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| The Paladin and the Savage; For Andumi | |
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| Topic Started: Jun 24 2009, 10:54 AM (169 Views) | |
| Sujin | Jun 24 2009, 10:54 AM Post #1 |
Emperor of Flames
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The immortal roamed his city streets this day with no goal in mind, doing nothing more than admiring the work the people have done. Taking the foundation of the city that he built and turning it into something grander then he himself envisioned. A place where those whom do not fit into normal society could live freely, where strength ruled rather than corruption. Warriors made their own justice, followed their own rules and lived their own lives. They needed not some figure telling them what to do… Sujin removed himself from the running of this place, although the one true Emperor of Preah, he allowed the people to govern themselves, only stepping forward when asked. Almost as if his feet carried him there on purpose, the immortal found himself in the lower ward. The Fang snickered to himself, no matter how regal and royal he attempted to become, or tried to appear what was within would never change. So with a great yawn, his hands appeared at the back of his head as he walked along the dirt and stone streets of the Lower Ward. Taking his time to watch the many armed warriors from all walks of life roam the streets, the sounds of steel clashing and roars of combat echoing within the many allies, ah… a sound he would never get tiered of. |
 "Limits? I have none."- Sujin "This is only the beginning!"- Sujin }{Preah|Woari|Desc|Armory}{ }{Sujin Theme}{ }{Dian Theme}{ PhantomInventory | |
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| Shalerin | Jun 24 2009, 11:21 AM Post #2 |
A Painter and a Pacifist
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Shalerin tried hard not to breathe through her nose. She tried, but it was almost as bad as breathing through her mouth. The very stone reeked of blood, sweat, oil, and death. Idly she wished Selena had granted her the ability to go without air so that she could fight and travel without fatigue, but she wasn't so impudent or arrogant as to ask the Goddess for something as trivial as that. Shalerin had heard stories about Preah, the fabled City of the Sword. It was apparently common knowledge that though the Lord of Flame, Sujin, ruled this city, though it was perhaps only mostly in name. What most people hadn't heard, and what Shalerin was only told in the utmost secrecy before coming here, was that the servants of Selena, including several Paladins and their novice apprentices, had gone missing inside the city after venturing inside the lawless and chaotic region known as the Lower Ward. Naturally, Shalerin was here to make sure that it didn't happen again. And of course, she was going to do it in traditional Shalerin style. She picked out a particularly large and savage looking warrior, tapped his shoulder, and when he turned to face her, she grabbed his face in her palm and proceeded to slam his head into the ground with sudden and almost certainly fatal force the likes of which even these warriors would be impressed with. "Thus is the fate of those who harm the servants of the Goddess Selena. Whom among you would dare to contest Her Will with the Seventh Tower of the Light, Shalerin Nalevrin?" Shalerin's challenge was met with grins and leers from the men surrounding her. They thought, evidently, that because she was stupid enough to one: enter the Lower Ward as a woman, and two: that she worshipped the Goddess of Magic, that'd she'd be more of the 'mage' type. They had evidently already forgotten their slightly twitching comrade lying in a pool of his own blood on the ground at Shalerin's feet. They drew their weapons. She drew hers. A few minutes passed. There were a lot of them, after all, and more just kept ambling in and joining. It ended when Shalerin, covered in blood and gore not her own, looked down and inspected her person. Apart from being covered in blood, she appeared completely unharmed. Those who had happened to be in her immediate vicinity at the time were not so lucky. Immediately she knelt down and prayed, her head resting upon the pommel of her greatsword, thanking the Goddess for protecting her and guiding her strikes with her Holy Will. After her prayer, she realized she was a little out of breath. So, deciding to take a tactical cessation in her religious purges, she stacked up the remains as best she could and gave them all a cursory death-prayer, as she had been taught. Then, asking for the dead's forgiveness, she arranged the bodies in a crude barricade and leaned against the opposite wall, keeping her sword in one hand and her prayerbook in the other as she regained her momentum for the next alley. |
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Shalerin Corus Haeli Nalevrin The Heirlooms of a Broken Crown Andumi's Army: A Character List "Death, or healing - I care not which you seek." - Shalerin | |
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| Sujin | Jun 24 2009, 11:54 AM Post #3 |
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Emperor of Flames
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More echo’s of pain and defiance, louder than normal and it made the immortal curious. Someone or something was causing trouble here in the lower ward. But what exactly was going on? Who knew? So with a heavy sigh, Sujin continued on his way until he crossed paths with someone dashing across the main road and into another ally. “Oi! Stop there lass, lemme have a word witcha.” Sujin started as the large woman halted, standing taller than Sujin and hefting an axe easily her size. The woman eyed Sujin for a moment, as if trying to see if he was truly whom he appeared to be. “Aye whadda need m’lord?” She started, and it was then Sujin knew… she was new to the city of Preah. “No need ta call me lord or nuttin like that. Sujin or Suj’ll do lass. Whats the hurry? Someone else start ah fightclub or sumn?” The immortal asked as he headed off in the direction she was going before she was stopped. The giant of a woman kept pace and answered all of his questions with haste correcting herself every now and then from calling him “lord” or “master.” Apparently there was some paladin of Selena was dishing out her “divine retribution” in these allies because some others of her order continue to disappear as they dive into the blood soaked alleyways of the Lower Ward. When will they learn? The Sword rules here, Strength rules here… Honor rules here. Not faith, magic, or some god. When men and women of faith come they are not bothered hell they have an entire district dedicated to them alone they had no right to come unto the grounds of savages and cut throats spewing their “holy” nonsense on ears that a deaf to all but challenges of strength rather than changes of faith. And well it wasn’t long before Sujin along with the woman that accompanied him closed in on the would be paladin and the show of her martial might. Impressive, she had skill and she obviously didn’t rely on her god alone for strength. No the strength in her arms was her own and for that, Sujin would let the first few bodies be forgiven, they died with honor and against a superior opponent. “Oi, holy chick turn round lemme get a look atcha, needa see the face of the woman actin a fool down ere.” The immortal asked as his arms crossed over his chest, the Axe woman obviously ready to challenge her, and well… Sujin wasn’t going to stop her. It was her right afterall. |
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"Limits? I have none."- Sujin "This is only the beginning!"- Sujin }{Preah|Woari|Desc|Armory}{ }{Sujin Theme}{ }{Dian Theme}{ PhantomInventory | |
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| Shalerin | Jun 24 2009, 02:33 PM Post #4 |
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A Painter and a Pacifist
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Shalerin took a deep breath as she was addressed by the large, grizzled man with the accent. She had completed only up to Level Two of her trance meditation, but that was still enough for her to regain much, if not all, of her energy. Placing her prayerbook away slowly and deliberately, she picked up her blade, and with a tilt of her head, realigned her neck with a loud *snick*. "Ah. You must be the ruler of this city, the Immortal, Sujin. My greetings and Salutations to you. As I am representative of my Goddess, I would never think of questioning the faith you hold in the gods, as I have heard you've even fought some of them yourself. Truly, your skill surpasses my own by leaps and bounds. If you wish my name, I am honored to inform you that I am called Shalerin Nalevrin, a humble Paladin of the Holy Goddess Selena. But this one," she indicated the female warrior with the battle axe by pointing the tip of her greatsword at her with one hand, "Tell me, warrior, do you walk in the Light?" her voice was flat and soft, but much more deadly for it being so. The warrior was a little taken aback at this, of course. "Well, o course I walk in the Light, same as my mother and father. So what about it?" the axe wielder challenged Shalerin, attempting to stand tall and intimidate the paladin. Shalerin, by this time, had become bored with the woman's antics, and had pulled out her prayerbook again, evidently looking up something studiously with her free hand. "...'And Chaos is to Law as Evil is to Good. Therefore, combat Chaos wherever you may find it and bring the Light of the Law unto the darkened world.' That was one of the teachings of the first Champion of Order. So tell me, then, ye who claim to walk in the Light, why do you enjoy participating in the Chaos of this den of the Dark?" Shalerin stared at her unwaveringly. Evidently she was seriously waiting for an actual answer. The warrior, to her own credit, looked incredibly dismissive and bewildered at the same time. "It's not about anything as complex as Good or Evil, Paladin! It's about fighting to see who's the best! Gaining glory and honor on your name to bring pride to your ancestors! In this city, the Sword, not the Gods, rule! That's why it's a fighter's paradise!" the poor creature was actually enthusiastic about this, apparently, making Shalerin merely shake her head sadly and put away the prayerbook again. "....Really? Such a simple, yet heartwarming statement." her eyes blazed with righteous (was it?) fury suddenly as she moved faster than anyone would have expected from a woman her size and weighed down with that much gore, chopping off the arms that held the battleaxe in one flawless motion. "Too bad I don't know my ancestors. I only know the Light and the Law, and the Goddess of Magic whom I serve and who protects me. Your vaunted strength has failed to a superior power. Now I shall end your misery. Sleep well, warrior." Shalerin half-prayed, half shouted as she followed up the blow with a severing of the woman's head from her shoulders. With a swift twirl of her blade, the gore covering it flew off and splattered what was still clean of the walls. As she sheathed her blade, she bowed slightly to Sujin. "My apologies, My Lord, if I have overstepped my bounds. But you must understand that the Faith does not call for cowardice and subversion. It compels those of my kind to actively seek out and fight those who would harm the faithful, or attempt to undermine our goals. We, as Paladins seek to combat Evil wherever it may manifest, and Evil can manifest anywhere. But it doesn't matter now. My mission is complete. Our watchers at the Temple informed me that this was the specific area in which the perpetrators responsible for the disappearances of our clergy usually gathered. The woman's death....Perhaps I was too zealous. But it matters not. I understand the philosophy of this city, My Lord, and while I serve the Goddess of Magic, I also understand the value of a strong sword arm. My official work here is concluded, but if you would permit me, I was hoping that I could at least engage some others in duels of nonlethal skill. Or, if that is asking too much, competitions of strength. My body is my temple to house the Will of the Goddess, and if the temple is weak, then Her Will cannot be done. I must always train to exceed the level of excellence, My Lord, and this city, while certainly lacking in spiritual richness, is a much better proving ground for me than a monastery. If you would allow it, My Lord, please let me remain here. I will even swear to use only my bare hands, and to attack without lethal intent, if necessary." Never before had Shalerin shown anyone of a higher status this sort of frankness, but that was because the air of this place was beginning to become infectious. Already she thought that becoming a renowned champion of arms here would surely reflect positively upon her in the eyes of her superiors at her monastery. "I must gain more strength....so that Light may overcome all...." she said to herself while still bowing. |
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Shalerin Corus Haeli Nalevrin The Heirlooms of a Broken Crown Andumi's Army: A Character List "Death, or healing - I care not which you seek." - Shalerin | |
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| Sujin | Jun 25 2009, 05:08 AM Post #5 |
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Emperor of Flames
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Ah strength, the one thing Sujin respected more than anything in the world. For from strength came everything else. With strength one has loyalty, with strength one can become honorable, and with strength courage is born. This was something that was tried, tested and true… for Preah was built upon these principles and it was the same reason that the immortal did not hold any ill will towards her even if she was false ranting about a god that would not of sent its followers into a den of beasts to begin with. But it was her own choice, and it was these warriors whom underestimated them. Low class scum actually, knew nothing of what true strength was… and it was no surprise that they fell so easily. However, the fact that the woman dispatched the axe wielding female next to him was kind of saddening. She had potential to become something great… and well allowed her pride get in the way of her honor. There was no honor in dying a meaningless death, no valor in facing an opponent you had no hope of beating, especially when there was no reason for it other than foolish pride. But… what can you do? This is how Preah was run, and this is how its people lived and died. But this woman, this holy woman was walking dangerously close to the line of murder. The true beasts of the Lower Ward would be shaken from their slumber… and this one would probably meet the same fate as the others before her. As a final farewell, the immortal chose to send the warriors who have fallen to this greater one off in a pyre of ebon flames. Burning so quickly that there was no smell of flesh, no smoke, so intensely and so hot that there was nothing left no weapons, no armor, no bones nothing but dark spots in where they once lay. As the woman spoke her longwinded speech, Sujin looked to the sky; as if he could visibly see their spirits wonder and pass on into the waiting embrace of Lady Kailyah and with a slight sigh, he turned his eyes back to the “paladin” in question as she slowly begun to end her rant. This one… was not everything she appeared to be… no rather she was attempting to be something she was not. It… caught his eye as if she was something more maybe? The skill with a blade was not natural, her movements too smooth too polished beyond that of even the greatest swordsmen Sujin has known in his life time. And it was then that it hit him. “Ah so you are what they call a ‘Prodigy’ eh? Too smooth lass…too smooth. Anyway I dun care whatcha do while within this city… jus be careful who ya drop ya ‘divine judgments’ on cause that can be seen as murda ere in the Lower Ward.” Sujin’s tone was sharp, but he meant well at least. “Sides… I’d keep that blade o-yours close as possible. The whelps ya took out just now are nothing compared to the beasts that really lurk in this place. Scum off ya boots these lot, and a babe of an axe wielder s’all ya dealt with.” The immortal answered her, nodding her head back down the path he came. As if telling her to come and walk a mile or two… maybe show her exactly what she may end up stirring up within these walls of steel and stone. |
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"Limits? I have none."- Sujin "This is only the beginning!"- Sujin }{Preah|Woari|Desc|Armory}{ }{Sujin Theme}{ }{Dian Theme}{ PhantomInventory | |
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| Shalerin | Jun 25 2009, 03:04 PM Post #6 |
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A Painter and a Pacifist
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Shalerin blinked slightly at the the Ruler of Preah's open and casual use of magic in a city where even he recognized strength. Of course, now that she thought about it, what was she even doing, serving a neutral Goddess of Magic, when she valued her sword and her strength more than some spell. Of course, she did understand and was even a user of magic, too, but of a holy nature, and not the arcane torrents beyond the world that Selena was said to study. She stood, taken aback by the definition of what she had done as murder. Murder was a sin, one of the greatest sins, such an act of obvious evil that nearly anyone would shun or attack one branded as a taker of life in such a way. However, she was justified in her deeds. After all, it was holy vengeance. As Suj walked away, Shalerin felt an urge to follow. Perhaps it was her curiosity at where the Lord of the City was going; perhaps it was her destiny calling to her. Or perhaps it was eagerness for Suj to bring her closer towards these 'beasts' he mentioned. Following closely behind and to the left of Sujin, she held her sword aloft in her left hand, the hand she preferred fighting and writing with, resting the flat of the blade firmly yet casually on her shoulder. "Lord Sujin, I thank you for the compliment. But who, or what, are these beasts you speak of here? Are they powerful? Do they pose a threat to you or to the balance of Law and Chaos in the world? And where can I find the strength to defeat them, if I cannot do so now?" Shalerin was impressed with the raw aura of power that Sujin commanded merely with his presence.....it made her own skill look like a child's drawing of a master's greatest work. She found herself drifting, her compass of self-guidance drifting back and forth between Faith and Strength....and she was beginning to fear which one she would choose. |
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Shalerin Corus Haeli Nalevrin The Heirlooms of a Broken Crown Andumi's Army: A Character List "Death, or healing - I care not which you seek." - Shalerin | |
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| Sujin | Jun 26 2009, 07:35 PM Post #7 |
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Emperor of Flames
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Ah but magic and what Sujin did are two different things, especially for his type. Firstly the immortal was of dragon blood, said to be the true pinnacle of what magic can be... there is no magic like dragon magic, and is why its feared the most when a dragon becomes a lich. No, Sujin used the flow of “chi” in his body to do things that most would consider magic, yet there is truly only one thing the immortal does that is without a doubt magical in nature. His transformation, to compress himself into human form or stand glorious over all in his colossal dragon form. Sujin was bound to flame, it was imprinted unto his very soul... and in the end it would one day consume it... he did not conjure magical fire, instead produced natural fire, bending it to his will rather than commanding it, asking for its bidding rather than forcing it. He, like druids worked with nature rather than attempting to dominate a force that is as old as magic itself. With a scratch of his chin, Sujin continued down the alley way listening well to what the paladin had to say. A curious one she was, hot blooded too even if she wouldn't admit it. To actively seek out those who are without a doubt stronger than she was something that reminded him well of his past. Fool hardy with a lot to prove, Sujin wouldn't back down from a challenge even if it meant his death. Blind to how things work, and to how such things tarnished his honor. Nothing wrong with showing courage even in the face of absolute defeat, but there is a problem when one does not accept that defeat. Sujin... was a man that could not accept anyone stronger than he... so as time went on he continued to destroy the myth and legends of the time with his power and well... became hated for it. But this one, this one had time to understand and know her limits, rather than to seek his world out... she would do well to understand the one she lived in. “Eh couldnt tell ya where they be. They live they own lives n do they own thing ya... but as ta posing a threat to me? Ha! Tha bloody Gods dun pose a threat ta me, even tha mighter Old Ones. Anyway, why such a rush lass? Dun needa go swinging about that claymore fa no reason now. Remember BIG difference between murda n killin in these parts. Gotta do it with honor, not that blind faith ah yours.” Sujin answered her as they made their way out of the ally, only for him to bump (figuratively speaking) into a member of his own clan. Which was... kind of scary seeing as Sujin was deliberately keeping them out of the equation. This one would have no chance against Dian warriors, whelps maybe... but no veteran that has returned from their rite. Specially this particular warrior... her skill with steel would be tested greatly. Standing shorter than most at barely an average height, and it didn't make it better that his cloak devoured the entirety of his form. The man that currently stood before Sujin and the Paladin was Kaono, a youth of Sujin's very own clan and said to be one of the generation that would soon overtake the “Invincible Chieftain” and his own generation. “Chief, I have returned from my rite and I come to you to gain my woads.” Cold and empty words from the boy who kneel before Sujin, hidden beneath his cloak. Sujin turned about so that all three could see the main street, especially the holy one behind her. “This might be a bit unfair, but cha wanted to meet a beast ya? Well.. ere a monsta for ya. Beast umong beasts. Kid from my clan about wha? 18 winters lad? Aye, he'll show ya the gap between ya strength and ours. Oi, Kaono duel this lady ere... n dont hold back an ounce.” Sujin half commanded and half asked as he pointed to the woman with the blade as tall as she. Would she accept the challenge? |
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"Limits? I have none."- Sujin "This is only the beginning!"- Sujin }{Preah|Woari|Desc|Armory}{ }{Sujin Theme}{ }{Dian Theme}{ PhantomInventory | |
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| Shalerin | Jun 27 2009, 12:52 AM Post #8 |
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A Painter and a Pacifist
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As Shalerin looked at the young man, even younger than her, she stared intensely at him, trying to peer into his soul so as to ascertain his quality. Of course, she couldn't do that, not yet, at least, but she could at least duel this young man, and see the vaunted strength of warrior of the Dian clan, a clan whose exploits and feats of martial prowess and strength were whispered of in soldier's barracks, and sung of in bard's lays. Again, she looked at Sujin....a man who was so powerful as to rule both the Dian, Preah, and even challenge the Gods themselves and hold his own, all while fighting, not for a holy cause, but honor....she realized that she might be infatuated with the The Lord of Flames; it was a situation she'd never come across, but she knew that it all was born from the immense respect she had for the power that the Invincible Chieftain of the Dian held. Shalerin came to a realization then; what was the Law, if only an establishment created by men much like Sujin, to bring order and justice to the concept of honor? After all, honor was gained only by triumphing over an opponent of equal or greater skill for a justifiable reason, and the Law punished those who would assault those weaker than them, to prevent the loss of one's honor while removing the honor of the one who had perpetrated the infraction. This train of logic was still rather vague in Shalerin's mind, but she understood enough to realize that she didn't need to serve a deity to follow in the ways of the Light. Though it pained her to even think such a thing against the teachings of her instructors, she understood that her life was her own, and shouldn't have been used as a tool for creatures who held too much idle power in their own rights. But the time for philosophies was over. She had a challenge to undertake. She casually flipped her blade down from her shoulder and twirled it experimentally, testing for weaknesses in the balance, the steel, and the edge, before being satisfied enough to let it rest at her side. "Very well. If it is your wish, Sujin, then I shall duel this man as a test of my skills with the blade. I must admit, I am very curious to see what you can do, Kaono. On the one hand, you are younger than me, so I would normally have the advantage of experience and skill against you. On the other, you are of the Dian, and your clan's strength and its training methods must be far harsher than my own, so you probably can outclass me in raw power. Before we begin, may I ask you one question? Would you like me to fight with, or without my armor?" Shalerin accepted Sujin's challenge readily, bringing her blade up, choosing to hold it with two hands this time to increase the force behind her strikes. Not to mention the added bonus of using that second arm to suddenly grapple when an opponent believed her to have her hands full. Edited by Shalerin, Jun 27 2009, 12:53 AM.
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Shalerin Corus Haeli Nalevrin The Heirlooms of a Broken Crown Andumi's Army: A Character List "Death, or healing - I care not which you seek." - Shalerin | |
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| Kaono | Jun 28 2009, 03:55 PM Post #9 |
The Stormbringer
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Sujin said no more as he faded from the presence of the two on main street. Taking up a high position on a nearby building, the immortal would watch the upcoming duel with curiosity. He wondered... just how powerful did Kaono become? And how was it that he was returning so early from his rite for the woads of a warrior? It was strange, for this one returned quicker than even he himself did. 4 Years passed before Sujin felt himself ready to return to Dian... and yet... Kaono has barely been gone a year. What was his secret... something that Sujin and many others did not possess. Was he too one of these Prodigies, gifted with things that they need not work for? No... the youth was weak before he left Dian... extremely so, as if a disgrace to the clan itself. The youth stood at his full height, which was not too tall in the first place. It as as if Kaono was not standing there in the first place, as if he did not truly exist. Only by looking at him, seeing him with your own two eyes did you know he stood there. The complete opposite of many who naturally commanded a presence unlike any other... when Kaono here commanded none. Though as she asked her question, the youth shrugged, not really caring ether way. As a savage he was taught to fight with as little armor as possible, to move swiftly and strike harshly, removing any fear of damage any fear of pain and striving forward with steel in hand ready to dish out twice as much to any whom dealt him the same blow. It is up to you. Chief says to fight you so I will. I wont hold back.” The thick cloak that swallowed his form fell from his body, revealing the ashen hair that covered his head, unkempt and wild. His upper body riddled with countless scars each of which had a story to tell. On his hips rested four blades, thats right. Four. Each leg itself housed a sheath for a dagger, a walking armory and it was quite evident that with his steps before hand and even now as he moved backwards to purposely give the woman free reign over her larger weapons range, and yet he too would make use of the reach of the Greatsword for his own purposes. One of the four blades was drawn, Alpha held in his right and in the palm down position... reverse grip. Which in itself would be odd for a longsword to be wielded as such. Kaono was no armature, and has developed his own fighting style... this one would soon know that this wolves fangs far outreached her own. Within his chest, his heart began to beat, pump, and pulse faster pumping blood and adrenaline into his muscles as he took a deep breath finalizing her chance to back down with a quote that would become famous over the years. “Come... Show me what your kind calls fury.” His words cold, as silver eyes focused unto the woman before him... Prey in his eyes... just prey. |
 "Come... Show me what your kind calls fury."-Kaono "If your blade is drawn... then cut."-Kaono }|{Description}|{}|{Theme Song}|{}|{Inventory}|{ PhantomInventory | |
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| Shalerin | Jul 2 2009, 12:34 PM Post #10 |
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A Painter and a Pacifist
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Shalerin stared at the young man with an intensity some would call hate. But an experienced warrior, a veteran of at least a dozen winters, would recognize that sort of stare as the death trance a berserker went into just before battle, to ensure they would continue no matter the injury. Shalerin had refused to shed her armor. Noting the number of his swords against her own, she knew that her reach and possibly superior leverage against him in a saber lock would be the only real advantages she'd have. For the first time in a very long time, she'd actually have to try and defeat him with all her skill. Slowly she settled her stance into Cat Crosses the Courtyard, an arrogant, bouncing saunter made even more difficult by the fact that it was nearly impossible to perform successfully in armor. Nevertheless, she did it, and did it admirably. Her blade rose to aim itself just to the left of Kaono's chest. She knew that a blow that close would most certainly be blocked by his blades. Indeed, she was counting on it. She was the first to strike, with an elegant and smooth charge straight for Kaono that rapidly and effortlessly switched into a curving arc for his neck while her leg swung out with a rapid, albeit slowed by the armor, strike to undercut his stance. Her right hand left its place at the bottom of her sword's hilt and simultaneously went to grab for Kaono's neck. Well, not exactly his neck. Expecting a dodge, she reached lower and wider with her hand so as to grapple him with ease. Of course, absolute accuracy was demanded by this sort of coordinated assault, and if she missed, she'd be missing a finger or two, if not a good portion of her hand. Not that she had any doubts about her ability. Her gaze was locked on to the smaller man's torso, but her peripherals were kept open to watch for the blades. Knowing she was exposed where her armor joined, she shifted her weight again, anchoring herself and focusing her energy into the earth, into what the Monks of her Order called "The Grounding of Chi". Conveniently, it also served to close up any gaps in her defense as well. She wasn't entirely sure how this redirection of her energy worked, but enough practice had shown her that she became at least three times heavier, and four times harder to move, when an opponent struck her while using this technique. She breathed deeply and slowly throughout all of this, maintaining her chakras' opened states and continuing to produce as much battle energy as she could. She didn't know why, but she felt tears streaming silently down her face. And she was smiling. Why was this? Shalerin wasn't sure, but perhaps she'd finally found another Prodigy who would not feel the searing burn of her shining Light, but instead rival, match, and even possibly surpass her own. For the first time possibly in her life, Shalerin was feeling the true ecstatic joy that battle could bring. Edited by Shalerin, Jul 3 2009, 12:13 AM.
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Shalerin Corus Haeli Nalevrin The Heirlooms of a Broken Crown Andumi's Army: A Character List "Death, or healing - I care not which you seek." - Shalerin | |
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| Kaono | Jul 3 2009, 05:30 AM Post #11 |
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The Stormbringer
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Lieges of their own, these warriors, Kaono himself said to be the peak of this generation’s strength. Yet, what was it that drove him to become so strong when just years ago, as a child hell still a child he was such a weak boy. Mind, body and spirit he was weak and could have been broken easily by anyone whom even felt like doing it. But something in his past made him snap… he broke this is true but what came of it was something different… more so did he bottle things up inside rather than expressing them. Creating a beast unlike no other, caged within by mental chains and bars, limits he himself did not know he placed… until that day. Until this day, the heart inside him pumped and as it did such Kaono reacted to the attack presented to him. First was the thrust as she charged forward, in that split second Kaono reacted and pressed his own attack. A half step to the left and a full frontal sprint as he himself charged reading the rhythm of her bounce, of her attack and almost as if he felt that the slash was coming… ducked beneath the blade as it came gunning for his neck. Her beat was predictable. Well trained but far too easy to feel, this one was the best type of opponent for Kaono. Soldiers and those trained in the art of battle all have similar rhythms that don’t change. As his head ducked beneath the sword so that now his frame was on the right Kaono made his move. Without halting his momentum the wolf planted his right foot and pivoted around Alpha swinging in a wide spinning arc. This spin move removed his prior path of charging forward, thus removing the threat of grappling as he himself begun his attack. With the might of his overloading muscles, his Blitz had begun. Alpha came crashing down behind her with a straightforward attack using its edge like a hammer more so than a blade aiming to connect fully with her armor and rattle what was inside it. To smash her armor and obliterate the wearer… the savage’s way of fighting, and Kaono was one of those that perfected it. Though Kaono was not finished, no Right from the start he would unleash his full power as he simultaneously drew Omega. “Reign of Blades” Kaono whispered as he continued his assault. His muscles reacted to the dangerously fast beating of his heart as it struggled to keep up with the demand of blood and strength that Kaono was pressing upon his body. The first time in combat did Kaono release this technique… the first time it would be combat tested. Omega and Alpha attacked simultaneously, his right handed blade aimed at her sword arm shoulder; Omega came blazing upwards in a slash to that very same arm’s elbow. The 3rd set of blows continued to reign down on her with almost no time in between, Alpha again leading the assault this time with Kaono positioned behind her fully. The Dragonforged sword’s aim was her right ribcage again as the blade would attempt to crash into her armor like a hammer. Omega followed suit by sweeping low and attacking her left knee, though with the angle of the arc, it would continue forward and assault the right knee as well. As omega finished its arc an odd beat, coming from him this time his heart? Immediately Kaono ended the assault and leapt backwards giving her yet again sure clear distance to use the reach of her massive blade. His heart slowed its beating, the irregular rhythm slowly returning to normal. Hmm… he couldn’t use the technique in combat yet… too much stress on his heart still… that would have to change. But for now, his first attacks should lead her to understand just how wide the gap between the two of them were… and if not. There was still more the youth could unleash… his ultimate attack? No… but he still had his swordplay. All the while Sujin sat atop a roof in amazement, stunned at Kaono’s progress. Actively did he watch his movements, mapping each and every step he took... and yet even with his confidence in his ability to battle… he doubted that if Kaono kept going… he wouldn’t have been able to stop that onslaught. Strange really, to see his movements fully, clear as day and yet… not be able to stop them? |
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"Come... Show me what your kind calls fury."-Kaono "If your blade is drawn... then cut."-Kaono }|{Description}|{}|{Theme Song}|{}|{Inventory}|{ PhantomInventory | |
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| Shalerin | Jul 5 2009, 04:44 AM Post #12 |
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A Painter and a Pacifist
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Shalerin's pupils contracted as her brain registered the pain from the devastating blows she was given. Fortunately, her armor seemed to be holding up. Unfortunately, it appeared that her sword was going to be useless in this sort of fight; her opponent was just too fast. She spat up blood as she began to recover already from the rain of blows the smaller man had dealt her. This was serious. He really wasn't going to hold back. She looked at Kaono. She looked at her blade. She visualized his speed once more in her mind, searching for weak points in his assault. She frowned slightly as she anchored her blade down into the earth, several inches down, and discarded the sheath as well. "An impressive move, warrior. However, I get the feeling it could have used some work. Why don't you stop treating me like a guinea pig for your techniques and start treating me like an adversary worthy of a warrior of the Dian. You dishonor me with your fighting style!" Shalerin's words were tinted with a hint of anger, but she didn't stop her battle trance. She was getting really riled up, now. Her arms and legs, as well as her right ribcage, felt bruised, but Shalerin accepted the pain, welcomed it, made it part of her essence of being, and moved past it, as she had been taught. However fast this man was, his blows, while critical, were relatively weak. Mentally, she was glad she'd held the armor. His speed was easily able to outstrip her own, and she'd have to resort to a more up close fighting style to take advantage of her superior size and weight. The blade was just an invitation for Kaono's counterattacks. Redirecting her energy, she changed the flows from going into the ground to flowing into her arms and legs, restoring her strength and stamina greatly, as well as slightly increasing her speed with her legs, and greatly increasing her speed with her fists. She'd need it. She changed her stance once more, into another, different, defensive stance. Weaving the Loom was a complex maneuver, made harder by the fact that one had to wait for an enemy to attack from multiple vectors in order to establish a consistent level of protection on the user's body. She extended her hand, her fingers flat, and made the traditional goading "come hither" gesture of warriors confident in their skill. This time, she would be the one to retaliate with crippling force. She didn't need a blade for this one. She even wondered why she was the one to make the first move. A tactical blunder, on her part. Now she remembered, albeit a little too late, that it was always the defender who had the upper hand when it came to attack. Edited by Shalerin, Jul 5 2009, 04:46 AM.
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Shalerin Corus Haeli Nalevrin The Heirlooms of a Broken Crown Andumi's Army: A Character List "Death, or healing - I care not which you seek." - Shalerin | |
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| Kaono | Jul 5 2009, 01:39 PM Post #13 |
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The Stormbringer
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It didn’t bother the youth that his reign had failed to end her. In fact it was all in preparation for later dates. Against armored opponents, even the crushing force of his over-clocked muscles would do little damage, even to the flesh inside the shell of steel. Calculations, learning experiences, these are the things that caused the wolf to grow to become stronger than what he has become already. She was sharp, and the young savage found that… intresting. Unlike so many, she was one who did not underestimate him, she didn’t take him for granted, didn’t think that just because he didn’t “feel” powerful didn’t mean he was. A joke to Dian no longer… and as she called for seriousness… well… at least another type of seriousness, she should have been honored that he would reveal the incomplete ultimate technique to her. But with a shrug and a sigh the youth sheathed both blades and turned to his side slightly so that his right shoulder would lead into her. As the warrior woman beckoned him, Kaono reacted. Quickly from his belt did he pull off a reverse draw from his right hip instead of his left. The blade chosen was Heaven’s Howl… a magical blade that held dominion over air… sister to Ashmorne and Discord. From her edge burst forth a gust of wind comparable to that of the greatest storms. Blowing out any windows that may have been left un-shattered, the woman before him would have easily been blown down armor and all. The she-sword returned to her sheath as Kaono changed his footing so that he faced her ripping free almost simultaneously as Heaven returned home was Discord, again from her edge came forth cobalt lighting that tore the ground below asunder as it traveled erratically but unmistakably towards the probably airborn armored female. If his previous attacked worked even a third as well as he hoped, her legs would be damaged enough to slow her movement… thus rendering her ability to dodge these two attacks useless. (Edit maybe?) |
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"Come... Show me what your kind calls fury."-Kaono "If your blade is drawn... then cut."-Kaono }|{Description}|{}|{Theme Song}|{}|{Inventory}|{ PhantomInventory | |
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| Shalerin | Jul 6 2009, 12:03 PM Post #14 |
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A Painter and a Pacifist
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((Maybe. Assuming I can survive this.)) Shalerin was almost bowled over by the gust of wind that emanated forth from Kaono's blade. Wind magic?! How dare he! She thought, as she hurriedly switched her stance and lowered her center of gravity, becoming forced to hold on to her sword with lightning speed as the wind threatened to bowl her over, armor and all. She had to ground herself, anchor her ki energy somehow. Reluctantly, she switched her flows back into the Grounding of Chi technique, losing her speed, but gaining the implacable force of a mountain. Ironically, and fortunately, this actually may have saved her life. The bolt of lightning, however, was another matter entirely. She couldn't dodge it. She had no magical barriers to protect her. She didn't have the time to pray for intervention, even from Selena, assuming she'd listen by now. She was forced to endure the pain, her vocal cords giving out in mid-scream as the electrical energy nearly fried her to a crisp within her armor, electrical energy crackling about her body, flowing in and out of her eyes and other orifices with impunity as her muscles spasmed wildly and painfully at the overcharge they were getting. Smoke, or steam, flowed off of her armor in hissing waves as she moved slowly and with obvious agonizing pain, not even meditation could ignore this much torment. She managed to raise her blade in salute, and even croaked out a in a hoarse voice. "I...yield...to you...Kaono...of...the Dian. It was...an...honorable....fight. Thank....you...." Unfortunately, this formal declaration of surrender took the last of Shalerin's strength, and the Blessed Prodigy, the Seventh Tower of the Light, Shalerin Nalevrin, fell that day, in the middle of what remained of a dirty street, in the roughest district, of the City of Preah. Of course, she wasn't dead, not yet, but she was severely injured. Not even she was tough enough to survive a direct hit from a lightning bolt while wearing full plate armor. |
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Shalerin Corus Haeli Nalevrin The Heirlooms of a Broken Crown Andumi's Army: A Character List "Death, or healing - I care not which you seek." - Shalerin | |
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| Sujin | Jul 8 2009, 10:07 AM Post #15 |
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Emperor of Flames
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Ah what a glorious battle, Kaono has indeed grown stronger… but what it was that drove him to become such a great warrior was beyond even the immortals perception. Something deep within, deeper than his eyes could see drove that one to become such a beast, such a savage. Even as mighty as he was, Sujin doubted he could best him in a battle blade for blade. His swordsmanship is grand… she is no slouch ether. Great things for these two in the future.” The immortal grinned deeply as he again appeared on the battlefield as the two and with slight nod; Kaono sheathed his weapons and almost instantly disappeared in the backstreets of Preah, gone. The Emperor closed in on the warrior woman cloaked in armor as the steam and small arcs of lighting jumped off her armor. As he closed in on her, his aura, the thing that allowed his body to regenerate at an accelerated rate she would be swallowed by this feeling of warmth, as if her body was being fed by everything around her. “See what I mean by monsters lass? Hell and he makes the monsters ah this District look like chumps.” Sujin started as he stat down next to the woman, letting her get her fill of regeneration. |
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"Limits? I have none."- Sujin "This is only the beginning!"- Sujin }{Preah|Woari|Desc|Armory}{ }{Sujin Theme}{ }{Dian Theme}{ PhantomInventory | |
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4:12 AM Mar 19
