemus and hurled him back a couple steps. Nikodemus armor absorbed most of the blow, letting minimal damage through, and his <Thorns> effect activated, sending shocks of damage through the creature. With a grin, Nikodemus took deep breaths and prepared to attack again.

 

 ID# 57418 results:

 Battle: 9 + 1 = 10 Crit +1, <Bleed> procs on natural 9. +8 DMG for 2 turns.

 Craft: 3

 Loot: 2

 MOB: 8 <Thorns>

 

My DMG: 3 + 1 + 8 = 12 - 3 = 9

 

<Inner Demon>: 5 - 30 = 0 + 1 = 1

 

Nikodemus: Lvl: 6 | 19/24 HP | Energy: 4/6 | MIT: 30 (3+9+18) | Thorns: 14 (7+7) | DMG 3 (1+1+1)

 

<<Final Inner Demon>> 9/18 HP | 5 DMG | 3 MIT

Edited April 22, 2016 by Nikodemus_Blackwood

[Nikodemus_Blackwood 1]

 

Ready to be finished with this nightmare, Nikodemus charged one last time into the <Inner Demon>. With a shout of defiant rage, he slammed his axe into the creatures head as hard as he could, driving the <Inner Demon> back a few steps. With a final death rattle, it beat against Nikodemus armor in a futile attempt to take the madman with him. With each hit, his armors <Thorns> effect activated and sent a rippling shockwave through the creature, turning it into pixels in an instant.

 

Falling to the ground, Nikodemus laughed heartily. Standing wearily, he began to shake his limbs and muscles loose, forcing the soreness from them. Walking to the door, Nikodemus lifted his hand and pressed on it firmly. The wooden door opened noiselessly and a bright light filled Nikodemus' eyes one last time. On the other side of the door, Nikodemus felt his body pulling at him, and he wanted nothing more than to return to it. Stepping through, Nikodemus felt his mind stir once again, and he was enveloped by the white light.

 

 

 

 ID# 57422 results:

 Battle: 8 + 1 = 9

 Craft: 10

 Loot: 11

 MOB: 6 <Thorns>

 

Last turn of <Bleed>.

 

My DMG: 3 + 8 + 14 = 25 - 3 = 22

 

<Inner Demon>: 5 - 30 = 0 + 1 = 1

 

Nikodemus: Lvl: 6 | 18/24 HP | Energy: 4/6 | MIT: 30 (3+9+18) | Thorns: 14 (7+7) | DMG 3 (1+1+1)

 

<<Final Inner Demon>> 0/18 HP | 5 DMG | 3 MIT DED

Edited April 22, 2016 by Nikodemus_Blackwood

[Nikodemus_Blackwood 1]

With fluttering eyes, Nikodemus found himself back in his body sitting before the waterfall. With a sigh of relief, Nikodemus stretched his legs out and rubbed the numbness from  his legs. Standing wearily, he looked around and smiled. Stretching his arms, he began to move around the small pond and took deep breaths to reassure himself that he was truly awake. His mind felt a little calmer, but he knew deep down he was still quite insane, but he had a new hope he could keep his mind from breaking further and having another moment like he did in the past.

[Nikodemus_Blackwood 1]

Leaving the Waterfall and heading back to the main settlement of the floor, Nikodemus looked around and took the world in with a new insight. entering the settlement, Nikodemus made his way to the center of town where the teleport gate sat and took a seat upon a bench. He relaxed for a time and watched the people around him move about. With a smile he took in the scene before him and then thought about his wife. He would make it home, no matter what. He would not let himself succumb to this death game no matter what.