[Clash Of Blades Season 1] Week 3: Vigilon vs Acanthus

[Kindling 0]

How was he back here already? In the deserts of floor five, Kindling felt like he had just barely gotten the feeling of his teeth grinding and crunching dirt out of his mouth a few moments ago. Of course, the truth was, it had been a few weeks, and he hadn't suffered through the same sandstorm on his way back, but it was more of the general disdain for the coarse, rough sand that had gotten everywhere. Though in this specific case, it was a boon to the announcer. He looked over each mound of sand, knowing that beneath the dunes, there were small treats placed for each of today's competitors. The grainy texture and individuality of sand down to its smallest pieces made it so easy for them to rearm, and burry each of those surprise-gifts beneath it, without anyone being completely sure where they were hidden. It was all so perfect, so genius. Now if only there was some way to deal with the heat, outside of the large red canopy that he was directly under. Watching over the assembled crowd from their stands, counting each one. Noting how the shade was working out with each propped up awning, ordered from a sleuth of different artisans. It made things look a bit ragtag, but honestly, Kindling liked it. Between the sandstone walls, the pitched battlements lining the central arena, and actual stands and chairs, this looked at least half way like a real place to fight. Certainly this would stick into the minds of viewer and combatant a like. Surely this fight would be more memorable for many. Kindling put o his show face, a grin spreading, as he got up from his beach chair next to Minako, giving her a wink and stepped out from the shade and directly into the sunlight, his hands raised. Voice going up with them to echo off the far walls of wood and metal. 

"Combatants! Beloved audience! Beautiful Minako!" Letting the ringing of his words stop before continuing, ensuring that they were quiet to hear his introductions. "Last week was about love; the beautiful brotherhood of camaraderie. The union of two souls. In that same respect; This week will be about Blood!" He gestured to the large pit of sand in front of all the audience members. "Here in the sand, Minako and I have left a few of our very own creations, for all those who will be fighting today. They would be wise to leave our gifts under that proverbial Christmas tree." His mouth was pulled at it corners by his intentionally vague, ominous warning. "And without further ado, let's introduce ourrrrr fighters!"

Customarily, his left hand rose, letting the cabal of people who worked for Minako know that it was time to go manually lift the gate for the first Combatant. "The self-described Dragon is back, having won his first fight against a healer, and then being paired with a genderchanging strange-o last week, once again fighting on his own - ITSSSSS VIGILON!" Giving there breathing room for anyone to clap, or cheer, or boo the combatant as they were allowed to walk in the rolling dunes that they were calling an arena. "And in the other side," His right hand rose, now signaling for that side to be opened. "Unhinged the day she was born, impersonating Joan of Arc, having fought a Robinhood-looking man twice in a row, and then paired with a newbie who is standing his ground ITSSSSS ACANTHUS!"

Once again, a small reprieve was given for the fanfare that would follow the announcement of the other, letting it drone on for close to thirty or so seconds. Before lowering his hands with his palms out stretched to specifically get their attention.

"Combatants. You are allowed to trade your words of sportsmanship, or wish for the blood of their enemy. And then, watch your footing." He reminded them with a devious smirk, if anyone was close enough to see him, Kindling would have winked again. Alas, he settled for simply raising his spear.

"On my mark. Get Ready..." Then the counter began from there. They'd be given just those few moments to mentally prepare for their third duel of the competition.

~~☼~~~~☼~~~~~☼~~~~☼~~

 Welcome to the Third week of Clash of Blades - Traps! There has been several changes from last week, so please be sure to have the Informational at the ready!
Another soft reminder to NOT use outside items. Please use only the items purchased in the Event Shop.

  Hide contents

• Please remember to LINK your Spreadsheet, and triple check that all your stats are correct. Failure to do so before the actual combat begins will result in a loss by default. Going forward, we will be taking a much more hardline stance on this rule. The reason for that is out of respect for the time and energy of the hosts, and your fellow participants. 
• Remember that initiative has changed last week, and will remain that way. 
• Below is the explanation of the thematic, and its mechanics.

 

Spoiler

 

Thematic Explanation
 

When players take any Main Action exclude Rest or use of a Consumable, they must roll on the CD. On Attack rolls, use the CD attached. On a CD Roll of 4 or lower, players will activate a trap and take an unmitigatable 20 damage. (This does not trigger Holy Blessing.)

On a Natural 1 CD, the player triggering the trap will also be inflicted with a Status Effect. The status effect will be determined by their MD on the following Chart.

Note: the effects of Traps triggered take effect before Attacks are Finalized.
E.g. a status applied by a trap that reduces Accuracy will take effect immediately during that turn.

 

Status Name	Effect	MD Roll
Purify	Cleanses the player of 1 Status Effect.	1
Blind	Player will have -3 Accuracy 2 Turns. Stacks ontop of Pheromones.	2
Molotov	Player will be afflicted with Burn, taking 14 Burn Damage for 2 Turns.	3
Electrocute	Player is paralyzed for One Turn. If this trap is rolled twice in a row by the same player, avoid the Trap.	4
Blight	Player takes 8 Damage, and loses 5 mitigation, for 2 turns.	5
Freeze	Player is Frozen for 1 Turn. If this trap is rolled twice in a row by the same player, avoid the Trap.	6
Serrated	Player will be afflicted with Bleed, taking 12 Bleed Damage for 2 Turns.	7
Ankle Snapper	Player will have their healing reduced by 50% for 2 turns. Stacks with Heartbreaker for 75% healing reduction.	8
Relief	Player will heal 15 HP a turn for 2 Turns.	9
Explosive Trap	No Status Effect. Instead, the player triggering the Trap will take double the unmitigatable damage. (40)	10

 

 

 

 

[Acanthus 0]

Acanthus stumbled into the arena late. She was woefully underprepared for this week. But when she’d read about the traps, she realized this week would be as much about luck as it was about preparation. Besides, preparation hadn’t gotten her very far in the first two weeks. Perhaps it’s time for a change in pace. And this week, that pace was “slow.” She took her time preparing her equipment and steeling her resolve. In her new armor, her pace plummeted literally as well. Marching into the area felt like swimming through water. The half-plate armor looked splendid—Wulfrin had done a stellar job crafting the set. It was a more austere design than her Resilient Thistle, and by design. Her new armor was functional, forgoing the pomp of fantasy armor for dull brown leathers underneath a matte steel exterior. Ridges along the pauldrons and breastplate were designed to resemble the bristles of a rose, but to be close enough to tell would invite damage. She would be a much tougher opponent now.

She surveyed her counterpart for the week. This fight was a much different field than the last two weeks. She’d met Wulfrin, and fought Jomei twice, but Vigilon was a variable she had not appraised. Best to keep it simple, and let the fight develop their banter as it progressed. “It’s nice to meet you, Vigilon.” She gave her opponent a polite bow. “May the best fighter win. Or at least avoid the traps.”

[Initiative: 241657 | LD 18]
[Initiative Tiebreaker: 241685 | LD 16]

Acanthus | HP: 200/200 | EN: 38/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:56 | ACC:3 | AA  | FL.AURA: 4 | THORNS:18 | BH:7 | HB: 9 | LD:3

Spoiler

Equipment and Consumables

Spoiler

All enhancements reflected in the stat block unless otherwise specified.

Equipment
Weapon. botan. AA | ACC 3
Armor. Corpse Flower's Kiss | MIT II | Thorns II
Shield. Fractured Heart | Holy Blessing II | Flame Aura II

Combat Masteries, Abilities, and Addons

Spoiler

Combat Mastery and Shift
Combat Mastery: Damage R3

Skills

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

Extra Skills

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

Addons

• None.

Mods

• Shield Bash
• Meticulous
• Night Vision
• Tracking

Battle Inventory

Spoiler

 

1. None (lol I did not make it to the item shop)
2. [Empty]
3. [Empty]
4. [Empty]
5. [Empty]

 

 

Edited February 25 by Acanthus

[Vigilon 0]

                           The sands were bitter, the previous week worse. If Vigilon lost this one, he may as well consider it being the reliability aspect of his reputation leaving in a theoretical hearse.
             ...And the recent rumors he'd been catching wind of on this floor didn't help either. He'd need to investigate on the soonest opportunity. Things were changing, so the question was now whether or not to remain rigid, or go with the flow.

                       Hopefully he wouldn't have too much trouble with the sand as he often did when present on this floor. He'd actually gone to get some footwear more suitable for desert shenanigans the moment he heard where this week's fight would be taking place. With his new desert ready boots on his feet, and a more helpful trinket on his person, he waited for his name to be called to enter the arena. Vigilon was the first to enter the ring. Hopefully his tournament record wouldn't be stained forever. He'd beaten down a healer tank, and got his butt handed over to him in one of the most embarrassing ways possible. He'd have to change that, and this might be one of his few shots to do so.

                                                    His opponent gave her greetings with a polite bow. This was a nice change of pace so far. "It's nice to meet you too, Acanthus." Vigilon said while following suit with a bow of his own. "Same to you." He added in regards to her wishes that the best fighter win, or at least avoid the traps. Vigilon would need to keep his eyes open, so a more cautious approach might be necessary. Running headfirst might just cause him to spring a trap...

 

ID# 241683 LD: 18
-Initiative Tied! Roll Again!

ID# 241683 LD: 7

-Acanthus has won the Initiative roll

Tie Ruling: https://discord.com/channels/300509287468498944/1338549473814642779/1343818015631736872

 

Vigilon | HP: 200/200 | EN: 38/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 30 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | FLN: 4 | BLI: 8/-5 | BRN: 14 | LD: 3

 

Stats and Equipment:

Spoiler

Level: 10
Tier: 1
True Level: 65
True Tier: 7

Equipment:

Kyrkuran(Straight Sword, Fallen II, Burn, Blight)
Silver Light(Light Armor, MIT II, EVA)
Silver Token(Trinket, ACC II, EVA)

 

Battle Ready:

Healing Crystal x2(Swift Action, Restores 30 HP)

Caltrops x2(Swift Action, When an enemy targets you with an attack they must make a LD roll of 11 or higher. Otherwise taking 15 unmitigatable damage. Lasts 3 turns.)

 

Skills:

Straight Sword Rank 3

Light Armor Rank 3

Searching Rank 3

Extended Mod Limit

Charge

 

Extra Skills:

Survival

Meditation

 

Mods:

Meticulous

Detect

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1m8K3ID5ofLSrJ0vpLNi7Cb15hEQEzVKg7ftQA6SxOzE/edit?gid=0#gid=0

Edited February 25 by Vigilon

[Acanthus 0]

The sand shifted listlessly in the stale winds of Floor Five. Strange bumps dotted the arena floor, but were they traps or harmless lumps of sand? Acanthus paid close attention to some nearby sand being blown around. A dark, round object flashed from underneath the bright sand before disappearing quickly. Less than lethal, I hope. It certainly didn’t look like it. And judging from the fights she saw earlier, the traps were nothing to ignore. Today’s fight would require a careful balance of caution and recklessness.

One last glance around the stage gave her the confidence she needed to make the first move. I’ve got a clear shot. It’s time to get a little reckless. She leveled botan at Vigilon, starting at a walk and breaking into a jog. Her armor kept her pace slow, but that was fine. It gave her time to adjust her footing and avoid the traps.

Vigilon readied his blade as she approached. She couldn’t read his features, but she suspected that part of him was focused somewhere else when a quick TECH-A combo broke through his defenses, leaving him stunned. A solid opener, but nothing to get carried away with. She’d watched her opponent cleave through Hirru with the fallen blade, and remembered keenly how the same enhancement felt cutting through her last week. It would only take a single stroke of bad luck to put her on her back foot. Hopefully, she could keep Vigilon on his and secure her first victory.
 

Acanthus | HP: 200/200 | EN: 27/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:56 | ACC:3 | AA  | FL.AURA: 4 | THORNS:18 | BH:7 | HB: 9 | LD:3
Vigilon | HP: 150/200 | EN: 38/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 30 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | FLN: 4 | BLI: 8/-5 | BRN: 14 | LD: 3

Swift Action: Focus (-2 EN)
+1 ACC until end of turn

Main Action: TECH-A -> Vigilon (-9 EN)
241738 | BD 4 + 5 - 2 | Hit! 10 * 8 = 80 - 30 = 50 damage. Stunned.
241738 | CD 8 | No trap.

Edited February 26 by Acanthus

[Vigilon 0]

                                                              Vigilon drew Kyrkuran, and noticed his opponent was already on the move. "If I move at just the right moment, I can dodge the sword art." He thought. He indeed made an attempt to sidestep, but somehow he found his opponent's blade moving towards him anyway. Vigilon's eyes widened as the weapon came upon him. "Wait, what??" 

                                 Vigilon had no idea what just happened. All he knew was that against all odds, he was now helpless down on the sand. He struggled to see if he couldn't break free, to no avail. If his opponent's sword arts can do things like that, evasive action was necessary. He was already three hits away from losing another fight miserably, he couldn't just let this happen. He'd already been at his opponents' mercy more than enough, all he needed was for the system to let him go, that he might be able to dodge the next attack...

 

-Vigilon is stunned.

 

Acanthus | HP: 200/200 | EN: 27/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:56 | ACC: 3 | AA  | FL.AURA: 4 | THORNS: 18 | BH: 7 | HB: 9 | LD: 3
Vigilon | HP: 150/200 | EN: 38/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 30 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | FLN: 4 | BLI: 8/-5 | BRN: 14 | LD: 3 | {Stun Immunity: 3 turns}

[Acanthus 0]

The stun still clung to Vigilon as she approached. Acanthus was tempted to try and wear down his defenses with a shatter or two, before she remembered how that had gone in her fight with Jomei. She would need to remain vigilant; her energy bar would be just as important as her health. A quick fight was ideal, but a longer fight would enable her persistent build to thrive. Steady healing and damage would hopefully chip away at her opponent, even as she stopped to recover.

Botan glowed with a hungry light, and she set the blade loose on Vigilon. She scored a few hits as the stun slowly wore off. Attacking while his defense was down felt unsportsmanlike; worse, it was unentertaining for the crowd. Disappointment clouded her thoughts, reminding her that she wasn’t here for herself; she was here to make sure everyone was enjoying themselves. Shield at the ready, she spoke loud enough for the stands to hear. “Let’s see how well you handle that sword of yours, Vigilon.” 
 

Recovery. +1 EN

Swift Action: nothing

Main Action: ST-I -> Vigilon (-8 EN)
241967 | BD 10 | Major Critical! 12 * 8 = 96 - 30 = 66 damage.
241967 | CD 7 | No trap.

Acanthus | HP: 200/200 | EN: 20/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:56 | ACC: 3 | AA  | FL.AURA: 4 | THORNS: 18 | BH: 7 | HB: 9 | LD: 3
Vigilon | HP: 84/200 | EN: 38/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 30 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | FLN: 4 | BLI: 8/-5 | BRN: 14 | LD: 3 | {Stun Immunity: 3 turns}

Edited February 27 by Acanthus

[Vigilon 0]

                         And of course fate wasn't on his side, he ended up taking a beating before the system allowed him to move. He needed something to fix this. He was...lacking. He wasn't supposed to be lacking, and yet here he was. Helpless against the tides of battle. What a day this was turning out to be...just as good as the last week, he'd soon realize. "So, this is how Hirru felt..." He thought. "For the sake of my sanity, I better not lose this one, or I might start to look like a total joke. A social punching bag for years to come...and the only thing more dangerous than a bully is a bully I can't fight back against." His thoughts continued, as he remembered that Aincrad and Adult Life ran on different rules than back in the school days when decent people would consider it honorable to push back.

                            When the system finally let go of him, he sprung to his feet, and made enough distance between himself and his opponent while making use of a healing crystal, before Sprinting at full speed. Despite having rushed in like a blur, he could be thankful that he didn't run into any traps along the way. He brought his weapon close....aaaaaand there's the shield, getting in his way faster than anticipated. Vigilon hadn't battled many shielded opponents up close, and to try leaping behind his opponent could easily result in him landing on top of a trap instead. "There's gotta be a better way around this..." He thought.

 

Swift Action: Healing Crystal(Recovered 30+3[Survival Bonus]=33 HP)

ID# 241968 BD: 4+1=5(miss), CD: 8(No trap)

Main Action: TECH-A+Charge(missed)

Acanthus | HP: 200/200 | EN: 20/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:56 | ACC: 3 | AA  | FL.AURA: 4 | THORNS: 18 | BH: 7 | HB: 9 | LD: 3
Vigilon | HP: 117/200 | EN: 34/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 30 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | FLN: 4 | BLI: 8/-5 | BRN: 14 | LD: 3 | {Stun Immunity: 2 turns}

Edited March 3 by Vigilon

[Acanthus 0]

Acanthus dove back into the fight, eager to wrap things up quickly. The traps could make or break this fight, and Minako and Kindling had hidden them too well to uncover them with a glance.

She was halfway in the air before it registered that she had not been paying attention. The lump she had seen in the ground had not been a small bit of sand, but was instead a concussive landmine. Her health dipped as she sailed back to the ground. She did her best to roll with the momentum, but her heavy armor made it difficult for the adroit movements she typically used. Her roll was less “graceful acrobat,” and more “turtle heaving back onto its feet.”

By the grace of Cardinal, she felt the familiar tingle of ST-II in the back of her neck. The combo was still ready, waiting to be called. Verdant green energy powered her blade, which she unleashed directly at Vigilon, dealing a sizeable amount of his health in one hit.

Recovery. +1 EN

Swift Action: nothing

Main Action: ST-II -> Vigilon (-11 EN)
241967 | BD 8 + 4 - 2 | Hit! 10 * 11 = 110 - 30 = 80 damage.
241967 | CD 3 | Trap! 20 damage.

Acanthus | HP: 180/200 | EN: 10/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:56 | ACC: 3 | AA  | FL.AURA: 4 | THORNS: 18 | BH: 7 | HB: 9 | LD: 3
Vigilon | HP: 37/200 | EN: 34/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 30 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | FLN: 4 | BLI: 8/-5 | BRN: 14 | LD: 3 | {Stun Immunity: 2 turns}

Edited March 2 by Acanthus

[Vigilon 0]

                      There goes another healing crystal, this time bringing him back to yellow from the red.

         This was going the opposite of good. "What the hell did I do to deserve this??" Vigilon thought, desperate from getting slammed multiple times already despite having gotten not a single gosh darn hit himself. Things were not looking good at all, and he was finding himself with very little options. The best he could do in this moment was prepare a Sword Art, and hope that he doesn't miss.

                         His weapon glowed, he rushed for his opponent, he managed to avoid the nearby traps that were currently unseen to him...and he managed to deal a decisive blow against Acanthus, the flames of his weapon scorching the player and leaving her afflicted by a blight of dark energy. Furthermore, he'd managed to stun her. Vigilon took a deep breath. "Finally, some breathing room..." He thought...not that he was aware that he was in as much danger now as he was seconds ago.

 

Swift Action: Healing Crystal(Recovered 30+3[Survival Bonus]=33 HP)

ID# 241975 BD: 9(Critical, +1 Base DMG, Inflicted Burn and Blight), CD: 7(no trap)

Main Action, TECH-A: 11x8-56=32 Damage to Acanthus, Acanthus is stunned!

Acanthus | HP: 148/200 | EN: 10/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:56 51[-5]| ACC: 3 | AA  | FL.AURA: 4 | THORNS: 18 | BH: 7 | HB: 9 | LD: 3 | {Burn 14 2/2} | {Blight 8 2/2}
Vigilon | HP: 70/200 | EN: 25/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 30 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | FLN: 4 | BLI: 8/-5 | BRN: 14 | LD: 3 | {Stun Immunity: 1 turn}

Edited March 3 by Vigilon

[Acanthus 0]

Smashing a crystal for healing, Vigilon counterattacked, his blade alight with a familiar glow. Acanthus hunkered down for the impending strike. Similar to Jomei’s blade last week. F—

The unholy light wrenched her shield aside and seared her vision with flames. Debuff icons peppered her HUD one by one. And I was about to close it out, she thought miserably. Instead, she would have to fall back. The Forgotten King’s Authority shed her stun, and she withdrew to catch her breath. “Good hit,” she said from behind her shield. “But you’ll need a few more to take me down.”

She wished that she had just stopped by the shop this week. A few healing crystals would have gone a long way to avoiding the upsets of a fallen strike. Hell, even a little extra energy would have kept her attacking, instead of running away just to catch her breath. But she had done this to herself, and so she kept her comments to herself. This was all part of the game, and not visiting the shop would be no excuse for her loss.
 

Recovery. +1 EN. -8 HP (16 - 22)

Swift Action. FTK (-5 EN)
Stun cleared.

Main Action. Rest
+10 EN

Acanthus | HP: 140/200 | EN: 16/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:56 51[-5] (2/3) (not sure if first blight hit is Turn 0 or Turn 1) | ACC: 3 | AA  | FL.AURA: 4 | THORNS: 18 | BH: 7 | HB: 9 | LD: 3 | {Burn 14 2/2} | {Blight 8 2/2}
Vigilon | HP: 70/200 | EN: 25/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 30 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | FLN: 4 | BLI: 8/-5 | BRN: 14 | LD: 3 | {Stun Immunity: 1 turn}

Edited March 4 by Acanthus

[Vigilon 0]

                      Vigilon was about to ready his next move when his opponent, Acanthus...simply got up. "Wait...what?" He thought aloud, as his expression changed from relief to shock, then from shock to worry. "No...no, no, nonononono, this, this can't...how...?"
                 Vigilon's disbelief was nothing to his opponent, who noted it was going to take more than Vigilon had managed if he intended to take her down. Things were not looking good here at all. Something was wrong, very wrong. Vigilon saw little option but to give himself another fighting chance. He planted his foot, placed his free hand behind him, positioned his blade, then spun around, kicking up a cloud of sand dust in a large spherical radius around him, discreetly dropping some caltrops with his free hand as he spun, scattering them in a way that would leave most of them covered in layers of sand that helped them blend in. Once his spin was finished, he launched himself towards his opponent. Unfortunately for him, his attack once again didn't manage to get past her armor. He then propelled himself into a backwards leap across the area, landing on the other side of the area where he'd pulled his little stunt.
                      "Try chasing me now and see if I can't dodge." He called out. sometimes, tactics like these were necessary for survival, and each of these duels could be simulated in Vigilon's mind as a real fight...He needed to make a comeback here. The weaker he was in this tournament, the more lacking he was in his skill, and in an even playing field, it is skill that wins a battle.

 

Swift Action: Place Caltrops

ID# 241984 BD: 2+2=4(miss), CD: 6(No Trap)

Main Action: ST-I(missed)

Acanthus | HP: 140/200 | EN: 16/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:56 51[-5] (2/3) (not sure if first blight hit is Turn 0 or Turn 1) | ACC: 3 | AA  | FL.AURA: 4 | THORNS: 18 | BH: 7 | HB: 9 | LD: 3 | {Burn 14 1/2} | {Blight 8 1/2} | {Stun Immunity: 3 turns}
Vigilon | HP: 70/200 | EN: 24/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 30 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | FLN: 4 | BLI: 8/-5 | BRN: 14 | LD: 3 

Edited March 8 by Vigilon

[Acanthus 0]

Playing to his strengths, Vigilon kept maneuvering outside and away from her sword arts. One fight was all it took for her to see the weaknesses of less mobility. Deadly strikes turned to glancing blows as she continued her assault. Then, with a fluid move, Vigilon spun around, kicking up dust and debris, forcing her back. Her eyes darted around the cloud, picking out any movement she could. Then, a glimmer of steel, low in the cloud, alerted her to his presence. “I’ve got you,” she muttered. Summoning the sword art, she prepared another combo with confidence. But when she parted the dust cloud, Vigilon had disappeared. In his place, a field of caltrops pierced her feet. She swore loudly at the surprise, and watched her health chip away due her unpreparedness.

Frustrated as she was, it was a smart decision. She was not used to her heavy armor yet, and she felt that in her mobility. Eyes scanning the arena, she picked out her opponent’s shape at last, and readied her shield for his attacks.
 

Recovery. +1 EN. -15 HP (7 - 22)

Swift Action: nothing

Main Action: ST-I -> Vigilon (-2EN)
242018 | BD 2 + 4 - 2 | Miss.
242018 | CD 8 LD 7 | No trap. Caltrops (15 damage)

Acanthus | HP: 110/200 | EN: 15/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:56 51[-5] (3/3) (not sure if first blight hit is Turn 0 or Turn 1) | ACC: 3 | AA  | FL.AURA: 4 | THORNS: 18 | BH: 7 | HB: 9 | LD: 3 | {Burn 14 2/2} | {Blight 8 2/2} | {Stun Immunity: 2 turns}
Vigilon | HP: 70/200 | EN: 24/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 30 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | FLN: 4 | BLI: 8/-5 | BRN: 14 | LD: 3

Edited March 10 by Acanthus

[Vigilon 0]

                              Vigilon needed to think this through. If he took too long to act, he'd lose his chance to go for a comeback. Luck clearly wasn't on his side here so he was left having to go to any and every tactic at his disposal. He needed to become less predictable. That little stunt he'd pulled earlier seemed to help, so why not try confusing his opponent? He would poisition himself to begin a Sword Art, but spun around to kick up another dust cloud instead. He then leapt to the side, advanced towards Acanthus, , but stopped with a spin halfway to try and kick up even more sand. He leapt to another spot, leapt back and repeated, before using the sand clouds as cover to try and get the jump on Acanthus. To Vigilon's utter dismay, his latest sword art went just was well as the last. Half of his swings were near misses, and the rest simply bounced off his opponent's armor. "Damn it, damn it, damn it all! What kind of armor is this that I can't even get past it??" He thought. Vigilon was no longer able to hide the desperation for survival in his eyes as the sands settled once more, and Vigilon tried bracing himself to dodge the inevitable.

 

ID# 242051 BD: 3+2=5(miss), CD: 11(no trap)

Main Action: ST-I(Missed)

Acanthus | HP: 110/200 | EN: 15/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 56 | ACC: 3 | AA  | FL.AURA: 4 | THORNS: 18 | BH: 7 | HB: 9 | LD: 3 | {Stun Immunity: 2 turns}
Vigilon | HP: 70/200 | EN: 23/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 30 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | FLN: 4 | BLI: 8/-5 | BRN: 14 | LD: 3

Edited March 10 by Vigilon

[Acanthus 0]

Her anger was getting the better of her. If she didn’t calm down, she would lose. But Vigilon proved a difficult opponent. He never stayed in place for long, and his attacks methodically tested her defense. It was only a matter of time before he found his opening and struck again. Fallen magic danced around his blade, leaving Acanthus extra wary. Her fight with Jomei had taught her the magic could cut through any armor.

Vigilon was on the move again. Carefully, she kept her angle of attack and distance. Acanthus wanted to make sure he would not get the opening he needed. Then, sharp buzzes streaked through her head; she had stepped on more caltrops. “What do you mean there’s more?!” She hissed, shaking the spikes from her armor. Vigilon moved again, and Acanthus fumbled as she repositioned. Stumbling backwards, a bear trap clamped around her other foot. “Fucking hell.” She nearly screamed. Vigilon didn’t need to even take the swing, he could simply wear her down using the battlefield against her.

Winded, she looked up to see Vigilon preparing another strike. His blade began to glow, and Acanthus raised her shield, preparing for a head-on collision she would be unable to deflect.
 

Recovery. +1 EN. +7 HP

Swift Action: nothing

Main Action: ST-I -> Vigilon (-8 EN)
242232 | BD 6 + 4 - 2 | Hit! 8 * 10 = 80 - 30 = 50 damage.
242232 | CD 4 LD 5 | Trap (20 damage). Caltrops (15 damage)

Acanthus | HP: 78/200 | EN: 8/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 56 | ACC: 3 | AA  | FL.AURA: 4 | THORNS: 18 | BH: 7 | HB: 9 | LD: 3 | {Stun Immunity: 2 turns}
Vigilon | HP: 20/200 | EN: 23/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 30 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | FLN: 4 | BLI: 8/-5 | BRN: 14 | LD: 3

Edited March 11 by Acanthus

[Vigilon 0]

                                       Why, why was it all happening like this? What kind of opponent was he dealing with here? Was he experiencing an actual nightmare this time, despite what last week had felt like? Was this all just one big nightmare? No, no! It can't end like this! Vigilon shook his head, his HP was already in the red but he was unwilling to accept defeat so easily. If Acanthus wanted to win, she'd have to knock his lights out for it. He had one last hope. He readied his focus, and he prepared one last charge. This was his only opportunity, he wouldn't get a chance like this again. His sword glowed as the system activated a Sword Art, he rushed towards his opponent.

                *Klack!*

      A sudden stop, Vigilon was prevented from moving further as something caught onto him. He fell down onto the sands, his expression changing from focus to shock as his world was rocked. His sword hand fell to the ground, Kyrkuran disappearing to avoid letting anyone picking it up. Vigilon's last hope, dashed to pieces.

 

...And everything went black...

 

Swift Action: Focus(+1 ACC until End of Turn)

ID# 242338: 6+3-1=8(hit, Fallen Activates!) CD: 2(Trap! 20 DMG taken!)

(OOC: FU, CD! You've ruined everything, mainly narratively!)

Main Action: ST-I+Charge(Failed!)

Acanthus | HP: 78/200 | EN: 8/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 56 | ACC: 3 | AA  | FL.AURA: 4 | THORNS: 18 | BH: 7 | HB: 9 | LD: 3 | {Stun Immunity: 1 turn}
Vigilon | HP: 0/200 | EN: 12/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 30 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | FLN: 4 | BLI: 8/-5 | BRN: 14 | LD: 3 DOWN

Edited March 2 by Vigilon

[Acanthus 0]

THREAD SUMMARY

Winner is Acanthus (close fight though! gg)

(Word Count does not include Kindling's Introduction)

Experience
Acanthus | [Word Count: 2917/10 = 291.7] * [True Tier: 7] * [Group Factor: 0.7] = 1429 * 2 = 2858 EXP
Vigilon | [Word Count: 2917/10 = 291.7] * [True Tier: 7] * [Group Factor: 0.7] = 1429 * 2 = 2858 EXP

Col
Acanthus | 428 col (Laurel Wreath)
Vigilon | 428 col (Laurel Wreath)