Practicing, Of Course. [O P E N]

Posts : 1234 Join date : 2010-12-26 Location : Canada

Malcolm whistled. "Blimey. Now you're really talking."
For his defensive style to remain effective against bludgeoning weapons like hammers and maces, Malcolm could no longer move relatively slowly as he was accustomed to-he had to really pick his feet up and angle his shield to block incoming strikes at an angle instead of straight on. This was never preferable for Malcolm, as the increased movement negated his philosophy of saving energy, but it was something he had to do, otherwise he'd end up with a badly dented shield and a numb left arm.
Exhaling, Malcolm stood on his tiptoes a few times, readying himself for Leo's next attack.

Posts : 901 Join date : 2010-05-22

I smile. Malcolm was too good of an opponent for me to risk a full assault. So instead I twist the handle of the warhammer, revealing a length of very thin, but very strong chain. I swing it in a tight circle over my head to build up speed then let it fly towards his shield going very fast.

Posts : 1234 Join date : 2010-12-26 Location : Canada

For all of his skills and intuition, Malcolm did not have top-tier speed like Chris Talbot, for example. Therefore he took the blow to his shield. It wasn't a head-on blow, but nevertheless a fairly solid one. Malcolm winced, but to his credit did not cry out.

Posts : 901 Join date : 2010-05-22

I grin and whip the hammer back to me for a second blow.

Posts : 1234 Join date : 2010-12-26 Location : Canada

Malcolm and Leo had been circling each other during their match. Now Malcolm's dropped spear was no longer behind Leo, but rather within reach.
I won't be able to take many more hits from that hammer, Malcolm thought. I have to mix it up now. Make him think he's got the upper hand and then surprise him.
Malcolm moved his shield arm and winced convincingly, making it seem he was more injured than he was.

Posts : 901 Join date : 2010-05-22

OOC: I don't think it was stated that we were circling each other but I suppose it was likely.
I do not fall for it. It took too long for him to wince, I doubted it was from actual pain. I take a quick look around him and see the spear that was now within his reach. I throw my hammer at the shaft of the spear, trying to break it in half or at least damage it.

Posts : 1234 Join date : 2010-12-26 Location : Canada

Malcolm reacted instantly. What he wanted to do was get Leo's defenses down for a moment. While his wince failed to do the job, Leo throwing his hammer at the spear provided a split-second window.
What Malcolm did next was the last thing he could be expected to do. He sprinted forward, hurling his shield at Leo.

Posts : 901 Join date : 2010-05-22

I leap to the left as the shield flies towards me. I then jump forward basically clotheslining Malcom. I summoned my sword in my other hand. I could use my hammer but now I had an open strike at malcoms back, which I quickly exploit.

Posts : 1234 Join date : 2010-12-26 Location : Canada

Malcolm tried to dive at the last second, but still got hit by Leo's attack and fell on the ground, losing his balance momentarily. However, he was able to quickly roll onto his back and bring his sword up to defend himself, while at the same time discreetly pulling his dagger.

Posts : 901 Join date : 2010-05-22

OOC: I never said I stabbed him

Posts : 1234 Join date : 2010-12-26 Location : Canada

OOC: You didn't. Malcolm was moving to evade the strike-Leo's sword grazed his skin making a small, insignificant cut.

Posts : 901 Join date : 2010-05-22

OOC: I never did anything with my sword. Just got it out. I specifically left off so you could react to being clotheslined so it wouldn't be powerplaying.

Posts : 1234 Join date : 2010-12-26 Location : Canada

OOC: Um, you said you quickly exploited your chance to strike at Malcolm's back. If you "quickly exploited" the chance, that means you have attacked.

Posts : 901 Join date : 2010-05-22

OOC: Ignore that bit then. I did not attack yet because that would be powerplaying. Assuming that the clothesline maneuver was succesful.

Posts : 1234 Join date : 2010-12-26 Location : Canada

OOC: Edited last post. Let's continue.

Posts : 901 Join date : 2010-05-22

I circle around him, interposing myself between him and his shield, which was many feet back at the wall it had hit when it missed me. I conjure up a shield of my own. I was at an advantage now.

Posts : 1234 Join date : 2010-12-26 Location : Canada

Great Scott. This bloke is good. Now Malcolm was in a position that was not at all preferable to him. But he remained calm, continuing to analyze Leo as he kept his dagger hidden for the time being.
"Come on, chap. Your move now," Malcolm said. Even with just a sword he was an excellent defender and knew how to parry an opponent's blows while expending minimal energy.

Posts : 901 Join date : 2010-05-22

I take a step forward and push him back with my shield. I move it aside and stab. Then as quick as lightning I hide behind it again. It was an age old tactic, effective and proven.

Posts : 1234 Join date : 2010-12-26 Location : Canada

Now it's time to see who's stamina can last, Malcolm thought. As an experienced shield user he was very familiar with this basic yet effective tactic employed by Leo. As long as he remained shieldless and without a spear, Malcolm's best chance was to keep alert and parrying his opponent's attacks. However, he had expended less energy than Leo so far, since Leo had spent the first part swinging exotic weaponry around while Malcolm remained defensive.

Posts : 901 Join date : 2010-05-22

Knowing that you can't parry a shield I used that as a weapon as much as my sword. I never let my guard down though. My opponent was too clever for me to risk that.

Posts : 1234 Join date : 2010-12-26 Location : Canada

Can't parry a shield. I'm starting to experience that firsthand for the first time in a while. Malcolm was forced to remain light on his feet, parrying sword strikes and taking real care to avoid shield bashes. If he got hit head on by any one of those, he was done.

Posts : 901 Join date : 2010-05-22

I stop suddenly. "you are stubborn," I note with a smile, "most people would have given up by now."

Posts : 1234 Join date : 2010-12-26 Location : Canada

"Stubborn?" Malcolm said with mock surprise before reverting to his usual tone. "I prefer patient. Besides, I'm not most people. And evidently neither are you."
Malcolm's sword changed back into a bronze chess king, which he pocketed. "Good fight, mate. Gave me my first run for my money in recent memory. If you don't mind, I'll go collect my weapons now."

OOC: How about we end the sparring match now? It can't go on forever, and both our characters have gotten their licks in.

Posts : 901 Join date : 2010-05-22

OOC: ok that sounds good. how about you initialize the wrapping up?

Posts : 1234 Join date : 2010-12-26 Location : Canada

OOC: Post edited.

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