[OOC] The Black Mountain (open tournament)

[Chimera]

@Drifting Pollen I'm fine with the Eon form being locked for the duration of the tournament. Do tell me if you reconsider them, though.

As for the Selenic form, I'm guessing you're not fine with it becoming completely invisible? I was thinking the hilt could be seen, so an enemy would know where the blade is pointing, however they wouldn't be able to estimate the weapon's length until after the initial strike.

[Drifting Pollen]

@Drifting Pollen I'm fine with the Eon form being locked for the duration of the tournament. Do tell me if you reconsider them, though.

As for the Selenic form, I'm guessing you're not fine with it becoming completely invisible? I was thinking the hilt could be seen, so an enemy would know where the blade is pointing, however they wouldn't be able to estimate the weapon's length until after the initial strike.

@Chimera

Okay, good to know. I'll let you know if I make any alterations or anything to power levels, although I do prefer to keep things stable.

The Selenic form was less overtly powerful, but I was worried about its invisibility being used to set up impossible-to-dodge strikes. The hilt being visible would make such attacks less easy for her, which is definitely enough.

Thanks for working with me on this. With the restrictions you specified, Iolanthe is approved, I'll add her to the list now!

That gives us 6 fighters registered so far, so we'd only need a couple more for a good number to start. @Vile @DJAtomika you two still interested?

[DJAtomika]

@Drifting Pollen Oh whoops I forgot to send you a fighter did I

Well since everyone's posting theirs, I'll post mine here too. Probably the lowest power fighter I've ever made.

IV - The Emperor

Guzman Galliard III - The Emperor

"It is my sworn duty to protect my family and my kingdom!"

Vitals

Name: Guzman Galliard III

Title: King Gallant; The Emperor

Age: 53

Sex: Male

Date of birth: Feast Day, Year 403

Lineage: Galliard family, Heirs of the Golden Throne

Class/Major: Paladin

Class/Minor: Shieldbearer

Occupation: King of the lands of Reculus

Alignment: Lawful Good

Marital Status: Married; three daughters, one son.

Birthplace: Ulysses, Reculus

Blood Type: ?

Eye Color: Brown

Height: 7' 5"

Weight: 300 lbs

Hair Color/Style: Windswept long grey hair, curly. Mustache and full beard. Beard is braided.

General Appearance: Galliard is a big hulk of a man, titan-like in appearance. Clad in all manner of animal skins and leather armour, with furred hunting boots, a cloak of thick hide and a crown of gold and jewels, he is every way the spitting image of his title, King Gallant. A trophy necklace of animal teeth adorns his neck.

Skin Tone/Condition: Tanned, scarred.

Markings: His chest is covered in ritual tattoos of great hunts (a pack of dire wolves, a phoenix and a great serpent) and victories against his worst aggressors (an undead king, a bloodthirsty psychopath and a rival warlord). On his back is tattooed his family crest: a kite shield underneath a crossed sword and axe, with an eagle flying out from the top and a bear beneath.

Bio

Voice: Loud, booming. Gaelic accent.

Personality: Upright. Loyal to a fault. Protective of those he considers family. Jovial. Steadfast. Earnest. Headstrong.

Backstory: Guzman Galliard the Third was born in the township of Ulysses, a castle-fortress that served as a place of stay for travelers on the Kingdom Highway and the homes for the many farmers in the rolling hills. He belonged to the Galliard line of kings; honorable and heroic men who were in charge of the safety and prosperity of Ulysses. His father, Oswald Galliard the Fourth, handed Guzman the throne at the turn of the 427th Year, heralding the new year with a new king.

For twenty years Guzman held the throne, besting many a foe and bringing the same good fortune and health to the townspeople under his care. He married a young woman during this time, later to be the queen and mother of his son, Grimmond. They would have three more children through the years, three lovely daughters: Griffith, Maine and Rose. By his fiftieth year of age, Guzman was growing old and Grimmond was reaching his twenty-first birthday. And then, in the year 456, it was finally time.

All the townspeople were gathered in the castle courtyard. A grand feast was held in celebration of the old king passing his crown to the new. The whole family was present, including Guzman's father, now elderly but still healthy. Toasts were made, songs were sung and everybody was happy. At the end, Guzman was to present the crown and his ceremonial sword to his son and the ceremony would be complete.

It would never come to be.

The mysterious being known as the Dealer made its appearance, sealing Guzman within the card of the Emperor. It then vanished, leaving the kingdom in an uproar as the Galliard family tried to figure out what had happened.

Meanwhile, between the dimensions, the Dealer cut Guzman a deal: if he did as he commanded, he would be allowed to return to his kingdom once a year to visit his family and make sure the kingdom was in order. Without any other choices, the good King obeyed. The first cycle around, Guzman immediately ordered another ceremonial crown, sword and shield made due to his extended absence.

Now the original crown, sword and shield lay with the once-King on his travels through the dimensions, dealing the Dealer's justice where he sees fit.

Combat Stats

Dominant Hand: Right

Equipment:

• Upper Body
  • Ring of Frost; a sapphire ring on his left index finger. When the gem is touched it charges for a second then unleashes a five foot long, three foot wide cone of cold that slowly freezes anything within its reach.
  • Ring of Flame; a ruby ring on his left ring finger. When the gem is touched it charges for a second then fires a ball of fire in a ballistic trajectory towards a target. The fireball travels straight for about fifty feet before it starts to dip.
  • Ring of Healing; a pearl ring on his right ring finger. When the pearl is touched it charges then releases a burst of healing magic, instantly healing any moderate to light wounds.
• Lower Body
  • -

Weapons

• Bormak's Wrath; a large two-handed battle axe taken in combat after Galliard felled an enemy warlord that was muscling in on his territories violently and mercilessly. Galliard rode into battle, bested Bormak and claimed his axe as a fitting trophy and a warning to others not to contest his might.
• Stalwart Shield; a kite shield forged by his blacksmiths, the shield has served as his family's badge of honour and as protective gear for all generations of the Galliard line.
• Gallant Duty; a short sword also forged by family blacksmiths. Has been used by all generations of the family line as their combat and ceremonial sword. The sword is a double edged sword, reminiscent of a real world gladius.

Abilities

• Superhuman King; through years of refining, hunting, fighting and waging war, Guzman's body has attained a significantly higher level of strength and endurance than your regular human. His reflexes are also heightened.
• Titan; Guzman's immense strength lends force and weight to his blows. Each is like being hit with a sledgehammer.
• Unkillable; if the King is felled in combat (and he will cause he bleeds like any other human), the Dealer recalls his body into his card. The magics within the card restore and heal his body to optimal levels, thus ensuring that he can never truly die.

Magic

• -

[Drifting Pollen]

@Drifting Pollen Oh whoops I forgot to send you a fighter did I

Well since everyone's posting theirs, I'll post mine here too. Probably the lowest power fighter I've ever made.

IV - The Emperor

Guzman Galliard III - The Emperor

"It is my sworn duty to protect my family and my kingdom!"

Vitals

Name: Guzman Galliard III

Title: King Gallant; The Emperor

Age: 53

Sex: Male

Date of birth: Feast Day, Year 403

Lineage: Galliard family, Heirs of the Golden Throne

Class/Major: Paladin

Class/Minor: Shieldbearer

Occupation: King of the lands of Reculus

Alignment: Lawful Good

Marital Status: Married; three daughters, one son.

Birthplace: Ulysses, Reculus

Blood Type: ?

Eye Color: Brown

Height: 7' 5"

Weight: 300 lbs

Hair Color/Style: Windswept long grey hair, curly. Mustache and full beard. Beard is braided.

General Appearance: Galliard is a big hulk of a man, titan-like in appearance. Clad in all manner of animal skins and leather armour, with furred hunting boots, a cloak of thick hide and a crown of gold and jewels, he is every way the spitting image of his title, King Gallant. A trophy necklace of animal teeth adorns his neck.

Skin Tone/Condition: Tanned, scarred.

Markings: His chest is covered in ritual tattoos of great hunts (a pack of dire wolves, a phoenix and a great serpent) and victories against his worst aggressors (an undead king, a bloodthirsty psychopath and a rival warlord). On his back is tattooed his family crest: a kite shield underneath a crossed sword and axe, with an eagle flying out from the top and a bear beneath.

Bio

Voice: Loud, booming. Gaelic accent.

Personality: Upright. Loyal to a fault. Protective of those he considers family. Jovial. Steadfast. Earnest. Headstrong.

Backstory: Guzman Galliard the Third was born in the township of Ulysses, a castle-fortress that served as a place of stay for travelers on the Kingdom Highway and the homes for the many farmers in the rolling hills. He belonged to the Galliard line of kings; honorable and heroic men who were in charge of the safety and prosperity of Ulysses. His father, Oswald Galliard the Fourth, handed Guzman the throne at the turn of the 427th Year, heralding the new year with a new king.

For twenty years Guzman held the throne, besting many a foe and bringing the same good fortune and health to the townspeople under his care. He married a young woman during this time, later to be the queen and mother of his son, Grimmond. They would have three more children through the years, three lovely daughters: Griffith, Maine and Rose. By his fiftieth year of age, Guzman was growing old and Grimmond was reaching his twenty-first birthday. And then, in the year 456, it was finally time.

All the townspeople were gathered in the castle courtyard. A grand feast was held in celebration of the old king passing his crown to the new. The whole family was present, including Guzman's father, now elderly but still healthy. Toasts were made, songs were sung and everybody was happy. At the end, Guzman was to present the crown and his ceremonial sword to his son and the ceremony would be complete.

It would never come to be.

The mysterious being known as the Dealer made its appearance, sealing Guzman within the card of the Emperor. It then vanished, leaving the kingdom in an uproar as the Galliard family tried to figure out what had happened.

Meanwhile, between the dimensions, the Dealer cut Guzman a deal: if he did as he commanded, he would be allowed to return to his kingdom once a year to visit his family and make sure the kingdom was in order. Without any other choices, the good King obeyed. The first cycle around, Guzman immediately ordered another ceremonial crown, sword and shield made due to his extended absence.

Now the original crown, sword and shield lay with the once-King on his travels through the dimensions, dealing the Dealer's justice where he sees fit.

Combat Stats

Dominant Hand: Right

Equipment:

• Upper Body
  • Ring of Frost; a sapphire ring on his left index finger. When the gem is touched it charges for a second then unleashes a five foot long, three foot wide cone of cold that instantly freezes anything within its reach.
  • Ring of Flame; a ruby ring on his left ring finger. When the gem is touched it charges for a second then fires a ball of fire in a ballistic trajectory towards a target. The fireball travels straight for about fifty feet before it starts to dip.
  • Ring of Healing; a pearl ring on his right ring finger. When the pearl is touched it charges then releases a burst of healing magic, instantly healing any moderate to light wounds.
• Lower Body
  • -

Weapons

• Bormak's Wrath; a large two-handed battle axe taken in combat after Galliard felled an enemy warlord that was muscling in on his territories violently and mercilessly. Galliard rode into battle, bested Bormak and claimed his axe as a fitting trophy and a warning to others not to contest his might.
• Stalwart Shield; a kite shield forged by his blacksmiths, the shield has served as his family's badge of honour and as protective gear for all generations of the Galliard line.
• Gallant Duty; a short sword also forged by family blacksmiths. Has been used by all generations of the family line as their combat and ceremonial sword. The sword is a double edged sword, reminiscent of a real world gladius.

Abilities

• Superhuman King; through years of refining, hunting, fighting and waging war, Guzman's body has attained a significantly higher level of strength and endurance than your regular human. His reflexes are also heightened.
• Titan; Guzman's immense strength lends force and weight to his blows. Each is like being hit with several hundred sledgehammers at once.
• Unkillable; if the King is felled in combat (and he will cause he bleeds like any other human), the Dealer recalls his body into his card. The magics within the card restore and heal his body to optimal levels, thus ensuring that he can never truly die.

Magic

• -

@DJAtomika

Well, you got him submitted now! :)

There's some things I'd like clarifying, however, as well as somethings you need to tone down:

- First and foremost, 'Unkillable' is only a way to remove him from battle (thus forfeiting) so you can use him again in the future, right? This would probably seem obvious, but I once fought someone with a similar ability who literally used it to revive their character mid-battle and keep fighting... so I would like confirmation that this will not be abused in such a manner.

- Secondly, the rings. You mentioned they charge before activating, would this work similarly to prepping a spell? Would the charging of the rings be perceptible to an observer in any way?

- Thirdly, the ring of Frost 'instantly' freezes anything within its reach. Maybe it's just the wording, but wouldn't this make the attack virtually impossible to avoid? There's no way for a fighter to know how far the cone extends (unless they've seen it before), and if the freezing is instant it would be impossible to get out of... perhaps the cone could expand outwards from the ring, and/or take some time to freeze what falls within the cone.

- Lastly, the Titan ability is fine in concept... but 'several hundred sledgehammers at once' is waaaaaaaaaay too much strength. You've already given him enhanced physical abilities with Superhuman King, so I'd recommend either removing Titan entirely or toning it down to something like Shen's Qi enhancement (which adds up to around one sledgehammer of extra force per blow, and costs him stamina at that).

Hope this isn't too much trouble... but yeah, would like to get this stuff sorted out before approving. Thank you!

[Fallenreaper]

This still accepting? *peeks around...*

[Drifting Pollen]

This still accepting? *peeks around...*

@Fallenreaper

Yup! We had a bunch of declarations of interest, but one of them (Vile) hasn't confirmed it or submitted a character, even when I Mentioned him. So if you can get a character up within the next couple days, I'll give you a spot!

[DJAtomika]

<Snipped quote by DJAtomika>

Well, you got him submitted now! :)

There's some things I'd like clarifying, however, as well as somethings you need to tone down:

- First and foremost, 'Unkillable' is only a way to remove him from battle (thus forfeiting) so you can use him again in the future, right? This would probably seem obvious, but I once fought someone with a similar ability who literally used it to revive their character mid-battle and keep fighting... so I would like confirmation that this will not be abused in such a manner.

- Secondly, the rings. You mentioned they charge before activating, would this work similarly to prepping a spell? Would the charging of the rings be perceptible to an observer in any way?

- Thirdly, the ring of Frost 'instantly' freezes anything within its reach. Maybe it's just the wording, but wouldn't this make the attack virtually impossible to avoid? There's no way for a fighter to know how far the cone extends (unless they've seen it before), and if the freezing is instant it would be impossible to get out of... perhaps the cone could expand outwards from the ring, and/or take some time to freeze what falls within the cone.

- Lastly, the Titan ability is fine in concept... but 'several hundred sledgehammers at once' is waaaaaaaaaay too much strength. You've already given him enhanced physical abilities with Superhuman King, so I'd recommend either removing Titan entirely or toning it down to something like Shen's Qi enhancement (which adds up to around one sledgehammer of extra force per blow, and costs him stamina at that).

Hope this isn't too much trouble... but yeah, would like to get this stuff sorted out before approving. Thank you!

@Drifting Pollen

1) He can be "killed" yes but the regeneration process is so long he might as well be out of combat. It's the same with the rest of my characters.

2) Yes. Touch, charge, fire.

3) Yes it extends in a cone. Guess I didn't phrase right. It'll freeze just about anything, not instantly but like Diablo style.

4) Sure.

[Drifting Pollen]

<Snipped quote by Drifting Pollen>

1) He can be "killed" yes but the regeneration process is so long he might as well be out of combat. It's the same with the rest of my characters.

2) Yes. Touch, charge, fire.

3) Yes it extends in a cone. Guess I didn't phrase right. It'll freeze just about anything, not instantly but like Diablo style.

4) Sure.

@DJAtomika

Excellent! You'll want to edit your CS to clarify #3 and alter #4, but I figure I can trust you on that so I'm going go ahead and say the Emperor is approved. Will add him to the list of contestants now!

And then there were seven... Once the next fighter is approved, I'll probably get the ball rolling and start announcing match-ups.

[DJAtomika]

Done.

[Fallenreaper]

Alright, mind if I shot some questions on the OoC while I’m working on Trixi, my PC who’s entering this? Others might end up having the same questions or not even thought of them until much later, so I thought I do it this way instead of PMing it. ow, apologies if I mention something that was mentioned prior since I’m still going over the OoC to gleam everything I can.

Questions:

1. I’ve been an observer of the arena for some times, seeing numerous ways of how to do preps, so this might seem a bit odd when I ask this but how are preps done?

To be clearer on my meaning, it’s not how are they are performed as I understand the basics behind them, but rather what time measurement will be used to determine when one has completed a prep? Some people use seconds (having partners mentally keeping track in their minds and between each other’s own measurement) or x number of posts for establishing a prep like when I first started to observe the arena. I’ve seen either method being used and know how both work but wanted to try fit with the current group so it doesn't make things harder on myself. Nothing cripples you like person A using posts for preps while person B, C, D, etc are using seconds and getting a bit more in per post which can last up to about 6 seconds or so depending on the actions.

2. You mentioned there are no draws or ties so I’m assuming matches go on until there’s an official winner or dropout. Is there a time limit until each ends or merely do the winners wait until the others matches have finished, and hope it doesn’t take a long time even with the fast posting rate?

3. What happen if both players manage to get each other into a stalemate? Rare and likely shouldn’t be an issue, but it’s still possible. And how will it be handled if this happens?

4. For the Fallen, how do matches occur? It sounds like Players can chose their foes from the impression I get. Or are these matches determined by another source?

5. Since we’re climbing the mountain, I’m assuming there’s no way to heal our wounds (realistically) between each match that is accessible for everyone?

Reason I asked was I was recalling the NoW tourney, which had healing chambers and non-combative area for storytelling (this part covered by the shrines), and was a way to ensure all combatants were able to fight at their peak rather than keep track of the damage from each match to the next. Currently, I’m trying to make sure what to expect while I’m making my PC for it. She is mainly human, even being an limited Electrokinetic, with all the weaknesses that come with it after all. Some of these abilities from your reviews would create hell with a normal human (even with time to heal naturally or allowed equipment) and I much rather not have to worry about keeping track of the damage and its effect over a long time…

6. Could you define the T1 default a bit part a bit because as Skallagrim pointed out, there’s several different styles out there and each are a little different. Namely one aspect I recall, but don’t quote me, were how preps were handled and I much rather have a clear image of what I’m expected to use so I’m not getting chewed out later. I’m sorry if I sound nitpicky here but I’m honestly trying to get a good grasp of the rules and stuff before issues happen.

7. Is it possible to define the stone types and a few other details in the arenas? Namely what’s in them, now tall the trees, what type/design,etc.? Sorry, but since Trixi is able to alter the charge in protons/neutrons, which is how she logically creates her electricity to use in her spells, then this can be influence minerals and metals in different ways. Some good or bad, which I still need to research that aspect but I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t hurt to know? Unless you’re going by the old standby that key things can’t be affected due to magical prevention then could you please clarify what elements are affected?

I think… that’s all I have for now. I hope I’m not being a pain in the ass over all these things I’ve mentioned, but I’ve often learned when battling with strangers it’s the details that are important. It decides when/if an issue comes up and can prevent many before a disagreement occurs. A main reason most of my designed arenas tend to be very detailed and I try to avoid giving useless information or other wise known as fluff.

One last thing: Be gentle and don't eat me please! >_>

[Drifting Pollen]

Alright, mind if I shot some questions on the OoC while I’m working on Trixi, my PC who’s entering this? Others might end up having the same questions or not even thought of them until much later, so I thought I do it this way instead of PMing it. ow, apologies if I mention something that was mentioned prior since I’m still going over the OoC to gleam everything I can.

@Fallenreaper

Hooooo boy, okay:

1. Time tends to be pretty fluid, and as you said the amount can vary from post to post. If an ability has a specific time noted in it (e.g. "after a delay of three seconds, a fireball is launched"), then the opponent will likely interpret it in such a frame. For the sake of unspecified preparations, however, it's down to posts. If you charge or set up something in one post and use it later on, it's prepped. Given the mostly physical nature of combat at this level, however, I doubt that the number of preps will be particularly important, since none of the characters involved should really have the power to build up massive attacks.

2. There will be a time limit for tourney rounds. Rather than impose a limit on the matches themselves, I intend to simply set a date when the next round starts, and have all matches conclude by then. Fallen matches will be unaffected by this schedule, though it will be in the interest of participants to finish them fast.

3. If a stalemate occurs, either a contestant can concede or a judge (possibly Skalla if he's available) can review the fight so far to determine a victor (probably whoever is the least wounded, or who has dominated the fight so far).

4. Fallen matches are purely optional, and players choose their opponents. If two Fallen want to fight, they can get together and fight, in the hopes that one of them might amass enough victories for another shot at the title.

5. Damage from previous fights can be pretty much ignored, contestants start each fight in reasonable condition (otherwise, the later fights would be a bunch of cripples throwing themselves at each other :P ). Fighters may choose to keep wounds/scars if they wish, but this is optional.

6. Fighting is turn-based, you can't directly control the opponent's character, something you get ready for in advance is prepped, preps can result in more powerful attacks, you can't really ignore what your opponent is doing, and actions have to be plausible/justified... there are different styles, but we're trying to be inclusive here, so mostly just the basics.

7. The stone is supposedly made from dead angels- so it'd be dark, very hard, and not particularly conductive. The trees are fairly thin, mostly around 10-20 meters in height. Terrain within the arenas can be affected, but the solid borders/doors are virtually indestructible.

Hope that helps, let me know if you have other questions.

[Fallenreaper]

Thank you and very appreciated as it answered some concerns I had over making Trixi and if I should've toned her down much more then I intended.

[Doc Doctor]

Time for the opening post?

[Drifting Pollen]

Time for the opening post?

@Doc Doctor

Going to give it a little bit longer, since eight is an easy number to work with and Fallenreaper seemed to have a character almost ready.

[Fallenreaper]

<Snipped quote by Doc Doctor>

Going to give it a little bit longer, since eight is an easy number to work with and Fallenreaper seemed to have a character almost ready.

@Drifting Pollen

I'm getting her there. Mainly I'm trying to work over some paranoia issues about making her too strong or too weak. >,< I swear, she's coming along slowly! *head smacks on desk*

[Skallagrim]

<Snipped quote by Drifting Pollen>

I'm getting her there. Mainly I'm trying to work over some paranoia issues about making her too strong or too weak. >,< I swear, she's coming along slowly! *head smacks on desk*

@Fallenreaper

Your character-fu is weak grasshopper.

[MelonHead]

<Snipped quote by Drifting Pollen>

I'm getting her there. Mainly I'm trying to work over some paranoia issues about making her too strong or too weak. >,< I swear, she's coming along slowly! *head smacks on desk*

@Fallenreaper

I wouldn't worry about making a character too weak, I'm not sure it's within any Arena-goers capacity.

[Fallenreaper]

<Snipped quote by Fallenreaper>

Your character-fu is weak grasshopper.

@Skallagrim

It's not the PC I'm having issues with, it's how not to cripple myself. XD

<Snipped quote by Fallenreaper>

I wouldn't worry about making a character too weak, I'm not sure it's within any Arena-goers capacity.

@MelonHead

Strength and weakness is all about perspective really. I can think of numerous things to do with a single ability like electricity thanks to conversations with a friend of mine. Namely using static (which some might consider weak) for a targeting system and making it rather hard to avoid a simple lightning spell by using the same principle as when lightning hits the ground or you get shocked by a door knob (only longer distance). However, I don't want to aim to win but have fun and if I win, well that's a bonus. If I manage to challenge people and learn something, then I've already won in the long run.

[Chimera]

@Drifting Pollen During the calm before the storm, I decided to make a few sketches of Iolanthe, and... There are some things left too vague about her equipment. Is it too late to make a couple changes to her equipment, before the battles kick off?

[Vordak]

BTW, in the third arena, the pit with magma, how long/wide/heavy and hot are the iron bridges exactly, and can they be picked up? It'd be a delight to smack someone across the face with.