[S] Embers of Torment (DragoKain vs. Tacitus)

[Dragosani Kain]

Battle Field

A small breeze caresses the blades of grass that cover these plains, waving them out like the rolling ocean. The landscape is hilly, filled with dips and elevations here and there but all covered in fine emerald greenery.

Lilacs and fresh dew from the dawn fills the air with a sweet aroma. The flower's scent sweeps across the rolling plains with various spores from plants like the dandelion. The light cloudy fluff twirling about along the gentle breeze's path...

A rocky cliff emants its cold aura next to a small sanded circle. The cliff reaches three stories and overlooks the twenty foot in diametre ring with a cool shadow. The sun breaking just over the rings edge, enough to have the area where the two combatants will square off.

Cold as he shadow that is cast upon him, Kain stands waiting with arms crossed and head bowed down. His eyes are closed and relaxed, a meditation of sorts, preperation for the coming battle. His opponent is unknown to him and gives off strong energy, this is not one he should take lightly. But we can't fool ourselves, Kain is confident in his abilities...some may call it arrogance, he merely claims his nobility with the pride it holds.

He is ready, his magicks prepared, his mind clear, his body strong...weapons...ready and waiting for his call.

All that is left...is for a partner to complete this dance...the music of nature shall play for them and will be their symphony of destruction...
((For those of you playing the home game, "Symphony of Destruction - Megadeth"))  

[Tacitus]

The archmagi's presense commands the very earth to bid him welcome, raw power flowing from his form. Ashen gray locks fall across his flaming eyes of vibrant violet, hiding two small wings in a mess of hair. About his head a light blue sheen can be seen, a material of some sort of clear crystal with a faceted appearance, an ornate vestment of silken blue threads covering his loose grey dress shirt, but the depiction of a weaping phoenix upon the back is clear as day. A torc of blue-green metal extends around his neck, the ends resembling the heads of a black and copper dragon facing one another in front of his throat.

Two violet wings wreathed in blue flame extend from his back, complimenting the blue chain that is wrapped around his right arm. Arcs of blue lightning spark between his fingertips and the shards of metal that surround his hands like a pair of fractures gauntlets. An orb of crimson flecked with emerald surged around him in a steady unrelenting pace. His midnight blue cargo pants bulge near the bottom as two boots of a similar color wrapping around his feet.

As he looks up a glint of light passes from his ring finger, an unending spiral of azure light that seems alive with an unfathomable strength. His ring finger and pinky seem rather unique, little more than a construct of what seems to be mithral. As he looks to his opponent he spits to one side, causing a flood of steam to rise up as the acid consumed the earth below him. The chain around his wrist began to uncoil slowly as he awaited his opponent to make the first move.

Statistics

Incarnum Radiance: Four times per day Torment can produce one of four Auras. One may be active at a time and lasts for four posts.
Silver: Aura of Deflection
Ashen Gray: Aura of Destruction
Blood Red: Aura of Accuracy
Emerald: Aura of Speed
Reshape: Torment can take a single post to reshape a Soulmeld into another Soulmeld, unbinding it in the process.
Rebind: Torment may take an entire post to bind a Soulmeld to a Power Center.
Perfect Meldshaper: Once Per Day Torment can flood each of his Soulmelds with a single Essentia Point without actually expending that point.
Soulmelds Avilable: 9
Power Center Binds Available: 5
Essentia Pool: 20

Soulmelds

Crown Power Center: Crystal Helm
This helm is formed from the soul, pure light in a pale blue form that enhances the mind and extends the body. This soulmeld enhances the mental fortitude of the wearer and refracts his form, letting him deflect attacks easier. The Meldshaper can use a point of Essentia to force himself out of the way of an attack or to nullify an attempt to manipulate his mind, if he is aware. Binding this Soulmeld allows the Meldshaper's weapon to affect incorporeal creatures and those usualy not affected by physical weapons.
Feet Power Center: Impulse Boots
These boots grant the ability to avoid surprise attacks, acting on magically aided impulses. When attacked from behind the meldshaper is given a knowledge and an attempt to dodge. Expending an Essentia Point allows the meldshaper to literally leap out of the way of an attack. When bound this Soulmeld gives the ability to dodge traps and spells with greater ability.
Hand Power Center: Lightning Gauntlets-Bound
When worn these gauntlets allow the meldshaper to touch a subject and deliver a devestating shock to them. Expending an Essentia Point enhances the effect and adds a stunning quality to the attack. When bound the effects of the Soulmeld may be transfered through a weapon.
Arm Power Center: Phoenix Feather-Bound
This Soulmeld manifests as a long chain with a blade on one end and a weight on the other that only Torment can shape. It is nearly infinite to his will and with the expenditure of an Essentia Point can make a very effective assault weapon. When Bound it constantly aids Torment in channeling mana.
Brow Power Center: Planar Chausible
This Soulmeld gives the Meldshaper a slight resistance based on a single plain to which he is most aligned. Torment is aligned to Elysium, a good aligned plane, thus he is granted a resistance to cold. Expending an Essentia Point makes this an immunity for 3 posts. When Bound to the Brow this Soulmeld enhances the Incarnum Radiance of the Meldshaper. When bound to the Soul a Gate may be opened by expending three Essentia Points.
Shoulders Power Center: Wings of Flame-Bound
This soulmeld allows Torment to form to great wings of blue and violet flame from his back. These wings grant flight but with fatigue. Expending an Essentia Point allows him to use the Wing Shards attack, firing off wisps of flaming incarnum to attack the enemy. When Bound flight is possible without fatigue and the Wing Shards become more powerful.
Throat Power Center: Dissolving Spittle
This Soulmeld allows the Incarnate to spit gobs of acid at his opponent, or anywhere else, really. This is the embodiment of torment, calling upon pain to flood through an opponent as the spit of this man eats away at their body. The soulmeld allows one gob to be launched each post. Expending an Essentia Point allows it to be sprayed as a cone. When bound the acid is twice as persistant, sticking to the opponent like glue.
Heart Power Center: The Inferno Within-Bound
This is the embodiment of the link Torment has with his wife. This is not an actual Soulmeld, but it takes up a slot simply because it is that important to him. This fuels the Soul Forge and if Kalie is in danger will warn him of such. The Visage of the Phoenix can react with this "Soulmeld." It manifests as a ring upon his finger and a flame in his eyes.
Soul Power Center: Soulspark Familiar Variant-Bound
This...is Shar. This Soulmeld has no purpose in combat, but it cannot be unshaped. Binding is possible for Torment, but not for Shar. Neither Brother can have their souls drained while this Soulmeld is shaped, and they can give off light (blue or red/green) depending on wich one is flesh and which is a Soulmeld. Torment helps maintain concentration and dispel distractions, allowing Shar to focus on his opponent, while Shar gives Torment on tips with fighting without magic.

 

[Dragosani Kain]

Well, it wasn't the first time that he was left to the first move...in fact, all he's ever done was make the first move.

"That's quite the get-up you have going on there..."

Kain, dressed in one of his finest "modern" suits that he came across during his travels to a land called "Germany". Custom made by a local tailor, paid for with the gold from his own world. He liked the feel of the silk, the flow that it had when he moved in it. It was made to support his "athletic" behaviour making it...but anyway...

He gave his...festive... opponent a gentle nod, clarification that he was ready for the fight. He balanced on the ball of his right foot as he brought his left in front of him. He crouched down on his right leg, his left straight out in front, his fists rose infront of his face. Creeping forward, much like a crab, he approached his adversary with extreme caution.

Still, creeping forward, Kain moved his left hand to the small of his back and exposed his right arm forward. The air around his now open hand began to waver, small embers danced out from under his palm, sparks and then small flames. Fire then shot out from under his hand on a horizontal plane and, more than a little sudden. The woosh of the horizontal pillar created a pseudo breeze that blew his jacket open and his hair flailing.

The pole of immolation began to concede and with each dispersing flame reveiled obsidian. On its left end (Kain's Left) a blade that's thick on its outer area and thinner when it meets the shaft. The fires died down and Kain was now in striking range of Torment. He took a drag of the cig that had been hanging from the corner of his mouth, he never has a battle without one and it was only one quarter done. Filled with sweet poison and burning with anticipation, he turned his wrist and cut across Torment's abdomen from left to right...nothing more...nothing less...

((You don't have to note that this was a shitty post, I know it was a bad post, but I thought I gave you at least SOMETHING. I've been uninspired due to a crapload of theatre junk...and I had to do 3 performances today for my class...I'm quadrouply...emotionally dead...but there you go. I'll get better, don[t worry))  

[Tacitus]

((Thats alright. If you look you'd see my first post was mostly a C&P anyhow. XD This one is going to be rather simplistic and small. >.>))

The chain darted out to meet the assault, weaving out from Torment's form to curl around the blade and halt it midswing. With a quick shift the chain seemed to pull upon the weapon without Torment even having to pull on the chain. The goal seemed to be to pull the man towards Torment, who reared his head back and spit out a rather nasty looking gob of green ooze, aimed at Kain's chest.

Despite these actions, small surges of lightning seemed to run down the chain as streams of mana flowed not only through it, but through Torment as well. He was not going to be utilizing the mana at hand, but merely gathering a magical charge he could put to use at a later time if need be, though he could only store so much at once.

His form seemed to dance about as the flames about his wings increased in their intensity. He looked itchy, as if he were ready to spring up high into the air at any moment, or to pull his wings around him in defense. The crimson orb suffused with emerald flecks passed out from him to begin buzzing around Kain's head, a means to distract him.

Statistics

Incarnum Radiance:4
Reshape: 3
Rebind: 1
Perfect Meldshaper: 1
Essentia Pool: 20
Mana Charge: ||||

 

[Dragosani Kain]

Kain's initial "attack" was one of a feigned nature. He didn't expect that chain to lash out, but used it to his advantage anyway. Kain, hauled back on the Naginata to propel himself and pushed off on his left foot in an agular forward charge that brought a slight upward angle to it, bringing his right knee in line with the face of his opponent.

The spittal was largely evaded, spilling in between his legs, save for the light splashes that landed on Kains inner right thigh and the top of his left thigh. He ingnored the putrid smell of of the acid aswell as the slight burn that eaked its way through his pants. He was concentrating on the task at hand, the acid could be delt with later.

Airborne, Kain, released his hold from his Naginata and brought it close to his body with blood dripping through the fabric.  

[Tacitus]

The chain seemed to lock, not releasing the blade but actually tightening its grip before shifting hard to one side to attempt to tear the blade away in a spin. This would actually be wasted as Kain was releasing the blade anyway, but its grip would be better used later. Kain's knee would strike not Tor's face, but a wing instead, the protective construct of soul and flame wrapping about him from one side. It had the feel of thrusting a knee into a sheet of metal that was covered in flames, really hot flames of doom. A crimson aura flared about his body, giving him insight into tactical assaults and increasing his accuracy. [Incarnum Radiance: Accuracy]

Light surged down the length of the chain as it seemed to pick up some of the slack. [Essentia Point Used] Mana surged through the air as Torment continued to gather a charge, but the main threat was the chain. The bladed end seemed to grow in size as it darted up to strike at Kain, but his own blade seemed to accompany it, coming from another angle with the chain shifted merely to grip it. How the chain was able to move in such a way seemed highly odd, especially as the length seemed to be almost endless, growing at will. A third assault came from a third angle, a large weight on the opposite end of the chain, slicing in from the opposing direction as the bladed end of the chain in a hammer and sickle style attack. A fouth attack came from directly below, a huge cone of acid spraying up into the air at Kain. [Essentia Point Used] The acid was largely turned to a gas in this state and would hang in the air.

((right and left=chain ends, front=Kain's blade, below=acid))

Statistics

Incarnum Radiance:3
Reshape: 3
Rebind: 1
Perfect Meldshaper: 1
Essentia Pool: 18
CHAIN
AURA
Mana Charge: ||||

 

[Dragosani Kain]

The impact of his knee to the steel like wing sent out a wave of pain but was gone almost as quickly as it came once the flames surrounding the wings gave its gentle touch to his knee.

The activity to his left and right grabbed his attention and he knew that he was getting pincered. The presence of his blade was an essential reminder that he needed to do something about it, especially when it was coming straight for him...perhaps now was that right time. Kain, tensed up his left foot that took a brief hold on the wing that barred his knee's path to Torment's face, the pressure projected him toward his oncoming Naginata.

The leap through Kain out of the path of the pincering and armed chains, also leaving the acidic gases behing. All that was left was the oncoming Naginata.

Kain blew it a kiss and the weapon dispersed into a series of firey splinters while his right hand took hold of the chain that held his unsummoned weapon and changed to direction of his flight to have Kain front flip that had him back to back with Torment for a split second. In that time Kain, brought his left arm from behind his back, exposing the Wakazashi he had hidden along the small of his back. He stabbed his deadly blade to Torments lumbar area, from this proximity and from the momentum of his flip, his wakazashi would slice along the left side of Torments spine.

The Sleeve on his right arm had appeared to dry...  

[Tacitus]

The two ends of the chain slammed together and pulled apart, already moving to assault again. The dispersion of the blade by Kain was not totally unexpected given how he had sommoned it, but the grip on the chain was. After he grabbed it he'd find himself halting in midair, the chain wrapping around his hand while sending spikes through it that seemed to grow from the chain without so much as a thought. He would then be thrown back through the cloud of acid, the chain still tightly gripping him and attempting to wrap further up his arm.

Torment himself seemed to move independently of the chain, darting back as the length still wrapped about his arm thrust him back out of the slowly descending cloud. The chain seemed to explode with energy as Torment utilized the strength of the Lightning Gauntlets to deliver a powerful electric shock directly to Kain's body as he was gripped by the chain. A roar of thunder would pulse out from along the chain along with the flash, a surge of incarnum forming an assault to stun Kain into submission. [Essentia Point Used] Meanwhile, the two ends of the chain swooped in for another hammer and sickle assault.

Statistics

Incarnum Radiance:3
Reshape: 3
Rebind: 1
Perfect Meldshaper: 1
Essentia Pool: 17
CHAIN
AURA
Mana Charge: ||||

 

[Dragosani Kain]

The Chain's sudden porcupine like quality wasn't much of a problem, the blood that had seeped through Kain's pores along his forearm and the back of his hand had hardened to create a pseudo armour quality and he only felt the ping of pain in his palm. By Torments actions this is how it would play out...

His plan would go on, though torn askew by the certain changes. He regarded the amount of pain from relaxing the muscles in his shoulder to have it dislocate and have him sink the blade on Torments lower left ribs in his back, than to have him thrown in front of the onslaught.

While the chain pulled Kain's arm to Torments front, his airborne direction deviated Kain's body to his right (Torments Left). Since nothing was done to protect his back, Torment would soon feel a foot of razored steel bite just under his left shoulder blade. By the power of the chain, the blade would tear up Torments shoulder and collarbone.

As the deed had would its damaged, Kain wouldn't allow himself to be thrown into a festering cloud. His hellfires burned deeply within him and once he reached Torments collar bone with his blade, Kain released that energy and his whole body became completely engulfed in white hot flame. Liek an explosion, the wave and the heat that shot out from his body would burn and blow the acidic cloud out of harms way and leave anything within a seven foot diamter be recognized as crispy critters.  

[Tacitus]

((Did you have a reaction to the shock and awe? XD Seriously though, shock, thunderclap, and the chain making another assault. >.> Unless I misssed it. ^_^```))

As stated, however, Kain's assault wouldn't have had time to go through, his actions halted and interupted the moment he grabbed the chain. Regardless, the blade would not sink nearly as deep as expected and would be forcibly removed by a flurry of his wings and the chain reacting to make an attempt at thrusting his hand away while also trying to wrap around it. Even as the flames raged around Kain, Torment's single wing shielded him from the flames while the chain itself continued, aiming to slam Kain into the ground. The chain continued growing up and around his arm, constricting as if to crush the dried blood and the contents.

Utilizing the mana charge held within the chain Torment set the whole to a single spell, though even with all the mana flowing through him it was as yet not enough to complete the spell. Even so, his body seemed to begin wraping, the cut on his back shining with an azure light. Meanwhile, his cheeks bulged and another glob of acid was spit at Kain, the ends of the chain sweeping in for and assault -the blade coming down like a scorpian's tail at his chest while the weight came down as if to crush his legs- as the chain tried to pin his arm to the ground, disallowing movement.

Statistics

Incarnum Radiance:3
Reshape: 3
Rebind: 1
Perfect Meldshaper: 1
Essentia Pool: 17
CHAIN
AURA
Mana Charge: ||||

 

[Dragosani Kain]

((if you're really worried about the Lightning that you've used, I can certainly include it. Since Lightning is a form of fire, I didn't suspect that you'd care for healing me some more))

The spike clad chain that bit into his hand had drawn blood. Kain's blood and he had a very keen sense of knowledge and his blood IS an extension of him and he used it to the best of his abilities. It had tasted the makeup of this magically imbued chain and broke its components down in a gluttonous feast for knowledge. The chemical and magical properties told Kain all he needed to know. This "appendage" of Torment was really starting to bother him and wasn't playing nicely anyway.

Everything in this world is comprised of something, be it Hydrogen, Iron, Phospherous, Calcium...and with a little persuading changing the elemental formula changes the outcome. This chain was his case. As an Alechemist and a Mathematician, Kain utilised his knowledge of this chain and his studies to change a couple of elements here and there. Using his energies, Kain expelled the equation appropriate for the molecular changes that he would bestow unto this heedless constriction. The change that took place in the chain was that it quickly turned to sand in Kain's hand, the point of his formula's release. The techinque was of metaphysical origin that imposes itself onto this plance, unless Torment was a skilled Mathematician, Alchemist and had a knack for using the metaphysical world...he'd find out that counter-spells and blocks would prove to no avail for this was not of a conventional nature.

Having the point of his molecular reconstruction expelled through the hand that was holding the chain, was the first to go, turning to a whitish yellow fall cascading like sparkling bits of sunshine dust, releasing him for a simple back role to evade the crushing of his legs and the acidic spittle. It would take a couple more seconds for the process to reach its more deadly ends.

It was a little uncomfortable when Kain happend to roll on his right shoulder, especially when there was a resounding POP of his shoulder going back into place. Unfortunately, he had lost his cig in the roll and left him without his constant stress reliever. In anycase, his wakazashi was now in full defensive, crossing his chest in his now kneeling defensive position ready for retaliation...and with the disintegration of a favoured weapon, Kain suspected that the retaliation would be fierce.  

[Tacitus]

((>.> Its mostly the stunning factor. And lightning element, not like a bolt of lightning. I know the difference wink Either way, meh. Moving on ^_^))

Just as the blood was an extension of Kain, the chain was an extension of Torment, most specifically his very soul. Kain would find that there seemed to be very little in the way of physical mass to the object, just magical forces and incarnum, or soul energy. Even if he could find a way to alter it, Torment himself was immune to transmutations of any sort on all levels unless he willingly accepted.

He didn't.

Despite this, even if he did somehow find a way around this immunity, the chain would sever and explode, the portion unaffected reforming into the weight and chain. Despite this, Torment was occupied otherwise as the cut in his back seemed to explode in a shower of blood and light that began to swirl through the air. The whole seemed to draw together as... a man stepped from Torment's back?!? The cut seemed to heal harmlessly and Shar turned to face his brother's opponent, giving a slight bow before light burst from around his being and a staff of incarnum formed in his hands.

Statistics-Tor

Incarnum Radiance:3
Reshape: 3
Rebind: 1
Perfect Meldshaper: 1
Essentia Pool: 17
CHAIN
AURA
Mana Charge: ||||

Soulmelds and Soulbinds-Shar

5 Soulmelds Available. 3 Soulbinds Available.
Feet Power Center: Thunderstep Boots-Bound
When Shar charges an opponent these boots unleash a terrible sonic attack, focusing upon the opponent he is charging. Expending a point of Essentia greatly enhances the effect. When bound damage dealt stuns the opponent like a magnificent thunderclap.
Crown Power Center: Crystal Helm
This helm is formed from the soul, pure light in a pale blue form that enhances the mind and extends the body. This soulmeld enhances the mental fortitude of the wearer and refracts his form, letting him deflect attacks easier. Shar can use a point of Essentia to force himself out of the way of an attack or to nullify an attempt to manipulate his mind, if he is aware.
Throat Power Center: Pendant of the Juggernaut-Bound
This Soulmeld gives unprecedented prowess in combat. The ability to shrug off blows with the expenditure of an Essentia point makes this a Soulmeld any combatant would gladly shape, but is also decreases overall speed. For the powerful Soulborn that can bind this Soulmeld to his throat power center this speed reduction is absent.
Arm Power Center: Longbow of Souls-Bound
This Signature Soul Forge weapon is formed from a quarterstaff of any type, including the staff section of the Longmace or the hilt of Obelisk or Obelisk Unlocked. Setting a hand upon the center and drawing back an arrow of Soulstuff can be fired forth from this weapon. Expending an Essentia Point makes these arrows nearly infinitely versatile to Shar's will. When bound the Essentia Point is not needed, but one can be expended to create an especially powerful arrow.
Soul Power Center: Soulspark Familiar Variant
See Tor's.

Statistics-Shar

Aside from the passive abilities mentioned for Torment that might apply, Shar`Addan has the following effects active:
Essentia Points: 10
Incarnum Defense:Shar can switch between four modes, in which his eyes glow momentarily a different color.
-Gold: Fear Immunity and Pain Resistance enhanced
-Green: Paralysis Immunity-Active.
-Crimson: Immune to Complete Exhaustion.
-Black: Immunity to effects that weaken him Strength wise.
Smite Opposition:Five times per day Shar can channel the incarnum within him to deliver a devestating blow that can knock any bipedal foe down. If he misses, the use is wasted.

 

[Dragosani Kain]

((I haven't finished reading the post, but Alchemy is also soul/spirit based. Two forms of it, the compisitions of elements and the spiritual factor...severing the chain was very clever of yousa, dear sir )) xp 3nodding  

[Dragosani Kain]

While the blood sprayed from Torments back, Kain brought forth his Odachi (roughly six feet in length and a centimetre and a half in width), imbueing the outer edges with a variant of the technique that he had used to rid himself of his constriction AKA teh crazy chain...thing...The new property that his weapon held was a bane to the make-up of that chain. The Elements of the chain would, essentially, turn to dust. The maths that "poisoned" the blade were made specifically for Torment...Kain, felt generous for such an interesting fight.

Now, there were two of them...

"Hmph, 'glad you play fair, neighbour. I was beginning to think that a one on one was too much for you...", mildly discontented about thechoice of bringing in a third member to this dual.

The other figure was nearly fully emerged from Torment's back. Hell, it wouldn't matter...though it did. Kain was left without much choice and he stood and decided to make use of his shadow...His shadow multiplied by three and there was now a silhouette to his right and left as there was also one to his back. The shadowed figures emerged from the ground in an instant, taking on the exact image of their master.

The Figure from Torments back had settled and looked to him...

The shadows began to fade in and out, becoming pseudo transparent, while crossing to and from Kain and then came to solidify once this had been done twice. Then came the flesh crawling sound of tearing cloth...then came the more moist of ripping which was Kain's epidermis. From his scapulas sprouted two batlike leathery wings, 7 feet in spread of span, likewise spraying blood. The shadows were in complete sinc with this action and now...both parties dourned allies and wings...

Kain's opponents had finished with their...ritual...and he was ready for them. He firmly gripped his imbued weapon in his left hand and worked out a kink in his shoulder, pushing away the throbbing in his right arm as best he could. He could worry about it later, he relied on the adrenaline...

 

[Tacitus]

The chain seemed to retreat all the way back to the point of coiling around Torment's arm as a similar shaft of light formed in his hand, but curved to be more akin to a bow. He smirked as Kain spoke, his own reply coming shortly thereafter, "I've brought no one to the fight that has not been here all along." His smirk didn't fade at all as both Brothers drew back on their weapon and launched a bolt of incarnum, a green aura springing up around them and their ammunition. [Incarnum Radiance: Speed] The one from the staff seemed to glow exceedingly bright as a tail was left behind it, connected to the staff. [Essentia Point Used-Shar] Shar's seemed to be aimed away from Kain slightly, and it was indeed, for he hoped to circle the man. Torment's was aimed at the man's chest, nothing special.

Although, while the weapons were fired, Torment seemed to be gathering the acid within his mouth while mana surged through his form. Something seemed to be happening to the metal around his neck, almost as if it were dissolving somehow. The blue and green tones were not disappearing entirely, merely shifting to a deeper blue, acid turning to a gaseous state and escaping his lips harmlessly.

Statistics

Incarnum Radiance:2
Reshape: 2
Rebind: 1
Perfect Meldshaper: 1
Tor Essentia Pool: 17
CHAIN
Mana Charge: ||||
Shar Essentia Points: 9
Incarnum Defense: Green
Smite Opposition:5