The Off-Seasonal Arena: Number Three

[Exarch Thomo]

Hi guys, sorry for the lengthy hiatus - apparently getting married involves a lot more work than one would think (10 days to go). I haven't forgotten about the arena - just haven't had time - as simple as that.
However, good news is that I have tommorrow off and blessedly free of wedding duties - so I will get at least one fight up tommorrow (will try and push for two).
Just a little more patience and then this thing will be wrapped up and we are all free to go our seperate ways.

[ArchonFarseerGuy]

I was about to post on your profile, checking to see if everything was OK. Nice to see you answered my question in advance, and 'grats on the engagement.

[Exarch Thomo]

ROUND 2 Match 2 - Xuanzhong vs Madoc Prodfoot

The torrential rain slowly started to ease as the morning progressed, spears of bright sunlight piercing the dark clouds beseiging the arena, the trubulent skies a fitting mirror to the vicious struggles taking place below.

Down in the arena, however, the damage was already down. The torrential rain had turned the usually sandy arena floor into a slippery, treacherous quagmire, rivulets of water streaming down the ramps to the cells beneath.

The Caliph stood at the balcony, introduced the next match and the crowd fell silent once more, the promise of bloodhsed quelling their anxious mutterings. As he flung his arms wide open, the doors to the arena crashed open and nearly everyone turned to watch as the next combatants entered the sodden stage. Only a few noticed the Vizziers fevered gaze, and even fewer noticed how fixated he was on the glowing gem floating high above the Arena.

Madoc spat out a wad of thick black tobacco, the juices running over his ample chin as he rode slowly into the arena, his sway-backed pony clomping forward eagerly in the mud. Dropping the reins mommentarily, he reached back into his saddlepack to store the stick of tobacco for later, before rolling his shoulders, loosening the muscles in preperation.

Across from him stood his opponent, a man from the distant east, the full length grey cloak obscuring his features, but telling Madoc enough. Assassin. With a hawking cough he sent a ball of phlegm towards his opponent before gathering the reins and digging his heels into the flanks of his trusty steed.

As the pony lumbered towards the assassin, movement hindered by the swampy ground, Madoc raised himself in the styrrups and drew the iron baton, the sacred symbol of his office, over his head.

"Die murderer!" he roared as they closed, the baton whistling down to cave in the assassins skull. Or, at least it would have if he had still been there. Just before the mace made contact, the damned assassin had dived forward, rolling to his feet in the wet mud and deftly avoiding the blow.

Cursing, Madoc jerked the reins around as he turned Bill in a tight circle, but the treacherous ground betrayed them. Halfway through the turn Bills legs slid out from underneath him and both pony and rider landed hard, a splintering crack followed by a choking cry of pain echoed through the arena as Madocs leg shattered under the weight of his falling mount.

Rolling onto his back, Madoc fought the darkness that threatened to engulf him. Laying on his back, staring up into the darkening sky he heard the splashing footsteps of his opponent approaching. The pain from his shattered leg was getting to much, and he felt conciousness slipping away as a shadow appeared overhead. Faintly, just at the edge of his hearing he thought he heard someone whisper "Sleep now, my friend, your struggle is over." before something bright and silver flashed down, taking the pain away.


___________________________________________________________________________ _______________________

Once again, sorry about letting this lapse, but, as I said, things have been a little busy. Anyway, that's match 2. A little short, but this is another battle that was over before it begun (is it just me or is that starting to be a bit of a trend?). I'll try and get another one or two up over the next couple of days, and then I'll be away for a fortnight - getting married and enjoying the honeymoon.
Anyway, match went like this:

X: 7 Attack, 7 Hits (2 re-rolls), 3 Wounds, 1 KB.
M: 2 Saves passed, 1 Failed, KB did 3 Wounds for a total of 4 Wounds

[ArchonFarseerGuy]

Woo-hoo!

Nice writeup, given the one-sided nature of the fight. I loved the "east vs west" feel that it had. And again, real life comes first, enjoying your honeymoon should be your first priority. Fictitious duels to the death can always wait.

[avatar of khaine]

Originally Posted by ArchonFarseerGuy

Woo-hoo!

Nice writeup, given the one-sided nature of the fight. I loved the "east vs west" feel that it had. And again, real life comes first, enjoying your honeymoon should be your first priority. Fictitious duels to the death can always wait.

seconded!

[Exarch Thomo]

Thanks guys, although I do have a favour to ask. The next match involves my own character, and I am somewhat apprehensive in rolling for it. So, to be fair, I would appreciate it if someone could do the rolling for me and let me know the result. If you are interested, pm me and I'll send you the details.

[ArchonFarseerGuy]

Originally Posted by Exarch Thomo

Thanks guys, although I do have a favour to ask. The next match involves my own character, and I am somewhat apprehensive in rolling for it. So, to be fair, I would appreciate it if someone could do the rolling for me and let me know the result. If you are interested, pm me and I'll send you the details.

I will on the condition that you vote in the VW Final. We ned some activity there.

---

"So you have advanced to the third round of the tournament Xuanzhong," said Yorotaiho after the duel, "excellent."
"This means the Dawn Killing Fields will be able to remain in the city carrying out executions as necessary without them growing suspicious. I just hope I can win my next fight."
"You will do well. The lizard looks like he might be a challenge, however. And the winner of the fourth fight also looks like he will be too armoured for you to kill cleanly."
"That fight will indeed be one to watch closely. I would appreciate it if you were to analyse their fighting styles for me, as I will be unable to watch it - the guards have me under close watch during arena fights."
"Will that clear you up for tonight? I have been approached by the Caliph, who grows weary of the Vizier's attacks. He wants an assitant removed, to send a warning."
"I can simply evade the gaze of the guards tonight. The four of us left at the end of the round will be given freedom to move around the city until midnight. Something like satisfying our final day."
"Excellent. Meanwhile, a few of us have also been hired to act as arbiters for a local tavern. That will make an excellent cover for us."
"I am beginning to fear that may be necessary. People are beginning to link all the deaths together. It also makes for an interesting coincidence that they occur as the arena arrives. Presently my alibi as an arena fighter is holding up, however, but your executions are not so subtle. Acting for justice will only get you so far."
"Yes, I had thought of this, and am aware that we will have to be more careful in the future," mused Yorotaiho.
With that, Xuanzhong got up to head for the range, intending to carry out his daily practice with his throwing knives and hone his agility. How far would he progress in this tournament? None could say, but the important thing was that it covered his presence. If he lost, people might get suspicious.

[Arklite]

Closed due to inactivity.

-Arkeh

[ArchonFarseerGuy]

Icanhazmoralvictory?