Intro Phase 5 - "Round-a-Bout"

New Cast Appearing:
Storen as TheStoryteller, Aoshi, Various NPCs
DoomGaze as Ryllan
Session Start: Mon Apr 18 20:38:56 2005

New Meribia, Zen Zone - Fighter's Camp

<TheStoryteller> Horam's Zen Zone comes alive with cheers as the Goddess Festival martial arts torunament turns this normally lackluster training ground into a regular carnival atmosphere. But distant from the rides, games, and merchant's stalls is the tents housing the dedicated warriors participating in this grand competition.
<TheStoryteller> All of them have their own reasons for coming, whether it be a dream of glory, of riches, or of simply honoring their chosen fighting style. But for one man in particular, this event means so very much more...
<TheStoryteller> Trying his best to rest from his hard-fought battles so far this week, Ryllan's mind races with anticipation as the final is drawing closer. The fighters have gotten so much stronger now, pushing you to your very limits. Can you go all the way?
* Ryllan sits on a bench, leaning carefully against one of the tentpoles, his showy blue cape folded on the bench beside him. /I can do this./ He thinks, watching the other fighters as they joke, laugh, gamble. /And I must do this. That's why I will./
<TheStoryteller> The clock on a small table in the corner ticks down the minutes you have left before the next match. The hopes of all your comrades ride on this tournament. You wish this stress was born by someone else, but you volunteered for this task yourself. Humiliating Bree before the whole planet isn't going to be easy, though...
* Ryllan chuckles lightly at his next thought, /But then, if you'd wanted easy, I wouldn't have joined up in the first place, now would you?/ He sighs. His plan should work, it has to.
<TheStoryteller> Some of the fighters drop what they are doing and start heading towards the arena, while the familiar voice of the mistress of ceremonies Jean hits the air, working the crowd.
<TheStoryteller> You're not particularly listening to the tired old routine, just for your name. You don't have to wait too long.
<TheStoryteller> [Jean] ...the tenacious Ryllan Barak!
* Ryllan stands, "Well, that's my cue. Wish me luck, boys - And girls," he quickly adds, as he sees a female fighter about to protest. Brushing his hair back from his face, he grabs his cape from where it lays, shaking it out into proper form and clasping it around his neck in one smooth motion as he walks towards the arena.

New Meribia, Zen Zone

<TheStoryteller> Ryllan appears on the right walkway, as he garners a surprising number of cheers for such a relative unknown in Horam's fighting circuit.
<TheStoryteller> [Crowd] Show 'em Ryllan! You're the man!
<TheStoryteller> Inwardly you wonder if these people can be counted on when it's time for the REAL showstopper.
* Ryllan smirks, taking a moment to both look at the crowd and flick his cape artfully, "Well, I can hardly refuse /that/ request, now can I?"
<TheStoryteller> As Ryllan procees to the raises platform for the duels, Jean begins calling out the challenger.
<TheStoryteller> [Jean] And to my left, representing the award-winning Astorian Dojo, master of the Kodachi Nitou Ryuu, let's hear it for Aoshi!
<TheStoryteller> From the left walkway appears on of Scott's well known assistant teachers of technique. It's a bit strange to see him without his famed twin-blades handy, but perhaps this old face wanted a new challenge? This won't be easy...
* Ryllan frowns, clapping politely, and halfheartedly, /Astorian... That's the place that teaches all the stuff with the blades, right? Well, at least we're both without our prefered weapons./ He then grins ruthlessly, playing to the crowd once more as he cracks his knuckles, cocking his head insolently, "I'm not going to go easy on you just because you're without your swords, you know."
<TheStoryteller> [Aoshi] Mmm, yes. This is an interesting matchup. And what makes you think I need cold steel to deal with a greenhorn like you?
<TheStoryteller> [Jean] Now now, gentlemen. I know you'd rather settle this with weapons, but this is an unarmed fight. Keep it clean, and may the best man win!
<Ryllan> It's simple, really. The reason why I've come this far. You've learned your tricks in a school, and that's all very well when everyone else has, too. But me? I don't fight civilized.
<TheStoryteller> [Aoshi] You'd best try not to get disqualified, then. I'd much rather enjoy an honest victory.
<TheStoryteller> Jean steps down, and gives the signal to her staff. The large golden gong is slammed with a padded mallet, resounding throughout the battlefield!

~~ COMBAT! ~~


<TheStoryteller> >> Tournament Semi-Final: Ryllan vs Aoshi!

<TheStoryteller> >> Round 1 !

<TheStoryteller> >> Declaration Phase.
* Ryllan grins, stalking forward as if he was a big, slow brawler, "Show me what you've got, then!"
<TheStoryteller> Aoshi pauses to consider his options, before settling on a kung-fu stance. "Oh? With pleasure."
<TheStoryteller> >> Battle Phase.
<TheStoryteller> >> Ryllan's action.
* Ryllan swings his left hand forward in a motion more riminiscent of drunken brawling than real fighting. However, before he connects, his other hand shoots up in a blurring knife-edge blow, aimed at Aoshi's throat!
<TheStoryteller> >> Ryllan attacks! 13!
<TheStoryteller> [Aoshi] Not bad. Now it's my turn.
<TheStoryteller> >> Aoshi uses the momentum of the blow to plant a strong right hand in Ryllan's gut, knocking him back. 16 damage!

<TheStoryteller> >> Round 2

<TheStoryteller> >> Declaration Phase.
* Ryllan drops the pretense of 'big and dumb', this time running at Aoshi with much more speed!
<TheStoryteller> Aoshi prepares to meet his attack with one of his own.
<TheStoryteller> >> Battle Phase.
<TheStoryteller> >> Ryllan's action.
* Ryllan again switches tactics, dropping down and sliding in an effort to take Aoshi's legs out from under him!
<TheStoryteller> >> Ryllan's attack finds it's mark, making the bigger man stumble. 14 damage!
<TheStoryteller> >> Aoshi avoids a knockdown, snapping up and aiming for one of Ryllan's pressure points... it misses!
<TheStoryteller> [Aoshi] Perhaps I underestimated you.

<TheStoryteller> >> Round 3

<Ryllan> What can I say? It's part of my charm.
<TheStoryteller> >> Declaration Phase.
* Ryllan dashes towards Aoshi again, as if for a repeat of the takedown attempt!
<TheStoryteller> Aoshi watches Ryllan carefully, and prepares to defend!
<TheStoryteller> >> Battle Phase.
<TheStoryteller> >> Aoshi is Defending.
<TheStoryteller> >> Ryllan's action.
* Ryllan, surprisingly, actually does as he seemed to! He slides along the ground again, slamming into Aoshi's legs!
<TheStoryteller> >> Ryllan's attempt is thwarted by Aoshi, who avoids it with ease. Miss!

<TheStoryteller> >> Round 4

<TheStoryteller> >> Declaration Phase.
<TheStoryteller> [Aoshi] Is that all you can do?
<TheStoryteller> Aoshi leans back, preparing to strike hard...
<Ryllan> Not at all, but it worked so well the first time! I guess you are a little smarter than you look... Not that that's hard.
* Ryllan shrugs as he braces himself, noting the dangerous gleam in Aoshi's eyes.
<TheStoryteller> >> Battle Phase.
<TheStoryteller> >> Ryllan is Defending!
<TheStoryteller> >> Aoshi lunges with a powerful attack. "Atemi Strike!!" But it falls to connect by a large margin...
<TheStoryteller> [Aoshi] Hmph.

<TheStoryteller> >> Round 5

<TheStoryteller> >> Declaration Phase.
* Ryllan seems as though he was a little dazed by the attack anyway, stumbling towards Aoshi unsteadily.
<TheStoryteller> Aoshi tries a softer approach to his next attack.
<TheStoryteller> >> Battle Phase.
<TheStoryteller> >> Ryllan's action.
* Ryllan stumbles, then trips, sending his head directly towards Aoshi's gut.
<TheStoryteller> >> Aoshi is caught COMPLETELY unawares at this uncooth tactic. CRITICAL! 28 damage!
<TheStoryteller> [Aoshi] Now I see what you meant! Take this!
<TheStoryteller> >> Aoshi strikes back, giving him a swift karate kick. 17 damage!

<TheStoryteller> >> Round 6

<TheStoryteller> >> Declaration Phase.
* Ryllan takes the kick and rolls back to his feet, "My mother always said I should use my head. Can't imagine why she was so sad when I started fighting." He lunges for Aoshi again, swinging a fist swiftly!
<TheStoryteller> Aoshi prepares to counterattack!
<TheStoryteller> >> Battle Phase.
<TheStoryteller> >> Ryllan's action.
* Ryllan brings his other fist up in a savage uppercut in yet another example of his switch-hitting tactics!
<TheStoryteller> >> Ryllan's fist just barely catches Aoshi, bruising him slightly. 13 damage!
<TheStoryteller> >> Aoshi returns the favor, grabbing Ryllan's free fist and bending the arm back painfully. 17 damage!

<TheStoryteller> >> Round 7

<TheStoryteller> >> Declaration Phase.
<TheStoryteller> [Aoshi] Enough games. I'm going to finish you right here.
<TheStoryteller> Aoshi leans back, preparing his special powerful punch
* Ryllan braces for the attack, his one arm still held by Aoshi, murmering to himself, "Oh, this is gonna be /good/..."
<TheStoryteller> >> Ryllan defends himself!
<TheStoryteller> >> Aoshi moves to strike the held foe with a finishing blow! "Atemi Strike!!" But even while in a clinch, Ryllan someone manages to avoid it!
<TheStoryteller> « er somehow »
* Ryllan ducks, opening his hand and letting the powerful strike flash by him... And right into his waiting palm, still held in place by Aoshi! He grins, "Not bad, not bad. Too bad I saw it coming a mile away."

<TheStoryteller> >> Round 8

<TheStoryteller> [Aoshi] ...you're begining to tick me off.
<TheStoryteller> Aoshi prepares to hurl Ryllan to the mat!
* Ryllan smiles slightly, "That's the idea, see. People make mistakes when they're angry." He laughs mockingly as he braces against Aoshi's body, ready to hurl HIM to the floor instead.
<TheStoryteller> >> Battle Phase.
<TheStoryteller> >> Ryllan's action.
* Ryllan braces against Aoshi, using his free hand to grab him by the leg, and taking advantage of the fist he already holds, he lifts the other man up, and falls over, taking care to put Aoshi between the ground and him.
<TheStoryteller> >> Ryllan body slams Aoshi first! 13 damage!
<TheStoryteller> [Aoshi] Guh... get off!
<TheStoryteller> >> Aoshi uses a judo throw from his prone position, using his legs to send Ryllan sailing a short distance away, landing hard. 16 damage!

<TheStoryteller> >> Round 9

<TheStoryteller> >> Declaration Phase.
* Ryllan lands heavily, the wind knocked out of him for a moment, he quickly regains his footing, and stalks towards Aoshi once again, "...You got my cape all dusty." he says almost petulantly, like a whining child.
<TheStoryteller> Aoshi looks pretty beat up after that press, not pressing the assault further. He pauses to concentrate, not listening to Ryllan's insults.
<TheStoryteller> >> Battle Phase.
<TheStoryteller> >> Aoshi uses Focus! Regains 8 HP & 2 MP!
<TheStoryteller> [Aoshi] *mumbles* Can't let that kid get to me...
<TheStoryteller> >> Ryllan's action.
* Ryllan walks towards Aoshi, then suddenly moves speedily again, stopping right next to Aoshi, "Oh, but he already has." Ryllan slides one leg in behind Aoshi, moving his arm to brace against the other fighter's back. /Base/, he thinks, remembering the few lessons he's actually had. He then pivots, moving so that he's nearly standing in front of Aoshi again. /Angle./ A cruel grin crosses his face as his arm snaps up, striking towards Aoshi's throat. /Leverage,/ he finishes his mental monologue as his hand connects, sending Aoshi flying over.
<TheStoryteller> >> Ryllan attacks for 18 damage! Aoshi is sent to the ground with a loud *THUMP*. He does not move for about 5 seconds, then nips up with effort. But a gong sound means that it was ruled a legal knockdown...

~~ Ryllan wins the battle! He advances to the Finals. 3 XP, 2 MXP and 100 silver gained. ~~


<TheStoryteller> [Jean] I give you the winner, Ryllan! Let's give him a round of applause for a smartly-fought win!
* Ryllan smiles, stepping forward and offering his hand, "No hard feelin's, alright? I'm just better, that's all."
<TheStoryteller> Aoshi folds his arms, and looks Ryllan in the eye. He eventually swallows his pride and shakes the hand once firmly. "Next time, let's do a sword dance instead."
* Ryllan chuckles, dropping his voice low enough to speak without fear of the crowd overhearing, "Well, I dunno. I'm not much for entering fights I don't think I can win. But we'll see. Fair travels, Aoshi." With that, he turns, and with another flick of his cape, walks towards the edge of the arena.
<TheStoryteller> Jean winks once at Ryllan as he's exiting.
<TheStoryteller> [Jean] Now, our next exciting match... in 1 hour... 4 Dragon versus Whispering Blue Dragon? Which art will prevail? Don't be late!
* Ryllan , being watched by the crowd, can't respond to Jean's wink, but offers a silent thought of thanks nonetheless.

New Meribia, Zen Zone - Fighter's Camp

<TheStoryteller> With his heart boosted by this victory, Ryllan returns to his tent in the fairgrounds. Waiting by the flap is a familair orange haired, green clad youth. He's wearing a pleased smirk...
<TheStoryteller> [Franz] Hey, you were amazin' out there, bro!
* Ryllan grins, laughing, "Thanks, Franz. He didn't really have a chance, anyway. The guy's too reliant on his blades." He frowns, "Speaking of which... You /do/ still have mine, right?"
<TheStoryteller> On cue, Franz pulls out Ryllan's two favorite items. One is a finely forged knife, with Hylan rune etchings to increase psychic power. The other is a simple, but sharp reliable dirk. Now that you look closely, the second one's got some ash on it...?
<TheStoryteller> [Franz] Oh uh... hope you don't mind me borrowin' em. I got into a fight with Marie again.
* Ryllan sighs good-naturedly, "Again? You at least managed to make pickup, right?" The tangled blue mane shakes, "Honestly, you two are like an old married couple or something."
<TheStoryteller> [Franz] Aw, knock it off. You know I just can't help smacking around those darn cottontails. :P
<TheStoryteller> Franz hands over the daggers to you.
<TheStoryteller> [Franz] Keep em for luck. I think you're going to need it for the next fight.
<TheStoryteller> [Franz] As for the pickup...
<TheStoryteller> Franz looks around once. "Safely delivered. And boy did we get a lot of bang for the buck this time!"
* Ryllan chuckles, "Thanks." He twirls them effortlessly around once, making sure to wipe the ash-covered blade off, before sheathing them in unison at his side, "Good to hear. And you're right. I've seen both the next fighter's in action. The next one isn't gonna be pretty, that's for sure."
<TheStoryteller> [Franz] Yeah. You're going to have to take this one head-on, though. We've played all of our cards with the booking...
<Ryllan> I'll manage... I /think/ I've got both their weaknesses spotted at least. Though I'll wanna watch the next match anyway, just in case the winner lets something more slip.
<TheStoryteller> [Franz] Good call. That's why you're my numebr 1 man. :)
<TheStoryteller> [Franz] You do remember the new plan, now, don't you?
* Ryllan blinks, "'course I do." The big man almost looks insulted, "Don't worry, I'll have all their eyes on me when it's time. I doubt the crowd'd notice if all of Bree's Bunnyguard decided to strip in the stands."
<TheStoryteller> Franz starts chortling.
<TheStoryteller> [Franz] If that's all it'd take to pull this off, I'd be a happy man!
<TheStoryteller> [Franz] Seriously, you chill out and do what you gotta do. I'm going to go check on our men in the crowd.
* Ryllan nods, "They've been doing a great job, too. I can't imagine I'd have half the fans I do without them." He chuckles, turning back towards the stadium, "I can eat there just as well as here. Take care of yourself, Franz."
<TheStoryteller> Franz nods and slips out.
<TheStoryteller> Back to waiting.... the hour passes by quickly, not that it surprises you. You're even more nervous than before, waiting for them to call your name once again.
<TheStoryteller> Strangely though, the clock goes past the mark, and you haven't been summoned. What could be going on?
<TheStoryteller> You begin to listen to Jean's voice as it floats through the air via amplifiers. It is weaker than usual, disappointed even.
* Ryllan sighs, sitting back against the tentpole once again, arms crossed. /You can do this, Ryllan. You know her weaknesses. She's too trusting-/ His eyes snap open as the clock ticks past the mark, "...Now that can't be right... what's going on here?"
<TheStoryteller> [Jean] Ahem! Attention ladies and gentlemen. I have a special announcement...
<TheStoryteller> Just then Franz appears at your tent, all jittery. "Hey bro'! Come out here and get a load of this!"
* Ryllan stands, grabbing his cape as he does so, but not unfolding it. He heads for the door, already asking, "What in the name of...?"
<TheStoryteller> The crowds have gathered for the match, but instead of summoning fighters, Jean is reading from a white card.
<TheStoryteller> [Jean] It has been brought to my attention that, due to an unforseen accident, Yuriko will be unable to compete in the final match versus Ryllan Barak...
<TheStoryteller> The crowds instantly start going wild. "Hey! WE want our match! What the hell's goin' on!"
<TheStoryteller> [Jean] By the standing rules of the grand tournament, Ryllan will be declared by default our finalist. He shall proceed to the ultimate challenge versus mayor Bree DeAlkirk.
* Ryllan curses almost reverently, "That wasn't us." He makes the question a statement, but he looks at Franz, sounding unsure.
<TheStoryteller> Franz looks as surprised as you are to hear this. "Wha, is this, like, divine intervention or somethin'?"
<TheStoryteller> Jean leaves the center of the ring and the crowd is a mix of boos and a few cheer for Ryllan's de facto win. Before long, she starts walking over to the two men.
<Ryllan> "Ah hell," Ryllan mutters, "Why don't we head back to our tent first? That way when she starts accusing us it's not in broad daylight."
<TheStoryteller> Franz nods, and yanks you into the tent to face a rather irate gypsy fighter. :/
<TheStoryteller> [Jean] Okay you two, I've been playing along with this, but you've really gone too far this time!
<TheStoryteller> She puts her hands on her hips, waiting for an explaination.
* Ryllan spreads his arms wide, "Look, calm down and tell me what happened." He keeps his voice even and calm, "I honestly don't even know what caused Yuriko to withdraw."
<TheStoryteller> [Franz] Hey hey, easy now. It wasn't me!
<TheStoryteller> [Jean] There was a commotion at Yuriko's rest area, while she was healing up her battle injuries from Saki. I'm hearing wildly differeing accounts, but some of them point to the fact a wild beast gored her. That's really despicable...
* Ryllan raises an eyebrow, "Look, do I /look/ like an animal trainer to you?" He shakes his head, "I understand that you're mad, but it /wasn't/ us."
<TheStoryteller> [Franz] Look, Jean, honey... I'm not that type of guy. We just asked you to do a little magic with the seeding. That's it!
<TheStoryteller> [Jean] I'm going over there myself now, and if I find out it was you, you're going to be disqualified! >:|
<Ryllan> I should hope so. But it wasn't, so do try to catch the /real/ culprit, alright?
<Ryllan> (q) Or at least don't finish the investigation until after the fight with Bree...
<TheStoryteller> [Jean] I sincerely hope you're telling the truth. I won't have this kind of cheating at MY tournament to Althena's graces.
<TheStoryteller> Jean sighs and shakes her head. "Just stay put until I figure this out..."
<TheStoryteller> She turns, green ponytail swinging as she exits.
<TheStoryteller> Franz waits till she's out of earshot to exhale. "Hoooo boy. We won't hear the end of this. But, really, I think this is a sign." ;)
* Ryllan chuckles softly, "I'll say." He frowns, "I dunno, though. If there's someone else who wants us to win... I have to ask why."
<TheStoryteller> [Franz] I'm just one man.. I don't control all the Bree dissidents. Maybe one acted solo...
<TheStoryteller> [Franz] I think it's best just to sieze the moment - You'll be at 100% for the Bree fight! Get our tactics worked out completely!
<TheStoryteller> [Franz] We can handle the whys and the fallout later, eh?
* Ryllan nods, "Yeah. Just... Tell the boys to be careful, alright? If someone /is/ planning to take advantage of our play, I don't want anyone getting caught by that.
<TheStoryteller> [Franz] Right! I'll pass the meme around about this... you just sit tight and do your thing. We're countin' on you.
<TheStoryteller> The shorter guy slaps Ryllan's back once, and dashes into the emptying stands...
<Ryllan> .oO(No pressure, eh, Franz?)
* Ryllan sighs and sits back down on the bench, closing his eyes and crossing his arms, as he reviews the possible strategies again and again. /It doesn't hafta be pretty. It just has to work./
<TheStoryteller> As Ryllan ponders his tactics against the invincible mayor Bree, unbeknowst to him, a dark horse contender is doing likewise...

~~ SESSION END ~~

Session Close: Mon Apr 18 23:38:07 2005