[Clash of Blade Season 1] Week 1: Jomei v. Acanthus

[Minako 0]

The sky was clear, and a bright blue as the sun hung high in the air. Little to no clouds hung in the sky, perfect weather for today's festivities. A small clearing lay empty, it's grass field mowed perfectly and laid smooth. Seats sat around the stage in a large 'U' and higher elevations as the seats went further back, allowing any to have a clear view of the stage. A smattering of people, a mixture of NPC's and PC's alike sat around in clumps. Not enough, but she was sure the show that she and Enkindling drafted was going to be the biggest thing Aincrad had seen. And she, was going to sell that shit.

"GOOD MORNING AINCRAD!"

The smaller woman cried out to the crowd. Despite her small stature, her voice carried. Naturally talented, and aided by the amphitheater.  "Are we ready for one of the great show's you'll ever see in your life!?" She cried out, attempting to hype up the crowd and possibly even bring in more people who had just been standing near. "This week is going to be filled to the brim with non-stop action, blood, violence, and drama! With this, the first week of the Clash of Blades tournament!" She announced met with a smattering of applause.

"On this side, standing at a staggering six feet and three inches is a man who barely needs an introduction! A large man with an even larger heart, a man who has spent the better part of the death game slaying floor boss after floor boss! It's the Emerald Duelist, JOMEI!" She said, waving an arm over to stage right giving Jomei the signal to come on and stand on his mark.

"And on this side, standing at a slightly taller than me five feet nine inches! A relative newcomer to the scene but determined to go all the way and show this old dog some new tricks! It's ACANTHUS!" Minako cried out waving at stage left for Acanthus to come down to her mark.

When both players were on the field, Minako motioned for them to get closer to her so she wouldn't have to bore the crowd with rules, and so the players may hear her over the cheers. "Alright guys, it's showtime. Jomei be nice to her okay, she's pretty. Acanthus, fucking murder this dude." She said, giving them a slight instruction. She let out a small cough as she cleared her throat, realizing that she may have had gone a bit too far on her instructions. "I'll just, go over the rules again just to make sure we're on the same page." Minako said, before she started going over the rules with each of them. "And now, if we understand we can get started. Back to your marks. And let's have a good time." She said before turning back to the crowd. "Today's clash of blades will be between Jomei and Acanthus!" Minako screamed out! "Now then! Fighters!"

"CLASH!"

---

Out of Character

Thank you both so much for being here! Below is another explanation of the rules, how we would like things formatted, and other important details!

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.'

Ask @Kindling or @Minako if you have any questions. Ordinarily, the fight will end 11:59 PM 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!
 

 

[Acanthus 0]

[Initiative 240654: LD 1]

On a bench in the trees, Acanthus bounced her leg restlessly. A different fight in a different arena, but the same warm beams inching towards her, begging her to believe in the game that surrounded her. It hadn’t worked the first time, and it was not working now.

She had hoped that the quest in the arena would help her sort out her thoughts. If I kill enough things that look human, I can get used to it, right? But the mantra that had soothed her before held no sway. I'm real, they aren't. Except this time, her opponents were real. They had names and lives, hopes, thoughts, and convictions. Moreso than the filler that Cardinal spit out for NPCs. All this training, and I’m already hesitating.

STUPID GIRL. No one is dying. Why can’t you just relax and enjoy this like the friendly competition it is? Steel flashed in her mind; everything is a game until it isn’t. Lives disappear in the blink of an eye. One moment off your guard will do that.

Her fingers trace @Morrigan's name on the monument of life, twitching with disbelief.

The announcer's voice sounded in her ears. Robotically, Acanthus stood and entered the stage. Minako’s voice boomed through the arena, swirling through the stands to fill every last space. Her introductions were charged, her commentary colorful—she’d probably done this before Aincrad. Her talent was natural.

Acanthus laid eyes on Jomei, trying to calm herself by repeating her studies. Jomei. Emerald Duelist. Cloth armor, evasion tank build. Uses a light sword. Notable threats include blight damage and combat experience. He was a good listener. He has a good heart.

Acanthus shook her head. Stop it. It’s a friendly competition.

Quote

“Acanthus, fucking murder this dude.”

The effect was immediate. Acanthus drew botan and dropped into a defensive posture, holding her new shield out to catch the first blow. No more time to worry—it was time to fight.

Acanthus | Lvl 66 | HP: 200/200 | EN: 38/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:40 | ACC:3 | AA  | BRN-IM  | FL.AURA: 2 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 10 | REC: 1 | LD:3

Spoiler

Equipment and Consumables

Spoiler

 

All enhancements reflected in the stat block unless otherwise specified.

Equipment
Weapon. botan. AA | ACC 3
Armor. Enduring Thistle VAMP-D | MIT | REC | FIREPROOF
Shield. Fractured Heart | Holy Blessing II | Flame Aura

Consumables
None applied./

Combat Masteries, Abilities, and Addons

Spoiler

Combat Mastery and Shift
Combat Mastery: Damage R3

Skills

• Battle Healing R3
• Light Armor R3
  • Mod: Meticulous (1/5)
• Searching R3
  • Mod: Night Vision (2/5)
  • Mod: Tracking (3/5)
  • Straight Sword R3

Extra Skills

• Forgotten King's Authority
• Photosynthesize
• Block R3
  • Mod: Shield Bash (4/5)

Addons

• None.

Mods

• Shield Bash
• Meticulous
• Night Vision
• Tracking

Battle Inventory

Spoiler

 

1. Healing Potion | Main Action | Recover 15% (30) HP
2. Healing Crystal | Swift Action | Recover 15% (30) HP
3. Pheromones | Main Action | For three turns, set target's ACC to 3 and EVA to 0.
4. [Empty]
5. [Empty]
6. [Empty]
7. [Empty]

 

 

 

 

Edited February 11 by Acanthus

[Jomei 0]

  

Jomei the emerald duelist

Spoiler notes Level: (10) 34 | Paragon: (0) 77 | Tier: (1) 4(12)  Jomei | HP: 980/980 | EN: 136/136 | DMG: 21 | MIT: 44| ACC:3 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:4 | BH:54 | HB: 43 | VAMP-D: 108 | BLI: 32/-20  | LD:1        Jomei | HP: 200/200 | EN: 43/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT:18 | ACC:2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:3 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 20 | BLI: 8/-5 Equipment: Vicious Mockery : ACC II | Taunt | Blight  Fencer's Regalia - Trepidation: Vamp D II | HB | MIT  Token of Serenity: HB | EVA III   equipped Vicious Mockery Fencer's Regalia - Trepidation Token of Serenity battle-ready inventory Antidote Crystal  Shell Crystal Rage Crystal Scintillating Blade (HLY 2 | BLT | PHS)   skills Spoiler Skills Rapier R3 | TECH Spec. Combat Mastery DMG R3 Cloth Armor R3 Charge B Healing R3 Energist MA R2 Howl Fighting Spirit Quick Change Extra: Concentration Parry Forgotten King's Authority Survival   Assault Mode  Lady Luck Meditation Mods Athletics Emergency Recovery Vengeful Riposte Justified Riposte Addons Stamina  Focus Precision Nimble Focused Howl data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== buffs ( DO NOT APPLY )  Spoiler Housing Buffs Well Rested: -1 energy cost for the first three expenditures of each combat     Squeaky Clean: The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 25% (rounded down)     Tasty: Turn 2 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Lesser Feast. Relaxed: Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts. Filling: Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps.  Multipurpose: Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll Item Stash: +1 BRI slot Advanced Training: +10% 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. data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==

"Ah right, sorry Adere.. forgot you can't be out there with me." 

A soft smile shining up to his owl companion, as she sidestepped from his shoulder to an outstretched elbow. With a high pitched coo, her eyes like the abyss looked at Jomei, head tilting to the side curiously. "Off you go, find yourself a snack, maybe watch from up top if you'd like." A louder shriek of approval, and Adere's wings unfolded, carrying herself up into the open sky above the old arena. The ginger would watch her off with sigh, until his attention would turn towards the path before him. One foot in front of the other, he walked down - what felt like - the long path towards the center of the arena. 

Jomei had no idea who he was up against, let along anyone else who had signed up. He easily could have found out who else he would be facing off against, but he decided to keep that a mystery. All of their skills and gear would be lowered to be on equal ground, so there was not as much of a need to strategize. In the end, he just hoped to have some fun. It had been far too long since he found himself crossing blades with another player - for sport, at least. Initiating duels with other players wasn't a usual occurrence, so these tournaments would really draw a lot of attention, both from spectators and potential fighters. 

Standing across from him, after a round of introductions from their colorful announcer, was the woman he met on the beach not too long ago - Acanthus. When they met, she seemed quite timid, though she proved herself as a valiant frontline fighter in their fierce battle against Callisto. A 'newer' face, but not one that lacked experience, he would need to be on his guard. Her eyes seemed slightly different, however, almost similar to the lack of shine he noticed with Arabelle.. at least when combat was involved. He would definitely need to be on his guard. 

"Acanthus, fucking murder this dude."

"E-Excuse me?"  Jomei looked at Minako, bewildered at what she just said. Did he even know her? 
Acanthus seemed to respond to Minako's joke - hopefully a joke - like some sleeper agent being whispered their pass phrase. No sportsman like words or even a 'may the best fighter win'. Just shield up, glare as sharp as the blade pointed towards him. Eyes scanned his HUD to make sure the dueling parameters were set, and that there was no actual risk. Good, time to fight.

With his own rapier at the ready, Jomei would take a short step back from Acanthus to allow himself a moment to crush a crystal in the palm of his hand. The shards of swirling blue traveled up Jomei's arm and would create a thin, shimmering layer of armor that lay atop his own. Protection, good, time to strike. Readying his blade, Jomei would thrust it forth towards Acanthus, hoping to strike. 

***

Initiative Roll: ID 240794 | LD 19 | BD 2

Swift Action -> Consumes Shell Crystal | Increase MIT by 15 for 3 turns
Main Action -> TECH C | BD 2(+2) 4 | Miss | -2 EN

Acanthus | Lvl 66 | HP: 200/200 | DMG: 10 | MIT:40 | ACC:3 | AA  | BRN-IM  | FL.AURA: 2 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 10 | REC: 1 | LD:3

Jomei | HP: 200/200 | EN: 41/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT:33 | ACC:2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:3 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 20 | BLI: 8/-5 | SHELL (3/3)

// Spreadsheet for tracking purposes //

[Acanthus 0]

Acanthus blinked. It was her first mistake.

Her eyes fluttered open to find Jomei within striking distance, rapier sailing towards her. Her shield barely caught the point of his blade, turning it aside almost by chance. The Duelist recovered instantly, working his way around her defenses, determined to find an opening. In her mind, “evasion tank” had just meant he was hard to hit. Acanthus realized too late that “too fast to hit” meant “too fast to block.” The tip of his blade flashed in yet again, parried at the last possible moment. I can’t keep this up, she realized with some fear. Sooner or later, he’ll find his opening.

She backpedaled, fumbling at her belt for the vial of liquid she’d purchased. It was a necessary first step to her plan, a step Jomei seemed intent on making her work for. Sparks flew from botan as Acanthus held on for dear life. After a vicious combo, Jomei wrested botan from her hand. Acanthus cursed, ripping the pheromones from her waist. Jomei dove in.

Catching the rapier on the edge of her shield, she pushed forward, forcing the weapon away from her opponent at an awkward angle. An opening for an attack—if she’d had botan ready. Winding up the flask like a club, she shattered the vial across his face. A powerful citrus-y smell immediately overwhelmed the arena. It seemed to slow everyone’s movements, like swimming against a current. Acanthus took the opportunity to scramble for her sword. She repeated her homework like a mantra, steadying her breath.

“Jomei. Emerald Duelist. Cloth armor, evasion tank build. Uses a light sword. Notable threats include blight damage and combat experience. And evasion. But that’s no longer a threat.” But Acanthus was aware of the price she’d paid to cancel his speed. The duelist appeared more focused than ever. She gritted her teeth, hoping that the next assault would not be her last.
 

Acanthus | Lvl 66 | HP: 200/200 | EN 34/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:40 | ACC:3 | AA  | EVA: 1 | BRN-IM  | FL.AURA: 2 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 10 | REC: 1 | LD:3

Jomei | HP: 200/200 | EN: 41/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT:33 | ACC:2 3 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:3 0 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 20 | BLI: 8/-5 | SHELL (3/3) | PHERO (3/3)

Main Action: Pheromones -> Jomei (-2 EN)
ACC set to 3. EVA set to 0.

Swift Action: Evade (-2 EN)
+1 EVA until next turn.

[Jomei 0]

CRACK

Tiny shards of broken glass skipped across Jomei's face, leaving bright red trails in their wake. Fumbling steps backwards, a hand rose to his cheek that pulsed from the impact. No pain, more shock than anything. Even more surprised when he felt a lukewarm wetness beneath his fingertips. His human instinct told him it was blood, but the Aincrad adventurer knew better. Instead of the harsh smell of iron, his nose caught the scent of sweet citrus. Suddenly, each step back felt slower and heavier - some sort of potion used against him, it seemed. 

"Heh." he would chuckle, bringing a thumb dampened with the juice-like brew to his lips as they curved into a smirk. Sweet, like an orange creamsicle, but floral. "That was a dirty trick. Clever lass." The blood-red gashes that traced his facial features slowly mended as his battle healing cleaned up the miniscule damage. His eyes would once again shift to any indicators within his peripherals to see what effects the potion - or poison - had left him with. Before he could even take the moment to deduce himself, Acanthus quietly spoke out a line that sounded as if it came straight from some dossier created on him. 'Evasion no longer a thread', seemed the potion had done just that, the haggard steps made more sense now. His knees rose and fell, as if trying to stretch them out. "Very clever." he would repeat, a single brow raising. The Acanthus was a curious case. 

A flick of his wrist and twirl of the blade, and Jomei would bring Vicious Mockery into a fencer's salute-like stance, "I don't even think I've ever even used the Blight enchantment on this thing yet.. not sure how you found that one out." Olive eyes would look at the blade, crafted delicately by Wulfrin and Morningstar, before shooting a glance across at his opponent. "But," Twisting his wrist, he would flare the blade once more to bring it to his side. A quick slight of the hand, and Jomei's Quick Change ability would  swap out the blade for another. A golden blade that hummed quietly within the palm of his hand appeared in his hand. "There is a reason they called me the Emerald Duelist." Unless Acanthus had done extensive homework, she should not have any knowledge of this blade. This was the first time it left his inventory, so he hoped it would prove useful to retaliate against his lowered defenses. 

His approach was slower, but his strikes were more precise. However, he still was no match for his opponents shield and heightened speed. A rain of sparks fell at their feet as the radiant tip of his rapier grazed against Acanthus' defenses more times than he would like. Yet, while the fire behind his green eyes longed for victory, the soft smile that he wore proudly expressed his excitement at getting to fight Acanthus on equal ground. 

Updated Stats //

• Jomei | HP: 200/200 | EN: 41/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT:33 | ACC:2 3 | HLY 4 | PHASE | F-SPIRIT | EVA:3 0 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 20 | BLI: 8/-5 | SHELL (2/3) | PHERO (3/3) | QC (1/3)

-> Swift Action: Quick Change // Vicious Mockery [ ACC 2 | TAUNT | BLT ] -> Scintillating Blade III [HLY II | PHS | BLT]
-> Main Action: TECH A // 240810 | BD 2(+3)(-1) | Miss | -2 EN

Acanthus | Lvl 66 | HP: 200/200 | EN 34/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:40 | ACC:3 | AA  | EVA: 1 | BRN-IM  | FL.AURA: 2 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 10 | REC: 1 | LD:3
Jomei | HP: 200/200 | EN: 38/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT:33 | ACC:2 3 | HLY 4 | PHASE | F-SPIRIT | EVA:3 0 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 20 | BLI: 8/-5 | SHELL (2/3) | PHERO (3/3) | QC (1/3)

(Note: Reducing EN by  additional 2 to compensate for consumable usage in first post)

 

[Acanthus 0]

20,000 col slid across the table in a small sack.

“I'm interested in the weapon. It has a unique design—I'm guessing another player helped create it. Go through your list of appraisers and blacksmiths, ask them what they know. I've interacted with a few of the master blacksmiths, so if they hear me asking about Jomei's weapon right before the match, they might tip him off. And I'll pay more for anything else you come up with, so don't be afraid to investigate anything else. Aliases, titles, quests completed—even his bank account. Anything can be useful.” A few days later, she got her dossier. “Jomei. Emerald Duelist. Cloth armor—"

"—evasion tank build. Uses a light sword. Notable threats include blight damage and combat experience.” Acanthus had muttered the broker's findings out loud. That was her second mistake.

Jomei immediately picked up on it. "I don't even think I've ever even used the Blight enchantment on this thing yet.. Not sure how you found that one out." Her ears burned. "Fights can be lost before you ever see your enemy. I just assumed everyone would scout their opponents."

With a flick of his wrist, the gleam of his weapon changed. She could swear she caught a lopsided grin at her expense as her eyes widened with shock, trying to recall any information about the now-golden blade. Was it the same weapon? Had he changed it out faster than she could see?

Jomei rent the air in front of her, causing Acanthus to nearly fall over. Stupid girl, she screamed at herself. You're busy thinking while he's busy fighting. She squashed the rising urge to panic at the influx of new information. Stick to the plan, she reminded herself. The pheromones are working. Chip away his armor, and keep your healing crystals handy if the timer is about to run out. The tiebreaker is whoever ends with more health, not the person that looked better during the fight… Thank goodness.

botan swirled behind her, leaving a faint trail of rose petals as she channeled TECH-D. Now was her chance to break the duelist's onslaught. Jomei easily deflected the first swing. Annoyed, she swiped again, only for his blade to appear from nowhere, catching hers. Even slowed down, he was nearly impossible to keep up with.

Remember: rapiers pierce. They need space to function effectively. Take that space away from him.

A golden point of light flashed towards her face. Move, move—

A buzzing sensation she'd come to associate with pain rattled her head. Something pressed her cheek, and she rolled, feeling the movement happen in slow motion. The rapier cut a fine line across her face as she moved—not away, but forward.

Acanthus collided roughly into Jomei, using her shield to cushion herself. She was now close enough to see where the "emerald" portion of his title came from. His eyes were a deep, olive green, like a summer garden in its prime. In a second that lasted a lifetime, she was Haru again, fussing over a verdant mess of plants in her apartment during her last year at University. She had never worried about anything more than making sure the ivy in the windowsill flourished. It was a cutting from one of mom's last—

The spark in her eye disappeared almost as quickly as it appeared.

It was the citrus scent that brought her back to the present—she'd never raised citrus plants. Eyes unglazing, Acanthus realized she was smelling the faint traces of pheromones clinging to Jomei's face. It was nothing more than a smell, she told herself sternly. The item's effects were already in place. Ignore the scent.

She appeared to have caught Jomei off guard with the move. At least, her advance hadn't resulted in her death. Capitalizing on the surprise strike, she used her shield hand to create a fraction of an opening. A rapier needed momentum to pierce, but her longsword would be satisfied with weight. Acanthus looked up into his face, fighting the urge to remember again. In a dull voice that matched her eyes, she said: "Please stop moving. It's making this hard." botan dug into his side, leaving a red line in its wake, and a small icon appeared next to his health bar.

-----

Acanthus | Lvl 66 | HP: 200/200 | EN 21/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:40 | ACC:3 | AA  | EVA: 0 | BRN-IM  | FL.AURA: 2 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 10 | REC: 1 | LD:3
Jomei | HP: 200/200 | EN: 38/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT:33 | ACC:2 3 | HLY 4 | PHASE | F-SPIRIT | EVA:3 0 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 20 | BLI: 8/-5 | SHELL (2/3) | PHERO (2/3) | QC (1/3) | Shatter (-10) (1/3)

Recovery. 240841 | CD 2 | +1 EN.

Swift Action: Focus (-2 EN)
+1 ACC.

Main Action: TECH-D -> Jomei (-12 EN)
240842 | BD 10 | Major Critical! Shatter Applied. (-10 MIT). 12 * 8 = 96 - 23 = 73 damage.

Edited February 12 by Acanthus

[Jomei 0]

"Shit!" the man hissed as Acanthus' blade plunged into his hip. The numbness, in place of searing hot pain, began to set in as sidestepped from his opponent. Teeth bore in a grimace, he would swing wildly at Acanthus in desperate retaliation. The length of his blade passing over her head, barely scathing the top of the shield. Now frustrated at his repeated failure to break Acanthus' defenses, he would reach out with his free hand to grip the side of the woman's shield. Yanking and pushing, he attempted to catch her off guard and pry the barrier out of her hands. Even that proved less than fruitful, for she had a vice grip on her equipment. "I'll stop moving-" shoving her off instead, just to create a bit of distance, "When you get that damn shield out of the way!" 

The frustration in his voice echoed off the stone walls of the battle arena, though the scoff and smirk that followed shortly after were reassuring. "You're giving me a run for my money, I'll give you that. Definitely wasn't expecting to get my ass kicked stepping fresh into the ring but.." He would roll his shoulders, stretch his neck "Eh, probably shouldn't think that way, not over yet." 

Rather than rush straight to the offensive again, Jomei would take a defensive stance, holding his blade out in front of him as if ready to parry. Slow steps, one after the other, he would creep around Acanthus. Focus was on her every move, her stance and demeanor. The tip of his blade never straying from pointing in her direction. No point in trying to break her iron defense, he needed to study her - as she apparently did him - to know how to act next. 

Mind flashed back, for just a brief moment, to Baldur's estate. The last time he had faced another player in combat. Nari, a fresh face - who later became a true friend - knocked Jomei from the tournament in the very first round. Embarrassing, to say in the least. Returning to the present, a confidence burned in his eyes, "I'm not going to make myself look like a fool again." words of encouragement to himself as he locked eyes with Acanthus once more. 

Main Action //

Passives -> +6BH +8HB +1 EN
Vamp D // 240845 | CD 1

Tech-A // 240846 | BD 1(+3)(+1) | Miss | -2 EN

Swift Action //

 Concentration (+AA to attack)

Acanthus | Lvl 66 | HP: 200/200 | EN 21/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:40 | ACC:3 | AA  | BRN-IM  | FL.AURA: 2 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 10 | REC: 1 | LD:3
Jomei | HP: 141/200 | EN: 37/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT:33 | ACC:2 3 | HLY 4 | PHASE | F-SPIRIT | EVA:3 0 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 20 | BLI: 8/-5 | SHELL (1/3) | PHERO (2/3) | Shatter (-10) (1/3) | CON (1/5) | QC (2/3)

[Acanthus 0]

“I’m not making a fool of myself this time.” His eyes flashed, and Acanthus stepped back involuntarily. The man she’d met on the beach wasn’t gone, but the person before her—this was the veteran of the frontlines she had expected on the beach.

I’ve only cleared one floor and I feel like I’m losing my mind. He’s cleared a dozen floors, and he still acts… so clearly. So intently. He smiled like he was reading her mind. Acanthus hopped back again, wary like a wounded animal. He had yet to hit her, and still, she felt like the prey here. His sword began to glow with a familiar light. A stun!

The rapier rushed in as Acanthus caught it smoothly, letting it flow out and away. Jomei appeared unfazed, continuing to dance around her as she blocked each blow. To Acanthus, he had an infinite amount of energy. She tried swatting a few times, but he was never in the right place. Maybe the pheromones weren’t working.

It was time for something drastic. It would be her third mistake.

She relaxed her guard, choosing to focus on another shatter. As impervious as his defense was, she could coax him into certain spots by leaving her shield lowered, or out of place, possibly enticing him to where his blind spots would let her hit. Just when he began to move in, she charged her sword art, swinging upward in a reckless arc. The blade caught him, sailing through his avatar and leaving another red line. But with her sword wide in the air, and her shield wildly out of place, she realized too late that her third mistake would be her costliest yet.
 

Acanthus | Lvl 66 | HP: 200/200 | EN 9/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:40 | ACC:3 4 | AA  | EVA: 0 | BRN-IM  | FL.AURA: 2 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 10 | REC: 1 | LD:3
Jomei | HP: 74/200 | EN: 37/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT:33 | ACC:2 3 | HLY 4 | PHASE | F-SPIRIT | EVA:3 0 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 20 | BLI: 8/-5 | SHELL (2/3) | PHERO (1/3) | QC (1/3) | Shatter (-20) (1/3) (does it refresh and stack or just add a stack? ngl Shatter makes smooth brain hurt)

Recovery. 240852 | CD 7 | +2 EN.

Swift Action: Focus (-2 EN)
+1 ACC.

Main Action: TECH-D -> Jomei (-12 EN)
240853 | BD 5 + 5 | Hit! Shatter Applied. (additional -10 MIT). 10 * 8 = 80 - 13 = 67 damage.

Edited February 13 by Acanthus

[Jomei 0]

He waited patiently for the right moment to strike, keeping the guise of defense up for as long as he needed. The goal was to land at least one hit, one chance to knock her off of her guard and gain the upper hand. Maybe not enough to seal his victory, but just something to make this look like an even bout. He had a reputation to uphold, after all. A change in her breathing, a tiny but sharp inhale through her nostrils as she took a retreating step. Something sparked a reaction out of her - just the one he needed. 

Jomei followed suit, as if a rope attached his leg to Acanthus'. The moment her foot shifted back, he would step forward. The golden shimmer of the blade he fought with took on a blue-ish hue as his attack charged. His overall intent was to leave Acanthus paralyzed, even if just for a moment. Not checkmate, but a check nonetheless. But he would need to move fast if he wanted to land this strike, faster than she could set up her defense. As another boot hit the dirt, his form would move within an instant, leaving just a blur of green to be seen. Moving next to his opponent in a flash, he would thrust his weapon forth. Moving as quickly as his body would allow it, he would attack Acanthus from every angle. 

He really did have a way of making a fool of himself, despite being this 'revered frontliner'. And as he stand there, looking to the sky after Acanthus' blade cut him clean from abdomen to chin, he saw this time would be no different. Oh well, at least he was having fun. 

It was not until Jomei also saw Acanthus' blade pointing up towards the same sky that he snapped back to reality. Now was his chance to strike. 

Charging up another sword art, drawing out the true power of this new rapier. The hum of the blade grew as the blade ignited in a radiant flame. With a flashy spin and turn, Jomei's blade would appear to cut clean through the shield that mocked him up to this moment. Though the equipment saw no damage, the glowing, red gash across Acanthus' chest would say otherwise. The interior layer of his cloak pulsing with energy, giving him a well needed heal, Jomei would take a defensive position once more. Did the smirk on his lips ever leave his face? 

Swift Action //

Rage Crystal | +1 Base DMG, -5 MIT

Main Action //

Passives -> +6BH +8HB +1 EN, +20VAMPD
Vamp D // 240854 | CD 12

Tech-C // 240855 | BD 9 | Phase, Holy, Blight Proc. | 8 x 10(+1+1+4) = 128(-18) = 110 | -12 EN | Counter Placed

Acanthus | Lvl 66 | HP: 90/200 | EN 9/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:40 35 | ACC:3 4 | AA  | EVA: 0 | BRN-IM  | FL.AURA: 2 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 10 | REC: 1 | LD:3 | BLI 8/-5 (0/2)
Jomei  | HP: 108/200 | EN: 26/43 | DMG: 10 11 | MIT: 18 0 | ACC: 2 3 | HLY 4 | PHASE | F-SPIRIT | EVA: 3 0 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 20 | BLI: 8/-5 | SHELL (0/3) | PHERO (1/3) | QC (3/3) | CON (2/5) | Shatter (-20) (1/3) | RAGE 1/-5 (3/3) | COUNTER 25%

Shell Crystal wears off
Quick Change refreshed

[Acanthus 0]

What just happened?

The last thing she remembered, she had taken a step back. It must have been her fourth mistake. Jomei had followed her momentum, seizing the split-second to connect with his mystery weapon. It passed through her shield.

Ah, phase. Unique enchantment. Upon critical hit, it—

A flashbang went off in her mind, and Acanthus came to about five meters away from the duelist. She felt like someone had put her in a dryer loaded with fireworks and slammed the door shut. Slowly, the edges of her vision returned.

Jomei was smirking. Smirking! Her reaction was immediate and visceral, heat and hate spreading like a rash across her chest. She'd worked so hard for this. She had spent so long training. Leveling up. Tailoring her equipment. Redistributing her skills. Paid a fortune to stalk her opponent, like some kind of psycho! All of her efforts amounted to half a minute of lead before Jomei had put her in her place. Jomei, the Emerald Duelist, who had rolled into the fight 
blind and confident, who had a natural talent that rendered her useless. WORTHLESS.

This is not a fight to the death. You are supposed to be having fun. And more importantly, you are supposed to be respectful. Your opponent is also your friend.

Her newfound distance allowed her to collect herself physically and mentally. She dug for the healing crystal, feeling the sharp edges trace lines in her palm. She squeezed until she crushed the crystal to calm the intensity of her pain indicators. She quaffed her potion next, and threw the glass 
behind her. Jomei is your friend. Her nails dug deep into her palms. He was a good listener. He has a good heart.

"That was a good hit." Her voice was low and steady, quaking to contain her frustration. "Do it again."

Acanthus | Lvl 66 | HP: 166/200 | EN 7/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:40 35 | ACC:3 | AA  | EVA: 0 | BRN-IM  | FL.AURA: 2 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 10 | REC: 1 | LD:3 | BLI 8/-5 (1/2)
Jomei  | HP: 108/200 | EN: 26/43 | DMG: 10 11 | MIT: 18 0 | ACC: 2 3 | HLY 4 | PHASE | F-SPIRIT | EVA: 3 0 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 20 | BLI: 8/-5 | SHELL (0/3) | PHERO (1/3) | QC (3/3) | CON (2/5) | Shatter (-20) (1/3) | RAGE 1/-5 (3/3) | COUNTER 25%

Recovery. 240857 | CD 8 | +24 HP (6 + 8 +10). +2 EN.

Upkeep. 8 Blight damage.

Swift Action: Healing Crystal (-2 EN)
15% HP (30) recovered.

Main Action: Healing Potion (-2 EN)
15% HP (30) recovered.

Edited February 13 by Acanthus

[Jomei 0]

The dust settled, and the Scintillating Blade (the third) returned to its natural, yet still glistening, state. Acanthus had been blown off of her feet, knocked to the opposite end of the arena with just a single landed strike. And as he stood in wait, blade at the ready, and confidence returning.. she made that damage he had dealt seem like nothing. Double fisting a healing potion and crystal, Acanthus' health leapt back into safer waters. While not all of the damage had been reversed, a little more than half of it healed as she downed the potion. 

On the bright side, if she had to use both of her items in that moment to restore her health, then it meant she had no more tricks up her sleeve. Unless she held onto a secondary weapon as he had, with a skill to swap them out at the ready, then this would just be a matter of fighting until the other gave out - or both gave out, at this rate.

 "Do it again."

 Jomei would blink, the comment unexpected. 

"have you considered that i might like it?"

Deja vu again, and of Arabelle too, nonetheless. Did anyone ever see Acanthus and Arabelle in the same room? 

Left hand would go to his midsection as he lowered his chest in an elegant, respectful bow. Though as his body fell, his eyes never left the woman that stood before him. 
"Well then.. who am I to keep a lady from her desires?"  his voice alluring, inviting as lids closed over his eye with a wink. 

Using his already lowered center of gravity, he broke out into a sprint towards Acanthus The typical saber style of using retreating and advancing steps was no longer present, but he held his blade steady at his side. Taking large, diagonal steps to close the last bit of distance between himself and the woman, he hoped to fake her out and create an opening once more. Like throwing a hook punch, Jomei attempted to stab at Acanthus from around her shield. Catching only the air between her person and the steel, he would pull a blade back just in time to parry an incoming strike from the opposite side. Again, she attempted to bash him with the shield, but this time he was ready. Bracing his arm and shoulder for impact, he kept his feet light so he could accept the shove and use it to his own advantage. With an arm's length of distance created between the two, he would deliver a barrage of quick stabs.. each one crashing into the face of the shield. But with a quick shift of his blade, he switched to a less formal - but more powerful, strike that came down from his shoulder. 

With that brief moment of having her shield moved just out of the way, he'd use the edge to glide his blade forward and pierce Acanthus in the shoulder. As the cold metal sunk into her armor, a pulse of energy shot through her body, causing all of her muscles to seize up and freeze. 

Swift Action //

Take it Slow | No Swift Action taken

Main Action //

Passives -> +6BH +1 EN, 
Vamp D // 240858 | CD 2

Tech A // 240859 | BD 6 | 8x11=88(-35) = 53 | STUN Applied | -12 EN | - 2 DMG from FL.AURA

Acanthus | Lvl 66 | HP: 113/200 | EN 7/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:40 35 | ACC:3 4 | AA  | EVA: 0 | BRN-IM  | FL.AURA: 2 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 10 | REC: 1 | LD:3 | BLI 8/-5 (1/2) | STUN
Jomei  | HP: 112/200 | EN: 15/43 | DMG: 10 11 | MIT: 18 0 | ACC: 0 | HLY 4 | PHASE | F-SPIRIT | EVA: 3 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 20 | BLI: 8/-5 | CON (3/5) | Shatter (-20) (2/3) | RAGE 2/-5 (2/3) | COUNTER 25%

[Acanthus 0]

Undaunted, Jomei rushed in, ready to keep her moving backwards. But she’d had enough.

“It’s nothing—hah,” she grunted, keeping him away with her shield. “Nothing about desire. It’s about keeping up with you. It’s about not being the weakest—link.” She punctuated her last two words with swings. Jomei parried, and she countered by bringing her shield in towards his gut. Bracing his arm, he caught the shield, moving back with it and creating distance. Not good, not good! close the distance.

Too late—the rapier was honing in on her. She caught the first three jabs with her shield, but the fourth slipped through, piercing her shoulder. Her whole body went numb, and she collapsed on one knee. Jomei prepared to strike again.

“YOU WILL NOT.” Her eyes flashed, and an invisible current traveled through her body. I always wondered how you activated that while stunned. “You will not do that again.” She broke the stun, forcing her body back up to block the blow. When she tried to lift botan, the sword flickered weakly before the combo died out. It wasn’t until she looked at her energy bar that she realized that she was breathing in huge, uneven gasps. Breathe in. Breathe out. Let the feelings pass over and through you.
 

Acanthus | Lvl 66 | HP: 127/200 | EN 13/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:40 35 | ACC:3 4 | AA  | EVA: 0 | BRN-IM  | FL.AURA: 2 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 10 | REC: 1 | LD:3 | BLI 8/-5 (1/2) | STUN
Jomei  | HP: 120/200 | EN: 15/43 | DMG: 10 11 | MIT: 18 0 | ACC: 0 | HLY 4 | PHASE | F-SPIRIT | EVA: 3 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 20 | BLI: 8/-5 | CON (3/5) |Shatter (-20) (2/3) | RAGE 2/-5 (2/3) | COUNTER 25%

Recovery. 240860 | CD 2 | +14 (6 + 8) HP. +1 EN.

Swift Action: Forgotten King's Authority (-5 EN)
Stun cleared.

Main Action: Rest
+10 EN.

 

Edited February 14 by Acanthus

[Jomei 0]

With a sword hand raised to strike down at the stunned Acanthus, he was taken by surprise when a small shockwave rushed out from her person. The energy that traveled throughout her body to hold her in place was suddenly forced out. A little gift from defeating a certain boss, he was familiar with it and should have expected as much. Damn, no chance, he would think to himself as he attempted to recover from the shock and jump back into the action before Acanthus fully brought her defense back up. Steel against steel, Jomei's rapier bounced off of the face of Acanthus' shield once more. 

Following the momentum of the deflected strike, Jomei spun around to face Acanthus once more. Though as he brought his sword up to face her once more, he caught a quick moment of vulnerability. She struggled to raise her weapon as chest rose and fell with heavy breaths. It was then he realized his own sweat that had been dripping from his forehead. Wiping it with the back of his hand, he too would take a moment. They were supposed to be having fun, they were having fun. While he wanted to win - and he was sure she did as well - neither of them would do very well if they were winded from failing to hit each other. 

"You know what, fair. Cease fire." he scoffed as he plunged the tip of his rapier into the dirt and mud, wrists sitting atop the pommel. "I don't want to fight you when you're out of steam. Wouldn't seem very fair."

Swift Action //

Take it Slow

Main Action //

Passives -> +6BH +1 EN, 
Vamp D // 240862 | CD 3

ST-1 // 240863 | BD 3 | Miss 

Acanthus | Lvl 66 | HP: 119/200 | EN 13/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:40 35 | ACC: 3 | AA  | EVA: 0 | BRN-IM  | FL.AURA: 2 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 10 | REC: 1 | LD:3 | BLI 8/-5 (2/2) 
Jomei  | HP: 118/200 | EN: 14/43 | DMG: 10 11 | MIT: 18 0 | ACC: 0 | HLY 4 | PHASE | F-SPIRIT | EVA: 3 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 20 | BLI: 8/-5 | CON (4/5) | Shatter (-20) (3/3) | RAGE 2/-5 (1/3) 

[Acanthus 0]

"You know what? Fair. Cease fire."

Confusion froze her sword arm. Her shield stayed in position, shaking faintly. Acanthus approached until she was just outside of striking range, skirting the resting man like a curious animal. He was planning something, surely.

"I—don't want—your pity," she said between breaths. "If I'm out of steam, then—"

"Kill me" were the words that caught in her throat. "—then you win. It's all part of the fight. Everything is." She gave a dry laugh. "I mean, I paid someone to find out what kind of build you were using! And now you're comfortable letting me catch my breath?" She didn't ask why, because she knew. Jomei was treating this match like a game, and she was not.

And so is everyone else. Acanthus, we're all having fun here. No one is dying. It's a friendly competition you'd find at a sporting event or school festival.

That will be a cold comfort when the killing blow lands—that I had fun, rather than preparing for the inevitable player killer. Jomei's treating this like a game, and that's why I'm going to win.

Acanthus eyed the distance to her opponent. She could stretch a stunning art that far. Even as fast as he was, she could make it to him before his defenses were fully prepared. If this weren't a game, then Acanthus felt no qualms about doing whatever was necessary to win. Hopefully her friend would understand after the fight. But when she looked at Jomei again, her commitment faltered. It was her fifth mistake.

"I'm… going to start attacking you again. Please get ready."

 

Acanthus | Lvl 66 | HP: 133/200 | EN 10/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:40 35 | ACC: 3 | AA  | EVA: 0 | BRN-IM  | FL.AURA: 2 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 10 | REC: 1 | LD:3 | BLI 8/-5 (2/2) 
Jomei  | HP: 134/200 | EN: 14/43 | DMG: 10 11 | MIT: 18 0 | ACC: 0 | HLY 4 | PHASE | F-SPIRIT | EVA: 3 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 20 | BLI: 8/-5 | CON (4/5) | Shatter (-20) (3/3) | RAGE 2/-5 (1/3)

Recovery. 240865 | CD 6  +14 (6 + 8) HP. +1 EN.

Swift Action: Focus (-2 EN)
+1 ACC

Main Action: TECH-A -> Jomei (-2 EN)
240866 | BD 3 + 5 - 3 | Miss.

Edited February 14 by Acanthus

[Jomei 0]

"Pity?" Jomei questioned her with a small scoff. He could see that she was really taking this seriously. A first time going up against other players, perhaps. Players who's names have been carved into the history of each floor that they cleared. He could understand the pressure she felt.. but she was also forgetting that she too fought on the frontlines. One fight, or a dozen fights - it mattered not. They were on equal levels, comrades in arms. Did she feel that he thought he was better than her? 

"No, no pity. Just think we both could use a minute. I can tell you're low on reserves." he would gesture a hand in her direction, mainly towards her sword. "Honestly, so am I. And if we just continued swinging at each other without sword arts, we'd be here all night. So no, its not pity. If I am going to fight you then I am going to fight you on equal ground. Because that's what we are - equals. Experience be damned. We fight for our lives, and the lives of everyone else, every day as frontliners. Its our duty. So when I signed up for this tournament, I didn't sign up with mindless bloodshed and killing in mind. It was a break from the mold, a chance to do something different. A chance to have some fun with friends, comrades.."

He would sigh to himself, speaking out of his ass as usual. Whether he got to Acanthus or not didn't matter, they still had a show to put on. As he pulled his rapier from the ground, it would flash once more into the familiar form of Vicious Mockery. 

"Alright, come on. Do your best."

Swift Action //

Quick Change | Scintillating Blade III -> Vicious Mockery (ACC 2 | Taunt | BLI )

Main Action //

Passives -> +6BH +8HB +1 EN, 
Vamp D // 240867 | CD 2

Rest | +10 EN

Acanthus | Lvl 66 | HP: 133/200 | EN 10/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:40 35 | ACC: 3 | AA  | EVA: 0 | BRN-IM  | FL.AURA: 2 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 10 | REC: 1 | LD:3 |
Jomei  | HP: 124/200 | EN: 25/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 18 | ACC: 2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA: 3 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 20 | BLI: 8/-5 | CON (5/5)

Rage Crystal wears off 
Shatter wears off
Concentration refreshed

[Acanthus 0]

“A chance to have some fun with friends, comrades."

Acanthus shook her head. "Friends, yes. But we’re not equals. We're not equals until I can prove it." She hefted botan into position, keenly aware of the weight her sore muscles added to the task. "For what it's worth, I appreciate your thoughts. I don't mean to disparage them, even if I think you are wrong. Highminded rhetoric is ideal for spurring people to action, but it doesn't save lives."

"Now, on your feet, soldier. And no more delays—we fight until it's over." Behind a stony face, her thoughts raced. Why can't I just tell him I'm having fun? How hard is it to accept that he's willing to consider me an equal?

IN COMBAT, THERE IS A WINNER, AND THERE IS A LOSER. WISHING FOR EQUALITY IS WISHING FOR SECOND PLACE.

"Alright, come on. Do your best."

She drew botan above her head in a kendo pose as the sword gathered a crimson light. "I can do better." A familiar *ping* sounded in the back of her mind, telling her the art was ready, and she leapt back into the fight. Acanthus brought down the overhead blade in a crushing swing, forcing the duelist to block. Rapier up and locked in, she pivoted to a kick, not hard enough to damage (and lacking the combat skill regardless), but it threw off his defense just enough. Collecting her strength, she pressed botan down against Vicious Mockery, forcing her weapon into his shoulder, slowly chipping away health. She withdrew as she sensed him recover his stance, preparing for the inevitable counterattack.

Acanthus | Lvl 66 | HP: 149/200 | EN 4/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:40 35 | ACC: 3 | AA  | EVA: 0 | BRN-IM  | FL.AURA: 2 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 10 | REC: 1 | LD:3 | BLI 8/-5 (2/2) 
Jomei  | HP: 148/200 | EN: 25/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 18 | ACC: 2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA: 3 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 20 | BLI: 8/-5 | CON (5/5)

Recovery. 240868 | CD 6  +16 (6 + 10) HP. +2 EN.

Swift Action: Nothing

Main Action: ST-1 -> Jomei (-8 EN)
240869 | BD 6 + 4 - 3 | Hit! 8 * 10 = 80 - 18 = 62 damage.

Edited February 16 by Acanthus

[Jomei 0]

A silent sigh to himself, Jomei gently shook his head with closed eyes. He could understand Acanthus' need to prove herself to him - to Aincrad - that she was meant to be here. In his mind, she had already proved it. But he could see that she was stubborn, and stuck in her ways of needing to treat this as if it were a serious battle. 

"If that's how it has to be." Jomei would nod, "I'll step it up. Take things more seriously. If you'd prefer that, that is." 

It wasn't going to stop him from enjoying himself. With the fear of death no longer present in this moment, there was the ability for the two to unleash their all. They did not always have the option of doing that during a fight with a floor boss, safety and defense always came first. Either way, if his words would not strike Acanthus, than perhaps their actions will speak louder. 

Rushing towards him, shield in one hand and weapon brought high above her head, Jomei readied himself. Tracing a tiny circle in the air with the tip of his rapier, he anticipated the strike from the longsword so he could attempt to parry. With a roof guard, Jomei would take a tiny step back and bring the length of Vicious Mockery perpendicular to his head. Before he could tilt the blade to cause Acanthus to slide off, he felt the heel of her boot dig into his abdomen. No damage, but definitely knocked some of the wind from his sails. 

That moment of trying to keep his footing while also keeping Acanthus' blade stuck in place was just enough of a distraction for her to close the distance and force Jomei's sword arm down. Now with the upper hand, botan slowly carved into Jomei's shoulder. "Gah, shit." he would curse out before returning the pressure and pushing Acanthus off of him. Blade held high, he would twist his arm at the elbow and attempt to strike at either side of her head. A quick one two, but she was able to block the first and dodge the second. The shrill of metal scraping against metal caused sparks to leap from the point of contact as he pulled his rapier back against the face of Acanthus' defense like the strings of his violin. 

Focus and strike.. he thought to himself. You're low on energy, but she's lower. Keep the defense up to get your HP back, and then whittle her down when she's trying to recover. 

Swift Action //

Concentration | +AA

Main Action //

Passives -> +6BH +8HB +1 EN, 
Vamp D // 240870 | CD 1 (Forgot to put the purpose of roll) 

TECH-A // 240873 | BD 1(+2)(+1) 4 | Miss

Acanthus | Lvl 66 | HP: 149/200 | EN 4/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:40 35 | ACC: 3 | AA  | EVA: 0 | BRN-IM  | FL.AURA: 2 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 10 | REC: 1 | LD:3 |
Jomei  | HP: 76/200 | EN: 24/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 18 | ACC: 2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA: 3 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 20 | BLI: 8/-5 | CON (1/5)

[Acanthus 0]

Jomei leapt back into the fray effortlessly, blade humming with power as it resumed the task of probing her defenses. She would rather die than admit it, but she had desperately needed more of a break than he had offered. She felt the Sword Arts fizzle as she tried to summon them: first a stunning art, then another shatter—even the lowly single-target art refused to come when called. Energized, Jomei brought his rapier up, glowing and poised to strike.

That glow—it’s a stunning art, I think. Unless the lights vary from weapon to weapon—

Another voice inside her head. —!You don’t have time for unless!—her shield moved instinctively, guiding the point of the rapier to the outside of her frame. She cursed. Even if she’d been able to make an opening, she would have been too weak to do anything about it.

The boy on floor 29 floated to the front of her mind. Too weak to do anything about it. Acanthus snapped back to the present, forcing distance between her and her opponent to catch her breath. Besides, she recited the stunning combo from moments ago. Up, left, up, down... Up, left, up, down. If he dared to try it again, she’d be able to predict it and punish his mistake.

He’s got a level head... But maybe I can bait him.

“This is you taking it seriously?” She scoffed. That was probably laying it on a little too thick. “I thought when the hero said that, the fight was over. But look at us. Hard to believe we’re the ones moving the game forward.” She tried laughing, but winded as she was, it came out as a wheeze. “Why don’t you come over here and finish me off, Jomei?”
 

Acanthus | Lvl 66 | HP: 149/200 | EN 14/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:40 35 | ACC: 3 | AA  | EVA: 0 | BRN-IM  | FL.AURA: 2 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 10 | REC: 1 | LD:3 |
Jomei  | HP: 76/200 | EN: 24/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 18 | ACC: 2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA: 3 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 20 | BLI: 8/-5 | CON (1/5)

Recovery. 240881 | CD 9 +16 (6 + 10) HP. +2 EN.

Swift Action: Nothing

Main Action: Rest
+10 EN

Edited Tuesday at 01:17 AM by Acanthus

[Jomei 0]

She's taunting you. Don't fall for it. 

Their weapons fought for power over the other, their wielders pushing back and forth. Jomei would eye the sharp edge of Acanthus' botan as it pressed into the thin length of Vicious Mockery. But he would not allow her to gain the upper hand so easily. 

"You see, my dear Acanthus." he spoke through a grunt as he turned his sword, forcing Acanthus to stumble as she followed her momentum. But she was fast, and that shield was back in his face before he could even act upon the moment. "If it were that easy, this would be over already. That, and you seem to have me at a disadvantage" His health was still lower than hers, and not in a safe position to allow himself much room to brag. One good hit and he would be finished. Taking in a deep breath through his nostrils, he would focus on the healing energy that his cloak offered him when he needed it. The ornate stitching that held together the inner lining of the cloak embracing his shoulders would glow softly. 

"However, if you want me to end this so badly-"

He waited for Acanthus to strike, a wide horizontal slash to his midsection. Leaping over the attack - and his opponent -  with a corkscrew spin. A wild elbow found purchase with the nape of her neck, followed by a slash of his blade. The stunning strike that he snuck into his sword art rendered the woman paralyzed, at least for a moment. Landing on his feet once more, he would spin on his heels and point the tip of his blade to the side of Acanthus' face. "If you want it to end so badly, then be a good girl and stay put." 

Swift Action //

Focus | +1 BD -2 EN

Main Action //

Passives -> +6BH +1 EN, +20VAMPD
Vamp D // 240905 | CD 12

TECH-A // 240906 | BD 5(+2)(+1) 8 | Hit 8x10 = 80(-40) = 40 DMG | STUN | -2 from FL.AURA

Acanthus | Lvl 66 | HP: 109/200 | EN 14/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:40 | ACC: 3 | AA  | EVA: 0 | BRN-IM  | FL.AURA: 2 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 10 | REC: 1 | LD:3 | STUN
Jomei  | HP: 100/200 | EN: 11/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 18 | ACC: 2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA: 3 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 20 | BLI: 8/-5 | CON (2/5)

[Acanthus 0]

She had prepared for “up, left, up, down.” She had not prepared for the flying corkscrew that sailed past her defenses. Botan raced to block, but a sharp elbow snapped her head to the side, leaving her wide open. Vicious Mockery left its mark, its owner skidding to a halt behind her. Acanthus dropped to one knee, desperately fighting the stun. It was no good; Forgotten King’s Authority hadn’t refreshed yet, and she had no items to cleanse the stun. Stupid girl.

She swallowed hot angry tears as Jomei chided her. “Be a good girl and stay put.”

It’s all fun and games to you, isn’t it, Jomei? It’s all fun and games to—

“—the Emerald Duelist, isn’t it?”

Her mouth was moving. Hold on, she wasn't thinking—someone was speaking her thoughts out loud. It wasn’t her, right? Acanthus was always so in control of her feelings. “Mr. Invincible-as-he-is-witty-as-he-is-charming rolls into the arena, without a care in the world… and scores another flawless round.” She took a deep, shaking breath, trying to stop the flow of words. “You can sit here and flirt and joke all you want, but I’m going to win. I’ll run my body into the ground if that’s what it takes. But I’m going to win.”

She felt the stun wearing off. Leaning on botan, she struggled up and onto her feet. Her entire body ached in ways she didn’t think was possible. Just a little more time. “Go on, toss another line to the crowd. Even I can hear how much they love it. Give them what they want.”
 

Acanthus | Lvl 66 | HP: 125/200 | EN 15/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:40 | ACC: 3 | AA  | EVA: 0 | BRN-IM  | FL.AURA: 2 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 10 | REC: 1 | LD:3 | STUN | FKA (4/7) | Stun Imm. (0/3)
Jomei  | HP: 100/200 | EN: 11/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 18 | ACC: 2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA: 3 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 20 | BLI: 8/-5 | CON (2/5)

Recovery. 240911 | CD 5 | + 16 HP. +1 EN.

Stunned. No action taken.

Edited Wednesday at 12:37 AM by Acanthus