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Outlaw (A Norse Xianxia)

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I.F. Ister said:
So, what did you think of the chapter? Sorry for it taking so long to get out, it was fighting me quite fiercely on the first few paragraphs and I only managed to defeat it this morning
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My mind is still stuck on 'How will Harald Icewalker react to Bestla tearing her hair like that' with minor notes of 'What Seidr did Bestla use to get that comb back from ash' and 'When did she do that'?
 
These two are standing next to each other in front of the door, right. Then it seems like a dangerous idea to charge Modolfr when his brother who is faster than Barki and has a Wind Kunna can just attack Barki from his flank. We should focus on the actual threat first, Modolfr will probably fold the moment his brother goes down.

[X] First, explain to the pair that you are here for answers, not vengeance - not today. If that doesn't dissuade them, immediately spend an Aspect on charging Adamaz and attacking, with a specific intent to use Quick Shield to fake an opening and bait out an attack, and catch his spear in our shield or left hand (the latter via bloodline), and break it (with Sunning if needed). From there, with his main weapon gone, stay close to keep his Wind Kunna out of play as much as possible, and try and injure him enough to disable without killing, but kill if we really have to, and move on to Modolfr quickly to ask questions. Hope Keld can distract Modolfr while we do this.
 
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[X] First, explain to the pair that you are here for answers, not vengeance - not today. If that doesn't dissuade them, immediately spend an Aspect on charging Adamaz and attacking, with a specific intent to use Quick Shield to fake an opening and bait out an attack, and catch his spear in our shield or left hand (the latter via bloodline), and break it (with Sunning if needed). From there, with his main weapon gone, stay close to keep his Wind Kunna out of play as much as possible, and try and injure him enough to disable without killing, but kill if we really have to, and move on to Modolfr quickly to ask questions. Hope Keld can distract Modolfr while we do this.
 
I've added a mechanics post, by the way. This isn't anything you don't already know, I don't believe, but I thought it good practice to make a note of it regardless.

Also, I was considering closing the vote today but, unfortunately, a massive storm knocked my power out and I've got very little idea of when it will return.
 
[X] First, explain to the pair that you are here for answers, not vengeance - not today. If that doesn't dissuade them, immediately spend an Aspect on charging Adamaz and attacking, with a specific intent to use Quick Shield to fake an opening and bait out an attack, and catch his spear in our shield or left hand (the latter via bloodline), and break it (with Sunning if needed). From there, with his main weapon gone, stay close to keep his Wind Kunna out of play as much as possible, and try and injure him enough to disable without killing, but kill if we really have to, and move on to Modolfr quickly to ask questions. Hope Keld can distract Modolfr while we do this.
 
Voting is now closed.

Also, I reserve the right to be flexible in how I apply battle plans. Even if I don't utilize every aspect of a given plan, I will stay true to the spirit of the plan no matter what. This is to keep Barki as consistent a character as possible, which may or may not be compatible with certain details of any given plan.

Is everyone okay with that?
0~0~0
Scheduled vote count started by I.F. Ister on Jun 25, 2024 at 3:45 PM, finished with 46 posts and 5 votes.
  • [X] First, explain to the pair that you are here for answers, not vengeance - not today. If that doesn't dissuade them, immediately spend an Aspect on charging Adamaz and attacking, with a specific intent to use Quick Shield to fake an opening and bait out an attack, and catch his spear in our shield or left hand (the latter via bloodline), and break it (with Sunning if needed). From there, with his main weapon gone, stay close to keep his Wind Kunna out of play as much as possible, and try and injure him enough to disable without killing, but kill if we really have to, and move on to Modolfr quickly to ask questions. Hope Keld can distract Modolfr while we do this.
    [x] Aspect-boost a running tackle at Modolfr and tackle him to the ground, away from Adamaz if possible, using your bloodline to stick to him. Grapple him and if possible, get your sword at his throat. Demand he yield and give you answers. Should this gambit fail, try to disable him quickly using Mirror Sword trick and turn to face Adamaz, who you will try to close with quickly and bait out his spear with Quick Shield trick and grab the spear with your bloodline.
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I.F. Ister said:
This is to keep Barki as consistent a character as possible, which may or may not be compatible with certain details of any given plan.
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To use the winning plan as an example of a detail not compatible with Barki's character, Barki won't be spending an Aspect on a charge, nor will he be immediately charging at all. He will study his opponents first and then commit to a charge.
 
I.F. Ister said:
To use the winning plan as an example of a detail not compatible with Barki's character, Barki won't be spending an Aspect on a charge, nor will he be immediately charging at all. He will study his opponents first and then commit to a charge.
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That's fair. The point was to make sure the charge actually went through. If Barki has a better way to do that it's definitely in the spirit of the plan.
 
Alright, I've finally managed to pull myself away from UnReal World long enough to get a bit of writing done, hopefully. With that said, I was planning on having you folks decide exactly what to ask Modofr should you manage to nab him. However, I've decided to just do the battle and the questions in the same update because I would like to at least keep some semblance of a pace going.
 
Pretty sure most of it boils down to "what do you know about the person who asked you to accuse us, why did they do it was there any more of their plan they disclosed to you, and how much did they pay you to do it/why did you do it." There might be followup questions but that's the gist.
 
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Who payed you, why'd they pay you to fuck me over, what are they planning now, how much did they pay you, who else is on their payroll.
 
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Act 2: The Pursuit 3.1
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    • [X] First, explain to the pair that you are here for answers, not vengeance - not today. If that doesn't dissuade them, immediately spend an Aspect on charging Adamaz and attacking, with a specific intent to use Quick Shield to fake an opening and bait out an attack, and catch his spear in our shield or left hand (the latter via bloodline), and break it (with Sunning if needed). From there, with his main weapon gone, stay close to keep his Wind Kunna out of play as much as possible, and try and injure him enough to disable without killing, but kill if we really have to, and move on to Modolfr quickly to ask questions. Hope Keld can distract Modolfr while we do this.
    0~0~0

    "I'm here seeking answers," Barki calls as he eyes his approaching foes, his words slowing their charge by a half-step, "but violence will meet violence."

    "Are you stupid or just a fool?" Modolfr scoffs as he and Adamaz split apart. "You must either have forgotten my words or thought them empty indeed to come here now asking for parlay."

    Barki narrows his eyes as he fastens his jaw. Modolfr did say he would kill him if Barki showed up at his doorstep...

    "So be it," Barki says as he hefts his shield, peering over the rim at his foes as each take an arm—Modolfr to the left, Adamaz to the right. In battle, the best angle to attack from is the rear, and splitting like this means that he'll have to expose his back to face either opponent. A clever tactic, one clearly rehearsed by how smoothly they carry it out. Neither are out-of-tempo as their swift advance devours ground at a steady pace.

    Between the two foster-brothers, Adamaz the Hawk is the better warrior by far. The feud between Sterki Godi and Hakon saw enough evidence of that when Barki met Adamaz under the aegis of a shieldwall. His wind blew arrows off course and knocked men from their feet while his speed kept his spear just beyond any grasping fingers or retaliatory weapons. A wrestling match in the victory feast proved Barki the stronger, but speed is a potent tool indeed.

    The spear is the natural weapon of the swift. With reach allowing for distant strikes and deft feet keeping a warrior many steps ahead, even a minor blow to the limbs can hand a spear-wielder victory in battle. The feud proved Adamaz a potent spearman, so he'll know well the strengths and weaknesses of his weapon. With Barki's shield keeping Modolfr from getting any worthwhile blows in, there won't be a better chance to take out that spear than this. One way or another, the spear must go.

    Fortunately, Barki has a plan.

    Step One: Deal with Modolfr.

    Rawhide rim meets leather toe as Barki drops his shield. His hand knows freedom for only a meager heartbeat, for the short handle of his carving axe soon greets his palm. Arm cocking back, the sun glints off the well-kept blade as Barki takes a step forward and Modolfr's eyes widen.

    Pale seafoam clings stubbornly to the axe as it spins head over tail through the air. A spin for every heartbeat in the air, the axe takes its arc in a quick, stunning fashion. It's a throw that could split shields in two, a thing of beauty—and that's all it is.

    No axe, even those made for the act, takes well to being thrown. It's simple physics, really. An axe, when thrown, spins as it flies. In order to impact with the target—and hope to do any damage—the axe has to be at a very specific angle immediately before making contact. When distance, characteristics of the axe, or wind-speed change, so too does the angle. Axe-throwing has no place on the battlefield, not in a damage-dealing capacity.

    However, Barki's throw was never meant for something as banal as damage.

    Modolfr digs heels into the earth as his shield jerks up into position. The axe twirls like a dancer as it spins its final pirouette, its motions ending as axe haft greets woolen cover in a sharp clack!

    The axe falls down as Modolfr falls behind, his foster-brother pulling out well ahead. Adamaz's spear shines slick with his viscous crimson strength, the fell omen of an ill-fated future—a future that cannot be allowed to pass.

    Step Two: Bait-out Adamaz.

    Leaning into a two-handed sword-grip, the earth cracks beneath Barki's boots as he throws himself into a powerful charge. His wake a knee-deep crater, Barki sails through the air like an arrow loosed from the bear-hunter's bow.

    With Barki's shield on his foot and his sword up high and out of the way, a more irresistible opening there could never be. And once Adamaz takes the bait, well, that spear of his should give its goodbyes while it still can.

    The problem with baiting out an attack is that the difference between openings both real and feigned is that one is intentional while the other isn't. In order to feign an opening, you must make yourself vulnerable. Should your foe take the bait, you must then suffer an attack aimed at said vulnerability. If your foe beats you to the punch, so to speak, then a feigned opportunity is just as good as a real one.

    The Quick-Shield trick waiting on the shield's reverse, however, does lessen that risk considerably. After all, the opening is only there until it closes. It's a simple trick, really, all it does is speed up that door-closing process.

    Adamaz lunges, spear a red blur, as Barki's shield-bearing leg swings up to counter, his seafoam ordstirr adding a potent boost to his speed. Eyes a narrow mountain pass, Adamaz's spear-hand slides up to his razor-sharp spear-head. Where wood meets iron, his fingers twist tight as his back foot turns sideways.

    Time seems to slow to a trickle as Barki's brows close their gap, cutting off all passage to his hairline. That grip, that stance! He's seen it before, but where?

    As spear meets shield, so too do the pieces of the puzzle. The feud with Hakon Godi, at the Battle of Blodkeld Baths; that's where he witnessed its usage!

    With his spear heading hand granting greater guidance, Adamaz pushes with his back leg while his whole body pivots to the side. Where once his spear travelled a course of head-on shield interception, the spear-edge now grinds against woolen cover; its wake an ever-widening arrow of split ends and ruined fabric.

    Leaping from the rawhide shield-rim, the spear closes the gap between leg and shield in an instant. Clothing tears and skin splits, blood gushing from the inner thigh as seafoam ordstirr musters a meager defense against crimson assault.

    Step Two, Revised: Improvise.

    Crimson might meets seafoam strength as rival battle-glories clash.

    Teeth grind as crimson power surges, threatening to overpower Barki's defense and bite him fully through the bone. Such a blow could never dream of killing Barki, but the loss of a leg would certainly render that hope a far simpler matter to achieve.

    Time stays its trudging course as Barki's thoughts twist down a dozen different directions. With the majority of his active ordstirr locked up within the Quick-Shield trick, what little remains is far from enough to fend off the might Adamaz even now pours into his attack. Though loathe to even consider such an action, there may be little choice other than stoking one of his Aspects... That, or digging deeper into his reserves than is otherwise comfortable.

    If only he hadn't used the Quick-Shield trick, then he'd never have to consider such a drastic measure so early on in battle.

    Wait, the Quick-Shield trick...

    That's it!

    The Grip on Barki's shield runs slack as two pairs of warring eyes lock. Brown and blue cross blades as the shield slips free of Barki's still-swinging foot and lifts into the air. Twisting, twirling, the iron boss greets sunshine bright as blue eyes widen in ever-so-small recognition of seafoam green glow.

    Barki grins as his foot draws back, the spear's deeper cut a small price for victory. Like the bullet from a champion's sling, Barki's boot strikes against rawhide rim as seafoam green ordstirr explodes from the shield. Adamaz jerks into a dodge, but it comes far too late.

    Time resumes its mad rush as Adamaz's head snaps back. Bits of bone mix with blood and spit as shards of shattered teeth shower down like a cloud's wept leavings. Stumbling about on brain-rattled legs, the remains of Adamaz's jaw and lower face splatter down his shirt-front.

    Barki touches down as spear slips from numb fingers, his sword already a blur as he moves to take advantage. Sunning shines bright as its edge closes in on Adamaz's exposed spear-arm, only for a staggering sway to give Adamaz just enough of an angle to shift his shield in the way—even with a half-mush brain, Adamaz is a warrior true.

    However, with his shield now facing up and guarding against Sunning, Adamaz's legs stand wide-open and ever-so-vulnerable.

    Step Three: Bring him down.

    Barki's foot comes crashing down, the sole of his boot greeting Adamaz's birch-bark shoes as his bloodline makes the connection. His Grip tight, Barki sweeps his leg back as Adamaz's fall out beneath him—his ankle snapping in the process.

    Adamaz hits the ground spine-first, a pained gasp escaping the ruins of his mouth as all the wind rushes from his body. His shield rests on his body, keeping him safe from most blows Sunning might bear down on him—but a motionless shield has never troubled Barki.

    Barki's free palm presses against iron boss as a connection snaps in place. With a firm Grip on the shield, Barki wrenches his arm to the side as a stomach-churning snap! rings out. The shield falls away, leaving Barki face-to-face with his defeated foe's...

    His defeated foe's swirling ball of densely-packed wind sitting daintily in his cupped palm.

    Barki's teeth click shut as the wind-blast explodes out, a reflexive Grip the only thing keeping him earthbound. Razor-sharp wind ravages his form; ribs crack as skin tears, blood leaking from a hundred minor cuts across Barki's body.

    And yet, Sunning still falls; and, Adamaz falls still.

    Pulling his sword from Adamaz's neck, Barki spins his newfound shield around as he wipes Sunning clean on the now-dirtied woolen cover.

    The clatter of falling iron pulls Barki's gaze to the side, to where Modolfr stands empty-handed. His weapons dropped before him, Modolfr raises his hands in surrender as Keld stalks forward from where he stood off to the side—though Keld is a good boy by any parameter, he simply lacks the firepower to help Barki against a peer warrior.

    (-1 Ordstirr Reserves)
    (Serious Puncture, Left Thigh)
    (Two Broken Ribs, Chest)
    0~0~0

    You have Modolfr at your mercy. What questions do you ask and, following that, what shall you do with him?
    [ ] Write in

    Furthermore, how does Barki develop as a result of the battle? You may make suggestions for alternative improvements as long as they logically connect with the events, pending approval from me, of course.
    Pick 1:
    [ ] Minor Improvement: Swordplay
    [ ] Gain: Throwing
    [ ] Gain: Durability

    0~0~0

    AN: Sorry for how long this took to get out, ADHD hit me upside the head with a hyper-fixation on UnReal World. Still, I think I did a good job with this update.

    No moratorium.
     
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    • Assuming Modolfr answers our questions, we should let him live. We don't require his death and starting another feud would be problematic. I'm less sure on exactly what questions to answer, beyond the obvious. I'll let someone else come up with a list, I'm at low ebb on energy today.

    In terms of the advancement choice, I think all the options are valid, but I like durability. Being tough seems very advantageous for an outlaw, and it fits Barki's character and fighting style well.
     
    DeadmanwalkingXI said:
    Assuming Modolfr answers our questions, we should let him live. We don't require his death and starting another feud would be problematic.
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    I think that's already going to happen, we killed his foster brother.

    Anyway, someone else can phase it better than me but the things we want to know are

    1: who payed you
    2: why'd they pay you to fuck me over
    3: what are they planning now
    4: how much did they pay you
    5: who else is on their payroll
     
    we should also ask

    1. Who made the barber set you showed off at the Thing, and where can I find them
    2. What do you know about the barber set and my comb
    3. Is Sterki Godi also involved in this scheme

    I also like the Durability increase, doesnt sound like their will be a lot of moments to heal up so having more HP will allow Barki to go on longer until he can rest.
     
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    With Barki's bloodline, I think throwing will be the best out of all the possible rewards. Durability is fine, improvements to Swordplay will not be in short supply in my opinion, but Throwing adds more options for Barki's combat especially since he can force a 1v1 situation more often with it.
     
    I.F. Ister said:
    "You must either have forgotten my words or thought them empty indeed to come here now asking for parlay."
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    I don't have an idea for questions and I'm too mad at the above statement to think up one but I know how to be satisfied and kick this feud off right.

    [X] Before he deals with Modolfr, one way or the other, he says (something like) "If you wanted me to believe that your words were not empty, if you wanted me to believe that your speech or your character had any value, if you wanted me to believe that Jarn was not a miserable lazy wretch who never bothered to teach his son what a drengr's word is worth: It was a damn fool mistake to name me thief."

    Excellent update IF.
     
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    Great update! Thanks a bunch.

    [X] Before he deals with Modolfr, one way or the other, he says "If you wanted me to believe that your words were not empty, if you wanted me to believe that your word or your character had any value, if you wanted me to believe that Jarn was not a miserable lazy wretch who never bothered to teach his son what a drengr's word is worth: It was a damn fool mistake to name me thief."

    Love this.

    [X] Questions:
    -[X]who paid you?
    -[X]why'd they pay you to fuck me over?
    -[X]what are they planning now?
    -[X]how much did they pay you?
    -[X]who else is on their payroll?
    -[X]Who made the barber set you showed off at the Thing, and where can I find them?
    -[X]What do you know about the barber set and my comb?
    -[X]Is Sterki Godi also involved in this scheme?

    As for what to do with him, well we may only get answers from if we threaten him with death if he fails to answer, and that seems to imply we will let him live if he answers to our satisfaction. At that point we would be honour bound to let him live, and it may damage our Ordstirr to kill him anyway. That at least is my impression.

    I really like throwing, especially with Barki's bloodline, feel like it could let us throw trees at people one day, however surviving long enough to get there is more valuable, and I'm sure we'll have other chances to learn throwing.

    [X] Gain: Durability
     
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    [X] Gain: Throwing

    [X] Before he deals with Modolfr, one way or the other, he says "If you wanted me to believe that your words were not empty, if you wanted me to believe that your word or your character had any value, if you wanted me to believe that Jarn was not a miserable lazy wretch who never bothered to teach his son what a drengr's word is worth: It was a damn fool mistake to name me thief."

    [X] Questions:
    -[X]who paid you?
    -[X]why'd they pay you to fuck me over?
    -[X]what are they planning now?
    -[X]how much did they pay you?
    -[X]who else is on their payroll?
    -[X]Who made the barber set you showed off at the Thing, and where can I find them?
    -[X]What do you know about the barber set and my comb?
    -[X]Is Sterki Godi also involved in this scheme?
     
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