Well things are certainly getting interesting, that much I can say. Magister Rae seems altogether calm somehow, but it is not the same tranquil discipline that radiates from his companion. It is distance...detachment Let's all just get along; we can't be bickering over small things already. In case anyone hadn't noticed, the tournament hasn't started yet.
"Forgive me for being cautious. In a group such as this, where our survival depends on mutual trust, it seems poor form to be hiding vital information from each other." "After all, it would be a pity if hidden secrets shattered our little group right before we able to claim the final prize."
The tiger grunts, clearly he would of preferred to know the truth of magister helm but he will accept Remulus' word that his intentions are good and the secrets are necessary. "Very well, shall we go and register for the tournament then?" There is no hint of the beasts previous displeasure.
"oh and thane I appreciate that you have my back, but if I had felt truly threatened by the elfs lies I would of put his claims of prowess to the test much quicker than I put a mere question to him.
I'd just like to point out that three heavily cloaked figures with hoods that are clearly magically augmented to obscure identity have approached requesting to form an alliance. How much truth did you expect? Magister Rae issues a detached but genuine chuckle.
His statements of intent with regards to the tournament are true. That is all that should matter. This falsehood is for our, and by extension, your own, protection. It will not affect our ability to participate as a cohesive unit. If you must know the whole truth, that kind of trust must be earned, for the secrets we three carry are burdensome.
Yoshii stands, putting his recorder away as he does so.
"Chukie I am surprised. Secrets are necessary, you know for a fact that I have not told them everything about myself. What matters is whether our instincts tell us we can ally with them. I believe we can."
Looking over at Helm, the basket-headed man turns his head to the side and scribbles a few more runes into the air. "Though I did spend a time in Valandair, and even a month or two getting to know a few nobles. An elf who doesn't like to talk about themself is incredibly rare."
"Still! Let's hope this blip does not stain our record. Whatever your reasons for winning I hope you will agree that if we do not win, the reasons don't matter. I have confidence that with the lot of us we will be more than a match for whatever they have cooked up.
Did anyone happen to catch where we were supposed to register. I was particularly deep into my meditation at the time."
Magister Helm faces the tiger.Indeed, admirable to protect yourself and the people around you from a perceived threat. Are you to suggest, however, that everyone here has told us everything there is to know about themselves and their past? I do not profess to enjoy deception, but as Remulus kindly pointed out, our frame of reference dictates the necessity of it for the safety of everyone here. You seem quite confident in your abilities, friend, and your passion for honor and honesty is certainly admirable. I do not have any qualms with violence as my compatriots do, and I propose we spar. For one, it would give us an opportunity to settle the obvious tension between us and blow off steam. For two, you can see that my claim prowess is not unwarranted and that you have made the right choice allowing us to participate with you. What do you say? Magister Helm extends a cordial hand
Chukie grins a feral grin "Nothing would please me more and the offer alone has removed all doubt I had about you elf. Yoshii do we have time for this fine elf and myself to indulge ourselves?"
Yoshii feigns the gesture of a sigh, "I suppose, it isn't like we are pressed for time given that registration lasts five days, though we might want to go somewhere a bit more out of the way..." he looks about, "I'm fairly sure there is an open space where guardsmen train closer to the courthouse. We passed it on our way to call for allies."
This sparring is unnecessary. Let us register and focus on the tasks before us.
Magister Rae snickers again Oh no Remmy, I want to see this. I really want to see this. We all know how Helm here is a show boater, but his combat style...that is a different show. I love studying it. Simply from an academic standpoint of course; it is, after all, how he earned his Magister's.
"Patience is a virtue, and rushing to register will not cause time to move any faster. We have the remainder of the day and, failing that, four more before us. I believe that learning each others strengths would be an appropriate way to focus on the task before us."
Yoshii's ears perk up when Rae speaks of Helm's combat style, "out of curiosity, what combat style does he practice?"
Helm clasps his hands together enthusiasticallyWell it's settled! We shall spar in the open training space! One thing though, if I may... falsehood or no, I have given you a name by which you may address me, and I'd rather you used it. He strolls gracefully and deliberately to the basket-headed man, clasping a strong arm on his shoulder. Yoshii, lead the way!
Yes my good man Yoshii lead the way. I am eager to see what Helm is capable of. A man of his his rank should pose a decent challenge. And with that Chukie leaps into the air flying lazily down the street.
The group is able to quickly find their way back to the public practice area. Men and women of all sorts are practicing their various crafts, with guards stationed around to keep the peace.
PERCEPTION CHECKS
"That field with the two folks currently sparring should do nicely"
the tiger flys over to the field.
"YOU MEN! Are you almost finished? My friend and I wish to make use of this field. Its the only one large enough to accommodate us"
One of the two men looks at the tiger-man who is floating above the ground. He wears a simple suit of chain, and wields a longsword that looks rather plain. A smile is stuck to his face, and even as he speaks the grin stays drawn upon it.
"We won't be long, I was just giving some lessons to this man here," his voice is light and airy, dancing like a whisper on the wind and yet there is a force behind it that makes him sound like he is no more than a foot away. He speaks at a measured pace, with a slight bit of a drawl, "It'll be just a minute more," he looks back at his 'friend'; a man twice his size, red faced, in ornate platemail.
"SHUT THE HELL UP! I'M NO FRIEND OF YOURS YOU PIG F$~&ING PIECE OF SHIT!" screams the larger man, slicing the air with his greatsword. As he lands the smaller fighter who had just spoken with you simply turns slightly to avoid the blow, brings up his sword tracing a path along the brutes arm and, with a few well placed blows, knocks the greatsword from his hand, undoes the leather straps of the armor on his arm, and smashes his elbow joint so hard that you'd swear thunder had just cracked. The large man falls down screaming.
"Testy testy, that'll never do if you're to advance on," the smaller man says in the same emotionless expression, through the same plastered on smile. "Lemme help get you to a nurse, I simply could not stand if my rabble rousing ruined your chances at advancing past the first round."
PERCEPTION CHECKS
As the smaller man begins to walk away he calls back "the field is all yours," then suddenly turns back around, "OH! And before I forget and do something rude. I am Nigel T. Mare, and I am pleased as punch to make your acquaintance." He bows deeply, then turns back around and heads off.
Staring first at the man being lifted off the ground like some sort of twisted marionette, then at the man Nigel, Thane's eyes narrow. "Gentlemen, I do believe that is a man to watch out for," he mutters to his companions. "Though I wish I could test my prowess against him, something is very wrong with that man, and it worries me... Especially if he is competing in this tournament."
The tiger nods his head politely seeing this is a man to be respected "I am Chukie son of none and I thank you for your timely use of the field. Im told it should be a sight to see if you wish to stay a moment." with that Chukie soars to the other end of the field and lands. He takes a stance and gestures briefly.
"I am ready when you are Helm" and makes a brief bow to his opponent.
Nigel looks back once more, "Oh I would love to stay Chukie son of none, but I do declare that my patrons are testy people. This little diversion," he nods to the now unconscious man on the ground, "took far too much time out of my schedule. I must be headed out." With a final nod Mr. Mare disappears into the crowd, floating brute in tow.
Magister Helm turns to look at the man who has just introduced himself as Nigel. My, that was certainly interesting. Well! To the task at hand! [i]He wheels around to face the direction of the flying tiger. Grasping his cloak, he pauses briefly before throwing the shadowy garb dramatically into the air. He is revealed now, and upon his side is an ornate sheathed sword. He takes a deep breath and casts a spell with a few short gestures.
Magister Helm unsheaths his blade ecstatically, holding it with an outstretched arm parallel to the ground. It is sharpened, glimmering elven curved blade, seemingly scaled down to be wielded in one hand. Upon it are a series of intricate arcane runes that illuminate from the hilt end up as he holds the weapon. With his free hand, he makes a drawn out, graceful gesture and shoots it out, perpendicular to his sword in Chukie's direction. From his outstretched fingers, a black ray projects, connecting directly with the base of chukie's form.
The tiger grunts as hes hit by the ray. Hes surprized it penetrated his defenses so easily and it has left him weary.
Never the less he saunters across the field unhurried to stand in front of the elf before leaping at him in an attempt to wrestle him to the ground.
Magister Helm struggles briefly with the flying tiger that is attempting to wrestle him to the ground. After a moment, he vanishes, reappearing on the other side of the field. He flourishes his blade quickly before stretching his arm out and releasing another black ray to connect with Chukie's back
The tiger grunts again after being hit by the second ray of exhaustion clearly weary.
"Bah I thought you challenged me to a spar not a spell casters duel. I looked forward to locking with your blade but instead my opponent scurries away from me like a frightened animal worrying for it's life." he makes a look of disgust and spits on the ground. "And even for all your frantic scrambling and the obvious effort you have put out you have done me no lasting harm and it is nothing I can not remedy in a timely manner." he's looks with disdain at the elf before taking a stance again
"I AM A MOUNTAIN AND YOU ARE A STORM. BRING UPON ME ALL YOUR FURY COWARD AND YOU SHALL FIND THAT I STILL REMAIN UNBROKEN WHEN YOU GIVEN ALL YOU HAVE
Magister Helm lets out raucous laughter. "Frightened animal? Frantic Scrambling and obvious effort? I have no doubt that you are perfectly capable of weathering that which I throw at you, but to think that I am running, frantic or exerting an overt amount of effort at the moment is to be naive. With regards to your statement about my blade, I participate in no illusion of victory against someone of your size and skill when it comes to the art of melee. I am simply playing with my strengths. You asked for my prowess in it's entirety? You have it. With that, Magister Helm lets loose a coruscating ray.
Success: /2 Strength Penalty
Failure: Strength Penalty
"Bwahaha keep your adorable spells coming. What shall you do when you are out of spells and I still remain?"
He would say something dramatic like that and completely embarrass himself. Typical. Magister Rae snickers under his breath
Magister Helm Sighs audibly before releasing another coruscating bolt of energy.
The tiger grunts again upon being hit.
"Are you quite done? Or do you think you can soften me up further so maybe then you can dare a direct attack?"
Well, I think I'll be about done after this one. Magister Helm throws forth yet another coruscating ray.
"BAH another pathetic miss" the tiger remarks as his hide absorbs the ray without effect
"Well if you're quite sure you're done with this nonsense..."
the tiger makes a few gestures and murmurs a word before sprouting large shovel like claws
"I will not lie friend you have left me with a nasty crick in my neck and quite the sore elbow. If you will excuse me for just one minute I'm just going to massage those out and we can resume our bout. Feel free to prepare yourself how ever you'd like while I'm gone just don't leave.
and with that he dives into the ground leaving nary a trace.
I'm fairly certain that we don't get to take breaks such as this during a spar. I think we're finished here. That was rather enjoyable. Magister Helm sheaths his blade and flies unceremoniously to the others.
Deep under the ground the tiger digs deeper before beginning to cast another spell
Up on the surface, Thane watches as Magister Helm walks off the field with Chukie nowhere to be seen.
"Well," he remarks wryly, "that was certainly a bit anticlimactic..."
Yoshii reaches down and touches the ground, his hands briefly glowing. After he is satisfied with... whatever it was he was doing, he stands once more.
"Finish up the spar friend. I can't imagine you would mark him off when all he was expecting was a quick duel. Instead you've used countless spells and a rather unique form." Yoshii turns his head to Helm, and hesitates when next drawing his runes. "In fact my friend I only know one person who has that combat style, because it is a rather unique one and a sister style to my own. Further, you've either learned it very well from the master himself, or you are the master himself. And given that Rae acts like you're the genuine article... Why not finish the sparring match. What harm could come of it?
Helm turns back around and looks a bit surprised for just a moment, "I honestly forgot how perceptive you are. How about we keep things under wraps for just a bit eh? I'll finish the spar if that's what you want."
Helm flies up in the air, about 40 feet, and begins to talk to himself a bit. "Man that size, talent like that, should take... oh... three quarters a minute?" he mumbles to himself, "AHA! I know my plans!"
He flies down to the ground, and casts a few quick spells in succession. As the first completes there are now a plethora of Magister Helms standing on the field. When the second finishes, there are twice as many again. He then holds out his blade, and resumes the posture of his earlier graceful, dance-like motions.
The tiger smiles and breaths a sigh of relief as its fully restore before casting a couple more spells to ready itself for combat again. It has at this point been underground for just over 1 minute.
He blinks out of existence underground to appear above ground again 10 feet off the ground and sees 7 Helms standing before him.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAND WERE BACK" the beast roars with a grin, not even slightly dismayed by the multiple duplicates. For him the tactical retreat and waiting would always be the hardest part of combat. His smile grows even wider as he yells "ROUND TWO! READY? GO!"
The beast teleports to the nearest swordsman and pushes him to the ground and then does the same to two more.
As the tiger appears in front of him, Helm flashes his blade quickly and it erupts with arcane energy. Watching the tiger mistakenly trip three of his duplicates, he unleashes a flurry of attacks with his blade, each in turn also spewing arcane energy.
The animal smile grows even wider despite the Magister unleashing a deadly flurry against him. The cuts seem to not bother him in the slightest although they've clearly slowed him and wounded him a decent amount.
"NOW THIS IS MORE LIKE IT FRIEND HELM. A FUSION OF SWORD AND SPELL. A PROPER DUEL. A GLORIOUS BATTLE."
His almost maniacal enjoyment is apparent as he readies his next attack
The now slightly less agile beast still has a quite a bit of fight left. It readies itself once more before attempting to knock down more illusions.
The beast trips the illusions one by one before finally finding the real helm pushing him to the ground and disarming him
,
,
,
As his weapon is thrown from his hand, Magister Helm winks out of existence to reappear a mere 15 feet away and a few feet in the air. Doing a quick and graceful somersault as he appears, he lands in a moment. Seemingly unfazed, he makes a graceful gesture before tumbling briefly to lay a now shimmering hand on the back of the creature he is battling. Well it's hard to blend sword and spell without the former, now isn't it?He pauses briefly before turning his head in the direction of his onlooking comrades. Hey Remmington! Can you still do that peaceful zen magic meditation business to ail the afflictions of others!?
I suppose, but I would prefer not to use it. His countenance is as calm as ever.
The tiger miraculously dodges the magus' touch before assaulting him once again
He pushes the Magus to the ground yet again and then backs away 10 feet