So, around two in-game years ago when Vash was a wee little sub-40th Barbarian I decided to enter a tourney in Theren. My first (and last) opponent for the night was... Craxor. Yeah, no chance at all, I managed to stand for something like three hits. Oh well, you win some you lose some, right?
Well, recently I saw him while looking for something to do in Crossing and decided to have a rematch just for the sake of having a rematch. We head out of town and...
You sling a cavalryman's slurbow with a pearl-inlaid teak stock off from over your shoulder.
With a violent cross-body motion, Craxor draws his bastard sword.
You push out your chest as you feel your eyes taking on a new and distant focus. The majesty of an Eagle on the wing suffuses your body with clarity.
Craxor grows suddenly quiet, his eyes dangerously calm as his limbs shiver like anxious leaves before summer's fearsome storm. A terrible roar of fury and bloodlust escapes his throat like the first crash of thunder, his body exploding into a berserker rage as his eyes retain an unsettling and deadly calm.
You move into a position to dodge.
Craxor steps up to you and says, "I challenge you to The Pain in a contest of skill!"
You turn to face Craxor.
You begin to target Craxor.
You accept Craxor's challenge.
You think you have your best shot possible now.
< You fire a frog-crotch bolt at Craxor. Craxor blocks with a crocodile-skin buckler.
The frog-crotch bolt lands nearby!
[You're winded, solidly balanced and opponent has slight advantage.]
[Roundtime 1 sec.]
Fully aimed, dancing eagle, miss? I'm suddenly less confident in my ability to beat this guy, but thinking quickly...
You get a log from inside your leucro hide pack.
< You throw a log at Craxor. Craxor partially blocks with a crocodile-skin buckler. The log lands a solid hit that glances the log across the forehead, lightly stunning him.
The log falls to the ground!
[You're solidly balanced and in dominating position.]
Heavy Crossbow: 414 73.21% clear
Heavy Thrown: 414 98.50% clear
Yes, it's the Log of Doom. I love that log.
Another two log throws and a fully aimed shot from the repeater all miss, so finally I decide to go melee with him. He wails at me and lands a good hit, I wail at him and:
(lots of hits edited out to reduce length)
< You step backward and then slice at Craxor. Craxor partially blocks with a crocodile-skin buckler. The sword lands an awesome strike that explodes the heart and lungs with a bone-shattering blow to the chest.
[You're bruised, nimbly balanced and overwhelming opponent.]
[Roundtime 2 sec.]
It's not much of a goal, but it's something at least.
Laniea came through some massive doors.
Laniea appears to be aiming at Mesanna with her forester's crossbow.
You praise Laniea's efforts, supporting her with your approval.
