Fate/Lunar Song (Nasuverse/Symphogear)
- Thread starter notthepenguins
- Start date
notthepenguins
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The US took them back during the resolution of the Frontier incident. After boatloads of therapy and rehab, they were used in a fairly similar capacity as the main three there, but a bit more sparingly; the US didn't actually have as much know-how as they thought,1 and without Ver and Nastassja they had serious troubles with proper maintenance and tuning (and LiNKER production was always a struggle, though less of a crazy mystery).
They still became friendly with Hibiki and co., but somewhat more distantly owing to their more distant relationship and only sporadic contact.
1 Neither did the 2nd Division; though Chris did become a legitimate expert on Gears and Relics and so forth, as it turned out Finè uh... left a step or two out of the Sakurai Theory. They were able to make more Gears, but only ones Finè had already done a bit of additional prep work on -- 4 at most, though I've only defined two (Laevateinn and Svallin), so it may not have grown past that.
notthepenguins
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Current vote tally:
Going to close the vote sometime tonight (6-8 hours probably).
Vote Tally : Fate/Lunar Song (Nasuverse/Symphogear) | Page 12 | Sufficient Velocity
##### NetTally 1.1.21
[X] Fight
-[X] Prefight Banter
--[X] Joke about only wanting light exercise tonight, attempt an appeal via friendliness to at least get a reaction out of him
--[X] Follow up by asking him if he was involved with what happened at the motel while doing all of this.
--[X] Ask Jordan to get to safety and leave this to you. If she refuses, then have her observe the fight and keep an eye out for the enemy master. Make it known that you are concerned about your master. An enemy that underestimates your master is best.
---[X] Covertly tell her that if things look really bad, be prepared to use a Command Seal to make you teleport her and yourself to a safe location, without revealing that location in the command.
-[X] Get in close and get punching, to negate his range advantage and do what we do best. Time to put those years of training to good use.
--[X] If a grapple can be landed to further negate his agility and reach, all the better. To bad he has better strength too.
-[X] After you've felt out each others' combat abilities, ask to be allowed to retreat, appealing to his desire for a good fight. Promise that if he gives you some time, you'll be able to offer him a much more interesting battle.
--[X] If unable to retreat, even by using Prana Burst to improve our Agility, ask Jordan to use a Command Seal for an instantaneous retreat.
No. of Votes: 2
justinkal
veekie
[X] Fight
-[X] Get in close and get punching, to negate his range advantage and do what we do best. Time to put those years of training to good use.
-[X] Ask Jordan to get to safety and leave this to you. If she refuses, then have her use her Mystic Code to support you, by blocking his counterattacks and such.
-[X] As him if he was involved with what happened at the motel while doing all of this.
No. of Votes: 1
Azecreth
[X] Fight
-[X] Prefight Banter
--[X] Joke about only wanting light exercise tonight, attempt an appeal via friendliness to at least get a reaction out of him
--[X] Follow up by asking him if he was involved with what happened at the motel while doing all of this.
--[X] Ask Jordan to get to safety and leave this to you. If she refuses, then have her observe the fight and keep an eye out for the enemy master. Make it known that you are concerned about your master. An enemy that underestimates your master is best.
-[X] Get in close and get punching, to negate his range advantage and do what we do best. Time to put those years of training to good use.
--[X] If a grapple can be landed to further negate his agility and reach, all the better. To bad he has better strength too.
No. of Votes: 1
Flibspeak
Total No. of Voters: 4
##### NetTally 1.1.21
[X] Fight
-[X] Prefight Banter
--[X] Joke about only wanting light exercise tonight, attempt an appeal via friendliness to at least get a reaction out of him
--[X] Follow up by asking him if he was involved with what happened at the motel while doing all of this.
--[X] Ask Jordan to get to safety and leave this to you. If she refuses, then have her observe the fight and keep an eye out for the enemy master. Make it known that you are concerned about your master. An enemy that underestimates your master is best.
---[X] Covertly tell her that if things look really bad, be prepared to use a Command Seal to make you teleport her and yourself to a safe location, without revealing that location in the command.
-[X] Get in close and get punching, to negate his range advantage and do what we do best. Time to put those years of training to good use.
--[X] If a grapple can be landed to further negate his agility and reach, all the better. To bad he has better strength too.
-[X] After you've felt out each others' combat abilities, ask to be allowed to retreat, appealing to his desire for a good fight. Promise that if he gives you some time, you'll be able to offer him a much more interesting battle.
--[X] If unable to retreat, even by using Prana Burst to improve our Agility, ask Jordan to use a Command Seal for an instantaneous retreat.
No. of Votes: 2
justinkal
veekie
[X] Fight
-[X] Get in close and get punching, to negate his range advantage and do what we do best. Time to put those years of training to good use.
-[X] Ask Jordan to get to safety and leave this to you. If she refuses, then have her use her Mystic Code to support you, by blocking his counterattacks and such.
-[X] As him if he was involved with what happened at the motel while doing all of this.
No. of Votes: 1
Azecreth
[X] Fight
-[X] Prefight Banter
--[X] Joke about only wanting light exercise tonight, attempt an appeal via friendliness to at least get a reaction out of him
--[X] Follow up by asking him if he was involved with what happened at the motel while doing all of this.
--[X] Ask Jordan to get to safety and leave this to you. If she refuses, then have her observe the fight and keep an eye out for the enemy master. Make it known that you are concerned about your master. An enemy that underestimates your master is best.
-[X] Get in close and get punching, to negate his range advantage and do what we do best. Time to put those years of training to good use.
--[X] If a grapple can be landed to further negate his agility and reach, all the better. To bad he has better strength too.
No. of Votes: 1
Flibspeak
Total No. of Voters: 4
Going to close the vote sometime tonight (6-8 hours probably).
Something that just came to mind. If the end of G was different, does that mean that Finè never fully died and is still body surfing? If so, that's a rather scary thought.
Also, I noticed that pretty much the only major mythology for which there are no known Relics are Greco-Roman Mythology and Egyptian Mythology. Maybe make one of the new Gears be from there? Aegis sounds like it would make for an interesting Gear.
Edit:
There's Relics from enough of Western Europe that I don't really count the absence of the Arthurian Legends..........Also that gets enough focus on the Nasu side already.
Did Chris eventually become enough of an expert to be able to repair Serena's Airgetlam for a new user?
Also, I noticed that pretty much the only major mythology for which there are no known Relics are Greco-Roman Mythology and Egyptian Mythology. Maybe make one of the new Gears be from there? Aegis sounds like it would make for an interesting Gear.
Edit:
There's Relics from enough of Western Europe that I don't really count the absence of the Arthurian Legends..........Also that gets enough focus on the Nasu side already.
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notthepenguins
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I won't comment on that one, since confirming or denying it would lead you guys down plot assumptions.
Eventually, yeah.
Also Hindu myth. But yeah, Egyptian/Hindu would probably be top on my list of sources for other Gears. Greco-Roman is pretty well represented in pop culture in general, so I like to look further afield when possible.
No, I didn't mention Hindu Mythology for a reason. One Relic from it appears in a minor role in GX, Yantra Sarvasva, the manuscript which, in our world, described the legend of Vimana (that Ancient Hindu Airship used by Gilgamesh in Fate/Zero).
notthepenguins
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On Battle Plans and their bonuses
Combat, as you may have noticed from the second update, consists primarily of opposed rolls, featuring a number of dice (by default 4) and a number of modifiers. In general, a small bonus (the reach of a spear versus a sword, for instance, or being somewhat stronger) is a +1, a moderate bonus is a +2 (spear vs unarmed, being much stronger, etc), and a very significant bonus is a +die (being way stronger, bombarding someone with arrows while they try to advance to you, etc).
Plans will net you a bonus based on a) how useful they are, b) how awesome or interesting they are. "Get inside his reach and start punching," for instance, is a +1. It's not a bad plan, and it's certainly a good idea, but it's both easier said than done and more or less what you would do anyway (there aren't a whole lot of other ways to fight a spear user unarmed).
Something like how Archer fights against Cu Chulainn (leaving openings to bait him into a more narrow range of attacks, at the risk that any one of those attacks could kill him outright) is solid +2 territory. It effectively and creatively works to negate some of his disadvantages (albeit at the cost of other vulnerabilities), but it can't really be said to be decisive.
Something like what Archer does here (6:30 if it doesn't time-link properly) would be around a +die - sudden unexpected attacks from behind are a rather hefty advantage, even if the attacks were unlikely to do much damage. Also, it's cool, which helps.
Combat, as you may have noticed from the second update, consists primarily of opposed rolls, featuring a number of dice (by default 4) and a number of modifiers. In general, a small bonus (the reach of a spear versus a sword, for instance, or being somewhat stronger) is a +1, a moderate bonus is a +2 (spear vs unarmed, being much stronger, etc), and a very significant bonus is a +die (being way stronger, bombarding someone with arrows while they try to advance to you, etc).
Plans will net you a bonus based on a) how useful they are, b) how awesome or interesting they are. "Get inside his reach and start punching," for instance, is a +1. It's not a bad plan, and it's certainly a good idea, but it's both easier said than done and more or less what you would do anyway (there aren't a whole lot of other ways to fight a spear user unarmed).
Something like how Archer fights against Cu Chulainn (leaving openings to bait him into a more narrow range of attacks, at the risk that any one of those attacks could kill him outright) is solid +2 territory. It effectively and creatively works to negate some of his disadvantages (albeit at the cost of other vulnerabilities), but it can't really be said to be decisive.
Something like what Archer does here (6:30 if it doesn't time-link properly) would be around a +die - sudden unexpected attacks from behind are a rather hefty advantage, even if the attacks were unlikely to do much damage. Also, it's cool, which helps.
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notthepenguins
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Alrighty, closing the vote, gonna get to work on the update in a bit. Not sure if it'll be done tonight or tomorrow.
I already did some test rolls for the fighting to check if the mechanics worked right, and uh... I had to rework the rules I was using for damage. It was way too spiky, and too easy to deal egregious damage with some good luck on your part and bad luck on theirs (or the other way around). So the damage mechanics you see here will vary from what was presented in update #2. This is a good thing.
A fight with Lancer.
notthepenguins
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Well, this one was fun to write. I'm rusty on action sequences though, so apologies if it's a bit clunky.
"Uh… don't suppose I could convince you to go for some light exercise instead?" you laugh a bit sheepishly. It's not like he'll go for it, but you have to ask.
He frowns. "It is unbecoming of a Heroic Spirit to shy away from combat, girl. You are not unskilled, judging from your dodge."
"Well, no, I just..." you sigh. "I don't like fighting people."Maybe if I tell him that I'm weaker than normal...
"A monster hunter, then?" He looks a bit… disappointed, maybe? "Under normal circumstances, I would simply let you be on your way. But with all that is at stake, I'm afraid I cannot."
Well, it was worth a try. You half-turn to Jordan, not taking your eyes off of Lancer. "You can't take care of yourself if he comes after you, so..." Hopefully she won't take this the wrong way... "I need you to run, and get someplace safe."
"I'm not going to leave you here." Her response is flat, and… determined? Or is that angry? "I'm not running unless you do too."
"Jordan, please, I can't-"
"Calm yourself," Lancer interrupts. "I will not take such a cowardly route, going after a Master who cannot even defend herself."
Your gaze snaps to him. Can you trust him? Or is he just trying to get you to lower your guard? You want to believe him, but… how can you be sure? If it was just risking you, that'd be one thing, but it's Jordan's life on the line if you're wrong.
He sees your suspicion, and grimaces. "I would swear it on my honor, but as I cannot give you my name… I understand your suspicion."
"It doesn't matter," Jordan adds, firmly. "I'm not leaving."
Where can she be nearby but safe, then… "Stay nearby and watch, then, but stay out of the fight. Watch out for his Master."
You can hear her withdrawing back into the park, but you keep your eyes on Lancer. [If things get bad, and I can't get us out, use a Command Spell to order me to teleport us back… someplace, it doesn't matter. Just make sure not to say where out loud, so he can't follow us.]
[Hmm… home, then. Or just outside it. That'll be where.]
"Are you ready, then?" Lancer asks.
"Please… can we talk for a bit, first?"
He leans on his spear. "Our battle is not open for debate… but if you have something worth discussing otherwise, I am in no rush."
What to say, what to- oh! "Did you commit those murders at the motel?"
He frowns. "I have murdered no one. What are these murders?"
You think you believe him, odd as that is; something about the look in his eyes. "Vampires and a Servant -- I think -- killed two dozen people last night. Some of them had their souls eaten, like a Servant hunting for prana."
Anger flickers across his visage for a moment before he quells it. No, that's not right. Affront, maybe? "I am not in the business of joining monsters. I have no particular need for more prana, and my Master is no Dead Apostle."
"Thanks! Sorry, but I had to check." You take a deep breath. "Are you ready?"
"Of course." His weight is off the spear, now, leaving him ready to respond to whatever action you take.
There is a moment of tense waiting, each of you waiting for the right moment… and you launch yourself forward, covering the distance to him in a single blur of motion.
You feint low, fist coming in for his gut. His spear, a dizzyingly fast blur, whips down to block it. Just the haft, as you expected -- you're too close for him to reposition to use the blade on your hand -- so you grab it, boosting yourself into the air and snapping a kick at his right shoulder. It seems to be his dominant arm; if you can hurt it, maybe you can reduce the advantage from his superior speed and strength.
Your hopes of a quick advantage are dashed when, despite having fallen for your feint, he ducks under your kick and takes you in the side with the butt of his spear. Without your feet on the ground or any leverage to use against the blow, you go flying.
You turn in midair, channeling Gear energy into your boots as your feet hit a tree with a crunch of splintered wood… and launch yourself right back at him, even faster than the first time.
The sudden change in speed startles him, and he barely gets his spear up in time to block your assault. Your first punch, a solid, full-force blow to the chest, he takes head-on on the haft of his spear, and it's his turn to go flying, crashing through a storefront. Silver light flashes, prana blooms, and the window display practically explodes, broken plates and bowls flying everywhere, accompanied by a rain of dented and broken silverware.
You pursue him. Cramped quarters would give you an advantage, and maybe you could land a grapple and get that spear away from him. As you dash through the wreckage, you find that he apparently came to the same conclusion; you meet halfway, in the wreckage of the front of the store. He steps on a scented candle, crushing it beneath his foot… and slips on the wax.
You see your chance and duck in, under his rising spear, and grab him by the right arm. He twists to try to escape from your grip, but between his sudden loss of footing and his comparative inexperience in unarmed fighting, his superior strength and that insane reaction time fail to dislodge you. You turn, putting your back to him and wedging your shoulder under his armpit, and throw. He inscribes a clean arc over you as intended, and strikes the pavement with a flash of silver and a momentary surge of prana. What is that? Some ability of hi-
You don't have time to muse; he spins and springs up almost immediately, spear lashing out at you. This time, he manages to bring the blade to bear, and you're forced to take the hit on your gauntlets, rather than any of the less protective parts of your Gear. It doesn't meaningfully damage your gear, but it does score clear lines across it. Almost certainly his Noble Phantasm, then. He takes the opportunity to back up into the street, giving himself the space to use his spear properly.
"You have an interesting style," he says conversationally. "It doesn't really suit you, though; you're not quite strong or fast enough to pull off something that aggressive. Your instincts are good, and your style is polished, but whoever you learned from really should have taught you something more careful and conservative."
You laugh, blushing sheepishly. "Actually, I'm just not at full strength right now." Wait, if he wanted a good fight, maybe… "...if you'd be willing to wait a couple days, I could give you a much better fight."
He considers it for a long moment. "You could be an interesting opponent if you were stronger, it's true… but once again, exigent circumstances interfere." He grins as something occurs to him. "But… perhaps if you can drive me off, I will have no choice but to put resolving our battle off to a later date." His grin widens. "If."
His stance changes ever so slightly, your instincts scream in alarm, and any response you might have is cut off as he blurs at you. He comes in with a sharp thrust at your throat. You drop to the ground, trying to counter with a sweep, but he just jumps over it, spear lancing down at your exposed leg. You manage to avoid the worst of it with an awkward, clumsy dodge, but it draws blood regardless, a shallow gash along your thigh.
"First blood," he observes, and then he's coming at you again, spear darting at your head. While still on the ground you can't dodge properly, but you twist aside, turning a deathblow into a hot graze along your cheek, and jet energy from the thrusters on your back to take you, still spinning a bit, to your feet.
He thrusts at your side, and you knock the blow aside with your gauntlets. He slashes at your legs, and you jump… only for him to swiftly complete his spear's rotation. You catch the butt of his spear on both arms, but it launches you back, leaving a trail first of asphalt, then concrete, then dirt as you skid back into the park.
He pursues, and you barely fend off his next attacks. He slashes at your arm, and you almost fall for the feint, but manage to twist aside in time to turn a thrust at your heart into a gash along the side of your ribcage. You take his next thrusts, both seeking your throat, on your gauntlets, sparks flying, and you jump back, trying to get some room to think.
I did better before, when I got in close and kept the momentum on my side. You press your hand to your side, feeling the wound. It hurts, and it's bleeding, but it's not all that serious. The graze on your cheek and shallow gash on your leg are even less important. Maybe if I can make that work again, then… or maybe I should run? You glance around for Jordan. She's not far, and peeking behind a tree at the battle, but Lancer is close enough to intercept if you make a run for her. If she uses a Command Spell, mayb-
Lancer moves, and you no longer have time to think about a plan. He comes for you all-out, but rather than retreat you move forward, into his charge. Your best chance is to get in closer than he expects, so you strike aside his thrust and grab for his arm. Grapples worked before, so… once again, you take it, step under, and throw him. This time, however, he rolls as he hits the ground, breaking your hold and coming to his feet facing you.
You dash after him, not wanting to give him time to recover, fist coming in at his face. He sidesteps, grabs your arm, and this time it's you flying through the air. You hit the tree hard with your back and head, and start to stagger to your feet… and then Lancer is there, and your chest erupts in pain.
Huh? Why... You look down. Oh. He pulls his spear from you. That's why. You slide limply down the tree. Your vision blurs. Lancer is saying something, but you can't make it out. His face is… regretful? He looks to the side, and you follow him instinctively, if slowly.
Oh. Jordan. She's frozen in shock, tears streaming down her face. Oh. Am I… you look down again. That's a lot of blood. Lancer says something to her, but she doesn't answer. You open your mouth to speak, but you can't breathe properly either.
Your eyes sting with tears. No. No, I can't leave her behind. Regret and anger coil and grow inside you. I can't leave them behind again. I won't let anyone take them.
You vision fades, darkens. You can still make out Jordan, but only barely. Your chest is hot. Is this what dying is like? I don't want to die. No, it wasn't like this before, this is- fear. Fear jolts through you. No! Not here, not- like this.
No, I don't want, I can't- I refuse to- Your vision takes on a strange golden tint before it finally darkens completely. I won't leave them again.
Please, no, please, I don't want this to happen.
[Jordan, please, please... please run.]
I- I don't want to die.
[ ] I can't leave again.
[ ] I can't die.
[ ] I can't let him take her from me.
Jordan picked up some more skills off of Lancer with her Clairvoyance, but Hibiki hasn't gained that knowledge yet, for obvious reasons. Thus, his sheet is not yet updated. Hibiki's status has been updated; her prana has not yet been (because my calculations included something that's happening next update, so I don't have the exact number for this point in time).
"Uh… don't suppose I could convince you to go for some light exercise instead?" you laugh a bit sheepishly. It's not like he'll go for it, but you have to ask.
He frowns. "It is unbecoming of a Heroic Spirit to shy away from combat, girl. You are not unskilled, judging from your dodge."
"Well, no, I just..." you sigh. "I don't like fighting people."Maybe if I tell him that I'm weaker than normal...
"A monster hunter, then?" He looks a bit… disappointed, maybe? "Under normal circumstances, I would simply let you be on your way. But with all that is at stake, I'm afraid I cannot."
Well, it was worth a try. You half-turn to Jordan, not taking your eyes off of Lancer. "You can't take care of yourself if he comes after you, so..." Hopefully she won't take this the wrong way... "I need you to run, and get someplace safe."
"I'm not going to leave you here." Her response is flat, and… determined? Or is that angry? "I'm not running unless you do too."
"Jordan, please, I can't-"
"Calm yourself," Lancer interrupts. "I will not take such a cowardly route, going after a Master who cannot even defend herself."
Your gaze snaps to him. Can you trust him? Or is he just trying to get you to lower your guard? You want to believe him, but… how can you be sure? If it was just risking you, that'd be one thing, but it's Jordan's life on the line if you're wrong.
He sees your suspicion, and grimaces. "I would swear it on my honor, but as I cannot give you my name… I understand your suspicion."
"It doesn't matter," Jordan adds, firmly. "I'm not leaving."
Where can she be nearby but safe, then… "Stay nearby and watch, then, but stay out of the fight. Watch out for his Master."
You can hear her withdrawing back into the park, but you keep your eyes on Lancer. [If things get bad, and I can't get us out, use a Command Spell to order me to teleport us back… someplace, it doesn't matter. Just make sure not to say where out loud, so he can't follow us.]
[Hmm… home, then. Or just outside it. That'll be where.]
"Are you ready, then?" Lancer asks.
"Please… can we talk for a bit, first?"
He leans on his spear. "Our battle is not open for debate… but if you have something worth discussing otherwise, I am in no rush."
What to say, what to- oh! "Did you commit those murders at the motel?"
He frowns. "I have murdered no one. What are these murders?"
You think you believe him, odd as that is; something about the look in his eyes. "Vampires and a Servant -- I think -- killed two dozen people last night. Some of them had their souls eaten, like a Servant hunting for prana."
Anger flickers across his visage for a moment before he quells it. No, that's not right. Affront, maybe? "I am not in the business of joining monsters. I have no particular need for more prana, and my Master is no Dead Apostle."
"Thanks! Sorry, but I had to check." You take a deep breath. "Are you ready?"
"Of course." His weight is off the spear, now, leaving him ready to respond to whatever action you take.
There is a moment of tense waiting, each of you waiting for the right moment… and you launch yourself forward, covering the distance to him in a single blur of motion.
You feint low, fist coming in for his gut. His spear, a dizzyingly fast blur, whips down to block it. Just the haft, as you expected -- you're too close for him to reposition to use the blade on your hand -- so you grab it, boosting yourself into the air and snapping a kick at his right shoulder. It seems to be his dominant arm; if you can hurt it, maybe you can reduce the advantage from his superior speed and strength.
Your hopes of a quick advantage are dashed when, despite having fallen for your feint, he ducks under your kick and takes you in the side with the butt of his spear. Without your feet on the ground or any leverage to use against the blow, you go flying.
You turn in midair, channeling Gear energy into your boots as your feet hit a tree with a crunch of splintered wood… and launch yourself right back at him, even faster than the first time.
The sudden change in speed startles him, and he barely gets his spear up in time to block your assault. Your first punch, a solid, full-force blow to the chest, he takes head-on on the haft of his spear, and it's his turn to go flying, crashing through a storefront. Silver light flashes, prana blooms, and the window display practically explodes, broken plates and bowls flying everywhere, accompanied by a rain of dented and broken silverware.
You pursue him. Cramped quarters would give you an advantage, and maybe you could land a grapple and get that spear away from him. As you dash through the wreckage, you find that he apparently came to the same conclusion; you meet halfway, in the wreckage of the front of the store. He steps on a scented candle, crushing it beneath his foot… and slips on the wax.
You see your chance and duck in, under his rising spear, and grab him by the right arm. He twists to try to escape from your grip, but between his sudden loss of footing and his comparative inexperience in unarmed fighting, his superior strength and that insane reaction time fail to dislodge you. You turn, putting your back to him and wedging your shoulder under his armpit, and throw. He inscribes a clean arc over you as intended, and strikes the pavement with a flash of silver and a momentary surge of prana. What is that? Some ability of hi-
You don't have time to muse; he spins and springs up almost immediately, spear lashing out at you. This time, he manages to bring the blade to bear, and you're forced to take the hit on your gauntlets, rather than any of the less protective parts of your Gear. It doesn't meaningfully damage your gear, but it does score clear lines across it. Almost certainly his Noble Phantasm, then. He takes the opportunity to back up into the street, giving himself the space to use his spear properly.
"You have an interesting style," he says conversationally. "It doesn't really suit you, though; you're not quite strong or fast enough to pull off something that aggressive. Your instincts are good, and your style is polished, but whoever you learned from really should have taught you something more careful and conservative."
You laugh, blushing sheepishly. "Actually, I'm just not at full strength right now." Wait, if he wanted a good fight, maybe… "...if you'd be willing to wait a couple days, I could give you a much better fight."
He considers it for a long moment. "You could be an interesting opponent if you were stronger, it's true… but once again, exigent circumstances interfere." He grins as something occurs to him. "But… perhaps if you can drive me off, I will have no choice but to put resolving our battle off to a later date." His grin widens. "If."
His stance changes ever so slightly, your instincts scream in alarm, and any response you might have is cut off as he blurs at you. He comes in with a sharp thrust at your throat. You drop to the ground, trying to counter with a sweep, but he just jumps over it, spear lancing down at your exposed leg. You manage to avoid the worst of it with an awkward, clumsy dodge, but it draws blood regardless, a shallow gash along your thigh.
"First blood," he observes, and then he's coming at you again, spear darting at your head. While still on the ground you can't dodge properly, but you twist aside, turning a deathblow into a hot graze along your cheek, and jet energy from the thrusters on your back to take you, still spinning a bit, to your feet.
He thrusts at your side, and you knock the blow aside with your gauntlets. He slashes at your legs, and you jump… only for him to swiftly complete his spear's rotation. You catch the butt of his spear on both arms, but it launches you back, leaving a trail first of asphalt, then concrete, then dirt as you skid back into the park.
He pursues, and you barely fend off his next attacks. He slashes at your arm, and you almost fall for the feint, but manage to twist aside in time to turn a thrust at your heart into a gash along the side of your ribcage. You take his next thrusts, both seeking your throat, on your gauntlets, sparks flying, and you jump back, trying to get some room to think.
I did better before, when I got in close and kept the momentum on my side. You press your hand to your side, feeling the wound. It hurts, and it's bleeding, but it's not all that serious. The graze on your cheek and shallow gash on your leg are even less important. Maybe if I can make that work again, then… or maybe I should run? You glance around for Jordan. She's not far, and peeking behind a tree at the battle, but Lancer is close enough to intercept if you make a run for her. If she uses a Command Spell, mayb-
Lancer moves, and you no longer have time to think about a plan. He comes for you all-out, but rather than retreat you move forward, into his charge. Your best chance is to get in closer than he expects, so you strike aside his thrust and grab for his arm. Grapples worked before, so… once again, you take it, step under, and throw him. This time, however, he rolls as he hits the ground, breaking your hold and coming to his feet facing you.
You dash after him, not wanting to give him time to recover, fist coming in at his face. He sidesteps, grabs your arm, and this time it's you flying through the air. You hit the tree hard with your back and head, and start to stagger to your feet… and then Lancer is there, and your chest erupts in pain.
Huh? Why... You look down. Oh. He pulls his spear from you. That's why. You slide limply down the tree. Your vision blurs. Lancer is saying something, but you can't make it out. His face is… regretful? He looks to the side, and you follow him instinctively, if slowly.
Oh. Jordan. She's frozen in shock, tears streaming down her face. Oh. Am I… you look down again. That's a lot of blood. Lancer says something to her, but she doesn't answer. You open your mouth to speak, but you can't breathe properly either.
Your eyes sting with tears. No. No, I can't leave her behind. Regret and anger coil and grow inside you. I can't leave them behind again. I won't let anyone take them.
You vision fades, darkens. You can still make out Jordan, but only barely. Your chest is hot. Is this what dying is like? I don't want to die. No, it wasn't like this before, this is- fear. Fear jolts through you. No! Not here, not- like this.
No, I don't want, I can't- I refuse to- Your vision takes on a strange golden tint before it finally darkens completely. I won't leave them again.
Please, no, please, I don't want this to happen.
[Jordan, please, please... please run.]
I- I don't want to die.
[ ] I can't leave again.
[ ] I can't die.
[ ] I can't let him take her from me.
Jordan picked up some more skills off of Lancer with her Clairvoyance, but Hibiki hasn't gained that knowledge yet, for obvious reasons. Thus, his sheet is not yet updated. Hibiki's status has been updated; her prana has not yet been (because my calculations included something that's happening next update, so I don't have the exact number for this point in time).
Phase 1:
Lancer: 4d6 (Base) + 5 (Skill) + 2 (Much Stronger) + 2 (Much Faster) + 2 (Reach) = 4d6 + 11
Hibiki: 4d6 (Base) + 5 (Skill) + 1 (Plan) + 1 (Limited Prana Burst) = 4d6 + 7
Lancer: 14 + 11 = 25
Hibiki: 16 + 7 = 23
25 - 23 = 2
Lasting Damage:
Lancer: 2d6 (Strength A) + 2 (Hit Quality) + 2 (Weapon Lethality) = 2d6 + 5
Hibiki: 2d5 (Endurance B) + 4 (Armor) + 5 (Defensive Skill) = 2d5 + 9
Lancer: 6 + 4 = 11
Hibiki: 7 + 9 = 16
11 - 15 = -5. No injury.
Phase 2:
Lancer: 4d6 (Base) + 5 (Skill) + 2 (Much Stronger) + 2 (Much Faster) + 2 (Reach) = 4d6 + 11
Hibiki: 4d6 (Base) + 5 (Skill) + 1 (Plan) = 4d6 + 6
Lancer: 16 + 11 = 27
Hbiki: 10 + 6 = 16
27 - 16 = 11
Lasting Damage:
Lancer: 2d6 (Strength A) + 11 (Hit Quality) + 2 (Weapon Lethality) = 2d6 + 13
Hibiki: 2d5 (Endurance B) + 4 (Armor) + 5 (Defensive Skill) = 2d5 + 9
Lancer: 9 + 13 = 22
Hibiki: 2 + 9 = 11
22 - 11 = 11. Grievous injury.
Lancer: 4d6 (Base) + 5 (Skill) + 2 (Much Stronger) + 2 (Much Faster) + 2 (Reach) = 4d6 + 11
Hibiki: 4d6 (Base) + 5 (Skill) + 1 (Plan) + 1 (Limited Prana Burst) = 4d6 + 7
Lancer: 14 + 11 = 25
Hibiki: 16 + 7 = 23
25 - 23 = 2
Lasting Damage:
Lancer: 2d6 (Strength A) + 2 (Hit Quality) + 2 (Weapon Lethality) = 2d6 + 5
Hibiki: 2d5 (Endurance B) + 4 (Armor) + 5 (Defensive Skill) = 2d5 + 9
Lancer: 6 + 4 = 11
Hibiki: 7 + 9 = 16
11 - 15 = -5. No injury.
Phase 2:
Lancer: 4d6 (Base) + 5 (Skill) + 2 (Much Stronger) + 2 (Much Faster) + 2 (Reach) = 4d6 + 11
Hibiki: 4d6 (Base) + 5 (Skill) + 1 (Plan) = 4d6 + 6
Lancer: 16 + 11 = 27
Hbiki: 10 + 6 = 16
27 - 16 = 11
Lasting Damage:
Lancer: 2d6 (Strength A) + 11 (Hit Quality) + 2 (Weapon Lethality) = 2d6 + 13
Hibiki: 2d5 (Endurance B) + 4 (Armor) + 5 (Defensive Skill) = 2d5 + 9
Lancer: 9 + 13 = 22
Hibiki: 2 + 9 = 11
22 - 11 = 11. Grievous injury.
Last edited:
- Pronouns
- She/Her
[X] I can't let him take her.
notthepenguins
Neither Spherical Nor Frictionless
- Pronouns
- He/She/They
All of the options have the same Hibizerker value.
This is not to say that they don't matter though~
So basically they're our "ragemode objectives"?
[ ] I can't leave again.
Unclear, but this bit.
Points to Hibiki being motivated by lost friends.
[ ] I can't die.
Clear case, motivated by survival.
[ ] I can't let him take her.
Clear case, motivated by protecting Master
notthepenguins
Neither Spherical Nor Frictionless
- Pronouns
- He/She/They
It will have some effect on the next scene, but that's not all.
Exactly, but I'm betting on "lose control of yourself and go on a rampage" counting as "leaving". Not requiring a Command Seal to calm down from Hibizerker state afterwards would be a very good thing.
That...doesn't sound like the context for "flashback to being forced to leave her friends"
notthepenguins
Neither Spherical Nor Frictionless
- Pronouns
- He/She/They
It occurs to me that I actually miswrote one of the vote options.
It should have been
[ ] I can't let him take her from me.
instead. Original post has been edited.
It should have been
[ ] I can't let him take her from me.
instead. Original post has been edited.
Well here's my vote with the revised option.
[X] I can't let him take her from me.
[X] I can't let him take her from me.