[SP - F01] Figure It Out Asshole! <<Earning a Living: Fisher>>

[Oz 0]

All of the low-level quests were a little hokey, but this one definitely took the cake. Oz was expected to meet up with the himbo fisherman of Aincrad's first floor and get a lesson or two in fishing. If the intel he'd gathered were any indicator, the "lesson" may as well have boiled down to, "Where's some bait, figure it out asshole!" Though, such was the case with much of this game. Usually, the system would guide his hand somewhat, and he hoped this would be another such instance.

Speak of the devil, here he came now.

"Anthony Gill, at your service," Captain Himbo said with a bow. Gag. "Let me guess, you were looking for someone old, with a long white beard, and a pipe?" Probably woulda been. W-what the fuck is up with that eyebrow wag? "Sorry to disappoint. Now, what can I do for you?"

There was a beat of silence as Oz adjusted to the cringe of scripted AI, before he took a breath and steeled himself for the journey ahead.

"Ahoy, Anthole Gipp! It is I, Captain Fartbutt, here to humbly ask for your assistance in learning how to fish! You see, my father was a tree, and my mother was a professional corncob gobbler-"

"I am honored you would come to me for help. Since we're friends, I'll let you in on a little secret." It seemed even the AI had no patience for Oz's bullshit today. He hastily reached into his pocket to retrieve a small tin, outstretching his arm to offer it to Oz. "This is a special bait, because a local priest prays over it in a top-secret ceremony." You've gotta be fucking kidding me. "I'm the only one in the world who has it, so don't bother looking for it anywhere else." Yes, I'm sure only you know the weird-ass priest who prays over a can of fucking fish food. Freak. "If you use it, you'll catch the rare any mysterious Rainbow Fish, which you can harvest for Gleaming Scales. Catch the fish, bring me a scale, and you'll know all there is to know about fishing." Rare 'any' mysterious Rainbow Fish? Is this guy glitching out?

"Much thanks, honorable Cat-Honey-Pill!" Oz cried out as he snatched the can of bait. "With this, I shall make haste, and do all of the work myself! Tata!"

Pleased to get away from that mutant, Oz scampered off and made his way toward the lake's shore, downing some food he'd recently purchased along the way.

OOC Note: Consumables used detailed in "Buffs" spoiler, inside the spoiler below.

Spoiler

Oz | HP: 20/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 1 | LD: 4 | THNS: 18 | Detection: 1 | Quality 2 | Prosperity 1

---

Equipped

• Mirror Coat [T1 Heavy Armor]
  • Thorns 2
     
• Laurel Earcuffs [T1 Jewelry]
  • LD 3
     
• Pleonexy [T1 Jewelry]
  • Quality 2 | Prosperity 1
     
• Full-Tang Short Sword [T1 Vanity Sword]

Battle-Ready Inventory

• (3) Starter Healing Potion
  • Heals 50 HP
     

---

Skills

Spoiler

• Searching [Rank 1]
  • +1 LD
  • +1 Stealth Detection

Buffs

Spoiler

Consuming:

• Hearty Dog [T1 Perfect Meal - ID: Unknown, acquired here.]
  • +15 MIT
• Lucky Dog [Tierless Meal - ID: 223844]
  • +3 LD
• Immolation Potion [T1 Potion - No ID, acquired here.]
  • +10 Thorns

Resolved Stats:
Oz | HP: 20/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 15 | LD: 7 | THNS: 28 | Detection: 1 | Quality 2 | Prosperity 1

 

 

Edited August 8 by Oz

[Oz 0]

As Oz reached the water's edge, it occurred to him that Dickballer McGill had neglected to provide him with a fishing pole. Some instructor... The verdant-clad goober took a brief gander around, looking for anything he could conceivably use as a substitute for a true-blue fishing pole. As luck would have it, there was indeed a discarded fishing line (which he only found once the attached hook had imbedded itself within the sole of his boot), and a sturdy-ish stick on the beach which he could tie it off to.

He affixed some of the (absolutely rank smelling) bait to the hook and cast the line out in a pitiful manner. Perhaps, had he been taught, he would have been able to get the line our further than only ten feet. But, as it would turn out, perhaps that was all he needed. Tension gripped the line and, with a sharp tug, a decent fish was plucked from the water and landed on the shore near Oz's feet, floundering about with wild abandon.

It didn't seem to resemble anything rainbow-y, but a fish was a fish. He'd take it.
 

Spoiler

Fishing roll.
ID: 224561 | LD: 10 | CD: 9
1 Mat acquired.

 

Edited August 8 by Oz

[Oz 0]

As he'd suspected, all he needed was a bit of practice to learn how the system intended to guide him. He cast his line out a few more times, each attempt a tad better than the last, until he hit his eureka moment. He flicked the stick, and the system carried his line out an absurd distance, plopping into the tepid waves like a professional diver landing a perfect 10. Almost immediately, there was a stiff tug on the line, Oz's entire body lurching forward as though carried off his feet.

"Woah, Nelly!"

He dug his heels into the sand to prevent himself from sliding into the water, his toes just barely kissing the water's edge. With a mighty heave, and then another, he brought the monster to the shore. No sooner did his makeshift fishing pole snap than the creature was safely flopping about in the sand. Now this looked like something that could lead you to a pot of gold, the specimen sporting a spectrum of brilliant colors gleaming in a breathtaking mosaic that even gave the bucket-hat wearing buffoon pause. He plucked one scale and reared his foot back, giving the thing a swift kick which flung it back out into the open water.

- - -

"I knew you could do it!" came the man's roaring commendation before his burly hand slapped Oz's back between the shoulder blades. He couldn't hold back the shudder that accompanied the discomfort of having this fool in physical contact. Aaaaand there's the wink. Ugh. Gross. "I knew there was something special about you from the moment I saw you. As a gift from me to you, you should keep the scale. Just don't go giving it away now, because the next time you want one, you'll have to fish without my special bait." Fine by me, dipshit. He hastily offered up the can of bait, which Anthony graciously accepted. "If you're ever in the area again, don't be afraid to visit. You know you're always welcome."

After an uncomfortable pause, Oz realized the AI was awaiting a response. "Oh, uh, am I supposed to say something here? Ahem. Fat chance in hell loser! Have a great life reciting the same weirdo lines in perpetuity! Look forward to running out of jackasses to 'teach!'"

And with that, the pair parted ways.

Spoiler

Fishing roll.
ID: 224562 | LD: 16 | CD: 9
1 Gleaming Scale acquired!

 

Edited August 8 by Oz

[Oz 0]

 

"See, this is why I always bring consumables out."

Through a series of completely unforeseen events, the writer of Oz could not have possibly braced themself for, Oz now found himself hopelessly surrounded by a pack of rabid boars. Four of them had sprung from the woodwork on his lackadaisical trek home, and surrounded him like a pack of wild animals. Er, well, perhaps it was true that there were in fact wild animals, but that was besides the point. It was still rather rude.

In a flash, three struck out at him. He made no attempt to avoid their attacks. The damage seeped into his health bar and, then, one of the boars spontaneously combusted into a cloud of fractal shards. You see, Oz had acquainted himself with the mobs of this floor, and prepared for such eventualities. He knew how they ticked. He knew how to ward them off, without so much as a single swipe of a weapon of his own.

Spoiler

Oz | HP: 17/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 15 | LD: 7 | THNS: 28 | Detection: 1 | Quality 2 | Prosperity 1

Boar 1 attacks Oz
ID: 224577 | MD: 4, Miss

Boar 2 attacks Oz
ID: 224578 | MD: 6, Hit, 4-15=1 DMG inflicted to Oz
Thorns activates, dealing 28 DMG to Boar 2.

Boar 3 attacks Oz
ID: 224579 | MD: 10, Critical Hit, 6-15=1 DMG inflicted to Oz

Boar 4 attacks Oz
ID: 224580 | MD: 10, Critical Hit, 6-15=1 DMG inflicted to Oz

Boar 1 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 2 | HP: 0/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 3 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 4 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4

Looting Boar 2
ID: 224581 | LD: 5+7=12 | CD: 9+2=11
1 Unidentified T1 Rare Heavy Armor acquired.
4 Mats acquired.
168 col acquired.

 

Edited August 11 by Oz

[Oz 0]

"Yeah. Get it now? You hit me, I stay standing, and you die. It's really that simple. So how about we call it a day, pack it in, and go our own separate ways."

And then more boars appeared. And then, even more.

"H-hey, that's not really necessary. How many of you really want to die? I-I mean, far be it from me to tell you all what to do, it just seems a little silly."

And then, even more boars.

"Oh shit."

Oh shit, indeed. If the mobs could think for themselves, Oz would have sworn that they'd all banded together to put him out of his misery once and for all. Tired of being scorned by the ways in which he took advantage of the system and all its little quirks. Tired of the smarmy way in which he taunted them upon tricking them into their own demise. Tired of being put down in such a way which lacked any dignity.

Spoiler

Oz | HP: 14/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 15 | LD: 7 | THNS: 28 | Detection: 1 | Quality 2 | Prosperity 1

Boar 1 attacks Oz
ID: 224582 | MD: 8, Hit, 4-15=1 DMG inflicted to Oz
Thorns activates, dealing 28 DMG to Boar 1.

Boar 3 attacks Oz
ID: 224583 | MD: 6, Hit, 4-15=1 DMG inflicted to Oz
Thorns activates, dealing 28 DMG to Boar 3.

Boar 4 attacks Oz
ID: 224584 | MD: 2, Miss

Boar 5 attacks Oz
ID: 224585 | MD: 8, Hit, 4-15=1 DMG inflicted to Oz
Thorns activates, dealing 28 DMG to Boar 5.

Boar 1 | HP: 0/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 3 | HP: 0/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 4 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 5 | HP: 0/28 | DMG: 4

Looting Boar 1
ID: 224586 | LD: 7+7=14 | CD: 8+2=10
1 Unidentified T1 Rare Heavy Armor acquired.
2 Mats acquired.
224 col acquired.

Looting Boar 3
ID: 224587 | LD: 9+7=16 | CD: 9+2=11
1 Unidentified T1 Rare Trinket acquired.
4 Mats acquired.
196 col acquired.

Looting Boar 5
ID: 224588 | LD: 4+7=11 | CD: 6+2=8
1 Unidentified T1 Rare Throwing Knives acquired.
1 Unidentified T1 Uncommon Consumable acquired.
224 col acquired.

 

Edited August 11 by Oz

[Oz 0]

Whatever the case may have been, Oz could definitely say that it had felt personal. Almost as though brought upon by some deep-seated grudge. Something, that perhaps ran even deeper than his own meddling and shenanigans. Perhaps, something that had to do with someone else, with whom Oz had become an unknowing spiritual successor. Someone that may have done something as demented as, oh, I don't know, kill the boars' version of Jesus and then take its progeny to be his own slave for the foreseeable future.

Something like that. But no, that would just be silly. Who the fuck could, or even would, pull something like that off? It was something that was difficult for Oz to even properly visualize. Without laughing, that was.

Which probably wasn't the right thing to do right at that moment. Even though he was doing it, even as the boars continued their onslaught and dug further and further into his health.

Spoiler

Oz | HP: 11/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 15 | LD: 7 | THNS: 28 | Detection: 1 | Quality 2 | Prosperity 1

Boar 4 attacks Oz
ID: 224589 | MD: 10, Critical Hit, 6-15=1 DMG inflicted to Oz

Boar 6 attacks Oz
ID: 224590 | MD: 9, Critical Hit, 5-15=1 DMG inflicted to Oz

Boar 7 attacks Oz
ID: 224591 | MD: 1, Miss

Boar 8 attacks Oz
ID: 224592 | MD: 6, Hit, 4-15=1 DMG inflicted to Oz
Thorns activates, dealing 28 DMG to Boar 8.

Boar 4 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 6 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 7 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 8 | HP: 0/28 | DMG: 4

Looting Boar 8
ID: 224593 | LD: 9+7=16 | CD: 5+2=7
1 Unidentified T1 Rare Consumable acquired.
1 Unidentified T1 Rare Heavy Armor acquired.
4 Mats acquired.
112 col acquired.

 

Edited August 11 by Oz

[Oz 0]

The loot panel continued to tally up as the boars threw their lives into depleting his health bar in frenetic fashion, each combusting as swiftly as the one before it. Varying quantities of col, materials, and other goodies continued to flow into a panel which detailed everything which was entering his inventory with each mob slain. What he really wanted to know, was why there were so many heavy armors and throwing knives wrapped up in these things. Even trinkets? Were they just eating shopkeepers or what? Where were they even hiding these things?

All questions he would surely find himself incapable of finding the answers to. He was no Kayaba, after all. Just a dunce who happened to find a really great way to ward of low-leveled mobs. Or, so he had thought.

His health bar had dipped into the yellow by now, and still, more boars arrived at his feet. There'd been at least a dozen so far, and there didn't seem to be any sign of the onslaught letting up any time soon.
 

Spoiler

Oz | HP: 9/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 15 | LD: 7 | THNS: 28 | Detection: 1 | Quality 2 | Prosperity 1

Boar 4 attacks Oz
ID: 224594 | MD: 8, Hit, 4-15=1 DMG inflicted to Oz
Thorns activates, dealing 28 DMG to Boar 4.

Boar 6 attacks Oz
ID: 224595 | MD: 5, Miss

Boar 7 attacks Oz
ID: 224596 | MD: 8, Hit, 4-15=1 DMG inflicted to Oz
Thorns activates, dealing 28 DMG to Boar 7.

Boar 9 attacks Oz
ID: 224597 | MD: 1, Miss

Boar 4 | HP: 0/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 6 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 7 | HP: 0/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 9 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4

Looting Boar 4
ID: 224598 | LD: 7+7=14 | CD: 9+2=11
1 Unidentified T1 Rare Heavy Armor acquired.
4 Mats acquired.
168 col acquired.

Looting Boar 7
ID: 224599 | LD: 4+7=11 | CD: 9+2=11
1 Unidentified T1 Rare Heavy Armor acquired.
2 Mats acquired.
224 col acquired.

 

Edited August 11 by Oz

[Oz 0]

"Alright, guys, this is honestly starting to get a little weird. What's up with the hate boner?"

Another two boards lunged forward, depleting his health bar even further. One exploded into a ball of pixels, while the other grunted and readied itself for its next strike. The rest of the pack circled easily, each waiting for what they perceived as the optimal moment to strike. Not that Oz was even going anywhere, or doing anything. How could he, surrounded as he was? Though, it was starting to irk him a bit, the inconsistency with which his thorns activated. There had to be some sort of explanation as to why some of them automatically disintegrated upon contact, while others were able to strike him and get away with it. Whatever that reason may have been, Oz didn't have the knowhow to decipher nor articulate it.

"Who hurt you? Well, I mean, besides me. But even I don't know what I could have done to deserve this."

Spoiler

Oz | HP: 7/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 15 | LD: 7 | THNS: 28 | Detection: 1 | Quality 2 | Prosperity 1

Boar 6 attacks Oz
ID: 224600 | MD: 7, Hit, 4-15=1 DMG inflicted to Oz
Thorns activates, dealing 28 DMG to Boar 6.

Boar 9 attacks Oz
ID: 224601 | MD: 10, Critical Hit, 6-15=1 DMG inflicted to Oz

Boar 10 attacks Oz
ID: 224602 | MD: 3, Miss

Boar 11 attacks Oz
ID: 224603 | MD: 3, Miss

Boar 6 | HP: 0/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 9 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 10 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 11 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4

Looting Boar 6
ID: 224604 | LD: 11+7=18 | CD: 5+2=7
1 Unidentified T1 Rare Consumable acquired.
1 Unidentified T1 Rare Heavy Armor acquired.
4 Mats acquired.
112 col acquired.

 

Edited August 11 by Oz

[Oz 0]

There it was. Finally, their numbers were beginning to wane. Oz was certain he'd killed at least ten of them by now. Oh, wait, no, it couldn't have been ten yet. That one there said 'Boar 9,' while the other two read 'Boar 10' and 'Boar 11,' respectively. So he'd encountered over ten boars by now, but just hadn't slain that many yet. He could live with that. He hadn't even wanted to fight them, anyways.

The three remaining boars continued to encircle him, huffing gruffly and stamping their feet into the soft soil, threatening feint attacks before retreating back into their circular stride. Were they trying to employ tactics? If so, why? He wasn't doing anything. And he had no plans to, either. Oz was viscerally aware of his lack of combative chops, and so had decided long ago not to be that sort of Player. He'd let the mobs kill themselves on his thorns, thank you very much. Better than embarrassing himself trying to flail around with some sword he could barely lift.

Spoiler

Oz | HP: 7/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 15 | LD: 7 | THNS: 28 | Detection: 1 | Quality 2 | Prosperity 1

Boar 9 attacks Oz
ID: 224605 | MD: 1, Miss

Boar 10 attacks Oz
ID: 224606 | MD: 3, Miss

Boar 11 attacks Oz
ID: 224607 | MD: 3, Miss

Boar 9 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 10 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 11 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4

 

Edited August 11 by Oz

[Oz 0]

"Alright, guysss, I get it. You're doing a thing here. Intimidation circle, oooooh. I'm quivering in my chaps. But seriously, I have got places to be. I'm sure you do, too. Whatever it is that... pixelating simulation pigs do. You are pigs, right? Boars are pigs? Like not identical obviously, but in the same evolutionary line. You know what, nevermind, I don't really care. The point is, I'm bored, so if we could all just get this over with sooner rather than later, that'd be swell. I don't really care if it comes in the form of you guys killing yourselves on my thorns, or just fucking off entirely. I. Don't. Care. Just... Please, let's just get this over with. I'm practically begging you here."

If their continued huffs and stamping of the earth beneath their hooves were any indication, they had no intention of giving up the ghost just yet. Oz sighed, and then settled in for even more boar strikes, all of which were sure to do little more than tickle beneath the force of his simulated mitigation.

Spoiler

Oz | HP: 6/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 15 | LD: 7 | THNS: 28 | Detection: 1 | Quality 2 | Prosperity 1

Boar 9 attacks Oz
ID: 224608 | MD: 1, Miss

Boar 10 attacks Oz
ID: 224609 | MD: 9, Critical Hit, 5-15=1 DMG inflicted to Oz

Boar 11 attacks Oz
ID: 224610 | MD: 3, Miss

Boar 9 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 10 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 11 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4

 

Edited August 12 by Oz

[Oz 0]

"Oh, look, another one. Hi! Welcome to the soiree! Over there you'll find refreshments, and right here," he said, gesturing toward himself, "you'll find the main course. Now I want everyone to take turns, okay? Make sure we're leaving enough for everybody else. I don't want anyone here getting all huffy because they feel like they didn't get a fair shake at the entree. If we could form a nice, orderly, single file line, I'm sure you could all get your licks in over the course of only a few seconds! What do you say?"

Clearly, they weren't amused. Almost as though following his suggestion, three of the boars all charged him at once, each ticking down his health bar as their respecting attacks landed, and all three combusting into a miasma of fractal shards.

"You see, that's what happens when you get too eager. How about you, porky?" he inquired, pointing at the last boar with a lit cigarette which he'd ignited a moment prior. "You want a piece of this?"

Spoiler

Oz | HP: 3/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 15 | LD: 7 | THNS: 28 | Detection: 1 | Quality 2 | Prosperity 1

Boar 9 attacks Oz
ID: 224611 | MD: 7, Hit, 4-15=1 DMG inflicted to Oz
Thorns activates, dealing 28 DMG to Boar 9.

Boar 10 attacks Oz
ID: 224612 | MD: 4, Miss

Boar 11 attacks Oz
ID: 224613 | MD: 7, Hit, 4-15=1 DMG inflicted to Oz
Thorns activates, dealing 28 DMG to Boar 11.

Boar 12 attacks Oz
ID: 224614 | MD: 8, Hit, 4-15=1 DMG inflicted to Oz
Thorns activates, dealing 28 DMG to Boar 12.

Boar 9 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 10 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 11 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 12 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4

Looting Boar 9
ID: 224615 | LD: 9+7=16 | CD: 11+2=13
1 Unidentified T1 Rare Trinket acquired.
4 Mats acquired.
196 col acquired.

Looting Boar 11
ID: 224616 | LD: 16+7=23 | CD: 5+2=7
1 Unidentified T1 Perfect Heavy Armor acquired.
2 Unidentified T1 Perfect Throwing Knives acquired.
2 Mats acquired.
168 col acquired.

Looting Boar 12
ID: 224617 | LD: 16+7=23 | CD: 3+2=5
1 Unidentified T1 Perfect Heavy Armor acquired.
2 Unidentified T1 Perfect Throwing Knives acquired.
2 Mats acquired.
168 col acquired.

 

Edited August 12 by Oz

[Oz 0]

It was only as the boar indicated that it did, indeed, want a piece of him, that Oz realized the situation he was in. A cursory glance over to his health bar revealed that it had been shredded down to a measly three hit points. To make matter worse, even more boars had joined the fray, and Oz now found himself encircled once more. Trapped, with no clear line of escape. It appeared that the war of attrition tactics the boars were playing out had indeed managed to make their mark and, for the first time since the skirmish began, Oz found himself feeling a bit nervous. If they all attacked simultaneously right now, he'd eat it for real.

Luckily, only two did. As they burst into shards, Oz took the opportunity to make a frantic break for it through the gaps in formation that their absence left behind. With only a single, solitary smidgen of HP left, it was now or never.

Spoiler

Oz | HP: 1/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 15 | LD: 7 | THNS: 28 | Detection: 1 | Quality 2 | Prosperity 1

Boar 10 attacks Oz
ID: 224618 | MD: 7, Hit, 4-15=1 DMG inflicted to Oz
Thorns activates, dealing 28 DMG to Boar 10.

Boar 13 attacks Oz
ID: 224619 | MD: 3, Miss

Boar 14 attacks Oz
ID: 224620 | MD: 1, Miss

Boar 15 attacks Oz
ID: 224621 | MD: 7, Hit, 4-15=1 DMG inflicted to Oz
Thorns activates, dealing 28 DMG to Boar 15.

Boar 10 | HP: 0/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 13 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 14 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 15 | HP: 0/28 | DMG: 4

Looting Boar 10
ID: 224622 | LD: 18+7=25 | CD: 12+2=14
1 Demonic Shard acquired.
1 Random Dungeon Map acquired.
224 col acquired.

Looting Boar 15
ID: 224623 | LD: 2+7=9 | CD: 12+2=14
1 Unidentified T1 Rare Trinket acquired.
152 col acquired.

 

Edited August 12 by Oz

[Oz 0]

As he beat for his hasty escape, he couldn't help but look behind him over his shoulder.

"HOLY MOTHER OF SWINE!"

What he'd found, had not at all been what he'd hoped he'd see. As the remaining boars made haste in their pursuit of the verdant-clad hooligan, the others that still lie in wait made finally revealed themselves to join in the chase. And it was a lot of them. Dozens. More boars than Oz had ever seen in one place, ever, whether fictional or non. How in the hell had he managed to attract every damn boar on the first floor!?

With haste, he selected one of the healing potions in his battle-ready inventory and downed the concoction, bringing his life total back up to its maximum. Almost felt like a waste, being that the potion could restore fifty HP and he only possessed twenty, but there was no way he would make it out of this alive without the boost.

Spoiler

Oz | HP: 20/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 15 | LD: 7 | THNS: 28 | Detection: 1 | Quality 2 | Prosperity 1

Post Action: Oz uses a Starter Healing Potion from his Battle-Ready Inventory, recovering 50 HP.

Boar 13 attacks Oz
ID: 224624 | MD: 4, Miss

Boar 14 attacks Oz
ID: 224625 | MD: 4, Miss

Boar 16 attacks Oz
ID: 224626 | MD: 1, Miss

Boar 17 attacks Oz
ID: 224627 | MD: 3, Miss

Boar 13 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 14 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 16 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 17 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4

 

Edited August 12 by Oz

[Oz 0]

As pathetic as it was, he could feel the tears welling in his eyes. He'd been so confident and smarmy only a moment before, but that was before the enemy had revealed its hand. There was just so many of them, he didn't know if he could honestly make it through the crowd. Even with the precautions he'd taken to ensure his own safety, he hadn't accounted for the sheer totality of their numbers. Who could have? It all honestly felt like a fever dream. He prayed that, any moment now, he'd wake up and find himself slunk over the chair in his office, burnt out cigarette in hand. 

But such relief never came.

All at once, a tumble. One of the boars had managed to catch up to him and threw itself at his feet, dispersing into pixels as the thorns sapped its health but nevertheless managing to sweep Oz off his feet.

Spoiler

Oz | HP: 18/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 15 | LD: 7 | THNS: 28 | Detection: 1 | Quality 2 | Prosperity 1

Boar 13 attacks Oz
ID: 224628 | MD: 2, Miss

Boar 14 attacks Oz
ID: 224629 | MD: 10, Critical Hit, 6-15=1 DMG inflicted to Oz

Boar 16 attacks Oz
ID: 224630 | MD: 5, Miss

Boar 17 attacks Oz
ID: 224631 | MD: 6, Hit, 4-15=1 DMG inflicted to Oz
Thorns activates, dealing 28 DMG to Boar 17.

Boar 13 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 14 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 16 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 17 | HP: 0/28 | DMG: 4

Looting Boar 17
ID: 224632 | LD: 14+7=21 | CD: 10+2=12
1 Unidentified T1 Perfect Trinket acquired.
364 col acquired.

 

Edited August 12 by Oz

[Oz 0]

By the time he finally managed to scramble to his feet, he found himself surrounded again. This time, by the dozens of boars that still remained. He looked out into the crowd in abject horror, counting the pairs of beady red eyes as they all closed in and prepared to eat him alive. He was sure that the fear was evident, as the boars now seemed more emboldened in their approach than before. With the manner in which they surrounded and drew circles around him with their movements, Oz could tell that he was now well and truly trapped. This would be his last stand. Like so many before him, who had met their maker at the hands of these fucking swine, it seemed he too would join the ranks. How humiliating it would be, to have his cohorts find his name on the Monument of Life, killed by a fucking boar. The thought of it made him shudder.

Spoiler

Oz | HP: 16/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 15 | LD: 7 | THNS: 28 | Detection: 1 | Quality 2 | Prosperity 1

Boar 13 attacks Oz
ID: 225041 | MD: 8, Hit, 4-15=1 DMG inflicted to Oz
Thorns activates, dealing 28 DMG to Boar 13.

Boar 14 attacks Oz
ID: 225042 | MD: 1, Miss

Boar 16 attacks Oz
ID: 225043 | MD: 7, Hit, 4-15=1 DMG inflicted to Oz
Thorns activates, dealing 28 DMG to Boar 16.

Boar 18 attacks Oz
ID: 225044 | MD: 4, Miss

Boar 13 | HP: 0/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 14 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 16 | HP: 0/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 18 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4

Looting Boar 13
ID: 225045 | LD: 5+7=12 | CD: 2+2=4
1 Unidentified T1 Rare Trinket acquired.
2 Mats acquired.
168 col acquired.

Looting Boar 16
ID: 225046 | LD: 16+7=23 | CD: 1+2=3
1 Unidentified T1 Perfect Trinket acquired.
1 Unidentified T1 Perfect Throwing Knives acquired.
2 Mats acquired.
168 col acquired.

 

Edited August 12 by Oz

[Oz 0]

All there was to do now was grit and bear it, hope to whatever gods may or may not have existed within this wretched prison that there was a light at the end of it all. A way out, or perhaps some smidgen of hope that he could outlast the onslaught. Amid the boars striking him, he managed to bring up his battle-ready inventory once more. It seemed that he still had two of those potions left, but after that, he was shit out of luck. If he was careful with them, and timed everything perfectly, maybe he could thin their numbers enough to plot a route of escape. The chances were slim, but not zero. And that was all he needed to get himself back on his feet and face the horde once more. He wasn't without fear - quite the opposite, in fact. He was practically shitting himself. But he had a plan.

Spoiler

Oz | HP: 14/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 15 | LD: 7 | THNS: 28 | Detection: 1 | Quality 2 | Prosperity 1

Boar 14 attacks Oz
ID: 225047 | MD: 5, Miss

Boar 18 attacks Oz
ID: 225048 | MD: 8, Hit, 4-15=1 DMG inflicted to Oz
Thorns activates, dealing 28 DMG to Boar 18.

Boar 19 attacks Oz
ID: 225049 | MD: 5, Miss

Boar 20 attacks Oz
ID: 225050 | MD: 6, Hit, 4-15=1 DMG inflicted to Oz
Thorns activates, dealing 28 DMG to Boar 20.

Boar 14 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 18 | HP: 0/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 19 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 20 | HP: 0/28 | DMG: 4

Looting Boar 18
ID: 225051 | LD: 10+7=17 | CD: 2+2=4
1 Unidentified T1 Rare Consumable acquired.
1 Unidentified T1 Rare Throwing Knives acquired.
224 col acquired.

Looting Boar 20
ID: 225052 | LD: 16+7=23 | CD: 2+2=4
1 Unidentified T1 Perfect Trinket acquired.
1 Unidentified T1 Perfect Throwing Knives acquired.
224 col acquired.

 

Edited August 12 by Oz

[Oz 0]

"Alright, you fucking assholes," he grumbled between hits, "Do your fucking worst. I'm ready. I'm ready to get out of this, or die trying. COME ON! BRING IT ON!"

And bring it on, they certainly did.

There was no remorse in these boars. No relent, no give. They were coming for him. They knew they had him, and could whittle him down with time. They just didn't know that he had potions in store to get himself from point A to point B with more gas left in the tank. Still, he couldn't imagine what he'd done to bring this on himself. Was it something he'd done previously? Was it something to due with the Gleaming Scale he'd acquired? Whatever the answer may be, it was bullshit. Nobody deserved this. And, come to think of it, where were all of the other Players? Wasn't the first floor usually overrun with all manner of noobs like himself?

Spoiler

Oz | HP: 11/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 15 | LD: 7 | THNS: 28 | Detection: 1 | Quality 2 | Prosperity 1

Boar 14 attacks Oz
ID: 225053 | MD: 5, Miss

Boar 19 attacks Oz
ID: 225054 | MD: 10, Critical Hit, 6-15=1 DMG inflicted to Oz

Boar 21 attacks Oz
ID: 225055 | MD: 6, Hit, 4-15=1 DMG inflicted to Oz
Thorns activates, dealing 28 DMG to Boar 21.

Boar 22 attacks Oz
ID: 225056 | MD: 7, Hit, 4-15=1 DMG inflicted to Oz
Thorns activates, dealing 28 DMG to Boar 22.

Boar 14 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 19 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 21 | HP: 0/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 22 | HP: 0/28 | DMG: 4

Looting Boar 21
ID: 225057 | LD: 5+7=12 | CD: 1+2=3
1 Unidentified T1 Rare Trinket acquired.
2 Mats acquired.
168 col acquired.

Looting Boar 22
ID: 225058 | LD: 13+7=20 | CD: 11+2=13
1 Unidentified T1 Perfect Throwing Knives acquired.
4 Mats acquired.
224 col acquired.

 

Edited August 12 by Oz

[Oz 0]

Nobody was coming to save him. Nobody was coming to help. Why? He'd heard stories of people dying to boars, sure, but he'd also heard more stories of do-goody asshole swooping in to save the day and have their hero moment. Where was his hero? 

Even if there was someone, would they even help him?

It wasn't like Oz had made a particularly good name for himself. He was known in here much like he'd been known on the outside. An overconfident little douchebag with no real chops to back up his game. One who would manipulate and con the people around him to make a quick buck. It was part of why he'd maintained such a low profile - to avoid confrontations with those he'd wronged, and also to diminish his recognizability.

Perhaps such behavior had been his undoing. Certainly, he'd understood that he wasn't making any friends. He just never thought he'd need any if he kept himself in the relatively safe areas of Aincrad. But nowhere was truly safe if fifty mobs could descend upon you at any moment.

Spoiler

Oz | HP: 9/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 15 | LD: 7 | THNS: 28 | Detection: 1 | Quality 2 | Prosperity 1

Boar 14 attacks Oz
ID: 225059 | MD: 2, Miss

Boar 19 attacks Oz
ID: 225060 | MD: 7, Hit, 4-15=1 DMG inflicted to Oz
Thorns activates, dealing 28 DMG to Boar 19.

Boar 23 attacks Oz
ID: 225061 | MD: 4, Miss

Boar 24 attacks Oz
ID: 225062 | MD: 10, Critical Hit, 6-15=1 DMG inflicted to Oz

Boar 14 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 19 | HP: 0/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 23 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 24 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4

Looting Boar 19
ID: 225063 | LD: 19+7=26 | CD: 9+2=11
1 Demonic Shard acquired.
1 Random Dungeon Map acquired.
4 Mats acquired.
112 col acquired.

 

Edited August 12 by Oz

[Oz 0]

Was this some sort of niche mechanic that Kayaba had programmed into the game? Oz had played games in the past which pitted the Player against the occasional unwinnable situation, a sheer stroke of bad luck which would occasionally put them in a situation that most nobody could come back from. Was this just one such occasion? The sort of spawn that only occurred one in a million, and he'd just been the lucky winner? Had anyone else, in the history of Aincrad, even been assaulted by an entire goddamn horde of pigs without seeking them out?

Asking such questions was a useless and fruitless endeavor, of course. The reasoning didn't matter. He was back in the yellow now, and had to pay especially close attention to his HP. At any moment, he'd be called upon to drink another potion and save himself. He just had to time it right. There was no room for error.

Spoiler

Oz | HP: 7/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 15 | LD: 7 | THNS: 28 | Detection: 1 | Quality 2 | Prosperity 1

Boar 14 attacks Oz
ID: 225064 | MD: 6, Hit, 4-15=1 DMG inflicted to Oz
Thorns activates, dealing 28 DMG to Boar 14.

Boar 23 attacks Oz
ID: 225066 | MD: 4, Miss

Boar 24 attacks Oz
ID: 225067 | MD: 6, Hit, 4-15=1 DMG inflicted to Oz
Thorns activates, dealing 28 DMG to Boar 24.

Boar 25 attacks Oz
ID: 225068 | MD: 5, Miss

Boar 14 | HP: 0/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 23 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 24 | HP: 0/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 25 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4

Looting Boar 14
ID: 225069 | LD: 14+7=21 | CD: 1+2=3
1 Unidentified T1 Perfect Shield acquired.
1 Unidentified T1 Perfect Throwing Knives acquired.
2 Mats acquired.
168 col acquired.

Looting Boar 24
ID: 225070 | LD: 6+7=13 | CD: 2+2=4
1 Unidentified T1 Rare Trinket acquired.
224 col acquired.

 

Edited August 12 by Oz

[Oz 0]

And now, down to red. Oz's finger hovered nervously over the button to summon the potion, trembling in fear, doing everything in his power not to click it too early and soil his chances of making it out of this alive. This wasn't the sort of situation he'd found himself in before, ever. He'd come close a few times, but he'd always managed a way to squirm his way out of the truly uncomfortable situations. But this? This was agonizing in a way that he couldn't put into words. The fact that his life, legitimately, hung on by a mere thread, and that he could quantify this in the form of HP values, brought his anxiety up to levels he previously would have though impossible.

Just a little longer. A little longer to use the potion without fucking it up. Patience, a virtue he'd previously thought to be reserved for the old and wise, now beckoned him. Was he starting to get old, himself?

Spoiler

Oz | HP: 5/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 15 | LD: 7 | THNS: 28 | Detection: 1 | Quality 2 | Prosperity 1

Boar 23 attacks Oz
ID: 225071 | MD: 8, Hit, 4-15=1 DMG inflicted to Oz
Thorns activates, dealing 28 DMG to Boar 23.

Boar 25 attacks Oz
ID: 225072 | MD: 1, Miss

Boar 26 attacks Oz
ID: 225073 | MD: 8, Hit, 4-15=1 DMG inflicted to Oz
Thorns activates, dealing 28 DMG to Boar 26.

Boar 27 attacks Oz
ID: 225074 | MD: 2, Miss

Boar 23 | HP: 0/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 25 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 26 | HP: 0/28 | DMG: 4
Boar 27 | HP: 28/28 | DMG: 4

Looting Boar 23
ID: 225075 | LD: 17+7=24 | CD: 10+2=12
1 Unidentified T1 Perfect Consumable acquired.
2 Mats acquired.
336 col acquired.

Looting Boar 26
ID: 225076 | LD: 2+7=9 | CD: 12+2=14
1 Unidentified T1 Rare Trinket acquired.
252 col acquired.

 

Edited August 12 by Oz