A woman - gray of skin, black of hair, armored in leather, and with an eye patch over one eye - enters the town and walks to its center. A few morning* crowds have begun to gather around, going about their daily business, but they stop and listen as she begins to speak. "My name is Alpida. I come from the Shadow Kingdom with a challenge. Any who wishes to face me in combat may do so, one at a time, or as many as you wish. If any man or woman manages to touch me with weapon or hand, he or she will be given the opportunity to travel to the Shadow Kingdom and train for the chance - not the guarantee, merely the chance - to join the Shadow Guard. Let the challenges begin!" This news quickly spreads through the town, passed on by word of mouth. A handful attempt the challenge, but none yet succeed. Each time, Alpida's huge scimitar flashes through the air, disarming opponents before they can mount their first attack and then knocking them out with a smack from the flat of the blade. But from all corners of the town, mercenaries hear her challenge, and many more will come to try their luck.
Karthon hears, and knowing Alpida as he does, understands just how difficult her challenge might be. Azril Leifson and Wythnil Elkinson, newly arrived in town, hear whispers of the challenge almost as soon as they step foot into the village. Tathar Ornonna and the man called Anders hear the challenge from an excited man who bursts in to the Wolf's Head as they are eating breakfast. The rest of the mercenaries staying there quickly rush out to see it for themselves. And Gartt Ruthkie, watching from above, sees Alpida walk past Randel's inn to the town's center, hears her challenge, and watches as, one by one, all who face her fail.
*OOC: It's morning now, because I said so. No one ever really keeps track of time here, but last I heard it was kind of in the evening, so I'm just going to go ahead and say that the night has passed.
A woman - gray of skin, black of hair, armored in leather, and with an eye patch over one eye - enters the town and walks to its center. A few morning* crowds have begun to gather around, going about their daily business, but they stop and listen as she begins to speak. "My name is Alpida. I come from the Shadow Kingdom with a challenge. Any who wishes to face me in combat may do so, one at a time, or as many as you wish. If any man or woman manages to touch me with weapon or hand, he or she will be given the opportunity to travel to the Shadow Kingdom and train for the chance - not the guarantee, merely the chance - to join the Shadow Guard. Let the challenges begin!" This news quickly spreads through the town, passed on by word of mouth. A handful attempt the challenge, but none yet succeed. Each time, Alpida's huge scimitar flashes through the air, disarming opponents before they can mount their first attack and then knocking them out with a smack from the flat of the blade. But from all corners of the town, mercenaries hear her challenge, and many more will come to try their luck.
Karthon hears, and knowing Alpida as he does, understands just how difficult her challenge might be. Azril Leifson and Wythnil Elkinson, newly arrived in town, hear whispers of the challenge almost as soon as they step foot into the village. Tathar Ornonna and the man called Anders hear the challenge from an excited man who bursts in to the Wolf's Head as they are eating breakfast. The rest of the mercenaries staying there quickly rush out to see it for themselves. And Gartt Ruthkie, watching from above, sees Alpida walk past Randel's inn to the town's center, hears her challenge, and watches as, one by one, all who face her fail.
*OOC: It's morning now, because I said so. No one ever really keeps track of time here, but last I heard it was kind of in the evening, so I'm just going to go ahead and say that the night has passed.
Karthon, leaning against some crates nearby, watches with interest and marvels at Alpida's skill yet unhindered since Karthon last fought beside her to defend against the Xain invaders. He does not seek to challenge though as he is as of late loyal to no faction.
A woman - gray of skin, black of hair, armored in leather, and with an eye patch over one eye - enters the town and walks to its center. A few morning* crowds have begun to gather around, going about their daily business, but they stop and listen as she begins to speak. "My name is Alpida. I come from the Shadow Kingdom with a challenge. Any who wishes to face me in combat may do so, one at a time, or as many as you wish. If any man or woman manages to touch me with weapon or hand, he or she will be given the opportunity to travel to the Shadow Kingdom and train for the chance - not the guarantee, merely the chance - to join the Shadow Guard. Let the challenges begin!" This news quickly spreads through the town, passed on by word of mouth. A handful attempt the challenge, but none yet succeed. Each time, Alpida's huge scimitar flashes through the air, disarming opponents before they can mount their first attack and then knocking them out with a smack from the flat of the blade. But from all corners of the town, mercenaries hear her challenge, and many more will come to try their luck.
Karthon hears, and knowing Alpida as he does, understands just how difficult her challenge might be. Azril Leifson and Wythnil Elkinson, newly arrived in town, hear whispers of the challenge almost as soon as they step foot into the village. Tathar Ornonna and the man called Anders hear the challenge from an excited man who bursts in to the Wolf's Head as they are eating breakfast. The rest of the mercenaries staying there quickly rush out to see it for themselves. And Gartt Ruthkie, watching from above, sees Alpida walk past Randel's inn to the town's center, hears her challenge, and watches as, one by one, all who face her fail.
*OOC: It's morning now, because I said so. No one ever really keeps track of time here, but last I heard it was kind of in the evening, so I'm just going to go ahead and say that the night has passed.
Gartt watches the duels. He notices the uninspired nature of the contestant's battle. "I wonder that civilized lands don't train they're citizens in at least hand to hand techniques." Gartt resumes his role as spectator. He begins to analyse and catalogue Alpida's moves, style, habits, strengths, and weaknesses. However Gartt's progress is severely hampered because the duels are so short.
She is perhaps faster than any warrior he has ever seen, and incredibly strong, too, to wield that huge weapon. Her movements are precise and efficient, but predictable. The one man who has won the challenge so far did so by tapping her hand with his as she struck him with the flat of her blade. She does not let this happen again, but perhaps he can find another way to exploit her patterns.
A woman - gray of skin, black of hair, armored in leather, and with an eye patch over one eye - enters the town and walks to its center. A few morning* crowds have begun to gather around, going about their daily business, but they stop and listen as she begins to speak. "My name is Alpida. I come from the Shadow Kingdom with a challenge. Any who wishes to face me in combat may do so, one at a time, or as many as you wish. If any man or woman manages to touch me with weapon or hand, he or she will be given the opportunity to travel to the Shadow Kingdom and train for the chance - not the guarantee, merely the chance - to join the Shadow Guard. Let the challenges begin!" This news quickly spreads through the town, passed on by word of mouth. A handful attempt the challenge, but none yet succeed. Each time, Alpida's huge scimitar flashes through the air, disarming opponents before they can mount their first attack and then knocking them out with a smack from the flat of the blade. But from all corners of the town, mercenaries hear her challenge, and many more will come to try their luck.
Karthon hears, and knowing Alpida as he does, understands just how difficult her challenge might be. Azril Leifson and Wythnil Elkinson, newly arrived in town, hear whispers of the challenge almost as soon as they step foot into the village. Tathar Ornonna and the man called Anders hear the challenge from an excited man who bursts in to the Wolf's Head as they are eating breakfast. The rest of the mercenaries staying there quickly rush out to see it for themselves. And Gartt Ruthkie, watching from above, sees Alpida walk past Randel's inn to the town's center, hears her challenge, and watches as, one by one, all who face her fail.
*OOC: It's morning now, because I said so. No one ever really keeps track of time here, but last I heard it was kind of in the evening, so I'm just going to go ahead and say that the night has passed.
*Tathar finishes her porridge and wanders to the fringes of the crowd to see what's going on and witness the action, absently stroking her bird*
Anders goes with her, but as soon as they get close enough to see he is suddenly gone. An odd-looking woman stands in the center of the square, beating back each man that steps up to challenge her. One man, grinning proudly despite the large lump on the side of his head, stands a little off to the side. The crowds say that he is the only one to have beaten her challenge so far.
A woman - gray of skin, black of hair, armored in leather, and with an eye patch over one eye - enters the town and walks to its center. A few morning* crowds have begun to gather around, going about their daily business, but they stop and listen as she begins to speak. "My name is Alpida. I come from the Shadow Kingdom with a challenge. Any who wishes to face me in combat may do so, one at a time, or as many as you wish. If any man or woman manages to touch me with weapon or hand, he or she will be given the opportunity to travel to the Shadow Kingdom and train for the chance - not the guarantee, merely the chance - to join the Shadow Guard. Let the challenges begin!" This news quickly spreads through the town, passed on by word of mouth. A handful attempt the challenge, but none yet succeed. Each time, Alpida's huge scimitar flashes through the air, disarming opponents before they can mount their first attack and then knocking them out with a smack from the flat of the blade. But from all corners of the town, mercenaries hear her challenge, and many more will come to try their luck.
Karthon hears, and knowing Alpida as he does, understands just how difficult her challenge might be. Azril Leifson and Wythnil Elkinson, newly arrived in town, hear whispers of the challenge almost as soon as they step foot into the village. Tathar Ornonna and the man called Anders hear the challenge from an excited man who bursts in to the Wolf's Head as they are eating breakfast. The rest of the mercenaries staying there quickly rush out to see it for themselves. And Gartt Ruthkie, watching from above, sees Alpida walk past Randel's inn to the town's center, hears her challenge, and watches as, one by one, all who face her fail.
*OOC: It's morning now, because I said so. No one ever really keeps track of time here, but last I heard it was kind of in the evening, so I'm just going to go ahead and say that the night has passed.
Karthon, leaning against some crates nearby, watches with interest and marvels at Alpida's skill yet unhindered since Karthon last fought beside her to defend against the Xain invaders. He does not seek to challenge though as he is as of late loyal to no faction.
If anything, she seems to have improved since he last saw her. He watches as one man taps her on the hand just as he is knocked out. She does not let it happen again, but now that someone has won her challenge the other challengers seem to be a little bolder.
OOC: You'll have to pick a temporary faction eventually if you don't want to just sit here, but there's no rush yet.
*Tathar finishes her porridge and wanders to the fringes of the crowd to see what's going on and witness the action, absently stroking her bird*
Anders goes with her, but as soon as they get close enough to see he is suddenly gone. An odd-looking woman stands in the center of the square, beating back each man that steps up to challenge her. One man, grinning proudly despite the large lump on the side of his head, stands a little off to the side. The crowds say that he is the only one to have beaten her challenge so far.
OOC: When are you bringing in Fawn?
*Tathar looks about her and sees he has disappeared* Hmmm, strange. *she mutters to herself* This must be some kind of challenge, or contest.
OOC: I was kind of planning on keeping her in reserve…..but I could bring her out now and put her in the challenge I guess.
Anders goes with her, but as soon as they get close enough to see he is suddenly gone. An odd-looking woman stands in the center of the square, beating back each man that steps up to challenge her. One man, grinning proudly despite the large lump on the side of his head, stands a little off to the side. The crowds say that he is the only one to have beaten her challenge so far.
OOC: When are you bringing in Fawn?
*Tathar looks about her and sees he has disappeared* Hmmm, strange. *she mutters to herself* This must be some kind of challenge, or contest.
OOC: I was kind of planning on keeping her in reserve…..but I could bring her out now and put her in the challenge I guess.
One of the people in the crowd tells her that whoever can touch the woman with weapon or hand will get a chance to join the Shadow Guard.
OOC: That's fine. Do what you wish with her. I was just curious.
Gartt watches the duels. He notices the uninspired nature of the contestant's battle. "I wonder that civilized lands don't train they're citizens in at least hand to hand techniques." Gartt resumes his role as spectator. He begins to analyse and catalogue Alpida's moves, style, habits, strengths, and weaknesses. However Gartt's progress is severely hampered because the duels are so short.
She is perhaps faster than any warrior he has ever seen, and incredibly strong, too, to wield that huge weapon. Her movements are precise and efficient, but predictable. The one man who has won the challenge so far did so by tapping her hand with his as she struck him with the flat of her blade. She does not let this happen again, but perhaps he can find another way to exploit her patterns.
"Her speed and strength are impressive, but she is not inspired. I doubt though her skills could match that of the Plith'mon, though." He drops to the street and joins the edge of the crowd to continue watching.
She is perhaps faster than any warrior he has ever seen, and incredibly strong, too, to wield that huge weapon. Her movements are precise and efficient, but predictable. The one man who has won the challenge so far did so by tapping her hand with his as she struck him with the flat of her blade. She does not let this happen again, but perhaps he can find another way to exploit her patterns.
"Her speed and strength are impressive, but she is not inspired. I doubt though her skills could match that of the Plith'mon, though." He drops to the street and joins the edge of the crowd to continue watching.
A few people glance over at him, surprised by his sudden appearance, but most, intent on watching the challenges, don't notice.
Karthon, leaning against some crates nearby, watches with interest and marvels at Alpida's skill yet unhindered since Karthon last fought beside her to defend against the Xain invaders. He does not seek to challenge though as he is as of late loyal to no faction.
If anything, she seems to have improved since he last saw her. He watches as one man taps her on the hand just as he is knocked out. She does not let it happen again, but now that someone has won her challenge the other challengers seem to be a little bolder.
OOC: You'll have to pick a temporary faction eventually if you don't want to just sit here, but there's no rush yet.
IC: Karthon shrinks away from the surrounding people, still watching the match.
OOC: Oh, Mercenary isn't a faction? Kinda thought it was a 'faction of no faction' if y'know what I mean.
If anything, she seems to have improved since he last saw her. He watches as one man taps her on the hand just as he is knocked out. She does not let it happen again, but now that someone has won her challenge the other challengers seem to be a little bolder.
OOC: You'll have to pick a temporary faction eventually if you don't want to just sit here, but there's no rush yet.
IC: Karthon shrinks away from the surrounding people, still watching the match.
OOC: Oh, Mercenary isn't a faction? Kinda thought it was a 'faction of no faction' if y'know what I mean.
A tall, broad-shouldered man pushes past him, hurriedly heading away from the challenge.
OOC: It is, but what I'm saying is if you want to go on one of the adventures I have planned, you'll have to go with one of the HQs for a little while.
A woman - gray of skin, black of hair, armored in leather, and with an eye patch over one eye - enters the town and walks to its center. A few morning* crowds have begun to gather around, going about their daily business, but they stop and listen as she begins to speak. "My name is Alpida. I come from the Shadow Kingdom with a challenge. Any who wishes to face me in combat may do so, one at a time, or as many as you wish. If any man or woman manages to touch me with weapon or hand, he or she will be given the opportunity to travel to the Shadow Kingdom and train for the chance - not the guarantee, merely the chance - to join the Shadow Guard. Let the challenges begin!" This news quickly spreads through the town, passed on by word of mouth. A handful attempt the challenge, but none yet succeed. Each time, Alpida's huge scimitar flashes through the air, disarming opponents before they can mount their first attack and then knocking them out with a smack from the flat of the blade. But from all corners of the town, mercenaries hear her challenge, and many more will come to try their luck.
Karthon hears, and knowing Alpida as he does, understands just how difficult her challenge might be. Azril Leifson and Wythnil Elkinson, newly arrived in town, hear whispers of the challenge almost as soon as they step foot into the village. Tathar Ornonna and the man called Anders hear the challenge from an excited man who bursts in to the Wolf's Head as they are eating breakfast. The rest of the mercenaries staying there quickly rush out to see it for themselves. And Gartt Ruthkie, watching from above, sees Alpida walk past Randel's inn to the town's center, hears her challenge, and watches as, one by one, all who face her fail.
*OOC: It's morning now, because I said so. No one ever really keeps track of time here, but last I heard it was kind of in the evening, so I'm just going to go ahead and say that the night has passed.
If anything, she seems to have improved since he last saw her. He watches as one man taps her on the hand just as he is knocked out. She does not let it happen again, but now that someone has won her challenge the other challengers seem to be a little bolder.
OOC: You'll have to pick a temporary faction eventually if you don't want to just sit here, but there's no rush yet.
IC: Karthon shrinks away from the surrounding people, still watching the match.
OOC: Oh, Mercenary isn't a faction? Kinda thought it was a 'faction of no faction' if y'know what I mean.
IC: Gartt sees Karthon through the crowd, and skirts densest parts to intercept him. He sees the broad shouldered man brush past him. By the time Gartt arrives at the spot where Karthon was he had lost sight of him. He looks around to try and spot him, but is disoriented by the mass of the crowd. "I must deliver the gift."
A woman - gray of skin, black of hair, armored in leather, and with an eye patch over one eye - enters the town and walks to its center. A few morning* crowds have begun to gather around, going about their daily business, but they stop and listen as she begins to speak. "My name is Alpida. I come from the Shadow Kingdom with a challenge. Any who wishes to face me in combat may do so, one at a time, or as many as you wish. If any man or woman manages to touch me with weapon or hand, he or she will be given the opportunity to travel to the Shadow Kingdom and train for the chance - not the guarantee, merely the chance - to join the Shadow Guard. Let the challenges begin!" This news quickly spreads through the town, passed on by word of mouth. A handful attempt the challenge, but none yet succeed. Each time, Alpida's huge scimitar flashes through the air, disarming opponents before they can mount their first attack and then knocking them out with a smack from the flat of the blade. But from all corners of the town, mercenaries hear her challenge, and many more will come to try their luck.
Karthon hears, and knowing Alpida as he does, understands just how difficult her challenge might be. Azril Leifson and Wythnil Elkinson, newly arrived in town, hear whispers of the challenge almost as soon as they step foot into the village. Tathar Ornonna and the man called Anders hear the challenge from an excited man who bursts in to the Wolf's Head as they are eating breakfast. The rest of the mercenaries staying there quickly rush out to see it for themselves. And Gartt Ruthkie, watching from above, sees Alpida walk past Randel's inn to the town's center, hears her challenge, and watches as, one by one, all who face her fail.
*OOC: It's morning now, because I said so. No one ever really keeps track of time here, but last I heard it was kind of in the evening, so I'm just going to go ahead and say that the night has passed.
IC: *Wolf watches for a bit, observing how she fights.*
She is very fast, and must be incredibly strong to wield that scimitar. Her movements are efficient and precise, but at first predictable. When one challenger touches her by reaching out as he is knocked unconscious, she changes her patterns slightly to prevent anyone from doing the same thing. When a second challenger touches her foot by immediately lunging toward the ground, she changes again. She still seems to follow set patterns, but now there are several and there is no way of telling which she will use when. A third challenger beats her by leaning towards the blade of the scimitar, forcing the woman to change her angle at the last minute to avoid smashing her, and the challenger takes this opportunity to get in a strike. Again, the patterns change.
