[SP-F1] Iron Maiden

[Lotharian 0]

It had come to Asagi's attention that his friend Alyssa was not only accomplished as a warrior in this world but had gained some renown as a blacksmith.  As he still had nothing but a basic wakazashi from his beginner's pack he had decided this was a very fortuitous turn of events.  To advance in this game you needed to have some good gear, and craftsman in these game were always capable of the best gear an avatar could carry.  Well barring event rewards if he remembered correctly.  So the decision in his head was made, he would kill two birds with one stone and venture forth to gather some ore in order to have his friend forge something undeniably better than what he wielded at the moment.  While finding information he had learned of a mine on the far side of Floor 1, it seemed a great place to start atleast.  The only thing that worried him is word had it there were higher HP mobs within the cave, skeleton warriors as far as he could gather.  The specifics weren't all there but it was enough information to go off of.  He would stick to the parts of the cave close to the entrance and if things got too much for him he would just leave and recover.  On the other hand he knew that with his newly found levels there may be a good opportunity for drops that only the higher level mobs could give him.  As he traversed the landscape he passed some of the random areas he had scouted out before, these were the spawnpoints of lower level mobs that allowed for grinding up those first few tough levels.  Off in the distance he could see a few of the players who had been too scared to leave the city early on finally attempting to level up.  It seemed they were doing far too badly, they had grouped together so there was no need for a daring rescue he concluded.  As he reached the outskirts of the grasslands that surrounded the central city the hills leveled off into plains.  It would be a bit of a jaunt but he would get to that mine soon enough.

[Lotharian 0]

The vast plains were magnificent, it was becoming almost impossible for him to imagine them being just a virtual falsity.  He knew in his heart that everyone and everything around him was nothing but virtual, but he was going to enjoy his surroundings while he was stuck here.  Grasslands were alive with the assorted mobs that pranced about, elk trotted along and ate upon the plentiful grass.  If they were not so dangerous he would enjoy simply walking up and petting them on the nose.  Of the creatures he had encountered so far he believe them to be the most aesthetically pleasing of the mobs, they were also quite useful for gathering quality pelts.  Lost in thought Asagi realized he was getting closer and closer to his destination, before he knew it the cave was within sight in the distance.

[Lotharian 0]

The cave seemed silent enough from the outside, no mobs were patrolling by the entry-way.  It seemed a typical cave, roughly nine feet in height at the entrance and not completely natural in origin.  The programmers showed maticulous detail is showing the effects of mining along the rock-face.  Outwardly those effects were purely aesthetic though as from what he gathered mining in SAO was a matter of hitting veins multiple times until they disappeared and possibly dropped ore.  To the side of the entrance were a few spawned mining picks in order for adventurers to learn the basics of gathering.  Grabbing a hold of one of their handles the object was a good heavy representation of the genuine article.  Slinging it up and against his shoulder as Asagi had seen done in countless old programs that depicted the age of miners, before the advent of modern mining means.  With a deep breath to gather his motivation he started his walk into the mysterious cave.

[Lotharian 0]

There was a distinct musty feel as Asagi entered the cave, that stagnant air trapped within a mostly enclosed space.  As he traveled down the small tunnel he noticed immediately off to one side an odd looking rock formation.  Examining it closer he saw flecks of metallic looking materials embedded in the stone.  Reaching out an information window popped up stating what he had assumed.  This was an iron vein, exactly what he had come here looking for.  Raising the pick above his head Asagi dropped the sharp point upon the vein.  A large cracking sound resounded upon the strike and he repeated the action a couple more times.

 

Rolled a 1 on the d20 (loot) dice.

 

The small vein simply broke apart and to Asagi's disappointment nothing appeared before him.  The gathering of these materials would be a bit more in depth than he had originally thought.  If he remembered correctly in previous games the veins gave a nearly perfect drop rate of materials, but it seemed mechanics were different in here.  Apparently the relative ease with which crafting was offset by a more difficult method of obtaining the materials required for said crafting.

 

[Dice roll ID # 493]

[Lotharian 0]

As he searched a bit deeper into the cave Asagi noticed that mining lanterns were set upon this areas walls to assure light shone into the deeper sections.  Being on Floor 1 that made sense that they would make it relatively easy in that way, but he assumed that caves in later floors may not have such luxuries.  Making sure to catalog that information he would have to remember to be prepared with a light source when he ventured forth in the later levels.  As he was deep in thought a sound brought him back to the task at hand.  Rattling of what seemed to be bones and metal came from just up ahead around a bend in the tunnel.  Remembering that this cave was home to skeleton warrior mobs as he had been informed Asagi put down the pick and drew his weapon.

[Lotharian 0]

Slowly approaching the source of the rattling Asagi was being cautious.  Taking a look around the bend he saw before him a human skeleton standing upright and walking back and forth in a small area.  The creature was equipped with a small rusty sword and hanging at its side seemed to be some sort of pouch.  Asagi wondered what the design of these mobs was, it was obvious from the weapon assigned to them that their attack was most likely weak.  There was no reason to just ponder forever upon these things though, the only way to truly find out would be to just attack.  Coming around the bend Asagi charged for the mob aiming to strike at weak skeletal points.

 

Rolled a 4 on the d10 (battle) dice

 

As the blade came towards the skeleton the undead beast moved allowing for it to avoid being damaged.  There were plenty of areas around its body that allowed for a blade to miss since this thing lacked the flesh of a living thing.

 

Rolled a 5 on the d10 (mob) dice.

 

The skeleton raised up its rusty blade in an attempt to counter.  Asagi reacted just in time and jumped back narrowly avoiding the strike.

 

"What do you plan to give me tetanous to kill me?  That weapon of yours is just utterly shameful."

 

Lotharian 13/13

 

Skeleton 6/6

Skeleton has a base damage of 1

 

[Dice roll ID # 508]

[Lotharian 0]

The plan to win never changed, always be moving once the enemy has been engaged.  There was just no other way to fight, and so Asagi went in again.  Attempting to place at a spot in the ribcage of the creature was the most plausible way of being able to land a hit.  Slashing mercilessly at the monstrosity before him Asagi was determined to destroy it as fast as possible.

 

Rolled a 8 on the d10 (battle) dice

 

The sound of metal and bone clanged at the blade connected with the skeleton.  Its reactions were much less dramatic than the other mobs he had encountered previously but he knew he hit.  In most games the undead foes were those with much less defined damage taking animations after all.

 

Rolled a 5 on the d10 (mob) dice.

 

Continuing forward after the successful strike Asagi just made it past the enemies' blade as it attempted to swipe at him.  It was yet another close call but Asagi could tell that all the training and grinding of levels he had been doing so far was paying off.

 

Lotharian 13/13

 

Skeleton 4/6

 

[Dice roll ID # 510]

[Lotharian 0]

As his movement stopped Asagi pivoted the heel of his foot to twist his body with the last if its momentum and swing around the other way for a strong strike.  It was his hope that the strength of the next strike might crack some of the bones of the undead enemy and end the conflict.  If nothing else a cracking skeleton was a much less imposing foe than a fully functional one.  The blade came around with incredibly swift speed headed straight for the enemy.

 

Rolled a 9 on the d10 (battle) dice.

 

The blade hit with immense force and Asagi could here the crunch as one of the beast's bones cracked under the strike.  It was definitely going down this time.  As he watched for the creature to disappate he realized that no such luck was to be had.  The creature whirled around to take a swing at Asagi.

 

Rolled a 7 on the d10 (mob) dice.

 

As quickly as he could Asagi attempted to dodge out of the way.  Unfortunately the skeleton's blade glanced across the man's shoulder leaving a shallow slice in the skin.

 

Lotharian 12/13

 

Skeleton 1/6

 

[Dice roll ID # 516]

[Lotharian 0]

Looking at his HP it seemed that the slight hit had only done a very minimal amount of damage.  It was a relief to know that these mobs hit for a low amount.  Asagi became more confident in his chances against these things.  Following the confirmation of this fact he went in for what he hoped was the killing blow.  Swinging at the weak spot he had created in the skeletal structure this was a vital strike.

 

Rolled a 1 on the d10 (battle) dice.

 

The skeleton moved with surprising quickness, or was it simply Asagi's overconfidence from the last hit's effects.  Regardless of that the slash missed wildly from its mark and before he knew it the skeleton's blade was on its way.

 

Rolled a 10 on the d10 (mob) dice.

 

Without any time to avoid it this time the foe landed a heavy hit right to Asagi's chest.  It was a deep cut and he was far worse than just simply scathed this time around.

 

Lotharian 9/13

 

Skeleton 1/6

 

[Dice roll ID # 521]

[Lotharian 0]

Taking a chunk out of his health was not enough to stop Asagi's assault.  Keeping his composure he used the relatively still close distance between himself and the mob to gain an advantage on his next strike.  This next attempt was sure to hit and end this little conflict of his.

 

Rolled a 5 on the d10 (battle) dice.

 

The blade missed yet again, Asagi cursed his over-confidence in the matter.  He wouldn't make the same mistake again though, as his swing was ending he used his forward momentum to roll away.

 

Rolled a 1 on the d10 (mob) dice.

 

The dodge worked beautifully as the skeleton's next strike was far off it's mark.

 

Lotharian 9/13

 

Skeleton 1/6

 

[Dice roll ID # 526]

[Lotharian 0]

Using the method that had landed him a pivotal strike before Asagi used his heel to make a quick turn and slashed at the off kilter enemy.  The adventurer hoped to himself that this hit would strike true and end the fight finally.  Getting this thing to the point of faltering and repeatedly failing to finish the job was not at all acceptable to him.

 

Rolled a 6 on the d10 (battle) dice.

 

The strike was not as strong as he had hoped but it seemed it was enough to crumble the already cracked section of bone to dust.  The skeleton fell to the ground and disappeared into pixels as all the other things in this world.

 

Rolled a 2 on the d20 (loot) dice.

 

Unfortunately as he watched the enemy disappate he did not witness anything drop off the body, there was one thing though that seemed to remain.  The pouch that had been on it's side was sitting there on the ground.  Picking it up Asagi opened it and a notification popped up.

 

 

Iron ore obtained, used in the blacksmithing profession

 

Well that worked he thought, this is exactly what he had come looking for in the first place.  It would seem that the mobs within this cave dropped these in the form of their pouches.  So beyond the chances he would have mining the substance if he came upon the creatures he could possibly get what he needed from them.  This was an important piece of information to know for future gathering.  Wandering back to the wall he left his pick at he grabbed it back up and slung it over his shoulder.  Time to continue the search for materials to make a proper sword.

 

[Dice roll ID # 531]

[Lotharian 0]

As he walked back over to where he had fought the skeleton warrior Asagi noticed a spot on the wall of the tunnel.  It seemed he was too busy, albeit understandably so, to notice the iron vein in the stone.  Wielding his pick Asagi went to town yet again attempting to obtain a bit of that valuable ore.  With each strike he thought please work in his head.  As he struck one last time there was a small glow and the vein crumbled.

 

Rolled a 4 on the d20 (loot) dice.

 

Yet again the veins were leaving him completely empty handed, it wouldn't discourage him though.  After the battle with the enemy Asagi had even more motivation to persevere.  He was going to fulfill his goals no matter how long it took.

 

[Dice roll ID # 540]

[Lotharian 0]

The cave seemed to be winding around a little more as he got further and further down.  Around him he could here the whistling of wind from even further down the tunnel.  That was usually an indicator of an open area within underground caverns.  This could be a good or bad sign for Asagi, since in most games open areas were the most common spawnpoints for mobs.  Still if the mobs down here were like the skeleton he defeated earlier he was confident that it would not be an immense problem to traverse with a degree of safety.  Down in the corner of the wall Asagi almost walked right by another iron vein.  Stopping for the moment and moving towards it he hoped that he would have a bit more success than his previous attempts.

 

Rolled a 8 on the d20 (loot) dice.

 

As he struck the vein over and over it started to glow and yet again he saw nothing as it broke apart.  Sighing deeply Asagi was starting to realize that this may not be the best way of obtaining materials after all.  He had met with a lot more success killing the mobs so far.  Decidedly he moved towards the source of the whistling wind.  If nothing else he could get what he was after by attacking more of those skeletal creatures.

 

[Dice roll ID # 547]

[Lotharian 0]

The tunnel began to widen and Asagi realized he was fast approaching the opening.  When he finally reached it he was almost in a speechless state of awe.  The design was magnificent, there was a wide domed area that must have reached thirty feet up into the mountainside.  The lights of the well placed lanterns danced along the walls and showed off the chiselled and worn area in all the right places.  In addition to all the wonderful surrounding though he could pinpoint a good number of moving figures throughout the complex.  It would seem he had assumed correctly in that many of the mobs within this cave system spawned down here.  It was then he noticed movement up where he was out of the corner of his eye.  Dropping the pick he quickly took out his blade.  There was a mob coming right at him from along the path, it had been close enough to be drawn to him as he entered the area.  Thankfully he noticed it in time, but he cursed himself yet again for letting this game cause him to become even the slightest bit relaxed.  No matter how pretty this was still a game of life and death, where the death could all too easily be his.  As it approached he readied himself for whatever was to come his way.  Once the mob had closed the distance Asagi quickly slashed before it could ready an attack of its own.

 

Rolled a 7 on the d10 (battle) dice.

 

The blade struck the boney beast well but Asagi already could see the creature begin a swing of its own.

 

Rolled a 9 on the d10 (mob) dice.

 

It landed a nice clean shot before he could dodge out of the way, the blade stung a bit but it would take more than that to cause him to falter.

 

Lotharian 11/13

 

Skeleton 4/6

 

[Dice roll ID # 554]

[Lotharian 0]

Bracing himself Asagi readied for another attack against the skeletal creature.  There wasn't a lot of room for mistake while atop the ledge.  To avoid this mobs strikes he would have to be at the top of his game, use all his speed to dodge and weave.  No matter what the foe he was going to beat it and move forward.  What other choice did he truly have.  His sword glowed as he readied himself for another strike.  As the skeleton raised up its arm to strike again Asagi unleashed his attack.  This was the moment that this thing would be most vulnerable and if he played it right the strike would throw off its aim enough to miss in the downswing.

 

Rolled a 7 on the d10 (battle) dice.

 

Yet again the sound of metal meeting bones rang out, Asagi twisted his body in order to avoid the incoming blade.

 

Rolled a 5 on the d10 (mob) dice.

 

As the sword dropped, the skeleton's strike breezed by him.  The strategy had worked, with the leeway he would need to make quick work to keep his advantage.

 

Lotharian 11/13

 

Skeleton 2/6

 

[Dice roll ID # 587]

[Lotharian 0]

With the danger of being hit by the last enemy strike out of the way Asagi slashed out with his sword to hopefully deal the final blow.

 

Rolled a 5 on the d10 (battle) dice.

 

The angle of the strike was off and the blade glanced off of the creatures bones.  The skeletal warrior was unscathed by the assault, Asagi quickly attempted to withdraw back out of it's arm reach.

 

Rolled a 1 on the d10 (mob) dice.

 

Deftly moving out of the way the mob had no chance at hitting him.  He was well out of the way by the time the skeleton's sword clanged against the wall Asagi had been standing against.  Worse yet for the creature it seemed his sword had stuck slightly into the chipped rocks.

 

Lotharian 11/13

 

Skeleton 2/6

 

[Dice roll ID # 591]

[Lotharian 0]

This was his chance, the skeletal warrior was attempting to pull his sword from the wall of the cave after it's horrible swing.  Darting back into attack distance Asagi went for the killing blow.  He hoped that the luck that gave him this opportunity held firm.

 

Rolled a 1 on the d10 (battle) dice.

Rolled a 10 on the d10 (mob) dice.

 

As the blade came closer and closer to its mark the mob freed its sword with a great pull of strength.  It flew away from the wall and as Asagi was about to finish the creature off the rusty blade struck him with all the force and momentum the mob required to pull it free of the wall.  The shock of the strike knocked Asagi to the ground in mid attack.  The wind was taken out of him as he impacted the ground with such force.  Those mobs were not very powerful but this strike hit like a truck.  Getting to his feet he wasn't going to allow this creature to get a free hit while he was just complaining on the ground.

 

Lotharian 8/13

 

Skeleton 2/6

 

[Dice roll ID # 592]

[Lotharian 0]

Recovering as quickly as possible from the massive hit Asagi was done playing, as the mob came in to strike he grabbed at the creatures forearm stopping the blade.  With his own sword he went straight for the kill.

 

Rolled a 7 on the d10 (battle) dice.

 

With a swift slice the head of the skeleton flew off and dropped to the ground.  As the body of his foe disappeared into pixels Asagi noticed something drop from the body.  This was in addition to a pouch similar to the one the other skeleton was wearing previously.  Picking up the object a very fascinating loot window popped up in front of Asagi suddenly.

 

Rolled a 20 on the d20 (loot) dice.

 

 

Shadow Walker boots (+1 Evasion)

 

His eyes opened wide as he looked at the item displayed on his screen.  This was his first loot drop with statistical enhancers.  Even better it was leather boots with a very useful ability attached.  He was going to have his share of fun with these.  Even better he had yet another piece of the material he was searching for.

 

Obtained Smithing material

 

[Dice roll ID # 593]

[Lotharian 0]

Quickly equipping the new boots he had acquired he noticed how interesting they looked.  Shadowy mist whisked off them looking like heat off the hood of the car in mid-summer, or the fog that drifted slowly off of dry ice.  Indeed he had grabbed up something quite useful it seemed.  As he walked down the windy edge of the outer walls Asagi looked down into the great room.  It was roughly thirty feet down from where he had entered and the side tunnels seemed to lead into other small sections of the mine.  Making his way downwards another skeleton stood before him.  This time he was fully prepared and was filled with new confidence after his last encounter.  Moving forward quickly he dropped his body low and went in for an upward slash using his legs as a source of extra power behind the strike.

 

Rolled a 1 on the d10 (battle) dice.

Rolled a 9 on the d10 (mob) dice.

 

The enemy backed up at the sudden charge causing the strike to pass harmlessly past the boney face.  Suddenly the sword it held slash down along Asagi's chest, he supposed he wasn't much more adept than he had been before after all.  He let his confidence get the better of him and he reeled back from the damaging blow.

 

Lotharian 13/15

 

Skeleton 8/8

 

[Dice roll ID # 882]