All Dee vs Degenerates [Page 1]

Zero

Thump Thump Thump

A massive silhouette obstructed the opposite end of the alley, and grew larger with each audible footfall. A giant was on approach, and as it neared the light of an open street more and more of its mass became visible. Thick, green, scales covered it from nailless toe to broad serpentine head. Upon broad shoulders, and round a muscular waist, had been drapped a macabre suit of humanoid flesh*; with visible ears, noses, and tattoos stitched into its make. The beast strode on, and pushed past a large dumpster; easily shifting it away, and ramming it into the wall. A pair of slitted, yellow, eyes seemed almost aglow in the gloom; burning the creature’s intentions into the arena ahead.

Grakav; Degenerate’s ‘Heavy Hitter’, had been dispatched...nay…

Unleashed.

...Upon their singular foe this round. The Mansnake did not understand the finer points behind what had happened to the event; why Heaven or Hell was collapsing around the few remaining fighters, or even what that might mean going forward. In fact, Grakav likely did not even know that this tournament was called Heaven or Hell. He certainly did not understand the rules, or why such bloodsport did not allow him to murder his opponents outright. But, as had been explained to him, he MUST do as instructed.

No more; no less.

Thump Thump Thump

So he marched into battle once again, and emerged from the narrow space between buildings like a gladiator stepping onto coliseum sands. A bolt of lightning peeled back the sky above, and thunder followed just behind. Amidst the flash, as if brought forth by it, Grakav would hoist his titan’s blade…*The Vis’st’oks**...up, over, and then down in front of him; presenting the flat of the weapon to whomever, or whatever, might be coming to face him.

“Not Jak Okay” Wrote:

Stance - Coiling Threat

Devotion - 0

Gullet - Fetish of Vis’st

• Appendix

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Manflesh :: Literally the flayed skin of homo sapiens; treated, and magically hardened, to function in much the same capacity as leather armor. Grakav's scaly hide serves a similar purpose, but the Manflesh also acts as a clothing of sorts. Besides the more mundane aspects of its nature, the macabre outfit also strikes a sort of fear into other sentient creatures; especially humans, half-humans, or pseudo-humans (elves, and creatures that appear similar to humans). The effect isn't mind-numbing, but the normalcy with which Grakav wears the Manflesh is absolutely unsettling to other creatures; tantamount to being noticeably unnerved. This effect is to be handled at the discretion of the individual affected. Includes: a sleeveless tunic, a thigh-length Pteruges, bracers, thigh, and ankle guards. Each piece appears to have been tattooed, or perhaps branded, with serpent motifs; the snakes coiling around, and around, and giving the illusion of independent motion as Grakav moves.

Vis'st'oks :: In its natural form, the Vis'st'oks is a Fullblade approximately six-and-a-half feet in length; from its pommel, to its points. The blade itself has been non-traditionally forged in the likeness of a forked-tongue; with its dual-points angling away from the swords edges, and thus giving the far end of the Vis'st'oks a wider profile than the rest of its blade. However, because of this, the sword lacks a "thrusting point"; with the forked ends meeting in the middle to form an inward V-shape. The blade, from guard to where the points begin to fan, is approximately 12in wide; with the distance between its points being closer to 22in, and the "V" at its furthest point being approximately 8in deep. To offset the sheer size of the weapon, its haft accounts for approximately 20in; having been reinforced both physically, and magically, to make it combat viable. The process that was used to forge the Vis'st'oks has been lost to time, but the metal has all the durability of tool-grade steels and yet retains an exceptionally sharp edge; its surface blending in waves similar to Damascas, but with shades of color teasing themselves to visibility in the shifting light. The weapon weighs approximately 10lbs, and features a bladed pommel; roughly shaped like a spade, with its mirror edges brought to a point. See Stances below for all other weapon configurations, and notes.

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• Post: 105835242_4 created on Tue Mar 05, 2019 5:08 am

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One

The mansnake would tilt his large head to the left; eyeing the piggish giant with both curiosity, and confusion.

Grakav could not understand his foe’s words, but greetings had a somewhat universal nature. To be hailed by another warrior, even one who’s language the serpentine did not speak, was a rare occurrence indeed. So, the scaled beast exhaled through his nostrils; lips curling up as he generated a v-like sigh.

Followed by a sharp hiss, and a quick snap of his jaws.

Then he hoisted his blade just so, and repeated himself.

“Vis’st’oks”

As was the nature of his people, Grakav gave reverence to their God* first. Or, in this case, the deity's weapon. That done, the green behemoth would step forward; balling up his free left hand, and slamming it into his own chest like a mallet. But not before emitting a low growl, and snapping his jaws once more.

“Grakav”

Introductions made, the Serpentine took a series of quick steps forward before whipping his fist down to take up purchase on the swords haft; Grakav’s thick tail flicking toward the pavement as he used it to help generate torque, and the swept his blade first up and then across.

Careful to maintain the advantage provided by his much longer weapon as he tested the Ork’s ability to react.

“Not Jak Okay” Wrote:

Stance - Coiling Threat

Devotion - 1 (+1 Active Conflict)

Gullet - Fetish of Vis’st

• Appendix

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Devotion :: As a servant of the Entropic Serpent God, Vis'st, Grakav may call upon supernatural powers; aiding himself in battle by showing Devotion to his deity, and acting in accordance with his beliefs. Greatest among these are the rites of "Worshipful Warfare"; blending combat and ritual together as blood is shared by Grakav and his foes. Devotion itself is not so much a pool of energy as it is a means to access said power; represented by Grakav's abilities going on "Cool-down" until he has sufficient Devotion to use them again. As an example, if he utilized an ability with a Devotion cost of (4)four, then he would need to generate (4)four points of Devotion in order to come off of "Cool-down", In this way, all of Grakav's abilities share global cool-downs between his three stances; meaning that in order to use an ability from any of the three schools he must be off cool-down, and thus not negative in any amount of Devotion. Typically, his cool-down feature functions like normal; with one point of Devotion being recovered at each of Grakav's combat turns. However, in order to gain that point, he and his opponent must be engaged in Active Conflict; with additional points of Devotion available if the other criteria are met(see below). Finally, Grakav cannot generate Devotion from effects caused by his Acts; such as using Throne of Vis'st to gain +2 Devotion on blocked supernatural attacks.

show spoilerhide spoiler[Active Conflict] - Both Grakav, and his opponent, actively engaged in battle: swinging "weapons", using targeted spell effects, grappling, or charging at one another. +1 Devotion

Two

A thrill ran through the Serpentine, as well.

Grakav had opened with an average swing as a means of testing these new waters, and seeing exactly what sort of fighter stood before him. Naturally, the Black Ork had revealed a great deal to the primitive swordsnake. A tactical mind unburdened by worthless knowledge took it all in; the strength of Loppa’s arm, the durability of his club.

They were off the map together; a pair of monsters at the cusp of destruction!

As the pig-faced behemoth blocked, pressed back against the Vis’st’oks, and then retreated a step, Grakav would play off of his returned momentum; hefting his massive blade up into a vertical stance, and backing off on his right foot. That put the Serpentine’s weapon, held at his right side, away from the Ork.

Almost like a batter up at the plate.

Slitted, yellow, eyes bored into Loppa; the Mansnake’s wide face revealing nothing that could equate to human emotion, or even direct intention. But, that passionless visage would speak to the oldest shadows of ancestral memory within the Ork’s genes; the prickling danger of something slithering through the grass, or being stalked…

But before he would have an opportunity to contemplate further, Loppa would be returned to the defensive; this time with Grakav leaning towards the other fighter, and allowing the forked end of his blade to dip downward.

Into a full-forward thrust for the Ork’s midsection.

“Not Jak Okay” Wrote:

Stance - Coiling Threat

Devotion - 2 (+1 Active Conflict)

Gullet - Fetish of Vis’st

• Appendix

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Three

The two titans locked horns with a loud -clack-, and bound their weapons between the forks like a pair of enraged bucks.

It was to be the first true test of their respective strengths, but Grakav could already feel the give in his muscles. The Serpentine was mighty*, and certainly powerful enough to withstand the pressure that his brawny foe was putting out, but the Ork was simply stronger. There were options, of course; means by which the swordsnake could surpass Loppa, and turn the outcome in his favor.

But, given the adaptive nature of the pigman’s weapon...something that was almost exactly like Grakav’s own...it was imperative that he play things close to the chest.

So, fighting to keep his arms locked, the Serpentine would retreat on his right foot; seemingly giving up ground as he was pushed back by the Black Ork’s might. However, as Loppa intoned a taunt, the Mansnake would reveal his feint; allowing his right arm to go slack, as the scaled warrior twisted his hips left-to-right. Grakav threw his weight behind the move, and played into the Orks own forward momentum, to throw Loppa off balance, and to the Ork’s left.

Which is where the metal-handed brawler would find himself as the swordsnake completed his turn, and brought his large...muscular...tail* around to slam into Loppa’s legs, and take them out from under the Ork.

Regardless of how things played out, Grakav would continue spinning until he had come back face-to-face with his foe; raising the Vis’st’oks as he went, and then attempting to...hopefully...bring the leading edge down on top of the Ork in an overhead axe-like chop.

“Not Jak Okay” Wrote:

Stance - Coiling Threat

Devotion - 3 (+1 Active Conflict)

Gullet - Fetish of Vis’st

• Appendix

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Physical Traits :: Standing at 6’8“, and weighing in at around 300lbs, his frame is solid; built for speed, endurance, and flexibility! Normally, he is capable of benching approximately 450lbs, dead-lifting nearly 900lbs, and overhead pressing roughly 250lbs; Striking around 1600 psi with a solid hit. Additionally, his sprinting speed maxes out near the 15MPH mark; while his relaxed run, or jogging, speed is much slower(approximately 10MPH). His jump height/distance is 6ft/12ft (20ft horizontal while running).He can coordinate his body with exceptional balance, flexibility, and dexterity; possessing reflexes that border on the superhuman level. His reaction speed is easily sufficient to contend with, and respond to, the rigors of supernatural combat. Such feats, however, represent the absolute pinnacle of his physiology.

Serpentine :: Grakav is a Reptile-Humanoid; having evolved with primarily serpentine qualities, but possessing arms as well as legs. His hands do feature opposable thumbs, but are limited to four fingers instead of five (with the absence of a little or 'pinky' finger). He is able to unhinge his jaw, which possesses two rows of sharpened teeth as well as a larger pair of folded fangs; which allows him to deliver venomous bite attacks to his enemies. Grakav is also covered, head to toe, in a layer of scales; with thicker plates covering his torso, and the far extremes of his limbs. His feet are, like his hands, limited to four digits; with both fingers and toes lacking the presence of any visible keratin-based nails. In addition to this, he possesses a highly dexterous tail; approximately as long as he is tall (6ft), and comprised of thickly corded muscle. As a reptile, Grakav is naturally cold-blooded and his joints are easily more-flexible than those of a human being.

Tail :: While Grakav's tail is suitably muscled to be used as an impromptu club, it is also amazingly dexterous; functioning in the same way that any normal snake's tail might, and allowing him to constrict opponents...or push off from the ground with it for a strike. The tail is six-feet(6ft) long, easily strong enough to support Grakav's weight, and durable enough to contend with the rigors of battle. Should 50%-or-more of Grakav's tail somehow be removed from his body, his balance will suffer greatly; forcing him to tip uncontrollably any time that he attempts to run, and causing him to have to recover with his hands. Grakav's tail greatly impacts his jumping ability, and when not using it to assist his jump potential is halved (3/6/12).

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Haelikor Data Services baby.

Four

Grakav felt the impact first with his tail, and then through his feet*; a veritable cacophony of bouncing, and sliding, as the Ork was launched head-over-heels into the alley.

There would be no stopping the downward slice of his blade, however, and the Vis’st’oks leading point would pierce the asphalt with a screech; fracturing pavement, and embedding the sword about six-inches deep. Like a coiled spring, the Serpentine warrior would push off from the handle and straighten his back. Grakav brought his wide head around to put eyes on his foe once more.

The large Pigman just righting himself, and pursing gnarled lips into a kissy gesture.

Having maintained his grip on the sword, Grakav would flex his palm against the haft; a series of audible clicks resonating from the weapon, followed by a pneumatic hiss. The Vis’st’oks would split cleanly down its middle, and seperate. At first, it became two swords; a pair of outward curving *Falcata**, with one still trapped in the street. However, the Mansnake would not allow the blades to remain apart for long, and quickly spun the free sword around by its grip.

Deftly matching the handles together once more, but now in the form of an enormous *Double-Sword**.

Grakav would allow his lips to part, and jaw to descend, as he unfurled the six-inch-long fangs that lay flat against the roof of his mouth. It was likely the closest thing his species had to a smile, but the display was far from comforting. With his weapon transformed, and half of its weight now acting as a new counter-balance, the Serpentine would wrench the Vis’st’oks from its cage; ripping a sizeable chunk of black-top up from the ground, and shattering it to bits.

With a spinning flourish overhead the Swordsnake would fully shift into his *Striking Hunter** stance; bringing the massive weapon back down on his right side, with its haft clasped in both meaty palms.

“Not Jak Okay” Wrote:

Stance - Coiling Threat -> Striking Hunter

Devotion - 4 (+1 Bloodshed)

Gullet - Fetish of Vis’st

• Appendix

show spoilerhide spoilerSense Vibrations :: As long as Grakav's feet, and tail, are touching the ground he possesses tremor-sense out to 15ft; fanning out from his immediate person in all directions, and allowing him to pinpoint the source of movement exactly. This does not allow him to discern specific details about a target, but the effect does ignore obstructions such as walls(so long as their thickness does not exceed 5ft).

Primary - The Dual Falcata are made manifest by splitting the Vis'st'oks down the center of its blade; the mechanisms that hold the sword together clicking free with an audible hiss. Both swords retain a singular cutting edge that continues past the weapons' points, and partially onto the upper spine; giving the swords a degree of piercing potential at their ends. Even the spade-points on their pommels have been split down the middle; giving each falcata a small, cleaver-like, addition. Each sword is half-as-heavy as its Fullblade form, making them weigh approximately 5lbs.

Primary - Like his falcata, Grakav can split the Vis'st'oks and reverse it; forming his brutal Double-sword; an offensive monster designed for dealing death en masse, and carving up any foe that tries to stand in his way. Fundamentally, it features the same qualities as the dual falcata; but connected at the handle, with their cutting edges facing in opposite directions. The spade-point blade on the pommel now rests snugly against the spine of either sword side; locked into place just above the handle on either end. The double-sword is absolutely terrifying; measuring over 11ft long from point-to-point, and 58" of that on either side being ALL blade. The sword still weighs 10lbs, but with the heft distributed evenly between both sides; making it surprisingly easy to handle, and maneuver, despite its size.

Striking Hunter :: Of the three Stances, this is the most purely offensive; focusing on rapid assaults, and bypassing a target creature's defenses. While practicing Striking Hunter, damage dealt by Grakav generates double Devotion (x2), but blocking/avoiding spell-effects provide none.

Five

Now this was what the Serpentine had been waiting for!

For a while now, Grakav had been growing steadily more annoyed at the competition; a grouping of cowards, and no-shows, that had refused to fight him. Not so with the Ork, who even now had begun his second assault with renewed vigor. Loppa charged in, weapon raised and eyes wild.

A warrior worthy of the Swordsnake’s best.

The Mansnake tamped down, and kicked off with a loud hiss; his slitted iris’ narrowing to needles as Grakav moved upon his foe. Their weapons cut through the air; Loppa’s from on high, and to the Orks left...The Serpentine’s from low, and carving across to meet it! There would come a great clattering of steel, and wood; followed by the thunder of feet stamping on asphalt, as they fought to maintain balance.

Without hesitation, Grakav would push back against the branch; sweeping around, and low, left-to-right with the opposite end of the Vis’st’oks.

Attempting to take Loppa’s legs from him with the curving edge of his sword.

However, that was not the only thing that the Pigman needed concern himself with; as the Serpentine’s proximity would give him a clear glimpse at those massive fangs, and the yellowish venom that was already dripping from there ends. Grakav’s whole upper body spoke of the tension in his muscles...Ready to strike at any moment.

Lightning split the sky, and with its peel came the downpour! A steady rain that pelted scale, and skin; quickly drenching the fighter’s surroundings as thunder shook the earth.

“Not Jak Okay” Wrote:

Stance - Striking Hunter

Devotion - 5 (+1 Active Conflict)

Gullet - Fetish of Vis’st

• Appendix

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