GTB II. Imported from live Gaia guild archive.
Tue Jun 10, 2008 1:00 pm · id 154343938 · page 1
Winter Arena
Description: As one walks in, they will see that the arena is now a lot smaller than the previous one, seeming to be starting some type of pattern. Now, the fighting area is only 100 yards in diameter, the ground covered in two inches of snow over soiled ground underneath, and the temperatures being a cold 20 degrees Fahrenheit, despite the ceiling being open with the sun shining down. However, there is no sign of a designated platform, meaning the entire area is pretty much game. 25 yards from the stands each are 10 feet blocks of ice, designated at each corner of the arena, blocky with no definite shape, yet can be stood upon with the right footing. The blocks are so thick, however, that breaking them is not something of ease, or melting them. In the middle, with a diameter of 30 yards is a sitting pool of water iced over with a nice firm sheet of ice, the water underneath being 10 feet deep. However, if it takes too much stress, the ice can easily break.
Ten Count Boundary: The ten count starts as soon as someone goes over the twenty foot wall into the stands, or into the pool of water. If a person is already in a counted area and the other fighter enters in, the count is reset. If a person is being forced to stay in a counted area against their own will, for example, by being binded by an indirect attack (such as vines, tendrils, etc.), then the count stops. However, the count continues if a person is using their own body to keep the other fighter down AND have no part of their body inside the fighting zone (as well as being at least five yards away from the fighting zone). In this case, the count is being counted against both members.
Tue Jun 10, 2008 6:32 pm · id 154377098 · page 1
Saphen stood staring around the frozen wasteland that was now his new winter retreat...literally. Taking note of the snow he stared at it for long moments in deep thought. Mobility would obviously be harder here for the bard then the previous arena...and that battle he lost. Pushing the thoughts of such a fight out of his mind he considered the present.
New fight...new opponent....but he knew this guy.
Saphen stretched his body, his clothing was different for this one. Still all in black it was obviously winter clothing. It constricted his blood vessels, forcing them to move through out his body keeping him warm using Germany's latest invention, a suite that tricks your body into keeping the blood moving. It would be useful but if it was damaged too much it would only be as good as that sweater your aunt gave you but you never wear....an annoyance in other words.
Saphen turned his guitar and began to play a more Latin rhythm waiting for his opponent to arrive. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqj25dWv5q4)
Tue Jun 10, 2008 10:26 pm · id 154400106 · page 1
Spyke stepped out from the ice block that was furthest from Saphen's current position with a grin on his face. He had heard of his little brothers friend. This man could fight. That would be all Spyke needed to know to face off against him. This battle would be the battle Spyke had been wanting since day one. This being the case Spyke threw off his cloak revealing himself for the first time this tournament.
He stood at around 5'8". An average height for a human male and along with the average height he had brunette hair, average. His build was more towards the muscular side which was partially hidden by the back gi that he wore. The only outstanding features of Spyke's garb would be the blood red orbs located on each shoulder, both knees, and wrapped around his waste like a belt. All of these orbs were glowing brightly in the light of the day. Spyke placed his right leg two feet in front of his left and shifted his left foot so that it would be perpendicular to Spyke's right which pointed at Saphen. His only distinguishing feature, the icy blue optics, would be latched onto Saphen as they began to glow as violently as the blood orbs did.
Spyke focused his energies inwards. For the first move he would draw in as much energy as possible so he could get the party started as fast as possible. Which made sense due to his lack of decent battle here. Spyke drew his Scythe which went from all black to a gleaming gold with silver runic inlay and blade. Even the spike used as a counter balance shone brightly in the light. Spyke held the weapon evenly across his body and watched for Saphen's move.
Tue Jun 10, 2008 11:04 pm · id 154402650 · page 1
The Latin rhythm continued to sound as he turned the mandolin behind him as he did before. The music danced on it's own musing the sounds of a fiesta and party....which is exactly what this would be.
Saphen stood at a much shorter 5'5 but as he stood there is muscled tensed and tightened. Saphen was changing his trend in this battle as his opponent may have watched his last battle. Saphen jogged slowly as the ice might slip him up if he went too fast and he kept his masked face focused on his opponent.
"Your Brother speaks well of you, I shall do you that honor." The words echoed through the arena and faded.
"THE HONOR THAT ONLY RIVALS DESERVE!" Saphen continued to jog briskly waiting for a reaction from his opponent and when it came...he would be ready.
Tue Jun 10, 2008 11:13 pm · id 154403191 · page 1
Spyke understood Saphen's words all to well which was why he started to grin. A battle worth having would be most welcome and Saphen seemed to be offering exactly what Spyke wanted. Spyke had no worries about the terrain. Spyke happened to be in his element. Now all he had to do is fight.
Spyke raised his right leg about a foot off the ground and stomped back down onto the snow covered earth. The result of the stomp would be the shaking of the earth. A small earthquake would rush forward focused only on knocking Saphen over. Spyke needed a small extension to his preparations in order for this to work fully. So using the hopefully bought time Spyke would continue gathering his strength.
In the event that Saphen did not succumb to the quake Spyke would be prepared to defend himself from whatever Saphen would be planning.
Store: 20 (+40) (-20) Orbs: 12-98-59-7-7
Tue Jun 10, 2008 11:23 pm · id 154403779 · page 1
As Saphen ran he felt the ground shake and sensing the earth spliting he knew exactly what it was.
"Earth," was all he whispered as he made a mental note of Spyke's abilities and would continue as he went along.
Luckily Saphen had increased his physical prowess and relation to the element would help him out.
WHAT FANCY THING WOULD HE DO YOU SAY?
Saphen would crouch down stabilizing himself with his hands. (AMAZING!) but not only that he would placed his feet like a sprinter waiting to run would (wait that wasn't an explosion at all?) To the disappointment of the crowd Saphen did not merely blow up the earth this time.
Throw another spike! one yelled mockingly but he ignored it.
Saphen's piercing eyes watched his opponent patiently. Patience would be his best weapon verse a foe who seems to have a wide range of abilities.
Tue Jun 10, 2008 11:42 pm · id 154404829 · page 1
Spyke smiled seeing his goal achieved and what a wonderful feeling it was to have reached the start of the battle. Spyke went into a full out run towards Saphen. Spyke decided to get things started the old fashioned way.
Spyke would be running full out. Meaning stopping wouldn't be an option....at least not on normal circumstances. Spyke approached his opponent from directly in front of the man and when Spyke reached him he did something totally unexpected!!! He swung his right fist at the mans face.
Now most people would believe this to be a bad move, however, when the gems around Spyke's waste and the one on his right shoulder both flashed and a shock wave rushed away from Spyke one would beg to differ. First of all the shock wave would add to the power of the punch making it that much stronger. If the punch missed the chance existed that Saphen would be knocked off balance. The most amazing part though would be the fact that in the place of the gems armor appeared. A black spiked gauntlet and a black upper body plate appeared. The gems were imbedded in the exact places they were before. The spikes on the gauntlet are one and one half inches long and they covered the whole of the gauntlet with the exception o the underside.
Store: 40 (+20) Dralve Gauntlet R: 18 (+20)(-100) Rentreal Armor: 2 (+43)(-100) Blood Orbs :48,67,73
Tue Jun 10, 2008 11:59 pm · id 154405632 · page 1
As the man ran forward Saphen considered his options. The man was much larger then him and to try and match strength for strength would probably be a waste. Saphen had increased his agility so he could be physically mobile and the best chance he had was to out pace his opponent with speed.
As the man charged Saphen adjusted his feet slightly and right before he reached his vicinity Saphen jumped to his left and while he did he waved his right hand a small flash would appear but only for a moment. Saphen's right gauntlet was now a spiraling spiked star aimed for Spyke's neck.
But as he dodged and countered he was pushed to the ground by the shock Shit cut it too close! he thought to himself as he landed on his back off balance. Quickly crawling back to his feet he fixed his eyes back on his opponent trying to see the outcome of his attack.
Wed Jun 11, 2008 10:28 am · id 154425855 · page 1
Spyke hadn't anticipated a counter this early. Then again Saphen held a place of high reguard with Spyke's sibling so this ability happened to be welcome. In response Spyke threw up his left arm to counter the incoming projectile and felt it pierce into his arm. As the pain lanced through him black ice began to form around the wound and slowly pushed the weapon loose. Of course now that the item had Spyke's personal weapon on it, namely the ice, it would only be a matter of time till the star would be completely frozen and useless to its master. The ice also filled the hole that Saphen had created and by doing so gave Spyke the ability to continue use of the arm even if usage would be very rough as far as style would be concerned.
It was now Spyke's turn to move he rushed forward and threw his left leg out at Saphen and just as before with his fist shock waves would be emitted from both legs as the orbs turned into Spyke's armor. The greaves that now covered Spyke's legs were made in the same fashion as the gauntlets, black and spiked. The detail happened to be much the same. Spikes being the same length the back side lacking spikes and so on. The attack happened to be the same as well. Try and hit him with the shockwave.
Spyke had a spin to his attack this time. As soon as the armor appeared the right greave would suddenly receive silver scroll working. As soon as the scroll work appeared Spyke launched high into the air at an unbelievable speed. Much faster than any human should be capable of moving. As he reached the climax of his jump one might be able to notice silver scroll work on the right gauntlet. The arm was cocked back and Spyke swung it at Saphen.
Now one would believe that swinging at someone who happened to be about 20 yards away with merely a fist would be futile and wasteful, howver, Spyke's punch projected the force into the air and it wasn't just the force of the punch but an amplified force due to the armor. For a final touch to the attack Spyke mixed in the element of fire. Spyke's weakest ability happened to be a difficult play but in this case worked rather well. The force punch turned into a giant fireball that plummeted towards Saphen almost as fast as Spyke had risen. It would be about 15 feet in diameter. Due to the lack of fire ability the explosive force would be from the punch itself and not the element making fire damage a minimal threat but Saphen didn't know that.
Store: 30 (+20)(-30) Dravle Gauntlet R: 50 (-40)(+72) Rentreal Armor: 31 (+29) Poleras Greave R: 6 (-100)(+) Poleras Greave L: 21 (-120)(+) Blood Orb: 73 (+25)
(Note: Black ice is Spyke's specialty technique it freezes anything it touches over time. In the case of the gauntlet it will spread until the whole of the thing is frozen. If Saphen puts his gauntlet back on it will start freezing him as well.
Spyke and the fireball are moving at 20mph)
Wed Jun 11, 2008 8:33 pm · id 154482539 · page 1
Saphen leaped back as the kick came but in the same fashion he barely dodged it only to be hit by the shock wave falling back some what further this time. Spyke launched himself into the air as Saphen hit the ground but he would recover faster as he felt the similar pain from the initial attack.
Shit I can't dance with any of these guys
Saphen was much better at weaving earth attacks on average then he was at physical combat and with a reluctant sigh he realized that would have to be the case once more.
It was ironic that the attack he used involved fire because as he launched himself into the air Saphen began his poem
"SOME SAY THE WORLD WILL END IN FIRE!" The eyes of the bard flashed warningly
"SOME SAY IN ICE!"
At that moment Cryo had reached the zenith of his leap and Saphen was standing staring at him. The muscles faded but the sweet sensation of mother earth's loving touch embraced him.
One large frost covered spike was launched from the ground in front of him aimed to intercept the fire and continue on to attack his opponent. Depending on how powerful the fireball was it would either equalize with the assault of the spike or the spike would continue to fly on as warm earth at Cryo.
In either case Saphen was not waiting around to find out as a small pillar launched him into the air at an angel so that he would move up and away from Cryo at a similar height (20 feet or so).
As he continued to quote Robert Frost he stared at his opponent making a few mental notes.
Mental note 1: Shock waves suck balls.
Mental note 2: Fire balls are hot (not to be confused with hawt...which is what Laura Prepon is)
Mental note 3: Turn off the oven when you get back to the hotel...if you get back.
Wed Jun 11, 2008 9:08 pm · id 154485769 · page 1
The effect of the fireball vs. the spike would be thus. The amount of force behind the 'fireball' would rip asunder the projectile causing not only the decimation of the object but a raining its parts back to the earth from whence it came.
Spyke noted Saphen's change in altitude and reacted accordingly. A wall of air formed behind Spyke as the scroll work appeared on the left leg. As it finished up Spyke kicked off the wall directly towards Saphen at an even greater speed. His right arm once again cocked back as he did so. This time however, there would be a strange black shadow left behind by Spyke's arm. Just as Spyke's arm would connect with Saphens torso that black shadow like substance would instantly be sucked back into the arm creating a force behind the fist that would be great enough to send Saphen into one of the giant ice blocks in the arena. In the event he didn't connect the force would dissipate into the air in front of Spyke's fist in the form of yet another shockwave.
This wouldn't be the end though. In the event that the punch missed the force would knock Spyke backwards into the air. This being the case Spyke would do a backflip into another wall of air and launch at the same speed as before at Saphen once more. This time the scythe would lash out the head seeking for Saphen's unprotected arm. The problem here not merely being the weapon would be hunting but the fact that it sparked and sizzled with visible electricity.
In the event that the punch connected Spyke would swing his weapon in a wide arc sending a blade of electricity into the same ice block and light up everything it touched. Of course Spyke would go into a free fall after his attack. The next move already planned. Of course if Saphen was caught in a block of ice that happened to get electrified there probably wouldn't be a next attack anyway.
Store: 30 (-20x2)(+20) Dralve Gauntlet R: 40 (-39)(+29) Dralve Gauntlet L: 9 (-100)(+36) Rentreal Armor: 100 (+64) Poleras Greave R: 50 (-19)(+73) Poleras Greave L: 50 (-10)(+39) Scythe: Runic (x2)
(Note: Spyke is moving at 29 MPH)
Wed Jun 11, 2008 9:46 pm · id 154489068 · page 1
The poem continued to sound with a booming voice
"From what I tasted of desire"
All things considered the punch that would come flying at him would make him taste more than that. If he did not do something it would surely make him taste the bitter nectar of failure.
And for those who have not tasted such a brew....it is DISGUSTING!
So deciding that the initial thought would be unfun* he considered other options. As Cryo prepared his wall of air Saphen waited to see what was happening and as soon as he realized that the attack would be a straight blast he moved both of his hands over his chest. Saphen waited until Cryo reached half the distance between them (which didn't take long) and then he gave birth to his plan! (9 months of waiting? I don't think so!)
Taking control of the armor he was wearing he forced himself to drop in altitude launching himself at the ground. Changing his second gauntlet into a similar flying star as the last one he launched it up at Cryo's underside. Releasing the control of the star to regain control of the armor he pulled the armor up slightly slowing himself down to land on the ground gently.
He might lose his second gauntlet to this attack but it was also a test...for as the weapon; brilliantly glistening in the sun's gentle gaze, the metal spiraled at his opponent to see if hitting a different section of his opponent would also freeze the weapon.
"I hold with those who favor fire," but in this case the flame might truly be his destruction.
((Note: Unfun is defined in Saphen's slang dictionary as something crappy, not enjoyable, sucky, or anything related to Martha Stuart))
Wed Jun 11, 2008 10:25 pm · id 154491945 · page 2
Spyke's plan had once again been foiled by Saphen's intelligence. The weapon of Saphens would find its mark on the back side of Spykes left thigh. Once again pain lanced through Spyke's body once again. Adding to the pain already being endured by the initial hit. This time the ice pushed the weapon out of Spyke but didn't attach itself. Spyke's forms would be completely off now. He had to try though.
So Spyke dropped back to earth making sure to land about 30 feet away from Saphen. Not even waiting to find his footing in the snow Spyke's eyes began flashing different colors and in rapid succession he punched the air ten times. After each blow a force ball mixed with various elements shot into the air. Three each of Electricity, water, and ice. With the final punch being wind. Due to Spykes greater elemental abilities with these elements he had the ability to stop the first nine in the air and mix them together. This larger ball of energy would launch at Saphen and due to the power created by the armor being the base of the attack when it hit the ground, as it was aimed at Saphen's feet, it would erupt in a ten foot diameter pillar. The pillar would consist of electrified water rising towards the sky with knife like ice particles placed periodically throughout the thing.
The pillar wasn't the end though. Spyke launched the final wind ball into the center of the pillar where a larger ice particle would be. When the 'punch' connected to this ice chunk it would not only blow it into smaller pieces but it would shoot the pillar out in all directions away from the force punch. The wind would cause the now 'exploding' pillar to start spinning creating a miniature water tornado. Electrified and full of sharp electrified knives essentially. All aimed at Saphen's last position.
Store: 20 (-30x2)(+20) Dralve Gauntlet R:100 (-49)(+99) Dralve Gauntlet L: 20 (-24)(+35) Rentreal Armor: 100 Poleras Greave R:55 (+5) Poleras Greave L:100 (+50) Scythe: Runic
Wed Jun 11, 2008 11:48 pm · id 154496689 · page 2
Saphen watched as his opponent landed and he immediately started considering his next attack. Spikes began to come out of the ground slowly crawling up his back masking their movement with Saphen's body. Each spike was about a foot long and attached to his body, all on his backside as Spyke began to begin his punches.
As the mixing began Saphen had a good thirty spikes scattered all over his mandolin and back he suddenly realized that he was charging up a large attack. Though Saphen was not sure what kind of attack or what it would do he had range and time on his hand.
As the massive form of energy was launched Saphen's hands moved to his armor and like a rag doll he launched his body to his left and up into the air. Releasing his armor he flew through the air returning his attention to the spikes.
"If I should ask of HATE!" he roared as the spikes flew off his back and over his houlders/or around his sides like a multi rocket system flying at Spyke as his field of travel (an arc of course) would see him reach a height of about 15 feet and then begin to descend. Saphen was more focused on launching spikes then he was about his landing so as his feet touched the slippery surface he began to slide crashing into one of the lovely ice cubes stunning him for a moment.
Shaking his head he stood up wobbling for a moment "For destruction ICE is also great and would suffice," a some what annoyed tone gripped the word ice as he rubbed his head looking at the results of his assault.
Thu Jun 12, 2008 12:30 am · id 154498375 · page 2
Spyke's eyes went wide slightly as Saphen moved once again and launched his offensive. Not at this point in time Spyke had a few options all of them but one involving the sacrificial death of a small animal or puppet made to look like Bill Gates. So Spyke used the only option left to him that didn't cause someone or something to die.
Spyke's eyes went a dark blue color as the scythes runes started glowing and the water in the arenas center pool erupted into the air. The effect of this would be that some of the spikes would succumb to the current and block Saphen's view momentarily. Spyke would then stomp his foot down and part of the arena would rise up creating a wall which Spyke hid behind to wait out the attack, however, the large number of projectiles proves fatal as they slowly destroyed Spyke's wall and turned him into a pin cushion.
As Spyke stood there full of earthly Spikes dying the nodded to Saphen in acceptance of defeat before collapsing where he stood. This being the case it would be no wonder as to why Peter Griffin chose this moment to laugh and get kicked out of the arena. During this time the crowd erupted in cheers and assuming the battle over began chanting Saphens name. It was a wonder then when Spyke turned up behind Saphen, whose only alert was the sudden and communal gasp of the crowd.
The impaled Spyke would melt into naught but a shadow and disappear while the real Spyke would cock back his left arm and swing. The amount of force behind this punch would be much weaker than previous attacks. In fact if it connected Saphen would only be projected about ten feet before his body would bring him back to earth. The question remains how did Spyke do this? He used the speed granted by the greaves to quickly disappear under a cloak of shadows while creating a clone of himself to stand behind a defense he'd actually assumed would work. This was the strategy.
Store: 15 (+20)(-25x3) Dralve Gauntlet R:100 Dralve Gauntlet L:64 (+59)(-15) Rentreal Armor: 100 Poleras Greave R: 90 (+52)(-17) Poleras Greave L: 90 (+16)(-26) Scythe: Glowing Runes (x3)
Thu Jun 12, 2008 12:47 am · id 154498897 · page 2
Saphen watched as the spikes slammed into the wall shaking himself off from the crash. Not that it did him much good as he continued to chant. Turning slightly the poem began again as it always did to keep the buff in his system.
"Some say the wo..." but the chant would not finish as he turned to notice Spyke behind him with just in time to get punched in the chest and this time his body flew with out the assistance of his ability.
The calculations were correct and he flew about ten feet or so but after the initial stun of hitting the ground Saphen would blindly counter attack to get some distance.
Saphen knew the general vicinity of Spyke so when he hit the ground he waved his hand in that direction. A stone slab lifted from the ground (6 feet high and 4 feet wide) and merely flew at Spyke. But about 5 feet into it's travel it burst into thousands of small spheres creating a shotgun effect.
Saphen shook the hit off getting to his feet as quickly as possible to prepare for Spyke's next move.
"The World...would end in fire" he corrected staring though his now scuffed and scratched mask. The floor was not kind to it but it was merely ascetic but his body was sore from the hit and the crash. Saphen would be feeling this in the morning.
Thu Jun 12, 2008 1:08 am · id 154499477 · page 2
Spyke smiled in triumph as his fist found its mark. His moment was short lived however, when the stone slab rose from the ground. Knowing what this man was capable of Spyke's reaction was to get out of the way. Which is what he did. He activated his greaves for a speed boost and began moving when pain lanced through his left leg where he'd been stabbed. Instead of running as he'd planned Spyke stumbled and fell. Moving at 15 mph and falling wasn't good. He easily met the other block of ice on that side of the arena and saved his head at the last minute by throwing his arms up. This however, produced a similar pain in Spyke's left arm where he'd first been stabbed.
Spyke rose to his knees slowly as the effects of his earlier blows finally came into play. Even though the armor enhanced ones physical abilities it still put a great deal of strain on the body and with wounds that strain would lead to the problem Spyke had. His wounded muscles were being over worked and wanted to give out. If Saphen could continue to dodge as he had been thus far he'd have this battle in the bag.
Spyke in an effort to stead himself leaned against the ice block and relished the chill the cool surface sent through his body. He'd always enjoyed ice and found it invigorating to be able to feel the chill of something cold. So there he stood while waiting for Saphen's next move.
Store: 35 (+20) Dralve Gauntlet R:100 Dralve Gauntlet L:64 Rentreal Armor: 100 Poleras Greave R: 90 Poleras Greave L: 90 Scythe: Glowing Runes (x3)
Thu Jun 12, 2008 1:21 am · id 154499814 · page 2
As Saphen regained his senses as he watched Spyke fly into the ice wall.
A chance! he thought to himself eagerly and wasted no time in capitalizing on it.
Saphen did not even bother standing up yet as his right hand continued to face the direction of the initial attack. The gloved fingers darted across his field of vision and suddenly stopped facing the ice prison that Spyke had made for himself.
Most of the spheres (About a thousand or so) would stop in mid air and change course recycling his efforts to retain as much energy as possible. Sadly he couldn't catch them all in time to react to Spyke's sudden change of course but even a getting a decent amount would suffice for now
If he was lucky Spyke would not be able to react fast enough to dodge them and the tactic would prove to be a fruitful endeavor. If not well at least he did not expend any more energy but in any case after he sent the attack on it's way he got to his feet breathing heavily behind his mask.
Thu Jun 12, 2008 1:56 pm · id 154535146 · page 2
Spyke grinned as Saphen proved to be an unrelenting foe. Spyke's eyes flashed as the ice behind him opened just enough to allow his form to backtrack into about ten feet and then closed after his passage. From there he dropped to his knees and planted his right fist into the floor. The result would be that when the bb's connected with the ice wall the entire block would quake and cracks would spider across its entirety. The punch would propel Spyke up into the damaged ice with such force that it would shatter. The power of the chest piece softening the blow considerably.
Spyke now airborne looked down at his foe as the black ice wrapped around the wounded areas completely. Wounded as he was Spyke couldn't make full use of his body but by wrapping them afflicted areas he could prolong they're usage by a little while. He was using borrowed time and when the clock began to toll his left side would effectively fail. Fighting with only half a body was never a fun experience. So Spyke kicked his right leg out and hit the ar wall created there projecting himself directly at Saphen at high speeds once again.
Spyke cocked back his right fist once more and the power within fueled with the power of ice caused the gem on his shoulder to glow violently. The silver scroll work went white and as Spyke sailed through the air the black shadow reemerged from his appendage. When spyke came into striking range of Saphen he swung his fist forward and when the fist should have connected with the man the shadow instantly returned itself to its host. The result happened to be a monstrous shock wave that spawned a mass of ice Spyke's the same size as that ice block the two fighters collectively smashed.
Store: 40 (+20)(-15x3) Dralve Gauntlet R:100 (-20) Dralve Gauntlet L:98 (+34) Rentreal Armor: 85 (-15) Poleras Greave R: 100 (-39)(+49) Poleras Greave L: 100 (+10) Scythe: Glowing Runes (x3)
(Note: Spyke is moving at 39 MPH.)
Fri Jun 13, 2008 1:41 am · id 154591232 · page 2
Saphen looked up at Cryo with a sigh. As he launched his Ironman like body into the air Saphen wanted nothing more then to slap him with a giant magnet pushing him off into the sun (should have stayed awake in science class if you don't get it).
Saphen took a deep breath then with skill he whipped his mandolin back around his body and started strumming the strings hard.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3H4liC2sWg)
The mandolin's sound warped and it was quite strange to hear such electric riffs coming from an acoustic instrument. His head was bobbing to the insane rhythm and as he began to sing the words of the song it was almost as if the voice was not his own. But the focus his eyes had did not change as he stared at his opponent who at this point was about to kick off his air wall.
A crack circled Saphen's feet and a small stone lifted Saphen who was launched into the air, the dream most guitarists have wished would happen during one of their major tours. The snow covered mount flew through the air but Saphen's plan was twofold.
The Plan Section 1: Get your ass out of there! Status: Completed
Section 2: Hurt Spyke Status: In progress, results unknown.
With the plan pretty well drawn out he entered into section 2 of his complicated scheme. All of his energy was focused on increasing his ability to manipulate earth so much that he was not physically moving which would hamper his link to the earthly element. He merely tossed himself in the air to dodge while he focused fully on his next attack.
The crack that removed the stone would open more and more creating a single straight line harder to notice from the air or a distance (especially under the snow covered ground). It would be about twenty feet long and as Spyke would smash into the earth he would find it shattered much easier than one would expect...this was on purpose.
Saphen was cracking a fault into the earth so Spyke would push into the ground (hopefully at least twenty feet down) and once he was in Saphen would attempt to crush him between the two walls of earth before he could realize what would happen. If any back lash shook the walls then rock would merely drop on top of him but if it was a pretty clean cut into the earth Saphen would simply attempt to "close" the book on this chapter so to speak.
How ever the stone Saphen was standing on was slightly curved on the bottom almost like a sled and as it would hit the earth Saphen would make the minor stabilizations to balance his landing but this would be after he tried to crush his opponent.
But as he screamed the lyrics to the song it was obviously straining him physically to attempt such a task.
Fri Jun 13, 2008 10:23 am · id 154608998 · page 2
Spyke would indeed drop into Saphens hole there he would land on his feet and look up into the sky to see Saphen playing his instrument. Spyke could feel the energy of the music Saphen played. As the walls closed Spyke smiled. A formidable opponent had risen from the ashes of Spyke's failed tournament experience so in appreciation of Saphens accomplishment he couldn't let it end just yet. Even though his body protested his movement Spyke used both legs and jumped towards the sky. At the height of his jump the would thrust his still charged fist downwards. The mass of ice would project itself from Spyke's right fist.
Using his control over the element Spyke would hold it suspended and after manipulating its shape so that it looked a mass of spikes he would punch it with his left fist at its center most point. This would cause a rain of ice shards to descend on the whole of the arena. All of them at least three feet long and four inches thick. With the exception of the center piece which happened to be four times larger. This was part of Spyke's new plan. The original idea was to use the ice mass as a giant club but no such luck could be had. The new plan was to turn the arena floor into a lightning rod.
Spyke raised his hands to the sky holding himself in the sky on another air wall and focused his energies there. He drew in massive amounts of electrical energy from the stores he already created and then channeling it through his scythe, which he'd carried this entire time in his left hand, the energy amplified itself and Spyke went to throw it down towards the larger spike when his arm spasmed in pain dropping his weapon. As Spyke dove for his weapon defying the pain he assumed his plan failed but it was still worth a shot.
Fifteen feet above the spike used as a rod Spyke caught his weapon and let loose his attack. The whole of the arena floor became criss crossed in a miniature electrical storm and Spyke plummeted right into his own attack.
Store:20 (+20)(-40x3) Dralve Gauntlet R:80 Dralve Gauntlet L:80 (-18 ) Rentreal Armor:85 Poleras Greave R:80 (-20) Poleras Greave L:80 (-20) Scythe: Glowing Runes (x3)
(Note: Energy use reguarding the ice mass is reflected in previous post.)
Fri Jun 13, 2008 5:37 pm · id 154643235 · page 2
As the ice shards flew into the air Saphen screamed at the top of his lungs
So now we're flying we're free, we're free before the thunderstorm, On towards the wilderness, our quest carries on. Far beyond the sundown, far beyond the moonlight, Deep inside our hearts and all our souls...
So far away we wait for the day, For the lights all so wasted and gone; We feel the pain of a lifetime lost in a thousand days- Through the fire and the flames we carry on!
As he sang those words his rigid mount soared into the air as he bobbed and weaved the ice shards that crashed into the ground.
As Saphen flew away from the center of Spyke's attack dodging the last few shards he saw his hands raise and the the lighting struck.
As the red day is dawning, and the lightning cracks the sky!!!!!!
The music once again renewed irony into the world as Saphen could only react to the sudden assault of electricity. All of his armor tore out of his clothing; shin guards, chest plate, luckily the gauntlets were already gone. They fused into a metal lance and surged at Spyke's falling body.
All he could hope to do was make Spyke more conductive than himself as he slammed another grinding solo into the guitar and it was as if the charging weapon vibrated with joy over the speed and rhythm of the music.
They'll raise their hands to the heavens above with resentment in their eyes. Running back through the midmorning light, there's a burning in my heart; We're banished from a time in a fallen land, to a life beyond the stars.
Saphen's voice was staggered but forcing it to hold a tune he would have to figure out another type of attack before Spyke truly controlled the arena...
Fri Jun 13, 2008 11:05 pm · id 154671473 · page 2
Spyke was able to notice the weapon flyng towards him as he dove for his own weapon. Instead of addressing the weapon Saphen threw Spyke had one thing on his mind. Completing his technique. So he focused air ahead of his weapon and directed it as he fell into the largest of the spikes. The spiked bottom of the scythe stuck Spyke's construct near the top and stood tall as if it were a monument built to remind all watching what Spyke was capable of.
With a thrust of his fist Spyke launched the electricity forward at this target and then came the weapon meant to be Spyke's demise. Due to Spyke's armor the blow dealt by the lance was softened enough that it didn't break through but it hit him in the chest winding him and sent him flying back towards Saphen's cavernous hole. If it yet remained. This being the case Spyke would either fall into the hole and land there on his back or he would hit the ground where it had been locacted and roll several yards. Gasping for the air he seemed to have lost Spyke was able to rise to his hands and knees. His body protested and his chest ached for want of oxygen and it came in spurts. As he rose though Spyke noticed that he'd destroyed a few of his spikes during his roll. Due to that the electrical storm pulsated around him but not over him. The electricity attempting to reach him blocked by the barrier his armor offered the user.
So there Spyke stayed for several moments collecting his air once again and refocusing his mind. This battle was getting to be a real test of his ability as proven by his wounds and loss of his weapon which would be the focal point for magic used here. Now that he no longer held the thing it would draw in magical energy like a strong magnet called metal to it. Spyke shuddered to think what would happen if the weapon fully charged and unloaded on its own. Determined now to survive his own tools Spyke ignored further attack on Saphen and directed his attention to the potential disaster of the arena.
Store:35 (+20)(-5) Dralve Gauntlet R:80 Dralve Gauntlet L:80 Rentreal Armor:50 (-35) Poleras Greave R:80 Poleras Greave L:80 Scythe: Glowing Runes (x3)
(Note: All things pertaining to the electrical attack reflected in last post. Unless magical energy is used through the Scythe it absorbs the energy if the weapon fully charges it will discharge the energy on the surrounding area.)
Sat Jun 14, 2008 1:37 am · id 154677487 · page 2
Saphen was now focusing on keeping himself in the air but how would he stay out of the lighting...couldn't keep this rock soaring all day so as he flew backwards moving away from Spyke he had an idea.
While Saphen rolled the tunes out his rock moved against one of the twenty foot walls (about 15 feet up it) and fused with the stone making an ideal platform to sit on high above the lightning but also not using anymore of his energy. (which at this point in the game was important)
Saphen's clothes were partly torn from ripping the lighting rods out of his pants (literally) but a few stone spikes (very small like a few inches) from his slab lifted up and slid into the cut areas of the clothing folding on themselves and pulling the fabric together. Saphen had to keep warm after all and with Spyke at this point flying into the ground Saphen had some extra time.
For some reason his opponent was now focused on other things so Saphen stopped playing and took a breather. If Spyke had to worry about his own attack Saphen would take the time to recover some energy and reconsider his options. Saphen would look at the wreckage that was known as an arena and ponder his next move. The good news was he could rest while his opponent could not...the bad news was if his opponent was scared of his own device Saphen should be as well.
With this logic he held both of his hands out on either side stretching for a moment and then returned them to the mandolin. Saphen had a different tune in mind.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ9jrBg4Lwc&feature=related)
The acoustic feel of this classic Queen song was buffing something that no one could see who was not close. It was helping him recover faster and though it was extremely rare to be able to use this song in battle any chance he could restore his energies he would take it. Now this would not magically make wounds disappear in a matter of seconds or fix broken bones but it would relieve some strain on worn muscles as well as help him regain some of his magical reserves.
In this position though Saphen could do nothing else, it was an entirely defensive setting and as soon as Spyke made his move he would have to snap back into action...but for now lets see what Spyke had to deal with... and more importantly what he could do about it.
Sat Jun 14, 2008 5:52 pm · id 154728126 · page 2
The issue with the scythe would be minimal at best if the entire arena wasn't full to bursting with elemental and magical energies. The weapon would have a hay day if allowed to release. Spyke rose to his feet despite the ache he felt in left side of his body. Despite his best efforts Spyke had been shocked by his own attack. Portions of his body were numb making moving difficult but that wasn't important. The electricity was visibly being sucked into the scythe so Spyke launched using the armor towards it.
On his way to his weapon Spyke noticed something that was bad. Most of the electricity happened to be missing and the weapon wasn't drawing it in anymore. Spyke focused the energy in his body plate to activate and as the energy blinked to life around him in a thin shield he put his arms up in front of his sailing body. Even as he did this the scythe started spitting lightning bolts in all directions. At the stands, at the walls, the floor, Saphen, and even Spyke. The first bolt hit the shield and reflected. The second mostly dissipated and was lost on Spyke's armor. The third was lost through Spyke's left arm as he took hold of the weapon. The shock was bitter sweet. It caused his muscles to spasm so Spyke didn't let go of the weapon even as he fell back but the shock knocked Spyke down to the ground and left him there stunned for several moments as his body tried to adjust. Smoke rose from Spyke's partially cooked form as he struggled to get his body to co-operate with his will.
So there Spyke lay. Saphen may or may not have dodged the weapons discharge and if he had then he had a chance to end the battle or at least decide its outcome with his next move. Spyke would be disabled to long to effectively dodge anything. Spyke struggled to regain control of himself and held his weapon tightly.
Store:55 (+20) Dralve Gauntlet R:80 Dralve Gauntlet L:80 Rentreal Armor:0 (-50) Poleras Greave R:70 (-10) Poleras Greave L:70 (-10) Scythe: Glowing Runes (x3)
Sun Jun 15, 2008 5:30 pm · id 154812437 · page 2
As the bolt flew at Saphen the Bard... Master of Music Minstrel of Limericks Professor of Poetry Vanguard of Verbal Expression
Said the most profound phrase any artist could at that very moment.
"HOLY SHIT!"
Ripping his platform from the wall he barely had enough time to put it between himself and the lightning and as it exploded he was slammed into the wall stunned as he began to fall back down to the arena floor.
Shaking it off quickly he looked for his opponent who surely would be racing for a kill but he realized that his opponent was also falling to the ground. Saphen had to attack now before the floor would stun him but he could no longer keep himself in the air with out armor or his stand so there was only one option....
Offense...
Saphen's eyes flashed through a now shattered mask, which revealed half of his forehead and some of his cheek.
"I am the master of my fate..."
Falling....falling....he has to get it right now or never....Spyke's body would hit one spot where would it be... THERE! *"I AM THE CAPTAIN OF MY SOUL!"*
The last two lines of the poem were the last things he screamed as spikes rose from the ground underneath Spyke's landing pad. A good thirty spikes 7 feet high and about a half a foot wide. The field was about 20 feet wide to compensate for motion in the air but in reality it was also most of the energy he had left.
As he looked down at the speeding ground Saphen still gripping his mandolin slammed it into the wall over and over again while he held the bottom of the neck. The hope? to catch one of the tuning screws into the wall and slow his descent but the one moment it did catch it pulled his arm muscle and he screamed releasing the instrument and both of them slammed into the snowy earth below.
Saphen's blurred vision slowly focused as he stood up. Picking up his mandolin which landed next to him (amazingly not on top of him) he leaned against the arena wall panting. Saphen's left arm was limp from the muscle strain and he looked towards Spyke waiting to see the outcome of his attack.
Mon Jun 16, 2008 12:29 am · id 154848538 · page 3
Spyke would ride the spikes used to finish this battle into the air. His numbed body barely able to react to the attack. Spyke felt the pain of the sharp pieces of earth enter into his body in various locales and do the damage that would cause Spyke's demise. The fighter incapable of moving had been impaled by Saphen's attack and Spyke had assumed that this would be the end of it.
Surprisingly to Spyke he felt mass amounts of pain not the darkness swooping in to take him. He opened his eyes to find that his right thigh and bicep had been effectively skewered. Otherwise he felt massive blunt trauma all over his body. Due to the shock of the bolt Spyke was having a hard tme feeling his injuries but he felt something wet running down his face and knew he had a deep wound on the left side of his face. What little power that the armor gathered for defense focused on his unarmored head and avoided a death blow but didn't spare him much more than that. His vision in his left eye was hazy at best. Focusing was difficult but somehow he managed to make a wall of shadows that lifted Spyke off of that which had impaled him. Floating there on the shadow he rose to his knees as black ice filled the gaping holes in his right side. He looked to Saphen and shook his head in disbelief.
"Your good....your very good."
With that Spyke unsteadily rose to his feet. Using the armor with his limbs as they were would damage them more. His options were to battle with the elements now or risk destroying himself physically. Spyke moved himself via the shadow to a place where he could stand safely and his eyes flashed as the ice spikes picked up off the ground and re-aimed at Saphen's current position. The number totaling 13 or so all about four inches thick and three feet long. Spyke stood there panting waiting for the numbness to run its course and for his body to scream in torment and anguish. In the meantime he'd plan for one last attack and that would either be the coup de etat or it would be Spyke's final move.
Store:65 (+20)(-10x3) Dralve Gauntlet R:100 (+20) Dralve Gauntlet L:100 (+20 Rentreal Armor:0 (+16)(-16) Poleras Greave R:100 (+30) Poleras Greave L:100 (+30) Scythe: Glowing Runes (x3)
Mon Jun 16, 2008 12:40 am · id 154848980 · page 3
Saphen was panting harshly as he watched Spyke move again.
"Fuck..." he said to himself looking around trying to consider his options.
What was Saphen's list of resources?
Mcgyver list was as follows
- Mandolin
- Rubble around him from the exploding lighting bolt of doom.
- A chicks phone number....(not useful...but sexy)
- Gum (Mint flavor...works with 3 but not 1 or 2)
Well that was it....those were his options.
Saphen saw the spikes and wasted no time on his decision to stay alive. Saphen found one stone from the wreckage (2 feet by 2 feet) that would be enough to move him and quickly hopping on it he launched himself into the air. Just enough to send the stone flying over the ice spikes,he was in conserve energy mode, using recycled materials to endure rather then ripping more from the earth.
Saphen considered what Spyke could be stalling for while he glided through the chilled air. Certainly he could out play him physically with a pulled arm but maybe he didn't notice that. Maybe he was just going for another large explosion (he was good at that) but hey on the plus side at least they weren't stuck in the water drowning or some kind of silly end like that. No it was a fight of magical skill and Saphen was happy to hold out as long as he could.
Landing right past the spikes the stone stabilized like a surf board and he was sliding across the slick snow covered stone....heading right at the spike trap he had created to finish off his opponent...but why?
Only time will tell.
Mon Jun 16, 2008 6:32 pm · id 154914110 · page 3
Spyke shook his head as Saphen began his movement towards the pit that Spyke had been skewered in. being near there Spyke had but one viable option left to him. It would end this battle whether Saphen was beaten or not. The next move would take a serious toll on Spyke's already damaged body but it was the only way he felt he could end this battle without losing the strength he sought. This being the case he tightened his grip on his weapon as the entirety of the thing began to glow brightly.
Now that his weapon had fully awakened the final technique could be performed even if it was weak by a substantial amount the attack would do damage....or at last Spyke hoped it would. He closed his mind to the world around him ignoring sound, light, pain, physical sensations, he may even have forgotten to breath momentarily. After doing this he focused all his remaining stored energies into the chest plate of the armor. As the power began to make the scroll work glow with an intense white light it would lift free of Spyke's body and float in the air around him as the power he was using fed into the pieces.
At this point in time Spyke opened his eyes. The very air around him crackled and hissed with the power stored in his body and in his armor. The armor pieces began to move peculiarly and Spyke himself seemed to be giving this the entirety of his focus. Even though his eyes rested squarely on Saphen. It would take a few more seconds to pull everything together for the final strike. The question no longer remained as to whether either opponent had the strength left to battle. The question would change now to, 'Can Saphen pull together a defense strong enough to stop the final attack?'
Store:0 (-85x4) Dralve Gauntlet R:0 (-100) Dralve Gauntlet L:0 (-100) Rentreal Armor:0 (-56) Poleras Greave R:0 (-100) Poleras Greave L:0 (-100) Scythe: Shining Blade (x4) Armor Burst: 796 (+796)
Mon Jun 16, 2008 10:40 pm · id 154939466 · page 3
Saphen watched his opponent absorbing energy and figured the worst. It was true that Spyke still had some fight left over and if he wasn't careful it would leave the bard all over the walls.
Saphen slid to a stop right in front of his spike trap, his eyes gazed over the many obelisks that reached skyward in an attempt to pierce the heavens. Saphen did not have much of a plan yet as he was not sure exactly what Spyke would do but he had a few general ideas in mind. Lucky for him they all involved the same beginning.
Saphen moved into the center of the spike pit and leaned against one of the large towers never removing his gaze from his opponent.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLQOSekVY&feature=related) The only sound coming from the bard was his voice and it whispered a song which seemed to grow louder as Saphen's body seemed tranquil in that moment. Saphen could barely hold his mandolin but his left arm quivered grasping the first chord as his right hand ran across the strings. The pain was evident in the way his body shook and a twitch in his exposed cheek but he continued to sing and the lifted earth around him shook slightly in time to the song as he forced all the remaining energy into enduring his earth attacks for a little longer.
There would be nothing else after this song...this was truly...the moment.... the curtain fell...
Tue Jun 17, 2008 12:41 am · id 154945594 · page 3
Spyke at the end of his pulling together of his final assault took a moment and silently listened to Saphen's song. He enjoyed the melody of a foe that pushed him to the brink and after listening for a moment or two finished forming his final attack. The armor had ceased moving and all the power stored in Spyke's body and in the armor had condensed into a single dark mass behind a face created by the armor itself. The gauntlets and greaves were turned so that the spikes all pointed towards each other and connected at the ends. The body armor had split so that it covered both the bottom and the top of the appendage pieces. All of them came to a forward point and the scroll work glowed an intense white still. The final result being a small dragon's head. With several rows of sharp pointed teeth and a glowing face.
This head launched at Saphen and flew at him with the same intense speed and power Spyke had been utilizing the entire battle. White and black mists rolled from the heads mouth and nostrils as if it were a real wyrm coming for its prey. Upon reaching Saphens position the armor would burst apart in all directions followed by the energy stored inside.
Upon bursting the energy and the armor would create an ice storm of epic proportions. A hurricane of power filled with hundreds of shards of jagged ice trying to destroy everything that fell in its darkened field of influence. The shadows replaced the howling of the wind and instead of being tossed back and forth by a maelstrom it was the abyss that summoned Saphen to dash himself upon the frozen rocks of Spyke's dragon. All the while the force of the attack pulled Saphen towards the epicenter of this destructive force. Finally when the attack came to a close the technique would collapse on itself until it made a small ball and that ball of energy would rocket back at Spyke and wrack his body with the same pains and torments that Saphen would have endured minus the actual physical damage.
When all was said and done Spyke's gaze would turn to his opponent and stare if for only a moment at the man who had pushed him this far and unable to speak or make any noises due to the immense pain he was undergoing he would merely nod. The barest of movements all he was capable of before his eyes saw only darkness and Spyke fell. The gems glowed for a few more moments in order to completely reign in the excess of the armors power before going out along with the glow of the scythe leaving the fighter out cold on the ground severely wounded and in need of medical attention.
Store:0 Dralve Gauntlet R:0 Dralve Gauntlet L:0 Rentreal Armor:0 Poleras Greave R:0 Poleras Greave L:0 Scythe: Dormant (x1) Armor Burst: 0 (-796)
(Note: The burst attack has a 40 foot diameter and has a black hole effect of drawing in loose materials and pieces for another 20 feet beyond that. So it has a total of a 60 foot diameter.)