Telrenya

The climax the crowd was waiting for finally came. A clash rang out, metal singing as their blades bounced off of each other. Then the final strike. Telrenya felt every muscle in her body tense up. The intention to take a step back, to swing her stance wide and let his sword catch the air where she had been standing, it was right there. But she couldn’t do it. Whether her digital body was at its limits, or Cardinal would never allow her to move that quickly in the first place, she wasn’t sure why she failed to slip out of the way. She only felt the dull, buzzing feedback in the back of her head as Vigilon sliced into her with fresh battle scars. The force sent her reeling, and Telrenya’s body tumbled limp across the arena.

When next her eyes opened, the stone felt cool against her cheek. The breeze whispered past her ear, and sunlight poured over her battered form. Then the roars of the crowd reached her, as did that warm, soothing sensation of being healed. It took a moment for Telrenya to regain herself. She winced when she pushed herself up, and Minako’s booming voice rattled around in her skull as she addressed the audience.

Vigilon’s voice cut through all the noise and fanfare, close and cautious, friendly and encouraging. She simply stared back up at him dumbly for a moment. Defeat sat in the back of her throat like a heavy pill that refused to go down. She forced a small smile in return. She took his hand and got back to her feet, ignoring every bit of discomfort and dismay that yelled at her to just stay down there. ”Thank you…” It was all she could think to say for a moment. ”That was a good fight.” It wasn’t a lie. Her words and her posture were just stiff. Stilted. He was trying to be nice, and she should respond in kind. The corners of her mouth pulled a bit wider, and she nodded. ”Those attacks were really something. And I could barely ever get through all those defenses.” She chuckled a little, then stole a glance towards Minako as their host was already preparing the audience for whoever the next contestants might be. She looked back to Vigilon. ”Good luck on the next one.”

Vigilon Wins

Her eyes went wide and her body twisted, but her reaction was too slow. She winced as his blade cut deep into her side and she was awarded another bright red, festering wound upon her avatar. Unable to force her own counterattack, she scrambled to leave his range. The color of her health bar shifted to red even before the lingering burn and blight stole away a bit more of it.

Telrenya felt backed into a corner. Her opponent’s words edged on taunting in her ears. For every single strike he landed on her, Telrenya had to hit three, all while clawing past his armor and gritting her teeth through the retaliatory damage. Her free hand hovered in front of her chest and, without thinking, she nearly activated her «First Aid» ability. Instinct told her that when her health was low, it must be replenished. But something gave her pause. Doubt crept into her mind, and instead her fingers just twitched lightly. In her other hand, she gripped her rapier tightly.

A poor decision.

She abandoned the thought of stabilizing her health pool in favor of an unrelenting offense. Surely, her opponent’s energy must be waning. If she just pushed the attack, if she continued chaining her sword arts, if she tried harder...

Desperation made her sloppy. Even with Cardinal guiding her sword, forcing her arm to move in a certain way, tugging at her body like a marionette, her tired movements were like cinderblocks strapped to her limbs.”I’m. Not. Giving. Up!” The stabs and swipes that whipped through the air past Vigilon were punctuated by her declaration. Whether those words were meant for her opponent or herself, however, were anyone’s guess.

Recovery...
ID#: 243554 | CD: 9 - Recover 2EN

Main Action - Attack... ST-II on Vigilon
ID#: 243555 | BD: 1 [Critical Fail] (-2EN)

Swift Action - Take it Slow...

Quote

Vigilon | HP: 147/400 | EN 17/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 30 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | FLN: 4 | BLI: 8/-5 | BRN: 14 | FL.AURA 16/8 | LD: 3

VS

Telrenya | HP: 58/440 | EN: 25/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 18 13 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 3 | REC: 2 | Hyperactive (1/3) | {Burn: 14 1/2} | {Blight: 8 1/2}

”Oh…oh!” The name was familiar. Then so was he. Telrenya perked a bit, a shine coming back to her eyes. Bialas, her first boss fight. She’d been terrified, but she didn’t regret showing up and contributing. She briefly wondered if it was the same crowd toiling away on the frontlines. How many new and old faces appeared at those meetings. Would she recognize any of them? It seemed so long ago that she could hardly remember all of the people she fought alongside that time.

The smile froze on her face and her heart sank into her stomach. Of course Jomei was there. Hirru mentioned a couple of other names. Maybe they were all in her party. How many parties did they even have? Was Ruby there? Was Ruby there with her?

Questions piled on and began to plague her. She wasn’t sure how much time had passed since they’d unlocked the 23rd floor and it was torturing her. But she couldn’t get stuck on that right now. She was here now, and it was time to fight.

She ripped herself back to the task at hand and felt the sweat beading on her forehead. Her opponent stood across from her, armored and ready and waiting for her. Telrenya drew her rapier and her opposite hand pulsed with a yellow light that washed over her. She let out a steadying breath. Hirru’s words played back in her head and she formed a hasty response. ”You’re right. Given the choice, I think I’d better manage a chat on Floor 4.”

She dashed forward, but feinted. Before charging headlong at him, she needed just one piece of set-up first. She turned and quickly maneuvered herself behind him for just long enough to slap the «Heartbreaker» disc against his armor to have it latch in place. ”I hope to see you again there soon!” She chimed, referring to the frontlines.

Main Action - Use Item... «Heartbreaker» on Hirru (-2EN)

Swift Action - Hyperactive... (-5EN)

Heatstroke - 5 DMG (7EN missing)

Quote

Hirru | HP: 190/200 | EN: 28/38 | DMG: 4 | MIT: 72(+30) | ACC: 1 | BH: 7 | HLY BLS: 9 | MENDING: 2 | REC: 2 | THRNS: 18 | PARA | ENV-0 8 | LD: 3 | Hype 0/3 CD 0/3

VS

Telrenya | HP: 195/200 | EN: 36/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT:18 | ACC:3 | PHASE | EVA:3 | REC: 2 | Hyperactive (0/3)

While the air was thick with tension is when comedy struck. Telrenya matched his pause, blinking in confusion when Vigilon ate concrete across from her. She gave a quick glance to either side of them, then uncomfortably flashed her free palm out as if to deny any accusation that she might have tossed some paraphernalia onto the battlefield. Though no accusations came her way. Her opponent seemed just as confused as she was.

Was it poor form to strike at this moment of uncertainty? Maybe. But the dwindling effects of her second wind made Telrenya feel jumpy. Eager. Impatient. No sooner was Vigilon back on his feet than Telrenya bounced on the balls of hers and her sword rang with the preparation of an art. ”Get ready!” She shouted, giving the barest of warnings before she jumped back onto the offensive.

When she struck true, she was again felt the bite of his flames. Preparing for a follow-up, she stole a glance towards their host’s elevated platform, then at each of their health bars. They were too close to tell. She wasn’t sure who was in the lead. But she refused to let this end like her first match. Whether she won or lost, she had to hurry.

Recovery...
ID#: 243543| CD: 10 - Recover 2EN

Main Action - Attack... ST-I on Vigilon
ID#: 243544 | BD: 8+3-2 = 9 [Hit] (-8EN)
Deals (10*8)-30-16 = 34 DMG

Swift Action - Hyperactive... on Telrenya (-5EN)

Quote

Vigilon | HP: 147/400 | EN 20/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 30 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | FLN: 4 | BLI: 8/-5 | BRN: 14 | FL.AURA 16/8 | LD: 3

VS

Telrenya | HP: 150/440 | EN: 21/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 18 13 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 3 | REC: 2 | Hyperactive (0/3)

Telrenya shifted to plant her elbows on her knees and place her head in her hands as she sat on the stairs to the monument. She briefly wondered if her bids for conversation were disruptive or unwelcome, though based on his polite demeanor she was already sure that he would deny any such suggestions. Each time his music paused, she vaguely hoped that she wasn’t being too intrusive. The sounds of the harp were nice–angelic, even, with how their light tones bounced off the polished stone walls. Maybe she would ask if he’d made any recording crystals for his music. It had been a long time since she’d played anything herself…

…Right?

She listened to him speak and she watched the colors that danced on the floor from the sunshine pouring in from the stained glass windows. Stained glass struck her differently now. Its beauty meant something else. It made her think, perhaps too much. His talk of the frontlines tore her sights away and pulled her eyes up to land on him, surprised by his conviction. She wouldn’t have blamed anyone for avoiding the frontlines, with or without something as heavy as loss weighing squarely on their shoulders. Yet Boreas doubled down on his goal, with a smile no less. She stared for a moment, then a small smile broke across her own lips. She laughed lightly, a quick exhale through her nose as she dropped her gaze. ”That’s really impressive.” She admitted. ”After all that, I would have understood if you never stepped foot outside of a safe zone again.” She’d done the same, not that long ago.

Right?

She pushed herself up and turned to cast another brief look to the memorial. That last bit he’d said was bothering her, and she’d be remiss to let it go unaddressed. ”Be careful. I’m sure they would want to see you make it all the way to the end.” She said softly.

The air was feeling heavy again, and so Telrenya consciously relaxed her shoulders and turned to look down the long tunnel that would lead back to the starting city. ”There’s a couple of shops I was meaning to visit while I’m out today.” In that moment of not knowing whether or not it was socially acceptable to invite someone along to your own errands, and then not knowing how one would even go about phrasing such an invitation regardless, she ended up with a vague statement.

”Um, if you ever just, want some company…” Again, she couldn’t figure out the right way to say whatever it was she was thinking. Her hands fidgeted a little amongst themselves. ”Well, I can send you a friend request, if you’d like.”

Sweat beaded on Telrenya’s forehead and was quickly wiped away by the side of her hand. She pulled her wavy blonde hair back into a round bun to let the back of her neck breathe, but it would never be enough. The hot air was already making her lungs feel heavy, and the ash irritated her eyes as she carefully climbed over the edge of the pit and slid unsteadily down its side. She coughed once, then twice, and waved at the particles in front of her face in what quickly became a futile fanning motion. Fighting in this heat was going to be the absolute worst.

Her eyes landed on Hirru on the opposite side of the arena. She’d heard of him, but to her memory the two of them had never met. She only knew of him as a veteran frontliner, and concluded that his high defenses and healing abilities were his strengths in this tournament so far. Telrenya swallowed, her throat already dry. ”It’s nice to meet you.” The same-old pleasantries, though she did try to remain sincere. Something she realized weeks ago, back when the first roster was posted, was that most weeks she would be greeting a stranger.

Telrenya reached up to tuck a strand of loose hair behind her ear. She gripped the handle of her rapier at her hip with only a bit of certainty. ’Another good show.’ She instructed herself. The audience turnout was significantly lower than the last week’s, no doubt due to the difference in climate. But still, there were cheers when either of their names were announced. She drew in a large breath through her nose, the acrid air tickling at the back of her throat. Drawing her weapon, she readied herself into a fighting stance and awaited the end of the countdown.

Initiative...
ID#: 243461 | LD: 17

Quote

Telrenya | HP: 200/200 | EN: 43/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT:18 | ACC:3 | PHASE | EVA:3 | REC: 2

Telrenya | HP: 200/200 | EN: 43/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT:18 | ACC:3 | PHASE | EVA:3 | REC: 2 CLASH OF BLADES CHARACTER SHEET   Hide contents »Telrenya's Clash Sheet THREAD INFO   Hide contents equipped »mafiq (PHASE / ACC III) »Knight's Vow (MIT I / EVA II) »Moondrop (REC II / EVA I)   battle-ready inventory »Change Now! »Heartbreaker »Blessed Ankh »Noble Vampire's Knife skills »Rapier R3 (+5 DMG) »Cloth Armor R3 (+12 MIT) »Energist (+5 EN) »Combat Mastery: Damage R3 (+3 DMG) »[Extra] First Aid R3 »[Extra] Survival (10% Healing effectiveness; Immune to environmental effects) addons »[First Aid R3] Hyperactive (+3 EN for 3 turns on party member or self | Unique | 3 post CD | 5 EN) mods »[Cloth Armor R3] Athletics (+1 DMG) »[First Aid R2] Purify (Remove all status conditions on self or party member | 1 post CD | 3 EN) »[First Aid R3] Energize (Restore 8 EN to party member | 10 EN) buffs »Dragon's Heart - 10% Overhealth (applied before HP doubled)

Her breathing became a little steadier. Cardinal was easing up on the signals of fatigue the more her quantified energy regenerated. She hadn’t expected all of this to be so hard. The prospect of a tournament didn’t sound easy, of course, but it wasn’t supposed to be this. It was supposed to be like those sparring days at the park in Taft. ‘First one to tag Jomei wins’, she remembered the game they played in order to train their combat skills. Friendly competition, a quick bout, a test of skills, and then one person would emerge the victor. So then why was this all so difficult? She didn’t have to do this to get back on the frontlines. This wasn’t some barrier to entry–she hadn’t even thought of it that was as a self-imposed trial. ”I just thought…this might be a good way to get out of my head.” She thought aloud, her shoulders still rising and falling with weighty breaths. For the briefest of moments, she wondered how literally she meant that after all. Then her thoughts retreated back inside, ’And start talking to people again.’

She wondered why the man across from her was here. She could come up with a handful of reasons why anyone would have signed up, but she was sure that each person must have had something specific that drew them to it. ”No matter what happens, it’s been a good show.” She smiled softly towards him. The noise of the crowd had died down. It was almost silent in the arena, yet no less seats were empty than before. Anticipation lingered in the air, growing thick and heavy and looming like a dome over their battlefield. Dozens and dozens of eyes were fixed on the two of them. Watching. Waiting.

Recovery...
ID#: 243425 | CD: 5 - None

Main Action - Attack... ST-I on Vigilon
ID#: 243426 | BD: 2+3-2 = 3 [Miss] (-2EN)

Swift Action - Take it Slow...

Quote

Vigilon | HP: 181/400 | EN 21/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 30 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | FLN: 4 | BLI: 8/-5 | BRN: 14 | FL.AURA 16/8 | LD: 3

VS

Telrenya | HP: 158/440 | EN: 26/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 18 13 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 3 | REC: 2 | Hyperactive (2/3)

The two competitors were left there, huffing and puffing and struggling to push themselves and keep going. How long had it been now? Telrenya knelt with one foot planted on the rough tile floor, hunched over herself after having just narrowly escaped one more of Vigilon’s onslaughts. Memories of her very first match came back to her involuntarily. Would they be called for time? She glanced between the health bar in the upper corner of her vision and the one that hovered in the air, wrapped around Vigilon’s side. It was hard to tell, but she thought his was more full. If they timed out here, he would win.

That bitter feeling crept back into the back of her throat. It was as if she had already heard Minako’s voice echoing the same words that Kindling had back then. She glanced nervously to the side, where she spotted their host watching them carefully. Telrenya’s eyes searched for intent, but she didn’t seem ready to leap into the arena and call the match.

She pushed herself up, placing a hand firmly on her bent knee for leverage. When she stood back at her full height, she still stumbled a little. The effects of her earlier ability were seeing her energy would tick up a bit faster than normal, but she was still teetering on the bare minimum to attack. She needed a little more. Vigilon seemed hardly in any condition to keep throwing himself at her, either, but she didn’t know him well enough to discount recklessness. With only the sound of their labored breaths and the murmurings of an uneasy crowd to fill the silence between them, Telrenya raised her blade, preparing herself for the next–and possibly the last–bout.

Recovery...
ID#: 243420 | CD: 10 - Recover 2EN

Main Action - Rest... (+10EN)

Swift Action - Take it Slow...

Quote

Vigilon | HP: 181/400 | EN 10/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 30 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | FLN: 4 | BLI: 8/-5 | BRN: 14 | FL.AURA 16/8 | LD: 3

VS

Telrenya | HP: 158/440 | EN: 24/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 18 13 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 3 | REC: 2 | Hyperactive (1/3)

Telrenya twisted her body, dodging to the side with a spin to avoid Vigilon’s burst of speed just in time. She only wished she could have remained as graceful. The force of her opponent shooting past her, stabbing through the air where her body had just been, and the panicked speed at which she dodged left her off balance, and she tumbled to the ground at the same time Vigilon’s attack found the arena wall. She let out a pained grunt as the last of the burning, noxious damage worked its way through her system and she was allowed the relief of a clear status bar again.

She panted, propping herself up and getting to her hands and knees. ”No…it’s not…” She agreed. Her grip tightened around the handle of her rapier and her brain urged her body to keep moving. She couldn’t afford to rest. Sitting there in the middle of the arena was like leaving a target on her back, and yet she could hardly will herself to stand up. Going in for another attack would drive her into the ground, she could feel it.

So, with heavy breaths, her open left palm planted itself against her chest. A bright yellow glow enveloped her hand and ran a shimmering light over her avatar, quickly reducing with a faint pulse. If she couldn’t dig up a second wind out of her own lungs, she would force Cardinal to give it to her.

Recovery...
ID#: 243413 | CD: 2 - None

Main Action - Hyperactive... on Telrenya (-5EN)

Swift Action - Take it Slow...

Quote

Vigilon | HP: 181/400 | EN 11/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 30 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | FLN: 4 | BLI: 8/-5 | BRN: 14 | FL.AURA 16/8 | LD: 3

VS

Telrenya | HP: 158/440 | EN: 8/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 18 13 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 3 | REC: 2 | {Burn: 14 0/2} | {Blight: 8 0/2} | Hyperactive (0/3)

Another deafening clang of metal rang out as Vigilon’s counterattack batted away her rapier. Her arm swung up with it, refusing to let the weapon slip from her hands, but the momentum left her vulnerable. Wide open. She winced hard as his attack was just as intense as the first: another critical hit that left her with twin status effects.

She could have stuck it out through the art, but her opponent drove the point home by sinking a knife into her back. ”Great minds…think alike.” She tried to quip back, but her voice was strained. The buzzing in the back of her head was distracting and uncomfortable, only letting up once the dagger disappeared, leaving only the red gash on her back as a memento. Telrenya let out a pained chuckle as she was finally free to spin around and brace herself for whatever came next.

In that moment, that smallest of windows, she had a choice. The lingering damage from his attack shot through her in a wave that she knew would come again, biting away at her health. Her left hand drifted towards her chest. She could clear them away, and save herself the next tick of damage. Would that be worth the energy? If he landed another hit on her because she’d backed off to triage, would that leave her worse off? She couldn’t guess that kind of math in her head that quickly.

No, she had momentum. If she stopped now, she’d lose that opportunity. In a snap decision, Telrenya wordlessly lunged forward again just as soon as she’d regained her footing. She only barely caught him. With his empowered defenses, it felt like each attack was little more than glancing blows, especially compared to the weight of Vigilon’s devastating strikes. For every single art he landed on her, she needed three to break even.

But she wouldn’t give up. Not now. Not again.

Recovery...
ID#: 243410 | CD: 9 - Recover 2EN

Main Action - Attack... ST-II on Vigilon
ID#: 243411 | BD: 5+3-2 = 6 [Hit] (-11EN)
Deals (10*11)-30-16 = 64 DMG

Swift Action - Take it Slow...

Quote

Vigilon | HP: 181/400 | EN 16/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 30 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | FLN: 4 | BLI: 8/-5 | BRN: 14 | FL.AURA 16/8 | LD: 3

VS

Telrenya | HP: 180/440 | EN: 12/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 18 13 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 3 | REC: 2 | {Burn: 14 1/2} | {Blight: 8 1/2}

They were hardly left waiting, with Telrenya turning to see Yue Hua’s approach moments after she felt that she’d settled into her arrival. A smile tugged at her lips, one that was less awkward than it had been a second ago. ”Pollux!” She called to the woman brightly. Then her brows turned up slightly with hesitation. ”Or–sorry, do you go by another name?” She swore she heard something to that effect during the introductions of their fight. But since then, having only seen her username, she was regret to realize she hadn’t the faintest idea what that other name was.

Pleasantries aside, Telrenya eagerly eyed the bag of crystals as they gently shifted against each other. She couldn’t say she knew any alchemists personally. She must ask if she had a shop she could visit. Later. Something inside of her nagged that it wasn’t the right time for that question, so she’d hold on to it for now.

Her attention quickly turned back to Kindling, the three of them assembled and ready to set out for whatever adventure he’d had planned for them. The tried to take in his brief explanation carefully. It sounded similar to a field boss, or maybe a rare spawn monster. Although it sounded more like these ‘Sand Dollars’ were the rarity. She gave a nod at his answer, and then brought herself closer to the dock’s edge where’d he’d invited them aboard with the further temptation of a meal. ”Oh, thank you!” The simple words rang with genuine surprise and appreciation. Now that she thought about it, his extensive preparation made sense considering he’d organized a whole tournament. She’d remember that about him.

Telrenya carefully clambered into the boat and settled into the far-end seat at the head, leaving the middle open for Yue Hua. Her cheeks burned with a hint of embarrassment at his teasing, but she made no comment in reply, instead focusing on keeping herself steady as they all three settled into the arguably dubious longboat Kindling had procured for them.

They shoved off, drifting into the glistening sea before their navigator acquainted himself with the vessel and got them started on track. He posed a question or two, casting a wide net to learn who they were, what they did in their free time, and the like. Telrenya gave pause at first, hesitating over such a standard question. She’d yield the floor for Yue Hua to engage first, if she wished. Should a silence fall over the boat or their expectant eyes linger on her, she would largely avoid their gazes and instead looked to their surroundings as she spoke. ”Well… I have an artisan’s shop in Taft. You know that already, of course,” She did briefly flash a slight smile towards Kindling, recalling their very first meeting. ”but I try not to stay holed up there for too long at a time. Um, let’s see… I recently changed my build.” She found a topic to jump to, ”Well, I changed it soon before signing up for the tournament. I used to put all of my points into damage skills, but I’ve split between healing and damage. I plan on going back to the frontlines as a support player, mostly.” Telrenya laced her fingers together in her lap and her thumbs nervously pressed into each other. ”Um, I think I’d like to leave it at that, for now.” She said.

It was a strange, unfamiliar thing. A simple boundary, but declining to speak more about herself made her feel like she was being secretive, and that wasn’t quite right. She simply hoped her lack of openness was not perceived as rudeness.

Once the two of them had said their piece–or at least began to engage his bid for conversation–she offered a question back to their host. ”What about you? Your tournament–have you ever done anything like that before?”

Their banter had stopped now. Each of them were embroiled in the fight, concentrating on the other’s movements, straining to make their own as perfect as possible. The enjoyment of a friendly skirmish drained away and they were left with two competitors who were equally desperate to win. Clawing at the promise of victory, Telrenya’s blade connected with another empowered attack and she once again felt the bite of his crystal’s burn. Their avatars wore scattered slashes and pinpricks of bright red battle damage, reflecting the damage they took like scars, and the noise of the crowd came in inconsistent waves, cheering for their chosen champion, holding their breath while metal slammed against metal, and the releasing their shouts of praise or disapproval.

Telrenya’s breaths grew heavy, her shoulders rising and falling more laboriously as she felt that creeping sense of exertion. It was everything she had to avoid his blows, all the while gritting her teeth that every strike she landed came at a price. She met Vigilon’s eyes, once or twice. She could see it. Catch a glimpse of it, at least. That sense of self-scrutiny, that glimmer of frustration mixed with determination. She felt it, too.

Recovery...
ID#: 243396 | CD: 12 - Recover 2EN

Main Action - Attack... ST-I on Vigilon
ID#: 243395 | BD: 6+3-2 = 7 [Hit] (-8EN)
Deals (10*8)-30-16 = 34 DMG

Swift Action - Take it Slow...

Quote

Vigilon | HP: 225/400 | EN 25/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 30 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | FLN: 4 | BLI: 8/-5 | BRN: 14 | FL.AURA 16/8 | LD: 3

VS

Telrenya | HP: 308/440 | EN: 20/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 18 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 3 | REC: 2

I realized that Flame Aura only deals retaliation damage on successful non-crit attacks. I added 8 back to my HP to correct from my last hit (I then lost 8 HP this round from normal hitting)

The crowd buzzed with excitement when a blow had at last been struck. As intense as their duel had been thus far, stalemates could only be so entertaining for an audience. Telrenya’s eyes landed on the belt buckle he presented as the cause of his improved defenses. ’Of course.’ She’d remembered seeing the item in this week’s shop, but she’d put all her eggs in one basket by spending her precious tokens on the glass mirror. Adding more buffs on her end would have only complicated her plan, and risked handing her opponent an advantage when she’d meant to turn the tables. ’Well, at least now I know.’ She inwardly sighed.

Another bout, and Telrenya could tell that Vigilon was trying just as hard to find an angle on her. That first hit was rough, and she knew that any critical strikes he might manage to land on her would be game-changing. If she had any hope of staying in the game, she couldn’t let her guard down for a second. Especially if she had to contend with that nasty retaliation damage…

An overhead sweeping strike caught Vigilon’s sword to block in a clang of metal. Sparks littered the space between them as she dragged her blade down across his. She lacked the raw strength to shove his defenses aside or knock him off balance, so she’d have to rely on speed. The steel sang and she stepped quickly. A back-step, a feint, a lunge, and then a counterstrike. A fast, successive offense and Telrenya managed to slip in another attack. She grit her teeth through the stone’s fiery lashing, but before she’d retreat she had one last trick up her sleeve.

She’d caught Vigilon in the side. Withdrawing her rapier, she spun around at his back and in her off hand she produced a small, ornate dagger that promptly dug into where his opposite kidney would be. The vampire knife leeched some precious hit points before its use became expended and it shattered into pixels. With another quick turn, Telrenya then backed off, breathing a bit heavier now after all that exertion.

Recovery...
ID#: 243366 | CD: 8 - Recover 2EN

Main Action - Attack... ST-II on Vigilon
ID#: 243367 | BD: 9 [Critical Hit] (-11EN)
Deals ((10+1)*11)-30-16 = 75 DMG

Swift Action - Use Item... (-2EN)
Noble Vampire's Knife - Deals an additional 20 DMG and heals 20 HP

Quote

Vigilon | HP: 259/400 | EN 26/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 30 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | FLN: 4 | BLI: 8/-5 | BRN: 14 | FL.AURA 16/8 | LD: 3

VS

Telrenya | HP: 308/440 | EN: 25/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 18 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 3 | REC: 2

2 hours ago, Morningstar said:

@Telrenya

 

laurel rapier. | [#221252] | TIER 4 DEMONIC RAPIER | ACC III, AA
[desc.]: A straight sword with precise thickness and length. Brass is used along the hilt in conjunction with silver. The at the center of the cross guard is a small phoenix, the sigil of Sentinel Armaments, encircled by the Laurel Wreath, a symbol of victory in the ages of the Ancient Greeks and Romans. From the center, the arms of the cross guard extend outward as beautifully crafted brass vineyard leaves and silver grape vines.

morningstar receives a second favor

quantity of souls TBD

Despite their lengthy and grandiose displays of combat prowess, Telrenya’s stamina had barely been scratched. Each sword art she threw out had fizzled without a target, and so Cardinal hadn’t deemed it necessary to present any symptoms of fatigue. So she continued, another quick turn, a dash and a parry.

”Oh, of course not!” She shot back with a smile. Just as soon as she’d quipped back, her eyes lit up as she spotted an opportunity. An unmistakable chance to slip past his defenses, just once. ”But neither are you!” Her voice came with emphasis as she lunged deeply, dropping her stance and activating yet another art as quickly as she could force it. Her rapier shot forward at an angle, twice, and then a dozen times.

Yet it was a small victory, and not without cost. Vigilon’s armor burned to life with a roar as the effects of his fiery defenses were quick to not only dampen the blow, but bite back at her. She winced as fresh flames danced up the length of her blade and clawed at her skin. Just as soon as she’d delivered her attack, Telrenya darted back to once again put some distance between them. She let out a small sigh of relief as the cool air brushed past her warm skin. ”Why do I get the feeling this is going to be an uphill battle?”

Recovery...
ID#: 243289 | CD: 12 - Recover 2EN

Main Action - Attack... ST-I on Vigilon
ID#: 243290 | BD: 7+3-2 = 8 [Hit] (-8EN)
Deals (10*8)-30-16 = 34 DMG

Swift Action - Take it Slow...

Quote

Vigilon | HP: 354/400 | EN 27/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 30 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | FLN: 4 | BLI: 8/-5 | BRN: 14 | FL.AURA 16/8 | LD: 3

VS

Telrenya | HP: 296/440 | EN: 35/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 18 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 3 | REC: 2

thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou

taking mafiq

”Hah!” Vigilon’s comment got her to laugh. ”I didn’t even know you had a sister,” She remarked back, giving in to the mild banter, ”but I hope she’s cheering me on!” Telrenya had loosened up a bit. Witty comments and clever jokes certainly weren’t her forte, but the company she’d shared for so long must have rubbed off on her somewhat.

They were evenly matched, it seemed, each of them fighting tooth and nail to find an opening in the other’s defenses. Telrenya’s health sat noticeably less full than Vigilon’s as the remainder of his weapon’s additional damage ran its course and she spotted the debuffs disappearing from her HUD in the corner of her vision. She hardly had time for a sigh of relief. The crowd simply couldn’t be kept waiting.

A quick flourish. A change in her posture. Her blade, held low out to the side, hummed and glowed with the activation of another art. Telrenya’s right foot slid back against the stone tiles almost as if she might dip into a curtsy. She leaned forward, the ball of her foot planting and pushing hard to propel her forward in a swift lunge to close the gap between them in an instant. Dust kicked up from her feet and around her path, and like a lightning bolt shooting sideways, the gleam of her rapier streaked through the air.

But as it thrusted forward in a flurry of empowered attacks, none found their mark. A quick swipe through the air cut the thin cloud and revealed her opponent missing from where he stood moments ago. ’He’s fast!’ She spun around, searching for his counter-attack.

Recovery...
Skipping, at full EN

Main Action - Attack... ST-I on Vigilon
ID#: 243208 | BD: 4+3-2 = 5 [Miss] (-2EN)

Swift Action - Take it Slow...

Quote

Vigilon | HP: 388/400 | EN 28/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 30 25 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | FLN: 4 | BLI: 8/-5 | BRN: 14 | FL.AURA 8 | LD: 3

VS

Telrenya | HP: 304/440 | EN: 41/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 18 13 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 3 | REC: 2 | {Burn: 14 0/2} | {Blight: 8 0/2}

Fusing two Uncommon T4 Trinkets [ID#: 243110 & ID#: 243205] with one Rare T4 Trinket [ID#: 243113] into:

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Shop Post: [Here] and [Here]
Transaction Date: 03/13/2025
Cost of Transaction: 5 Mats and 1 Mat
Crafter's Profession: Artisan
Crafter's Rank: 4
Item Name: Rabbit's Foot
Item Tier: 4
Item Type: Trinket
Item Rarity: Perfect
Item Enhancements: Loot Die III
Craft/Appraisal/Obtainment IDs & Rolls: 243206
Item Description: It's probably not a real rabbit's foot but it's just as lucky. The ornament is hung on a silver chain like a necklace.

Crafting Day 03/13/2025:

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ID#: 243205 | CD: 8 - Uncommon T4 Trinket

Total EXP: 4
Expended materials: 1

"Of course!" Telrenya greeted Hakai's request with a bright smile and carefully opened up the crumpled piece of paper with her order on it. "Oh... Alright, sure." Her customer service was a little bit stilted, her brain caught up in what kind of creative liberties she might even want to take after Hakai had offered. A rabbit's foot necklace was a classic for a lucky charm, after all.

She regained her focus with a fervent nod when she offered to pay with materials as if it wouldn't be satisfactory. "No, that's quite alright." She insisted. "I've actually been meaning to go stock up. This should cover it, so it's no problem at all." She placed the scrap paper back down on the counter and accepted the trade offer. "If you come back in a couple of days I should have it ready for you. I'll message you if it's done sooner, if you don't mind."

Crafting Day 03/12/2025:

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ID#: 243109 | CD: 2 - Fail
ID#: 243110 | CD: 8 - Uncommon T4 Trinket
ID#: 243111  | CD: 1 - Critical fail
ID#: 243112  | CD: 1 - Critical fail
ID#: 243113  | CD: 11 - Rare T4 Trinket

Total EXP: 16
Expended materials: 5

”What?!” No sooner than Telrenya had flashed her mirror and reflected the harsh effects of Vigilon’s attack, she was left staring at her own reflection in the mirror he held up right back at her. She flinched as the renewed burn and blight chipped away at her health, and she sucked her teeth as the reality of his counter-move sunk in. She shook her head, forced to laugh off the misfortune. ”No, that makes sense. It was a smart move to prepare.” She was kicking herself alongside the compliment, but did her best not to let it show.

She’d just have to go about this the old fashioned way. A lunge, a thrust, and an amateur fencer’s shuffle. Telrenya’s sword glowed with the activation of an art, but Vigilon’s defenses wouldn’t allow her through. She circled in between strikes, the light from her blade leaving streaks in the air where it slid against his own and jerked back for another attempt. Fancy displays and flourishes ran rampant with their clashes. Telrenya would hop back, crouch, dart forward, then tumble aside to avoid the bite of his flame-touched sword. Her strikes were all superficial–barely enough for Cardinal to humor with a scratch. But the spectacle? Light and sparks danced among them and the crowd rumbled in anticipation of the next big blow.

Recovery...
ID#: 243070 | CD: 5 - None

Main Action - Attack... ST-I on Vigilon
ID#: 243071 | BD: 2+3-2 = 3 [Miss] (-2EN)

Swift Action - Take it Slow...

Quote

Vigilon | HP: 388/400 | EN 29/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 30 25 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | FLN: 4 | BLI: 8/-5 | BRN: 14 | FL.AURA 8 | LD: 3

VS

Telrenya | HP: 326/440 | EN: 42/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 18 13 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 3 | REC: 2 | {Burn: 14 1/2} | {Blight: 8 1/2}

Her opponent made the first move. Telrenya flicked her rapier up to take a defensive position, but even with a generous backstep, Vigilon got too close. A quick feint, and she was left with no room to maneuver. His strike came fast and true, and Telrenya was left stumbling backwards to catch herself. That was a nasty hit.

She was just about to lunge back into the fray for a counterattack, but she flinched in hesitation. Her eyes flickered to the top of her HUD, where she could spot the two new icons resting beneath her health bar. She winced a little as she watched the status effects already draining her HP. If there was ever a time to use that item, it seemed to have presented itself straight away. Her eyes snapped back onto her opponent and she turned her wrist to reposition her rapier to the ready. She couldn’t afford to leave herself wide open.

Telrenya darted back in and they crossed blades with a shower of sparks dancing across the arena’s floor. The clang of metal rang out over the stands and the crowd cheered in kind. She ducked underneath a wide, sweeping arc of his sword. ’Now!’ Her free hand pulled out the glass mirror by its handle and she aimed its reflection at Vigilon’s face. A light blue glow enveloped her and the mirror shimmered, transferring the negative effects between them.

Main Action - Glass Mirror... (-2EN)
Reflected! Burn and Blight transferred to Vigilon

Swift Action - Take it Slow...

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Vigilon | HP: 400/400 | EN 30/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 30 25 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | FLN: 4 | BLI: 8/-5 | BRN: 14 | FL.AURA 8 | LD: 3 | {Burn: 14 2/2} | {Blight: 8 2/2}

VS

Telrenya | HP: 348/440 | EN: 41/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 18 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 3 | REC: 2

Telrenya’s cheeks burned at her introduction. So many times had she thought to drop out of the competition. So many times had she considered calling it quits. She didn’t need to be doing this to prepare herself for the frontlines. With three stinging losses under her belt and their host’s announcement of her only victory thus far coming from a withdrawal, Telrenya questioned why she hadn’t thrown in the towel yet.

She entered the arena and regarded Vigilon with a nervous trepidation. Clearly her confidence had long since wavered, but his greeting distracted her briefly. She flashed a forced smile. A polite smile. ”Nice to see you again so soon, either way!” She chuckled, and mirrored his bow with a quick greeting of her own. What he said next gave her pause. ’A good show, huh…?’ She thought. Her head swiveled towards the crowd. It was the complete opposite of the previous week - where last she was overwhelmed with the oppressive silence, now she was deafened by cheers. Vigilon was right. The show must go on.

She drew her rapier with a surge of courage. ”Of course! Let’s give it our all!”

Initiative...
ID#: 242998 | LD: 5

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Telrenya | HP: 440/440 | EN: 43/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT:18 | ACC:3 | EVA:3 | REC: 2

Telrenya | HP: 200/200 | EN: 43/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT:18 | ACC:3 | EVA:3 | REC: 2 CLASH OF BLADES CHARACTER SHEET   Hide contents »Telrenya's Clash Sheet THREAD INFO   Hide contents equipped »Dawnbreak (ACC III) »Knight's Vow (MIT I / EVA II) »Moondrop (REC II / EVA I)   battle-ready inventory »Glass Mirror »Noble Vampire's Knife skills »Rapier R3 (+5 DMG) »Cloth Armor R3 (+12 MIT) »Energist (+5 EN) »Combat Mastery: Damage R3 (+3 DMG) »[Extra] First Aid R3 »[Extra] Survival (10% Healing effectiveness; Immune to environmental effects) addons »[First Aid R3] Hyperactive (+3 EN for 3 turns on party member or self | Unique | 3 post CD | 5 EN) mods »[Cloth Armor R3] Athletics (+1 DMG) »[First Aid R2] Purify (Remove all status conditions on self or party member | 1 post CD | 3 EN) »[First Aid R3] Energize (Restore 8 EN to party member | 10 EN) buffs »Dragon's Heart - 10% Overhealth (applied before HP doubled)

Fusing two Rare T1 Jewelrys [ID#: 242895 & ID#: 242909] into:

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• Shop Post: [Here] and [Here]
• Transaction Date: 03/06/2025 and 03/07/2025
• Cost of Transaction: 4 Mats and 7 Mats
• Crafter's Profession: Artisan
• Crafter's Rank: 4
• Item Name: Sun Spot
• Item Tier: 1
• Item Type: Jewelry
• Item Rarity: Perfect
• Item Enhancements: Quality II / Loot Die I
• Craft/Appraisal/Obtainment IDs & Rolls: 242912
• Item Description: A black starburst earring with a blue center gem connects to two uneven-length chains with a cuff to attach to the outer ear. Pairs with a single matching starburst stud for the other side.

Separate crafting evaluation:

Quote

• Shop Post: [Here]
• Transaction Date: 03/07/2025
• Cost of Transaction: 7 Mats
• Crafter's Profession: Artisan
• Crafter's Rank: 4
• Item Name: Moondrop
• Item Tier: 4
• Item Type: Jewelry
• Item Rarity: Perfect
• Item Enhancements: REC II / EVA I
• Craft/Appraisal/Obtainment IDs & Rolls: 242910
• Item Description: A pair of simple pearl drop earrings. Their findings are made of a polished gold.

you're a kind person. acanthus is, I mean. you might be, too!

+taking (1) Memory Whisking Whiskey | Crafter's Respite | 231835-1