[SP-F1] <<Worn Out Welcome>>

[ham 0]

Ham's frame seemed to cover the doorway, he was a little above average in height at 5'10''. Ham still wore his basic gear which consisted of a tunic with a dark green pattern in the middle and dull white long sleeves. A pair of tan trousers that happened to tuck neatly into his black boots. The outfit was random generated because Ham was in a hurry to get into the game. Most players had a hand in their avatar's clothes. It wasn't that big of a deal though as any player with Col could buy outfits or commission from a tailor.

Ham followed the coordinates exactly but still managed to get lost. The game could be confusing at time but Ham was improving. He found a Beginner's Manual that helped explain a lot of the game's functions but it wasn't the Beginner's Manual that showed him where to go but a similar manual that detailed the inner workings of the games made by other players. It wasn't quite the newspaper you'd find on the "other side" as most players refer to the real world but it contained a lot of useful information. Within it, there was information on a NPC Blacksmith that could make you armor if you could get the materials...and Ham was desperate for some armor.

Upon entering the shop <>, Ham spotted two NPC's, a woman, and a man. He assumed the man to be Griswold and the woman to be Hanna from the info in the player contributed manual. Ham immediately approached Griswold as the NPC took notice of Ham and greeted him.

"Hi," Ham began, not sure how to interact with the NPC. The information stated that all you had to do was describe the armor you desire and Griswold will tell you what to get to make the item. Here goes nothing...

"I need a light armor that will keep me mobile. I can't be bogged down in a fight. I need to be able to move," as Ham finished he gauged the NPC who just stood there listening.

After the momentary pause Griswold responded, "Probably best if you used a Leather-type armor. Please bring back 4 <> from <> from the plains and my wife Hanna will make this for you."

After the dialog ended, Ham swiped his fingers in the air to pull up his menu. He scanned his journal to see if the quest was logged and found it.

4x <>

Ham gave a delighted squeak as he felt like he understood the game better. I can do this. I will become stronger. With that, Ham dashed out of <> and headed towards F1 plains where <> were most commonly found.

[ham 0]

Once in the plains, Ham kept running until he found quite a few mobs milling about. He picked the closest one and took out his 2H spear. He hunted quite a bit before for Col because it made more money than milling around town. Once you gained a couple of levels the monsters on this floor weren't hard if you stayed within the town's boundaries. Fighting out here compared to staying the city was more profitable but you have to worry about thieves and now murderers.

Ham focused on the nearest <> and used a charge <> as he gripped his spear and thrust it towards the monster the system would take over and complete the <>. In this case, it would cause Ham to plunge his spear into the <> causing damage that the system would calculate.

Ham found himself a couple of meters from the last position of the <> as it shatters into several blue polygons and disappears after a the monster gives off a loud squeal. A window pops up and shows Ham's loot: 1 <>

[1] roll = auto fail, nothing can make this maneuver succeed

[2-5] roll = combat maneuver fails

[6-8] roll = combat maneuver succeeds

[9] roll = Critical, +1 damage (if attack)

[10] roll = Critical, +2 damage (if attack)

Ham 7/7

Attack: 1(weapon damage) + 1 (Rank 1 2H Spear Skill) = 2

<> 2/2

Attack Log (For Calculations):

Ham initiates <> on <> and does 2 damage.

<> takes 2 damage and dies.

Ham acquires 1 <>

[ham 0]

Ham turned his attention to another <> and proceed to use his <> to attack the beast. Ham was getting used to letting the system assist him with his attacks as he noticed he was much more effective like this than trying to do it himself.

His charge attack would miss as the <> was alerted that Ham was targeting it. The <> simply switch directions since there wasn't enough time to perform a counter-attack. Ham would swoosh by the <> and face the boar again. There was a delay in Ham's skill as he wouldn't be able to do anything and for that time period the <> would be in the advantage.

[ham 0]

Ham would bring his spear forward and <> the incoming <> attack which would then give him a chance to attack at a closer range. The skill delay would be over by then. The <> would charge and collide with Ham's spear but the impact would knock him back a couple steps. It wasn't strong enough to knock Ham off his feet but the boar would be put into the delay. Ham would absorb the damage from the <>.

[ham 0]

The <> was in front of Ham now and was suffering the skill delay. Ham could see it visually as he mounted his next attack. Letting his hands slide to the end of the pole and bring the spear to his side he would use the leverage to smash into the <> side. The usual blue glow would happen as the attack would hit the <> in an upward, diagonal attack if hitting the boar would initiate a simple combo.

Ham miscalculated and missed the <> again. Trying not to let his attack throw him off balance, Ham jumped back hoping that he would be able to intercept the <> next attack.

[ham 0]

The <> charged Ham again and Ham held out his spear to block it. No, wait, what if the <> runs into my spear with its own momentum? Will the system calculate that? No way to find out unless I try.

Utilizing his full HP, Ham tightened his grip on his spear and held the point towards the <> head level as it came charging.

The <> would tackle Ham, breaking his stance and causing him damage. Ham quickly got up and prepared for another attack.

Ham 8/9

<> 2/2

Ham attempts to evade the <>.

Ham fails and the <> inflicts 1 damage to Ham.

[ham 0]

Ham cursed to himself as he decided to do another charge attack against the <>. Running towards the monster, the tip of Ham's spear started to glow and a sudden boost caused Ham to zip towards the monster. If the hit were to land, the spear would be lodged into the center of the monster causing damage.

Unlike his previous attempts, Ham's spear pierced into the <> as he heard the monster's last squeal followed by the dissipating of blue polygons that signified death in <>.

"Yes!" Ham yelled out. "Finally, this monster's dead. Time to check what I have so far..." as he swiped the air and brought up his menu, Ham scanned the data that was in the small, transparent rectangle.

"Aw, I didn't get anything."

Ham 8/9

Ham attacks <> and inflicts 2 damage.

<> dies.

No loot.

[ham 0]

"I need 3 more <>," Ham groaned. "At this rate, I'll be level 100 killing these stupid <>!!!"

He sighed, letting all his frustration go. Better to just get to it then to complain.

Ham went to his next boar and in his usual fashion let his <> activate and do all the work. The skill Ham has come to find out is called <>, an attack that pierces the monster's center-mass (though the description doesn't say that but its where Ham typically finds his attacks landing). If the attack hits, the attack would dissolve the <> into a million, tiny blue polygons.

The end results didn't match what Ham predicted as he quickly decided to jump pass the monster causing it to waste time doing a 180 degree turn.

[ham 0]

Just as Ham predicted the <> ran forward and made a U-turn to face him again. This was enough time for Ham to prepare a block or lead in with another attack without giving the monster a chance to attack. Ham opted for the latter as he leapt forward and let his spear crash down on the <> head. If the attack lands, Ham would let his strength stat and his weapon topple the <> leaving it vulnerable for another attack.

Ham's attack just grazes the <> as it charges again towards Ham. Ham has no way to dodge and suffers a direct hit that knocks him to the ground.

Ham 7/9

<> 2/2

Ham attacks the <>.

<> deflects Ham's attack and hits Ham for 1 damage.

[ham 0]

Ham recovers and charges the <>, as his spear twirls in his hand so the pointed side is towards the ground and the handle is wrapped around his back. Ham then leaps into the air and brings the spear in front of him with the spearhead aimed towards the <>.

In midair, Ham would tighten his grip as he held the spear upside down hoping that as he lands the impact of his attack would be enough to kill the <>. His spear started to glow blue again, and the words <> flash across his eyes. Pleasantly surprised, Ham discovered a new attack that involves dropping down on an enemy. The system would assist Ham in making his attack much faster, much stronger than it would be if he were to do it by his own means.

The <> would just keep running forward avoiding Ham's attack. Where Ham lands, a small crater can be found as a result from his <>. Neat skill, but it doesn't mean much if he can't land a hit.

[ham 0]

No longer frustrated but calm. The climate of battle has begun to temper Ham to what the system can or cannot do. I see, once you understand the limitations of this game and the monster's algorithm. There's nothing to be scared of. If I can create safety nets and ensure my survival in any situation I'll be alright.

Grinning now, Ham forced his spear into another <> that would initiate a knock back effect against the <>. This was the combo opener that Ham would use to open up the monster's defenses and finish it if he had the chance to.

The <> is hit but receives no damage. Ham decides to stay his ground this time and try to manipulate the combat into his favor.

[ham 0]

As expected, the monster attacks Ham again but this time instead of a charge, it decides to bite. Ham lets his hands slip to towards the end of the spear, leaving a wide enough gap for the <> to bite his weapon. The visual damage to his spear could be seen but it wasn't enough to destroy it.

Ham must have had a depth perception lapse as he felt a tingling sensation where the monster successfully bites him at. Ham kicks the monster away (does no damage) to give him a chance to recover.

Ham 6/9

<> 2/2

<> attacks Ham for 1 damage.

Ham receives 1 damage.

[ham 0]

Ham charges in using <> as a brilliant glow of blue light trails after him. His spear was aimed at the monster's center-mass. Ham was sure this time that he would land this hit but hitting a moving target was difficult. There'd be times you have successes and there'd be times you had failures. Ham was hoping this would be a success.

Ham felt his spear hit something but this time it was different. The <> hit points went down dramatically and instantly dissolved into a million blue polygons without so much as a squeal.

Ham checks his loot to find 2 <>, "Wow, what a drop!"

Ham 6/9

Ham inflicts a critical hit on <> for 3 damage.

<> dies.

Ham acquires 2 <>.

[ham 0]

Ham targets the next <> and lets his < do all the work. The incoming attack was a simple slash with his spear that would initiate a simple combo.

The attack connects as the <> opens up to Ham's four-combo onslaught. The simple slash is followed by a horizontal slash, and a impale into the monster's body. As the spear sticks into the <>, Ham would nimbly kick off the monster with enough vigor that would launch him in the air for his finisher.

The finisher used <> as Ham held his spear and brought it downwards into the topside of the monster. The impact of the jump left a small crater of where the monster once was as it exploded into blue mist of polygons.

Ham 6/9

Ham does 2 damage to <>.

<> dies.

[ham 0]

A bit weary, Ham decided it was a good time for a break. He looked into his inventory and saw what he had: basic gear, 10 pieces of bread, and a cloth jacket. All starting gear that every player in <> was given to fend for themselves. It was actually pretty standard equipment but it wasn't as generous as the computer MMORPG's which gave you a ton of stuff to start with. Ham always felt that was to draw players into the game.

<> didn't need that. Especially now, with Kayaba's "new feature". Ham chuckled at the thought as he ate a piece of bread. It wasn't necessary for players to eat but eating helped the hunger pangs go away. All the food had particular tastes to them and was European themed which Ham wasn't opposed to since he was from the United States but he would have killed for something a bit more authentic. Some Japanese cuisine would be great right about now but he would settle with the free bread.

Ham made a mental note to go shopping once he got back. He needed more food items.

Ham's current equipment (reminder, will be posted in journal soon):

- 10 pieces of bread (starting kit)

- 2H Spear (starting kit)

- Cloth Jacket (starting kit)

- 3 <>


After this posts becomes


- 9 pieces of bread (starting kit)

- 2H Spear (starting kit)

- Cloth Jacket (starting kit)

- 3 <>