(SP-F2) A Time To Train - More Hits Incoming

[Brax 0]

     Brax took a moment to rest after challenging the Black Bear.  Breaking out the rations, he chewed thoughtfully on the dry bread and washed it down with the slightly tepid water.  Not much was left for Brax to do than staying the course, continuing his training.  Finishing the meager meal, he stood and, after collecting his gear and checking it twice, began to hunt for another beast to practice his skills upon.

[Brax 0]

ID 42941

Spoiler

BD 10 +3 ACC

MoBD 3 -1 EVA

Nepent HP 4/12

Brax HP 24/24

EN 5/6

2 damage + 2crit x 2 Whirlwind = 8

     Hearing a rustling sound nearby, Brax cautiously advanced to the next clearing, where his eyes beheld a large Nepent aimlessly tending to it's garden.  Seeing a golden opportunity to strike from the shadows, Brax quietly activated his Whirlwind attack and struck without warning.  Unaware that he had snuck up behind it, the creature had no defense against the ruthless blow.  Raising it's vines in protest, it tried to counterattack, but Brax dodged the confused strikes with a practiced ease.

[Brax 0]

ID 42942

Spoiler

BD 8 +3 ACC

LD 20

MoBD 6 -1 EVA

Nepent HP 0/12 Defeated!

Brax HP 24/24

EN 4/6

2 damage + 1crit x 2 Whirlwind = 6

     The ease of motion Brax felt, despite the weight of his armor, further reinforced the benefits of his sojourn to the 13th floor, and the crimson haired shopkeeper who made it her home.  While he did not consider her stats important, namely her face and appearance, he could not deny the quality of her wares, and the power he felt emanating from the pieces he had purchased.  Spinning on his heel, Brax ended the short battle with another well placed Whirlwind, taking the top half of the creature clean off, and after watching the beast disappear, collected his well deserved loot.

+2 materials

+60 col

[Brax 0]

ID 42943

Spoiler

BD 6 +3 ACC

MoBD 7 -1 EVA

Killer Bee Swarm HP 8/12

Brax HP 23/24

EN 3/6

6 damage - 5 MIT = 1

2 damage x 2 Whirlwind = 4

     Brax found little time to rest after the death of the nepent, as the cantankerous plant had a following of bees attending to it.  The swarm assaulted Brax, leaving welts in multiple places along his arms and legs.  They weren't very strong, but there were too many to avoid on this first attack.  He swung his axe around, taking out a third of the swarm with his Whirlwind, but their angry buzzing suggested they were not done tormenting him.

Edited December 23, 2015 by Brax

[Brax 0]

ID 42944

Spoiler

BD 5 +3 ACC

MoBD 3 -1 EVA

Killer Bee HP 4/12

Brax HP 23/24

EN 2/6

2 damage x 2 Whirlwind = 4

     Brax swiped at the bees with another Whirlwind, and before they could counterattack, he ran, hoping to put enough distance between the bees and himself to prepare their destruction.  An angry buzz followed quickly behind him, and he looked around for a place to make a stand.  The Epitaph around his wrist glowed faintly, energizing his legs, and he knew what he had to do.

Edited December 23, 2015 by Brax

[Brax 0]

ID 42945

Spoiler

BD 9 +3 ACC

LD 12

MoBD 6 -1 EVA

Killer Bee HP 0/12 Defeated!

Brax HP 23/24

EN 1/6

2 damage x 2 Whirlwind = 4

     Running full speed towards a nearby tree, Brax scaled the bark in a few short steps, and when he got several feet up leapt off and over the swarm that was hot on his heels.  Landing effortlessly behind the buzzing cloud, Brax spun on the ball of his right foot, bringing his axe around for a final Whirlwind strike, dispersing the swarm with his powerful blow.  As the insects pixels vanished into the air, he saw a piece of armor drop out of the air.  Picking it up, he noticed it was a new pair of metal Shoulder Guards.  Looking it over, he opened his HUD and equipped them, appreciating the look he was beginning to achieve.  'I shall name these the Pauldrons of Sir Racha."

+Pauldrons of Sir Racha

+1 material

Edited December 27, 2015 by Brax

[Brax 0]

ID 42946

LD 2

His gear was shaping up quite nicely.  Speaking of which, Brax had just received a PM from Teion, the blacksmith, informing him that his new axe was prepared.  Taking a moment away from his training, Brax made his way to and from the 5th floor to collect the gear.  Having returned, he knew that his first task was to rebuild his flagging energy reserves, the better to slay monsters with.  Busying himself with a search for loot, Brax failed to find anything quite useful.

Brax HP 23/24 MIT 5 EN 2/6

[Brax 0]

ID 42947

LD 18

     Still in need of precious energy, the lifeblood of attacks in SAO, Brax continued to let his energy tick upwards, and his search for loot began to bear fruit.  He noticed a disturbed bit of ground nearby, possibly the scene of a heated battle.  The player involved in it must not have looked hard enough, however, because a cursory examination revealed some extra materials that could be use for an aspiring tailor:  a piece of leather, most likely from a terrible wolf.

Brax HP 23/24 MIT 5 EN 3/6

+1 material

Edited December 27, 2015 by Brax

[Brax 0]

ID 43392

LD 13

     'I require weapons training.  This new axe is useless to me if I cannot test it's properties in battle, to discover if it truly is all Teion made it out to be.'  In his mild frustration, Brax searched around for more materials.  Finding none, he continued to stew in his sensation of frustration.  The axe in his hands pulsed with barely restrained energy, it's battle instinct seemingly hungry for combat, and that power flowed into Brax, increasing his feelings.

Brax HP 24/24 3 posts out of combat 5 MIT 6/6 3 posts out of combat

[Brax 0]

ID 43393

Spoiler

BD 4 +3 ACC MoBD 1 -1 EVA

BRAX HP 24/24 EN 5/6

WOLF HP 5/12 [5 DMG x 2 Whirlwind - 3 MIT] = 7 DMG

     'FINALLY!' Brax almost yelled into his head, having found an opponent to sink his blade into.  A wolf stood before him, much more powerful than he had previously been able to compete with.  It's hide seemed much tougher than the others he had sought out, and he felt the eagerness of the axe in his hands, it's desire for battle almost touching his hardened heart and mind.  He gave the sensation little thought, however, and instead took the beast by surprise, his patented Whirlwind attack blowing the creature back several feet, unable to counter attack.  It shook off the blow, though, and came roaring back, eager to commence battle.

[Brax 0]

ID 43394

Spoiler

BD 2 +3 ACC MoBD 10 -1 EVA

Brax 21/24 [6 + 1crit - 5 MIT] = 2 DMG EN 6/6

Wolf 5/12

     Snarling, the wolf collected itself and struck back hard, enraged at this upstart player, thinking it could attack the beast as he pleased.  The wolf managed to land a powerful blow, the player seemingly stunned by it's rampaging behavior.  Scratching a deep furrow across the players armor, the beast smiled in satisfaction, it's fangs bared in a toothy grin, and it leapt back, wary of a counterblow.  When it failed to come, the animal silently stalked the player, awaiting another moment to strike.  The player seemed slightly dazed, as if the blow had done more damage than the creature expected.  It felt good, having vindicated the previous blow to it's ego.

[Brax 0]

ID 43397

Spoiler

BD 9 +3 ACC LD 17 MoBD 1 -1 EVA

Brax 21/24 EN 5/6

Wolf -4/12 DEAD [5 DMG +1crit x 2 Whirlwind -3 MIT] = 9 DMG

     Stunned momentarily by the wolf's counterattack, Brax could only watch as it leapt back and began stalking him, looking for another opening in which to strike.  Shaking his head to clear it, Brax got back to his feet, and with a roar of his own, knowing the psychological effects it could have on another, attacked with the full fury of his blade.  His own enraged cry had the same effect on the wolf, stunning it in place, and his Whirlwind hit home, cleaving the animal in two and leaving behind a mess of pixels and loot, which Brax collected.

+60 col

+1 material

Edited December 27, 2015 by Brax

[Brax 0]

ID 43398

Spoiler

BD 5 +3 ACC MoBD 3 -1 EVA

Brax 21/24 EN 5/6

Black Bear 10/12 [5 DMG - 3 MIT] = 2 DMG

     Brax had little time to rest.  His roar had attracted another monster of the forest, another Black Bear, though this one seemed a tougher sort than the one he had previously contended with.  'It would appear that with a stronger weapon comes stronger foes.  But, what better way to test one's skills than against a worthy adversary?'  Brax mused in his head, content with the direction his training was taking him.  The lumbering bear came to him, intent on running Brax down, but with the help of his Epitaph, he easily dodged the barreling creature, striking back as he rolled out of the way.

[Brax 0]

ID 43417

Spoiler

BD 3 +3 ACC MoBD 1 -1 EVA

Brax 21/24 EN 5/6

Black Bear 8/12 [5 DMG - 3 MIT] = 2 DMG

     Popping back up behind the beast, Brax again attacked the Bear, cutting a gouge out of the creature's hide and releasing a line of red pixels from it's body.  The Bear roared it's displeasure and attempted to retaliate, but the counterattack was too slow, and Brax effortlessly dodged it.  Springing just out of reach, Brax felt the power of his axe, warm to the touch, surging through his frame, strengthening his blows.  He knew he had made the right choice in going to Teion.  Her craftsmenship seemed second to none, as his battles seemed to attest to.

[Brax 0]

ID 43418

Spoiler

BD 9 +3 ACC LD 20 MoBD 9 -1 EVA N/A

Brax 21/24 EN 4/6

Black Bear -1/12 DEAD [5 DMG +1crit x 2 Whirlwind - 3 MIT] = 9 DMG

     'Enough.  Time to move on,' Brax thought, wanting to test his blade against something a little more challenging.  The bear was strong, but not fast enough to keep up with hit evasion skills.  Moving in quickly, Brax felt the gathering power of his Whirlwind coalesce, and as he drew up to the confused Bear, released it into it's face, the double strike causing the animal to explode in a pixelated mist.  Brax was about to turn around in search of more monsters to train against, when he noticed a potion on the ground, loot dropped by the creature.  He picked it up and examined it: a potion of strength, capable of increasing his damage for a time.  'A most fortuitous find,' Brax mused, 'one I will most assuredly use to my advantage.'

+1 potion of strength (+1 damage for a thread)

+1 material

Edited December 27, 2015 by Brax

[Brax 0]

ID 43420

Spoiler

BD 7 +3 ACC MoBD 7 -1 EVA

Brax 20/24 [6 DMG - 5 MIT] = 1 DMG EN 4/6

Wolf 10/12 [5 DMG - 3 MIT] = 2 DMG

     As Brax pocketed his loot, he almost did not see the wolf watching his previous battle.  Looking up, he barely had time to avoid the sneak attack from the shadows.  As it was, the animal still managed to land a hit, though not nearly as bad as it could have been.  Brax managed to deliver a counterpunch as he leapt away, and after settling himself, the two began to circle each other looking for an opportunity to attack.

[Brax 0]

ID 43421

Spoiler

BD 9 +3 ACC MoBD 7 -1 EVA

Brax 19/24 [6 DMG - 5 MIT] = 1 DMG EN 4/6

Wolf 7/12 [5 DMG + 1crit - 3 MIT] = 3 DMG

     The two combatants paced each other, not wanting to give the other a chance to attack.  The wolf, however, blinked first.  As it stalked the perimeter, it's foot caught on a branch, causing it to stumble.  Brax rushed in, his intent clear to all onlookers.  The beast recovered quite fast, though, and after Brax had landed a strong blow to it's midsection, the animal countered with a scratch to his Pauldrons, jarring the man a bit before he managed to withdraw.  He didn't go far, however, as he needed to remain close to capitalize on the beast's mistake: challenging Brax to a battle.

[Brax 0]

ID 43429

Spoiler

BD 7 +3 ACC LD 15 MoBD 9 -1 EVA N/A

Brax 17/24 [6 DMG + 1crit -5 MIT] = 2 DMG EN 3/6

Wolf 0/12 DEAD [5 DMG x 2 Whirlwind - 3 MIT] = 7 DMG

     Brax began his prep for the Whirlwind, setting his axe to the left side.  Unfortunately, he chose his moment poorly, as the ever watchful wolf chose that moment to strike.  It lunged at Brax, biting through his unprotected arm, and sending a blinding pain shooting through his nervous system.  Being who he was, Brax barely felt the sting of the assault, instead focused on energizing his attack.  Feeling the power reach it's peak, he threw the animal off, his blow following close behind.  The twin attacks from his axe ended the match quickly, both strikes turning the beast into so many pixels.  Scanning over the remains of the creature, Brax was once again blessed by the RNG to receive a piece of equipment, this time a cross helm, which he dubbed The Cross Helm of Sir Vey.

+ Cross Helm of Sir Vey

+1 material

Edited December 27, 2015 by Brax

[Brax 0]

ID 43431

Spoiler

BD 9 +3 ACC MoBD 10 -1 EVA N/A

Brax 14/24 [6 DMG + 2crit -5 MIT] = 3 DMG EN 2/6

Wolf 3/12 [5 DMG + 1crit x 2 Whirlwind -3 MIT] = 9 DMG

     Venturing forth, Brax sought out another enemy to test his weapon on, intent on fighting one more battle before taking a break.  He found another wolf in the next open area of the forest, sun streaming through the canopy on his next arena.  HIs Whirlwind set, he advanced quickly upon the beast, wanting to finish the match in a single blow.  His want would be his undoing, for while his blow was strong, the creature's hide was thick, and his damage partially negated.  The angry wolf countered powerfully, knocking Brax back a step.  Undeterred, Brax readied another strike, intent on killing his final bit of prey.

Edited December 27, 2015 by Brax

[Brax 0]

ID 43432

Spoiler

BD 9 +3 ACC LD 20 MoBD 2 -1 EVA

Brax 14/24 EN 1/6

Wolf -6/12 DEAD [5 DMG + 1crit x 2 Whirlwind - 3 MIT] = 9 DMG

     Brax advanced on the wolf, and his Whirlwind stood ready.  The animal tried to hit him, but to no avail.  Brax easily dodged the blow, and coming up behind he unleashed the Whirlwind, his twin strikes hitting the beast in tandem.  The wolf vanished, only leaving behind an amount of sizable loot, including another potion of strength.  His satisfaction was growing, as was his skill in combat.  With his new weapon in hand, he felt that much more prepared for the tasks ahead, to find his past and determine his future.

+1 Potion of Strength

+1 material

Edited December 28, 2015 by Brax