Duvors

"Hmm, judging by what we have here our likeliest candidate is Garibzo, with the Syndicate trailing at a distant second. I do not think this matches the style of the other two, but I could be wrong." "What?" Enson looked at the Cricet in consternation. "Why would anyone do that? This is a public access terminal, there shouldn't be any sensitive information on here. Unless they wanted to download library entries, but there should be proper dataports for that, correct? Or am I mistaken?"

Round 4 Ronin moves to 6 Ronin defends himself (+4) Helena rallies Ronin (+3) Hector defends Ronin (+2) Decker attempts bribery - Rebuffed! Used the wrong bribe. Pip Persuasion Check (DC 1 3): (3,3,2,2,6,6) two successes Eqi rallies Ronin (+2) 'Cyberdude' defends Kenshi (+2) 'Mustache' rallies Kenshi (+3) Kenshi moves to 3 Kenshi defends himself (+3) 'Mushrooms' defend Kenshi (+1) 'Posh Guy' attempts bribery vs. Henrik - Accepted! Henrik Initiative Check: (2) Zero successes The Fight has paused for a moment, the two combatants moving slowly around the space, looking for weaknesses in each-other's defense. The crescendo of the crowd is swiftly approaching it's height, as more and more voices add themselves to the great voice. They offer advice, warnings, platitudes, and encouragements in equal measure. It's not a large crowd by any means, but the noise they make in the confines of temple row is deafening nonetheless. Some however, have chosen other means to support their candidates... Elfonn looks blankly at the credits for a moment, before shifting his gaze to look Decker dead in the eyes. "Decker, buddy, friend, you know what I want. May I have it please?" Meanwhile, another of Ronin's supporters is trying to rally aid to the cause. "Come on Henrik, just one time! It can't hurt." "How many times do I have to say no? You've been here long enough to know me better than this." At this point, the posh man interrupts with a cough. "Excuse me, sorry to interrupt, but this is frankly embarrassing to watch. Henrik?" "Yes, Mr. Wilcox?" "Have a little something for your ailing mother." said Wilcox, handing the bookseller twenty credits. "Thank you, Mr. Wilcox. Go Kenshi!" "Why you...!" Enemy Kenshi (Duelist) ??? cycles old male Human Swashbuckler Stamina: 6/6 Velocity: 3 Strength: 3 Skill: 3 Smarts: 1 Proficiencies: Acrobatics 5, Insight 1, Melee 3, Performance 1 Credits: 10 Equipment: Well Made Sword (Calibrated Kinetic Melee Weapon), Cognitive Enhancer (Tool) adds +1 die to Skill and Smarts Checks Inventory: Pizza (Consumable) Has 4 uses, heals 2 Vitality per use. Multiple uses may be spent in one action, and may be split between self and adjacent allies. 'Cyberdude' (Bystander) Velocity: 3 Skill: 2 Smarts: 2 Proficiencies: Persuasion 2 Special: Cannot be convinced to not support Kenshi. 'Intelligent Mushrooms' (Bystander) Velocity: 1 Skill: 1 Smarts: 2 Proficiencies: Deception 2, Intimidation 1, Performance 2, Persuasion 2 'Magnificent Mustache' (Bystander) Velocity: 2 Skill: 3 Smarts: 3 Proficiencies: None that would help. 'Posh Guy' Mortimer Wilcox (Bystander) Velocity: 1 Skill: 0 Smarts: 5 Proficiencies: None that would help. Credits: 45  Henrik the filthy, no good, lying, son of a b... (Bystander) Velocity: 1 Skill: 1 Smarts: 4 Proficiencies: Deception 1, Persuasion 2, Performance 1 Credits: 20, I hope you choke on them you rat! When I get through with you... Special: Convincing them to move away from unaligned is a DC 3 Check. Money also works. Party Ronin (Yzalirk) (Duelist)[REDACTED] Male [REDACTED]Character Points: 0/19Stamina: 2/7Velocity: 3 4Strength: 1Skill: 4Smarts: 3Spirit: 0/0Proficiencies: Athletics 1, Artillery 1, Deception 1, Melee Weapons 2, Perception 1, Stealth 1, Survival 1Known Spells: NoneCredits: 222Equipment: Cloaking Generator, Hard Light Katana (Calibrated Energy Melee Weapon), Rocketpack - Armor Attachment (+1 to Velocity when wearing this armor)Inventory: Gator Tooth (Can be converted into either a Kinetic or Elemental Standard Melee Weapon by a craftsman), Ion Laser (Calibrated Energy Artillery Weapon), Flashlight (Tool), Workman's Outfit (Standard Kinetic Armor) Filtration, Frozen Blood (Consumable) ???, Sleep Gel (Consumable) ???, Lamplight (Consumable) ???, Æther Shroud (Consumable) ???, Cytherian Salts x2 (Consumable) ??? Decker DaCabe (Endgame) (Bystander)24 year old male HumanVelocity: 2Skill: 3Smarts: 1Proficiencies: Melee Weapons 1, Short Range Weapons 2, Medicine 1, Perception 1, Athletics 1Credits: 52Equipment: Double Barrel Voltaic Shotgun (Calibrated Energy Short Range Weapon), Workman's Outfit (Standard Kinetic Armor) FiltrationInventory: Unloaded Pistol (Calibrated Kinetic Melee Weapon), Sandblasted Cuirass (Standard Kinetic Armor), Flashlight (Tool), Old Wolfclaw Veteran's Shield (Substandard Kinetic Armor) Dented Iron, Telescopic Stock - Weapon Attachment (Spend an action to change this weapon's optimal range by 1 category), Plasma Potion 2x Pip (Bystander) Velocity: 1 Skill: 1 Smarts: 1 Proficiencies: Persuasion 3 Special: Can only shift alignment away from the heroes via intimidation. Helena Morrigan (Bystander) Velocity: 2 Skill: 3 Smarts: 3 Proficiencies: Deception 1, Persuasion 1 Special: Cannot be more than one step away from Hector McCloud. Hector McCloud (Bystander) Velocity: 2 Skill: 2 Smarts: 1 Proficiencies: Persuasion 3 Special: Cannot be more than one step away from Helena Morrigan. Eqi (Bystander) Velocity: 1 Skill: 1 Smarts: 2 Proficiencies: Intimidation 3 Unaligned Bystanders Elfonn Deshelf Velocity: As fast as Decker Skill: 5 Smarts: 5 Proficiencies: Insight 5, Intimidation 5, Perception 5, Stealth 5 Special: Requires bribery. 'Rock Elf' Velocity: 2 Skill: 2 Smarts: 1 Proficiencies: Intimidation 1, Perfomance 3, Persuasion 1

Thank you both! The pictures are really my favorite part of the whole thing, but they're really hard to make. Posing all those floating parts in stud.io is very tricky.

"Unfortunately no. Collette!" he called across the room, "Has someone been messing with this terminal? The controls are jittering about all over the place."

Round 3 Ronin vs. Kenshi - (2,3,+2) Two successes vs. (5,3,6,4) Three successes = Zero damage Riposte! Kenshi vs. Ronin - (2,5,5,+2) Four successes vs. (5,4,6,2) Three successes = One damage Helena defends Ronin (+3) Hector Persuasion Check (DC 1 3): (2,3,5,2,4,2) Two successes Decker Persuasion Check (DC 1 3): (6,2,1) One success Pip Persuasion Check (DC 1): (5,3,1,1,6,5) Three successes 'Cyberdude' Persuasion Check (DC 1 3): (1,1,6,2,6) 'Mustache' rallies Kenshi (+3) Kenshi vs. Ronin - (6,6,3,4,4,2,+2) Six successes vs. (2,3,3,2,1,6,4) Two successes = Four damage Kenshi moves to 1 "Mushroom' Persuasion Check (DC 1): (2,1,4,5,5) Three successes 'Robo Girl' Eqi Initiative Check: (1) Zero successes 'Posh Guy' Initiative Check: (1) Zero successes Ronin lunges for Kenshi, trying to slip past his guard. Kenshi is ready for him though, parrying the blow and using his momentum to deliver a curving cut that would've landed the sad of Ronin's head had he not stopped short. Leveraging his momentum, Kenshi darts round Ronin's side and even though Helena tries to warn Ronin, delivers a beautiful vertical slash directly from behind. Ronin can feel the air wake of the sword coming within centimeters of his back, and is glad that his enemy is holding back. As Ronin turns to face him, Kenshi steps back, putting some distance between them. Decker, meanwhile, is seeking new recruits for the cause. "Sure thing. I gotta warn you though, Even though he's less of a cynic than most of them vendors, Henrik still don't like gettin' involved in this sort of thing." "I'm sorry sir, but I'm not really interested in this sort of thing." "Oh come on Henrik, live a little for once." "Yeah, live a little!" It appears the cyborg has followed you. "C'mon man, you know Kenshi! Why would you want to root for this guy?" "No, no, no. I'm sorry, but this just isn't my thing." In the meantime, the pile of mushrooms is making more friends. The bookseller's former customer is now deep in conversation with them. At least you think he is, it sounds like he's the only one talking. Pip, meanwhile, continues to root for Ronin, his attitude seemingly infectious. "C'mon Ronin, you can take this guy! Ro-nin! Ro-nin! Ro-nin!" "Yes. Ronin. Ronin. Ronin. Woooo." Enemy Kenshi (Duelist) ??? cycles old male Human Swashbuckler Stamina: 6/6 Velocity: 3 Strength: 3 Skill: 3 Smarts: 1 Proficiencies: Acrobatics 5, Insight 1, Melee 3, Performance 1 Credits: 10 Equipment: Well Made Sword (Calibrated Kinetic Melee Weapon), Cognitive Enhancer (Tool) adds +1 die to Skill and Smarts Checks Inventory: Pizza (Consumable) Has 4 uses, heals 2 Vitality per use. Multiple uses may be spent in one action, and may be split between self and adjacent allies. 'Cyberdude' (Bystander) Velocity: 3 Skill: 2 Smarts: 2 Proficiencies: Persuasion 2 Special: Cannot be convinced to not support Kenshi. 'Intelligent Mushrooms' (Bystander) Velocity: 1 Skill: 1 Smarts: 2 Proficiencies: Deception 2, Intimidation 1, Performance 2, Persuasion 2 'Magnificent Mustache' (Bystander) Velocity: 2 Skill: 3 Smarts: 3 Proficiencies: None that would help. 'Posh Guy' (Bystander) Velocity: 1 Skill: 0 Smarts: 5 Proficiencies: None that would help. Credits: 65 Party Ronin (Yzalirk) (Duelist)[REDACTED] Male [REDACTED]Character Points: 0/19Stamina: 2/7Velocity: 3 4Strength: 1Skill: 4Smarts: 3Spirit: 0/0Proficiencies: Athletics 1, Artillery 1, Deception 1, Melee Weapons 2, Perception 1, Stealth 1, Survival 1Known Spells: NoneCredits: 222Equipment: Cloaking Generator, Hard Light Katana (Calibrated Energy Melee Weapon), Rocketpack - Armor Attachment (+1 to Velocity when wearing this armor)Inventory: Gator Tooth (Can be converted into either a Kinetic or Elemental Standard Melee Weapon by a craftsman), Ion Laser (Calibrated Energy Artillery Weapon), Flashlight (Tool), Workman's Outfit (Standard Kinetic Armor) Filtration, Frozen Blood (Consumable) ???, Sleep Gel (Consumable) ???, Lamplight (Consumable) ???, Æther Shroud (Consumable) ???, Cytherian Salts x2 (Consumable) ??? Decker DaCabe (Endgame) (Bystander)24 year old male HumanVelocity: 2Skill: 3Smarts: 1Proficiencies: Melee Weapons 1, Short Range Weapons 2, Medicine 1, Perception 1, Athletics 1Credits: 52Equipment: Double Barrel Voltaic Shotgun (Calibrated Energy Short Range Weapon), Workman's Outfit (Standard Kinetic Armor) FiltrationInventory: Unloaded Pistol (Calibrated Kinetic Melee Weapon), Sandblasted Cuirass (Standard Kinetic Armor), Flashlight (Tool), Old Wolfclaw Veteran's Shield (Substandard Kinetic Armor) Dented Iron, Telescopic Stock - Weapon Attachment (Spend an action to change this weapon's optimal range by 1 category), Plasma Potion 2x Pip (Bystander) Velocity: 1 Skill: 1 Smarts: 1 Proficiencies: Persuasion 3 Special: Can only shift alignment away from the heroes via intimidation. Helena Morrigan (Bystander) Velocity: 2 Skill: 3 Smarts: 3 Proficiencies: Deception 1, Persuasion 1 Special: Cannot be more than one step away from Hector McCloud. Hector McCloud (Bystander) Velocity: 2 Skill: 2 Smarts: 1 Proficiencies: Persuasion 3 Special: Cannot be more than one step away from Helena Morrigan. Eqi (Bystander) Velocity: 1 Skill: 1 Smarts: 2 Proficiencies: Intimidation 3 Unaligned Bystanders Elfonn Deshelf Velocity: As fast as Decker Skill: 5 Smarts: 5 Proficiencies: Insight 5, Intimidation 5, Perception 5, Stealth 5 Special: Requires bribery. 'Rock Elf' Velocity: 2 Skill: 2 Smarts: 1 Proficiencies: Intimidation 1, Perfomance 3, Persuasion 1 'Bookseller' Henrik Velocity: 1 Skill: 1 Smarts: 4 Proficiencies: Deception 1, Persuasion 2, Performance 1 Special: Convincing them to move away from unaligned is a DC 3 Check.

Enson sidled into the Library, coffee and newspaper still in hand. "Morning Collette," he said "hello Wallard." Having made his introductions, he made his way over to the æther terminal. Enson didn't have much expertise in matters of computer tech, his knowledge stopped at using a keyboard and cursorpad. At least this wasn't a touchscreen, which in his experience were always either too sensitive, or not sensitive enough, depending on which was more inconvenient at the time. Typing in the address for the public access police records, he set about trying to find as much information on local mobs as he could.

"Thank you Thorvald." Enson said, perusing the front page of his newspaper. "Nephew you say? I wonder what his elders would say if they found out what he's mixed himself up in." "And I'm glad to meet you too." Enson shrugged. "Might as well, though I'm not sure what we'll find. Without knowing our mob boss' name It'll be difficult to track down useful information." He paused. "I could always use the Library's æther terminal to peruse local police records, to see if we can track down potential candidates for our current foe. Yes, I think I will go with you." Enson stood up, cup in one hand and newspaper under his arm.

"Excellent!" said Enson, extending his hand. "My name is Ensonvilterayquis, Enson if you prefer." He made a wry smile. "Pleasure to meet you Mr. Wallard. And thank you for the almonds." He popped a few into his mouth. "Hmm, yes, I see what you mean. These are delightful."

Round 2 Ronin moves to 5 Ronin vs. Kenshi - (1,4,+2) Three successes vs. (6,6,2,5,3,5,3) Four successes = Zero damage Riposte! Kenshi makes an Opportunistic attack vs. Ronin - (5,4,2,+2) Four successes vs. (4,4,1,5,2,6,5,2) Five successes = Zero damage Decker Persuasion Check (DC 1): (3,4,2) One success Pip Persuasion Check (DC 1): (6,2,3,5,5,6) Four successes 'Cyberdude' rallies Kenshi (+2) Kenshi moves to 4 Kenshi vs. Ronin - (2,3,3,1,3,+2) Two successes vs. (6,6,2,1) Two successes = Zero damage The mushrooms attempt to be persuasive. Mushroom Persuasion Check (DC 1): (3,6,6,5,1) Helen Morrigan Initiative Check: (4,2) One success Hector McCloud Initiative Check: (1,6) One success 'Magnificent Mustache' Initiative Check: (3,5) One success The fight kicks off seriously now, with Ronin charging at Kenshi full-tilt, swinging upward in a blow calculated to stop just before connecting. Kenshi isn't going to stand there and take it though, leaping to the side and darting past Ronin with a dating cut that, in a real fight, would've injured the hero severely... if Ronin hadn't brought up his own blade in time to catch it. Sparks fly as the two swords scrape along each-other's length. Kenshi lunges back at Ronin with a follow-through strike, but Ronin has no difficulty blocking despite the encouragement of Kenshi's fan. "C'mon man, you can do better than that!" Decker meanwhile, is seeking to drum up more support for his companion. "Sure thing partner, anything for a friend!" "Hector, you only just met this person." "So?" Hector drawls, "That don't mean we can't be friends." "He's right." Pip pipes up, "I've only just met these guys, but believe me, they're some of the best characters I've ever met." "Oh fine then," Helena says, "I'll admit I'm interested in seeing if your friend can win." Meanwhile, the mushroom-creature has sidled over to the dwarven woman, and is seemingly communicating with her by... touching her hand? Whatever it's doing, it seems to be convincing. Enemy Kenshi (Duelist) ??? cycles old male Human Swashbuckler Stamina: 6/6 Velocity: 3 Strength: 3 Skill: 3 Smarts: 1 Proficiencies: Acrobatics 5, Insight 1, Melee 3, Performance 1 Credits: 10 Equipment: Well Made Sword (Calibrated Kinetic Melee Weapon), Cognitive Enhancer (Tool) adds +1 die to Skill and Smarts Checks Inventory: Pizza (Consumable) Has 4 uses, heals 2 Vitality per use. Multiple uses may be spent in one action, and may be split between self and adjacent allies. 'Cyberdude' (Bystander) Velocity: 3 Skill: 2 Smarts: 2 Proficiencies: Persuasion 2 Special: Cannot be convinced to not support Kenshi. 'Intelligent Mushrooms' (Bystander) Velocity: 1 Skill: 1 Smarts: 2 Proficiencies: Deception 2, Intimidation 1, Performance 2, Persuasion 2 'Magnificent Mustache' (Bystander) Velocity: 2 Skill: 3 Smarts: 3 Proficiencies: None that would help. Party Ronin (Yzalirk) (Duelist)[REDACTED] Male [REDACTED]Character Points: 0/19Stamina: 7/7Velocity: 3 4Strength: 1Skill: 4Smarts: 3Spirit: 0/0Proficiencies: Athletics 1, Artillery 1, Deception 1, Melee Weapons 2, Perception 1, Stealth 1, Survival 1Known Spells: NoneCredits: 222Equipment: Cloaking Generator, Hard Light Katana (Calibrated Energy Melee Weapon), Rocketpack - Armor Attachment (+1 to Velocity when wearing this armor)Inventory: Gator Tooth (Can be converted into either a Kinetic or Elemental Standard Melee Weapon by a craftsman), Ion Laser (Calibrated Energy Artillery Weapon), Flashlight (Tool), Workman's Outfit (Standard Kinetic Armor) Filtration, Frozen Blood (Consumable) ???, Sleep Gel (Consumable) ???, Lamplight (Consumable) ???, Æther Shroud (Consumable) ???, Cytherian Salts x2 (Consumable) ??? Decker DaCabe (Endgame) (Bystander)24 year old male HumanVelocity: 2Skill: 3Smarts: 1Proficiencies: Melee Weapons 1, Short Range Weapons 2, Medicine 1, Perception 1, Athletics 1Credits: 52Equipment: Double Barrel Voltaic Shotgun (Calibrated Energy Short Range Weapon), Workman's Outfit (Standard Kinetic Armor) FiltrationInventory: Unloaded Pistol (Calibrated Kinetic Melee Weapon), Sandblasted Cuirass (Standard Kinetic Armor), Flashlight (Tool), Old Wolfclaw Veteran's Shield (Substandard Kinetic Armor) Dented Iron, Telescopic Stock - Weapon Attachment (Spend an action to change this weapon's optimal range by 1 category), Plasma Potion 2x Pip (Bystander) Velocity: 1 Skill: 1 Smarts: 1 Proficiencies: Persuasion 3 Special: Can only shift alignment away from the heroes via intimidation. Helena Morrigan (Bystander) Velocity: 2 Skill: 3 Smarts: 3 Proficiencies: Deception 1, Persuasion 1 Special: Cannot be more than one step away from Hector McCloud. Hector McCloud (Bystander) Velocity: 2 Skill: 2 Smarts: 1 Proficiencies: Persuasion 3 Special: Cannot be more than one step away from Helena Morrigan. Unaligned Bystanders Elfonn Deshelf Velocity: As fast as Decker Skill: 5 Smarts: 5 Proficiencies: Insight 5, Intimidation 5, Perception 5, Stealth 5 Special: Requires bribery. 'Rock Elf' Velocity: 2 Skill: 2 Smarts: 1 Proficiencies: Intimidation 1, Perfomance 3, Persuasion 1 'Robo Girl' Velocity: 1 Skill: 1 Smarts: 2 Proficiencies: Intimidation 3 'Bookseller' Velocity: 1 Skill: 1 Smarts: 4 Proficiencies: Deception 1, Persuasion 2, Performance 1 Special: Convincing them to move away from unaligned is a DC 3 Check. 'Posh Guy' Velocity: 1 Skill: 0 Smarts: 5 Proficiencies: None that would help. Credits: 65

Enson slipped into the hall through a side door, his fur bearing the clean smell of a recent shower and the smoothness of an even more recent brushing. As he entered, he took a moment to stop and breathe deeply. The air here didn't smell that different from the rest of the building, but it had that intangible air of activity that unused places do not possess. Stretching his four arms briefly to get the blood flowing, he walked over to the message board to check out the latest developments. There was only one new mission available, but it was almost as if designed to catch Enson's interest. Torture vault? His face hardened, his jaw clenching. No. This will not stand. Enson signs up for Mission 10: Pins and Needles With that accomplished, Enson made his way over to the bar, settling down on an unoccupied stool. "Morning Thorvald." he said, "Or evening. I can never tell the time on this station. Cup of coffee please, black, and the latest newspaper if you have it." The words clicked in Enson's mind. "Ozzorli? Isn't that the owner of that pizza place?" Enson turned to face his neighbor at the bar. "Ah, sorry for intruding. I hope you don't mind me involving myself in the conversation?"

MM Note: I forgot to roll initiative for Pip and the Mushrooms, so I've gone and amended the original post.

Start: +6 CP The training was intense, after every session Enson's muscles ached from the exertion, his body drenched in sweat and limbs trembling. Still, he could feel his skills improving, his speed increasing, his reactions sharpening. In between training bouts his time was spent practicing stances and strikes, meditation sessions, grooming (necessary when your whole body covered in hair), and practicing his first aid. Medicine: 2 -- 3 (3 CP) At this precise moment however, he was facing Roddy with a practice blade in hand. "Remember, keep your eyes on the weapon, don't let the enemy surprise you." "So far you've asked me to keep my eyes on your expression, your posture, your hands, and your weapon. I only have two eyes you know." Truth be told, this wasn't all that different from the combat training he'd received from his teachers on Vin'Quo, but that had been so long ago and he'd let his capabilities slide. Besides, he'd never used a sword back then. The rules of this bout were the same as all the others - one hit from the sword, and you win. With a plasma sword, one hit would often be all you needed. So far, Enson had yet to win a single one. At this point, the bout they were fighting hadn't gone beyond the 'sharks circling each-other' phase. The two knew each-other quite well at this point, but it was still good practice to size up an opponent before heading in. A thousand little circumstances could put even a well-known opponent at a disadvantage, and Roddy had a tendency to switch styles between sessions in a way that was difficult to keep track of. Suddenly, the Adamite pounced toward Enson, sword swinging toward his side in a two-handed slash. The Qoun'Ahn leapt nimbly to the side, parrying the strike. However Enson's own attempt at a follow up strike was parried in its own turn by the Adamite's blade. Now the two were circling each-other again, faster this time, looking for an opening. This time it was Enson's turn to break the stalemate, feinting with the sword in one of his left hands before suddenly switching it to his right and bringing it in for an arcing cut from above. Roddy, however, was not born yesterday. Stepping back he caught the blade on his own in a one-handed parry. Enson wasn't going to let up the pressure though, swiftly stepping into his opponent's space and grabbing his sword arm with one of his free hands while their weapons still pressed together. Roddy in turn used one of his hands to catch Enson's own sword wrist, holding the two swords together so Enson couldn't pull away and strike. Enson quickly improvised, dropping his sword from his upper right hand and catching it in his lower. But before he could use it another of Roderick's arms grabbed it and twisted it away from his body. Now Enson had nothing in the way of Roddy's weapon, save the strength of one arm, which he knew was inferior to his opponent's. Quickly, he gripped Roddy's sword arm with his remaining free hand and twisted the Adamite's own weapon out of striking position. This new stalemate couldn't last though. With his last free hand, Roddy drove his fist into the Quo'ri's gut, sending him reeling. The Adamite quickly disengaged, releasing Enson's arms and pushing away. Enson let him, releasing his own grip on the construct's various appendages and stepping back. His needed space to recover from that punch. The two stood apart from each other now - Enson guarding himself while trying to recover his breath, Roderick holding his sword in a two-handed overhead guard. Enson assessed the situation - were he to guard against an overhead strike, the Adamite could simply redirect his blow at the last moment to strike his side. If he tried to take advantage of the seeming lack of protection from below, then Roddy could simply dodge the blow and hit him from above anyway. Enson soon made up his mind, switching to the same overhead stance as his teacher. As if that were a signal, the two launched themselves at one-another. As predicted, Roddy went for an overhead strike, before breaking off and making a one-handed swing at the side of the Quo'ri's head. Enson had prepared for this though. Instantly, one of his free hands lashed out at Roddy's sword wrist, managing to grip it just enough to force the blow down and to the side before Roddy broke his hold. At the same time, Enson lashed out with an open palm blow toward the Adamite's chest. The blow was easily caught and deflected, but all this had left Roddy's head unprotected. Enson swiftly capitalized on that. With a flick of his wrists he turned his overhead guard into an arcing blow aimed at the side of Roddy's head. Roddy reacted too fast however - in an instant he brought up one of his hands to strike Enson's wrists, forcing the Qoun'ahn to withdraw from the strike or risk being grappled again. At the same time he brought up his sword arm in a one-handed overhead slash that forced Enson to dive away, the blade coming within a centimeter of his face as he did. Enson wasn't able to keep his footing though, coming down on his side on the exercise mat. Thankfully, he had been able to direct his fall so that his right side - where the sword was still gripped in one hand - was facing upwards. Without stopping to think he made a wild slash at his opponent's legs. Roddy deftly stepped back, before coming in again with an efficient downward blow. But the wild slash had brought Enson time, which he used to roll to the side, coming to his feet at the end. Enson's posture now was low to the ground, limiting his opponent's opportunities to attack from below. Enson was breathing hard now, while Roderick barely seemed out of sorts. Enson knew that, one way or another, their next clash would be the last. He hoped he'd at least be able to surprise his teacher by the end. This last pause lasted only a few seconds, the two locking determined gazes from across the room. Without warning, Enson rocketed across the mat, pushing past the fatigue through sheer adrenaline. Roddy was forced onto the defensive, stepping back to keep Enson at swords-length as the Quo'ri launched into a series of furious attacks. Now matter where he struck though, he couldn't break his teacher's defense. A blow to the right, parry. To the left, parried again. From above, parried, then immediately followed through with an overhead that forced Enson to parry in turn. He wasn't going to let his offense be broken though, throwing himself into lunging thrust at the Adamite. Roddy clearly expected this though, turning it aside with his own blade before stepping aside and curving his sword around to strike in turn. Enson was falling now, unable to arrest his momentum. Desperately he flung out a hand to block the incoming blow. His angle was bad however, his hand was going to catch the incoming sword on the blade, which would cost him the fight. There was no way he'd be able to save himself now. And yet, just before the blade struck his hand, there was a flash of white light, and the sword bounced away without touching him. New Spell: Warding Bond Roddy's eyes widened in shock, and that gave Enson all the opening he needed. Abandoning all attempts to arrest his fall, he caught his sword in two hands and swung it into the Adamite's side. The blade struck with an empty whomp, but Enson hadn't time for even the grimmest satisfaction before his shoulder struck the mat with a jarring thump. Skill 2 -- 3 (2 CP) "You okay there?" Roderick said, offering him a hand - or two, three even. "No, I'm all right." Enson said, taking the Adamite's hands and hoisting himself to his feet. "Thanks." "No problem. That was a crazy move you pulled off there, not sure that would work in a real fight though." He looked at Enson quizzically. "You used a spell to win?" "You said to use every advantage I had, so I did." Enson spread his arms and shrugged. "So I did!" Roddy said with a laugh, stepping into his arm-holding thing and letting it remove his extra pair. "Did they teach you that on Vin'Quo too?" "Of course. Qoun'ahn wouldn't get very far by fighting fair. Leave honor to the aristocrats." "Excellent! Tell me, are you going to continue your training now that you've bested me?" Enson sighed. "I probably should keep training, but I feel I've sequestered myself in here for too long. All the training in the world is of no use if no use is made of it, and a Qoun'ahn's place is with the people." "Well, you can always come back here anytime you wish. I do think we should mark your victory with a little celebration before you go. Something to mark the occasion." "Wellll..." Enson began with a smile, "I have been practicing on the bagpipes recently." Performance 0 -- 1 (1 CP) End: 0 CP

Round 1 Ronin moves to 3 Ronin defends himself Decker Persuasion Check (DC 1): (1,4,4) two successes 'Cyberdude attempts to convince the Mushrooms. 'Cyberdude' Persuasion Check (DC 1): (1,1,5,1,6) two successes Kenshi moves to 6 Kenshi defends himself Pip Initiative Check: (1) no successes 'Mushroom' Initiative Check: (1) no successes. The fight begins with the two fighters circling each-other, sizing each-other up, trying to spot weaknesses in their opponent's stance. Slowly, the two draw closer, the tension so thick you could cut the air with a knife. Ronin shifts his stance to one where he was swiftly strike or parry from below and to the side. Kenshi responds by discarding his purely defensive stance for one that can shift freely between defense and attack. The crowd hangs on the action, waiting to see who makes the first move. Some are not content to merely wait though, The Kenshi's cyborg fan sidles over to the pile of mobile mushrooms, saying something to it you can't quite hear. Whatever it was, it must've been convincing, as the 'shrooms wave their tendrils in what seems to be affirmation. Decker, for his part, decides to seek the support of his new friend. Pip nods in response. "Yeah," he says, "It's the least I can do." Enemy Kenshi (Duelist) ??? cycles old male Human Swashbuckler Stamina: 6/6 Velocity: 3 Strength: 3 Skill: 3 Smarts: 1 Proficiencies: Acrobatics 5, Insight 1, Melee 3, Performance 1 Credits: 10 Equipment: Well Made Sword (Calibrated Kinetic Melee Weapon), Cognitive Enhancer (Tool) adds +1 die to Skill and Smarts Checks Inventory: Pizza (Consumable) Has 4 uses, heals 2 Vitality per use. Multiple uses may be spent in one action, and may be split between self and adjacent allies. 'Cyberdude' (Bystander) Velocity: 3 Skill: 2 Smarts: 2 Proficiencies: Persuasion 2 Special: Cannot be convinced to not support Kenshi. 'Intelligent Mushrooms' (Bystander) Velocity: 1 Skill: 1 Smarts: 2 Proficiencies: Deception 2, Intimidation 1, Performance 2, Persuasion 2 Party Ronin (Yzalirk) (Duelist)[REDACTED] Male [REDACTED]Character Points: 0/19Stamina: 7/7Velocity: 3 4Strength: 1Skill: 4Smarts: 3Spirit: 0/0Proficiencies: Athletics 1, Artillery 1, Deception 1, Melee Weapons 2, Perception 1, Stealth 1, Survival 1Known Spells: NoneCredits: 222Equipment: Cloaking Generator, Hard Light Katana (Calibrated Energy Melee Weapon), Rocketpack - Armor Attachment (+1 to Velocity when wearing this armor)Inventory: Gator Tooth (Can be converted into either a Kinetic or Elemental Standard Melee Weapon by a craftsman), Ion Laser (Calibrated Energy Artillery Weapon), Flashlight (Tool), Workman's Outfit (Standard Kinetic Armor) Filtration, Frozen Blood (Consumable) ???, Sleep Gel (Consumable) ???, Lamplight (Consumable) ???, Æther Shroud (Consumable) ???, Cytherian Salts x2 (Consumable) ??? Decker DaCabe (Endgame) (Bystander)24 year old male HumanVelocity: 2Skill: 3Smarts: 1Proficiencies: Melee Weapons 1, Short Range Weapons 2, Medicine 1, Perception 1, Athletics 1Credits: 52Equipment: Double Barrel Voltaic Shotgun (Calibrated Energy Short Range Weapon), Workman's Outfit (Standard Kinetic Armor) FiltrationInventory: Unloaded Pistol (Calibrated Kinetic Melee Weapon), Sandblasted Cuirass (Standard Kinetic Armor), Flashlight (Tool), Old Wolfclaw Veteran's Shield (Substandard Kinetic Armor) Dented Iron, Telescopic Stock - Weapon Attachment (Spend an action to change this weapon's optimal range by 1 category), Plasma Potion 2x Pip (Bystander) Velocity: 1 Skill: 1 Smarts: 1 Proficiencies: Persuasion 3 Special: Can only shift alignment away from the heroes via intimidation. Unaligned Bystanders Helena Morrigan Velocity: 2 Skill: 3 Smarts: 3 Proficiencies: Deception 1, Persuasion 1 Special: Cannot be more than one step away from Hector McCloud. Hector McCloud Velocity: 2 Skill: 2 Smarts: 1 Proficiencies: Persuasion 3 Special: Cannot be more than one step away from Helena Morrigan. Elfonn Deshelf Velocity: As fast as Decker Skill: 5 Smarts: 5 Proficiencies: Insight 5, Intimidation 5, Perception 5, Stealth 5 Special: Requires bribery. 'Rock Elf' Velocity: 2 Skill: 2 Smarts: 1 Proficiencies: Intimidation 1, Perfomance 3, Persuasion 1 'Robo Girl' Velocity: 1 Skill: 1 Smarts: 2 Proficiencies: Intimidation 3 'Bookseller' Velocity: 1 Skill: 1 Smarts: 4 Proficiencies: Deception 1, Persuasion 2, Performance 1 Special: Convincing them to move away from unaligned is a DC 3 Check. 'Magnificent Mustache' Velocity: 2 Skill: 3 Smarts: 3 Proficiencies: None that would help. 'Posh Guy' Velocity: 1 Skill: 0 Smarts: 5 Proficiencies: None that would help. Credits: 65

To quote directly from the topic: It says that you require a minimum of 5 in one of the required proficiencies. Splitting ranks between multiple proficiencies doesn't count. If it did, a person could gain access to a class for just three CP, whereas the current system requires at least fourteen (or fifteen, if you aren't using one of your free proficiencies). Classes are meant to be optional rewards for dedication. Also, the part I've bolded out of your original post reads as your saying you need five individual proficiencies rather than five ranks in one proficiency. This is also incorrect, you only need one proficiency at five ranks. Go right ahead.

@Endgame @Yzalirk I'm really happy you chose this route, especially considering I thought up the scenario specifically for Ronin.

@Wolfpackfan99 Just so you know, you're allowed to spend your first ten CP for free as part of character creation. You only need to visit the Training Room to reassign points or spend additional points over your initial ten. Also, Welcome!

"Very well then, let us begin. Stand back!" As he calls out to the crowd, he draws his sword in a lightning flash of motion. The crowd, startled by this, draws away form the center of the street, leaving a clear space down the middle. "Oh for goodness sake." You hear Vinoq say as he draws the curtains of his shelter together. "What. Is. Happening." "Kenshi is having one of his duels again. Go Kenshi!" And... Fight! Special Rules Duelists: Vitality is replaced by Stamina, your Stamina is the same as your Vitality, but it cannot be raised by healing items and being reduced to 0 will not render your character unstable. In the absence of cover, and with only two combatants, distance is the only part of the grid needed. To compensate for restricted maneuverability, Duelists may move through each other's space. Bystanders: The only actions Bystanders can take are Rally, Defend, and Try Something. They cannot be attacked. Bystanders cannot attempt to directly hinder the Duelists. Bystanders allied to one of the fighters can Try Something to convince other bystanders to support their preferred fighter. Support for the fighters is on the following scale: Allied - Neutral - Enemy. Shifting a bystander's opinion along this track by one is a DC 1 check, by two is DC 3. Round 0 Ronin Initiative Check: (3,3,5,4) Two Successes. Decker Initiative Check: (2,2) No Successes. Kenshi Initiative Check: (2,2,2) No Successes. Errr... 'Cyberdude' Initiative Check: (5,2,3) One Success. Neutral bystanders do not take actions. Enemy Kenshi (Duelist) ??? cycles old male Human Swashbuckler Stamina: 6/6 Velocity: 3 Strength: 3 Skill: 3 Smarts: 1 Proficiencies: Acrobatics 5, Insight 1, Melee 3, Performance 1 Credits: 10 Equipment: Well Made Sword (Calibrated Kinetic Melee Weapon), Cognitive Enhancer (Tool) adds +1 die to Skill and Smarts Checks Inventory: Pizza (Consumable) Has 4 uses, heals 2 Vitality per use. Multiple uses may be spent in one action, and may be split between self and adjacent allies. 'Cyberdude' (Bystander) Velocity: 3 Skill: 2 Smarts: 2 Proficiencies: Persuasion 2 Special, Cannot be convinced to not support Kenshi. Party Ronin (Yzalirk) (Duelist)[REDACTED] Male [REDACTED]Character Points: 0/19Stamina: 7/7Velocity: 3 4Strength: 1Skill: 4Smarts: 3Spirit: 0/0Proficiencies: Athletics 1, Artillery 1, Deception 1, Melee Weapons 2, Perception 1, Stealth 1, Survival 1Known Spells: NoneCredits: 222Equipment: Cloaking Generator, Hard Light Katana (Calibrated Energy Melee Weapon), Rocketpack - Armor Attachment (+1 to Velocity when wearing this armor)Inventory: Gator Tooth (Can be converted into either a Kinetic or Elemental Standard Melee Weapon by a craftsman), Ion Laser (Calibrated Energy Artillery Weapon), Flashlight (Tool), Workman's Outfit (Standard Kinetic Armor) Filtration, Frozen Blood (Consumable) ???, Sleep Gel (Consumable) ???, Lamplight (Consumable) ???, Æther Shroud (Consumable) ???, Cytherian Salts x2 (Consumable) ??? Decker DaCabe (Endgame) (Bystander)24 year old male HumanVelocity: 2Skill: 3Smarts: 1Proficiencies: Melee Weapons 1, Short Range Weapons 2, Medicine 1, Perception 1, Athletics 1Credits: 52Equipment: Double Barrel Voltaic Shotgun (Calibrated Energy Short Range Weapon), Workman's Outfit (Standard Kinetic Armor) FiltrationInventory: Unloaded Pistol (Calibrated Kinetic Melee Weapon), Sandblasted Cuirass (Standard Kinetic Armor), Flashlight (Tool), Old Wolfclaw Veteran's Shield (Substandard Kinetic Armor) Dented Iron, Telescopic Stock - Weapon Attachment (Spend an action to change this weapon's optimal range by 1 category), Plasma Potion 2x Unaligned Bystanders Helena Morrigan Velocity: 2 Skill: 3 Smarts: 3 Proficiencies: Deception 1, Persuasion 1 Special: Cannot be more than one step away from Hector McCloud. Hector McCloud Velocity: 2 Skill: 2 Smarts: 1 Proficiencies: Persuasion 3 Special: Cannot be more than one step away from Helena Morrigan. Elfonn Deshelf Velocity: As fast as Decker Skill: 5 Smarts: 5 Proficiencies: Insight 5, Intimidation 5, Perception 5, Stealth 5 Special: Requires bribery. Pip Velocity: 1 Skill: 1 Smarts: 1 Proficiencies: Persuasion 3 Special: Can only shift alignment away from the heroes via intimidation. 'Rock Elf' Velocity: 2 Skill: 2 Smarts: 1 Proficiencies: Intimidation 1, Perfomance 3, Persuasion 1 'Robo Girl' Velocity: 1 Skill: 1 Smarts: 2 Proficiencies: Intimidation 3 'Bookseller' Velocity: 1 Skill: 1 Smarts: 4 Proficiencies: Deception 1, Persuasion 2, Performance 1 Special: Convincing them to move away from unaligned is a DC 3 Check. 'Magnificent Mustache' Velocity: 2 Skill: 3 Smarts: 3 Proficiencies: None that would help. 'Posh Guy' Velocity: 1 Skill: 0 Smarts: 5 Proficiencies: None that would help. Credits: 65 'Uhhh... Mushrooms?' Velocity: 1 Skill: 1 Smarts: 2 Proficiencies: Deception 2, Intimidation 1, Performance 2, Persuasion 2

"That's fair enough, I was going to offer you something in return if you beat me, but I think I waited too long." He pauses questioningly for a moment. "Was there something else you wanted from me? My skills with and without the sword can be put to other uses if you're willing to pay."

"An impartial referee is never a bad thing, though I don't think allowing a personal friend of one of the fighters to referee is a good idea." He gives a little laugh. "As for the rules, this is a test of skill, not a fight to the death. The combatants won't be physically injuring each other, so healing objects will have no effect. In fact, using any stimulants, drugs, or ranged weapons will be considered as a forfeit. I wouldn't discount your own presence though, or the other bystanders. Direct interference from an outside party would be against the rules, but the favor of the crowd can have a palpable effect on the course of a battle."

"Excellent. Pleasure doing business with you." "Well, that's forward." he chuckles, "Though honestly I have often approached others like you to challenge them, so I can't criticize. I don't know who this 'Vinoc' is, but he seems to have done me more credit than I deserve for you to seek me out specifically. Are you sure you want to fight me now though?" he looks at you quizzically. "From what your companion has led me to understand, you have a matter of some urgency you're attending to. I don't want to cause you undue delay."

"Sure, that seems fair. Five credits. Deal?" The swordsman glances at Decker. "So this is the man you wanted me to meet." He smiles. "I like him already." Turning to face you, Ronin, he addresses you. "It is always good to meet a fellow disciple of the sword. My name is Kenshi. I believe you are called Ronin? That is how your friend just addressed you."

Quick recommendation; I suggest the section in the rules regarding character points should be changed to the following: Character Points (10 starting points) - Increasing Proficiencies coasts CP equal to the rank the proficiency is increased to (ie. increasing a proficiency to rank 1 to 2 requires 2 points, increasing from rank 2 to 3 requires 3 etc.) - Increasing Attributes (Vitality, Velocity, Strength, Skill, Smarts, Spirit) costs 2 CP for every +1 rank. I also suggest that this practice of referring to tiers of proficiencies and attributes as 'ranks' should be extended throughout the rules. This should reduce unwieldy wording and hopefully aid in reader comprehension and memorization.

That's still only thirteen of the fourteen points you have available. Remember, the cost of proficiencies is equal to the rank you are increasing that proficiency too. Attributes on the other hand, always require two CP for every plus one increase. That means that discarding that one Spirit will give you two free CP, not one. With the way your stats are laid out now, you can either buy two proficiencies at level one, or increase one attribute by two.

"Well, some kinds of algae are... useful for the sorts of products I sell. Tell you what, hand it over to me and tell me where you got it, and you get a bottle of absinthe at half price. Deal?"

Ronin Intimidation Check (DC 7): Automatic failure. The man snickers at you, amused by your audacity. "My friend, you just brought nearly a hundred credits worth of illegal drugs. You think I'd give away some homemade alcohol and rat poison for free? Besides, you can barely carry what you've got." He's right. With your recent purchases, you're almost at your carrying capacity. You think you have room for one more object before you have to start dropping things. As you struggle to securely stow your recent purchases in your pack, the tube of hardened sealant you've been carrying slides out of your pack and flops to the ground. "Hey," says the man, "Is that that Seatopia stuff? What kind of algae's in there?"