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As Treiden and Kerumi bolster themselves, and some of you try and shrug it off and remain in the background. Last tournament's winner approaches you, a paladin by the name of Marthysan the Righteous, he talks to the group still sitting May I? as he points to an empty seat on one of the benches.
In the middle of Treiden's speech a man of Tein descent approachs and speaks, Chung Po, as he points a thumb to himself, Challenge you to wrestling match, warm up, good spirits, yes?
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He nods in thanks and grabs a seat. The Avistani man says, Greetings, it's nice to see there at least a few trustworthy people on the island. Perhaps you would like me to better acquaint you with the island and the tournament prior to it's start in the morrow, after all it's the least I can do for the next tournament champions.
"While I cannot speak for all, but I would be delighted if you were to show us around."
Li nods at the paladin and says Thank you. It is good to see some friendly competition. He pauses a second and continues I know this is an odd question, but you haven't seen a human man about two spans high with a scar running across the right side of his face from hairline to chin have you?
Treiden looks the man up and down trying to decide whether or not the words 'good spirits' carry any truth. "I can't say I'm much of a "wrestler" good sir but a simple sparing would be a preferable alternative. That is of course if you don't mind facing an armed man; although I say that in matter of speaking, the blade I carry is just as much a part of me as my ears or nose," he replies with a cocksure grin. "If you're uneasy about my swordsmanship, my friend Kerumi here is quite the artist with his fists. The choice is yours Chung Po."
[b]So long as this is all in good spirits"
Noticing the unmistakable feeling of a glass flask pressing into his hand, Treiden maintains an unflinching gaze deep into Chung Po's eyes as he gracefully tucks the flask into his coat sleeve.
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Chung Po looks at you Treiden with complete honesty he says, No, not match of steel, no ill will, friend spar, get started, how about Kerumi, wrestle?
MArthysan looks at the rest of the group, No my bestial friend I have not seen a man that you describe but I will keep an eye out for him. And you mistake me my friend. I am no competitor this year. I am last years champion which means I am a judge this year. He then looks at the rest of the group present and says The tournament last five days, each day is filled with a match and a test of skill, some of these are for your group some are individual test. What you have to know is if you gather the crowd it is a rush and you find yourself getting stronger What you need to know most is the Grand Pavilion, is huge, the fighting ring is 40' by 80' with multiple entrances and features and can be manipulated for the matches. You need to watch out for other competitors, such as Risha Coaltongue and her group, He points out a woman in the upper balcony making rounds Oni skum like Kiang Zhen as well as the dangers the rest of the groups make. Don't get me wrong there are a few honest patrons. Like that one He points out a Vudrani woman. If you would like I can offer your group a safe place to stay in my quarters. It's much more space than I need and it's adjacent to this inn so you won't miss much.
Either way you answer Marthysan wishes you a good night and suggests that you get a full night's rest before the first challenge in the morning.
Master Chung Po, I have not perfected the arts of wrestling, but I would be honored to spar with you in your chosen form Kerumi stands from the table where would you choose to have this match?
Kerumi, as soon as he steps into the ring, adopts a stance that is as sturdy as a boar, graceful as a crane and ferocious as a dragon
Treiden gives the monk an enthusiastic pat on the back, "It seems like you can will have your practice time after all, Kerumi! I ask that you delay your match until I find a suitable drink and seat."
Thrilled to see the last champion (and far more important, current judge) dining with his team, Treiden glides in to keep the paladin just a few moments longer. "I cannot begin to express my joy. Are you not Marthysan the Righteous, crowning champion of the previous tournament? Ha! Of course you are. I haven't made it through five minutes of casual conversation without someone bringing up your name." Vigorously shacking the man's hand, Treiden subtly leads him back to his seat.
"You cannot part us yet, dear ser, for my close personal friend Kerumi is seconds away from a friendly martial display with a gentleman by the name of Chung Po. I assure you that this will be a very entertaining affair and it would be a great honor for you to bestow upon myself and my companions if you would but grace us with your presence for the duration of the match."
He pours Marthysan a drink and hands it to him before pouring one for himself and topping off the mugs of Li, Natalia and Nemeia; delivering the last with a wink. When he catches Kerumi's eye, he raises his mug to signal that he is ready, casually leaning his head towards the previous champion sitting beside him.
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Marthyson says agreed but would it not bring greater honor to the two participants if judged by a former champion
You have had a minute to prep kerumi if you would like. Once in the center of the noodle house crowds are gathered around. Chung Po adopts a stance low to the ground as if a turtle ready to grab at a moments notice with his queue wrapped around itself.
First moves on you Kerumi.
Kerumi, taking Treidan's queue after some encouraging words from Nemeia, rushes at Master Po with quick and precise steps in perfect balance. He takes a defensive posture when he meets his rivals counter strikes, pivoting on one foot to roll MasterPo's attempts to grab him off of his back and coming up low to try and find an opening in the man's defenses in order to strike with an elbow to the solar plexus.
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You elbow to Chung Po grazes his robes as he shifts his balance to the rear for a split second causing your strike to miss it's mark he then tries to hook your forearm to bring you into a belly to belly clench.
Chung Po grapple
But the hand placement goes wide and he takes a step back in order to square off against you again. Your not quite sure but you think you see a smile crack on his lips as well as some respect garnered in his eyes.
Treiden smiles at the wisdom of the champion's words. "I suppose you're correct. Hurry though, I doubt this will last too long."
Not noticing Nemeia's concoction, the social butterfly attempts to set his charms on the one party member he hasn't had an opportunity to win over, Li Fu'Chao. "Tell me Li..."
"Are you a betting man?"
He jerks his elegantly stitched jacket from the elbow pad and produces the coin purse he had obtained from the man on the boat. He leads Li's eyes to the ensuing throw-down and back down the mystery purse on the table.
"Personally, I don't like to bet against an ally but I'm in a mood for a venture so I'll allow you to choose first. Care to indulge me?"
Kerumi looks up at the man and gives a small grin back your snapping turtle is impressive, but how long can your defenses protect you? with that Kerumi fills the inn with a roar that sounds more beast than man and lunges forward in another attempt to strike his opponent
Damage:
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The attack seems to have shook him more than stun him as he goes to wrap your arm in his but misses his mark and immediately goes to throw an front snap kick to your gut which you manage to deflect with you arm positioning you to the inside of his instep. Not the position you want to be in with a grappler.
Your up Kerumi.
Kerumi, seeing his predicament, opens his hands in a claw-like pose and takes advantage of the proximity of his foe. Crossing his arms up to each of Po's shoulders Kerumi attempts to rake down the front of his adversary and ends with bringing his knee up to find the man's tender ribs.
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Have thrown a hit across his chest Chung Po reacts to the threat that you pose at the moment and seizes on one of your missed strikes decides not to hold anything back.
Grapple #2
Grapple #3
He bats away your hand leaving him open to a viscious strike in his solar plexus but quickly recovers and evades your next strike firmly planting your elbow in the crook of his neck you feel his hands lock around you and your feet leave the ground as he arches his back and spins planting your upper back hard against the floor.
As Kerumi sees he may be in a bit of a bind he twists his body and tries to strike Po in the temple with his elbow hoping it will loosen his grip and continues to do so to drive his adversary back.
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Chung Po, having been in this position once or twice before reacts instinctively and drives his body forward cutting off all power from your strikes. He then catches one of your punches and lightning quick throws his legs over you, kicking you once in the gut in order to sink in the side arm bar deeper.
Kerumi looks up from his position on the ground Master Po, you have proven yourself the better wrestler, though I would normaly like to see this to the end I must defer to you as the winner of this match as I must conserve my strength for tomorrow's tournament
Kerumi bows to Chung Po as well and speaks quietly so only Chung Po can hear "I do hope to spar with you again Master Po, but I do wish that our next meeting is not in the tournament for my strikes will not be as tender. Watch for me tomorrow and you will understand why I held back." Kerumi walks over to his companions with his head held high "Let us hope tomorrow's matches are not ones of wrestling" A smile spreads across Kerumi's face that shows he knows more than he lets on.
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Oh Ho Ho, you are funny one, I like you. says Chung Po.
If there is anything else that you would like to do tonight please state it, if not we will pick up with the first day of the tournament next update, if no one has anything else I need to interact on. Also, where do you stay for the night, Noodle House or Marthyson's suite.