Gladiator IV - The fights proceed!

[J Bytheway]

Semi-final 2b, round 1

While the bodies of the dead are reverently removed from the arena, a voice echoes down from the commentary box:

"Ah, excuse me, but we have a rather embarrasing announcement to make. As you may recall, we had a little... er... trouble locating the gladiators for their semi-final matches, and we had to send out search parties to locate them in the city.

"Now, the gladiators are famous celebreties hereabouts, and there's quite a lot of money to be made in impersonations. It seems that those we sent to look for them made a small, but understandable, error, and recruited lookalikes instead of the real gladiators.

"Of course, they assumed we just wanted them for some harmless entertainment, and when we gave them arms and armour and threw them into the arena, you might recall that they didn't really attack each other seriously to begin with, but just play-acted fighting. One of them even tried to leave, but arena personell had been instructed not to allow them to.

"With the crowd screaming for blood, it seems they decided that this was their chance for fame... perhaps even a chance to enter the gladitorial mainstream. Though it is perhaps a little late for them now, I'm sure we can all agree that they fought like the best, and deserve all the fame they can get."

:applause:

"But now, we are fairly sure we really have found the authentic gladiators, and so we present to you: Our semi-finalists!"

Jamski-San, Theben, the Doctor and Chaunk walk into the arena, Chaunk staring down at 'his' corpse as it passes on the way out, muttering to the Doctor beside him "Egad! He used that equipment! I remember I had that made as a joke when I was drunk late one night... I don't have any idea what I was thinking of about those gloves..."

"And while Chaunk tries to locate his equipment, which appears to have been stolen by the boy who was sent to get the 'special' equipment, we will begin with the combat between Theben and the Doctor."

The two gladiators so named check over their equipment one last time and step out towards the centre of the arena to the cheers of the crowd. They are slightly the worse for wear after a long night's heavy drinking, so they might not have quite the stamina expected of them, but they are certainly serious and ready to trade blows.

As one, and without warning, the two contestants spin suddenly in an attack, hoping to surprise their opponent. Both succeed, and though Theben makes a small effort towards defence, but the Doctor makes none, and neither manage to avoid their opponents blows. The Doctor's rapier is skillfully guided and slides through Theben's armour and skin beneath his ribs, piercing his kidney, while Theben's blow is rather less powerful, and distracted by the sudden pain, but he still manages to shave a sizable area of skin from the Doctor's arm.

The Doctor's weapon is showing its weakness again, and appears to be stuck, allowing Theben, though the pain dizzies him, to swing back down and deepen the wound he just made a little into the muscle of the Doctor's arm, before leaping backwards skillfully, removing the Doctor's blade from his organs without it causing additional damage.

The Doctor, incensed, dives forward with a powerful lunge towards Theben's head and neck, but Theben is able to deflect it upwards with his shield and reach under the Doctor's guard to nick his stomach.

Theben took 29 damage, leaving him with 71HP, while the Doctor took 36 damage, leaving him with 64HP.
Send away for round 2.

A somewhat more action-filled beginning to this combat. The Doctor tries harder than Theben, but acheves rather less.

Past threads:

Gladiator -poly- 2 "The Competition" (http://apolyton.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=106282)
Gladiator -poly- 2 "The Competition" Part Deux (http://apolyton.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=108355)
Gladiator III - Sign Up (http://apolyton.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=109573)
Gladiator III - Let the Battle Commence! (http://apolyton.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=109979)
Gladiator III - Let the Battles Continue! (http://apolyton.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=111992)
Gladiator IV Signup (http://apolyton.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=113670)
Gladiator IV - The fights begin! (http://apolyton.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=114138)

[DrSpike]

Bloody coward. :)

[Jamski]

Nice trick. Jamski-San lives yet!

-Jam

[Theben]

You're a bit more bloody than me. ;)

And let me be the 1st to say that I'm disappointed in the manner of our 'resurrection'. It's like we didn't accomplish anything ourselves. Okay, I know I'm overreacting, it being a silly forum game and all, but still...

[Chaunk]

I enjoyed that method of resurection... unexpected, and it works :b:

Now I just want my semi final to restart... Jamski, get your orders in!

[Chaunk]

Odd that. Just posted here but it didn't bump the thread... strange database errors instead... :???:

[J Bytheway]

Originally posted by Theben
And let me be the 1st to say that I'm disappointed in the manner of our 'resurrection'. It's like we didn't accomplish anything ourselves. Okay, I know I'm overreacting, it being a silly forum game and all, but still...

Hey, you all set it up so perfectly by being slow to start the semis and then playing 2 rounds without damage. I couldn't resist :D.

[J Bytheway]

Originally posted by Theben
It's like we didn't accomplish anything ourselves.

There is a sense in which you didn't accomplish anything yourselves. After all, your were all basically back where you started (minus a few HP...) ;).

[Theben]

Sent anyway.

[Jamski]

Sorry, though we were waiting for something. Orders sent :)

-Jam

[J Bytheway]

Chaunk fidgets and looks very impatient as he waits for his equipment to be sought out. In contrast, Jamski-San sits calmly, as still as a rock garden.

At last Chaunk leaps up, declaring "I'm dreadfully sorry, old chap, but I just can't wait any longer. These are the only weapon and shield I need." He walks across to the edge of the arena and, grasping the woodwork from which the seating is constructed, heaves powerfully and tears two strong oak beams from the structure, one sporting a cruel rusty nail. He tosses the beams in his hands, testing their balance, and smiles in grim satisfaction.

Chaunk walks across to Jamski, "Excuse me? Are you ready to begin?" Jamski nods slowly at him - perhaps in agreement, or perhaps simply bowing. Chaunk takes it as the former, and swings powerfully with his beam-mounted nail, which crunches deeply into Jamski's arm, penetrating bone, before Jamski even makes a move.

Jamski seems unfazed, and he twists his shield around to push the nail from him arm whilst simultaneously drawing his sword from its scabbard, the action smooth and beautiful in the way only katanas can allow. The motion continues as the blade twists around swiftly beneath Chaunk's guard and slices him deeply across the belly, threatening to disembowel him. At the same time Chaunk grasps the beam in his other hand, and with little finesse but considerable power, punches it at Jamski's chest, the force transmitted through his flexible armour enough to shatter ribs and puncture one lung.

Trying not to breathe and increase his pain, Jamski turns his sword and swings it back towards Chaunk, aiming for his neck. Chaunk ducks and spins. With the unadorned beam in his left hand he deflects the sword upward whilst twisting the beam in his other hand, allowing him, upon completing his rotation, to completely bypass Jamski's guard and send the nail through Jamski's ear deeply into his skull. The deflection was not, however, enough to completely escape Jamski's swing, which skims across the top of his skull, removing his scalp.

Jamski and Chaunk, thrown in opposite directions by the force of their opponents blows, both fall - Jamski collapsing on the bench from which he never rose, and Chaunk thudding into the sand of the arena. After a brief spurt of blood from his punctured arm, Jamski lies still, but Chaunk rolls over with a groan, remaining conscious long enough to raise a triumphant fist and receive the cheers of the crowd before falling back and being rushed off for medical attention by arena staff.

Jamski is dead, while Chaunk takes a brutal 58 damage but survives with a mere 2HP remaining.
Congratulations Chaunk - our first finalist.

That was (unsurprisingly) over rather quickly. I have no idea what Jamski was doing giving orders that would leave his opponent with just 2HP! I'd like to take this opportunity to praise Chaunk for his insightful orders throughout this semi-final. He pulled victory from what I, at least, thought was certain defeat. Well done ;<z>).
.
.
.
.
.
.

[Chaunk]

Superb description! :b:

And a pleasant result too :D

[Jamski]

Arrrrrgh!

/me - San dies *

(I screwed up - I forgot about Chaunk's armour)

Good luck for the final to my worthy opponent - the most worthy to ever face the legend that was Jamski-San.

-Jam

[J Bytheway]

And... Doctor, Doctor! Don't think I don't see you posting in the mafia thread - I hope to see some orders when I get up in the morning :doitnow!: :p

[J Bytheway]

Originally posted by Jamski
(I screwed up - I forgot about Chaunk's armour)

Cruel though it is to relish another's mistake, I'm glad I don't have to ressurect you both again ;). Thanks for your prompt contributions, and for being so easy to write about. Remember to join in again next time, so that the legend of Jamski-San may continue to echo through the ages ;).

[Chaunk]

Yeah, being resurrected again would have really sucked...

Well fought Jamski, it was a great match, thank you muchly :b:

[Jamski]

In the rolling hills that lay at the foot of Mount Fujishama, far distant from the blood-soaked sands of the Roman arena, the news of Jamski-San's death finally reached his wife. Tearfully she unwrapped the silk package containing his katana and checked the edge. Its was still sharp despite the salt water of the long sea passage to Nippon.

She looked out across the bamboo groves, enough to build many suits of light, flexible armour, to a small distant figure practicing swordplay with his friends.

She called her son in from the grove, and without saying a word pressed his father's sword into his hand.

雑貨店やバス停では
みんな情勢について語っている
本を読んでは引用文を繰り返し言い、
結論を壁に書く
未来について語る人もいる
私の恋人はそっと話す
「失敗ほどの成功はなく
しかも失敗はまったくの成功ともいえない」

(Get the Kanji plugin if you can't read it ;) )

-Jam

[Ljube]

I can read it, but I don't make out a single word out of it.

[Chaunk]

I can indeed read it, but what does it say? :hmmm:

Thats a touching scene, but knowing you've got an heir makes me feel quite not so bad about killing you... :D

[Jamski]

"With the miscellaneous goods store and bus stop reading the book which talks concerning everyone situation repeatedly it is the quotation sentence, my sweetheart who the person who talks concerning the future which writes conclusion on the wall is speaks quietly, "as for success about of the failure not to be furthermore either completely success cannot call the failure,""

According to Babelfish :D

-Jam

[Chaunk]

Ahh good... now it's as clear as mud :b:

Err...

/me wanders off confused.

[DrSpike]

Nice one Chaunk.

I'm pretty busy tomorrow so I'll make sure to do orders before I go to bed this evening.

[DrSpike]

Sent.

[Skanky Burns]

Excellent fight. :b:

[Jamski]

What? Very short, very violent, with loads of blood and me dead on the floor at the end?

-Jam

[J Bytheway]

Originally posted by Jamski
What? Very short, very violent, with loads of blood and me dead on the floor at the end?

No. Very short, very violent, with loads of blood and me dead on the bench at the end. *sigh*.

[Skanky Burns]

Your death was an unfortunate by-product of the fight.
Nice violence. :)

[J Bytheway]

Theben and the Doctor's combat proceeds after a brief interruption.

Theben closes swiftly on the Doctor, feints high and then skillfully escapes the Doctor's guard to cut deeply into his thigh.

Theben swings again, this time not feinting and not fooling the Doctor, who catches the blade on his and escapes further harm.

The two contestants spring away from one another, the Doctor limping slightly, and scowl fiercely without lowering their guard.

Theben took no damage an remains on 71HP, while the Doctor took 21 damage, leaving him with 43HP.
Send away for round 3.

Theben widens his lead, but the Doctor's not doomed yet ;).

[Chaunk]

Would now be a good time to start a campaign for not having 150HP if the final is me vs Theben? We could be fighting for years....

[Theben]

Originally posted by J Bytheway
Theben widens his lead, but the Doctor's not doomed yet ;).

Yes he is. ;)

[J Bytheway]

Originally posted by Chaunk
Would now be a good time to start a campaign for not having 150HP if the final is me vs Theben? We could be fighting for years....

Yes, it probably would be a good time. What kind of HP are you thinking of? I guess 100?..

[Chaunk]

Yeah 100 would be nice. Although in some ways that seems like a step down from the semi final with 120...

[Ljube]

You shouldn't have had these 120 in the first place.

[J Bytheway]

Originally posted by ljcvetko
You shouldn't have had these 120 in the first place.

Well, regardless of whether or not it was appropriate to, I think it worked out quite well in the end, and I'm glad we did.

[Chaunk]

So am I... I would have died three or four rounds earlier and not won if we'd had 100HP...

[Tassadar500]

When we first started playing, didn't we have around twenty HP?

[DrSpike]

That was Gladiator1, which was much simpler.

[Jamski]

We had 10 HP in the first game, and HP were tied to the Action Points, so as you became wounded, you became less effective.

That was the baby that grew into this monster :)

-Jam

[J Bytheway]

Would it be too much to ask to get some orders?

[Theben]

Yes, it is.

Sent. :p

[DrSpike]

I had a gruelling 5 hour job interview today, with an extra 6 travelling, so no orders from me, and I may fall asleep later. If not I'll send orders this evening. :)

[J Bytheway]

Thanks, Theben

But I'll let the Doctor off - that sounds like a good excuse ;).

[Drogue]

Originally posted by Jamski
(I screwed up - I forgot about Chaunk's armour)

I'd have thought you'd have learned that after Gladiator 2 ;)

[Theben]

I see... now I know why he doesn't like armor values of 11. :)

[Theben]

Is there a Doctor in the house?

[Jamski]

We're waiting on Doc in GO as well *sigh*

What's this RL crap?

-Jam

[DrSpike]

My connection has been down all evening. Fear not for now it is back and orders shall be sent! :)

[DrSpike]

Sent.

[Theben]

okay, now where's the ref?

[Jamski]

You'd think people would be interested in the final ;)

-Jam

[Skanky Burns]

Drink break. The barpeople are working overtime at the moment getting everyone sufficiently pissed. Hooray!

[gjramsey]

I will take a double rum and coke please.

I have been hanging around this long, can't miss the end of this event!

[gjramsey]

dp!

where in the world did that come from???

[Skanky Burns]

Poly has been acting up quite a bit tonight. Strange.
/me does not suspect Markos at all.
/me does not want to be carted away to Mingapaluco to be "reprogrammed". :scared:

[J Bytheway]

I'm here. I was busy with exam-related stuff. Results soon. ;)

[J Bytheway]

Theben steps back from the Doctor, taunting him "You're doomed! There's no chance for you now!".

The Doctor refuses to be drawn into a verbal duel, and leaps forward quickly to strike. Theben's defence is strong, but not sufficient against the skill of the Doctor, whose rapier strikes home in Theben's shoulder, and whips out again quickly. The withdrawl is not quick enough, however, to stop Theben's strike deep into the Doctor's side, his sword scraping on the Doctor's ribs.

The Doctor staggers back, blood streaming from the deep wound in his torso, but still manages to find the skill to send a skillful strike low at Theben. Theben is putting even more effort into defense, and lowers his shield which just manages to catch the rapier, stopping it from hitting him. The Doctor's eyes narrow, and then his whole body relaxes in resignation as he realises that Theben is indeed right, and he has no chance of victory. The lethally powerful stroke from Theben which inevitably follows neatly removes the Doctor's head from his shoulders, sending it tumbling into the crowd while the Doctor's body slumps to the ground, arterial blood spurting from his neck.

Theben stands back, and raises his blade in a victory salute to the crowd, who respond with cheers as they see the more resounding deteat of the two semi-finals. Unlike Chaunk, Theben is able to walk from the arena on his own two feet.

Theben took 34 damage, leaving 37HP, while the Doctor is dead.
Theben is our second finalist.

So, no exciting turn in this battle. The Doctor does not get a third year running as a finalist.

[J Bytheway]

So, I just need some input from Theben regarding HP for the final and we can begin :).

[Jamski]

Cool :cool: My death had way more class than that gajin's death.

-Jam

[J Bytheway]

Originally posted by Jamski
Cool :cool: My death had way more class than that gajin's death.

As I said before, it's much easier to write for you - you seem to have much more character :).

[Skanky Burns]

I'm quite impressed that I'm not even playing and I still generally make it into the story. Although not recently. :mad: :p

[J Bytheway]

Originally posted by Skanky Burns
I'm quite impressed that I'm not even playing and I still generally make it into the story. Although not recently. :mad: :p

Well, you messed up and brought back the wrong Jamski and Chaunk - the management is obviously frowning on you a little more now ;).

Seriously, I like to try and give credit to past victors, and at the same time follow a good Apolytonian tradition. I mention Drogue, as well, you might notice :).

[Skanky Burns]

Don't get me wrong, I am happy I am still involved in the games. I'll probably be playing next game.

[Theben]

I think 120 is better than 100 hp's. For some reason, I dunno why.

And I'd like to point out that this clearly demonstrates the superiority of a Weapon9, Armor11 combo, as both finalists have it. Indeed, it could be considered overpowering. :cute:

Oh, and to the Doc?

BOOYAH!!1! meh>j00 OMFG liek 707411Y PwneD!11!!eleven!! :p

[DrSpike]

Skanky: You mean after many weeks of hard study you finally figured how to add half of one number to another number? :)

Theben: Nice to see a graceful victor.

[Theben]

Originally posted by DrSpike

Theben: Nice to see a graceful victor.

omfg Rapier wit > all, omfg soooooooooooo overpowered. Nerf it soon or I not playing any more coz I pwnzorzed!!!1!

Doesn't ring any bells, does it? ;)

[DrSpike]

That was irony. ;)

[Drogue]

Originally posted by Theben
And I'd like to point out that this clearly demonstrates the superiority of a Weapon9, Armor11 combo, as both finalists have it. Indeed, it could be considered overpowering. :cute:
I dunno. I used it for Gladiator 2, but I think there are better systems. It depends on how you play. I'll be in the next one, and I know what I'll compete on already :cool:

That combo does lend itself well to a balanced but slightly cheeky style though :)

[Skanky Burns]

Originally posted by DrSpike
Skanky: You mean after many weeks of hard study you finally figured how to add half of one number to another number? :)

Nah, but I should have it worked out by the time the next game starts. :p

[DrSpike]

I look forward to it. :)

[J Bytheway]

Originally posted by DrSpike
Skanky: You mean after many weeks of hard study you finally figured how to add half of one number to another number? :)

There's no need to be patronising, we all know that it's the subtraction which is the hard part ;).

I'm happy with either 100 or 120HP. Chaunk?

[Chaunk]

120 then please. It'd be too weird to go backwards.

[J Bytheway]

Very well. 120 it is.

Feel free to send orders for the first round.

[Chaunk]

Orders are indeed sent. May the best man win, Thebne.

[Ljube]

I predict Theben is defending and Chaunk is thrusting hard, his sword reaching Theben's heart this round.

[Theben]

I predict that you haven't a clue wtf you're talking about. :p

May the best man win, Thebne.

Thanks, but don't give up so early. ;)

[Chaunk]

:doitnow!:

When's our fight! Grr, Rargh, and all that.

[J Bytheway]

No orders from Theben yet...

[DrSpike]

How about a 48 hour limit with 10 HP penalties? :)

[Chaunk]

Originally posted by DrSpike
How about a 48 hour limit with 10 HP penalties? :)

...unless there's a viable reason given before hand, I'm all for that....

grumble grumble....

[Theben]

RL does intervene sometimes, people. ;)

Sometime today.

[Theben]

Sent now. Quit yer bellyachin'.

[Theben]

And you lot were in such a tearin' hurry.

[DrSpike]

'tis Bank Holiday, and JBytheway has the second week of exams, which always contain the meaner courses. ;)

At least we try and make it that way.

[Ljube]

What's Bank Holiday?

[DrSpike]

A wonderful invention whereby I (and all my fellow countrymen) get a day off for no real reason. Sometimes it's specific to the UK, but today is a holiday elsewhere, as it's Memorial Day, as well as a traditional Spring holiday I think.

[Theben]

Still haven't seen JB.

[J Bytheway]

Actually it's not the second week of exams, I've just started (before it was just revision...), but that was the reason for my dissapearance. I hope to get this dealt with today.

FYI, exams continue until Friday, and I'm liable to be online rarely until then.

[DrSpike]

Gladiators can wait, you do what needs to be done. :)

[J Bytheway]

After a long wait, Chaunk is released from medical care (at his own insistence), and walks proudly back into the arena, to the cheers of the crowd.

"Here we are, ladies and gentlemen. The last battle of this contest is upon us, and Theben, gladiator veteran, is facing Chaunk, newcomer and master of many weapons."

Chaunk smiles and twirls the heavy two-handed axe he has brought to the combat this time, a long staff mounted with a double blade at the top and a spike at the other end. Theben frowns briefly at the change in tactics, or possibly just at the superfluous showmanship.

The contestants circle each other warily, both having to adjust their tactics to Chaunk's new weapon. Theben tries a couple of exploratory strikes, the first better than the second but neither of them sufficient to break Chuank's guard.

Chaunk responds with a high spinning blow towards Theben's head, but Theben raises his shield, deflecting the blow upwards to bring himself out of danger, and spoiling Chaunk's guard to allow Theben a small jab to his chest.

Theben takes no damage and remains on 120HP. Chaunk takes 5 damage and drops to 115.
Send orders for round 2

A slow start and a small lead for Theben.

I can't believe noone got my hint in the last rounf of Theben vs the Doctor and caught his head when it came flying into the crowd. *sigh*.

[Jamski]

/me yawns gently *

-Jam

[DrSpike]

120HP will take a while. :)

[Chaunk]

You say that now...

...and you're probably right. :lol:

But still, I think it's a good number to be at.

Orders sent shortly.

[DrSpike]

Originally posted by Chaunk
You say that now

Hehe, I think I've argued it consistently with regard to matchups with negative effective power bonuses. :)

[J Bytheway]

Originally posted by DrSpike
120HP will take a while. :)

But, as we observed, 60HP can be gone in no time flat. A buffer this large is needed to allow for variations in tactics.

[DrSpike]

100 would have been appropriate for both this match and Chaunk/Jamski semi. :)

[Chaunk]

Orders sent, possibly 14,000 times sorry, 'poly playing up. :rolleyes:

[DrSpike]

Yeah, my galactic overlord orders also took about 30 mins. :)

[Theben]

Sent, and it went through right away!

[J Bytheway]

The two contestants frown in contentration as they clash again, both of them levelling viscious blows on their opponents right to bypass their guard, and both receiving cruel slashes to their chests.

Chaunk tries to leap backwards out of danger and raise a defense, but Theben swiftly reverses his sword and slices a shallow cut across Chaunk's ribs, almost joining the two existing woulds there in a line of gleaming red.

Chaunk completes his retreat and escapes further harm, but Theben is beginning to look smug.

Theben takes 23 damage and falls to 97HP. Chaunk takes 42 damage and drops to 73.
Send orders for round 3

Well, we're well below 100HP now, so you might claim the change cost us at most 2 rounds. Of course, it's not that simple, but anyway...

[Theben]

:evil::evilgrin::evil:

[Theben]

sent, I think. Poly's actin'up agin'. :angry:

[Chaunk]

Sent also...

[J Bytheway]

Theben - it looks like your attempted send failed, please replace the handset and try again :).

[gjramsey]

Nice damage for round 2.

now, we need more blood. :evil:

[Theben]

now should be sent.

[Theben]

Was it received?

[J Bytheway]

Yes, thanks.

Exams are over, but now the post-exam activities seem to be distracting me fairly effectively. Hopefully I'll get an update in later this evening...

[DrSpike]

Originally posted by J Bytheway

Exams are over, but now the post-exam activities seem to be distracting me fairly effectively.

Stop it! Take pity on those who have to sift through all the dire efforts (with the occasional good one :) )

:cute:

[J Bytheway]

Originally posted by DrSpike
Stop it! Take pity on those who have to sift through all the dire efforts (with the occasional good one :) )

I do ;). I've marked tests myself in my time (nothing serious), and I have a small impression of what a job marking real exams must be like :scared:. I appreciate how fast they do it for us, but it's still not as fast as I would like!

[DrSpike]

Yeah it's a laborious process, you probably don't realise how much so. I'll finish Monday, and then a random sample will be internally moderated. Then the papers get externally moderated, and the externals take a while (this is the main hold up) since they usually act as moderator for multiple universities.

Still, afterwards there are a nice few months of uninterrupted research, so it's a good time of year, if you have finished - same as students. :D

[J Bytheway]

Theben smirks at Chaunk, and taunts him with shouted insults, some of which are enough to make the crowd blush, hoping to send him into a rage. Chaunk takes the bait and charges forward, striking at Theben powerfully, but not without finesse. Theben knows his opponent well, however, and puts just enough effort into defending himself to stop the blow. Chaunk, focused on his attack, cannot prevent Theben from smarmily striking at his cheek, although the blade scarecly scratches the surface of the skin.

Reversing his weapon, Chaunk thrusts with the haft, but Theben is once again prepared and able to escape harm and embarass Chaunk with a shallow scrape.

Chaunk scowls and retreats, exhausted, but not before Theben swipes for a third time, leaving the impression of a letter 'T' clearly on Chuank's cheek. Theben laughs cruelly and calls "Perhaps I should write my entire name across your skin before I kill you, so all who see you, even in death, will know that you could not face me and survive!"

Theben takes no damage and sticks at 97HP. Chaunk takes 3 damage and his HP is rounded off to 70.
Send orders for round 4 whenever you wish.

Sorry I was so slow again - I think things should be dealt with quickly again from now on at least for a couple of weeks.

Also, sorry I've twisted Theben's character quite a long way from your description of "Extremely tough fighter, valiant, loyal, a leader", but how else am I supposed to interperet orders like those ones?..

[Theben]

Loyal to my friends, lethal to my enemies. ;)

[Chaunk]

Hehe nice orders Theben :b:

Mine will be sent late tomorrow morning I think.

[Jamski]

You did 1 HP three times? That's just sadistic.

I approve.

-Jam

[Theben]

I thought you might. ;)

[Theben]

Sent.

[Drogue]

Sadism :cool:

:b: Theben... doing well :)

[J Bytheway]

Originally posted by Theben
Loyal to my friends, lethal to my enemies. ;)

So are we talking lawful neutral, or lawful evil? ;)

Going by the later comment, I'm guessing the latter :evilgrin:.

[Theben]

Actually he was Neutral Good with lawful tendencies. :)

Chaunk is the evil one. :doitnow!:

[Chaunk]

Orders sent.

[Theben]

bump

[Theben]

Don't think we don't see you online, JB. :doitnow!:

[J Bytheway]

Theben attacks, hard and then, later, soft. Chaunk defends effectively. Nothing happens. Next round, please.

I got very little sleep last night, and writers block seems to have ensued... Ho hum. Carry on :).

[J Bytheway]

Originally posted by Theben
Don't think we don't see you online, JB. :doitnow!:

I was coming, I was coming! ;)

[Jamski]

Gripping action finale :bored:

-Jam

[Spaced Cowboy]

:zzz: :zzz: :zzz: Wha?? Huh??? oh :rolleyes: :zzz: :zzz: :zzz:

[Chaunk]

Orders sent

[Theben]

Originally posted by Jamski
Gripping action finale :bored:

-Jam

It's not my fault that Chaunk is a sniveling coward. ;)

[Theben]

Orders sent btw.

[J Bytheway]

Theben, suspecting that Chaunk was saving his energy for an attack, approaches his enemy cautiously. The two gladiators circle each other for some time.

Eventually, in frustration, Theben swings wildly at Chaunk, screaming "Fight me, you sniveling coward!", but the badly aimed blow stands no hope of penetrating Chaunk's guard.

No damage done, The HP remain at 97 and 70 for Theben and Chaunk respectively.
Send for round 6.

Why is it that now I have nothing to do I'm checking my email far less than when I was frantically revising. I think it's probably a bad sign, but I don't know quite what of...

[DrSpike]

Both cowards. :)

[Theben]

IIRC the correct response is
Does this sound familiar?

Clang, bash, thud, swish, swish, clang, bash, thud, woosh.

The contestants step back and notice that neither did any damage. :cute:

[Theben]

Sent again.

[Spaced Cowboy]

Originally posted by Theben
IIRC the correct response is
:cute:

:lol: :lol: :lol:

[Chaunk]

Orders sent :evil:

[DrSpike]

Originally posted by Theben
IIRC the correct response is
:cute:

Hehe, but you are confusing stubbornness with cowardice. :)

[Theben]

Hey, I'm not being stubborn. :p

[DrSpike]

Correct. ;)

[Theben]

Are you insinuating things again? :angry:

[DrSpike]

What is this word 'insinuate'? :cute:

[Theben]

A BIG word with many syllables- so don't let Spaced see it or he might hurt himself. :p

[J Bytheway]

The frustration grows clearly on Theben's face as Chaunk continues to refuse to engage. "Chaunk, are you scared? You just can't stand to fight like a real warrior, can you. You're just hiding there behind your shield like the coward we all know you are." Theben swings wildly again, but his heart isn't in it and Chaunk catches the blow on the haft of his axe, and pushes his opponent away.

The gladiators circle, Theben glowering and Chaunk maintaining a small, calm smile.

Eventually, Chaunk steps forward, smirking "Evidently, you're not paying attention - I'm afraid I'm not even using a shield, old chap." Chaunk tries to follow up his cutting remark with a blow, but manages to trip over the end of his axe and collapse in the dust. Theben is so busy laughing at him that he is unable to press home an attack.

Chaunk scrambles backwards and stands, dusting himself off, muttering "Shucks, this rapier wit stuff is harder than it looks, isn't it..."

No damage done, The HP remain at 97 for Theben and 70 for Chaunk.
Send for round 7.

Feel free to include pointers in your PMs along with the orders - it does make the storytelling easier :).

[J Bytheway]

Originally posted by Theben
IIRC the correct response is

I considered it, but I don't think we're quite that desperate yet.

[J Bytheway]

Originally posted by Theben
Are you insinuating things again? :angry:

He did already explicitly say that you were both cowards - I hardly think that's sufficiently subtle to qualify for insinuation.

And now I'm chain-posting, so I guess it's time for bed :zzz:.

[Theben]

:shame: A dark hour in the noble profession...

:p @ Chaunk

"Shucks, this rapier wit stuff is harder than it looks, isn't it..."

The rapier wit should only be handled by professionals. ;)

[Chaunk]

:lol:

Great write up JB :b:

Orders sent in about 3 minutes....

[J Bytheway]

Theben continues to laugh at Chaunk, who is too embarresed to take advantage and attack while Theben's defenses are down.

Theben straightens with a wry smile. "Alright, I think that's enough amusement for the crowds - now it's time we finished this fight, don't you?" Chaunk just lunges in response, and though his aim is poor he manages to land a feeble blow, cutting across Theben's shield arm, as Theben forgets his defense and strikes fast with his sword, deep into Chaunk's thigh.

Theben's blade whips out, and he strikes again, mirroring the wound on Chaunk's other leg, while Chaunk simply staggers, his defense in tatters.

Chaunk takes 26 damage and falls to 44HP. Theben takes 6 and drops to 91HP.
Send for round 8.

Now Theben's lead is better than a factor of 2, and Chaunk's chances look ever slimmer.

[Spaced Cowboy]

Three cheers for thasbon

Thizbin, thasvin, theesboon!

Yeeah!

[Theben]

I don't suppose that when I win, I'll earn a momentary modicrum of respect? Enough to spell my name right for once? :rolleyes: :p

[Theben]

btw sent!

Let's see if Chunky can figure out how to win yet. :)

[J Bytheway]

Originally posted by Theben
I don't suppose that when I win, I'll earn a momentary modicrum of respect? Enough to spell my name right for once? :rolleyes: :p

You know, it's a strange thing - I laughed at the whole misspelling Theben thing when I arrived in the Other Games forum, but somehow it's infected me and now as I write these accounts I find myself constantly needing to correct my spelling. Indeed, it happened when I wrote Theben just a sentance ago. It's somewhat bizarre, and rather disturbing too... :scared:

[Theben]

Just chant along, JB. "One of us, one of us..." ;)

[J Bytheway]

Well, on the one day I check back fairly regularly, it's the one day when the orders are slowest to arrive. *sigh*. I guess that's poetic justice, or something.

When you're ready, Chaunk... Which I guess won't be before tomorrow morning.

Edit: Sorry, that post comes across a little more disgusted than I intended - I can't (and don't) blame anyone else for being slow when I am too, especially Chaunk who has been so speedy in general ;).

[Drogue]

Looks like the bets Jaguar placed on Chaunk isn't paying off. Yet more money for the Gorilla :cool:

Nice fighting btw :b:

[Theben]

What's the spread? Maybe I can "influence" it a little. :cute:

JB: Don't sweat it. Chaunk was here earlier and didn't post.

I think he's sweating a little more than you. ;)

[Drogue]

It's posted on L'Event. I think it was 2/3 odds on you, 3/2 odds on Chaunk. This from when you were marginally ahead.

[Drogue]

Besides, wasn't it you who asked for the odds?

[Theben]

Yeah, but I haven't seen 'em since. And it's difficult to access now... :(

[Theben]

AHH! MY EYES! The avatar! Its blinds uss!

[Theben]

It is now 53 hours after the last combat round; who was it that wanted a penalty for delaying the game? :rolleyes::angry:

[DrSpike]

Nice avatar Drogue. :)

[J Bytheway]

Why do you people keep changing flags? It's very confusing...

[Drogue]

I'm changing flag/avatar for Euro 2004. As long as England are still in, my avatar and flag will remain the Cross of St. George :cool: My best friend's an anti-nationalist who hates football and my girlfriend supports the French, I need to do something to reassert my support of English sport.

[DrSpike]

Originally posted by Drogue
I'm changing flag/avatar for Euro 2004. As long as England are still in, my avatar and flag will remain the Cross of St. George :cool: My best friend's an anti-nationalist who hates football and my girlfriend supports the French, I need to do something to reassert my support of English sport.

Wow, she must be damn hot for you to put up with that! :)

[Chaunk]

Sorry for the delay, I've been in bed nursing a migraine for the past couple of days...

Orders sent now though.

[J Bytheway]

"Well, little upstart, are you enjoying being humiliated in front of the throng? You should allow me to end your misery by laying down your weapons and submitting to death. It is your destiny, regardless.

"How you defeated Jamski-San I do not know, and how you possibly won against me in the qualifiers is unfathomable. Gods! A warrior? A master of many weapons you may be, but a master of men you are not. You see, I can read you, and know when and where you will strike. Thus you cannot hope to defeat me. Given time, perhaps one day you would rival me in skill, but," Theben chuckles softly, "you haven't much time left in this world."

Chaunk returns Theben's smile, saying "Well, I killed Jamski-San a little like this...". Chaunk's axe swings swiftly towards Theben, and bounces of his shield in a shower of splinters, throwing Theben backwards a step.

Chaunk steps back, and as his axe rotates into the space he made available, he thrusts the spike mounted on its base deep into Theben's gut. At the same time, Theben's sword swings downward, the swing which was aimed for Chaunk's head thrown off course by pain, and instead embeds itself in Chaunk's shoulder.

Both gladiators extricate themselves from the weapons and satisfy themselves with glaring at one another for a while.

Theben takes 41 damage and drops to 50HP. Chaunk takes 22 damage and falls to 22HP.
Send for round 9.

Well, what might look at first to be a success for Chaunk is not quite so good, since Chaunk lost half his HP, but Theben lost less than half of his...

[Theben]

Nice hit, but it won't save you. ;)

Sent.

[Drogue]

Originally posted by DrSpike
Wow, she must be damn hot for you to put up with that! :)
She is ;)



:love:

[Chaunk]

Orders sent... for the last time?

[Theben]

JB neglecting his duties once more... :shame:

[J Bytheway]

I was. Sorry about that - my duties to the CTP2 forums distracted me. Results will be posted shortly.

[J Bytheway]

Clutching at his belly, Theben grunts "A good shot, but it won't save you..."

Chaunk raises his axe for another blow "No, but perhaps this will." He swings down violently, but Theben's apparent preoccupation was a ruse, and he leaps backwards nimbly out of the path of the blow, causing Chaunk's axe to enter the sand with a crunch, and leaving Chaunk unable to prevent Theben smashing the flat of his blade into Chaunk's knuckles.

Chaunk rips his axe free and both gladiators circle for a moment.

Then, suddenly, Theben surges to the attack, feinting low and striking high, but Chaunk catches the blow on the blade of his axe, sending it skittering off course.

Theben takes no damage and remains on 50HP. Chaunk takes 1 damage and falls to 21HP.
Send for round 10.

Well, I hope we can avoid a further 21 rounds of a similar nature. I'll be away for at least 25 hours now, and probably longer, so no more Gladiator results before then, but I should be getting my exam results...

[Theben]

sent.

[J Bytheway]

Edit: Something strange was going on. Forget I said anything.

[Chaunk]

Uhh... you did post that JB... ah well... orders sent in 1 min or so.

[J Bytheway]

Theben strikes low and hard, but Chaunk absorbs the power of the blow on his axe, allowing the momentum so gained to rotate it down and scrape skin from Theben's shoulder, and then return it to a defensive position.

The defence suffices to stop Theben's second blow, and the frustration is building clearly on Theben's face - he can feel victory so close, but cannot reach it, and is too tired to try a third attack.

Theben takes 6 damage and drops to 44HP. Chaunk takes no damage and sticks at 21HP.
Send for round 11.

Chaunk actually makes real progress this round, but Theben maintains a better than 2 to 1 advantage.

Sorry about the confusion - it's been a long day, and I wasn't thinking straight...

[Theben]

Uhh... you did post that JB... ah well... orders sent in 1 min or so.

Should I be concerned?

[Theben]

And is anyone else still interested in this game?

[Spaced Cowboy]

me, but waiting til tis over.

[Theben]

ok. It's just that it's been 5 days since anyone besides me, Chaunk, and JB made a post relevant to the game.

[Chaunk]

Yeah, lets get this over with quickly before people start rioting... Sent!

[gjramsey]

yep, still interested to see he will when this epic battle....

[Spaced Cowboy]

Originally posted by Theben
ok. It's just that it's been 5 days since anyone besides me, Chaunk, and JB made a post relevant to the game.

Just because I don't post, does not mean that I'm not lurking. I'm not a spammer you know.

[Theben]

So you're saying Spamky, Spamski, and DrSpamke have lost interest? :(

[DrSpike]

I'm here. Just waiting for the next tourney really. The skill level drops when I am fluked out. :cute:

[Skanky Burns]

I too can restrain myself.
I've been following the game.

[Spaced Cowboy]

Originally posted by Theben
So you're saying Spamky, Spamski, and DrSpamke have lost interest? :(

Hmm... funny how it only took them 4 minutes to spam a reply. I have to wonder if we'll be seeing much of Spamski for a while.

[Theben]

I just remember last time the ghosts were a little more active...

maybe that was me... :hmmm:

And before anyone says anything about "posting sans orders", I am currently contemplating what to send.
/me looks at DrSpike

[Theben]

Originally posted by Spaced Cowboy


Hmm... funny how it only took them 4 minutes to spam a reply. I have to wonder if we'll be seeing much of Spamski for a while.

I noticed that too. I also noted they knew their names. :)

[Skanky Burns]

In other news, I think you have inadvertantly stumbled upon the spell of God summoning. :eek:

[Theben]

I suppose I should watch that.
sent.

[DrSpike]

Originally posted by Spaced Cowboy


Hmm... funny how it only took them 4 minutes to spam a reply. I have to wonder if we'll be seeing much of Spamski for a while.

Well, it's provoked spam. The fact that we probably also noticed other posts fast also but chose not to post is more telling. :)

[Unspeakable Horror]

DrSpike! You have a PM, sorry to keep you waiting but I was extremely busy with exams and didn´t see your message :(

[Theben]

Odd for you to mention it here...

[Unspeakable Horror]

That was his last post, I just followed him.

[Skanky Burns]

...As you do.

[Chaunk]

Thben, I must confess, I find it impossible to take you seriously with that avatar... :lol:

So much spam, yet no results :shame:

[Skanky Burns]

bADGer, bADGer, bADGer, bADGer, bADGer, bADGer, bADGer, bADGer, bADGer, bADGer, bADGer, bADGer, MUSHROOM MUSHROOM!!!

[Theben]

Originally posted by Chaunk
Thben, I must confess, I find it impossible to take you seriously with that avatar... :lol:

So am I fighting Columbo then? "Just one more thing..." WHACK!

Since my ultimate victory is near, I suppose I could bring back the RUMSFELD.

[J Bytheway]

The delays for the past couple of days have been due to a parental visit which has been somewhat more distracting than I had previously anticipated. Results should come this evening, but no promises.

[J Bytheway]

The two contestants, exhausted but still ready for action, approach for the last time, Chaunk spinning his axe up to a great speed as he switches it from hand to hand, sacrificing unpredictability in favour of power to produce a whirlwind of death before and around him. Theben, gauging his timing carefully, thrusts his shield into the path of Chaunk's axe. The shield is shattered by the impact of the axe, splinters sent flying across the width of the arena, but Chaunk's rhythm is disrupted enough that Theben is able to strike swiftly and cleanly slice off one of Chaunk's ears before stepping back before Chaunk's attack regains its momentum.

Chaunk, near death, advances doggedly towards his opponent, forcing him backwards as he seeks an opportunity for another blow. Finally Theben attempts a strike to Chaunk's face,

but his timing is bad, and with a great crash, the sword is smashed from his hand and sent flying upwards by Chaunk's axe.

Smiling grimly, Chaunk speeds his advance and Theben, lacking both his weapon and shield, scurries backwards, looking back and forth as he seeks some escape, finally forced to backflip across the barrier into the seats, sending spectators scattering in fear from his path.

Chaunk steps slowly onto the oaken barrier, maintaing his ferocious spinning with care amongst the stong woodwork. His smile widens to a grin as he sees he has Theben cornered, and he gloats "Perhaps knowledge of men is not so cruci-"

The audience gasps as Chaunk's scorn is cut off in mid-sentence by the hurtling form of Theben's sword bursting through the back of his head and exploding from his face, the momentum sending his already-dead body crashing forwards into Theben's arms while his frenetically spinning axe slips from his suddenly limp fingers and impacts on the barrier, throwing itself far across the sands of the arena floor.

Theben, grasping his sword, kicks himself free of his defeated opponent and levers himself slowly to his feet. "Fool. Could any but a master of men have arranged for you to be standing in the path of a sword which you yourself had knocked into the air? Pah!" He kicks Chaunk's bloody corpse in disgust and turns to the crowd, awaiting their accolades with a faintly arrogant half smile...

Theben takes no damage. Chaunk takes 21 damage and is very much dead.
Congratulations to Theben, our new Gladiator champion!

Again, for the record, that action took place in only the first two segments of combat.

I'd like to thank all our competitors, especially the finalists who suffered through my continuing distractions and general laziness. It was great fun GMing this game and I hope to do it again sometime, but not at once - my reliability over the next few weeks will probably not be great. All of you please play again, and anyone who thinks they don't understand the tactics or rules, I'd recommend GMing as a way to learn both fast!

Jamski: There's one set of your orders (from the semi-final) I'd like to release as a 'case study' in Gladiator orders, but I need your permission for that.

Congratulations again to the winner and the runner up.

:Party:

[Theben]

Excellent fighting, Chaunk. I feel we shall meet again! :b:

[Skanky Burns]

Nice fight, and congratulations. :b:

[Spaced Cowboy]

Thizbin is the whiner? Sup wit dat?

Actually congrats!

[Theben]

Whiner? ;)

[Chaunk]

Congrats Theben, twas a good fight :D

[DrSpike]

Originally posted by Unspeakable Horror
That was his last post, I just followed him.

No need to stalk me.........I was away this weekend, but I responded as soon as I saw it. :D

[DrSpike]

Originally posted by Chaunk
Congrats Theben, twas a good fight :D

Right. Let's get the next one going. ;)

[Skanky Burns]

What a good idea (http://apolyton.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=117119).

[DrSpike]

Thanks. I'm still getting around to checking new threads. :D

[Skanky Burns]

No worries.
I just thought I would be helpful, and get a +1 for my effort. Because I really need the extra posts. :)

[Drogue]

Nicely done Theben :b: That makes 4 winners, Skanky, myself, Spikie and Theben :)

[DrSpike]

Skanky's was a Gladiator lite win though. :)

[Theben]

I wasn't aware til now that Skanky won the 1st time.

[Theben]

Originally posted by Drogue
Nicely done Theben :b: That makes 4 winners, Skanky, myself, Spikie and Theben :)

I used a good combination of skill and luck. The semis proved IMHO that all 4 semifinalists were of approximately equal skill, although Chaunk did make a couple of predictable mistakes that I might attribute to it being his 1st game. Without giving away all my secrets, his 2nd round picks were exactly what I expected them to be. Another thing he did I noticed in the round-robin: using chip,chip,chip vs. low armor opponents and block,block,hack (or occasionally x2 hack) vs. medium to high armor. So it was pretty obvious that I'd get the x2 block-hack routine. (which is mostly what I meant when I said I could 'read' you). :)

And lastly the Doc 'taught' :rolleyes: me in Glad III that when in doubt, go offensive. :p

[DrSpike]

Originally posted by Theben
I wasn't aware til now that Skanky won the 1st time.

Well it was a much simpler game, so he didn't have to do 'complex' addition. ;)

[Skanky Burns]

Bite me, Spikie. :p

[Skanky Burns]

Speaking of complex addition - confirm my equation in the other thread already. :)

[DrSpike]

Originally posted by Skanky Burns
Bite me, Spikie. :p

I'd rather not. ;)