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leticiaI'll catch up yet.
Brian says, "It is the predawn darkness on this day in early Ascending Fire. Great commotion has come through Kether Rock, after three successful Final Trials. First, the oldest of your "class," Bennu of the Fiery Rebirth, returned on the back of a great Warbird, driven not by a Cult outrider, but by a mighty member of the Silver Pact. It is said that she crossed the desert at the very speed of Luna's fickle attentions. She left, after returning her Zenith, who came back in triumph most blessed. In the deep desert, she slew an Emperor Rock Dragon-Wyrm, a plasmid monstrosity that was burrowing between Creation and the Underworld, consuming land into shadowlands-like monstrosity. With its death, she undid all its evil, and the great trophy, the mere tip of one of the mile-long beast's horns spontaneously became an artifact called the Sacrifice of Stone, a wonder and a blessing for her glorious triumph.
Next to return was the Night, Mahir Faruq, on the wings of his Celestial Battle Armor. He snuck into an Immaculate Monastery, undetected save for two who had to die to make good his escape. Therein, he confronted terrible scorpion demons and the Second Circle demon Sondok, She-Who-Stands-in-Doorways, the Warden Soul of the Green Sun, and sent her back into Malfeas. He brought with him a curious treasure, a Seven Seals Box, that contained some treasure the Realm was desperate to keep hidden.
Soon after, one of the Cult's Sidereal Messengers returned with Teyv, Copper Spider and master of medicines and magic, and his No Moon Lunar Bond, the ever-dedicated Sorrowful Ivory Reed. With great haste, they penetrated the destroyed lair of a vicious lionfolk band, drawing the majority of the remnants of the band into a potent explosion! More, they came home with a puzzle of their own-- an Ignition Gem, and the Hearthstone Compass of a Dragonblooded explorer who spent his life trying to get to that simple, first-fold Gem.
At last, the advisor sent to you by the blessings of Heaven itself, Ashan the Serene, returned out of An Teng, with great commendations and -quintuplicate- Forms for the Blessings of Triumphant Exalts, and with that, your sifu, Maduka Shin, and your Warmaster, Michael, senior Dawn of Kether Rock, announced that Two Luminous Blades, the Dawn of your number and a former Bride of Ahlat, was to duel a Sidereal Trainer at dawn for his trial. If she can hold her own long enough, or better yet, defeat the trainer, she will be adjudged to be a general of your circle."
Brian says, "Every senior member of the cult who can be here, is. While the sifu Lupo is no longer present, Maduka Shin remains as always. Michael has spent the evening before practicing with you, Two, and being generally encouraging. He has full faith in your strength and ability. Michael is a tall, brawny man, handsome and focused, with long, unruly black hair that spills down past his thick, muscled shoulders. He wears a loose, open vest that hangs past his knees, and his pants are loose and flowing except where they are tucked into his square-toed boots. Marking him a Paladin of Kether Rock, he wears a long, billowing white scarf, the end of which marked with curved and elegant Flametongue letters. The Deacon Outrider Jak, a Night-Caste explorer, always hidden in dark, fluttering robes over his slender, slight frame, has been in consultation with Mahir on the territories surrounding the rock, and his desperately dedicated Lunar Mate, the Casteless Faithful Pia, hides from the Silver Pactmember Reed behind the hem of his robes at all times. Three younger Solars are here, all in their first year; Tan Ariyn, a young man of the East who wields a giant grand goremaul; the sorcerer Generous Silence of the Twilight Caste, who has not QUITE been begging Teyv for additional training, and the acetic Mild Spark, a monk-like Zenith who worships Bennu's footfalls-- they have all been waiting for this day.
Brian says, "So! What are everyone's plans for the BIG DUEL?"
Brian says, "Bennu, since you have the highest level of initiation in the Cult (Illuminated 2), Maduka Shin has asked you to provide a blessing and be one of the observers. Teyv, you're going to be asked to be on hand to heal the wounds of the combatatants; they'll be in an Artifact Dueling Circle that turns lethal wounds into Bashing post-soak, but no one wants two potent members of the cult out for a while. Reed, they've asked you to make sure Teyv doesn't forget anything important, like his healing gear. Or his pants. Mahir, you're at loose ends; what you do is pretty much up to you."
<<OOC>> Bennu will, of course, be present. Such things are a priests duty. Plus, she's ready to get to bigger and better things.
Brian says, "The Dueling Ring is an arena inside Kether Rock itself. Worked of all five Jades and Starmetal into the living rock of the cave, it consists of three concentric circles mapping the three positions of defense. There are large stadia around it, spartan spare of cushions as Shin has always decreed."
<<OOC>> Mahir is present, of course, there are several aspects of this event that simply can't be missed. But as befits a gatherer-of-intelligence, he will simply observe unless directly approached.
Ashan can be found talking quietly with the Sidereal trainer scheduled to face Two in glorious combat, occasionally trying to duck a noogie and even more occasionally succeeding. It's obvious they know each other well. He's handsome, dark-haired and slender, the blue eyes of his caste almost black, and gestures as he talks, describing graceful shapes in the air. He's wearing formal blue robes trimmed with gold for this event, but a slender band of what looks like steel encircles one wrist.
Bennu is present, standing beside one of the posts at the entrance to the ring. She is a tall olive-skinned woman with deep, dark eyes that bear golden highlights around the rim of the irises, and long dark brown hair with reddish tones, elegantly braided with beads of gold and amber. In recognition of the formality of the event, she wears her armor, a sleek suit of orichalcum battle armor with adamant edging to the interlocking plates; from the elbow of each arm, a white sash flutters. Her helm is retracted, revealing high cheekbones and a pronounced nose, and her castemark is illuminated, marking her as the Priest she is and stands as for this event.
Two Luminous Blades steps into the ring. Her armor is shined to a brilliant sheen. Her appearance is nigh immaculate (but not Immaculate). A few hairs are out of place. She idly brushes them aside. She stays just inside of the outer ring and closes her eyes, breathing deep. She appears calm, almost existing in another world.
Teyv has set up at a small table off to the side, with his medical kit arranged and ready for use. He's not actually near it, standing a bit further to the front to get a better view. Though a man of peace, he has no objection to a fine exhibition between willing combatants. He's learned just enough of combat at Kether Rock to appreciate the two opponents.
Brian says, "Cathak Natarajan gave most of the Rock quite a start when she ran in to the fortress environs. She's a cheerful, happy go-lucky woman with deep red skin... and she wears a pretty, flower-bedecked Most Fearsome Armor of the Fire Dragon, one of the dreaded armors of the Immaculate Order! Apparently, she has the ability to pass her Sidereal nature off as one of the dreaded Immaculate Order, and can spy upon them for the Cult. Mostly, she's just a cheerful joybringer."
Brian says, "Ok. Maduka Shin eventually calls everyone together in the arena."
Brian says, "Exalts file in; none of the mortals are here today. Bennu's dragon-blooded attache, Samun, escorts her to the field, where Natarajan awaits you, Two, and Shin nods to Bennu. "When Two is on the field, please give us your blessing, Zenith, and we will begin."
Reed entered in as a small tawny-pale cat, and trotted over to deposit the half-cockroach he was carrying at Maduka Shin's feet before finding Teyv and seating himself underneath the Solar's table. Once there, he flows back into his human form-- a slight, childlike figure with pale cream skin and a brush of spiky blond hair-- and leans back against the table leg.
Two Luminous Blades lets out a long breath and opens her eyes. She looks about and nods to various people, then makes her way to the field. She smiles faintly at Natarajan and bows her head.
Brian says, "Cathak Natarajan returns the bow, and makes a salute with her twin short starmetal daiklaives, drawing them as she does so; Two, you remember that you have the opportunity to draw your weapons now as well. Maduka Shin turns to Bennu and nods. "Your blessing, please, Zenith. After the blessing is given, each Exalt will have twelve seconds to activate preparatory Charms. Anything else will have to be activated on the battlefield."
Bennu bows her head briefly to the sifu, and then turns to the ring.
"In the name of Sol Invictus, Unconquered hero and guide of Creation, and in the name of the Maiden of Serenity, whose vision of a harmonious Creation guides all virtues," Bennu intones, her hands spread out before her, reaching towards the combatatants. "Honoring the Mandate which is the heritage of all Exalts, fight well. May the battle be blessed by the patrons of the fighters, upholding the honor of their Chosen. Fight with honor, with skill, and with power." Bennu bows her head, and steps back from the worn-smooth floor of the fighting ring.
Brian says, "The arena rings like the pealing of a temple bell. Power and energy suffuse the ring, making it impossible for each to slay the other, and Maduka Shin nods. "Begin preparations!" she barks. At that, Cathak Natarajan's feet slide apart and she raises her daiklaives like the twin fangs of Hesiesh. Emulating the fire dragon, her castemark glitters faintly, and burning blue white flames circle the forearms of her armor, spelling out the catechisms of the Fire Dragon Style as she activates Fire Dragon Form."
Two Luminous Blades's smile turns grim for a second and then fades completely. She slowly draws her chainklaive and main guard and performs a short kata with them, an offensive stance sliding into a defense stance sliding into thrust into a parry into a slash. As she does so, her caste mark flares up, illuminating her blades with golden light.
Brian says, "Natarajan lets loose a peal of laughter and joy. She twirls now, dance, not kata, and an array of blue stars sparkle around her as the Defense of Shining Joy activates. "Shall we begin, Two?" she asks lightly, flicking her blades."
Two Luminous Blades eyes the dancing, then begins to move in response to it. Another kata, but in this one, her weapons almost move as one. Both strike at the same time, both parry invisible blows, both slide through imaginary armor. The kata goes on for several seconds and ends with a sudden strike before she returns to her original position as her caste mark flares even brighter. She bows to Natarajan once more and nods. "Please, let us begin."
Brian says, "A second bell peals, ringing with the finality of Saturn herself. Maduka Shin nods gravely and says one word, "Go." before stepping back from the arena, directly across from Bennu and Teyv."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "Every time I hear any noise, I look to see if the baby woke up."
Brian says, "Natarajan is filled with the grace of fire once more. Buoyed on wings of Essence, she moves with the speed of a grassfire, gracefully dancing forward to meet Two."
Two Luminous Blades is not filled with the grace of fire. She is filled with the determination of a landslide as it collapses upon unsuspecting victims. And so she moves, each step determined and measured and with the force of a falling mountain behind it.
<<OOC>> Brian says "2 dot stunt, very nice. Roll 'em."
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 12 dice: <1 1 1 2 3 3 4 5 9 9 9 10> for 5 successes.
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades lol @ dice
<<DICE>> Two Luminous Blades rolls 8 dice: <1 3 3 3 7 7 7 9> for 4 successes.
Brian says, "Tick 0: Nataraja; Tick 1: Two."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "Tick 3: the floor stopping Nataraja's collapse"
Brian says, "Nataraja dances forward towards Two, moving in a series of graceful, whirling spins that end with her leaping up in the air, spinning like the Flying Guillotine. She lands with both blades scything down at Two in a testing double-strike at her head."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Splitting two at Two. She's not using any Charms for her attack."
<<OOC>> Brian says "You have the option to activate any Reflexive Charms right now."
Brian says, "Nataraja dances forward towards Two, moving in a series of graceful, whirling spins that end with her leaping up in the air, spinning like the Flying Guillotine. She lands with both blades scything down at Two in a testing double-strike at her head."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Stunt defense, then tell me whether or not you're going to use a Charm."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades needs to look up a rule real quick...
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "Incidentally, archery took a lot less math and rule lookups."
Two Luminous Blades watches the whirling, noting places to strike and openings and when Nataraja leaps through the air, she looks hardly surprised. She moves her owns blades sideways, tilting upwards to catch the scythes and slide them just out of the way before she lunges at her opponent to take advantage of Nataraja's forward momentum.
<<OOC>> Brian says "That's a 2-dot defensive stunt. That's a direct +2 to your DV; what's your DV at as a result?"
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "18"
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 23 dice: <1 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 8 8 9 9 9 10> for 9 successes.
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 22 dice: <1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 10> for 12 successes.
Brian says, "Nataraja's seeking spin is parried swiftly by the dual defenses of Two Luminous Blade's singing sword and gyroscoping main guard. As Two launches her counterattack, Nataraja leaps backwards, knocking her daiklaives into the force of Two's parry, twirling back in a spiral leap up, up and back from Two, aided by a sudden, heavenly burst of blue fire around her body."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades shakes an angry fist.
<<OOC>> Brian says "Okay, time for your Solar Counterattack. She's using 4 motes on Flame-Flicker Stance to turn her DV into a 15. Roll your attack."
<<DICE>> Two Luminous Blades rolls 19 dice: <1 2 3 3 4 5 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 9 9 9 9 10 10> for 12 successes.
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "Woo"
Brian says, "Close, but not quite enough, not yet. Singing out a silver song of joy, the Chosen of Serenity leaps back from you, whirling with blue flames. "A strong defense, Chosen of Morning. Let us see if you can make a strong offense, too."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Two, you go again on Tick 6; she goes again on Tick 4."
Brian says, "The Joybringer smiles and bows, as to her dancing partner. Blue lights flicker around her, rolling into phantom flames. "Taste the fangs of Hesiesh!" she cries, unleashing her deadly Combo! A single blade lashes out, wreathed in blue-hot fire. At the last moment as she spins across the battlefield, she bends fate, revealing a second flame on her true attack, the feint concealing an upward stab from the waist at Two's side!"
<<OOC>> Brian says "She's using 2 motes on Fateful MA to reduce her TN to 5 (So I'll be counting 5s on the rolls as successes for her, along with Smoldering Wound Attack and Searing Fist Attack together to try and burn you."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Stunt me your defense and tell me if you're using any additional Charms."
Two Luminous Blades returns the Joybringer's bow and takes a defense stance. She ignores the dancing lights and the phantom flames and concentrates on her partner's face and her soon to be unconscious eyes. She prepares to parry the single attack and then suddenly pulls the Main Guard to the side and intercepts the second as well, then forcers herself forward to her opponent, driving her blades before her.
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades hmms, should describe the combo somehow :(
<<OOC>> Brian says "Yeah, they're supposed to be big and flashy. Save that for next time, though."
<<OOC>> Brian says "TOnight, we'll just concentrate on the Doing. Come up with themes in your own time."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "Anyone, Heavenly Tiger Strike combo GO."
Brian says, "Natarajan moves with effortless speed to avoid Two's attack, concentrating on retaining her balance and control, confident of her speed to evade the swordswoman by ducking and rolling, flipping out of Two's way."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Alrighty. DV is 12; roll 'em."
<<OOC>> Brian says "2-stunt."
<<DICE>> Two Luminous Blades rolls 19 dice: <2 2 2 2 2 2 3 4 4 4 5 6 6 7 8 8 8 8 10> for 7 successes.
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "WHY DO YOU HATE ME DICE"
<<OOC>> Brian says "..."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Ah, dice."
<<OOC>> Ashan says "They hate everyone, don't worry."
<<DICE>> Two Luminous Blades rolls 19 dice: <1 1 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 5 6 6 7 7 8 9 9 9 9> for 7 successes.
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "That's just being mean."
Brian says, "The spin and flow of combat swirls around the two practiced combatants, and Two rolls up to her feet, dropping to an elegant curtsy before flicking her blades up."
<<OOC>> Brian says "She'll go again on Tick 8. Tick 6, Two's turn!"
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "This fight is going to end with both of us collapsed on the pavement."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Possibly!"
<<OOC>> Brian says "Or deciding to join forces to spank the dice orphan."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades has used charms, so just goes in for pain.
<<OOC>> Brian says "Wait."
<<OOC>> Brian says "It's your action again."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "I used a charm in the same round, tho"
<<OOC>> Brian says "YOu can choose to use new Charms if you like. Including your Combo if you like."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Nein. It refreshes every time your DV does."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades hates this game sometimes.
<<OOC>> Reed says "Don't worry, Teyv can fix you. He'll even do something silly like not charge."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades burns combo again, then.
Two Luminous Blades's blades go awry and she sighs inwardly at the God of Dice. She steels herself and proceeds after the Natarajan, the mountain once again sliding down towards its victim. Her stance switches as she moves, one second defensive, one second offensive, and every moment her own blades are perfectly poised to intercept the Joybringer's. When she reaches her target, she brings both weapons down with a terrible strike, the sound of her blades cutting through the air reminiscent of a desert asp hissing.
<<OOC>> Brian says "Nice, two dot stunt."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "God of Dice?"
<<DICE>> Two Luminous Blades rolls 19 dice: <1 2 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 8 8 8 9 9> for 6 successes.
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "..."
<<OOC>> Reed says "Works closely with the God of Exaltation."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Plentimon hates you."
<<OOC>> Brian pats.
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "This feels like some kind of trial of humility, actually."
<<OOC>> Bennu says "No that was when they beat you up repeatedly when you first joined up. ;p"
<<OOC>> Mahir says "Ahhh, memories."
Brian says, "Natarajan twirls to the left of Two's strike, surrounded by the whirling flames of the Fire Dragon as she moves aside. "Closer, closer," she sings and bows, swinging her swords out high to either side. "But see if you can follow the steps!" she cries and begins to whirl around Two, striking again and again and again, daiklaives whipping in and out four times, two from each blade."
<<OOC>> Reed says "I managed to skip that."
<<OOC>> Bennu exalted as a member of the cult but probably still got her ass kicked. XD
<<OOC>> Brian says "She's making four unmodified attacks at you. Any Charm defenses?"
<<OOC>> Mahir spent enough time as a street rat that "taking a beating" almost counted as a Resistance specialty.
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "I activated my combo. It'd be a crime not to use it."
<<OOC>> Mahir says "And that doesn't even count that bastard Cynis."
<<OOC>> Brian says "How many of her attacks are you HGDing? Remember, you won't get stunt regen if you don't risk at least one attack."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "1 HGD, 1 SC?"
<<OOC>> Brian says "Ok. First, second, third, or fourth attack HGD'd?"
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "HGD 1st, SC 4th"
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 22 dice: <1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 10 10> for 16 successes.
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 21 dice: <1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 4 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 10 10 10> for 7 successes.
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 20 dice: <1 2 2 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 6 7 7 9 9 9 9 10 10 10> for 12 successes.
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 19 dice: <1 4 4 4 5 5 6 7 7 8 8 8 9 10 10 10 10 10 10> for 18 successes.
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "Damn."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "Straight out damn."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Let's see. First bounces off your 19, 7 doesn't beat 18, 12 doesn't beat 17, but 18 beats 16. What's your Soak & Hardness?"
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "18 B, 17 L, 15 A"
<<OOC>> Brian says "Hardness is 10?"
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 4 damage dice: <6 7 8 10> for 3 successes.
<<OOC>> Brian says "..."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Soooo, Eric."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Did you throw rocks at the Dice Orphan?"
<<OOC>> Brian says "TELL THE TRUTH."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "I must have."
<<OOC>> Mahir says "18 on 19 dice? Yeah. You did."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "This battle will be legendary for how one sided it is."
<<OOC>> Brian says "You take 3 health levels; this fills your -0 and two of your -1s; you are -1 wound penalty. Your accuracy and DV are down by 1. :P However... you've been doing Periph, right?"
<<OOC>> Brian says "How much have you spent and regenned?"
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "I've been burning personal. Peri is mostly committed"
<<OOC>> Brian says "Ah. You might want to cycle through Periph next time; when you reach 11+ (regenned stuff still counts) you cause a -1 external penalty to all attempts to attack you, and +2 to your DVs."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "Yeah... gonna need to do that."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Do you want to retcon? Again, this is our starter, so we can change things around."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "Not that it matters, since the Dice Orphan will kill me anyway."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "Naw"
<<OOC>> Brian says "Personal is for sneaky, or -- ok."
Brian says, "At the very last, one of Nataraja's blades sneaks past Two's defense and leaves a long gash in her side. But before the pain can take effect, Two's counterattack surfaces in burning flame!"
<<OOC>> Brian says "IE, don't count the -1 for this one. Keep your 2-dot stunt and roll. Don't forget to recalc accuracy for having 5 net dex at the moment."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "So accuracy is still 19. For now."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Yarr."
<<DICE>> Two Luminous Blades rolls 19 dice: <1 1 1 2 2 2 2 4 4 4 4 5 6 9 9 10 10 10 10> for 10 successes.
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "Damn. That's just mocking me."
<<OOC>> Brian says "You... actually hit that time. She's at -1 DV right now."
<<OOC>> Brian says "You hit by 1! What's your damage rating?"
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "Both weapons?"
<<OOC>> Brian says "Just the primary."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "16L, 5 minimum"
<<OOC>> Brian says "Does that include the +3 strength for your armor?"
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "No"
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "19L, 5 minimum"
<<OOC>> Brian says "+roll/exd 10, then. That's a nasty chainklaive."
<<DICE>> Two Luminous Blades rolls 10 damage dice: <3 3 4 5 5 5 7 8 8 9> for 4 successes.
<<OOC>> Brian says "That's about average for damage, so woot!"
Reed stifles a snort, and ducks his head to hide a smirk. It's good for Solars to be hit once in a while, after all.
Brian says, "Turn and return and the whirl of weapons; as Natarajan's blade bruises Two's side, the crushing retaliation of Two's singing Crystalspine Chainklaive knocks her back. The shattering force pushes the very limits of the Dueling Ring's protections, causing her to cry out in pain. Nonetheless, she shakes herself off and curses, dancing to her feet once more."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Tick 11, Two turn!"
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "Yay, dv refresh."
Ashan makes a slight, sympathetic face as his sifu can't quite avoid the counterstrike. Otherwise, though, he's watching the blinding interplay of blade and Essence with wide eyes. He doesn't have the training to properly appreciate the purely martial aspects, but it's an impressive display.
Two Luminous Blades glances down at the wound on her side and then focues on Natarajan, her eyes narrowing. She takes a deep breath and advances on her opponent. Like before, she is direct and purposeful and it seems that each step and each movement of her weapons take up the least energy and provide the most benefit. As she nears her victim, she suddenly seems to relax and the incoming weapon strike seems deceptively lazy.
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "No charms, just anguish from the dice orphan"
Brian says, "Natarajan inhales, and then moves back into the dance with the full joy in her heart. Fire flickers around her red armor, blue sparks dashing around her as she flickers to the side around Two's strike."
<<OOC>> Brian says "She's using 4m on Flame-Flicker Stance again, so she's at 4-2=+2 over 11 is 13. You get 2 dots! Roll 'em."
<<DICE>> Two Luminous Blades rolls 18 dice: <2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 6 6 6 7 8 9 9 10> for 6 successes.
<<OOC>> Brian gives the Dice Orphan a Stern Look. "Play fair, or no more cookies!"
Brian says, "Fate, it seems, is with the Fateful; Natarajan avoids the deliberate swing with the speed of the Stars themselves, whirling with blue and flames. She returns to the basic Fire Dragon stance, and slowly brings her weapons together parallel to her spine. Suddenly, she snaps into a wide opening stance, flames flickering and whirling around her in an aurora of fire and beauty. The sight of it is gorgeous, overwhelming, even. It's hard to even look at her as she invokes the mighty Capstone of the Fire Dragon Style: the Consuming Might of the Fire Dragon."
<<OOC>> Brian says "First is a good idea. You'll be at -5 to all dice against her with that up."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "I like how you think dice matter to me :)"
Brian says, "But there are nods of approval from Maduka Shin and Michael, who beams at Two proudly. "Our student!" he crows. "She forced her into the cap!" The big Dawn grins and watches his younger sister with hope and faith, while Maduka Shin just rolls her eyes-- but there is a slight smile nonetheless."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Tick 16, Two's action. She'll go again on Tick 17."
Two Luminous Blades narrows her eyes against the burning flames and holds her chainklaive up to block the glare. For a second she stands there, almost frozen against the flames. Then her weapons lower (although her eyes remain squinted). She smiles, a little painfully, and nods to Natarajan. She begins a sword kata -- a basic one from her first lessons -- and her blades weave through the air like the dances her opponent is fond of. Finally, when a particular moment occurs and the kata is near its end, Two Luminous Blades takes a single step forward and her blades slice into the flames and hopefully her opponent.
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "1st melee, 5 peri, 1 pers"
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "That brings me to 14 peri for the scene, counting my scenelongs."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Ok! You have the -1 external penalty to her attacks and +2 to your DV. In interests of time, I'm going to collapse defensive poses into results."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "Word."
Brian says, "IE, I'm not posing the defense, just telling you what it is; you do the same, but I give you the same stunt bonus as your last attack. Then the results are posed together."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "Intriguing."
<<OOC>> Brian says "SO! Roll, at... let's see. 17+2+6-5-1=19, versus her DV of 9. Hit it."
<<DICE>> Two Luminous Blades rolls 19 dice: <1 1 1 3 3 4 4 5 6 6 7 7 8 9 9 9 10 10 10> for 12 successes.
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades omg
<<OOC>> Brian says "Dude, dice love at last. Let's see, you had 19L base; she soaks 9, getting 10, +3. +roll/exd 13 and we may, in fact, be done!"
<<DICE>> Two Luminous Blades rolls 13 damage dice: <1 2 2 5 5 5 6 7 8 8 9 9 10> for 6 successes.
Brian says, "Two finds her moment-- her moment of glory as her anima bursts forth in the full bloom of its brilliance. Fast and deft as the Joybringer is, she cannot outdo the desert viper snaking back and forth with swift, sure strikes, nor the heavy >CRUNCH< of the Crystalspine Daiklaive as it rends past her defenses. It literally knocks her off of her feet when she's knocked unoncsious, sliding her across the room to rest nearby Bennu and Teyv."
Teyv sighs and begins threading the sterilized gut of some random desert creature through a long curved needle.
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades apologizes for the 1-am-ness and the need to leave really really soon for baby and wife's sake.
Brian says, "There is a moment of absolute, shocked silence. No more than sixteen seconds have past since the start of the fight. Six seconds against a Sidereal scout of no little experience. There is silence... and then Michael stands to his feet and begins tamping and roaring, cheering "TWO! TWO! TWO! TWO!""
<<OOC>> Brian says "Okay, let's collapse it down in summary."
Brian says, "There is great CHEERING!"
Brian says, "Maduka Shin personally gives you your Paladin scarf. It has great FETCHING!"
Brian says, "First Nataraja is healed-- she gives Teyv a kiss on the cheek before hopping off to congratulate Two, and haul the young Dawn over to the doctor to 'suffer' through Teyv's ministrations herself."
Two Luminous Blades stares as her opponent goes flying and then bows to Natarajan, despite her inability to return it. She is overjoyed at the scarf and its FETCHING.
Brian says, "ANy indvidual congratulations before we end this?"
Reed doesn't even blink as the Sidereal crashes to a stop nearby, just continues his careful attachment of the latest trophies to his chestpiece.
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "I apologize for taking so long for combat."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "Exalted math is hard, y'know."
<<OOC>> Brian says "No worries, it's later for you than it is for us."
Bennu nods and approaches the ring again, bowing to both combatatants. "A good battle," she murmurs. "Congratulations, Two Luminous Blades."
Ashan just shakes his head, wondering, and goes to make sure his sifu isn't broken. He'll meet the others when he's finished.
Two Luminous Blades thanks various people, bows, nods to Bennu. "Thank you. It was."
<<OOC>> Ashan says "And when everyone's not almost going to bed. :P"
<<OOC>> Reed says "Takes forever for me no matter how awake I am."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Go to bed with 6 experience points-- which now everyone is-- no regrets, and my Charm Two Swords Technique. It won't be much use until you get 5BS, but it will have use in time."
Brian says, "It is the predawn darkness on this day in early Ascending Fire. Great commotion has come through Kether Rock, after three successful Final Trials. First, the oldest of your "class," Bennu of the Fiery Rebirth, returned on the back of a great Warbird, driven not by a Cult outrider, but by a mighty member of the Silver Pact. It is said that she crossed the desert at the very speed of Luna's fickle attentions. She left, after returning her Zenith, who came back in triumph most blessed. In the deep desert, she slew an Emperor Rock Dragon-Wyrm, a plasmid monstrosity that was burrowing between Creation and the Underworld, consuming land into shadowlands-like monstrosity. With its death, she undid all its evil, and the great trophy, the mere tip of one of the mile-long beast's horns spontaneously became an artifact called the Sacrifice of Stone, a wonder and a blessing for her glorious triumph.
Next to return was the Night, Mahir Faruq, on the wings of his Celestial Battle Armor. He snuck into an Immaculate Monastery, undetected save for two who had to die to make good his escape. Therein, he confronted terrible scorpion demons and the Second Circle demon Sondok, She-Who-Stands-in-Doorways, the Warden Soul of the Green Sun, and sent her back into Malfeas. He brought with him a curious treasure, a Seven Seals Box, that contained some treasure the Realm was desperate to keep hidden.
Soon after, one of the Cult's Sidereal Messengers returned with Teyv, Copper Spider and master of medicines and magic, and his No Moon Lunar Bond, the ever-dedicated Sorrowful Ivory Reed. With great haste, they penetrated the destroyed lair of a vicious lionfolk band, drawing the majority of the remnants of the band into a potent explosion! More, they came home with a puzzle of their own-- an Ignition Gem, and the Hearthstone Compass of a Dragonblooded explorer who spent his life trying to get to that simple, first-fold Gem.
At last, the advisor sent to you by the blessings of Heaven itself, Ashan the Serene, returned out of An Teng, with great commendations and -quintuplicate- Forms for the Blessings of Triumphant Exalts, and with that, your sifu, Maduka Shin, and your Warmaster, Michael, senior Dawn of Kether Rock, announced that Two Luminous Blades, the Dawn of your number and a former Bride of Ahlat, was to duel a Sidereal Trainer at dawn for his trial. If she can hold her own long enough, or better yet, defeat the trainer, she will be adjudged to be a general of your circle."
Brian says, "Every senior member of the cult who can be here, is. While the sifu Lupo is no longer present, Maduka Shin remains as always. Michael has spent the evening before practicing with you, Two, and being generally encouraging. He has full faith in your strength and ability. Michael is a tall, brawny man, handsome and focused, with long, unruly black hair that spills down past his thick, muscled shoulders. He wears a loose, open vest that hangs past his knees, and his pants are loose and flowing except where they are tucked into his square-toed boots. Marking him a Paladin of Kether Rock, he wears a long, billowing white scarf, the end of which marked with curved and elegant Flametongue letters. The Deacon Outrider Jak, a Night-Caste explorer, always hidden in dark, fluttering robes over his slender, slight frame, has been in consultation with Mahir on the territories surrounding the rock, and his desperately dedicated Lunar Mate, the Casteless Faithful Pia, hides from the Silver Pactmember Reed behind the hem of his robes at all times. Three younger Solars are here, all in their first year; Tan Ariyn, a young man of the East who wields a giant grand goremaul; the sorcerer Generous Silence of the Twilight Caste, who has not QUITE been begging Teyv for additional training, and the acetic Mild Spark, a monk-like Zenith who worships Bennu's footfalls-- they have all been waiting for this day.
Brian says, "So! What are everyone's plans for the BIG DUEL?"
Brian says, "Bennu, since you have the highest level of initiation in the Cult (Illuminated 2), Maduka Shin has asked you to provide a blessing and be one of the observers. Teyv, you're going to be asked to be on hand to heal the wounds of the combatatants; they'll be in an Artifact Dueling Circle that turns lethal wounds into Bashing post-soak, but no one wants two potent members of the cult out for a while. Reed, they've asked you to make sure Teyv doesn't forget anything important, like his healing gear. Or his pants. Mahir, you're at loose ends; what you do is pretty much up to you."
<<OOC>> Bennu will, of course, be present. Such things are a priests duty. Plus, she's ready to get to bigger and better things.
Brian says, "The Dueling Ring is an arena inside Kether Rock itself. Worked of all five Jades and Starmetal into the living rock of the cave, it consists of three concentric circles mapping the three positions of defense. There are large stadia around it, spartan spare of cushions as Shin has always decreed."
<<OOC>> Mahir is present, of course, there are several aspects of this event that simply can't be missed. But as befits a gatherer-of-intelligence, he will simply observe unless directly approached.
Ashan can be found talking quietly with the Sidereal trainer scheduled to face Two in glorious combat, occasionally trying to duck a noogie and even more occasionally succeeding. It's obvious they know each other well. He's handsome, dark-haired and slender, the blue eyes of his caste almost black, and gestures as he talks, describing graceful shapes in the air. He's wearing formal blue robes trimmed with gold for this event, but a slender band of what looks like steel encircles one wrist.
Bennu is present, standing beside one of the posts at the entrance to the ring. She is a tall olive-skinned woman with deep, dark eyes that bear golden highlights around the rim of the irises, and long dark brown hair with reddish tones, elegantly braided with beads of gold and amber. In recognition of the formality of the event, she wears her armor, a sleek suit of orichalcum battle armor with adamant edging to the interlocking plates; from the elbow of each arm, a white sash flutters. Her helm is retracted, revealing high cheekbones and a pronounced nose, and her castemark is illuminated, marking her as the Priest she is and stands as for this event.
Two Luminous Blades steps into the ring. Her armor is shined to a brilliant sheen. Her appearance is nigh immaculate (but not Immaculate). A few hairs are out of place. She idly brushes them aside. She stays just inside of the outer ring and closes her eyes, breathing deep. She appears calm, almost existing in another world.
Teyv has set up at a small table off to the side, with his medical kit arranged and ready for use. He's not actually near it, standing a bit further to the front to get a better view. Though a man of peace, he has no objection to a fine exhibition between willing combatants. He's learned just enough of combat at Kether Rock to appreciate the two opponents.
Brian says, "Cathak Natarajan gave most of the Rock quite a start when she ran in to the fortress environs. She's a cheerful, happy go-lucky woman with deep red skin... and she wears a pretty, flower-bedecked Most Fearsome Armor of the Fire Dragon, one of the dreaded armors of the Immaculate Order! Apparently, she has the ability to pass her Sidereal nature off as one of the dreaded Immaculate Order, and can spy upon them for the Cult. Mostly, she's just a cheerful joybringer."
Brian says, "Ok. Maduka Shin eventually calls everyone together in the arena."
Brian says, "Exalts file in; none of the mortals are here today. Bennu's dragon-blooded attache, Samun, escorts her to the field, where Natarajan awaits you, Two, and Shin nods to Bennu. "When Two is on the field, please give us your blessing, Zenith, and we will begin."
Reed entered in as a small tawny-pale cat, and trotted over to deposit the half-cockroach he was carrying at Maduka Shin's feet before finding Teyv and seating himself underneath the Solar's table. Once there, he flows back into his human form-- a slight, childlike figure with pale cream skin and a brush of spiky blond hair-- and leans back against the table leg.
Two Luminous Blades lets out a long breath and opens her eyes. She looks about and nods to various people, then makes her way to the field. She smiles faintly at Natarajan and bows her head.
Brian says, "Cathak Natarajan returns the bow, and makes a salute with her twin short starmetal daiklaives, drawing them as she does so; Two, you remember that you have the opportunity to draw your weapons now as well. Maduka Shin turns to Bennu and nods. "Your blessing, please, Zenith. After the blessing is given, each Exalt will have twelve seconds to activate preparatory Charms. Anything else will have to be activated on the battlefield."
Bennu bows her head briefly to the sifu, and then turns to the ring.
"In the name of Sol Invictus, Unconquered hero and guide of Creation, and in the name of the Maiden of Serenity, whose vision of a harmonious Creation guides all virtues," Bennu intones, her hands spread out before her, reaching towards the combatatants. "Honoring the Mandate which is the heritage of all Exalts, fight well. May the battle be blessed by the patrons of the fighters, upholding the honor of their Chosen. Fight with honor, with skill, and with power." Bennu bows her head, and steps back from the worn-smooth floor of the fighting ring.
Brian says, "The arena rings like the pealing of a temple bell. Power and energy suffuse the ring, making it impossible for each to slay the other, and Maduka Shin nods. "Begin preparations!" she barks. At that, Cathak Natarajan's feet slide apart and she raises her daiklaives like the twin fangs of Hesiesh. Emulating the fire dragon, her castemark glitters faintly, and burning blue white flames circle the forearms of her armor, spelling out the catechisms of the Fire Dragon Style as she activates Fire Dragon Form."
Two Luminous Blades's smile turns grim for a second and then fades completely. She slowly draws her chainklaive and main guard and performs a short kata with them, an offensive stance sliding into a defense stance sliding into thrust into a parry into a slash. As she does so, her caste mark flares up, illuminating her blades with golden light.
Brian says, "Natarajan lets loose a peal of laughter and joy. She twirls now, dance, not kata, and an array of blue stars sparkle around her as the Defense of Shining Joy activates. "Shall we begin, Two?" she asks lightly, flicking her blades."
Two Luminous Blades eyes the dancing, then begins to move in response to it. Another kata, but in this one, her weapons almost move as one. Both strike at the same time, both parry invisible blows, both slide through imaginary armor. The kata goes on for several seconds and ends with a sudden strike before she returns to her original position as her caste mark flares even brighter. She bows to Natarajan once more and nods. "Please, let us begin."
Brian says, "A second bell peals, ringing with the finality of Saturn herself. Maduka Shin nods gravely and says one word, "Go." before stepping back from the arena, directly across from Bennu and Teyv."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "Every time I hear any noise, I look to see if the baby woke up."
Brian says, "Natarajan is filled with the grace of fire once more. Buoyed on wings of Essence, she moves with the speed of a grassfire, gracefully dancing forward to meet Two."
Two Luminous Blades is not filled with the grace of fire. She is filled with the determination of a landslide as it collapses upon unsuspecting victims. And so she moves, each step determined and measured and with the force of a falling mountain behind it.
<<OOC>> Brian says "2 dot stunt, very nice. Roll 'em."
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 12 dice: <1 1 1 2 3 3 4 5 9 9 9 10> for 5 successes.
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades lol @ dice
<<DICE>> Two Luminous Blades rolls 8 dice: <1 3 3 3 7 7 7 9> for 4 successes.
Brian says, "Tick 0: Nataraja; Tick 1: Two."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "Tick 3: the floor stopping Nataraja's collapse"
Brian says, "Nataraja dances forward towards Two, moving in a series of graceful, whirling spins that end with her leaping up in the air, spinning like the Flying Guillotine. She lands with both blades scything down at Two in a testing double-strike at her head."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Splitting two at Two. She's not using any Charms for her attack."
<<OOC>> Brian says "You have the option to activate any Reflexive Charms right now."
Brian says, "Nataraja dances forward towards Two, moving in a series of graceful, whirling spins that end with her leaping up in the air, spinning like the Flying Guillotine. She lands with both blades scything down at Two in a testing double-strike at her head."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Stunt defense, then tell me whether or not you're going to use a Charm."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades needs to look up a rule real quick...
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "Incidentally, archery took a lot less math and rule lookups."
Two Luminous Blades watches the whirling, noting places to strike and openings and when Nataraja leaps through the air, she looks hardly surprised. She moves her owns blades sideways, tilting upwards to catch the scythes and slide them just out of the way before she lunges at her opponent to take advantage of Nataraja's forward momentum.
<<OOC>> Brian says "That's a 2-dot defensive stunt. That's a direct +2 to your DV; what's your DV at as a result?"
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "18"
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 23 dice: <1 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 8 8 9 9 9 10> for 9 successes.
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 22 dice: <1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 10> for 12 successes.
Brian says, "Nataraja's seeking spin is parried swiftly by the dual defenses of Two Luminous Blade's singing sword and gyroscoping main guard. As Two launches her counterattack, Nataraja leaps backwards, knocking her daiklaives into the force of Two's parry, twirling back in a spiral leap up, up and back from Two, aided by a sudden, heavenly burst of blue fire around her body."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades shakes an angry fist.
<<OOC>> Brian says "Okay, time for your Solar Counterattack. She's using 4 motes on Flame-Flicker Stance to turn her DV into a 15. Roll your attack."
<<DICE>> Two Luminous Blades rolls 19 dice: <1 2 3 3 4 5 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 9 9 9 9 10 10> for 12 successes.
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "Woo"
Brian says, "Close, but not quite enough, not yet. Singing out a silver song of joy, the Chosen of Serenity leaps back from you, whirling with blue flames. "A strong defense, Chosen of Morning. Let us see if you can make a strong offense, too."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Two, you go again on Tick 6; she goes again on Tick 4."
Brian says, "The Joybringer smiles and bows, as to her dancing partner. Blue lights flicker around her, rolling into phantom flames. "Taste the fangs of Hesiesh!" she cries, unleashing her deadly Combo! A single blade lashes out, wreathed in blue-hot fire. At the last moment as she spins across the battlefield, she bends fate, revealing a second flame on her true attack, the feint concealing an upward stab from the waist at Two's side!"
<<OOC>> Brian says "She's using 2 motes on Fateful MA to reduce her TN to 5 (So I'll be counting 5s on the rolls as successes for her, along with Smoldering Wound Attack and Searing Fist Attack together to try and burn you."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Stunt me your defense and tell me if you're using any additional Charms."
Two Luminous Blades returns the Joybringer's bow and takes a defense stance. She ignores the dancing lights and the phantom flames and concentrates on her partner's face and her soon to be unconscious eyes. She prepares to parry the single attack and then suddenly pulls the Main Guard to the side and intercepts the second as well, then forcers herself forward to her opponent, driving her blades before her.
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades hmms, should describe the combo somehow :(
<<OOC>> Brian says "Yeah, they're supposed to be big and flashy. Save that for next time, though."
<<OOC>> Brian says "TOnight, we'll just concentrate on the Doing. Come up with themes in your own time."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "Anyone, Heavenly Tiger Strike combo GO."
Brian says, "Natarajan moves with effortless speed to avoid Two's attack, concentrating on retaining her balance and control, confident of her speed to evade the swordswoman by ducking and rolling, flipping out of Two's way."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Alrighty. DV is 12; roll 'em."
<<OOC>> Brian says "2-stunt."
<<DICE>> Two Luminous Blades rolls 19 dice: <2 2 2 2 2 2 3 4 4 4 5 6 6 7 8 8 8 8 10> for 7 successes.
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "WHY DO YOU HATE ME DICE"
<<OOC>> Brian says "..."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Ah, dice."
<<OOC>> Ashan says "They hate everyone, don't worry."
<<DICE>> Two Luminous Blades rolls 19 dice: <1 1 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 5 6 6 7 7 8 9 9 9 9> for 7 successes.
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "That's just being mean."
Brian says, "The spin and flow of combat swirls around the two practiced combatants, and Two rolls up to her feet, dropping to an elegant curtsy before flicking her blades up."
<<OOC>> Brian says "She'll go again on Tick 8. Tick 6, Two's turn!"
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "This fight is going to end with both of us collapsed on the pavement."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Possibly!"
<<OOC>> Brian says "Or deciding to join forces to spank the dice orphan."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades has used charms, so just goes in for pain.
<<OOC>> Brian says "Wait."
<<OOC>> Brian says "It's your action again."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "I used a charm in the same round, tho"
<<OOC>> Brian says "YOu can choose to use new Charms if you like. Including your Combo if you like."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Nein. It refreshes every time your DV does."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades hates this game sometimes.
<<OOC>> Reed says "Don't worry, Teyv can fix you. He'll even do something silly like not charge."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades burns combo again, then.
Two Luminous Blades's blades go awry and she sighs inwardly at the God of Dice. She steels herself and proceeds after the Natarajan, the mountain once again sliding down towards its victim. Her stance switches as she moves, one second defensive, one second offensive, and every moment her own blades are perfectly poised to intercept the Joybringer's. When she reaches her target, she brings both weapons down with a terrible strike, the sound of her blades cutting through the air reminiscent of a desert asp hissing.
<<OOC>> Brian says "Nice, two dot stunt."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "God of Dice?"
<<DICE>> Two Luminous Blades rolls 19 dice: <1 2 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 8 8 8 9 9> for 6 successes.
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "..."
<<OOC>> Reed says "Works closely with the God of Exaltation."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Plentimon hates you."
<<OOC>> Brian pats.
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "This feels like some kind of trial of humility, actually."
<<OOC>> Bennu says "No that was when they beat you up repeatedly when you first joined up. ;p"
<<OOC>> Mahir says "Ahhh, memories."
Brian says, "Natarajan twirls to the left of Two's strike, surrounded by the whirling flames of the Fire Dragon as she moves aside. "Closer, closer," she sings and bows, swinging her swords out high to either side. "But see if you can follow the steps!" she cries and begins to whirl around Two, striking again and again and again, daiklaives whipping in and out four times, two from each blade."
<<OOC>> Reed says "I managed to skip that."
<<OOC>> Bennu exalted as a member of the cult but probably still got her ass kicked. XD
<<OOC>> Brian says "She's making four unmodified attacks at you. Any Charm defenses?"
<<OOC>> Mahir spent enough time as a street rat that "taking a beating" almost counted as a Resistance specialty.
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "I activated my combo. It'd be a crime not to use it."
<<OOC>> Mahir says "And that doesn't even count that bastard Cynis."
<<OOC>> Brian says "How many of her attacks are you HGDing? Remember, you won't get stunt regen if you don't risk at least one attack."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "1 HGD, 1 SC?"
<<OOC>> Brian says "Ok. First, second, third, or fourth attack HGD'd?"
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "HGD 1st, SC 4th"
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 22 dice: <1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 10 10> for 16 successes.
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 21 dice: <1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 4 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 10 10 10> for 7 successes.
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 20 dice: <1 2 2 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 6 7 7 9 9 9 9 10 10 10> for 12 successes.
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 19 dice: <1 4 4 4 5 5 6 7 7 8 8 8 9 10 10 10 10 10 10> for 18 successes.
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "Damn."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "Straight out damn."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Let's see. First bounces off your 19, 7 doesn't beat 18, 12 doesn't beat 17, but 18 beats 16. What's your Soak & Hardness?"
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "18 B, 17 L, 15 A"
<<OOC>> Brian says "Hardness is 10?"
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 4 damage dice: <6 7 8 10> for 3 successes.
<<OOC>> Brian says "..."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Soooo, Eric."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Did you throw rocks at the Dice Orphan?"
<<OOC>> Brian says "TELL THE TRUTH."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "I must have."
<<OOC>> Mahir says "18 on 19 dice? Yeah. You did."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "This battle will be legendary for how one sided it is."
<<OOC>> Brian says "You take 3 health levels; this fills your -0 and two of your -1s; you are -1 wound penalty. Your accuracy and DV are down by 1. :P However... you've been doing Periph, right?"
<<OOC>> Brian says "How much have you spent and regenned?"
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "I've been burning personal. Peri is mostly committed"
<<OOC>> Brian says "Ah. You might want to cycle through Periph next time; when you reach 11+ (regenned stuff still counts) you cause a -1 external penalty to all attempts to attack you, and +2 to your DVs."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "Yeah... gonna need to do that."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Do you want to retcon? Again, this is our starter, so we can change things around."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "Not that it matters, since the Dice Orphan will kill me anyway."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "Naw"
<<OOC>> Brian says "Personal is for sneaky, or -- ok."
Brian says, "At the very last, one of Nataraja's blades sneaks past Two's defense and leaves a long gash in her side. But before the pain can take effect, Two's counterattack surfaces in burning flame!"
<<OOC>> Brian says "IE, don't count the -1 for this one. Keep your 2-dot stunt and roll. Don't forget to recalc accuracy for having 5 net dex at the moment."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "So accuracy is still 19. For now."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Yarr."
<<DICE>> Two Luminous Blades rolls 19 dice: <1 1 1 2 2 2 2 4 4 4 4 5 6 9 9 10 10 10 10> for 10 successes.
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "Damn. That's just mocking me."
<<OOC>> Brian says "You... actually hit that time. She's at -1 DV right now."
<<OOC>> Brian says "You hit by 1! What's your damage rating?"
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "Both weapons?"
<<OOC>> Brian says "Just the primary."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "16L, 5 minimum"
<<OOC>> Brian says "Does that include the +3 strength for your armor?"
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "No"
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "19L, 5 minimum"
<<OOC>> Brian says "+roll/exd 10, then. That's a nasty chainklaive."
<<DICE>> Two Luminous Blades rolls 10 damage dice: <3 3 4 5 5 5 7 8 8 9> for 4 successes.
<<OOC>> Brian says "That's about average for damage, so woot!"
Reed stifles a snort, and ducks his head to hide a smirk. It's good for Solars to be hit once in a while, after all.
Brian says, "Turn and return and the whirl of weapons; as Natarajan's blade bruises Two's side, the crushing retaliation of Two's singing Crystalspine Chainklaive knocks her back. The shattering force pushes the very limits of the Dueling Ring's protections, causing her to cry out in pain. Nonetheless, she shakes herself off and curses, dancing to her feet once more."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Tick 11, Two turn!"
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "Yay, dv refresh."
Ashan makes a slight, sympathetic face as his sifu can't quite avoid the counterstrike. Otherwise, though, he's watching the blinding interplay of blade and Essence with wide eyes. He doesn't have the training to properly appreciate the purely martial aspects, but it's an impressive display.
Two Luminous Blades glances down at the wound on her side and then focues on Natarajan, her eyes narrowing. She takes a deep breath and advances on her opponent. Like before, she is direct and purposeful and it seems that each step and each movement of her weapons take up the least energy and provide the most benefit. As she nears her victim, she suddenly seems to relax and the incoming weapon strike seems deceptively lazy.
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "No charms, just anguish from the dice orphan"
Brian says, "Natarajan inhales, and then moves back into the dance with the full joy in her heart. Fire flickers around her red armor, blue sparks dashing around her as she flickers to the side around Two's strike."
<<OOC>> Brian says "She's using 4m on Flame-Flicker Stance again, so she's at 4-2=+2 over 11 is 13. You get 2 dots! Roll 'em."
<<DICE>> Two Luminous Blades rolls 18 dice: <2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 6 6 6 7 8 9 9 10> for 6 successes.
<<OOC>> Brian gives the Dice Orphan a Stern Look. "Play fair, or no more cookies!"
Brian says, "Fate, it seems, is with the Fateful; Natarajan avoids the deliberate swing with the speed of the Stars themselves, whirling with blue and flames. She returns to the basic Fire Dragon stance, and slowly brings her weapons together parallel to her spine. Suddenly, she snaps into a wide opening stance, flames flickering and whirling around her in an aurora of fire and beauty. The sight of it is gorgeous, overwhelming, even. It's hard to even look at her as she invokes the mighty Capstone of the Fire Dragon Style: the Consuming Might of the Fire Dragon."
<<OOC>> Brian says "First is a good idea. You'll be at -5 to all dice against her with that up."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "I like how you think dice matter to me :)"
Brian says, "But there are nods of approval from Maduka Shin and Michael, who beams at Two proudly. "Our student!" he crows. "She forced her into the cap!" The big Dawn grins and watches his younger sister with hope and faith, while Maduka Shin just rolls her eyes-- but there is a slight smile nonetheless."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Tick 16, Two's action. She'll go again on Tick 17."
Two Luminous Blades narrows her eyes against the burning flames and holds her chainklaive up to block the glare. For a second she stands there, almost frozen against the flames. Then her weapons lower (although her eyes remain squinted). She smiles, a little painfully, and nods to Natarajan. She begins a sword kata -- a basic one from her first lessons -- and her blades weave through the air like the dances her opponent is fond of. Finally, when a particular moment occurs and the kata is near its end, Two Luminous Blades takes a single step forward and her blades slice into the flames and hopefully her opponent.
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "1st melee, 5 peri, 1 pers"
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "That brings me to 14 peri for the scene, counting my scenelongs."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Ok! You have the -1 external penalty to her attacks and +2 to your DV. In interests of time, I'm going to collapse defensive poses into results."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "Word."
Brian says, "IE, I'm not posing the defense, just telling you what it is; you do the same, but I give you the same stunt bonus as your last attack. Then the results are posed together."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "Intriguing."
<<OOC>> Brian says "SO! Roll, at... let's see. 17+2+6-5-1=19, versus her DV of 9. Hit it."
<<DICE>> Two Luminous Blades rolls 19 dice: <1 1 1 3 3 4 4 5 6 6 7 7 8 9 9 9 10 10 10> for 12 successes.
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades omg
<<OOC>> Brian says "Dude, dice love at last. Let's see, you had 19L base; she soaks 9, getting 10, +3. +roll/exd 13 and we may, in fact, be done!"
<<DICE>> Two Luminous Blades rolls 13 damage dice: <1 2 2 5 5 5 6 7 8 8 9 9 10> for 6 successes.
Brian says, "Two finds her moment-- her moment of glory as her anima bursts forth in the full bloom of its brilliance. Fast and deft as the Joybringer is, she cannot outdo the desert viper snaking back and forth with swift, sure strikes, nor the heavy >CRUNCH< of the Crystalspine Daiklaive as it rends past her defenses. It literally knocks her off of her feet when she's knocked unoncsious, sliding her across the room to rest nearby Bennu and Teyv."
Teyv sighs and begins threading the sterilized gut of some random desert creature through a long curved needle.
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades apologizes for the 1-am-ness and the need to leave really really soon for baby and wife's sake.
Brian says, "There is a moment of absolute, shocked silence. No more than sixteen seconds have past since the start of the fight. Six seconds against a Sidereal scout of no little experience. There is silence... and then Michael stands to his feet and begins tamping and roaring, cheering "TWO! TWO! TWO! TWO!""
<<OOC>> Brian says "Okay, let's collapse it down in summary."
Brian says, "There is great CHEERING!"
Brian says, "Maduka Shin personally gives you your Paladin scarf. It has great FETCHING!"
Brian says, "First Nataraja is healed-- she gives Teyv a kiss on the cheek before hopping off to congratulate Two, and haul the young Dawn over to the doctor to 'suffer' through Teyv's ministrations herself."
Two Luminous Blades stares as her opponent goes flying and then bows to Natarajan, despite her inability to return it. She is overjoyed at the scarf and its FETCHING.
Brian says, "ANy indvidual congratulations before we end this?"
Reed doesn't even blink as the Sidereal crashes to a stop nearby, just continues his careful attachment of the latest trophies to his chestpiece.
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "I apologize for taking so long for combat."
<<OOC>> Two Luminous Blades says "Exalted math is hard, y'know."
<<OOC>> Brian says "No worries, it's later for you than it is for us."
Bennu nods and approaches the ring again, bowing to both combatatants. "A good battle," she murmurs. "Congratulations, Two Luminous Blades."
Ashan just shakes his head, wondering, and goes to make sure his sifu isn't broken. He'll meet the others when he's finished.
Two Luminous Blades thanks various people, bows, nods to Bennu. "Thank you. It was."
<<OOC>> Ashan says "And when everyone's not almost going to bed. :P"
<<OOC>> Reed says "Takes forever for me no matter how awake I am."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Go to bed with 6 experience points-- which now everyone is-- no regrets, and my Charm Two Swords Technique. It won't be much use until you get 5BS, but it will have use in time."
