F14/SP The Lich's Calling

[Oscar 0]

Spoiler

Oscar 533/680 HP | 68/68 EN | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 3 EVA | 58 MIT | 4 HOLY

Oscar found the entrance to the dungeon in short order. Not like it was difficult. The shining red mark on his minimap was more than enough to guide him to where he wanted to go. He stepped down into the darkness. As if on cue, the dungeon sparked to life. Purple torches burst to life along the walls, illuminating the path forward. Before him was a long corridor and at the end a tall entryway. With nothing else to do but push forward, Oscar did just that. He was surprised to find that there were no traps or hidden switches. Hell, the door didn't even snap closed behind him. Of course, this was a Beginner dungeon. Just as he thought, there wasn't much in the way to really make him regret coming here. He imagined it would be different on the harder difficulties. But this was just exp and loot offered to him on a silver platter. What was he gonna do? Fight some enemies and then bounce with some stuff for his troubles? Probably.

[Oscar 0]

Spoiler

Oscar 457/680 HP | 46/68 EN | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 3 EVA | 58 MIT | 4 HOLY

Explode Catapult[x14] vs Antman Crusader1 ID: 130492 BD4+3 Deal 252 DMG
Explode Catapult[x14] vs Antman Crusader2 ID: 130493 BD5+3 Deal 252 DMG
Explode Catapult[x14] vs Antman Crusader3 ID: 130494 BD4+3 Deal 252 DMG
Explode Catapult[x14] vs Antman Crusader4 ID: 130495 BD4+3 Deal 252 DMG

Antman Crusader1 133/385 HP | 132 DMG MD2 Miss
Antman Crusader2 133/385 HP | 132 DMG MD10 Deal 76 DMG
Antman Crusader3 133/385 HP | 132 DMG MD3 Miss
Antman Crusader4 133/385 HP | 132 DMG MD8-3 Miss

Oscar crossed over the threshold and entered into an expansive room. Despite being so far underground, the room was very well lit. Before he could take another step, however, four figures descended from on high. Oscar readied his axe as they crashed into the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust. When the smoke faded, Oscar saw four of the Floor's infamous Antmen, clad head-to-toe in heavy armor. Their swords and shields looked to be expertly crafted. Clearly these were a cut above the Antmen he had crossed blades with so frequently on this floor. Oscar rushed forward, starting off strong with an Explode Catapult. He cleaved through their ranks. Though, for his trouble, he suffered a minor wound from one of the Crusaders. Oscar shrugged it off, preferring to push his momentum than back off and lick his wounds.

[Oscar 0]

Spoiler

Oscar 457/680 HP | 30/68 EN | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 3 EVA | 58 MIT | 4 HOLY

Ordinal Cleave[x8] vs Antman Crusader1 ID: 130496 BD10 Deal 192 DMG
Ordinal Cleave[x8] vs Antman Crusader2 ID: 130497 BD10 Deal 192 DMG
Ordinal Cleave[x8] vs Antman Crusader3 ID: 130498 BD9 Deal 184 DMG
Ordinal Cleave[x8] vs Antman Crusader4 ID: 130499 BD9 Deal 184 DMG

Antman Crusader1 0/385 HP | 132 DMG ID: 130500 LD8+3, CD12 4235 Col, T2 Rare Armor
Antman Crusader2 0/385 HP | 132 DMG ID: 130501 LD1+3, CD9 2541 Col, 4 T2 Materials
Antman Crusader3 0/385 HP | 132 DMG ID: 130502 LD19+3, CD10 5505 Col, 2 T2 Materials, T2 Perfect Trinket
Antman Crusader4 0/385 HP | 132 DMG ID: 130503 LD15+3, CD1 2541 Col, 4 T2 Materials, T2 Rare Consumable, T2 Rare Weapon

And so Oscar did just that. Positioned in the dead center of the throng of Antman Crusaders, Oscar was able to spin on his heels and strike in all directions with an Ordinal Cleave Sword Art. The attack dealt more than enough damage to do the Crusaders in. One by one, they all shattered like glass. They were, however, kind enough to leave some loot behind. Oscar collected his loot, the foray into the dungeon already having paid off. Unfortunately, his energy was quite low. He didn't imagine these would be the only enemies he would encounter here. He couldn't afford to get into combat while he had less than fifty percent energy. So, he hopped back to the door and crossed back over the threshold. He hoped that it wouldn't reset the dungeon. But it would afford him the time to recuperate, which he desperately needed.

[Oscar 0]

Spoiler

Oscar 497/680 HP | 31/68 EN | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 3 EVA | 58 MIT | 4 HOLY

While Oscar waited to recuperate, he began to take stock of the loot he had already collected. It was quite an impressive haul, if he were being completely honest. Oscar couldn't wait to see what he got at the end of the dungeon. It probably wouldn't be too much in the way of monetary rewards. After all, dungeons were for experience, were they not? Oscar could just barely make out a single remaining form on the other side of the main room. So clearly, the dungeon didn't reset after he crossed back over the threshold. This was good. It meant that Oscar could recover his energy without having to deal with the minions again. But then again, it didn't seem so bad. After all, if it had reset, he could farm them with impunity until he eventually got lucky enough with Holy procs to clear the dungeon. But that would just seem like shoddy game design.

[Oscar 0]

Spoiler

Oscar 537/680 HP | 32/68 EN | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 3 EVA | 58 MIT | 4 HOLY

Just a bit longer now and Oscar would have his energy back. He began to look around for something, anything to make the time go by just a bit faster. Luckily, there was a torch flame that he could fix his eyes on. There was something about fire that really helped someone zone out when they needed to. The flickering, dancing flames were hypnotic. Oscar was impressed by how realistic the flames looked. Not only that, but he knew that if he were to stick his hand into the flame it would deal damage. Oscar had to commend Kayaba's attention to detail, even if he was an absolute maniac. As he was distracted, his energy grew closer and closer to filling up. A few moments later, he snapped out of his reverie and turned his attention back to the lone remaining enemy. Soon it would be slain and the dungeon would be cleared. Oscar couldn't wait.

[Oscar 0]

Spoiler

Oscar 428/680 HP | 66/68 EN | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 3 EVA | 58 MIT | 4 HOLY

Screw Dimension[x13] vs Antman Centurion ID: 130504 BD1 Miss

Antman Centurion 550/550 HP | 165 DMG | 22 MIT | 1 ACC | 1 EVA MD10 Deal 109 DMG

With his energy full, Oscar rushed at the enemy. Though he couldn't make it out very well from the door, as he closed in he almost had to stop and bust out laughing at what he saw. A normal Antman, clad head to toe in ancient Roman armor. It had a Gladius and a large shield. It was even called an Antman Centurion. Oscar fought the urge to laugh and rushed in closer. He aimed a Screw Dimension at the enemy. Unfortunately, he completely missed the adversary. To add insult to injury, the wicked edge of the Centurion's gladius found itself buried in his neck. Oscar yelped and hopped back, his hand instinctively moving to his neck to stop the bleeding that never came. That was a fine how-do-you-do. Not only had he missed, but the enemy had landed a critical hit on him. This simply wouldn't do. Oscar would have to try harder if he wanted to clear this dungeon.

[Oscar 0]

Spoiler

Oscar 428/680 HP | 53/68 EN | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 3 EVA | 58 MIT | 4 HOLY

Screw Dimension[x13] vs Antman Centurion ID: 130505 BD10 Deal 290 DMG

Antman Centurion 260/550 HP | 165 DMG | 22 MIT | 1 ACC | 1 EVA MD4-3+1 Miss.

Now, it was Oscar's turn for some punishment. He wound up another Screw Dimension and lashed out, stepped forward into his blow. A critical hit. Thanks to the crit, his powerful Holy Enhancement activated. Oscar dealt a massive amount of damage through the creature's mitigation. Even better, the Centurion completely missed its counterattack, leaving Oscar completely unscathed from his efforts. With the Centurion knocked down to under half health from a single attack, Oscar was feeling pretty good about the fight so far. He was just a hit or two away from slaying his adversary. With that, the dungeon would be cleared and he could go home. Even though it was an interesting adventure, Oscar was beginning to think that he'd tried to pack just too much into a single day. Then again, he'd never get anything done if he kept putting things off.

[Oscar 0]

Spoiler

Oscar 428/680 HP | 51/68 EN | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 3 EVA | 58 MIT | 4 HOLY

Screw Dimension[x13] vs Antman Centurion ID: 130506 BD3+3-1 Miss

Antman Centurion 260/550 HP | 165 DMG | 22 MIT | 1 ACC | 1 EVA MD3-3+1 Miss.

Oscar wound up another Screw Dimension. Then, he charged at the Centurion. In response, the Centurion readied its weapon and rushed at Oscar as well. The two of them were on a collision course of pain. Once they were in striking distance, the both of them swung at the other. Their impromptu jousting session over, both continued onward for a few paces before turning around to face the other. Neither one had succeeded in landing a hit on the other. All it served to do was extend the length of the fight, something that really frustrated Oscar. If the Antman was capable of showing emotion, he figured the humanoid insect would feel the same. But, all hope wasn't lost. Oscar still had plenty of energy left in the tank. Not only that, but he had enough health to see this through to the end. It was time to finish this fight.

[Oscar 0]

Spoiler

Oscar 328/680 HP | 38/68 EN | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 3 EVA | 58 MIT | 4 HOLY

Screw Dimension[x13] vs Antman Centurion ID: 130507 BD5+3-1 Deal 212 DMG

Antman Centurion 48/550 HP | 165 DMG | 22 MIT | 1 ACC | 1 EVA MD9 Deal 108 DMG

The next round began with the Centurion rushing at Oscar. It had a surprising degree of speed, in spite of the heavy armor adorning its spindly frame. Before Oscar could adequately react, he had the Centurion's gladius buried in his sternum. The pain, normally, would have been enough to floor him. But the rush of combat was in full swing. His adrenaline was pumping. As such, he didn't feel the pain as keenly as if he'd just begun combat. Given that the Centurion was in such close quarters with its weapon stuck in Oscar, it was unable to dodge when Oscar slammed his axe into the creature. Screw Dimension did a considerable amount of damage, knocking the centurion away and wrenching the blade free from his chest. Oscar spun his weapon over the back of his hand and dropped down low. This was it. The final round.

[Oscar 0]

Spoiler

Oscar 328/680 HP | 25/68 EN | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 3 EVA | 58 MIT | 4 HOLY

Screw Dimension[x13] vs Antman Centurion ID: 130508 BD4+3-1 Deal 212 DMG

Antman Centurion 0/550 HP | 165 DMG | 22 MIT | 1 ACC | 1 EVA ID: 130509 LD12+3, CD1 4800 Col, 2 T2 Materials T2 Rare Trinket
Sub-Dungeon Clear: 220 Col, 3 T2 Materials Found

Ready to finish thing, Oscar pushed his advantage. The Centurion was still sailing through the air when Oscar dashed at it. He hooked his axe over the Centurion's chest and slammed it into the ground. Stunned by the sudden maneuver, it could only watch as Oscar's axe sailed through the air and buried itself in its face. A moment later, it shattered like glass. Following its defeat, a chest appeared in the center of the room. Upon opening it, Oscar was completely disappointed by what he found. For his efforts, Oscar had been rewarded less Col than he could get from a single enemy and 3 Tier Two materials. Wonderful. He hadn't been expecting much in the way of rewards, but this was pathetic. At least he had the experience though. Oscar slung his axe over his shoulder and headed back towards the entrance. There was nothing else interesting here anyway.

[Oscar 0]

Spoiler

Oscar 368/680 HP | 39/68 EN | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 3 EVA | 58 MIT | 4 HOLY
Searching for Treasure Chest ID: 130510 LD20+3 Chest Found

Back up on the surface, Oscar decided that he wanted to put something to the test. He began to meander around, scanning the area for something. Eventually, he found what he was looking for. That thing that he was looking for was, in fact, a treasure chest. A normal, every day treasure chest that one could find in the overworld provided they were lucky enough. He wondered just how bad the rewards from the dungeon were. But he needed something to compare it to. This normal, every day treasure chest that one could find in the open world provided they were lucky enough would also provide him with just the context he needed. He stooped down and began to fiddle with the lock. It was certainly locked up tight. He decided to take a minute to collect himself before really making a pass at opening the chest. He was still coming down from the high of combat so he didn't want to muck things up.

[Oscar 0]

Spoiler

Oscar 408/680 HP | 40/68 EN | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 3 EVA | 58 MIT | 4 HOLY
Opening Treasure Chest ID: 130511 LD6+3 Found 550 Col, 2 T2 Materials, 2 T2 Rare Consumables

After taking a few calming breaths to collect himself, Oscar dove into his attempt to open the chest. It was actually much easier than he though. He just ripped the lock off of the wooden frame. With that done, he opened the chest to see what he had found. He let out a disappointed sigh as he took stock of the loot. This normal, every day treasure chest that one could find in the overworld provided they were lucky enough contained over twice the amount of Col. Additionally, it had materials and unidentified consumables. What was up with this reward structure. He had to carve through five enemies for 200 Col, not including the loot from the mobs themselves. But this normal, every day treasure chest that he'd found on the overworld because he was lucky enough contained far more rewards than the dungeon chest had. It was truly disappointing.

[Oscar 0]

Spoiler

Oscar 359/680 HP | 46/68 EN | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 3 EVA | 58 MIT | 4 HOLY

Explode Catapult[x14] vs Antman Spearman1 ID: 130512 BD7+3 Deal 252 DMG
Explode Catapult[x14] vs Antman Spearman2 ID: 130513 BD9 Deal 322 DMG
Explode Catapult[x14] vs Antman Spearman3 ID: 130514 BD1 Miss
Explode Catapult[x14] vs Antman Spearman4 ID: 130515 BD7+3 Deal 252 DMG

Antman Spearman1 HP 98/350 | DMG 105 MD10 Deal 49 DMG
Antman Spearman2 HP 28/350 | DMG 105 MD1 Miss
Antman Spearman3 HP 350/350 | DMG 105 MD5 Miss
Antman Spearman4 HP 98/350 | DMG 105 MD3 Miss

To deal with his disappointment, Oscar marched himself over to the nearest Antman nest. Once there, he engaged in combat with four Antman Spearmen. Nothing like their dungeon counterparts, these creatures did pitiful damage to him. Not only that, but they lacked the health and aesthetic quality of the ones in the dungeon. But they had good loot. A single Explode Catapult hit all but one, knocking the ones unfortunate enough to get hit almost into the red. One of them managed to sting him with his spear, but did such little damage Oscar barely registered it. He let out a frustrated sigh and as he danced in between the remaining three spears and made ready for the next round. He was here, he might as well get a little more loot for his troubles. Especially having gone so far out of his way for basically nothing. He really needed to make this trip worthwhile.

[Oscar 0]

Spoiler

Oscar 310/680 HP | 30/68 EN | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 3 EVA | 58 MIT | 4 HOLY

Ordinal Cleave[x8] vs Antman Spearman1 ID: 130516 BD4+4 Deal 144 DMG
Ordinal Cleave[x8] vs Antman Spearman2 ID: 130517 BD8+4 Deal 144 DMG
Ordinal Cleave[x8] vs Antman Spearman3 ID: 130518 BD4+4 Deal 144 DMG
Ordinal Cleave[x8] vs Antman Spearman4 ID: 130519 BD8+4 Deal 144 DMG

Antman Spearman1 HP 0/350 | DMG 105 ID: 130520 LD9+3, CD8 3080 Col, 2 T2 Materials, Rare T2 Weapon, Uncommon T2 Consumable
Antman Spearman2 HP 0/350 | DMG 105 ID: 130521 LD9+3, CD12 2850 Col, 2 T2 Materials, Rare T2 Armor
Antman Spearman3 HP 206/350 | DMG 105 MD10 Deal 49 DMG
Antman Spearman4 HP 0/350 | DMG 105 ID: 130522 LD19+3, CD10 5005 Col, 2 T2 Materials, Perfect T2 Trinket

Still positioned in the middle of the enemies, Oscar let fly an Ordinal Cleave. The attack caught all of the Spearmen this time. It slayed three and shaved about a third of the remaining spearman's health away. That seemed to have struck a cord, because it was able to land a critical hit through Oscar's substantial evasion. Not that he particularly noticed. Having just found reskinned, stronger versions of these creatures, Oscar couldn't bring himself to see them as a threat, even while they were dealing damage to him. Perhaps he was simply tired. He wasn't having as much fun with this fight as he had in the past. Or, perhaps the dungeon had spoiled him with monsters that were an adequate threat and thus normal monsters couldn't possibly compare. He really hoped it was the former. Oscar definitely didn't want to have to use dungeons to satisfy his thrill-seeking habits.

[Oscar 0]

Spoiler

Oscar 310/680 HP | 17/68 EN | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 3 EVA | 58 MIT | 4 HOLY

Screw Dimension[x13] vs Antman Spearman3 ID: 130523 BD10 Deal 312 DMG

Antman Spearman3 HP 206/350 | DMG 105 ID: 130524 LD1+3, CD1 2310 Col, 4 T2 Materials

Oscar focused his fill attention on the remaining Spearman. He wanted to wrap this up and get some rest. Therefore, he definitely didn't want to miss his attack and cause this fight to be extended well past its expiration date. He wound up a Screw Dimension and struck. His axe caught the creature across the chest and the second burst of force sent it flying into a nearby wall. The spearman shattered like glass, leaving behind nothing but its primitive spear and the loot interface. Oscar collected his hard-won spoils and then sat down on a nearby rock. As much as he wanted to go home, he also wanted to stick around for just one more round of combat. While he was pushing himself, he might as well really push himself. Besides, sleep could wait. Money over everything, as the rappers say. If anyone could say anything about him, it was that he was constantly on his hustle.

[Oscar 0]

Spoiler

Oscar 350/680 HP | 18/68 EN | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 3 EVA | 58 MIT | 4 HOLY

Of course, more combat meant that he had to wait for more energy. This was easily his least favorite part of grinding. The just doing nothing part of it. He couldn't get into another fight because that would, of course, halt his energy regeneration. He couldn't go searching for materials because he might draw aggro on another enemy. Which would, of course, halt his energy regeneration. So his only option was planting his butt on his rock and waiting things out. All while hoping no enemies patrolled close enough for him to draw aggro. Which would, of course, halt his energy regeneration. It really was the most boring thing Oscar had ever had the displeasure of doing. He'd much rather watch paint dry. At least then there wouldn't be any chittering antmen trying to spear him into a new post code or an arbitrary resource bar that ruled his entire existence.

[Oscar 0]

Spoiler

Oscar 390/680 HP | 19/68 EN | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 3 EVA | 58 MIT | 4 HOLY

Just a little longer now. From his vantage point atop the stone, Oscar could see the antmen hard at work building their colony. It was like watching a documentary on some nomadic tribe in the third world, but all the tribal people were ants. They had workers and they had guards. The antmen Oscar fought were the guards. They protected the workers while they built things. Seemed like a pretty straightforward relationship. The workers would work until they collapsed. At that point, another worker would file out from within the tunnel, eat the worker that had collapsed, and get right back to work on the project. So now it was like watching a Cannibal Tribe on the Discovery Channel, but the tribe was all bipedal ants. Oscar didn't know what he was going to do with this information. He just knew that he had it. He definitely didn't want it though.

[Oscar 0]

Spoiler

Oscar 342/680 HP | 46/68 EN | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 3 EVA | 58 MIT | 4 HOLY

Explode Catapult[x14] vs Antman Spearman5 ID: 130525 BD8+4 Deal 252 DMG
Explode Catapult[x14] vs Antman Spearman6 ID: 130526 BD5+4 Deal 252 DMG
Explode Catapult[x14] vs Antman Spearman7 ID: 130527 BD9 Deal 322 DMG
Explode Catapult[x14] vs Antman Spearman8 ID: 130528 BD7+4 Deal 252 DMG

Antman Spearman5 HP 98/350 | DMG 105 MD4-3 Miss
Antman Spearman6 HP 98/350 | DMG 105 MD9 Deal 48 DMG
Antman Spearman7 HP 28/350 | DMG 105 MD8-3 Miss
Antman Spearman8 HP 98/350 | DMG 105 MD6-3 Miss

Oscar's energy had refilled and the antmen he'd just fought had respawned. It was time to get back on the grind. Oscar rushed forward and launched an Explode Catapult at the enemies. This time, he'd managed to hit all of the enemies. This meant that if all went smoothly next round, he wouldn't be locked into a third round of combat. Oscar was very happy about this. So happy, in fact, that he didn't notice when one of the dudes skewered him with the spear. Oscar calmly grabbed the tip of the spear and pulled it out of his shoulder before pushing the tip away. He shot a warning glance at the Antman who seemed to wither under the intensity of his stare. Yes, Oscar surmised. He was definitely tired. He only got this surly when he was sleepy. Therefore, he wouldn't need to dive into dungeons just to get a little thrill in his life. Yay.

[Oscar 0]

Spoiler

Oscar 342/680 HP | 30/68 EN | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 3 EVA | 58 MIT | 4 HOLY

Ordinal Cleave[x8] vs Antman Spearman5 ID: 130529 BD6+4 Deal 144 DMG
Ordinal Cleave[x8] vs Antman Spearman6 ID: 130530 BD3+4 Deal 144 DMG
Ordinal Cleave[x8] vs Antman Spearman7 ID: 130531 BD9 Deal 184 DMG
Ordinal Cleave[x8] vs Antman Spearman8 ID: 130532 BD10 Deal 192 DMG

Antman Spearman5 HP 0/350 | DMG 105 ID: 130533 LD12+3, CD9 2850 Col, 2 T2 Materials, T2 Rare Armor
Antman Spearman6 HP 0/350 | DMG 105 ID: 130534 LD14+3, CD3 3080 Col, 2 T2 Materials, T2 Rare Consumable, T2 Rare Weapon
Antman Spearman7 HP 0/350 | DMG 105 ID: 130535 LD7+3, CD4 3080 Col, 2 T2 Materials, T2 Uncommon Consumable
Antman Spearman8 HP 0/350 | DMG 105 ID: 130536 LD16+3, CD4 3850 Col, T2 Perfect Consumable, T2 Rare Trinket

Oscar wrapped things up with an Ordinal Cleave. His axe carved a bloody swath through the spearmen. One by one, they all shattered like glass. Oscar collected his loot, which was extensive, and then turned on his heels. He made his exit out of the next and headed back towards the settlement of Taft. He passed through the gates into the safe zone in short order. He couldn't really believe how well he'd made out from today's adventure. He hadn't really even set out to grind either. Just goes to show that sometime spontaneity was a good thing that brought good things to people. But now, Oscar was ready to go home. He wanted nothing more than to get a good meal and a good night's rest. He felt, at this point, that he had earned such. There was only so much adventure that could be crammed into one day and Oscar was certain that he'd pushed that to the limits.

[Oscar 0]

Spoiler

Oscar 382/680 HP | 31/68 EN | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 3 EVA | 58 MIT | 4 HOLY

Stepped onto the Teleportation Platform in Taft, Oscar wasted no time dialing in his location. A moment later he was gone. A moment after that, Oscar was stepping foot into Deepedge. Greeted once more by that crisp mountain air, Oscar felt invigorated. A bit. He was still tired as all heck. He trudged through the town and out of the gate. He made no effort to go to his special spot. Instead, he made a beeline straight for home. It was a bit of a slog, but eventually he made it. Without any fanfare, Oscar unlocked the door and disappeared inside with his familiar. After a light meal for himself and raw meat for Leeroy and Jenkins, Oscar retired upstairs. He set his axe to the side and collapsed into bed. Before his familiar could even join him on the mattress, he was asleep. With nothing else better to do, it curled up next to Oscar and dozed off too.