(1874-01-12) d'Korbina Tourney - Duels - Ludovic & Zayne
d'korbina tourney - duel - Ludovic & Zayne
Summary: The first duel sees Ludovic challenge Zayne
Date: 2018-01-12
Related: d'korbina tourney 74
NPCs: None
Players:
Ludovic  Zayne  

Hellsmouth Tourney Grounds
An area of ground has been sectioned off with ribbon wrapped posts to define the single-weapon arenas.
1874-01-12

Most of the first day of the tournament has been a long, dreary drag for viscount d'Korbina. Finally however the last knightly participant has finished extolling their virtues and bloodlines and he has stepped down from the box and taken time to work his way into an outfit more appropriate for fighting. Given that the single-weapon has been declared to be in 'duel fashion' the usual weapon restrictions have been relaxed and armor, whilst not forbidden, is a good way to lose out on the style points (yes, there really are bonus points for style). Most of these duels are supposed to be witnessed by the host, not actually participated in, but Ludovic is a very martial viscount and thus nobody is particularly surprised when he declares his intention to fight. Nor is anyone particularly surprised when he requests a favor from his mother or when he picks one of the 'scariest' of the potential opponents to duel first.

Set up for the fight in his padded jerkin with his warhammer wrapped in layers of vibrant yellow cloth, Ludovic makes his way into the center of the single-weapon arena and calls out "The duels will be opened here, tonight, with a duel between me and the Red Bear." He points his hammer towards Zayne.

The duel rules are as follows: Both opponents face off with their weapon of choice. In this particular tourney all weapons are allowed as long as they are not too deadly. Certain weapons with a lot of ‘threat’ such as greatswords and polearms have to be replaced with specially provided weapons whilst other weapons can simply be rebated. Armor, whilst not expressly forbidden, is disapproved of and will make it harder to win the match. Matches need an appropriate umpire to be considered official (any neutral noble of appropriate reputation) and there is a designated arena marked out for them but they can take place anywhere. It is double elimination meaning that you can lose twice before you are disqualified. There will be multiple npc’s fighting during the course of the week so you may/should assume that fights are taking place off-screen as well as on. In terms of mechanics you may choose to fight using whatever system you want as long as both participants agree. I (Ludovic) don’t need proof of wins/lose/rolls but I do need both involved parties to send me the results.)

Clad in a set of smoke grey leathers with a blood red tunic worn beneath his jerkin Zayne carries a massive greatsword that seems to have been made for the tourney, safer but only by a bit. He scans the competition with a thoughtful gaze from the sidelines near the dueling area. He seems to be debating who he wants to challenge first, when someone goes and beats him to it. Ludovic's challenge is met by a grin as the Red Bear steps forward. "It will be an honor to face you Your Excellency." He offers easily with a polite dip of his head as he readies his blade and steps into the arena.

Ludovic simply turns to face Zayne, nodding a little as he makes space for the other knight to join him in the arena. There is little pre-amble, he merely gives Zayne an appropriate gesture of respect and waits until the umpire calls for them to start. The moment that happens he explodes into motion, moving into a direct attack. Points for style? Not likely.

As Ludovic charges in for an obvious attack Zayne plants one foot and pulls of a graceful half spin that deflects the blow and manages to break through Ludovic's guard at the same time. The blow is aimed at the mans left arm and its done with both agressive force and style. Apparently the Red Bear does have some showmanship in him. He advances on the Viscount now bringing the blade up for another strike.

The two of them break apart as much as the limited arena allows them to do so with Ludovic flexing and unflexing the hand on his left arm in an attempt to wake the limb back up. "Hah. Good one!" He responds boisterously, stepping back in. For a while the pair of them dissolve into a series of strikes and parries, ripostes and dodges, that make it clear that everyone is watching a pair of masters at their work. Yet its obvious that Ludovic, despite his own obvious talent, is outmatched by the skill of the Red Bear. For a good while they are stagnant, neither truly having broken through the others guards, but then Ludovic decides to take advantage of a perceived weakness. He lunges under a swing of the greatsword, moving into range to strike Zayne in the back of the knee as he swings past, gambling that nobody could bring the sword around quickly enough to counter..

No one ever counts on Zayne to move fast, but he is capable of it. He pulls off a swift sidestep to avoid the blow and brings his blade around in a swift arch aimed straight for Ludovic's chest. He grins. "Your good Your Excellecy. I don't think I've ever seen someone wield a hammer that well as of yet." Zayne looks to be in good spirits even as he moves in again trying to sweep Ludovic's legs out from underneath him.

Ludovic scowls as his cunning blow is foiled with apparant ease by the bear and he is forced to scramble away from the counter-attack. His eyes flicker to meet Zayne's as praise is given and a nod offered as the only response. He's fought well so far, its true, but its also true that he's taken the worst of it by far and only once looked as if he might truly hurt the Bear. He soldiers on, fighting well, but Zayne just fights with that extra something that marks his performance out as great. Perhaps its the fact that Ludovic doesn't actually need to win. Perhaps Zayne is just that much better than him. Either way, after a long match that leaves both men puffing with exertion Ludovic finally holds up his free hand and offers an "I yield."

Zayne lowers his blade as Ludovic yields and inclines his head politely. He is sweating, his dark hair slightly damp and he looks as though he might be a bit out of breath as well. Still he offers polite words. "Well fought Your Excellency. It was indeed a delight to face you." He accepts his victory with a faint grin, not boasting but looking pleased all the same.

"Very well deserved." Ludovic pushes his hand through his own dampened hair as he returns the pleasantries. "I'm sure we will see you at the finals." he moves to the edge of the arena and nods to the stewards there to let him through, leaving Zayne to enjoy his victory (and perhaps seek new victims.)

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