Gladiators - A New Fight: Chaos Melee!

[Naithin]

Open Arena

A large, circular arena. The floor covered with a fine sand, soft to the touch of bare feet. Yet still firm to stand upon, packed down as it is. There are four large iron gates at opposing sides, North and South, East and West.

Slowly the North, South, East and West gates start to raise, the clanking of their chain mechanism bringing an anxious hush over the crowd which sits all around the pit. The walls of the pit are of grainy wood, over 3 metres high from pit floor to the railing of the first row of seating.

The sun shines high overhead. Not a brutal heat, indeed, the air has a bite of chill to it. But the chill will soon be chased away by exertion as the battle looms nearer.

As the fighters step out into the open, a fanfare of trumpets sounds above, signalling to all around in the outskirts of the city, the brave souls have entered the arena, prepared if nessacery to give of their very lives for the entertainment of all.

The crowd watches, waits, expectantly silent, waiting for what will be, to be. There has been nothing like it held here before, a complete and open free for all melee, each man fights all other men, no allegiance, no loyalty to another can exist in that pit if they wish to become victor this day. The fight ahead promises to be long an gruelling, with the best of the best likely to still be fighting come nightfall.

----

OOC: Participants:

Animus
Kito
Mordakai
Naithin
RavenLord
Raybur Ravenloc

No-one else may participate in this fight. Spectator posts *are* allowed, even from other combattants, but spectator posts must at most have 4 fighter posts pass between spectator post to next spectator post. Keep OOC to an absolute minimum in here, if you're not involved in the fight NO OOC at ALL. For fighters where it must be done, and PM is not viable, please clearly mark OOC from IC.

[RavenLord]

Here he was. Ready to fight and bleed for entertainment of others. He could hear the crowd was anxtious to see blood. This event turned many decent people into blood thirsty animals...as long as it wasn

[Naithin]

Naithin stands a moment in the shade of the passage heading into the arena proper. It has been a while since he stood on this side of an upcoming fight, of late he has been made administrator, the man behind the scenes, and out of the spotlight. As he checks his leather bracers are on tightly, and slaps down on his greeves to ensure no slippage under pressure, he takes a step into the sunlight, flicking his head back to shake the sandy brown hair from his eyes.

He is an image of green, a dark green leather set of armor adorns his body, mirdain crafted, supple yet strong. While it can certainly be pierced or slashed with ease, a grazing blow will not cut through it quite as easily as most leather armor. Even as he steps out into the sunlight, the twin mithril shod ends of his staff are twirling with an alarming speed controlled by his right hand at his side. Bringing the spin of the staff out in front of his body, he stops it suddenly, slapping it down into his left hand, either hand now slightly to one side of its center.

A small smile curls at the corner of his mouth, indeed it has been some time since he has been on this side of the fight. And the excitement is already mounting. The thrill of battle, the challenge of besting others skilled in their arts. That is what it was about for him, to prove that he had what it takes to protect those he cares about should the call ever come.

He would be ready. He is ready. He stands in wait, cautiously watching the one already here, his dark hazel eyes scanning for the newcomers to arrive, anxious for it all to begin.

[Mordakai]

Mordakai checks his quiver, making sure his arrows are neatly arranged and will pull freely without hanging on each other or the leather of the quiver itself. Making a final examination of his ashwood bow and checking the string he takes a deep breath and nochs an arrow from the quiver on his bow. He'll need every bit of his agility and acrobatics once the fight draws near, he hopes he has what it takes to survive this mayhem.

Leaning his back against the wall of his gateway, he slides down towards the exit, making sure no one else has entered and tried to ambush him as he exits. A quick glance reveals Kyron waiting patiently for someone to show themselves and Naithin standing ready infront of his gate opposite Kyron.

Nait's good... he's already in a stance that will enable him to evade or deflect an arrow. I wonder if he knows I am in this fight as well... I wonder if I can trust him to keep his distance from me until we cut down the other combatants. Time will tell... I hate to be taken out of the fight by a friend... but there are no friends in this sort of arrangement. Its all about pleasing the mob here to watch the bloodbath to come.

"They want Blood... they'll have it."

Mordakai moves to the opposite side of his gateway, so he can entertain a better shot towards Kyron who isnt yet in a posture to be ready for my attack.
Mordakai pulls back on the bowstring and aims a shot at Kyron's waist. The slowest part of the body to move, and first give away to their intended movements. So much Mordakai has learned in the wilds about hunting his prey... and Bipeds are the easiest to anticipate.

Whizzzzzzzz....... (mordakai looses a shot towards Kyron)

[RavenLord]

Whizzzzzz....
Kyron wasn

[Naithin]

Naithin gazes at the arrow's arc calmly from his side of the arena, directly opposite from Kyron, and off to the left of Mordakai's gateway. What surprised him most was that it actually hit. Kyron took a hard fall, the arrow grazing the side of his waist. It didn't look serious, nor even very hindering at this stage. But blood was drawn, and that alone could have a serious morale impact..

But even as he was thinking that, Kyron was on his feet again, and had cast some kind of darkness spell over Mordakai's entryway. Naithin could no longer see his friend at all.. He frowned slightly, trying to consider what Kyron was trying to accomplish with such a simple trick..

Then Kyron was off, running across the arena, one hand digging through some sort of pouch, the other reaching for his dagger at his hip.. The hand in the pouch emerged, holding some sort of powder.. which was sparkling as if.. on fire?

Like a sudden flash it dawned on him what Kyron was aiming to do, and he was running on an intercept course to try cut Kyron off from the dark field he had created. 'So much for waiting before getting involved..' he thought to himself grimly. He ran hard, left palm in front, arm locked in place, right arm trailing behind, holding his staff from it's center. The intension was to bowl Kyron right off his feet, break his concentration on that spell, and give Mordakai time to emerge from the dark..

He was close.. But Kyron was closer.. He attempts to run even harder, close in the distance before it was too late..

[RavenLord]

Kyron had managed to throw his powder into the darkness and say the word that activated it. He had managed to pull out his daggers and he was running towards the darkness. Then he noticed that someone was running behind him. Naithin! "These two have some sort of teamplay going on!" Kyron realized. Naithin was close to him now. Just a few feet away and was gaining on Kyron. The wound Kyron had recieved from the arrow was slowing him down a bit, just a little bit. It was enough for Naithin to be able to gain on him. There was no point running anymore, since Naithin would catch him before he could make it to the circle of darkess, he could only hope that powder had done it

[Naithin]

Naithin cursed a silent 'Damn..' As he saw the powder fly forth into the dark, he couldn't tell yet whether or not Mordakai had got out in time as the rolling warmth came whooshing across the arena.

He had almost gained on Kyron, but too late it seemed. Then Kyron stopped without warning and moved down as if to try trip him. Naithin would have smirked if not for the concern for Mordakai, but such a simple move would likely work against the fellow in this case. There was a mere two paces seperating them, not at all enough time to come to a stop, so he didn't even try that.. On his next foot fall he launched himself into a jump over Kyron's head, pushing off with his right foot on a slight angle, propelling him not only over, but also twisting his body around so that by the time he was over Kyron he was again facing where he would be.

Even whilst in the air, his staff came forward, gliding through the air as he released his right hand on it to let it slip from a center grip towards one end, where he clamped on it once more. As he skidded to a halt on the ground once more, he wasted no time and in a fluid motion brought the flashing mithril tip of the far end in a downwards smashing motion, bringing his other hand up and onto it to lend guidance and power..

[Mordakai]

Aww crap....

Mordakai dove head first out of his gateway, and propelled further by the explosion of fire under him. As graceful and acrobatic as Mordakai can be, this was not his cleanest landing.
Face first and sliding over the hard packed dirt of the arena floor.

"Chalk that one up to lessons learned." Mordakai grumbled as he spit a mouthful of sand to the floor.
Regaining his feet and taking a quick look around the arena, he realized he was on fire.

Not my day....

Once again Mordakai hit the dirt and rolled trying to put himself out. Content with only smoldering, Mordakai was back on his feet and surveying the arena.
Naithin's got his hands full, no one else has entered... Looks like its just the 3 of us for now.

"Mind if I cut in?" Mordakai says as he tosses his bow towards the wall near his darkened gateway and grabs his axes.

[Animus]

Wait.... WHAT TIME IS IT?! Animus's eyes popped open, and he scanned the room he was sitting in quickly. His Sarkih were huddled in the corner, the Sarkihya leading them standing just to his right, and the Melechar was standing lazily against the wall, his eyes trying to take in the whole room at once. The human guards at the doors were gone, and he knew immediately what that meant. The sounds of battle reached his ears, and he stood, finding the dagger at his waist. His hand moved faster than normal eyes could follow, and in but a moment the room went from serenity to chaos. He tossed the dagger quickly at one of the Sarkih, another dagger quickly appearing in his other hand. The first Sarkih caught it between the eyes, and fell over, grasping at the blood streaming down his face. The other two shrieked and began to run, but the second dagger flew true, its curved flight slitting the throat of one and impaling itself into the chest of the other. Light flooded the room as the Sithra appeared, and he quickly found the neck of the Sarkihya, and grew tighter as a hiss escaped Animus's throat.

"You dumb fucking bastards!! HOW DARE YOU LET ME SLEEP THROUGH THE BEGINNING!!!" The Sithra closed its grip, and the head of the Sarkihya popped off, coloring the room red. As the Alfar retrieved his daggers, his eyes found the gaze of the Melechar, still leaning calmly against the wall, with that same annoying smile.

"Send a message to the Great Lord and my brother that my Sarkih were disobedient, thus my tardiness to this round. And to the Great Lord, my sincerest apologies."

The Melechar nodded, and Animus ran from the room, quickly finding the hallway into the arena. He emerged into the arena, and surveyed the area quickly, not caring what had happened, only what would. That cocky human bastard, Mordakai. The Sithra came alive, aiming for the back of the unexpecting archer.

"Death has come!"

[RavenLord]

Kyron hadn

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur stepped out of the western gateway, taking in the fight going on ahead of him, Kyron, with his back to him, was locked in combat with Naithin, Mordakai, was approaching the pair from the side, and Animus was behind him.
Well, this is messy.
Raybur walked forward calmly drawing his bow and nocking a broadhead shaft, sending it at Mordakai's feet, immidiately followed by another aimed at the Alfar's shoulder.
That'll get their attention.
While waiting for a response to these attacks, Raybur lobbed another arrow at the pair locked in combat directly ahead of him, hoping to stir them up a little more, and anounce his presence.
This is fun, can't wait till the close-up work gets started..

[RavenLord]

Kyrons push had brought him and Naithin to the grond, luckily so. As he was on the ground, he noticed an arrow flying above him, right at his or Naithins head height. "great! another hot headed idiot playing with a bow." He thought...

[Naithin]

Naithin found himself now upon the ground on his back, where he could plainly see a whizzing arrow flying overhead in the space he had until recently occupied. 'Damn.. Another archer to worry about..' He muttered quietly.. He'd have to do something about this. Having random arrows flying about would be dangerous.

Wasting no time, as he could see Kyron sprawling at his side, he brought his knees up to his thighs, then kicked them up and out, bringing him to his feet before Kyron could stand and be a problem again. Staff out in front, held from it's center ready to deflect any incoming arrows from the front, he started a run towards Raybur, trusting that Mordakai wouldn't try riddle him with holes.. just yet.

[Mordakai]

Whizzzz
I know that sound....

Mordakai turned quickly to the direction of the sound, the arrow planted itself firmly in the dirt not even an inch from his toe.

Too close! Whats this???

From the corner of his eye he saw the flash of lightning from Animus' Sithra coming at him, luckily his turn to face the arrow caused Animus' attack to miss its mark, but just barely. The Sithra cut through the quiver cleanly and Mordakai's arrows fell to thr ground in a mess behind him.

Not good... not good at all. First you eat dirt, then get set on fire... now this?

Whizzzzzzz

Another arrow streaks past Mordakai right towards Animus.
The Alfar is fast, as fast as any creature of the wilds I have encountered. But arrows are faster, and I am still alive.... for now.

I hate archers.... but his shot could help me.

Animus would have to either duck fast, or twist back and to the right if he was to avoid that shot. Can't close the distance fast enough to catch him off guard though, but I can be there too close for his Sithra to be of much use in its whip form as he regains his composure... if he manages to avoid the arrow.

This is foolish.... That Archer could take you down in seconds if he chooses to while you are locked in a fight with the alfar...

Naits still holding his own, but that Kyron is dangerous. No chance to team up on him for now, I'll have to take my chances with the Alfar and the Archer. Mordakai dives and rolls left, putting Animus between the him and the archer.

This is a safe place to be... aside from the fact you are in a gladiators arena you fool. Now Animus will have to choose, turn his back to you, or the archer... either way he's not going to like the outcome of this.

[Animus]

Well damn, this ain't nice. Animus registered the sound of an incoming arrow, a missle of death flying at Melek knows how fast, aiming perfectly at him. Another problem, Mordakai had dodged his attack, barely and at the cost of his quiver, but it was not looking fun for the alfar. Looks like the damnable bastard is going to try and circle around me, leaving me as his meatshield... which archer to go for... ah-ha!! In the corner of Animus's eye he caught sight of Nait, running for the source of the arrow about to pierce the Alfar. This will be his last arrow if Nait has any control over it, so here I go.

Animus dove away with all his strength, hoping to dodge the arrow. His wrist flicked, causing the Sithra to flare alive, once again aiming for the ever elusive archer, Mordakai.

[Mordakai]

He's persistent, foolish but persistent.

Mordakai swats the Sithra away with his right axe, thankful of his leather wrapped grips to keep the electricity at bay. As dangerous as a Sithra can be, they are easily parried if you hit it head on so it can't wrap around you or your weapon.

"Want to play with the Elements do ya?"

Mordakai holds his left axe up at an angle, reflecting the bright sunlight off the mirror finish of his axe and into the eyes of the Alfar. The mask doesnt hide those very well...

"You light up my life..."

Mordakai thinks quickly, Advance into attack range with a lightning fast Alfar, or redouble and try to walk him into someone elses attack.

if I close distance, he'd have to solidify his Sithra, or draw his daggers to compete with my axes... But Kyron is nearby as well and he would put up a better fight against this Alfar I think.
What was I thinking walking into an Arena like this? I am outclassed in speed by the Mirdain and Alfar, matched in agility by both and acrobatics aren't nearly as useful in here as they would be in say, a bar room brawl...

Mordakai puts his doubts aside, atleast he is stronger than the Alfar and Mirdain. Mordakai again rolls out to his left, making the Alfar have to turn again to pursue. This puts Kyron at his back, Raybur and Naithin to his Right and me in front.

Atleast I can still see whats going on all around me, I wonder if my little trick blinded the Alfar enough to give me an advantage.

[RavenLord]

Kyron stayed down for a while... Naithin was on his feet right away and running towards the second archer. The Alfar and Mordakai were locked into combat close to him, Naithin was running in the other direction.
Than kyron noticed Mordakai

[Daetalion]

He sat on the wooden bench as if he was an Alfar commoner, masked by a black hood which completely covered his face outside of two eye sockets which barely reveled two black eyes that were staring at the battle below. His true name was forgotten by the alfar people, but his presence reverberated through there legends and tales as "The Prince of the Dead, Lord of the Dark Grotto" Only Malik kimself and a few magi of the Unseen Radience knew who he actually was. His true name was Daetalion; Daetalion Legemeton, Keeper of the Diabolical Nexion. He did not live among the alfar, but only among the specteres which gaurd and wander his home, The Grotto of Shadows, also known as The Dark Grotto.

He watched the battle below with great interest, and even greater concentration. He was currently under the influence of a special hallucinegenic mushroom that allowed him to see the fighters in every stage of their movement . By analyzing the wavey imprint of themselves that they left behind each time they moved, he could observe their techniques to the very finest detail. He continued to stare, motionless, at the chaos before him and continued to make mental notes of certain tendencys that the fighters had during battle, for when the time came, he would turn these tendencies into weaknesses and exploit them into every possible advantage he gain against them.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur watched as Naithin charged him from across the field.
Hmm, seems like he doesn't like it when people shoot at him, who'd of thunk it?
Raybur tossed his bow a few feet to the right and with his left hand drew and threw the dirk hidden beneath his hat brim. Meanwhile, with his right hand freed of the bow, he drew his gladius.
No use bothering with my stick on this guy, I'm way outclassed, but maybe I can cut in close to him.
Raybur waited to see the results of his throw as he drew a stiletto from his right sleeve with his left hand.

[Naithin]

The first thrown dirk clanged into the tip of his Mithril shod staff and spun away harmlessly into the sand, without even slowing his step. Continuing the motion of that swipe, he brought his staff into a spin in his hands controlled from the center while still running forward.

As he neared, he saw Raybur disgard the bow he had been causing trouble with in favour of a gladius and another dirk. Naithin frowned slightly, this changed things.. Just before he approached he used the momentum of the staff to practically sling the staff forward in his grip til he held it in a two handed grip from one end, instead of closing in close he swung the staff overhead and down towards Raybur from the maximum range of the staff, aiming the far tip for Raybur's left shoulder.

[Animus]

Animus blinked his eyes quickly, trying to get rid of the dots of sunlight. It had hampered him a bit, but nothing too detrimental, and in seconds he had found the fleeing foe. Damn bastard thinks he can run away.

"Oh Mordakai! Come back, come back Mordakai!"

He shifted quickly on his foot, repositioning his body to face the crazy man. His Sithra flared alive once more, cutting through the air, grasping for the ankle of the silly human archer.

[Mordakai]

The whip of the Sithra caught Mordakai's foot just as he was bringing it forward for another step. The sudden yank on his leg brought him down to the dirt yet again. Luckily though, as an arrow passed just inches over his shoulder as he fell.

What gives?

Mordakai could feel the Sithra pulsing, trying to penetrate his leather with is electricity. Just one tiny cut in his armor would allow it to seep in and constrict his muscles.

Mordakai brought himself up to a knee and swung his entangled leg around into a kick, hoping to either yank the sithra from Animus' hands or pull him off balance and slack the sithra enough to escape it's grasp.

((Should I slack the Sithra, I would then turn as I stand to face the Alfar and Kyron off behind him and to my right.))

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Seeing the ease with which his dirk was deflected, Raybur groaned.
Then the staff was coming overhead at his left shoulder.
Crossing the gladius and stilletto, raybur sidestepped to the right, using the makeshift scissors to deflect the blow further to the right, while the staff fell, Raybur took the opportunity to take a few steps closer to Naithin, sliding up the length of the staff, before whipping the gladius off the top in an cutting arc at Naithins exposed chest.

[RavenLord]

Impossible! Animus

[Naithin]

Naithin smiled at Raven's defence. The mithril tip clanged heavily into his scissor styled defence, sparks actually flew from the metal on metal contact. For a moment they were face to face, Naithin still with a small smile upon his face, then the gladius was gone from the formation, leaving only the dagger to push from one direction, deflecting the staff away from Raybur's body.

A distinct whistling noise clued him in as to why. The gladius was now sailing in an arc back towards him.. 'Not good..' he thought ironically, and then simply let himself fall backwards.

The gladius must've been aimed for his chest, a middle slashing move.. As he fell he just cleared it's deadly path, the wind shear from it's tip was felt upon his face.

Finally recovering from the surprise at how close it had been, he decided to return the favour. Learning from Raybur the mistake that saved his own life right then, rather than trying to do a swing of his own, he simply thrust one tip in a short sharp motion at Raybur. It was however only in a one handed grip, it was all he could manage while falling, and the backwards motion robbed it further of some of it's power, but still, it would be enough to sting punishingly if Raybur didn't back off to avoid it, which was the real intention here, to give him some time to get back on his feet..

*Snrunch*.. He was on the sand.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Swish. Not the sound Raybur had been hoping for. Naithin was freefalling backwards away from his blade, then as Raybur attempted to get closer, the tip of Naithin's staff was jammed in a one-handed attempt to ward him off.
Perfect
Raybur released both of his weapons instantly, and closed both of his hands on the shaft of Naithin's staff, slowing it slightly before it gave him a nasty crack in the sternum. Grunting with the blow, Raybur held on firmly to the staff, pushing it to the left before pulling himself along its length to get in close to Naithin.
This is the way to do it, no sticks, no blades, just a good ol' brawl.

[Naithin]

Naithin saw where this was going rather quickly. While Raybur was pulling himself along his staff coming in close, Naithin had already started a wide swing with his right arm, aiming to crack at Raybur's jaw.

At about midswing from his right hand, he for a moment gave some slack on the staff by extending his arm, then just as rapidly yanked it back in towards himself.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

This is gonna hurt...
As Naithin yanked on the staff Raybur fell facefirst right into a fist at his jaw. CRACK!
Trying to fight his way through the fog clouding his head, Raybur felt himself landing on Naithin's chest, and an idea formed vaguely. Gripping as well as possible on Naithin's shoulders, Raybur jerked his head forward, aiming his forehead in a headbutt at naithin's nose.
I've always been told I was hard-headed.

OOC: i'm guessing there couldnt have been too much power in that blow, since as far as i know you are still flat on your back in the sand... but my own movement towards you added some...

[Naithin]

Naithin landed a rather satisfying crack on his jaw. Didn't feel like he had managed to break anything, but it still had to hurt like hell.

Next thing he noticed was that Raybur had let go of his staff in order to grab his shoulders, then his head was raisin- 'Ohh.. this could hurt..' -g up..

Naithin turned his head to one side, where Raybur's headbutt landed on his cheek instead of his nose. It still hurt like hell, but didn't seem to crack. Ugh.. It really hurt like hell.. But at least he could still see, his nose definitely would have broken and cause his eyes to water like fountains.

In retaliation, Naithin sent his right hand out then back in again rapidly, an open palmed strike, aiming for the top of Raybur's head, in an attempt not so much to injure with the strike itself, as to push Raybur's head enough to one side to hurt like hell, and in addition to that, and probably more importantly, to give more momentum to his roll to get him the upper position and more velocity to his hits. If his strike landed, he intended to roll in the same direction as the hit in time with it to try put Raybur on the bottom.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Crack!
Raybur's head swam a little more, but he was vaguely aware that his blow had landed. No satisfying chrunching noises though..
Then he felt another force push on the left side of his head, bending his neck painfully to the right. Raybur released his hold of Naithin's shoulders and rolled as far as he could to the right, hoping to avoid Naithin being able to get atop him. Raybur then aimed a backwards kick at where he hoped Naithin's shin would be if he tried rolling in Raybur's direction.

OOC: 3/4 of a roll so far, meaning Raybur's back is to Naithin and he's kicking like a mule :D

[Animus]

Animus smiled slightly as his Sithra grabbed Mordakai. Bwahahaha, I got you you son of a bit--! Mordakai struggled against the whip, and Animus, not expecting the human to be putting up a fight, and being smaller than the man, kept him grip on the hilt, but lost his footing, and fell forward, fortunately though, as just then the dagger flew over his head. Woooo, i'll take it. Animus drops the hilt of the Sithra and draws his daggers, and rushes Mord, hoping the man was too tangled up to put him a fight.

"DIE!!!"

[Mordakai]

Damn he's fast... I no sooner get free of this whip and he's already after me with daggers.

Mordakai knows a hand to hand fight with this Alfar is inevitable, but just how long can he last against the speed of such a man? If Mordakai doesn't stop fumbling around the arena, probably not very long. Anyone who didn't know what Mordakai is capable of would surely never guess it by looking on at this fight. He had to do something and do it quick! He wasn't getting much Aid from anyone else at the moment.

You've stood your ground against some of the fastest creatures this land has to offer, why are you backpeddling from this one?

Mordakai's mind continues to race through past scenarios and past experiences. There had to be something he had seen or done before that would help him in this situation now.

"Mongoose!"
Mordakai said aloud accidentally as his mind finally found something useful.

The Mongoose isnt faster than the Cobra... it just stays ever so close, yet just out of reach until the cobra strikes. Let the Alfar's own lust for blood be his undoing. He strikes, you can counter faster... You can!

" I can!"

Mordakai continues to stay just out of the Alfar's reach, ducking or twisting out of the way of his attacks and continuing to lead the Alfar around the Arena. Sooner or later, the Alfar would make a mistake... and Mordakai would exploit it. He just hoped he wouldn't back into someone elses attack in the meantime.

[RavenLord]

"DIE!!!"
A wide grin spread on Kyron

[Animus]

This dumb bastard actually thinks I didn't notice him. I'm a Dark Lord of Morier, I know what the fuck is around me... for such blatant ignorance, i'll just have to remove that which he covets most. Animus pushes back slightly, making sure that if Mordakai were to draw the hatchets he keeps at his side, he would be just out of range. Flipping one dagger around and into a sopramano grip, he threw his legs out and dropped into a straddle. Leaning his head back to see the man trying to stab him in the back, he blocked the attack with his overhand held left dagger. Once he felt the successful parry, he threw his torso forward allowing him to force his right arm backwards into an upward stab, aiming for Kyron's manhood.

[RavenLord]

His attack was blocked with incredible speed.
And now the crazy bastard is trying to rid me off my balls!
Kyron thought about blocking the Alfar

[Naithin]

Naithin rolled with the slam of his palm, but things didn't quite go as expected. Raybur managed to roll away just that much quicker that he was no longer where Naithin expected him to be. Then to top that off, midroll Raybur had launched a kick at him that in his current position he had no way to avoid completely.

As Raybur's leg came sailing in in a mule like fashion, Naithin completed his roll, going into a press-up like stance, moments before the kick landed he was able to slightly push up the wait using his toes, removing his legs weight upon the ground the instant the kick hit. Instead of breaking bones it sent him in a spiral, turning his body a full 90 degrees from the original position.

It hurt. Even though his weight had been lifted off the ground and thus offered less resistance, it still hurt. It would bruise beyond belief there shortly.

'Damn..' Naithin muttered to himself as he arose from the ground, this was going to cause a limp for a bit til he was able to adjust to the pain and let it seemingly lessen.

In retaliation Naithin sent his staff in a jabbing motion, held from one end towards the side of Raybur. He knew a full swing had no chance to hit, too much warning, but a jab may have a chance, or at the very least make him give a little more distance, which was something Naithin needed about now.

[Mordakai]

(( Just so ya'll know... I've had my Axes in hand this whole fight. even deflected Animus' Sithra with one. ))

Sneaky Kyron... not sneaky enough. Animus is no fool, but he also can't handle fighting front and back at the same time.

WOW!

Animus had just ducked back into a split as Kyron attempted to stab him in the back. Grabbed him up and rose into an upward stab to the groin, but instead of putting Kyron's love life on permanent hiatus, Kyron backflipped out of it.

Even after taking an arrow to the hip, this man has incredible agility.

Animus was in a perfect position to be killed by Mordakai's arrows... but he long ago abandoned his bow when Animus pressed the attack so close to him. Unsure of how Mordakai could get into a striking range on Animus without taking a brutal wound by the Alfar, he opted to step backwards raise his axes in a defensive stance.

The striking cobra has been missing... eventually he will make a mistake and you will have a great opportunity to counter attack. Keep doing whats working.

Mordakai decides to play the role of a Mongoose a little more accurately and will not backpeddle if the Alfar continues his assault on him. Instead, he will stay just out of range of his daggers, but feint a counter-attack each time in hopes of keeping the Alfar on his toes.

If I press him, maybe he will be more apt to make a mistake.

[Animus]

Damn agile bastard, wounded as he was, I couldn't even have pulled a move like that. Between a rock and a fast fucking bitch, time to get out of here. Animus noted Mord's defensive stance, and silently praised his own luck. Twisting his legs in the air, he pulled himself into a standing position, and crouching slightly to get more power, he got the hell out of dodge.

Running at his max speed, and leaving Kyron and Mordakai to one another, Animus went to the uninhabited part of the arena and watched the entire fight, taking a momentary breather and analyzing the competition in hopes of seeing an opening.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur felt contact for a moment through his boot. Then he was pulling his leg back into line and continuing his roll onto his belly and looking over at where he expected to see Naithin lying nearby.
Shitsky
Naithin was not only on his feet already, but was making a jab at Raybur. Raybur tried to roll away more to avoid the blow. Thunk. The staff hit Raybur in the ribcage low on his right side. The blow drive Raybur even further away, upon which, Raybur rose to his knees, holding his side and his jaw and staring around the arena. Animus was running like only a coward Alfar could. Mordakai and Kyron were staring at him in surprise. And Naithin, Naithin was standing a few yards away watching him. Raybur grinned broadly, shaking his head to clear it as he shifted to a comfortable crouched position, prepared to move in any direction necesary.
"Excellent fight, haven't had one as good in a while, but if we keep this up, we will both lose, the victor wont be able to stand up! What would you say to looking around for someone else to play with for a little while, I've got my eyes on that little pipsqueak running off to the side over there.."

[Mordakai]

"Just when I was starting to have fun..."

Mordakai watched briefly as the Alfar sprinted away. He knew Animus was no coward, he was just smart. And that made him dangerous. He was fast, dextrous and intelligent. Then again, so is Mordakai. While he couldn't outrun an Alfar in a sprint, he was just as quick in his movements, just as agile and hopefully smarter. Animus was smart enough to see Mordakai's change in tactics and wasn't about to have anything to do with it. Even if Kyron hadn't stepped in, Animus would likely have sought easier prey and tried to catch Mordakai off guard some other time.

"Well... You wanna have a go at me now I guess. How's your hip?"

Mordakai smiled at his question, he knew Kyron wasn't in that bad of shape but it was more a matter of pride. Kyron couldn't be fond of Mordakai for drawing first blood, and likely he was even a bit wary of him after his bout with the Alfar.

Don't under estimate this one, he is as dangerous as the Alfar. Keep your wits about you and a weakness will present itself.

Mordakai raised his axes and took a defensive stance, Muscles tensing, building up potential energy to snap his reflexes into action like a steel trap. This would be a fight, but he must remain aware of that Alfar.

He's just waiting for you to take your mind off him even for a second... But you also need to focus on Kyron... Why can't things ever be easy?

[RavenLord]

OOC: just to get things sorted out here... It isn

[Mordakai]

"Dah... Nobody wants tah play wit me..."

Shut up moron... let those guys wear themselves out fighting each other. aren't you an archer anyways? Shoot someone!

Mordakai spins on his heels and locates his bow a dozen yards away. Sheathing his axes he closes the distance and picks up his bow. Only 8 shots left, unless he decides to scavenge some of my Armor Piercing arrows from the floor.

This will have to do.

"Duck and cover boys! Looks like I found my bow..."

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur saw that Kyron had run off after the Alfar, and Mordakai had gotten his bow back.
Hmm, Naithin seems to be considering it at least.. well, he doesn't seem like the kind of guy to hit a man in the back..
Raybur skirted around Naithin, and picked up his knife and sword from where he had dropped them, before turning and walking away to where he had dropped his bow, planning to try getting a little coordination with Mordakai to put down that little rodent for good.
Or maybe Mord would just try to put holes in me to be the only archer, or maybe Nait would be the kinda guy to hit a man in the back.. or just wait for me to turn around to hit me.. in fact, now that I recall, he didn't like the first time I used arrows one bit..
Raybur glanced over his shoulder just to make sure.

[Naithin]

Naithin considered the proposal. Raybur certainly seemed a competent enough fighter, provided they could make it to the end, dealing with each other then would be no different to dealing with each other now. Besides, going together against the current tournament champion hardly seemed a bad idea.

He caught up with Raybur, and gave a single nod, and pointed off towards Animus. This could certainly start to get interesting..

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur grinned with relief when he finally got the nod from Naithin. Raybur lifted up his bow and nocked an arrow. Then he turned towards where Mordakai was standing, looking for a target apparently. Raybur yelled over to him, "Hey, you with the pointy feathery things, dont you think that little rat creature over there would look pretty in feathers?"
And to punctuate his thought, Raybur loosed his arrow in the alfar's direction. Not a pretty shot, but he wasn't really trying for a kill.. yet.

[Mordakai]

Its seemed as if everyone was going for the Alfar. And Mordakai had no partner to consider in this fight. He was a man alone, and if Animus was the first to fall, surely he would be the next to be targetted by the rest.

He'll look quite fancy in feathers... but so would you...

Mordakai pulled back on his bow, the string caressing his face like the gentle touch of a familiar lover. It didn't matter who he hit... but in order of importance, the other archer would rank highest.
Mordakai levelled his aim at Raybur's left forearm.

You can't shoot it, if you can't grip it...

If his shot landed, Raybur would be forced to wield a melee weapon, and be poorly equipped to fully utilize his left hand. Mordakai wasn't looking for a killing blow, just something to ensure he stood better chances in the end. The truth of the matter, he needed Raybur to fight as long as he could and wear down the rest.

Mordakai released his string and watched briefly as his arrow flew straight and true. Noching another instinctively as he watched his arrow home in on its target, he would be ready to fire again if needed.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur had been keeping an eye on Mordakai, afraid of him being jealous of the advantage of a ranged weapon. When Mordakai drew on him, Raybur was prepared, ready to move in any direction. Strangely, the arrow went in front of him, towards his left arm, just beneath the wrist. Raybur dropped his arm to his side as the arrow flew past.
Heh, he doesn't want me using that bow. Oh well.
Raybur nocked an arrow and drew a bead on Mordakai's side, just enough to make the other archer have to move a little, then released. He raised his voice as he prepared to fire another at the same target, "You know, I'd like to keep all my limbs intact for once in a fight. What if we BOTH dropped these toys and went with some real weapons, even the playing field?" Raybur continued firing, he was willing to negotiate, but after being shot at without a reply once, he wasn't about to give the sneak a chance to take more than his arm.

[Mordakai]

"That works for me."

Mordakai said as he twisted to the side to avoid Raybur's shot. Mordakai once again tossed his bow over towards the wall of the arena and drew his axes.

Maybe this time everyone wont run from me.

Before making any moves towards the 'furball' of a fight about to ensue, Mordakai made sure Raybur would drop his bow and keep his word. Last thing he needed was to walk into a shot over something as foolish as pride.

"Naithin and Kyron can play with the Dark Elf... You and me... lets dance you and I."

Mordakai grinned as he spun his axes in his hand. He knew he might not have what it takes to go toe to toe with Raybur, but he'd definetly give it his best. By now most of the fighters though him crazy, which was so far from the truth... Mordakai simply enjoyed being challenged to do something. Anything. It didnt matter much what it was, or how rediculous it seemed. Mordakai was always one to just do something for the love of living. To him, it isnt much of a life if it remains static and untested. If it was without fear, or fun. He did things most would not, just because to him... it proved he was alive.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

"That works for me."
Whew, maybe he's a reasonable guy afterall..
"Naithin and Kyron can play with the Dark Elf... You and me... lets dance you and I."
Or not..
Sighing heavily, Raybur threw his bow up into the stands behind him. "Watch that for me, will ya?" This guy is intent on seeing me bleed. I doubt that he will be disappointed either, with those nasty looking blades.
Raybur then turned to Mordakai, and pulled free his gladius in his left hand and his bola in his right. As he began to spin the bola, he shouted over to Mordakai, "You sure you dont want to see the rodent over there eat dirt before one of us stops seeing permanently?"
And while waiting for a reply, Raybur headed into easy range for his bola, planning to make his throw from about a dozen yards, should his final offer be rejected.

OOC: I'm not sure if anyone is unfamiliar with the bola, so..
Bola - Consisting of stone balls, usually in a group of three the bola is attached to long, slender ropes. It is thrown by grasping the nexus where the cords come together and whirling it like a sling. The whole assembly is often swung over the head in a horizontal plane and released, thrown parallel with the ground. As they fly through the air, the weights will separate giving the bola a configuration something like a flattened and open net. On striking a target, usually the legs of an animal, the weights will cause the cords to wrap themselves about it tripping the target to the ground. The bola is not a friendly weapon as it often damages the target by breaking bones and causing other severe trauma.
http://www58.tok2.com/home/hermitage/weapon_cg/bola.jpg
choose wisely Mordakai :D

[Mordakai]

"As much as I'd like to see the Alfar's blood stain the arena, no creature deserves to be ganged up on that badly. He may be good... but he isn't that good."

Damn... a Bola... this will definetly increase the degree of difficulty

"Besides... we're here to entertain. Lets give the crowd something to cheer for."

Mordakai readied himself for the incoming assault. He's used Bola's before, he's had them used on him before... the outcome was always the same. His chances of getting out of this unscathed were slim to none. But then he always has had a knack for beating the odds.

"Lets see what you've got Raybur..."

Axes raised, stance prepared... He waited for his opponent to move...

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur frowned at Mordakai's claim that the Alfar did not deserve to be ganged up on. Finally resigned to the fight Raybur replied, "Oh well, then lets see what you've got."
Raybur stopped 20 yards from his new opponent, then slowed the spinning of his bola and calmly reattached it to his belt. Meh, a good, prepared leap and this thing mightn't have done a thing. More useful when they are running.
Raybur then swapped his gladius to the right hand, and lifted his flask from his hip. Raybur took a swig, waiting for his opponent to approach. As soon as his opponent came near, Raybur would toss the flask aside and draw a stiletto from his right sleeve with his left hand and prepare to counter. He started it, he can come to me, plus I have a little surprise for him. Raybur toyed with the large mouthful of pure grain alcohol in his mouth.

[Mordakai]

Mordakai was relieved that Raybur had opted to put his Bola away, yet at the same time he felt rather disappointed that he would not have the chance to test himself against such an attack from Raybur in these conditions.

Don't get cocky... You know very little about his abilities.

Mordakai moved forward steadily, almost arrogantly towards Raybur. Hoping to throw off Raybur by his carefree attitude. See, Mordakai is a smart like a fox. He knows that Raybur doesn't know much about him either, and even though in his head, Mordakai is wary and cautious and doubting of his own abilities... His outward appearance is the opposite. People see him as reckless and arrogant. So despite how much it appears he is under-estimating his opponent, the fact is that he is trying to throw them off their game because he is over-estimating them.

As Mordakai moved closer he half grinned at Raybur and faked a mad dash at him. Just to see his reaction to such a foolish attack.

No turning back now... you better have what it takes.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Mordakai had closed to about 7 feet from Raybur and was circling him. Then he charged. Raybur began to pull the flask away from his mouth and lean back slightly. Then Mordakai stopped and retreated back to his 7 foot buffer.
Hmph, he's testing me. I dont like being tested.
With that, Raybur threw the half-empty flask at Mordakai as he went back to circling.
Raybur drew his stiletto and continued to swish around the liquid in his mouth, swallowing some to keep the rest hidden.
Raybur waved Mordakai forward. Come on big boy, lets see how you like this.

[Mordakai]

Hmm, he's up to something...

Mordakai flashed another smile at Raybur as he put two and two together. Something in that flask was going to make Mordakai very unhappy.

"How long can you keep that in your mouth?"

Mordakai figured if he could hold it in his mouth, it couldn't be that bad to his skin... except maybe his eyes. No matter...

Mordakai moved in closer, tempting Raybur to act. He knew something was up and at the first hint of Raybur spitting whatever it was at him he would jump back with his axes crossed infront of his face.

Another cobra... but this one spits...

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Heh, he's sharp. Raybur replied to the most probably rhetorical question, after shifting the liquid into one side of his mouth, "As long as you stay over there I can."
Then Raybur decided to do a little testing of his own. He walked slowly straight at mordakai, towards where he had thrown the half-emptied flask. Intending to pick it up and swallow what was in his mouth, then take another mouthful. Hopefully it would make the whole thing that much more confusing for Mordakai.
Heh, if he doesn't move soon, I might as well go make sure they do a good job killing the vermin. This fellow seems to prefer battles of the mind to those of the blade. Not that that is a bad thing, but it would take more than a man with some axes to psych me out anymore.

[Mordakai]

Mordakai watched Raybur carefully, matching step for step as he moved closer to his discarded flask. Mordakai was growing weary of this little stand off, he had hoped Raybur was more of a man of action. None the less, if Raybur was foolish enough to bend down to grab the flask, Mordakai would be on him in a heartbeat to make sure he never stood back up.

"If you want to buy me a drink, do it later... I'm here to fight."

Mordakai moved in, whatever was in his mouth no longer concerned him. If it was too terrible a thing, Mordakai knew he could out maneuver and escape his weighted down opponent long enough to shake off the effects. With a quick flurry of downward blows, Mordakai tested his opponent to see just how well he could parry and counter attack. Hopefully Mordakai would learn something from his opponent, something he could use against him. Every creature has natural tendencies, humanoids more so than most. If there was something to use, Mordakai would find it. He just hoped he would find something before his opponent did...

[Raybur Ravenloc]

"Yep, one drink on me. Soon."
Raybur kept his eyes up as he crouched toward the flask. His opponent finally made his move, dashing in and raining in overhand blows on Raybur.
Thinking quickly, Raybur kicked himself forward, underneath and inside of the effective range of Mordakai's primary axe blades. As Raybur's head was almost at Mordakai's stomach, he spewed out the contents of his mouth on Mordakai's foot, combining it with the one magical spell he could use successfully. The spark from his spell was just enough to light the alcohol, creating, in effect, a fireball being expelled from his mouth and down Mordakai's leg. Then he was driving his weapons both straight up at Mordakai's elbows, hoping to keep the haft spikes and the hook of the axeblades from coming down and inward enough to do more than gash him. Assuming he wasn't hooked, he would roll to the left, away from the flamimg leg.

[Mordakai]

Bugger me! Thats twice I have been set on fire today!

Mordakai instinctively lifted his foot, which brought his knee up. Which happened to be right below Raybur's chin...

"Nnnngh!"

Mordakai's forearm pushed the flat of Raybur's blade aside but between being set on fire and parrying one blade, he missed the stilletto which pierced his arm just above the elbow. His armor provided no protection against the blade and it sank up to the hilt, exitting the other side of his arm.

It could have been worse, much worse. Luckily the stilletto wasn't on center, as it missed both bone and tendon. The feeling was amazing, and Mordakai focused on it for a brief moment. It didn't hurt, atleast not yet. It intrigued him more than anything else.

Still, he was on fire for the moment, but he had Raybur at a tremendous disadvantage... then again... Raybur didn't have a dagger sticking through his arm.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur was vaguely surprised to feel his stilletto sink to the hilt in something, and he released it as he prepared to roll away. Then Mordakai's flaming knee came up. Raybur grunted with the impact to his chin, which was already sore from Naithin's punch. Shaking his head clear, Raybur rolled away to the side, keeping his grip on the gladius.
That should slow him down a bit. Hmm, that arm is gonna bleed pretty good if he takes that blade out, and it has grooves along the length, so its gonna bleed a good bit anyway.
Deciding to give his opponent a chance to assess his situation, Raybur attempted to stand up clear of Mordakai's axes and wait. Perhaps he would try to pick up his lost flask. Heh, and those mages said I would never be powerful enough to throw fireballs. I bet none of them can spit em out of their mouths without getting burned.. Raybur grinned as he got his knees under himself to stand.

[RavenLord]

OOC: since Animus doesn

[Raybur Ravenloc]

"Hey you! Leave the flaming guy alone!"
Hmm, I know that voice..
Raybur began to turn his head, but then a combination of memory and seeing something being thrown in the corner of his eye made him stop and attempt to dive back down.
Fwoooosh!
Raybur was slightly jarred by the force, and the searing light ripped into his right eye, which had still been somewhat exposed.
Holy.. He is gonna pay for that.
Raybur leaped up to his feet to see his new opponent rushing him. Wincing both eyes and staggering slightly, Raybur though he did an impressive act of being a man just blinded, better yet because it was half true.
Raybur swapped his gladius over to his left hand and drew his remaining stiletto from his left sleeve with his right hand. Pushing out his blades as if trying to feel around himself, Raybur even turned so that he was facing a good deal to the left of Kyron's charge. Just as Kyron closed, thrusting his two daggers at Raybur's chest, Raybur flashed into action, making good use of his perfectly good left eye.
Raybur stepped forward and to the left slightly, while swinging his stiletto held vertically to push Kyron's nearer dagger further away to the right. At the same time, Raybur spun to the right and pulled his gladius into an arc aimed at Kyron's back or right side, depending on whether Kyron continued moving or stopped when his dagger was parried.
Why does everyone want to kill me all of a sudden?

[RavenLord]

[I][B]Hmm..a smart one..I

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur spun to face Kyron as his gladius whiffed over air. Then Kyron began trying to circle him, moving towards his blind right side.
Bah, another who likes to play games instead of spilling blood.
Raybur rotated with him, keeping his left shoulder pointed just to Kyron's right, making sure that Kyron would never be able to move fast enough to get into his blind spot.
Deciding to stir his opponent up a bit, Raybur quickly swapped his stiletto into his left hand, drew the dirk from his hat, and threw the dirk at his opponent's chest, before swapping his gladius back into his right hand.
That should give him a nice nick at this range, or at least make him think..

[RavenLord]

Raybur swapped blades. His hand reached for his hat.
The dirk!
Kyron had studied his opponents and was aware of Rayburs plan just a bit before the throw. And still, swapping weapons had taken it

[Mordakai]

Indeed, Mordakai had extinguished his burning leg. Luckily the alcohol was all that was really burning. Once it had burned itself out, Mordakai simply patted down his leg to brush off any smoldering embers. This time his leather armor proved its worth and prevented him from taking any severe burns.

Now to deal with this Stilletto.

The obvious choice was to remove it. But doing so would cause alot of blood to spill. It had to be done though...

"ARGH!!!!"

Mordakai growled through gritted teeth as he pulled the dagger out of his arm. Even though it hurt, he couldn't help but be fascinated by the feeling. Thinking quickly, he charged forward amidst the battling Raybur and Kyron. Diving into a roll he scooped up Raybur's flask of alcohol and sprinted past them out of range.

Mordakai doused the wound with the alcohol and roared in pain once more as the sting became a burning reminder of what pure alcohol on open wounds feels like. But the wound was clean, for now...

Mordakai bent down and scooped up a handful of dirt from the arena floor. He knew he'd have to do something to keep both open wounds from bleeding, so he rubbed the sand into them, packing the wound with the dirt before pouring the last of Raybur's flask over the bloody dirt.

That stuff is so pure, nothing short of evil could survive in it... I can have it properly attended to later though.

"Bless that Kyron for intervening. I'll return the favor."

Mordakai quickly took in the battle and moved forward...

"I'm not through with you just yet Raybur."

[Raybur Ravenloc]

"I'm not through with you just yet Raybur."
Raybur began to feel fatigue kicking in.
No time for that now, rest is for the dead.
But still, if he didn't catch a break soon, he wouldn't be able to parry a mouse, let alone Mordakai's axes. Sighing heavily, Raybur backed away from Kyron, and turned toward Mordakai, putting the three of them into a rough triangle.
"You know, you owe me a drink now."
Raybur decided to sheath both of his blades, retreating from his two opponents slightly, and pulled free his quarterstaff.
"Well, when you are ready, come get it."
And Raybur set himself into a strattled stance, left foot toward Mordakai, holding his staff horizontally at his belly with both hands.
"But you really might want to take a minute to bind that properly first, that mud isn't going to hold up in a brawl."

[Mordakai]

" It'll do. Never underestimate the strength of the good earth."

Mordakai moved in, raising his axes to defend against Raybur's staff. He knew how dangerous a staff can be, but he was confident a well placed strike on it would cut it clean. But he had to be careful... he didn't need a concussion or broken ribs to go with his pierced arm.

Mordakai sparred with Naithin often, and knew all too well how to parry and counter a staff. But everyone has their own style, and he would have to keep a keen eye on Raybur to learn his tactics quickly.

Mordakai attacked, pushing the end of Raybur's staff to the right with his axe as he brought his left axe in a downward arc, hoping to catch it on Raybur's staff when he countered. That should allow him to keep some control over how well Raybur could move his staff to defend against his right axe.

Get in close, get in fast... Staves are unwieldly if you keep pressing him.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Mordakai's right axe pushed the tip of Raybur's staff to the left, and Raybur moved with it, stepping back and to the left, keeping his staff at his belly and perpendicular to Mordakai. It also brought him away from Mordakai's left axe, which was coming down at where his staff would have been had he tried to swing the other tip toward Mordakai. Then Raybur spun the staff vertically, keeping it perpendicular with his opponent, the rear tip coming up and back down towards Mordakai's head as Raybur pushed it forward mid-spin.
Seems like he is used to fighting against a staff-weilder.. Naithin! Damn, if he can hold his own against his friend, then I'm in a boatload of shit..

[Mordakai]

Mordakai catches the end of the staff in the crook of right axe, slowing the assault, but feeling the strain in his wounded arm.

hmm... must get closer...

Mordakai hooks the staff with his other axe, pulling both axes opposite directions to lock the staff in place and extends his arms upwards as he throws a forward kick aimed at Raybur's abdomen.

He's good...

Mordakai knows if his kick lands, he'll lose the lock on the staff and have to regain the distance lost. The most dangerous place to be in is 4 feet away from a staff wielder. Mordakai must keep fighting close, keeping Raybur's movement at a minimum...

Damn... where's the Alfar?

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Damn hes quick. Raybur had not expected the second axe to abandon its downward motion and snap up to lock his staff before he could pull it free. Then there was a boot heading his way. Sliding his grip down near the bottom of the staff, Raybur slammed the end of the staff he could still control fairly freely into the incoming boot. Then as soon as the boot lost momentum from the collision, Raybur's left foot was there to deliver a blow to his opponent's thigh.
Thank Fortune I'm quick too.

[RavenLord]

Kyron got back up to his feet. Mordakai had come just in time to stop Raybur from cutting him in half. And now Raybur and Mordakai were locked in a battle. It seemed quite eaven for now.
Just to stir things up a bit Kyron reached for his powder bags and got closer to the fighting couple. He then threw a small amount of his smoke-powder between the two fighters. The powder started emitting smoke and soon the fighters were within thick smoke that was designed to limit visibility and, if inhaled, to burn their lungs and eventually kill the ones who breathe it. Kyron grabbed a poisoned throwing dagger in his right hand and started approaching the smoke, ready to throw the dagger at the first person that comes out...
(( I

[Mordakai]

Mordakai grunted as Raybur's kick landed on his thigh, but it was more of disgust than pain. Mordakai moved with the force of the kick and turned to his left as he released his left axe from the staff and spun left and forward.
This placed his back to Raybur within a few inches of him.

Whats Kyron up to?

Mordakai kept his right axe hooked on the staff to give him better stability and control of Raybur's movement, and had intended to swip his left axe down behind him and into the leg of Raybur, but then he saw the powder drop at his feet.

Damn this guy and his bag of tricks...

By now Mordakai was well aware that anything coming from Kyron wasn't friendly. So before anything ugly could occur, he'd try to give Raybur an Elbow to the sternum and get as far away from the powder which was now smoking as possible.

"Kyron saves me, I save Kyron, Kyron saves Raybur... And where is that Alfar?!"

Mordakai dove to his right and tucked into a roll so he could be on his feet again quickly and moving from whatever danger was in store for him next.

Damn that Kyron... I had Raybur right where I wanted him. I was too close for him to do anything but drop that staff. Maybe I should have let those two gang up on Animus after all.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Mordakai moved quickly with the blow, spinning his back to Raybur. Raybur saw his chance. He released his staff with his right arm and tried to wrap it around Mordakai's throat from behind. Unfortunately, just then Mordakai sent his elbow into Raybur's sternum, before diving forward away from Raybur. It was then, as he was pulling in a bit of breath knocked loose by Mordakai's blow, that he noticed the smoke rising up just under his feet, and Kyron standing nearby.
Hmm, this could be a good thing...
Raybur took a deep breath, taking note of the positions of Mordakai and Kyron, and waited a moment for the smoke to envelope him. Then he flashed into motion. He returned his staff to it's place as he knelt and drew both of his boot daggers. He then sent one flying in the direction he had seen each of his opponents only a moment earlier. After that, Raybur turned and moved in the opposite direction, coming clear of the smoke with it between himself and his foes. Taking in the fresh air as silently as he could gulp it down, Raybur scrubbed at his tearing eyes. Helpful or not, Kyron is earning himself a good thrashing.
With no fighters in immediate sight, Raybur sat down on the ground, about three yards from the cloud of smoke, blinking his right eye and taking a moment to rest while his vision cleared. Just to be safe, he pulled out his remaining blades, his gladius in his right hand and his stiletto in his left, and set them down to either side of him.
Whew, hard fight, I could use a breather.

[RavenLord]

And there he comes
Mordakai was the first one to emerge from the smoke. He rolled out of it and was quickly on his feet. Kyron didn

[Mordakai]

Mordakai had just regained his feet after his roll and took a few steps forward when he felt what he thought was a punch to his spine. Turning quickly he saw Kyron's dagger at his feet, then realized just how lucky he really was.

Thats one for the non-believers... A bad throw, the pommel of the dagger hit me instead of the blade.

Mordakai picked up the dagger, which had a curious substance on it...

"poison..."

He looked up to see Kyron reeling backwards from being struck by Raybur's dagger, then drop his powder again in an attempt to conceal himself.

two can play at that game...

Mordakai threw the dagger at the last place he saw Kyron before the smoke concealed his location. Mordakai wasn't the best at using throwing daggers, but he could stick 2 out of 3 if he tried. His Axes seemed to land more often though when he needed to throw them.

Taking a quick look around to see if he could find Raybur, he noticed another Dagger laying on the arena floor just a dozen feet away.

Man... either I'm really lucky today or these guys are getting tired...

Mordakai checked his arm, thankful to see it wasn't dripping with blood, though it was becoming more and more painful and his arm was begining to grow numb.

He decided to play it safe for the moment and backed into one of the gateways. With all the smoke in the arena, he couldn't see anyone, but he could hear Naithin and Animus fighting on the other side.

I hope Naithin is doing alright, that Animus is quite a deadly opponent.

[RavenLord]

What the...!
Just as he was almost done with bounding wis wound, Kyron saw a dagger flying towards him. His own dagger!
Something is wrong with me.Kyron thought as the dagger went just beside his head. The one who had threw the dagger obivously wasn

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur saw a shadow through the thinning smoke in front of him, and was on his feet instantly. Then Kyron was plunging around the side of the remaining smoke cloud.
"You need to learn that throwing sharp things at people isn

[RavenLord]

I wonder how is his right eye doing...
The smoke, although it had thinned out quite much, still made visibility very limited. Hoping that Rayburs right eye hadn

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Suddenly Raybur's opponent made a movement to the right, into Raybur's blindspot. Without taking any time to think, Raybur leaped backwards and to the left, then spun, to see a flurry of movement where he had just been.
Sneaky devil.
Raybur continued backpeddling away from his opponent through the smoke, and suddenly he was out into fresh air. Taking a big gulp, Raybur stood there at the edge, watching the shadow that he knew was Kyron.

[RavenLord]

Fast as hell, this one!
Kyron saw Raybur now as only a shadow.
[I][B] witch means that he can

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Kyrons shadow was not moving, just stading there staring at him. He has to come out soon if he wants to breath..
PHOOOSH!
Shit!
The powder igniting in Raybur's face totally blinded him, and drove off balance. Raybur dove to the right and away from any attacks that might follow. In a moment he was back on his feet, and began to sprint away from where he judged Kyron must be, blinking his eyes furiously. His sight was coming back quickly, he couldn't make anything out yet, but he could see billions of white and black dots swirling.
He hoped that by the time he reached the far wall of the arena he would be able to see enough to stop.
I'm going to beat that boy till HE's blind.

[RavenLord]

Hmm...he runs like a headless chicken
Kyron grinned to the thought...
Raybur was apperantly blinded as planned, but had dodged Kyron

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur stumbled in his blind dash. Just before hitting the dirt, there was a sharp slicing pain in his right shoulder. While scrambling back onto his feet, Raybur reached a hand around and felt a sticky substance.
Damnit, he's throwing things at me..
Blinking a few more times, Raybur's sight was enough that he could make out forms around him. He spun to face his opponent, sheathing his blades and pulling free his quarterstaff.
After a moment, his eyes managed to pick up motion, very near and coming closer rapidly through the thousand black spots flurrying through the air before him. Raybur placed his hands at a third of the length of the staff and swung, left to right, at the point he assumed was the figures right side, just beneath the elbow.
If I can keep him at bay until my sight clears....

[Mordakai]

Heh...

Mordakai watched as Kyron and Raybur fought in quick skirmishes around the arena, Kyron seemed to have the upperhand to this point. Luckily both fighters looked in as bad of shape as Mordakai.
Raybur was giving ground, and it wasn't tactical either... something was wrong. He had apparently forgotten about the axe wielding Ranger who tucked himself away inside one of the gateways. The gateway that Raybur now had his back to as he swung to attack the pursuing Kyron.

Its almost too easy... which means it isn't easy at all.

Mordakai readied his axes, but held his position. He was content to let these two fight a bit longer as cutting Raybur down from behind would still leave him with Kyron to deal with. He'd be patient and wait to see how this skirmish played itself out before throwing himself into the fight once more.

Taking a step back just to be on the safe side, he listened to what the battle could tell him. His arm throbbed, his fingers tingling with numbness as they gripped the leather handle of his axe. In battle he would feel nothing, but waiting idle for his opportunity he could feel every blow he had taken and every muscle strained from exertion.

Perhaps you should re-evaluate your career choices...

[RavenLord]

Tere was a huge bloodthirsty roar from the audience as his dagger drew blood.
Woosh

[Raybur Ravenloc]

"You can surrender now if you wish..."
Raybur grinned.
"Surrender?" Raybur, set out a burst of laughter at the proposition.
Then he waited, blinking his eyes, trying to clear away more of the spots. He could now make out Kyron's form fairly well, but it required focus.
Just a little longer..

[RavenLord]

Enough waiting around.
"As you wish...Why don

[Raybur Ravenloc]

"As you wish...Why don

[RavenLord]

[I][B]He

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur could see well enough now, the spots were few and fading. Raybur saw the duck and dive move Kyron was attempting, and slammed the near end of the staff downwards as hard as he could on the inside of Kyron's right forearm, the one with the blade aimed at his guts. He then pulled it back up, attempting to hit his opponent in the face with the butt of the staff just before his dive could bring him into contact with Raybur's waist.
I hope this hurts. Thinking about that a moment, Raybur adds, HIM!

[RavenLord]

OOC: I guess you mean you slammed the near end of the staff on the inside of my left arm coz it

[Raybur Ravenloc]

OOC: ya, I confused my lefts and rights, sorry :D


CRACK!
Now thats the sound I like to hear!
Then Raybur grunted at a sharp punch to his left hip, just as a shadow grew to engulf both him and his opponent.
That boy has more tricks than I do...
Raybur fell to his right knee, and dropped his staff. Probing with his hands, he found the dagger lodged about three inches into his hip. Raybur then went through his pack, pulling out a long clean rag and draping it over his shoulder.
This is going to hurt..
Raybur yelled as hard as he could as he jerked free the dagger, and continued yelling until he had finished tying the rag firmly over the wound. Content with his quick job of bandaging, Raybur felt around for his staff and returned it to his back, then found the bloody dagger. Raybur leaned over to Kryon and wiped the dagger off on his cheeks, before tucking it into his belt.
Now, what to do with him...
Raybur felt around for his opponent's other dagger, and once he found it, placed it in his belt opposite the other one. Then he gave Kyron a good solid punch in the ribs, just for good measure, before standing and hobbling away, wondering how far the shadow reached.

[RavenLord]

He was in darkness. He felt nothing and he heard nothing. He didn

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur stepped clear of the darkness, and looked around. Naithin and Animus were at almost the opposite side of the arena, and Mordakai was nowhere in sight. Buggered off, did he? Hmm.. Raybur looked over to where he had last seen Mordakai's discarded bow. It was still there. Well, that's good at least. Raybur walked over to the middle of the arena and sat down, waiting for someone else to decide they wanted to put holes in him. He had his back to the fight between Naithin and Animus, but he spared occasional glances in that direction and listened carefully, nothing should be able to sneak up on him.
Raybur yawned and had a content look on his face, as he tried to ignore the throbbing in his hip. He took the time to retrieve an apple from his pack and munch on it.

[Mordakai]

(( Last Chance Naithin and Animus. This time tomorrow if I see no combat out of you two, I am taking your heads as trophies. ))

Mordakai kneeled in the gateway, pleased with the sounds of battle from Kyron and Raybur. Sounded like Raybur got the upperhand at the end, not a peep from Kyron except a muffled groan moments ago.

Mordakai flexed his grip several times trying to shake the pins and needles out of his fingers before rejoining the battle. He knew Raybur and Kyron had to be in pretty bad shape at this point, worse than he was anyway. So he would attempt to catch Animus or Naithin off guard as they fought each other. Hopefully he could put a hurt on them and level the field again.

You are doing better than expected. But not as good as you hoped.

Mordakai's mind was in constant appraisal of the situation, always scanning and updating the smallest of details. While some would think that was distracting, he believed it gave him an advantage by always being one step ahead of the rest.

[Mordakai]

((Sorry guys... I know this is breaking like every Arena etiquette for fighting, but it must be done. Also I got permission from Animus for his death. He hasn't had the time for this as of late and was going to withdraw.))
Now!

Mordakai was on his feet and slipping quietly towards Animus and Naithin as they fought. Like a panther stalking its prey quietly, no movement was wasted and no sound was heard as Mordakai moved swiftly towards them.

Animus had just launched a series of strikes with his daggers that had Naithin frantic to parry. Neither made a sound as they fought furiously. It was as if they were both in their own pocket of time, miles away from the arena or its onlookers. Even their attacks made no sound as the steel of Animus' daggers struck the mithril shod ends of Naithins staff.

Mordakai was on them in seconds, neither paid him any attention as they continued their deadly game. Neither knew just how deadly this game was about to get as Mordakai slid his axes into their sheaths at his waist and reached out to them. Grasping both by the back of their head, he slammed their faces together in one fatal last kiss.

He heard the bones of the Alfar crack as he drove his face into Naithins. As the Alfar fell, already dead he gurgled through the blood rising in his throat one last curse at the Human known as Mordakai. Naithin's eyes rolled back in his head as his legs failed under him, falling in a slump next to the Alfar.

To be sure these two would not rise again, Mordakai pulled his axes out once more and cleanly sliced their heads from their bodies. Blood sprayed into the air as the last heartbeat pulsed and would beat no more. Mordakai reached down and picked up their heads and held them high into the air for all the spectators to witness. Blood streamed down his arms as it drained from the decapitated heads of Animus and Naithin.

Turning slowly for all the spectators to see, the crowd roared and cheered. Mordakai finally dropped the heads to the ground and set his sights on Raybur in the center of the Arena.
Play time was over... Mordakai wished this to be over and his primal lust for blood was not yet sated.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur watched as Mordakai slaughtered the two combatants mercilessly, chopping off their heads and presenting them to the blood-thirsty crowds. Hmm, sick man. Sick, sick man..I suppose I'll have to put him out of his -my- misery.
Raybur stood as Mordakai, dripping in blood, turned to face him. This time Raybur pulled his gladius and one of the daggers he had taken from Kyron.
"Well, lets see how you do against someone who is looking your way.."
Raybur's hip was still shooting waves of pain through him, but nothing important was hit, and the hip hadn't stiffened up yet; it would do till the end of the fight if all went well. But it never does..

[Mordakai]

Mordakai flips his axes in the air changing hands, then grins at Raybur. This poor soul, soon to meet his end. For what? the appreciation of cheering fans? Mordakai wasn't sure which battle was harder. The one in this arena, or the one in his heart. The battle with his human nature was more bloody than anything seen here thus far. And by his last display... he feared his human nature was winning.

"You sure you're up for this Raybur?"

Mordakai moved towards Raybur with a steady gait, as if he was stalking a wounded animal, about to pounce for the killing blow. His eyes almost seemed to glow with anger as he closed in towards Raybur. There was something in the air...

"Death is in the air... Can you smell it?"

Mordakai seemed energized by the cheering of the crowd and the smell of the blood on him and in the air. He levelled his gaze at Raybur and raised his axes preparing to attack.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

He's mad..
Raybur tried to avoid killing madmen. For one, it seemed wrong to kill a man who isn't in his right mind, but more importantly, they were dangerous and unpredictable.
Well, that arm must be pretty weak, I could probably make use of that. Or I could take out the other arm and render him harmless.. Lets see what he makes available.
Raybur positioned himself to counter Mordakai's attack. He put his left foot forward, and pointed the dagger at a point just in front of his left foot. The gladius in his right hand he held just above waist level, pointed at Mordakai.
"Lets get this over with."

[Mordakai]

Mordakai half circled Raybur, putting his own back to where Kyron was trying to collect his thoughts. Muscles pulsed, then sprang into action as Mordakai shot forward towards Raybur.

Steel rang out as Mordakai's right axe parried the left dagger of Raybur to Mordakai's right, and again as Mordakai's left axe parried Raybur's Gladius the same direction. This allowed Mordakai to carry his right axe to his right and upward, into a fast downward strike at Raybur's right shoulder. His left axe remained infront of him about waist high, ready to parry Raybur's dagger, should he be quick enough to block his right handed attack with his gladius.

His movement was fast and focused. He knew where he had to strike and how to strike so he was always left with an option to parry Raybur's counter-attack. All he needed was time... time to set Raybur up for a move that would strip him of his Gladius and hopefully his morale.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Damn he's fast..
Raybur turned with Mordakai's circling, then Mordakai stuck suddenly. Both of Raybur's weapons were deflected off to his left, and there was an axe coming down to cleave his left collarbone. But Raybur reacted as quickly as his opponent attacked, twisting to the left while sidestepping to the right, bringing him towards Mordakai's left side, and away from his right axe. Midstep, Raybur's weapons both move back to the right with his body, his gladius headed for Mordakai's throat and his left-hand dagger pointing for his guts.
This is going to be a bloody fight. I hate bloody fights...

[RavenLord]

The darkness stopped Kyron from seeing anything, but he could still hear very well. So he was pretty aware of the situation when the darkness thinned out...two corpses on the ground and Raybur and Mordakai locked into a battle.
Kyron was on his feet and facing the battle as the darkness cleared. His eyes sparkeled with anger...they seemed to burst into flames when he saw Raybur holding his dagger!
Nobody takes my daggers! The damn Mirdain bastard will suffer a painful death.
First he

[Mordakai]

Seeing Raybur side-step to his left, Mordakai slowed his downward strike and twisted to his left as he brought his left axe to his left, deflecting the dagger and his right axe came down in time to keep Raybur's Gladius in check.

He's not bad.... But I'm better.

The two were momentarily locked together, Mordakai pulling down against Raybur's gladius as he tried to pull it up towards Mordakai's throat. Thats when Mordakai decided to make a sacrifice... He just hoped it would pay off.

With Raybur's left hand being across the right side of his body, he had a perfect opportunity to pierce Raybur's right ribcage with the spike of his left axe. But this would leave him vulnerable to a slash to his left side from Raybur's dagger.

He still had Kyron to consider however... and taking a deep gash to his abdomen would not help him defeat Kyron later. But if his strike landed true, Raybur's counter attack would have little power if any. No time for decisions... All he knew was Raybur could not parry his left axe with his dagger, and if he tried to parry it with his gladius, he would leave his head and chest open to a downward strike from Mordakai's right axe....

"Grraaaa!!!"

Mordakai went for it... He had no choice. He had to press the attack and suffer the consequences if he failed. But in this brief moment of time, the human woodsmen did not believe his attack would fail....

[Raybur Ravenloc]

OOC: hmm, if I understood correctly, you are trying to stab me with the spike at the bottom of the shaft of the axe, beneath your grip.. if not, correct me
by the way, what about Kyron's daggers, are you just going to be a pincushion?



Raybur was straining against Mordakai, trying to force his gladius closer to his opponent's throat, when he noticed Mordakai's other axe aiming to put a hole in his ribs. There was no way to parry the blow with his dagger, so Raybur dropped it and grabbed Mordakai's wrist instead, pushing it down and behind him. The point of Mordakai's axe swept behind Raybur's lower back and Raybur held tight to Mordakai's wrist to keep the axe in the ineffectual position.
Now what..
Raybur seemed to be out of ideas, perhaps Mordakai would tire first.. Or maybe Kyron would show up and decide matters for himself.. Or maybe Mordakai had something else up his sleeve. But Raybur could do nothing but hold his opponent's wrist and continue the struggle between his gladius and Mordakai's axe.

[RavenLord]

OOC: ..We talked about those daggers already, me and mord..he didn

[Mordakai]

(( The spike of my Axe is like most axes, opposite of the blade. Its about 3 inches long, used for piercing objects. Being that it was my left hand attacking you after parrying your left handed attack to your right, with it is why I said you couldn't have parried the attack. You would have been slightly turned to your right with your hand below my axe. So grabbing my wrist would have been hard to do, but pushing my attack behind you would be technically impossible unless you turned to your right and pushed my wrist behind you as you put your back to me. I'm not complaining bro, but in this current position I have no idea how we are positioned.
Kyron and I posted at almost the same and I was starting my post before he finished his. So... lets see what occured in that time frame...

Seeing Raybur side-step to his left, Mordakai slowed his downward strike and twisted to his left as he brought his left axe to his left, deflecting the dagger and his right axe came down in time to keep Raybur's Gladius in check.

So... I may have an "out" for evading the throws, but I'm pretty sure I'll take a hit anyway. ))

[Raybur Ravenloc]

OOC: hmm, I'm confused now, looking back..
here's what I've got so far
Ray had his gladius in his right hand and kyron's dagger in his left
Then Mord used his axes to knock both Ray's weapons to Ray's left (Mord's right) and brought his right axe back at Ray's left shoulder
Ray sidestepped away from the blow and turned to put his right shoulder toward Mord. The dagger went under the axe to try a stab at Mord's belly and the gladius went over the other axe at Mord's throat.
Then I hit this
Seeing Raybur side-step to his left, Mordakai slowed his downward strike and twisted to his left as he brought his left axe to his left, deflecting the dagger and his right axe came down in time to keep Raybur's Gladius in check.
shouldn't this be backwards? your left axe would have had to come down to deflect the dagger and the right would have had to come up to block the gladius..
after this I'm totally lost, dont see any opportunity for Mord to swing his axe spike into Ray's side..

of course i'm totally lost now, so point out if you have it figured out..

[Mordakai]

(( Act it out... Right Axe knocks Left dagger to my right, Left axe knocks Right gladius to my right. Right axe continues right and up into a downward swing at your shoulder. But you Side-stepped to my left... To which I wouldn't continue that right swing. So I twisted to my left to keep my body facing you. Your left dagger thrust would have had to come across your body while your right gladius would have had to come up and to your right (like a backhanded slap) The gladius was stopped by my awaiting Axe, and your dagger was parried down and to your right. Which basically has you with your arms crossed infront of you. And me with my Left arm to my left and my right arm bent infront of me pushing down on your gladius.
I took that left axe back to my right, without rotating my wrist... so the spike is facing you.

The part that confused me was when you grabbed my left wrist and pulled the axe behind you. Unless you either turned your body so your left shoulder is about center of my chest, or stepped right up close to me, that would be hard to do. Now... if you did turn your left shoulder towards me, then we have an issue with your gladius and my right axe.

*shrugs*))

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Bah, I'm totally lost, stick a knife in me, I'm done..

[RavenLord]

Heck no...you two work this out so we can continue, go back a few steps or something. :p

[Mordakai]

(( Actually... I'm going to be unable to post for awhile. My Main PC is dead. So I just ordered a new one which will get here next week sometime and probably get that up and running sometime before the weekend I hope.
So... Consider me dead and you two carry on.
Sorry about this, I just Really Really hate using my laptop for anything beyond playing Spider SOlitaire :P

))

[Raybur Ravenloc]

OOC: well, i feel like an idiot, i didn't read carefully enough
i understand now, and you are totally right, i was thinking you had your left axe on my gladius and your attack was coming from your right axe at my left side, my mistake.. :o

when I made that post about stick a knife in me, I was.. not exactly in a good mood.. bad day..

and about not having a computer for a while, no worries, we can wait, you cant get out that easily, I'll just make this move and fight Kyron for a while :D since you said you'd probably take a hit from the thrown daggers anyway, I'll take a little liberty there, but I'll leave the severity to you.

so, disregard my last move, where I grabbed Mord's wrist. This should be better. I'm sorry about the mix-up, and if this is wrong too then somebody try slapping some sense into me..
________________________________________ __


Raybur's gladius struck hard against Mordakai's right axe, and they were locked in a pushing match, striving to overpower the other. At the same moment, The dagger was knocked violently to Raybur's right, beneath his right arm, and Mordakai's left axe was suddenly on Raybur's unprotected right side.
Shit!
The axe still had to slow before it could come back in a backhanded arc to puncture Raybur's lung, so Raybur decided to pull out. Lifting his forward right leg, Raybur kicked off of Mordakai's midsection as hard as he could, and grunted with pain as the weight on his injured left hip caused the leg to give. The kick did throw both opponents apart, with Raybur's gladius holding Mordakai's right axe at bay until they were separated.
But Mordakai was too quick with the other axe. The point of the spike caught Raybur in the right thigh before the leg could be pulled back down. Because of the angle, it didn't sink deep, only about an inch and a half, diagonally into the meat at the front of Raybur's thigh. But the force of the two moving in opposite directions caused it to quickly rip out, down along the leg, leaving a gash about a foot long but growing shallower as it went. Raybur howled. And then, to add insult to injury, a dagger flew past Mordakai's shoulder and right over Raybur's face, the very tip giving him a small nick just below the eye as it spun past.

Raybur knew, in the corner of his mind, that if he did not move quickly, he would die very soon, either from blood loss, or from another or Kyron's blades, or perhaps from a quick recovery by Mordakai. Raybur dropped both of his weapons, still yowling like a gutted cat, and went into his pack. He pulled out a fistfull of rags, and a clay jar. Taking half of the rags, he mopped up his leg, clearing away enough blood to see where the wound was. He then pulled open the jar and upended it onto the wound, before jamming the rags back on, and smearing the bloody mixture deep into the gash. Finally, clearing his leg as well as possible with the blood-soaked rags, Raybur took the remaining rags, and wrapped them around his thigh as tightly as possible.
Raybur stopped yelling abruptly. The stuff that he had put down in the wound worked quickly. It had no actual healing properties, aside from killing infection, but within moments of slapping it on, Raybur could no longer feel his leg. As a matter of fact, he couldn't feel any pain, anywhere in his body.. It was slightly disorienting. Now, Raybur would have to be very careful about his wounds, because even though he could not feel the pain, they could still, more easily even, kill him.
Touching the scratch under his eye told him that it was not serious, and so he looked around for the first time since falling. Very little had happened. Mordakai seemed to be dealing with some kind of wound, apparently at his back or shoulder, and Kyron was standing beyond him, holding a pair of small daggers.
Damn, this is not going well for either of us, I should have hit that fool harder..
Raybur did not bother to stand, he simply forced himself up into a half-kneeling position, with his left knee supporting most of his wieght, and as little as possible on his right foot. There was no pain, but if he wasn't careful, he could render the damaged muscle in his leg useless.
From this position, Raybur picked up and sheathed both of his blades, and pulled free his quarterstaff, holding it straight up in front of himself.
He shouted over to Kyron, "You want s'more?"
Inwardly, he called himself a fool..

[RavenLord]

OOC: I actually wrote a post, where both of my daggers hit Mord and there was only me and Raybur left, but could not post it since the forums went under maintence as I was writing :) ...well, I guess it

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur noticed the light in Kyron's eyes as he approached.
Gods, is everyone in this place insane?
Then Kyron was attacking, Raybur's staff was knocked to the right and Kyron's right dagger was headed for Raybur's neck. Raybur used the motion Kyron had put on the forward end of the staff to spin the other end up and around, smashing it into the elbow beneath the dagger going for his throat. Then Kyron plowed right over him. The blow to the elbow had pushed the dagger over his head, and the staff was between the two, so Raybur simply fell onto his back, pushing Kyron along with his own momentum over and onto his face.
After this, Raybur rolled onto his stomach and used his staff to lift himself back into his original position again.

[RavenLord]

Kyron didn

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur watched cautiously as his opponent straightened and appeared to be repeating the same poorly thought out attack. Then came the trick, Kyron made a leaping two-legged kick at Raybur's chest.
Wow, I'm going to feel bad about this, but.. tough.
Raybur stood his ground, and simply shifted his staff, planting one end in the dirt at his foot, and the other end he pulled up beneath and between Kyron's legs.
Raybur made a pained face as he waited to feel the jolt that signified his opponent most likely losing the will to fight.
Well, maybe this will teach him to lay off all the jumping around..

[RavenLord]

OOC: Bit confused here :confused: ...are you expecting me to land on your staff or run into it as I fly towards you? Waiting for Kyron to "plant" himself on the staff is not an option, IMO, since Kyron is flying towards Raybur with quite a bit of speed. He

[Raybur Ravenloc]

OOC: the staff's length is 6 feet (or around 1.8 meters i think)
I dont know what was confusing you, but your post makes sense to me, so I'm assuming its all OK..




Raybur watched as his opponent made a twisting motion on impact with the staff, thereby saving his morale. Then his entire body, turned sideways, slammed into Raybur's chest. Raybur attempted a similar move as the last time, falling backward with the weight, and releasing the staff with his left hand, pushed upward at Kyron's midsection.
Unfortunately, it didn't work quite as well this time, as Kyron's backside landed square on Raybur's face. All Raybur could do was, guessing that the middle of the staff was still between Kyron's legs, give a pull as hard as he could on it, hoping to make it uncomfortable enough to force Kyron to roll off of him.. At the same time, he sent right fist at where he judged his opponent's kidney to be, just for a little added motivation to move.
This is not good..

[RavenLord]

Suddenly things got very painful for Kyron.
This guy must be one sadistic bastard!
The staff was pulled backwards between his legs and it hurted like hell. Kyron was about to roll away from Raybur and tensed his mucles to do that. Than he noticed something. His other dagger on Rayburs belt. Kyron dropped the throwing dagger from his left hand. He reached for Rayburs belt and pulled his dagger free.
The pain was now getting very hard to stand so Kyron threw his right leg over the staff and started a roll to the left. Just before rolling away he gave his opponent a sharp blow just above the waist with the handle of his left-hand dagger, that he had just taken back from Raybur.
Just to make the bastard think twice before stealing from me again
Something hit Kyron to his right side, but since he was already moving in the same direction, he barely eaven felt it, only think the hit did was giving his roll more speed. When Kyron judged that he was far enough, he used the speed of his roll and got himself into a low stance awaiting for his opponents next action. The pain between his legs was really annoying but he had no time to do anything about it right now..

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur felt only a small amount of pressure on his already punctured hip as his opponent struck him with the hilt of his recovered dagger. Then he felt a contact of his fist as Kyron rolled away. Wasting no time, Raybur got back up to his defensive kneeling position, facing Kyron yet again.
This is getting old...

[RavenLord]

Let him make the first move this time
Kyron straightened up and walked calmly closer to Rayubur. When he was just out of the reach of Rayburs staff, he halted and stood there, daggers resting at his sides. Outwards he looked totally calm. But his every muscle was ready to spring in action at the first sign of Rayburs attack. There was barely two meters of distance between the two fighters...

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur waited, prepared for Kyron's next attack. And he waited.. and waited.
Hmm, whats he doing..
"Giving me a rest at last?"
Raybur held his position, happy to wait and allow his body to recuperate. Besides, he wasn't sure if he could make it far enough on his legs to do anything else.

[RavenLord]

"Nah, just waiting for your legs to fail under you"
Kyron had an evil grin on his face. He only needed to get his opponent out of balance..
The only thing stopping me would be that 6 foot staff of his...
The more he waited the more time would his opponent have to recover. Some 30 seconds had passed when Kyron got bored of waiting around and decided to continue the fight.
With my feet on the ground if possible this time
Speed was his advantage now, since Raybur

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur grinned slightly at his opponent's new plan.
He thinks he'll learn to wield a staff in ten seconds, HAH!
Kyron began with a simple overhead swing, throwing all of his strength into the blow. Raybur simply dropped one end of his staff on the ground to this left and held the other with his right arm up above his left shoulder. Kyron's stolen staff struck Raybur's at an angle and slid down harmlessly, losing it's force gradually.
Can't let him get off that easily.
As soon as Naithin's staff was far enough to tohe left to pose no threat, Raybur grabbed his own staff with his left hand at the halfway point for leverage, and as he swung it under his opponent' staff, aiming to catch Kyron under the armpit, he slid his grip down towards the end, giving himself maximum range.
"Might want to get someone to teach you a thing or two before you try your luck against me. I'm no expert, but I could wipe the floor with you with both legs broken!"

[RavenLord]

"I see..."
[I][B]This staff-business isn

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur was truly surprised at the speed at which Kyron went from nearly falling on his face to making a low leaping kick beneath Raybur's staff.
Damn he's quick.
Raybur didn't let this phase him though. Releasing his staff, Raybur drew his gladius and his remaining stiletto. Raybur fell over to his left just as Kyron's feet were about to collide with his knee, at the same time making a downward slash at his opponent's knees with the gladius in his right hand and an upward stab at Kyron's back with the stiletto in his left hand.
I'm going to teach this boy about leaping around..

[RavenLord]

OOC: ..oooh...if you read post 113 of this thread (on the previous page), you

[Raybur Ravenloc]

OOC: actually I retrieved the gladius AND the dagger, but i let you slide on the dagger, since i didn't need it
From this position, Raybur picked up and sheathed both of his blades, and pulled free his quarterstaff, holding it straight up in front of himself.
same post that i dropped them, at the very end
and yes, the two boot daggers and the dirk and one of the stilettos is gone, but the other stiletto isn't
so the gladius and the stiletto are my last two knife weapons

[RavenLord]

OOC: here I go again, screwing things up...oh well :rolleyes: ..I didn

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur was satisfied with the feel of tearing flesh that he got with both of his weapons.
His shoulder hit the ground just before Kyron strucking down and then rolled onto his face off to the right.
Without wasting time, Raybur got up onto both knees and then turned and fell forward at Kyron, dropping his stiletto, and attempting to pin him down with his left hand, while holding to gladius to his back.
"Give it up, you're finished. You can go home now."
But Raybur prepared to make his stab at any sign of hostile movement.

[RavenLord]

The pain was terrible and Kyron had to struggle just to stay conciouss.
He tried to lift himself up with his hands. Half way up they simply failed under him. Then he realized that something was pressing him against the ground. The pressure was on his back, near the fresh wound and the pain increased. His sight was going darker and darker.
Someone spoke. The voice offering him a chanse to surrender.
He hadn

[Raybur Ravenloc]

OOC: Thanks, good fight. Everyone did do well, good jobs.☺


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