Hidden 9 yrs ago Post by LeeRoy
Raw
GM
Avatar of LeeRoy

LeeRoy LeeRoy Brightmane

Member Seen 26 days ago

Have you ever heard the legends of the King of the Sky?

Tales of his kingdom that flew above the clouds run far and wide, and though some believe it is merely a fable, the castle of what was once a great civilization still remains. A labyrinthian ruin that carries itself through the heavens above, constantly shrouded by clouds from below. Impossible to find without spectacular insight and a good map. Those who find this legendary flying island are never left without an intriguing experience, to say the least. Never has the island been found alone, there are always multiple adventurers in its domain.

As though magic drew them here to meet eachother, or whether coincidence abounds in this strange kingdom of clouds, there is never a dull moment in. . .


The Castle in the Clouds


Having set out to find the castle almost two months prior, Brighton had found a spectacularly strange way to ascend to the skies. No airship, no planes, no rockets. From the peak of Mount Horrasho, Mr. Sunshine managed to throw a grappling hook over five hundred yards vertically. While literally everyone in the world would question this inhuman feat, Alexander wasn't even perturbed by it. Even though it was spectacularly beyond his normal abilities, he simply chalked it up to dumb luck.

It took him roughly two hours to climb this rope, and when he reached the top of the rope, he lay for a short nap. Awakening a few hours later to finally explore the bredth of this tremendous island, beginning from the outward edge and gradually working his way inwards. It wasn't till he reached the gates that lead into the coliseum that he finally stopped for a rest. Taking out a flask of water and pulling his sword off of his hip, stabbing it into the ground in front of his feet. Sitting himself on what appears to be a small boulder to take a little weight off of his feet.

Wiping a bead of sweat off of his forehead, Brighton smiled and glanced up at the sky. "What a wonderful place."
Hidden 9 yrs ago Post by Takashi
Raw
Avatar of Takashi

Takashi Nefarious Mastermind

Member Seen 8 yrs ago

Everyone has heard about The Castle in the Clouds; what people heard about it is another matter altogether. Some people said it was a great civilization that ascended even higher into the heavens, leaving all their material wealth behind. Some people believed that it was the gods themselves who built the city in the days when they watched over mortals. There were stories of treasure, legendary weapons, and mystic powers, and yet they were all still stories. Many people had set foot on that island, but none had brought back so much as a golden cup. And so, the stories persisted, grew, and evolved with the times.

Ryozan, however, cared little about the stories of wealth and mystery. There was a piece of land that few people could reach. That meant that the men who were up there would be notable indeed, if not in name, then certainly in their deeds, and deeds were all that Ryozan cared about. However, getting to that island posed quite a problem, for Ryozan had no means of taking to the sky. Well, no direct means anyway. "Take me beneath the island, and I'll handle it from there," Ryozan said to a ship captain, and with that the kitsune took to the sea.

It wasn't long before Ryozan was in the island's shadow, and even with what he had planned it would be some time before he set foot on it. He thanked the captain and, with no hesitation, dove over the side into the sea. Due to his Cryomancy, the water about him plummeted in temperature, and a patch of ice formed on the ocean surface. Ryozan stood atop that platform, and then he began sculpting. Armed with nothing but a bucket and is magic, Ryozan formed a great glacier in the water and built a spire heading upwards. Tirelessly, he scooped water onto his spire, freezing it and adding to the mass, until it eventually approached the height of the island. Ryozan climbed to the top of his spire, and with a mighty leap, hurled himself onto the ancient land. Here he rested, consuming the small amount of rations he had brought and figuring he could subsist off of whatever was found on the island afterwards.

After a night's rest, Ryozan took to exploring the island. He wasn't sure what he was looking for, but he felt a strong intuition pulling him towards something. It was strange; Ryozan had no idea what was there, but he knew it was something. He walked past various foliage and ruined buildings not seeming to care what was in them, then he began to think that it wasn't his intuition that was guiding him, but the spirit of the place itself. It was a strange notion, but Ryozan had seen stranger things, and before long he found his way to the gates of the coliseum. And then he saw that he was not the only one here.

He stopped in his tracks when he saw the man, who seemed to be enjoying himself, and noted the sword planted firmly in the ground. The expression on Ryozan's face was stern, not openly hostile, but far from friendly. His past had made him wary of strangers, especially those who seemed friendly, and even more especially those who could wield a blade. The man didn't look to be from any region he had ever visited, so it was unlikely that he knew of the Tanzo family, but the very fact that he made it to this place meant that he was a man to be reckoned with. Is this what you wanted to show me? Ryozan wondered as he pondered briefly about the will of this strange place. Then he looked up at the coliseum. Only one thing happened in places like that. "You know how to use that thing?" he asked, gesturing to the stranger's sword as the beginning of a grin forced it's way through Ryozan's cold expression.
Hidden 9 yrs ago Post by LeeRoy
Raw
GM
Avatar of LeeRoy

LeeRoy LeeRoy Brightmane

Member Seen 26 days ago

Quite a start it was to discover someone else had managed to mount this mountainous mountain of an island, let alone at the same time as he had. Nearly startling him to the point of shouting, Alexander quickly turned his head towards this newfound individual. A lean man, well toned, an excellent adventurer! Perfectly suited for the heights of danger that come with a great journey far from home. A tough sort who was always ready to face adversity. Alexander liked him already.

"Ah! I see another man of intrigue and excitement has come here for adventure as well! Greetings compatriot, I am Mister Sunshine, at least that's what all my friends call me!" He called out with a breadth of humility and joy ringing through his voice, a genuinely happy tone ran about him. Every word coated with a sweetened sentiment, there couldn't be a more genuine man.

Standing to introduce himself, Alexander rose to his full height of six feet eight inches in a very slow sweeping movement. Not wanting to intimidate a new friend, knowing that his height often stutters those of weaker constitution. He had been seated for a very long time, at least to him, and he felt stiff. So, as he rose he brought his arms over his head and pressed his balled up fists against eachothers. Tensing himself up and pushing his hands even further upwards to stretch himself, even though his clothes covered up his entire person, his rippling muscles could be seen bulging through them as he stretched.

Fate beholds this moment by granting a beautiful ray of sunlight beaming down through the overgrowth of the tree above. Shining down on him and illuminating every single one of the curves of his musculature, highlighting a few soft beads of sweat forming on his forehead. Glistening as they made their way down his face. The garish colors of his clothing was offset by the sunbeam's golden glow, making their colors tolerable and in fact quite beautiful. All of this offset by the ruinous setting and tangled branches of the trees that surrounded him. Brighton noticed this and gave a little of his humility away, tightening his stance and flexing a little harder.

Ever a showman.

As he stretched, he took a moment to look over this newcomer. A foreigner, seeming to be from the far East. Likely from the Land of the Rising Sun, where they called themselves Nipponese. It seemed even more likely when he took a glance at the blade on his new companion's hip, a sword that he recognized. His master used a similar sword during their training, though he did note that the construction of such a weapon was faulty at best. They used bog iron, because that country has very little usable iron. They were forced to use complex styles to forge their weapons, and it made them average at best.

Done with his musings and, at this point intentional, flexings. Alexander lowered his hands and offered on in a handshake, slowly walking towards Tanzo. "It's nice to meet you. What is your name, friend? As well, not to be rude, I will answer your previous question. Yes, I'm very skilled with my sword. I shouldn't be carrying it if I were not, correct?"
Hidden 9 yrs ago Post by Takashi
Raw
Avatar of Takashi

Takashi Nefarious Mastermind

Member Seen 8 yrs ago

Ryozan became immediately wary of "Mr. Sunshine's" overly friendly demeanor. There were few things in the world more dangerous than becoming friends with someone you didn't know. And, in a desolate location like this, there were no laws and no consequences for murder. With a suspicious eye he watched Mr. Sunshine rise, making a display, intentionally or not, of his massive body that towered over even Ryozan's imposing frame. His physique, visible even through his clothing, meant that he was either a genetic mutant, or that he had endured many intense years of strength training and has sculpted his body just as meticulously as Ryozan had crafted his own.

However, as he eyed the stranger, he noticed noticed that his flesh told no tales of whatever battles he may have partook in. Even those that fight for sport usually end up with a duelist's scar, a cut above the eye, something. But no, unlike Ryozan, whose face clearly told the tale of a close duel from his youth and whose kimono hid even more harrowing stories, Mr. Sunshine was completely devoid of scars. Was he really so skilled that no opponent could touch him; had he always been this skilled? Or was he simply untried, a man of theory who built up his body and learned the fighting forms but never soaked his hands in another's blood?

To say the least, this man was intriguing, and everything about him, from his posture to his voice, was dripping with friendliness. Even as he approached, he gave off no signal that he intended any harm whatsoever. However, that very same harmlessness put Ryozan on edge. It was easy to know whether or not you ought to trust someone emanating malevolent intent, but when a lion approaches you purring like a kitten what would one think? The deep scar on Ryozan's back was a lesson permanently engraved into his body about what "friends" were capable of. And so, when Mr. Sunshine offered his hand, Ryozan found it more prudent to refuse.

"My name is Ryozan Tanzo," he said, his hand not shaking Mr. Sunshine's, but subtly moving so that his blade would be just a bit easier to unsheathe. "If that name means anything to you, then you would understand why I do not shake hands so readily." His voice, while not outwardly hostile, was a far cry from the friendly tone that the stranger spoke in. It was a fusion of the formal dialect of aristocrats and the harshness of a surly general. "As for those who carry swords, it does not take much to use them for their most basic purpose; animals have dozens of them in their mouths and use them quite effectively. Likewise, those who can simply carry a sword well need not know how to use it for it to be effective against an average man, woman, or child. Even so, there are those who claim to possess skills beyond those of mere animals and average men, yet there are so few words to describe the gradation of skill that creates the hierarchy of masters."

Now, a smile broke through the glacier of Ryozan's face. Unlike Mr. Sunshine, there was not a drop of sweat on him, and if he had shaken is hand, he would have found that his hand was far cooler than it ought to have been after the exertion of reaching this island. "I don't see any scars on you. Does that mean you have no stories, or many?" A straightforward man like Mr. Sunshine might have found Ryozan's roundabout way of speaking awkward, but those from Ibino would understand the kitsune quite clearly: he wanted to know which of the two of them was stronger.
Hidden 9 yrs ago Post by LeeRoy
Raw
GM
Avatar of LeeRoy

LeeRoy LeeRoy Brightmane

Member Seen 26 days ago

It was a little offensive for Ryozan to refuse, however, he had not totally expected him to shake. Those from the east that he had met didn't quite know the nuances of shaking hands anyway, what a strange culture it was. Alexander pulled his hand back and tousled his own hair, awkwardly playing off the failure of a handshake. Brighton's eyes shifted off to the side shamefully. "Well, it's a pleasure to meet you Ryozan Tanzo." As his eyes scanned the horizon he noticed the placement of Tanzo's hand and realized that his newfound friend's intentions were not so pure.

It was almost depressing, to learn that a new friend was not so pure of heart. Darn shame too, he had felt something special in this man.

Mr. Sunshine turned on his heel, showing his back entirely to Tanzo as he walked a couple paces towards his planted sword. Leaning over and sweeping it up, spinning on his heel to brandish the blade playfully in Tanzo's general direction. Drawing a wide smile across his cheeks as he did so, sweeping his wrist back and forth. Cutting the air in front of his own face. "Well, I've never been cut. Plenty of beatings, but never has a sword tasted my flesh."

To begin boasting about his many adventures would be an exhaustive task, but to tell at least one tale wouldn't hurt. "And of stories, I've got plenty. I've been in countless battles, skirmishes, duels, so on and so forth. I could go on for days just telling you what all I've done. But I can at least tell you of this sword and how I got it."

Intentionally extending his hand so that it caught the same ray of light that shone upon him earlier, demonstrating the glorious luminescence of the blade. "This weapon was once part of a spear, known as the Unbreakable Spear of Tel Jera'ad. Tel Jera'ad was the man who wielded it, so it was pretty cocky of him to name it after himself." Recounting the moment that granted him his greatest weapon, his mind brought him back to a dry morning in a middle eastern bazaar.

(Read as though he's weaving his tale.)


Just as Brighton arrived in the bazaar, a roving band of bandits lay their swords upon the people. Their leader brandishing a crystalline spear that brought death upon any who dared take up arms against it. Slaying the innocents by the handful, Tel made himself a personal enemy of Mr. Sunshine.

In what looked like a foolhardy mess, Brighton stood against their leader and issued a challenge personally. With a cacophonous ring of laughter echoing through the emptied center, Brighton stood stoneface at him. Tel, as a gesture of his 'humility' accepted his challenge. Stepping down from his horse and brandishing his spear against him.

A long battle ensued, even unarmed, Alexander matched his opponent blow for blow. Watching in awe, his men didn't know who to cheer for as the battle egged onwards. The commander slowly losing his will to fight, and Brighton showing no signs of weakness. Ten minutes, twenty minutes, a half hour, an hour. Both parties looked exhausted, the commander heavily bruised and Brighton's clothes torn to shreds. It came down to a single decisive blow.

With a swift stab to Brighton's throat, the fight looked to be over. Dust was kicked up as Alexander attempted to dodge the attack. A sickening crack echoed through the air, and Tel's men cheered. Thinking that the foolhardy warrior's head had been snapped cleanly off, they were horrified with the sight they beheld when the smoke settled.

The unbreakable spear had been broken. Brighton had delivered a powerful blow to the underside of the spear moments before it reached his neck, snatching the blade cleanly from the end of the spear. With his new blade in hand, he smote the warlord with a single swing and commanded the army to turn and run.

With fear in their eyes, panic in their veins, and piss in their pants, they ran. Running to the sands, fleeing, never to be seen again.

Brighton went on to turn the spearhead into a sword, and rename it to something much more reasonable. The Crystal Spearhead Saber.


(The Tale ends here.)


The entire time he recounted this epic tale, Brighton stood with sword aloft and eyes closed. Sunshine trusted Tanzo enough to have the honor of not attacking a man as he spun a tale. "Well, the story's a little bit fudged. I did change a few details. But only for the sake of improving the storytelling. Y'know?"
Hidden 9 yrs ago Post by Takashi
Raw
Avatar of Takashi

Takashi Nefarious Mastermind

Member Seen 8 yrs ago

Ryozan found it difficult to believe that a man could partake in many battles and never be struck by a blade. Perhaps when one has the luxury of picking and choosing when and whom one fights such a feat was conceivable, but even so, the man before him must possess tremendous skill for his words to be true. He watched Mr. Sunshine play with his blade, trying to catch a glimpse of the style that he used, and what he saw was perhaps the most dangerous style of all: the blade moved as naturally as when he had stretched. No effort, not a single thought seemed to be involved in his flourishes; indeed, if a blade was that easy for him to hold, then perhaps there was some credence to what he was saying.

Then, Mr. Sunshine plunged head-first into the tale of how he got his sword. It was an archetypal story of a man thinking he was invincible because of his weapon, and that overconfidence leading to his downfall. His people had plenty of folk tales like that, but apparently he had lived this story. As Ryozan listened, though, his defensive posture eased up a bit. Hearing this tale, Ryozan felt that this man knew not how to be duplicitous; he was what he appeared to be. This change of demeanor had little to do with the fact that Mr. Sunshine portrayed himself as a righteous hero -- anyone could make such claim -- and more to do with with how the story itself spoke to him. Ryozan could tell that Mr. Sunshine didn't care if he believed him or not. He just felt like telling a story. The devious make far more sense than that.

Ryozan was quiet for a few moments after Mr. Sunshine finished, but not the same stoic kind of silence that he had set foot upon the island with. Rather, he was savoring the story which, admittedly, he enjoyed hearing quite a lot. "We have a saying where I come from," he said at last. "A story is only as good as one's love of telling it. It seems apparent to me that you enjoy that you enjoy telling that one quite a lot. I also feel it would be rude not return the gift with one of my own, though I'm afraid that I'll not be as skilled in my storytelling as you are."

Ryozan pointed to the horizontal scar under his eye. "I'll tell you how I got this one." Ryozan made an effort to take the ice out of his voice and take on a compelling narrative tone as he spoke. He had some success, though he couldn't match Mr. Sunshine's expertise. "When I was 17, an underground rebellion attempted to overthrow the Tanzo family. The politics of it are complex and unpleasant, but what you need to know is that an unknown group of people wanted my family dead. They had already made one attempt on my life, but we were on high alert investigating the matter, and were very close to identifying the mastermind.

"However, they moved first using traitors to set fire to our home in the night. Our guards both gave chase to the arsonist and tended to the flames, but that diverted enough of our resources for them to stage an all out attack. At that moment, it was revealed that two of our guards, one maid, and one gardener were traitors. Four out of a staff of over one-hundred does not seem like a lot, but it was all they needed. They maid could collect gossip and report guard movements from within our complex, and the gardener could do the same from without; all they needed was to wait for the day when their guards would be on duty to let them in.

"I was woken by my bodyguard when the fire started, and fortunately I had taken to sleeping with my blade beside me. He led me through our escape route, but their spies knew of it and ambushed us. It was seven of them against two of us, but my bodyguard kept them at bay and sent me to run down another corridor. There I found a maid -- their maid -- who appeared to be clutching her side and bleeding. Naturally, I stopped to help her, but I saw a faint glint of metal in the torchlight at the last possible second. The slash was meant for my throat, but I was fortunate and ended up with this." He tapped the scar beneath his eye once more.

"But, as you can see, I'm still here, so we managed to stop them and nobody in my family was killed, though many brave warriors gave their lives protecting us." Ryozan omitted how he delivered the killing blow to the maid. It was not something he was proud of, but he was not one to hesitate in a kill or be killed scenario.

Upon finishing his story, Ryozan took his own sword out of its sheath, not threatening Mr. Sunshine with it, but letting the blade meld into his hand, becoming just another appendage for him to exert his autonomy over. The sunlight augmented the faint white glow that Shirogami naturally emanated, creating a dazzling spectacle that was merely a prelude of the swordsmanship that would follow. "Well, Mr. Sunshine," he said, his tone shifting away from that of a storyteller and towards that of a young samurai. "It's been fun swapping stories, but I'm afraid I'm getting a bit restless. You say you've never been cut before? I hope you don't take offense if I consider that a challenge."
Hidden 9 yrs ago Post by LeeRoy
Raw
GM
Avatar of LeeRoy

LeeRoy LeeRoy Brightmane

Member Seen 26 days ago

Honestly, it was rather nice to have someone who he could share stories with. Most of his friends had grown tired of his stories, as most of his friends had been made while the stories were being written by the fates. Sunshine couldn't fault them, he too knew the grip of boredom. Repetition of anything but storytelling was often a tiring and consuming experience, and boredom was the brain telling the body that it had other more important things to do.

There was dark credence to the tale of the foreigner, dark subtext and gripping gritty reality. What a riveting tale! Brighton's mind mused, every word spoken with a deadly sincerity. Thoughts of denial were swiftly pushed from the mind by the look adorning Tanzo's face, his stern look. The sheer confidence that his tale was not only the truth, but that he had witnessed it himself.

While this man wasn't a storyteller, his face certainly was, Brighton could read it like a well written novel. The tale was not so much told through his words and language, but rather in his body language and the way his voice shimmered with sincerity. It was moving enough to bring a tear to his eye.

Actually a tear, Sunshine wept a singular tear from his right eye that he swept away with his fingertip. A tear of joy, Tanzo's story was terrible and dark, and that Tanzo had fared such a tumultuous adversity and stood to tell the tale. Deeming Brighton worthy of his words, it filled him with determination and vigor.

He spoke finally, once Tanzo had finished his tale. Nodding as his newfound friend offered him a challenge. "Fantastic tale, my friend. Your words move my soul, they fill my heart with joy and my blood with excitement." During the tale he had lowered his sword arm, allowing its tip to touch the ground. It cut a clean groove by his foot in the dirt below. Tightening his grip on the handle and tilting his wrist slightly, Sunshine angled the blade to parallel the ground.

This battle was different than those passed, Tanzo hadn't the ill will or impure nature of those had had faced. This was the wheels of fate finally grinding two matching gears against each other. It wasn't a battle that needed to be fought, nor was it a battle that would decide the fate of the world. These men were not of that great of import, while they would remember their actions here for the rest of their lives, the world would move on. Never knowing the truth of this tale. Day to day lives didn't rely on the outcome of this battle.

Yet both warriors, at the gates of an ancient coliseum, felt compelled to face the others sword. Possibly to lose limb, eye, or their very lives. A storm brewed in their hearts this day.

This storm brewed over calm waters.

Brighton nodded, and turned his wrist to his right. Aiming the tip down the passage into the coliseum. "I feel as though this fight would be best served in the arena that fate has laid out for us. Do you not feel the same, my friend?"

Hidden 9 yrs ago Post by Takashi
Raw
Avatar of Takashi

Takashi Nefarious Mastermind

Member Seen 8 yrs ago

"You flatter me," Ryozan said, responding to Mr. Sunshine's compliment, but now the time for exchanging words was over; it would soon be time for them to exchange blows. He looked over to the coliseum as well and nodded. He could only imagine the unsung history that took place withing; how many warriors had spilled blood within those walls, and for how many was this place a grave? And yet their glory was every bit as transient as their lives, for not one of those battles was written in the annals of history. But perhaps that was what made those battles so great. Nobody was left to revel in the fighters' glory save the spirits that chose this coliseum as their final resting place. And Ryozan could feel the spirits stirring here, the thrill of battle, nearly tangible, permeating every stone and speck of dirt on the island.

The kitsune lowered his blade so that the tip was just above the ground, and began his solemn walk into their battleground. The torches that once lit the passage had long rotted away, and only a few spears of light managed to pierce through the cracks that time had etched into the ceiling. For a brief moment, Ryozan was engulfed in darkness, then as he turned a corner he plunged back into the light of the open coliseum. He supposed this is where the crowd would cheer, lauding their champion or denouncing their villain, but stone could not speak so all was silent.

Still, something was strange about this place... or rather impossible. The floor, though made of dirt, was smooth, compact, and clean; not a single trace of battle, be it blood or bones, marred the pristine ground. And every seat, though empty, was intact. Given the age of this structure, such a state was impossible. This floating island had surely endured storms and weathering, and nobody was around to clean up. But somehow the coliseum seemed to be in as fine a state as when it was built. It was as if the building itself had a soul, and it had been sustaining itself on the fighting spirit of those warriors that found -- or rather were pulled -- here over the years.

Ryozan took his place in the center of the coliseum, then turned to face Mr. Sunshine. He clutched the hilt of Shirogami with both hands and brought it up in front of him in a guarded stance. He lead with his left foot, dragging his right a bit behind the other, and angled his body to reduced the exposed surface area. He took a deep breath, and upon exhaling, a cool white smoke came out of his mouth, a result of tiny ice crystals immediately evaporating in the warm air. Ryozan was was ready to create a story much more exciting, and much brighter, than the one he had told.
Hidden 9 yrs ago Post by LeeRoy
Raw
GM
Avatar of LeeRoy

LeeRoy LeeRoy Brightmane

Member Seen 26 days ago

Phantoms of gladiatorial combat filled the air, Brighton felt their prescience in his very core. Their long passed battles laying the foundation for future conflict. An everlasting war, waged away from the prying eyes of the unworthy. This battleground filled Alexander with a burning sparking determination, it washed over him and rushed through him. The youthful spark of courage was the greatest feeling that any man could dream of feeling.

While Tanzo was feeling the spirits themselves, Brighton was feeling the spirit of the spirits. You know, their spirit? That kind of spirit. You know, spirit in the spirited sense. Not in the spiritual sense of spirit.

This sense of wonderment was drowned by the sudden rush of awe as he stepped into the ancient coliseum. Without flaw, it was a perfect venue. Thousands of seats, a massive stage, and an audience of the dead. Brighton took a few skipping steps towards the middle and spun around on his heel, taking in everything from the sights to the smells. "Everything about this place is wonderful!" Brighton cried out with a hefty air of enthusiasm and joy.

"A wonderful opponent, the perfect arena, foes on even terms! There's nothing in the world that could dampen my mood this day!" Overflowing with cheer and determination, Brighton whipped his sword upwards and hopped into a perfect fencer's stance. Keeping his footing loose and light, placing his left hand behind his back and tilting the blade towards Tanzo.

Even though he was about to engage in a fight that could very well take his life, Sunshine's face couldn't be more jovial. A smile beaming from ear to ear, exposing his perfectly straight pearly white teeth. A small glint of light ran along the edges of his teeth and twinkled at the corner of his mouth. "My friend, I wish you the greatest of luck! I have since noticed your cold demeanor, pardon the pun. And I would like to 'electrify' you with my personality!"

Standing there, blade aimed towards Tanzo, Brighton's body tensed up sharply. Every muscle in his body jolting sharply upwards, his height seemed to shift upwards for a moment and then quickly dropped back down. Electricity surged through his body, sparking over the curvature of his skin. Through his clothing and out to the winds. Discharging with bright blue and yellow sparks, running the length of his blade and falling off the tip.

"I knew I had felt something special in you, Mister Tanzo. Something that my master sensed in me!" Electricity literally sparkled between the two men. "You're a ki sensitive as well, aren't you?"
Hidden 9 yrs ago Post by Takashi
Raw
Avatar of Takashi

Takashi Nefarious Mastermind

Member Seen 8 yrs ago

Mr. Sunshine took a great deal of time, at least in Ryozan's opinion, admiring the arena, going so far as to vocalize an outburst of how wonderful it was. Ryozan agreed with the sentiment; it was exhilarating being surrounded by such a mass of fighting spirit. However, such spirit did not want them to stand there and admire it, it wanted them to fight before it, nourishing the spirit as well as their own souls. The stern and serious expression on Ryozan's face was no indication of a bad mood, but rather quite the opposite. His own spirit was swelling in the wake of the others and he felt more like a warrior today than he ever had before.

Ryozan was no fool, and picked up on the electric pun easily. So he was some kind of electromancer then? "Thanks for the hint," he said, not breaking his stance by so much as a millimeter. "But I would much rather show you my abilities than talk about them. Once we are finished, you will no longer have to ask what I can do." Ryozan didn't know if the electric sparks that danced about them were a passive aura, or just Mr. Sunshine showing off once again. Either way, he considered the possibility that wielding a metal sword may be detrimental in this fight. He decided that it was better to find out sooner rather than later.

Ryozan was done talking, and that much was revealed in his eyes. He pulled his sword up level with his cheek, the tip of it aimed at Mr. Sunshine's chest. The electric aura made his fur stand up and his whiskers twitch, but would it flow through a steel blade? He dug his feet into the ground and let his ki flow into his legs. Mr. Sunshine wanted to know if he was a ki user? Here was his answer. Raw kinetic energy burst from his feet as he made a short hop forward. He closed the distance between them in a blur and synchronized a stabbing motion with his momentum. One quick jab with the tip of his blade, and he drew back, this way if physical contact with Mr. Sunshine's body would do harm he would feel it, but he would not leave is blade in the current long enough to do harm.
Hidden 9 yrs ago Post by LeeRoy
Raw
GM
Avatar of LeeRoy

LeeRoy LeeRoy Brightmane

Member Seen 26 days ago

A stunning first move that demonstrated a remarkably similar skillset to his own, enhancing his abilities and strikes with ki. A wash of adrenaline pumped through his body, the veins in his arms bulged sharply as he instinctually reacted to Tanzo's strike. A move that he had practiced a hundred times before. A deflecting blade strike that would leave him defensively and offensively advantageous, while leaving his opponent totally open in both regards.

With blade already outstretched, Ryozan's initial thrust was doomed to failure. By angling the flat of the blade parallel to the ground, he turned his wrist to level it against Ryozan's blade. Brighton pressed his palm against the flat of his blade and shoved upwards with both hands, clashing his blade against Tanzo's katana.

With a movement like this, his blade and Tanzo's should be pushed upwards and away from his chest, even better, Tanzo's hand and arm should be thrown backwards by the force. Leaving him entirely open and harmless for a moment. A simple enough block, easily executed and deadly efficient. A perfect starting counter for a fierce starting strike such as Tanzo's.

If executed totally perfectly with no mistakes, as it would likely be executed. There would be two neat little follow ups. Initially, Ryozan's hand and brain would be met with two totally seperate sorts of shock. A harsh electrical shock to the hands, as his blade is conductive as well. Ryozan's brain would be met with the shock of surprise, as he wouldn't be expecting a crystal sword to conduct electricity.

The second follow up would be a swift reeling kick aimed at Ryozan's stomach. Brighton would pull his weight backwards, drawing his hands back and throwing his right foot forwards. This would deliver a terribly harsh kick with a mean rubber sole to flesh meet and greet. It would be a short meet and greet.

Obviously, a different course of action would take place if the initial parry didn't work out as planned.

It was a shame that he wouldn't be able to be as conversive as usual, this battle would likely be a lot more intense than any he had faced before. Ryozan was an opponent that would prove to be unlike any that he had ever seen.
Hidden 9 yrs ago Post by Takashi
Raw
Avatar of Takashi

Takashi Nefarious Mastermind

Member Seen 8 yrs ago

Had Ryozan thrusted full force with the intent of dealing lethal damage, the parry would have been the perfect counter. However, this was a strike of reconnaissance, not aggression. His primary objective had been to discover whether or not his opponent was safe to strike, and it was intention to draw the blade away quickly to begin with. Indeed, he felt the electric charge and it caused his hands to quiver in response, but only briefly. It was the tentative nature of the strike that saved his balance and allowed him to maintain a grip on his blade. As Mr. Sunshine rose his blade in the parry, Shirogami slid along the flat of the crystal saber and returned to Ryozan. The parry was not completely ineffective, for in the time it would take Mr. Sunshine to recover from the excess force of his slipped parry Ryozan would need to adjust the degree of deflection the strike had caused. He was not prone from the maneuver, but not fit for an effective counter.

Ki coursed through Ryozan's body, building from deep within his core and flaring through his body. The blade was already in a high position from the stance he had chosen, so to strike he simply needed to bring it down. The blade curved through the air in a downward diagonal motion, just as forceful as it was elegant... and then struck nothing. The blade halted in front of Ryozan, now locked into a defensive kendo stance. The flare of ki, the aggression in his eyes, even the snarl he gave as he moved, all existed solely to give credence to the feint. And, if the feint caused his opponent to doubt his safety for even a fraction of a second, then that was the only opening Ryozan needed to switch stances. Rather than give the kitsune a psychological shock, this brief exchange gave him a very valuable piece of information: it was not safe to touch Mr. Sunshine with his blade.

Now was the time for him to prepare for a mode of attack that would be far more effective. As he took his defensive stance, a brisk wind swirled about his arms. They seemed only to sparkle at first, but then a layer of ice emerged, taking the form of a gauntlet with a short blade protruding from it. These would be the first of many weapons that would be able to safely damage his opponent, but for now he waited to see Mr. Sunshine's response to the feint and prepared to defend himself with the ice gauntlets.
Hidden 9 yrs ago Post by LeeRoy
Raw
GM
Avatar of LeeRoy

LeeRoy LeeRoy Brightmane

Member Seen 26 days ago

Surprised as he was, Brighton had no fear of recourse for his missed action. Tanzo and he knew well how painful electricity can be, his foe wouldn't risk it with a metal blade. Brighton had felt the spark leave his blade, he had felt it flow into the man. There wasn't a chance of him risking it now, not with that blade.

In response to the feint, he had simply remained in the posture of his attempted thrust for a moment before reacting. It seemed as though he was either totally okay with the result, or had expected as much.

Brighton lowered his arms downwards, letting his hand slide behind his back again. With three decisively sharp hops backwards, Brighton positioned himself a decent enough distance away from Tanzo. Avoiding what could possibly be a deadly powerful attack. Carefully observing the manifestation of ice around his hands, the way they formed into gauntlets of frozen air.

Tanzo didn't know it, but Brighton was already coming down from his electrical charge. It has never lasted too long, and really only serves as a bluff or short term strike enhancer. Right now it was working as a spectacular bluff. Exchanging reach for something safer, well, at least he thinks that it is.

Deciding on fisticuffs was not preferable to using a blade, and honestly, Sunshine wasn't honorable to disarm as well. Mostly because he doesn't have gauntlets himself, and touching that ice bare-handed seems literally suicidal. And while Brighton is a lot of things, he's not out to get himself killed easily. "Your choice of weapon is so much more unique than mine own. I hadn't the foggiest that Ki could manifest as ice. Intriguing!"
Hidden 9 yrs ago Post by Takashi
Raw
Avatar of Takashi

Takashi Nefarious Mastermind

Member Seen 8 yrs ago

Ryozan took full advantage of the time Mr. Sunshine gave him in backing away by sheathing his sword, and then brought both of his ice-armored hands up in a combative pose. He lead with his right arm, the hand opened, the fingers only slightly curled. His right hand was pulled back closer to his chest in a tight fist. Also, with that time, he poured his ki into his ice gauntlets, making them as strong as steel armor, the blades protruding from them as sharp and sturdy as his katana. Before the ki infusion, a blade as strong as the crystal saber would have been able to chip away at the ice, but now Ryozan was prepared to stand up to his opponent's weapon and electrifying ability.

"Ki can manifest as anything," Ryozan said, indulging in some uncharacteristic conversation as he advanced towards his opponent. "Northern kitsune have a natural affinity for ice, so that is the element of our choice." He approached Mr. Sunshine in a circular pattern, spiraling in, trying to gradually close the distance between them while staying out of the range of the saber. By neutralizing his blade, Mr. Sunshine had earned a significant reach advantage which was coupled by his already impressive stature. Ryozan was fortunate that he had the advantage in terms of quantity of weapons.

When he got as close as he could, he dashed forward with another gale step, punching with the blade on his right hand and aiming at Mr. Sunshine's left thigh. This strike would be far too low to parry considering their height difference, and Ryozan had his left hand angled in front of him, prepared to defend against any counter attacks. If his strike connected, he would hook his right hand inward to leave as large a gash in Mr. Sunshine's leg as he could, otherwise he would wait for his opponent's response.
Hidden 9 yrs ago Post by LeeRoy
Raw
GM
Avatar of LeeRoy

LeeRoy LeeRoy Brightmane

Member Seen 26 days ago

No matter how low Ryozan dipped, he wouldn't be low enough to avoid a downward swing. Rushing towards Alexander, or really anyone trained in Western swordplay, was suicidal. To end this too quickly would be shameful and it wouldn't be any fun. So there would have to be a compromise of defensive and non-lethal, while also serving as a deterrent for similar strategies that might lead to the early cessation of this session. While he was contemplating his next move, Brighton had begun moving. Tanzo certainly had the speed advantage, but it seemed very directional. Alexander moved himself backwards and to the right, never breaking his guard as he moved away. Evading the first strike was the simple part, returning an attack was a bit more difficult.

An attack as specific as the one described is a bit difficult to execute without a hitch, well, for someone who isn't as spectacular of a specimen as Brighton. Physically, he couldn't do it, he'd put too much force into it and would wind up killing him. Mystically, oh yes, mystically he could scratch a solution.

By sidestepping Ryozan's strike and positioning himself in a non-exposed position, his arm was in the perfect spot for Rail Bolt. By narrowly reducing the angle of his arm to better point at Ryozan's torso as he passes, Brighton was ready to unleash his only real ranged offensive option. Please note that he's sidestepping away from Ryozan as he moves, so if Ryozan moves in a straight line in his charge, he'd be in perfect line of sight. However, if he moved out of his straight movements, he'd be well out of the line of fire.

If Ryozan continued forwards, Sunshine would unleash the Rail bolt. It would appear as a bright spark of blue and yellow light that charges down his arm and grows into an arrow as it leaves the tip of his blade. It would run clean through Tanzo's body and cause a tremendous shock to rock his body. It wouldn't be deadly, obviously, his shocks aren't that powerful. But it really would hurt like hell, nobody would want to be on the receiving end of it.

If Ryozan didn't continue in the same direction, Brighton would adjust for direction. Obviously he wouldn't move directly for him, Brighton's aim is trailed forwards, so he would wind up taking the bolt to the face. So moving back and away would be a better option, that way he would only risk being clipped in the leg. It would make his leg numb, but it wouldn't hurt as badly.
Hidden 9 yrs ago Post by Takashi
Raw
Avatar of Takashi

Takashi Nefarious Mastermind

Member Seen 8 yrs ago

When Ryozan dashed forward, he saw his opponent begin to move; it was clear that he was going to dodge, yet the kitsune did not change his trajectory. His eyes showed not an inkling of shock, not the slightest hint of worry that his opponent would not be where he aimed his attack. It was Mr. Sunshine's over-eagerness to counter that lost him a potential opening, for he dodged while Ryozan dashed, not when he would have attacked. He right hand would thus never extend to deliver the blow. Then, when Ryozan saw the crackle of lightening around Mr. Sunshine's arm, a grin crossed his face. Mr. Sunshine had learned that ki could make ice, now he would learn the properties of ice.

Many people consider water a good conductor of electricity, however, it is not the water itself, but the ions dissolved within it that are capable of carrying an electrical current. When water freezes, it forms a crystalline lattice, which does not allow ions to float freely within it. Thus, ice is no conductor at all; in fact, it is a rather good insulator. So, with Ryozan's left arm already in a defensive position, there was little for him to fear from the rail bolt.

Ryozan halted his forward dash at the moment of impact. His feet dug into the ground while he adjusted the angle of his left arm to intercept the rail bolt. The lightening struck the ice gauntlet, and likely would have completely shattered it if Mr. Sunshine hadn't given Ryozan time to infuse it with his ki. His leg muscles rippled in beautiful synchronization as he pivoted on his left foot, simultaneously facing his opponent and using the centrifugal force of the motion to neutralize the force of the blow, allowing Ryozan's left hand to block the attack without creating an opening via a parrying motion.

Ryozan's right arm was still drawn back and ready to strike, and there was still more use he could make of his twisting motion. As he was blocking the rail bolt, he delivered a cross counter of sorts, ki style. Of course, since Mr. Sunshine had sidestepped, he was out of range for physical contact, but surging forth from Ryozan's fist was a powerful gale of arctic wind. The gust was brief, so it would not be enough to freeze Mr. Sunshine's flesh in one attack, but he would certainly feel the frigid bite if it connected. He would also feel the force of the 50mph gust, and any of the dozen or so shards of ice that were hurled in his general direction.
Hidden 9 yrs ago Post by LeeRoy
Raw
GM
Avatar of LeeRoy

LeeRoy LeeRoy Brightmane

Member Seen 26 days ago

It wasn't as though Mr. Sunshine was ignorant to the properties of electricity, he just didn't actually care whether or not it succeeded. The warrior burning in his heart wanted this fight to last as long as possible, it wasn't sporting if this didn't last at least two rounds. Perhaps a sandwich break between, that might be nice. Snapping himself out of his drift with haste, Brighton continued his movement out and away from Tanzo.

By using his left hand on an opponent that was already moving to his right, Tanzo had made a terrible error. Okay, not that terrible, but a slight error is still an error. Your arm can only move so far around your body, so trying to track someone's movements and lead on them only works if they don't move closer to you while moving away from the arm.

Which is just what Brighton did, by shifting his footing slightly mid-step, he began to sidestep sharply to Tanzo's right. Which makes it his left. Moving away from Ryozan's gust of tearing winds and closer into Tanzo's guard, putting himself into a prime offensive position. As well as likely putting Tanzo into a frantic defensive position.

Now, the winds weren't a totally fruitless attack, they did have an effect on his right arm. Though he had managed to move away from the cutting blades of ice, the sudden temperature drop had left his arm painfully cold. With a temperature change as sharp as that, his arm was suddenly burning hot. Strange how the body works, isn't it? See, because your body adjusts to colder temperatures faster, his skin became incredibly cold. This made his nerve endings adapt to the cold, if only for a moment. This change made the shift to normal painful, because suddenly the heat from his own blood is too hot for his nerves. Making it feel as though he had just been branded by a cattle iron.

As to his own offensive, Brighton's left arm has remained behind his back this entire time. So that wouldn't be an optimal technique for landing a decent blow on Tanzo. Keep note that Mr. Sunshine is still advancing on Tanzo, who has by this point either stopped moving or is continuing forwards. With his right hand still extended, and his blade pointed nastily at Tanzo's face, a series of quick jabs was the smartest decision.

Taking the smart choice, instead of the kindly choice, Alexander brought his arm back a few inches and then suddenly unleashed hell. Lashing out with a rapid succession of thrusts with his blade, stepping forward with ever strike. Aiming to push back Tanzo or deal terrible wounds to his face and upper body, either was acceptable.

Though one more grizzly.
Hidden 9 yrs ago Post by Takashi
Raw
Avatar of Takashi

Takashi Nefarious Mastermind

Member Seen 8 yrs ago

Ryozan was not one to passively watch his opponents circle around him, so when Mr. Sunshine sidestepped the gust, Ryozan shifted his weight onto his left leg and pivoted, bringing his right leg around behind him. This allowed him to track his opponent's movement quite easily; in fact, the difference in the circumferences of their two motions meant that even if Mr. Sunshine was travelling twice as fast, Ryozan would still be able to follow the movement. Likewise, as he pivoted, he pulled his right hand close to his body, preparing for another strike. Furthermore, since he had used the centrifugal force of his previous pivot, not the motion of his arm, to block the previous attack, his left arm remained in a strong defensive position for the duration of the movement. There was not a single point in time where Ryozan was not facing Mr. Sunshine with his guard up.

Thus, his thrusts would not be as effective as he hoped. The diagonal positioning of Ryozan's left arm was more or less ideal for deflecting a head-on attack. The thrust glanced against Ryozan's gauntlet and by simply widening the angle of his arm, he was able to alter the trajectory of the course of the blow. The first thrust would miss his body, carving a shallow cut into his cheek, but that would be the only thrust that Mr. Sunshine would have the chance to unleash. Ryozan did not back up, but rather charged forward, sliding along the crystal saber with his gauntlet and quickly coming too close to Mr. Sunshine for such a weapon to use effective thrusts.

Now that Ryozan was in close, he had no intention of granting his opponent the privilege of range. If Mr. Sunshine attempted to step back or dash in any direction, Ryozan would be ready to close the distance. After he slid in to close range, Ryozan would attempt to grab Mr. Sunshine's right wrist with his left hand. If successful, this would neutralize his sword motions and would pump ice energy into Mr. Sunshine's arms that would eventually freeze his flesh. He left his right arm drawn back and charged ki into it, preparing for a powerful strike.
Hidden 9 yrs ago Post by LeeRoy
Raw
GM
Avatar of LeeRoy

LeeRoy LeeRoy Brightmane

Member Seen 26 days ago

It would be a real shame if Alexander had happened to be trying to close the gap between them. A real shame. Tanzo's move went off without a hitch, Brighton allowed him to catch his arm and grip as tight as he wished. It's not as though his grip would last very long, most people tend to lose their grip when they're caught unaware.

Finally displaying his ambidextrous ability, Brighton whipped his left arm from around his back into a frighteningly quick jab towards Tanzo's diaphragm. One of the most devastating punches that one can deliver is to that part of your body which controls your breathing, it leaves you breathless and helpless. With a swift blow to his most vulnerable of areas, Tanzo would be left totally open to attack.

Completely defenseless.

However, what Tanzo doesn't know, is that the more immediately threatening attack is a feint. A distraction for the real attack.

Knowing that Tanzo's left hand is occupied, and that his right hand would soon be occupied with catching the punch, Brighton had preemptively forced an opening in his foe's guard. See, most people forget about their lower halves while fighting. Most people just sort of throw their fists at eachother's faces and never stop to consider how they're able to reach eachother's faces.

Without a sturdy pair of legs to hold oneself up on, one can't particularly punch someone else in the face.

While winding up the swing towards Tanzo's chest, Brighton lifted up his right leg and brought it back halfway and swung it forward with force. Aiming the toe of his hard leather boots right for Tanzo's left ankle. Angling his foot slightly so that it would catch right at the joint, aiming to knock his foot right out from under him.

Now, back to the punch. I'm not saying that the punch is totally harmless and not aiming to deliver an actual blow. No, it's still quite a dangerous punch. The effect of which has already been described, but it is thrown with the expectation of failure. And doesn't have quite the same planned follow up as the kick.

Hidden 9 yrs ago Post by Takashi
Raw
Avatar of Takashi

Takashi Nefarious Mastermind

Member Seen 8 yrs ago

Choosing not to resist Ryozan's frosty grip was a curious decision, but it was one that the kitsune intended to take full advantage of. Once he gripped Mr. Sunshine's wrist, his entire forearm became coated in a frost that made the previous blizzard strike seem like a cool summer breeze. Since he had chosen not to resist, he would feel the pain of frostbite immediately set in, his nerve endings would go numb, and his flesh would literally freeze. Nor would he be able to uncurl his fingers until the arm thawed and the damage was tended to, leaving his sword locked in a stiff and rigid arm. If Mr. Sunshine continued to allow Ryozan to pump his cryomantic ki into him, the frost would spread all the way up to his shoulder.

Mr. Sunshine's two part attack was a much more practical decision. He had assessed correctly that Ryozan's Tanzo-ryu was one such style that focused on the upper body, and Ryozan was not blind to its weaknesses. Even focused as he was on delivering his strike, he saw Mr. Sunshine's foot wind up for the strike, and he knew there was very little he could do to prevent the blow from reaching its destination. Mr. Sunshine swung his foot in a beautiful arc and, just as he predicted, swept Ryozan's foot out from under him. Had Ryozan been a human, the attack would likely have gone just as Alexander wanted it to. However, he would see Ryozan's body tilt slightly to the left, and then stop, his balance readjusted.

Instead of initiating a frantic retreat to avoid the sweep entirely, Ryozan decided to use what the the gods had blessed every member of his race with to counter its effects: his tail. As Mr. Sunshine's foot swung in for the attack, so did Ryozan's tail swing down, acting as a brace for him to shift his weight onto once he lost his left foot. It was only a temporary solution, and would not substitute for a leg, but it would give him the moment of balance he needed to get his foot back on the ground. Since he would not be falling, his grip on Mr. Sunshine's wrist would remain adamant.

That left the matter of the punch emerging from behind Mr. Sunshine's back. Bringing a limb out from behind your back and immediately using it to attack is about as telegraphed as an attack could get, so Ryozan had a pretty good idea what to expect. As he brought his arm out, the structure of the gauntlet around Ryozan's right arm shifted from that of a blade to spiked knuckles. As Mr. Sunshine swung, so did Ryozan. The kitsune put all of his stone-smashing force into a punch that would meet his rival's fist in the air head-on. It was his ki-infused, spike-knuckled ice gauntlet, versus Mr. Sunshine's naked fist. Upon impact, Ryozan would also release the ki he had charged up in his arm to unleash his hasaiken, a ki attack of raw destructive force that would add an explosive impact to the collision. It was a strike that could shatter boulders; would Mr. Sunshine's bones be able to endure as the impact sent shock waves down his arm?
↑ Top
© 2007-2024
BBCode Cheatsheet