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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Oct 28, 2022 18:07:00 GMT -5
Shaa felt like it had been a long time. If he actually had a watch he might even know it had been a long time, but watches were a luxury for a Minotaur who’s favorite past time was punching holes in things. Well that wasn’t exactly true. Stuffed pastries was his favorite with punching guys a close second. Yup, it had definitely been a long time.
Shaa had recently received notification from the guilds office that a potential recruit was on his way to be tested. Unlike a lot of the more recent recruits, Shaa didn’t know this one at all. But that was ok. The more the merrier right? Shaa looked around fruitlessly for something to do while he waited.
He was currently in the outdoor training field were various dummies, targets and implements of destruction were waiting for people to come practice on them. Admittedly the field was most often used by the students at the martial academy to to stop being such noobs so it had its uses. Today, it’s use was to see if this guy had what it took to be a member, did he have the heart of iron?
Shaa looked across the field and saw a figure approaching in the distance…
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Post by Gabriel Duros on Oct 30, 2022 20:10:15 GMT -5
His questing had been going on for quite some time now, and as such he had seen a good portion of the world, interacted with quite a few oddities within it too. So when he saw the Minotaur in the distance it wasn't as jarring as it would have been had he never left the confines of the compound.
The Durosian Knight was clad in leather, plate, and Mail as he strode through the practice grounds of the Martial Academy. The hallowed halls of those that sought to improve upon their own physical prowess amongst like minded individuals. In his case it was a way from him to continue getting forward momentum on his path to martial mastery, and shoring up the weakness that was his mana curse. For if one could never use magic then perfecting the physical form was the only option to greatness as it were.
Stopping several yards short of the Minotaur he nodded to him as he fiddled with the shield straps on his left arm, his voice warm, deep and inviting as he spoke with a friendliness belied by the intensity of his golden gaze, "Hello, I am Gabriel Duros of the Knights of Duros. I was told that my examiner would be here... may I presume that is you good sir?".
He had been blessed with a magical tattoo that his father had curated for him granting him the strength of a bull, as such his mind wandered to the thought about testing his might against an actual human bull so to speak.
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Oct 30, 2022 23:45:49 GMT -5
Shaa motions Garbriel to come in closer. Greetings Gabe, come on over here. Welcome to the martial academy. I am Shaa Rhunn, acting captain.You are, in particular, entering the training grounds of the martial academy. My understanding is that you are looking to possibly join the fighters guild, is that right? i know that you come highly recommended. Shaa gives him a big smile. I want you to understand that your recommendations mean just about squat here.
Shaa walks over and picks up a discus that is lying on the ground. Please don’t get me wrong, I am very happy you are here and hope by the end of the process we can be friends, even comrades. Shaa weighs the discus in his hand and checks the edges. It’s just that we can be called to get into some pretty weird situations. Just the other month I was chasing down a Yeti that was being controlled by a demon that turned out to be the same demon I had baked into a pastry….it was this whole thing. Shaa stretched a bit, not breaking eye contact with Gabriel.
Point is, the kind of people who are in this guild are the kind of people that run into the burning building. That if a Gnoll bit them, they would bite them back. We don’t train to fight, we train to WIN, no matter what the cost. Shaa looks over at one of the practice dummies. He launches the discus right at it, shaving off its head. Still looking at the dummy, he continues. Are you that kind of person Gabe? Are you the guy people call when a giant ooze eats someone’s Grandma? The guy who gets into a staring contest with a beholder and makes him blink? Shaa thinks for a minute and looks back at Gabriel. That was a joke, don’t do that, you will die very quickly. He turns back all stoically towards the headless dummy. Today Gabe, we are going to find out.
Shaa points to some glowing pylons around the field. Do you see those pylons? This field is specially enchanted for training so that no fatal blows can happen here. Seriously serious injuries sure, but you will live. Your test is this. I want you to save that girl. Shaa points to a dummy tied up to a poll on the other side of the field. I want to see what you are really made of so you have to make sure she stays intact, one way or another. If you can do that for 30 minutes, you pass. Trust me, if you pull punches, don’t go all out, I will know. If that happens, that “girl” is dust and you can have a nice ride home.
Remember, HOW you save her is up to you. Shaa tuns the knob to 30 minutes on a timer and puts it on a nearby table. Best of luck to you and nothing personal. Annnnnd GO.
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Post by Gabriel Duros on Nov 2, 2022 10:03:50 GMT -5
He listened to Shaa speak and took his advice and words to heart as he listened to the man. He was right that a recommendation meant nothing as only results proved ones capability, "Understood. Results speak volumes more then opinions.", as he spoke about his encounter with a Yeti and a pastry Demon as it seemed he couldn't help but notice that the Minotaur was inspecting a sharpened discus, and is overall demeanor was much like that of the instructors and experienced recruits of the Order of Duros, those that had come to them after retiring from various forces. It painted his current demeanor as some sort of prowess based demonstration or intimidation tactic, something that didn't bother Gabriel at all. Clearly the Minotaur was skilled and that was all that mattered.
Listening further and seeing the demonstration as Shaa decapitated the dummy he simply nodded before he spoke, "I have no problem with sacrifice in the name of duty and honor. One should do what is right no matter the personal cost. You will hopefully see that in my actions today and days to come.", he spoke with confidence as he knew that he was capable. As he looked towards the pylons that were pointed out to him and was told of their purpose he understood this as what it was, a test of ability and determination.
"Understood.", it was all he could get out before Shaa had announced his test had begun. Utilizing the enhanced strength he possessed he began to run at full bore towards the doll his shield at the ready as he dashed towards the "maiden". He had participated in exercises like this before so even though it appeared as if he was bee lining for the doll as it were, he was also careful to look at the ground and attempt to spot any discrepancies that could be traps laying in wait for him. He wouldn't fail, for he had more then just his own name and pride on the line but that of his family and the Order of Duros as a whole.
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Nov 2, 2022 14:33:50 GMT -5
Shaa watched as Gabriel sprinted towards the fake maiden with solid speed and footwork. With a small chuckle, he laughs a bit. Haha Rookie. Shaa presses a plate in the ground. As he does, a section of the field opens up in between Gabriel and the maiden. Directly in front of Gabriel, long wooden spikes start shooting up at random intervals from the ground. There does not seem to be an immediately determinable pattern to how they appear.
Behind the spikes, a second panel opens and a displacer beast emerges with a chain around his neck. The beast roars loudly as the spikes continue to emerge and disappear from the field. Finally a series of crossbows emerge from the sides of the field. They aren’t moving.
Shaa starts to jog towards Gabriel’s direction. It’s too much right? Yeah, it’s too much. I tell you what, I’ll give you a hint. Each one of these little surprises has a weakness. And because I’m super nice, the crossbows will only fire if you do something specific…I’m just not going to tell you what it is.
As Shaa gets closer, he waves to a mysterious figure sitting in the stands, watching.
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Post by Gabriel Duros on Nov 7, 2022 15:39:30 GMT -5
Seeing the spikes, crossbows and Displacer beast come into view form there various spots he immediately skidded to a halt and observed the area, pacing from side to side at the edge of the spike field. Watching the pattern of the spikes he looked at the crossbows once the pattern was set in his mind, as well as began to judge the movement range of the beast, something that he would need more visual data to make an actual decision about as it were.
Hearing Shaa he couldn't help but laugh as he shook his head and answered back to the minotaur, "You really know how to get a guy going don't you? Teasing me with fun today I see. This definitely complicates some things a bit with my original plan.... I understand the spike though so first and foremost.", Raising his shield to protect from the crossbows for now at least he began to run the spike gauntlet as it were towards the doll again, being careful not to mess up his timing. The mysterious figure in the stands was both of concern and too distracting to pay too much attention too. Speaking again whilst carrying out the aggressive game of trying not to get a new asshole he sounded calm for the most part if not slightly amused, "So tell me about yourself Shaa! Why did you join up?".
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Nov 7, 2022 18:13:06 GMT -5
Shaa watched, taking careful notes in his head about how Gabriel chose to approach the obstacles. He noted that he didn’t just run in but took the time to make a plan before engaging the obstacles. It was a good thing that he did because as soon as he LOOKED at the crossbows, the mechanisms activated launching a single volley.
As Gabriel dodged spikes and readied his shield, Shaa laughed to himself that the new recruit still managed to be conversational. Shaa was liking this guy more and more, and secretly hoped he would pass and not turn into a pin cushion.
It’s a fair question. An errant arrow wizzed close to Shaa’s face. He snagged it from the air and tossed it casually behind him. I’m actually an orphan who grew up as a nomad. Eventually I was adopted by some Centaurs who taught me about the world, the gods, the earth. One of them used to teach here at the martial academy. He would tell me stories of the hero’s and fighters who made names for themselves as part of the guild. Since then, I have always felt this is where I belonged. Don’t get me wrong. I’m no hero like them but I hope to be the kind of fighter they were. Shaa looked over at the cloaked figure again who was sitting patiently in the stands.
The displacer beast pawed at the ground and paced the length of its chain. It stared impatiently at Gabriel waiting for its turn. Full disclosure, that cats name is Clyde and I may have told him that you ate all of the donuts earlier. Clyde really likes donuts, he’s so weird. Clyde roared angrily. Like, a lot. Just remember he is just as immortal here as anyone. Anything you do to him, he’ll remember later and he holds grudges. Just sayin.
We are also at the 25 minute mark for those keeping track…which I am.
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Post by Gabriel Duros on Nov 8, 2022 18:54:29 GMT -5
He was focused on the task at hand but conversing was enough to keep his edge active at least as it was always good to have a broader perspective of the situation he had found himself in. The explanation given by Shaa as well as the task at hand was enough to keep him grounded instead of panicking as he attempted to ascertain the best possible way to get to the object at hand. In this case he needed to just concentrate on the goal and face each challenge as it came. The Pacing displacer beast didn't help however as it phased in and out, as it was something he had only read about or heard of, never seen. "That's not a bad way to start out, you got to see the world from a different perspective... Back home in the Stone Fort the mercenaries who come to try and be Knights of the Order are the only real exposure to the outside until you go on quests or a Questing.... It must have been nice to at least understand the world in a less sheltered way."
The name of the beast and the fact that Shaa had already enraged it towards him was enough to make him laugh with a rolling chuckle as he re-centered himself before he spoke, "Nice, reeeeeaaaaalllll helpful Shaa!", his voice was clearly amused as he shook his head and cleared the spike trap, now facing down the beast before getting towards the doll. This obstacle was probably going to be the hardest one for him to go against but he could do nothing but face it and do it as best as he was capable of doing.
"Good Kitty?... Look I don't even like donuts chief so whatever Shaa told you is not what happened I can promise you that.... Why don't you say that we play nice and you let me finish my task here? Ill buy you donuts as a fair trade?", it was a plea made with the assumption that it would fail, but if it meant he didn't have to fight the damn thing then so be it, a weeks worth of wages on feeding a beast such as Clyde was worth it probably.
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Nov 8, 2022 20:48:10 GMT -5
So you decided to give a shot at bartering? Shaa laughed as Clyde gave a look like consideration. After a moment Clyde stepped aside, clearing a path for Gabriel. Clyde! You fat 5 tailed cow, what are you doing? Clyde roared at Shaa and then vanished in a blink, reappearing above Shaa’s head. Clyde landed on him with a thump, spreading out like a big fuzzy blanket. Clyde! Get off of me ergghh! Shaa finally manages to push him off and sits on him to keep him still. You are supposed to be attacking him! Clyde just paws playfully at some wildflowers in the grass. Just..,STAY! Clyde continues to ignore him.
The hooded figure from the stands hops down onto the field. Need some help? Shaa is pulling Clyde by the tails with no luck. Ughh, yes! He says with clear frustration. See the straw doll over there? Go bring me her head. The figure in the cloak gives a small salute. With nightmarish speed, the figure blazes towards the doll. As he passes Gabriel, he turns suddenly, facing the candidate. Shaa, still wrestling with Clyde calls out. The doll, really, just need the head.
The figure cracks his neck and shoulders, loosening them up. Yeah yeah, the doll. I know. I just want to see what the kids got. The figure pulls away his hood to reveal an older man with a deep scar over his right eye. The man is tall and slender, with white hair in a crew cut and a short white beard that is patchy. He gives an uncomfortable smile showing a couple missing teeth. The remaining teeth are yellowed and crooked. The man spits on the ground and rubs it into the dirt with his well worn brown leather boots. His hands remain hidden behind the cloak.
The man stares at Gabriel coldly. Ok junior, just take it easy on an old man. I am super frail. Hedges the formerly hooded figure. Frail as a baloth with hemorrhoids… Shaa said under his breath. Clyde starts licking his elbow. Shaa puts his face in his hands and shakes his head a bit. 20 minutes!
Adrenaline Rush- Hooded Figure
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Post by Gabriel Duros on Nov 11, 2022 10:24:39 GMT -5
It seemed his bargaining attempt had worked as Clyde quickly abandoned the fight and went after Shaa to do what any cat did - Inconvenience at the worst of times. Shaking his head and thanking his stars he assumed this meant that he had to now follow through with his bribe, something that he regretted as the Solar cost was not in his favor, but neither was being torn asunder by a displacer beast and bringing shame to his Order. In haling sharply to re-center himself he took off towards the doll only to witness the cloaked man leave the stands and become his newest obstacle in the test, "Really Shaa? You don't play fair!", his voice was amused despite his words as he shouted at the man in question.
As the Man began to talk and he was revealed to him he immediately could tell regardless of what the man said he was a formidable fighter and would no doubt be the most challenging thing that Gabriel had seen in awhile. At least more challenging then the Zombie Crocolisk he and Kamille had encountered in the swamps, "Take it easy my ass. You don't leave to that age and look like you do, which is to say you have clearly seen your share of action, without being skilled!", pausing for a moment he added, "I had viewed this place as a training grounds and stepping stone for myself but if there are more types like you and Shaa here then color me intrigued.", the words as the left his leaps were tantamount to treason within his order, as they could be construed as placing something above the Knights of Duros but none of that mattered if you were strong enough to silence the nay sayers.
Squaring up he gave a warriors bow as he did not take his eyes of the old man before he smashed his fists into each other causing flame to ignite from and over his Gauntlets. Charging forward he moved to attempt to strike a solid blow at the old mans gut with crossing right handed punch aiming to hit the solar plexus if possible, while he positioned his left hand and shield to quickly dissuade any counter attacks if any.
"I will not back down."
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Nov 11, 2022 13:45:34 GMT -5
Ohhh you are going to hit a defenseless old man? Kids these days. As Gabriel approached to strike him in the gut, the figure quickly thrust out his right hand. As he did so, a strong gust of wind burst from his hand, attempting to push Gabriel back into the moving spikes. Around the figure, small streaks of lightning started to form.
Meanwhile, Shaa finally manages to drag Clyde back to his cage and back down to the pens. We are going to have a talk about this later mister! A small roar can be heard as an automated cart slides Clyde’s cage further and further away towards the school. So far so good. Shaa thought to himself. Brave, creative solutions. But he’s not done yet. I’d rather have avoided getting Nachel involved but I don’t suppose it can be helped. Besides, when the lightning fist himself wants to help, who was he to say no?
lightning armor- Nachel Gust Thrust Nachel
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Post by Gabriel Duros on Nov 14, 2022 11:08:08 GMT -5
There wasn't much he could do as the gust buffeted him, but as a surefooted knight he didn't budge an inch his training that in particular of the Order of Duros enabled him to not only be unmoving but also inured him against magic to an extent, not that he used the techniques of that side of his training quite yet.
With him having not been moved his fist continued forward and as his opponent made no other attempt to dodge it, it collided with resounding force bolstered by the Bull's Strength Tattoo that he possessed. The magic from the lightning armor did little to him in the sense of damage as his flaming fist collided with bullish strength. A tingling was left over however as he found it difficult to move the fist accurately, as a numbing feeling was taking over his right fist as it were.
Staying in close combat but pivoting closer to the doll, he squared up with his shield as he spoke, "First rule of combat, no one who willingly steps into a fight is defenseless! Especially not a scary looking guy like you. I will not bend though, I promise you that. I Gabriel Duros of the Order of Duros challenge you to a duel then for my attempt at joining the Fighter's Guild. I will not rest until I come out on top in this challenge.", with a small laugh after the oneiromancy laced statement as it was an odd oath like binding that forced his opponent to fight him instead of doing other actions, typically something that was used for drawing ire, in this case perhaps it would give him the gap he needed to buy time to get to the doll itself, "After all you and Shaa ain't making this easy on me, that's for damn sure.", the chuckle left his lips as he awaited whatever came next in a defensive stance. Immovable Bastian: Level 2 Knight Now even sturdier than before, you have learned to anchor yourself while wearing armor. You have mastered the art of absorbing damage and shifting your weight. You can no longer be forcibly moved by spells or effects. If something would attempt to move your body or knock you down, you can ignore these effects, remaining in the same spot you were in as the effect attempted to move you.
Sworn Enemy: level 1 Mage Slayer The mage slayer has devoted themselves to fighting off magic, regardless of their reason they have chosen to target those who would wield the arcane. If an enemy would cast a spell while you can see them, you can mark that person as your sworn enemy. For the next three post you will deal double damage with your physical and martial attacks against the marked enemy. You can not choose a new sworn enemy until the duration of the current one is over and can not have more than one at any time. If your sworn enemy cast a new spell during the duration, it will not extend the duration.
Challenging Mark:
This feature allows you to call out an enemy, marking them as a challenger. This forces the marked enemy to focus their attacks and their attention on you, now their primary target. Any offensive move made, such as an attack or a cast spell must be made against you and no one else. However you must also only make offensive moves towards them. If you attack or make an offensive move against anyone that is not your marked challenger, the mark will fade. This mark will naturally last for four post, unless ended early, and has a three post cool down before it can be used again.
Sworn Enemy:
The mage slayer has devoted themselves to fighting off magic, regardless of their reason they have chosen to target those who would wield the arcane. If an enemy would cast a spell while you can see them, you can mark that person as your sworn enemy. For the next three post you will deal double damage with your physical and martial attacks against the marked enemy. You can not choose a new sworn enemy until the duration of the current one is over and can not have more than one at any time. If your sworn enemy cast a new spell during the duration, it will not extend the duration.
Spitfire Gauntlets Fire damage coupled with Bulls strength enhanced punch, Challenging Mark, and Sworn enemy.
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Nov 14, 2022 13:29:32 GMT -5
Ohhh eeee Shaa, I think you got a good one here. Said Nachel as he rubbed his side. Turning slightly, he spit a bit of blood on the ground but stayed looking unconcerned. Think he may have even cracked a rib. Shaa shook his head a bit and took some notes on a small pad. It’s just a test Nach, don’t do anything “ extra”. Nachel looked at Shaa and feigned being emotionally wounded. Pugh, you get in a bit of administration and you lose any sense if fun. You should be getting lots of useful stuff on this guy. Look, kids a rock. Watch.
Nachel makes some strange formations with his hands. As he does, a purple energy sphere, twisted and crackling forms in front of him. The sphere starts moving towards Gabriel. An lightning elemental? Really? Seriously Nach, this is the last time I ask you for anything. Shaa growled clearly irritated. Don’t be a big baby! Nachel throws a tiny charge, scortching Shaa’s shoulder a bit.
Shaa disappeared underground. Moments later , he pops up back behind Nachel and causes tremors in the immediate area. Nachel feels the vibration and hops up into the air. Got to be faster than that man! Nachel notices the pole in Shaa’s hand too late as he uses it to snack Nachel out of the air like a pop fly ball. Nachel comes crashing to the ground but rolls to absorb the impact. He hops up and grins with his discolored teeth. Shouldn’t have done that buddy. Seeing his master attacked, the elemental goes berserk and starts casting lightning at anything that moves.
Soil Surfing improvised weapons Rumbling Tremors Summon- Lightning Elemental (Nachel) Levitate ( Nachel)
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Post by Gabriel Duros on Nov 17, 2022 9:35:25 GMT -5
Continuing to maneuver himself towards the doll with ever so slight of movements while he watched what Nachel was doing, he was trying his best to keep his mind on the goal whilst defending himself and drawing the ire of the more experienced fighter. Battle mages were and always would be the thing he had spent his life learning to fight and this was no different, although the man had a great repertoire of spells at his disposal it seemed and that was enough to warrant caution at the very least.
"I appreciate the enthusiasm sir but I gotta warn you, I will not back down once given a duty!", his eyes flickered as he saw the man summon the elemental and then what happened between Shaa and Nachel, the chaos of the moment was probably the only thing that he could use to help himself in this situation, at least that was the dominant thought in his mind.
"Thanks for the help Shaa! Really appreciate it~", Keeping his shield pointed towards the elemental and the others he took a deep breath before he focused himself and charged with a speed previously hidden, his enhanced strength and his training coming in to full effect as he moved at inhuman speed to the doll and grabbed it in a rolling tumble, taking care to cradle its head.
Very rarely did he charge with all of his might, and the act of doing so was tiring to say the least. He had secured the doll, but whatever happened next was his best guess.
Rushing Charge:
You continue to get comfortable in your armor, your movements fluid and quick. As long as you are wearing your armor and have a shield attached you can charge across the battlefield, rushing into the fray. You may activate this charge which last for only a brief second, sending you dashing forward at incredibly high speeds. Your movement is double for this dash, allowing you to move at inhuman speeds. This dash allows you to close the gap or even use your own body as a weapon. Can only be used twice per topic. (1/2 uses remaining)
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Nov 17, 2022 14:52:22 GMT -5
The lightning elemental perceives Gabriel’s quick movements and rushes after him. As he gets close, the elemental shoots a bolt of lightning at the doll that he is carrying. Nachel starts to laugh. A mission is a mission right?
Shaa looks over at the charging elemental while keeping an eye on Nachel. Ughh this is getting out of hand. He mutters to himself. Shaa rushes at Nachel. Nachel laughs as energy continues to crackle over his body. I wouldn’t do that if I were you…Nachel says in a sing song kind of way. Shaa attempts to punch him the arm. Nachel leaves himself open for the strike, waiting his armor to take effect for the counter attack. Just before Shaa’s fist makes contact, claws of dark energy burst from his fist, slashing Nachel’s arm and making it go limp. What the As the first strike connects, Shaa’s second strike connects nearly severing his arm. Nachel falls backwards into the field. We’re in an immortality field, who’s the big baby now?
With Nachel out of commission for the moment, Shaa rushes towards Gabriel and the still crazy lightning elemental.
two piece Eldrich Claws lightning armor Nachel
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