[Clash Of Blades Season 1] Week 1: Kiru vs Katoka

[Kindling 0]

Nearby the starting City of Beginners are a list of endless ruins. Most having had their loot picked clean by the thousands of players who followed the settlement's namesake, starting their adventures here, and forging forward. One such ruin, was the Amphitheatre. A small, dilapidated circle of dirt and stone that definitely did not live up to the grandeur that it's name might imply. The mud down in the pit was rough and overgrown from years of abandonment, the audience seats were dirt covered stone where some of the wildlife used as temporary beds here and there, the backrests of which were cracked and broken in parts. Certainly not the most comfortable for the few NPCs and Players who'd decide to show up for this bout of entertainment. He had done this once before already, some of the nerves were gone. Maybe not all, judging by the way he clasped his hands as a way to stop them from jittering. Practically a battery of energy as he stopped from wiggling all around the arena. 

"Audience! Combatants! Open your eyes and gaze upon those walking into the arena now!" As Kindling spoke, standing in the dirt oval down in the center of the whole ruin, the place of combat so that his voice could reach evenly across it all. Once more repeating that phrase, but for these combatants.. "To my left; Hair of two tones, an ex-frontliner not seen in some time, so all I can really say about her is that she has a stare as cold as ice, It'sssssss Kiru!" A dramatic stretch of Kindling's hand toward his left side, gesturing for Kiru make her way into the opening if she hadn't already.

"Of course, to my right; a current-standing Frontliner who just battled their way to the twenty-ninth floor, self identified as the Cerulean Storm, It'ssssss Katoka!" Following just as he had done with his left hand, now with his right. Looking to beckon Katoka into the arena on the other side. "There are no special rules or curveballs in this fight. Remember to not use any unapproved consumables, and to keep it sportsmanlike. We shall see which will win; the Old Way, or the New Way."

"Try not to stare each other to death; they say that looks can kill, and I would very much like it everyone walked out of here alive. Myself included!" A sentence followed by a teasing wink as the man backed up, eventually reaching the far wall. "Fighters, say your words, taunt your opponent, wow the crowd. And then... Get ready to go on my mark! Get Set..." Then came that promised moment of silence, his arm raised high, giving each a moment to trade words to themselves or anyone else watching. Readying himself to be the first spectator to this combat. To hear that satisfying singing of steel meeting steel, and gritted teeth. Hopefully those pain sensors were turned down.

Important Information

Quote

• Week 1 has no thematic or special rulings. Combatants will have to win this one on completely flat footing.
• Remember that all stats and tiers are locked to Level 10, Tier 1. If you need assistance, us THIS SHEET - It has the level 10, paragon 0, and tier level 1 lock already in place. All you need to do is plug in the appropriate skills at Rank 3 or lower, as well as your equipment. Remember to check the Informational for what Skills, Mods, and Addons are, and are not, allowed. 
• It is on each Combatant to log their own stats, and changes in those stats in each combat post. Do so with a spoiler to declare your starting stats, purchased consumables from the weekly shop, and then your natural regens, effects, or DoTs at the end of every post. Bonus brownie points if you also link your use of the sheet linked above to make it really easy for us to double check and keep track of everything.
• Both Combatants are given a post to introduce themselves, and go over anything they want. In that post, they will each roll, the Combatant with the higher Natural LD will go first.
  • If the second to post rolls the higher LD, they may use that same roll result to begin their turn and start the fight.'
• With Staff approval, these fights grant double EXP rewards! Feel free to go all out on your word count and posting speed. 

Ask @Kindling or @Minako if you have any questions. Ordinarily, the fight will end 11:59 PM EST Saturday, Feb 15th, 2025. However, we are fairly flexible, and if Combatants request an extension on that time, they'll get it. If we do not hear from you, and one Combatant does not post by then, it will be considered a default, and a win for the other Combatant.

Remember! Most of all; have fun!

@Kiru @Katoka

 

[Katoka 0]

Stepping into the arena Katoka was struck by just how... shabby the area was. She did her best not to judge since this was technically the first iteration of this tournament, but she had pictured it being in a much nicer amphitheater. Regardless she felt a bit nervous at the whole aspect of a crowd of people watching her fight another person.

The samurai had decided on not watching the other fights, despite wanting to cheer on her friends. She had been far to anxious and didn't want to catch sight of any 'secret plans' or anything like that. Now standing in the arena she had wished that she had after all. Then maybe she could have come up with a better plan than what she had settled on. With a deep inhale she equipped her weapon and let her left hand settle on the its hilt in an attempt to relieve her tension. Her stats were all lowered when she agreed to the dual thus leaving her weaker than she had been in a long time.

Once the announcer had given his introductions Kat grinned at her opponent. "Well ,I guess this is where we whip them out and measure but I think in both of our cases we'd probably scare all the boys away." with a deep breath she shifted her stance and reached around slowly to the hilt of her katana. Electricity snapped and cracked as it began to lash out from her body. "I look forward to fighting with a former frontliner. Hopefully you can show me how it was done."

----

Initiative
ID#: 240652 | LD: 7

Katoka | HP: 200/200 | EN: 43/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT:30 | ACC:3 | EVA:1 | BH:6 | REC: 2 | FLN: 4 | HLY: 4

Spoiler

Name: Katoka, The Cerulean Storm True Tier: 7
Level: 10
Paragon Level: 0
HP: 200/200
EN: 43/43

Stats:
Damage: 10
Mitigation: 30
Accuracy: 3
Evasion: 1
Battle Healing: 6
Stealth Rating: -1
REC: 2
FLN: 4
HLY: 4
Equipped Gear:
Weapon/Armor/Trinket:
- Muramasa's Legacy | T4/Demonic/Katana | Holy II, Fallen II
Armor/Trinket:
- Oni Haori | T4/Demonic/Light Armor | MIT 2, REC 2
Shield/Armor/Trinket:
- Aquamarine | T4 Demonic Trinket | ACC III, EVA I

Combat Mastery:
- Combat Mastery: Damage R3

Combat Shift:
- ST Shift

Familiar Skill:
- Rending Familiar

Custom Skill:
-

Skills:
- Battle Healing R3
- Energist
- Extended Weight Limit
- Katana R3
- Light Armor R3

Extra Skills:
- Concentration
- Parry
- Forgotten King's Authority

Inactive Extra Skills:
- Survival
- Photosynthesize
- Frozen Hide

Addons:
- Ferocity
- Precision
- Resolve
- Stamina

Mods:
- Meticulous
- Vengeful Riposte

Inactive Mods:

Battle Ready Inventory:
- Antidote Potion x1
- Coughing Powder x1
- Healing Crystal x1

Housing Buffs:
- Bedroom: -1 energy cost for the first two expenditures of each combat
- Bathroom: The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 20% (rounded down)
- Basic Kitchen: Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps. Ex: A perfect T2 MIT food gives 35 MIT instead of 30.
- Living Room: Increases out of combatHP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.
- Attic (Storage): +5% bonus col from monster kills and treasure chests
- Slime Farm: +5% EXP to a thread. Limit one use per month. Must be used on a player's first post in a thread. Cooldown begins counting down when used in a post.

Guild Hall Buffs:
- Trading Hall: Reduce LD needed for Salvage by 5 (10+ for Alchemist crystals, 6+ for everything else). +2 EXP per craft. Rank 9 crafters and Rank 4 merchants/performers receive +1 crafting/identification attempt per day. Rank 10 crafters and Rank 5 merchants/performers receive +2 crafting/identification attempts per day.
- Treasury: +5% bonus col from last-hit monster kills and +10% bonus col from treasure chests.

Scents of the Wild Totem:

Wedding Ring:

Crafting Profession:

Gathering Profession:

 

Edited February 9 by Katoka

[Kiru 0]

KIRU | HP: 200/200 | EN: 38/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:36 | ACC:2 | EVA:3

Spoiler

Name: Kiru 
True Tier: 2
Level: 20
Paragon Level: 0
HP: 200/200
EN: 132/132

Stats:
Damage: 10
Mitigation: 36
Accuracy: 2
Evasion: 3
Battle Healing: 0

Equipped Gear:
Weapon/Armor/Trinket:
- Cupid's Wings +3MIT
Armor/Trinket:
- Banshee Shiv +3DMG 
Shield/Armor/Trinket:
- Cold Reflection +2ACC, +1EVA

Combat Mastery:
- 

Combat Shift:
- 

Familiar Skill:
-

Custom Skill:
-

Skills:

Extra Skills:

Inactive Extra Skills:

Addons:
Mods:

Inactive Mods:

Battle Ready Inventory:

- Healing Potion: Heals 15% of Maximum HP on Use.

- Healing Crystal: Heal yourself for 15% of your maximum Health

- Pheromones: Set target’s EVA to 0, and ACC to 3, lasting for 3 Turns.
- Recovery Crystal II
Effect: HP Recovery Crystal, RARE  HP Recovery 2
Description: This Crystal glows a soft blue and feels cool to the touch, when you use it you feel as though you just stepped out of a shower, aahhh refreshing!

-Antidote Potion, Salve, Tierless/Uncommon, Antidote 1 

- Sand Armor Potion, T1, Uncommon, Functions like a Parry for the first attack the user sustains after consumption. Can stack with Parry to reduce incoming damage up to 75%

Housing Buffs:

Guild Hall Buffs:

Scents of the Wild Totem:

Wedding Ring:

Crafting Profession:

Gathering Profession:
 

“What the fuck am I even doing here?” I said quietly. I turned slightly and scanned the small area for an exit, but there didn’t seem to be one. I had heard about this tournament through the grapevine somehow, and by some lapse of judgement I signed up. The concept of a tournament like this would have intrigued me some time ago- I would have been thrilled! I imagine the entire Azure team would have had a monopoly on an event like this. But now? Now I felt slightly out of place. My own insecurities from being away from combat for long were bubbling up to the surface of my consciousness. What if people think I am trying to relive my glory days? I cringed at the thought. However, deep down I felt I had something to prove. 

The door opened out to the sad excuse of an area located adjacently to the City of Beginners. It was not grand, but it was just enough. Somehow it was slightly comforting. It reminded me of a simpler time before we were dead set on advancing to Floor 100. I took a small breath in, and walked out into the Amphitheater as my name was introduced. I could not quite tell if the cheering was for me or my opponent, but it was enough to pump my adrenaline thankfully. 

I made my way over to my opponent, Katoka. Her nature immediately reminded me of the other women on the frontline, and probably what I was like. “Right. I bet they’re all expecting some big show.” I said with a sigh and looked around the area. With her last remark I simply nodded to acknowledge the comment. Hopefully she did not perceive it as rude, or in the actual case: as nervousness and the desire to prove something. I took a step back and defensively unsheathed my dagger. It felt good in my hands- “it’s been too long,” I smirked. 

240805 LD 6 

Edited February 13 by Kiru

[Katoka 0]

The nod of recognition was all the Katoka needed to know that her opponent was at least here to fight. The old her would have seen it as rude, however after the few floor raids she had now been apart of it was easy to communicate without talking as much. She watched the woman with two toned hair draw her dagger, a wicked looking thing that Kat made a mental note to avoid the pointy end of. She felt her anxiety melt away and a grin pulled at the corners of her mouth. She was feeling excited now.

"I suppose we should give them something to cheer over huh?" she called across the arena. Taking a deep breath she shifted her stance, reaching deep down inside where she knew the consciousness of her cursed blade rested. "It's time." she whispered as she nudged it awake. The electricity that was arcing from her body changed hue, from a blue white into a dark black.

In the blink of an eye she was gone; the only sign that she had moved was the dirt billowing up where her feet were. In the time it took for the contestants to look confused the samurai reappeared in front of Kiru mid swing, her sword art giving off light as it struck the player before her from shoulder to hip. A red gash in the woman's side emitted black energy as the mesh frame of her avatar peaked through the wound. Thunder boomed in the distance in response to the Cerulean Storm's summon. Kat let her feet touch the ground for a moment before she leapt back, taking a defensive stance. Had this been a fight with any other sort of mob in Aincrad then lighting would have done more than grumble up above.

----

Main Action: [x8] ST-I : -8 EN
Swift Action: None

ID#: 240942 | BD: 8+3-3=8 HIT! | [Fallen Proc] 10+4=14*8=112-36 MIT = 76 DMG vs Kiru!

Katoka | HP: 200/200 | EN: 35/43 (43-8) | DMG: 10 | MIT:30 | ACC:3 | EVA:1 | BH:6 | REC: 2 | FLN: 4 | HLY: 4
KIRU | HP: 124/200 | EN: 38/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:36 | ACC:2 | EVA:3 (200-76)

Edited February 13 by Katoka

[Kiru 0]

 

Katoka shared a similar sentiment and kept the greeting brief. She found her place directly across from me. Much like others I had fought in the past, this woman had something flashy going on with her weaponry and overall guise. Goddamn. I’m like…ancient I thought, watching the heat around Katoka’s body change color. In the same instance, she was gone. 

My muscles tensed quite a bit, but I remained alert. I was completely aware of the fact that I was out of my element here, given the fact I hadn’t so much as killed a boar in a long time. It was difficult, but I shifted my foot slightly to reset myself mentally. It wasn’t enough though. Katoka was suddenly in front of me now. Before I could react or possibly evade her blow she ripped through half of my body. Suddenly, I thought of the last time I was cut open like this. “Shit” I whispered and bit my lip. Who knew if the damage to my body was real, it sure as hell felt like it. Before this match, I worried I would feel fear upon the first strike. However, right now I feel exhilarated. Katoka lept back, and as she did I flipped my dagger above my hand, caught it, and dove straight for her chest. The placement was perfect, but the impact was not what I was hoping for. Regardless, I set myself back defensively for her next attack. 
 

Main Action: [x8] ST-I : -8 EN
Swift Action: None

ID: 240963 (BD 10+2 (12x8=96-30=66 DMG))  

Katoka | HP: 144/200 | EN: 35/43 (43-8) | DMG: 10 | MIT:30 | ACC:3 | EVA:1 | BH:6 | REC: 2 | FLN: 4 | HLY: 4
KIRU | HP: 124/200 | EN: 38/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:36 | ACC:2 | EVA:3 (200-76)

 

Edited February 14 by Kiru

[Katoka 0]

A sharp pain shot through Katoka's chest as Kiru's dagger pierced her sternum. Her eyes widened in shock as time seemed to slow down for her, allowing her to see the blade sink deeper into her torso. After what seemed like a year the samurai flinched back, using her current momentum to jerk the weapon free from her and to put some distance between the two. Reaching up to place a hand over her wound she let out a half chuckle. "Just a little lower and you might have cut what little I have covering my chest here. Let's not give them that kind of show now." she smiled but it was strained. The strike from the dagger had hit a lot harder than she had expected.

With another quick step and rushed forward once again, closing the distance not nearly as quickly as before. The light from Katoka's sword art shone brightly as she let the system complete her actions. But her chest still throbbed, causing her movements to be sluggish. Her attack sailed wide, swishing past Hiru with a burst of air. "Shit."

----

*Note: Adjusted Kiru's EN to match last attack used.

Katoka regains +1 EN
CD 11 (Rec Proc ID#: 240970) +2 EN
Katoka regains +6 HP via BH

Main Action: [x11] ST-II: -11 EN -2 EN
Swift Action: None

ID#: 240971 | BD: 2+3-3=2 MISS!

Katoka | HP: 150/200 (144+6) | EN: 36/43 (35+3-2) | DMG: 10 | MIT:30 | ACC:3 | EVA:1 | BH:6 | REC: 2 | FLN: 4 | HLY: 4
KIRU | HP: 124/200 | EN: 30/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:36 | ACC:2 | EVA:3

Edited February 14 by Katoka

[Kiru 0]

I stared across at Katoka for a brief moment, then the crowd. There were a lot of people watching. It made me wonder if anyone I knew was there. I’d like to think that somewhere I had something supporting me, but no evidence gave me that impression. Especially since I had distanced myself long ago, it was probably that case there wasn’t anyone here for me. Strange enough, I wasn’t bothered by it. The overall exhilaration of combat was coursing throughout my body. I returned my gaze back to Katoka when she started towards me. This time wasn't as quick as before. She swung, and missed me, sailing past me. I switched my dagger into my other hand and dug it into her shoulder blade. I yanked it out and retreated backwards to try and avoid another quick attack from her. Don't get ahead of yourself here...I reminded myself, though still feeling animated from the fight so far.
 

Main Action: [x11] ST-II (11 EN)

Swift Action: None

ID: 240974    10+12 (12x11=132-30=102 DMG) 

Katoka | HP: 48/200 | EN: 36/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT:30 | ACC:3 | EVA:1 | BH:6 | REC: 2 | FLN: 4 | HLY: 4
Kiru | HP: 124/200 | EN: 19/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:36 | ACC:2 | EVA:3

[Katoka 0]

With a racing mind Kat attempted to dodge another well placed attack by Kiru. This time her blade dug into the samurai's shoulder, once again sending pain coursing through her. The shock for the attack nearly caused her to drop her weapon unto the arena floor. Her feet shifted as she prepared to retreat once again, her health dipping into the red triggering her flight response. She stopped mid step. There was no threat of death here. She could go all out and there would be no consequences.

Her grimace turned into a grin, "You're not too bad Kiru. If I hadn't come with a few contingency plans you might have beaten me." Katoka swiftly opened her inventory and selected an item, letting it spawn in her left hand that she quickly hid behind herself. "Stay right there, I have a gift for you."

Black electricity once again gathered around her, "Sorry for being a bit of a one trick pony. Fighting people is new territory for me." She disappeared in a blur of speed, slowing down just enough to toss a small black bag on the ground at the woman's feet. A cloud of spices poofed up into Kiru's face as Kat vanished once again only to appear behind her while she was coughing. This time she drove her katana through her back, driving it nearly to the hilt. The clouds above rumbled once again and black energy snapped and cracked from the sword blade sticking out from Kiru's chest.

The small samurai yanked her weapon free and attempted to put some distance between them once again. It was down to the wire, the next person to hit would win the match for sure.

----

Katoka regains +1 EN
CD 3 (NO Rec Proc ID#: 240991)
Katoka regains +6 HP via BH

Main Action: [x11] ST-II: -11 EN
Swift Action: Coughing Powder

ID#: 240992 | BD:8+3-3=8 HIT! | [Fallen Proc] 14*11=154-36 MIT = 118 DMG vs Kiru!

Katoka used Coughing Powder! Stun applied to Kiru!

Katoka | HP: 48/200 | EN: 25/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT:30 | ACC:3 | EVA:1 | BH:6 | REC: 2 | FLN: 4 | HLY: 4
Kiru | HP: 6/200 | EN: 19/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:36 | ACC:2 | EVA:3 [Stunned] (124-118)

Edited February 15 by Katoka

[Kiru 0]

"Perhaps this is so," I turned over my blade once again and prepared for Katoka's attack. It seemed she realized this was not a deadly fight after my second hit. I had been so close to death that I had accepted my fate many times; the prospect of dying itself was not that unnatural. However, dying in this fight was not even a consideration due to the rules. Would I have joined if this was to the death? That would be a flashy and stupid way to go out." She disappeared again, "You're like a little glow stick. Someone cracks you open and you light up, how fun" I teased, though not really knowing how her sword arts actually worked. Katoka then threw something at my feet when I was expecting a frontal blow. I waved my hand in front of my face to clear it, but it was messing with my vision and lungs. I coughed once and felt a sharp pain radiate through my back. I coughed again, expecting blood. I attempted to parry and hit her while she was close, but couldn't move. 

I snicked, "That wasn't very nice of you." I knew this match would be over soon. Whoever landed this last hit would surely win due to the back and forth of it all. 

Main Action: None
Swift Action: None

ID#: 240993 | Stunned 

Katoka | HP: 48/200 | EN: 36/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT:30 | ACC:3 | EVA:1 | BH:6 | REC: 2 | FLN: 4 | HLY: 4
Kiru | HP: 6/200 | EN: 19/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:36 | ACC:2 | EVA:3 [Stunned] 

[Katoka 0]

The little bag of powder had done its job. Kat had bought the thing for just such an occasion, when she needed just a moment to put some distance between herself and her opponent. If worst came to worst she could pop her healing crystal to give herself a bit of a buffer, but that wouldn't help if Kiru hit her with another crit. Watching the woman as she managed to recover from the powder she noted her movements, how she seemed to be a bit rusty with her weapon. Both times that she had been stabbed Kat had left herself embarrassingly open. She wouldn't make that mistake again.

"Sorry Kiru, it's been fun but I'm getting a bit hungry." leaping forward she closed the distance in a flash, her sword nicking her thigh in a vital point. Katoka watched the last sliver of her HP drop, worried for a second that she would shatter like the other mobs in the game. When she didn't the samurai let out a sigh of relief, "No hard feeling I hope. This was a great fight. You hit like a ton of bricks girl."

-----

*Note: I forgot to update my EN on my last post. I should have had 25 not 36

Katoka regains +1 EN
Katoka regains +6 HP via BH

Main Action: [x8] ST-I : -8 EN
Swift Action:

ID#: 240996 | BD: 6+3-3=6 HIT! | [Fallen Proc] 14*8=112-36 MIT = 76 DMG vs Hiru!

Katoka | HP: 54/200 (48+6) | EN: 17/43 (25-8) | DMG: 10 | MIT:30 | ACC:3 | EVA:1 | BH:6 | REC: 2 | FLN: 4 | HLY: 4
Kiru | HP: 0/200 | EN: 19/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:36 | ACC:2 | EVA:3 (76-6)

Edited February 15 by Katoka