The large Xy didn't think to look up. It wasn't that he didn't think anyone could be up there. It was just that he did not believe the organizers would be so quick to throw them off guard.
After aimlessly searching about for awhile longer, the large man made up his mind. He sat down, his legs crossed under him as he just sat there. There would be someone about eventually right? That or they would end in a draw.
Practice Battle 2
Terrain: Floating Platforms
Weather: Lightning Storm
Neil against Xy @XycloneKiller
"Looks like he didn't hear me... Not surprising with the wind and thunder, I guess...", Neil shrugged. "Oh well. Surprise attack it is, then." His eyes briefly flashing a pale blue, his psychic aura manifesting around his body as he slowly lifted in the air. A few rocks around him started levitating along with him before going flying towards the large man.
After throwing the rocks, Neil tried to fly off to another platform, one a bit lower would be preferable to prevent an unlucky lightning bolt coming his way.
(Psychic Boost - Cooldown: 2 turns - 1 attack die, 1 defense die - 9's are successes instead of failures for this turn.)
The large man did not budge from his position. The sound of the storm around them was truly enough to block out much of the sounds around them. What it did not do however, was prevent the changing in the air that the rocks movements caused.
Though he sensed the change in the air, he still did not move. Who was surprising who? What better way to make one underestimate their opponent than sheer overconfidence.
Practice Battle 2
Neil @Tiguidi vs Xy @XycloneKiller
Terrain: Sky - Floating Platforms
Weather: Lightning Storm
Lightning Bolt: Every turn a die is rolled. If a 5 is rolled, both combatants take 1 HP
Neil - Offense: 4 (success) / Defense: 2 (success)
Xy - No action
Lightning Storm: 2 (no bolt)
Neil slightly winced as a rock went to loudly hit the man on his back. "Oof... Guess the thunderstorm really is that loud, huh..." He landed on his feet on a lower platform, still getting ready for any reaction. But a flash of insight from Sail resonated in his mind. He had to be a bit more proactive. So with that, his eyes briefly flashed once again as a multitude of rocks went flying towards Xy one again.
Xy felt as one of the larger stones came in contact with his back, causing him to buckle forward slightly from the force. He did not react outside of a short grimace that was not visible to the man coming down behind him. The man waited a few more moments, listening to the changing air. Judging by the sounds, he had came closer. Now was a good a time as any.
The large man rolled to the right, jumping to his feet the moment he lay upon his stomach. His eyes latched upon the small form across from him as he watched rocks begin to prepare for their journey once more. He charged his target with determination.
"I'm thinking that you're starting to underestimate me, Sail." Kelon said with a playful chuckle. "I am hurt." he narrowed his eyes at her movments. "Saving up for some big attack, are you? he called over the roaring wind. He would attempt to dodge whatever Sail threw at him before launching off the stone directly towards her to strike.
End Result
Sail -> 5 HP Wounded ; Lethal Explosion Mode Cooldown (1)
Kelon -> 6 HP Wounded ; Scything Wind Cooldown (1)
Sail's lance shot through the air faster than Kelon had been expecting, and cut deep into his side. The wolfling snarled and stared at his opponent, launching fast enough to get all the way over to the wall. However, he misjudged his attack and instead had to launch himself to standing up atop the wall next to Sail.
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Practice Battle 1
Neil vs Xy @Tiguidi@XycloneKiller
Terrain: Sky - Floating Platforms
Weather: Lightning Storm
Pitfalls - Lightning Bolt: Every turn a die is rolled. If a 5 is rolled, both combatants take 1 HP
End Result
Neil -> 8 HP Slightly Wounded ; Psychic Boost Cooldown (1)
Xy -> 7 HP Slightly Wounded
As Neil threw more rocks towards Xy, a number of them would impact the larger man but the impacts would be absorbed by either his armor or his physique. As well, a heavy blast of wind would slam a stone into Neil's chest, while the ambient electricity in the air sent a heavy shock down the metal-clad Xy.
Practice Battle 2
Neil vs Xy @Tiguidi@XycloneKiller
Terrain: Sky - Floating Platforms
Weather: Lightning Storm
Lightning Bolt: Every turn a die is rolled. If a 5 is rolled, both combatants take 1 HP
"Oof...!", Neil let out as a rock slammed in his chest, sending him to the ground. "Urgh... Alright, rocks are a no-no, here..." Looking over at the larger man, he noticed he seemed to have been hit by something, at the very least. "Plan B it is!"
His eyes briefly flashed again as he concentrated his telekinesis on his opponent. Instead of throwing rocks around, he'd try and finish the battle as quickly as possible. At least to get him out of that thunderstorm... If his psychic grapple works, he'd crush him using his telekinesis.
(Telekinetic Crush - Cooldown: 4 turns - 3 attack dice - ignore a single defense roll from the opponent.)
A shudder ran through Xy as the reverberations from the bolt of lightning echoed throughout his body. A guttural growl escaped him as he only slowed for a short moment. He was determined. Closing the space between them, he charged with all he could muster against the strong wind. In a swift motion, one that was not expected from a man his size, his claymore was in his hand and at the ready.
(Bum rush - Xy rushes his target in a flurry of claymore strikes, claymore transitioning to his fists upon successful succession roll. (Cooldown - 4 turns ; 3 attack dice, 1 additional attack die for succession))
Practice Battle 2
Neil @Tiguidi vs Xy @XycloneKiller
Terrain: Sky - Floating Platforms
Weather: Lightning Storm
Lightning Bolt: Every turn a die is rolled. If a 5 is rolled, both combatants take 1 HP
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Before Neil's attack would start affecting Xy, the larger man would be able to reach the esper and hit him with a few strikes on the chest and arms. However, Neil would find a window to grab Xy with his telekinesis, crushing him in the process.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Neil grit his teeth as the claymore-wielding man quickly approached him, battering him with his weapon before he could concentrate enough. But between two swings, the esper managed to finally grapple his opponent, tightening his fist to apply a good amount of pressure before throwing him away, shaking his head. "Geez, you're pretty savage, aren't you...?", he said as he massaged his wounded arm.
"And, uh, do you talk at all...? Sorry, I just don't want to seem like I'm talking to myself!" As he spoke, the esper flared his barrier and punched forward, sending a wave of telekinetic energy towards Xy.
(Psychic Boost - Cooldown: 2 turns - 1 attack die, 1 defense die - 9's are successes instead of failures for this turn.)
The large man let out a low grumble as he felt the pressure squeeze around him. He smirked slightly as he squirmed his way free from the grasp. A smirk came to his face, the only response as he once again charged toward the man. He was not talkative it seemed, or at least not at this moment.
Practice Battle 1
Terrain: Muddy Wasteland
Weather: Downpour
Opponent: Kelon @Mythy the Dragon-Wolf
"AI, interesting little tidbit I just found out. The light lances can cause damage at range. I felt it almost break the tether, so I'd assume it tops out as a ranged weapon around 30 feet. Possible modifications could be made at some point to increase that range." She smiled as she realized that her range wasn't as screwed without her gun as she thought.
She began to look around the battlefield, imagining her perfect strategy.
The water that sloshed beneath her gave her an idea, one that could clean sweep her opponent if she manged to execute it properly. But first, she'd have to position Kelon exactly where she wanted him. She aimed her light lance at the water below, launching toward the ground like a bullet. The moment she landed, she began launching stones into the air with short pulses of her light lances, creating a momentary wall of safety; it was not her idea, but her AI's, and it was based somewhat off Neil's telepathic stone shield she remembered leaping across.
(Total Defense, 2 Defense Die. +1 to Stored Shot. 5/5)
Practice Battle 2
Neil @Tiguidi vs Xy @XycloneKiller
Terrain: Sky - Floating Platforms
Weather: Lightning Storm
Lightning Bolt: Every turn a die is rolled. If a 5 is rolled, both combatants take 1 HP
As Xy rushed towards Neil in order to grab him, he was roughly pushed away by the esper's telekinetic blast and was sent crashing to the ground. The sky kept cackling above them but the lightning fortunately seemed tame enough to stay in the sky. For the moment, at least.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Neil let out a grumble as he realized he couldn't have fun trash-talking his opponent, considering his apparent muteness. Though one thing was for sure: this guy just loved to go up close and personal with him and that didn't make him feel that good. He was handling himself pretty well for the moment but this guy packed a frickin' punch with his giant sword.
Predicting another close-ranged attack, Neil's eyes flashed blue as the terrain started to dismantle itself of rocks, which started swirling around Neil defensively. The wind seemed to have somewhat calmed down so he figured a defensive move like this wouldn't end up with him getting smashed by stray rocks again.
(Orbital Defense: Cooldown: 3 turns - 2 defense dice - 2's also count as failures on the opponent's attack dice for this turn.)
Xy grumbled in annoyance as he was pushed away. Rebounding off the ground from the force of the blast, he slid backwards on his feet, the tip of the claymore being used to aid in his eventual stop. He looked up toward the psychic and began to calculate. There was a transformation occurring on the ground around him, bringing an idea to Xy.
Slamming the large claymore into the ground, the large man stood upright, rearing his shoulders back a little so that his shoulders were square with the man before him. With another loud growl, the shoulder guards opened to reveal the tips of four glistening missiles just before the fired with a loud hiss.
(Missile barrage - Cooldown - Once per battle ; 4 attack dice)
Kelon was starting to curse his luck with the weather and how this combat was going in general. He growled as Sail once more ran away from him, leaping from the top of the wall to try and use momentum to surprise her.
End Result
Sail -> 4 HP Heavily Wounded
Kelon -> 6 HP Wounded
Kelon looked down as he fell from the wall, watching as she threw stones up to throw him off. She succeeded in making him change his course, but as he landed next to her she would lose her footing in the deep mud, and Kelon was able to slam a palm forward into her chest - causing some damage.
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Practice Battle 1
Neil vs Xy @Tiguidi@XycloneKiller
Terrain: Sky - Floating Platforms
Weather: Lightning Storm
Pitfalls - Lightning Bolt: Every turn a die is rolled. If a 5 is rolled, both combatants take 1 HP
Pitfall -> 6 (No bolt)
Neil -> Orbital Defense ; 2 Defense (5/8) = 1 Fail/1 Success
Xy -> Missile Barrage ; 4 Attack (11/7/12/3) = 3 Fail/1 Critsuccess
End Result
Neil -> 6 HP Wounded ; Orbital Defense Cooldown (3) ; Telekinetic Crush Cooldown (2) ; Psychic Boost Cooldown (1)
Xy -> 5 HP Wounded ; Missile Barrage Used ; Bum Rush Cooldown (2) ; Throw Cooldown (1)
Neil's psychic power began to make stones and platforms orbit around him in defense while Xy looked on. The missiles would be a surprise, but three of the four impacted Neil's shield without causing much issue. The last one was knocked off course, but slammed directly onto the Esper's platform, destroying it.
Neil's prediction came out... somewhat correctly. While his opponent did another all-or-nothing attack, what he didn't expect was missiles of all thing popping from the man's back and launching straight at him. "What the hell!? ", Neil let out as he widened his eyes in surprise. He quickly directly the rocks floating around him to float all between him and the missiles, successfully blocking a few of them, the resulting explosions shattering a good part of Neil's terrain-made shield. "Wasn't there a fourth one...?" As he said those words, the platform he stood on began to violently vibrate, sending the confused esper flying onto another platform. "Urgh... I hate this arena..."
Shaking his head as he got up, Neil put his hands back in his pockets and directed the remaining debris to go flying towards his opponent. Since this guy apparently got missiles, he knew he'd better keep his guard up.
Not relenting, Xy once more charged along the platforms toward the smaller man. He jumped into the air on the final approach, claymore high above his head. The electricity crackled loudly as the blue light seemed to become more violent, as if reading it's master's will. The man looked toward his opponent, growing somewhat tired of the psychic barriers this man produced.
Sail watched as Kelon fell from the wall; she watched as he bolted towards her, the stones she had throw up somewhat obscuring her view. He ran around her shield-just as she anticipated-but as she prepared to run forwards to meet him, she felt the mud beneath her shift, and she began to tumble to the earth.
Before she could fall face down, she caught herself with her hands. She pushed herself back onto her feet; in that moment, she felt her ribs crack, the air forced out of her. Kelon stood before her, his fist withdrawing from a punch. "Perfect," she thought. Her light lances shifted to form two hammers that could fit in her hands.
"I'm sorry for this Kelon," she mumbled as she awaited her AI to show the path she was to take.
Kelon had fallen right into her trap; his guard was down coming off the punch, and he stood upon the shakiest rock she could spot in the arena. She slammed both hammers towards him as hard as possible, shifting them to light lances immediately after she assumed they hit. She leapt backwards, firing the lances towards two loose rocks a few dozen feet behind Kelon, and then pulled them towards him. She ended by clapping her hands together and firing a twin sharped light lance straight at his chest, hoping it would land.
Practice Battle 2
Neil @Tiguidi vs Xy @XycloneKiller
Terrain: Sky - Floating Platforms
Weather: Lightning Storm
Lightning Bolt: Every turn a die is rolled. If a 5 is rolled, both combatants take 1 HP
Neil - 6/9 (Wounded) - Orbital Defense Cooldown (2) - Telekinetic Crush Cooldown (1)
Xy - 4/9 (Heavily Wounded) - Missile Barrage Used - Bum Rush Cooldown (1)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Xy closed the distance with Neil, the esper condensed his psychic energy into a barrier coating his body. The large man's attacks bounced off the barrier, successfully protecting Neil. Before Xy could attempt another attack, the rocks that have been sent earlier began plummeting his back.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Instead of falling back like his usual strategies dictated, Neil decided to stand his ground, a smile appearing on his face as he coated his body with psychic energy again. "You must be a bit tired of rocks... How about I try something else?" As Neil psychically boosted his body, he went for an uppercut at Xy's jaw, still debating whether or not it was a good idea mid-swing.
(Psychic Boost: Cooldown: 2 turns - 1 attack die, 1 defense die - 9's are successes instead of failures for this turn.)
