Lord Arben Argonsson vs. Eldrissa Looks-West: Fight! (Loser's Bracket round 1)

[Yagathai]

Here we go.


Raucous shouts and curses of an unruly crowd fill the burned-out cellar where Lord Arben Argonsson prepares for his next fight. No fey glade or vast underground tavern this -- the loser's bracket is relegated to far less glamorous locales. A hollering mob of human spectators smells bad and looks worse, while mail-clad elves and dwarves stand silent and aloof at either end of the spectator's circle.

Ash and rusted barrel-staves crunch underfoot as Arben checks his armor, his axes and the straps of his shield. Above him, the stars twinkle through the blackened remains of burned-out roof beams.

[Tobias]

One elf strides from her clique, takes her place somewhat off-center, and bows to the dwarven assembly.

"One of your honorable kind, I've been told, is Lord Arben. I would fight him and be done with this charade."

[Tobias]

Ok, initial positioning, 6 speed + 2d stance + 1d modifier...

Possibly 1 more die, if you don't use the knife trick...

I've seem to misplaced your e-mail adress for the irony server. Could you PM it again?

(or, if you'll take this first roll without it: 6,5,2,5,1,1,6,2,1 = 4s)

[Tobias]

Ok, since Yag's replied with his e-mail adres and not replied here, I'll roll the irony server and post that result here. He's using the axe to throw, so that's the positioning advantage to him, and me with 9d.

3, 6, 2, 2, 1, 2, 1, 1, 4 = 2s! Curses!

[Yagathai]

5D Speed +1D throwing weapon length advantage = 6D

Roll 1: 5, 5, 1, 2, 3, 5 = 3 successes

We start at Optimal for both weapons (and, since I won and I get my intent, also optimal for my Axe as a striking weapon -- but don't worry, I'm not cheating, I'll use it as a thrower -- at first, anyway).

[Tobias]

Ok then!

Ex1.



Withdraw to my lunging (which I can do since we're in your Axe striking optimal, right? If I cannot do this, I maintain). 7D. Irony says: 1: 1, 5, 1, 4, 3, 1, 1 = 2s (glad this ain't WoD!, but still a sucky roll)
Avoid, defensive stance. Sing Song of Burning Bright
Avoid, defensive stance. Sing Song of Burning Bright

I probably don't need to roll the avoids, right? So, a steel roll: 2, 3, 6, 5, 4, 1 = 3s.

My hesitation is 4, so I hesitate for 1 action!

I'm not going to change any of my actions in the exchange, but you might, so I won't reveal yet. Feel free to look ahead!




RUN SCREAMING +1 D for shortest weapon (since you're positioning with a throwing axe, right?) = 8D, irony says: 1, 2, 2, 2, 5, 4, 4, 2 = 3 s to withdraw.
Avoid with defensive stance, -> CHANGED TO RUN SCREAMING
Avoid, defensive stance, Sing Song of Burning Bright. CHANGED to no defensive stance, and song does not complete.

So, 5D for being in the lock, possibly +1 ob for the withdrawing? Irony says: 3, 5, 6, 4, 5 = 4s, so that's plenty to wiggle out of the lock!

(question: could I have shifted my defensive stance bonus to the positioning test? Not that I want to, but could I have?)
(answer: no, since I drop to neutral stance from hesitation)





Maintain w. stance dice -> Changed to Maintain (without stance dice) due to hesitation. That's 6+1 (modifier) +1 (shorter weapon on the inside) = 8D, irony says:
5, 2, 5, 6, 3, 3, 3, 5 = 4s

Strike (will roll after your positioning). Using beginner's luck to slap you, my agility is 6, base ob is 1 (I think?) so becomes 2.

Irony says: 4, 2, 6, 4, 2, 4 = 4s, that's 2 over, but I dunno if that's ok for beginner's luck? If so, that would be a B4 VA0 strike, and with your face-shoving, I guess you're offering the head of that cheatin' grey armor? ;)

[Yagathai]

As I used my axe as throwing for the initial positioning, assume I am using it as a throwing weapon throughout this exchange unless otherwise noted.

V1

Positioning: Close
A1: Take Agg. Stance
A2: Use Mask

V2

Positioning: Close CHANGED TO Maintain
A1: Use Mask CHANGED TO Lock

V3

Positioning: Close
A1: Charge! FORFEITED TO Stand & Drool
A2: Acquire Target

[Yagathai]

V1 A1 positioning:

5D speed +1D throwing weapon length = 6D
Roll 1: 4, 2, 6, 2, 1, 4 = 3 successes.

We go from Optimal to Inside, which means we're on the Inside of each other. Sexy, I know.

I will be forfeiting to change an action.

[Tobias]

Go right ahead, Yag. Not changing anything.

[Yagathai]

Lord Arbenson stalks towards his elfin opponent, scowling behind his mask. He holds his shield low but his axe high, poised to either strike or toss. The elf, dancing backwards, attempts to increase the distance between them, but a fallen roof beam, partially concealed under a layer of thick soot, catches her heel.

Lord Arben takes the opportunity to rush in, mask-to-face with his opponent. He growls low in his chest. Amplified by the magic of the mask, his growl reverberates deep in the gut of all of the spectators.

(what is your hesitation going to be?)

[Tobias]

Do I have to tell in advance? I guess I do! I'll run screaming.

(you're winning, so I'm letting you do color. But I'll chip in my own, if you like!)

[Yagathai]

E1 V2 positioning: Maintain
5D Speed + 2D Stance = 7D
Roll 1: 1, 6, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2 = 2 successes

OK, we go to optimal again. Now, the Lock. It's a +2 Ob to lock from Optimal, right? And you're hesitating, so you get no ND.

E1 V2 A1: Lock
6D Power
Roll 1: 5, 1, 6, 3, 2, 6 = 3 successes - 2 ob from locking from Optimal = 1 success.

So unless I'm wrong about the Ob penalty to Locking at Optimal (I don't have my books), we're back on the Inside and I have you in a 1D Lock.

(color away!)

[Tobias]

You're right about the ob penalty from optimal and you do indeed have me in a 1D lock on the inside. (That on the inside thing is surprising to me... that second page of the lock descriptíon holds interesting surprises! :) )

I guess my V2 A2 Avoid can be applied as a 'wiggle free' action?

[Tobias]

Eldrissa aborted the haunting song she was singing, as the dwarf shoved the mask in her face and used her own gambit against her! The impelling song turned to a shriek of fright as the dwarf's axe snuck out to snag her spear, but with a shiver she regained her composure and angled the spear to slip it free easily.

The dwarf was still very, very close, though - a bad place for her to be!

[Yagathai]

My V3 positioning is Close, but since we're already on the Inside it doesn't oppose your maintain. No point rolling it.

Looks like you've got a Strike against my Stand, so go ahead and give me your best shot. Will you be taking the massive penalty to a spear blow, or will you be cross-checking me? ;)

[luke]

He positioned with his fist. Throwing weapon=Longest weapon, right?

[Yagathai]

I don't think he positioned with his fist - did he? Tobias, did you specify?

[Tobias]

I didn't specify, but I thought I was positioning with the spear because it was shorter than the axe (when used for throwing). If a throwing weapon's Longest, and I claimed my positioning bonus for shorter weapon, then either I was positioning with my fist and so must be striking with it, or I was erronously claiming my positioning bonus.

My intent was a hilt strike, but I'll settle for slapping you. Someone call it for us?

[Yagathai]

Either way makes no difference to me, Tobias. Do your thing.

[Tobias]

Well, let's take the alternative where re-rolling's not needed: I'll slap you.

And from now on, your throwing axe and my spear are just as long, I guess?

Edit: lol, that's before I realized Eldrissa has no brawl skill! Ermmm I'll beginner's luck it, I guess? :)

[Yagathai]

V3 A1 Armor Check

Roll 1: 3, 5, 5, 2, 2 = 3 successes

My V3 A2, Acquire Target, goes off unopposed.


Surprised for a split second as his opponent turns to fight instead of trying to skip away, Arben hardly notices as the elf bats ineffectually at his chest. What pointy-eared treachery was she planning?

Squinting behind his mask, the Dwarf lord adjusts his grip on his axe as he takes his opponent's measure.


I intend to bid at least one action for initiative next Exchange. Tobias?

[Tobias]

Interesting. I'll counterbid one.

[Yagathai]

Two.

[Tobias]

Ok, two. :)

[Yagathai]

Let's see how far you'll go. Three.

[Tobias]

Three. As long as I can match your bid, I don't see why it matters?

[Yagathai]

Because now we only have two actions each in the next exchange.

I'll stop the bidding there. Ready to script if you are!

[Tobias]

Lol. so you're trying to do something tricky on the volley where I/you have no action? interesting!

Ex2.



Withdraw at 7D = 5, 5, 6, 6, 2, 3, 4 = 5s, which means we withdraw, which would be to my spear's optimal, I guess? So you'd be at lunging (books not with me)?
Avoid 6D = 4, 3, 2, 4, 2, 4 = 3s - I'm guessing your strike doesn't land. Sing song of burning bright (1)




Withdraw at 8D (I think), unopposed, so I achieve my intent of going to my lunging
Take agressive stance: sing song of burning bright, both non-opposed




No Positioning
No action

[Yagathai]

Me? Tricky? Pshaw.




Volley 1
Positioning: Maintain
A1: Strike

Volley 2
Positioning: None
No actions

Volley 3
Positioning: Close
A1: Strike

[Yagathai]

Unless specified, from now on I am not using my axe as a throwing weapon.

V1 Positioning: Maintain
5D Speed +1D shortest weapon on the inside = 6D.
Roll 1: 4, 3, 6, 3, 6, 5 = 4 successes

If we stay on the Inside, this is a spiked pommel strike. Otherwise, this is a regular Axe strike.
V1 A1: Strike
6D Axe skill + 1D Dwarven weapon die + 1D Boxing ForK = 8D
Roll 1: 5, 5, 2, 2, 1, 5, 2, 2 = 3 successes (TRAITORS!) - 1 Ob for Lunging = 2 successes, which is not enough to beat your 2 success Avoid.

[Tobias]

Do you have to specify which weapon you're positioning with? I am continuing to position with my bare hands until I can get some distance from you. This means I should have the shortest weapon modifier, right?

Will roll my own when you're back and 've replied, have a good weekend.

[luke]

You're dropping your spear?

[Tobias]

Spear not dropped, E2 v1 rolled up. I'm ready for V2 if you are.

[Yagathai]

Yep, I'm at Lunging, you're at Optimal and you get your unopposed positioning intent next Volley, as I have no action.

[Tobias]

Ah, I think I see your 'trick'. Interesting.

My v2 and v3 are up. Your v3?

[Yagathai]

V3 Positioning: Close
Unopposed, so we close to my Optimal (Outside to Lunging, Lunging to Optimal)

V3 A1: Strike
6D Axe dice + 1D Brawl FoRK + 1D Dwarven weapon die = 8D
Roll 1: 1, 2, 2, 2, 6, 4, 3, 6 = 3 successes - 1 Ob for Moving Quickly = 2 successes

I'm going to spend one success to movie that to your head, so that's a B5 VA 2 Incidental strike.

[Tobias]

I am without book, but believe reinforced leather has an armor of 3 on the head?

Roll: 4, 5, 6 = 3s! *sigh of relief*

Ready for E3 scripting?


To the audience, the fight becomes a blur... it's still visible when the dwarf swings at the elf as she uses the momentum of her slap against his chest to propel herself backwards, his axe sailing harmlessly through the air where she's just been!

Then, quick as a blink, she leaps back and into a spear-high overhead agressive position, the dwarf not pressing, but letting her go - but almost the next instance, he's inside her guard again, striking a resounding blow against her helmet.. Elven leather must be tough like elven chain, since the helmet doens't, warp, just rocking her head back for a moment, long hair exploding into a cloud from the power of the blow!

[Yagathai]

Yes. And color is yours.

I open the bidding for initiative with one.

[Tobias]

I'll match your 1

[Yagathai]

Two.

[Tobias]

Ok, two.

[Yagathai]

Heh. Three.

[Tobias]

Ok, you win. I presume my bid of 2 still stands, i.e., I still have only three actions, even though my bid didn't win?

Edit: oh, and feel free to script.

[Yagathai]

Thank you.

And yes. =)

[Yagathai]

Here's the next exchange.



Volley 1
Positioning: Maintain
Action: Strike

Volley 2
Positioning: Close
Action: Strike

Volley 3
No Positioning
No Action

[Tobias]

Ok, here's mine:



Withdraw with stance dice: 9D = 2, 3, 6, 1, 5, 6, 3, 6, 5 = 5s. I want to withdraw to my lunging and your out-of-range, if possible/succesfull: I'll make the strike as if that worked:
Strike 6D = 5, 2, 5, 4, 5, 2 = 4s, if at my lunging, that's a Mark hit at whatever location you offer; Sing song of burning bright;
(Now, my assumption is that both our positioning happens before your initiative-winning strike: hopefully you're out of range. If that's not the way it works, let me know!)





Withdraw with stance dice
Strike; Sing song of burning bright






Maintain
Strike with stance dice: sing song of burning bright

[Yagathai]

Tsk tsk. Naughty peeking at my script before I'd revealed. Not that it makes much difference, granted. Anyhow, I have the option of declaring whether my Strike goes off before or after positioning. For obvious reasons, I choose before -- so your dice rolls may or may not be valid, depending on how my Strike and possibly your Armor Check goes.

V1 A1: Strike! Alas, as an Axe is Slow, it will have to be a Strike with the spriked pommel (say that ten times fast).
6D Axe skill + 1D Brawling FoRK + 1D Dwarven weapon die = 8D
Roll 1: 3, 5, 2, 5, 6, 1, 1, 4 = 4 successes

A Mark hit! Assuming your torso remains on offer, I'm going to spend 1 success to move the strike to your head. That's a B7 VA 1.

As for positioning...

V1 Positioning: Maintain
Roll 1: 3, 2, 3, 6, 4 = 2 successes.

[Tobias]

Sigh. Dunno what's with the server, but I keep getting connection lost error pages. So my post is lost.

Didn't mean to be naughty - just moving this along.

Interesting that you're allowed to strike before positioning (something I didn't know), where is that in the brown book?

My armor roll's not visible to me right now, but I had only 1s, so the hit comes through.

At this point, I'll concede the Fight!

[Yagathai]

Concede? Pity, but I guess after a B7...

The line about when initative actions go off is in the brown book, last sentence on page 164. I'll see you for more in the commentary thread.


Lord Arben stepped in and whipped his axe high, across his opponent's face. His first blow clanged off her helmet. Good workmanship, he noted idly as his blade failed to even mark his opponent's bright helm. Spinning on the balls of his feet, Arben whipped his axe back around, high again and faster than his opponent could react. He drove the wicked spike on the end of his pommel under the brim of the elf's helmet and deep into her pointy, pointy ear.

[Tobias]

Eldrissa recovers from the first stunning blow, hair falling back into place, just in time to see the spiked pommel too close to stop or avoid - and then it crashes into the side of her head, and everything goes black for a split second.

The double vision, however, stays.

"I yield, sir Dwarf."

She tries a small bow, but falls over forward instead....


(perhaps to be caught?)