The precession of Mercury is the greatest proof that even light bends to gravity. What's a mote of light when your purview is the Truth?
Doubled defense
WP: 4
HP: 8
(1911) Duel Arcane - Shodan v Winter
41368
THREADID
27
POSTS
21 - 27
DISPLAYED
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The precession of Mercury is the greatest proof that even light bends to gravity. What's a mote of light when your purview is the Truth?
Doubled defense
WP: 4
HP: 8
History repeats itself as farce.
It was pretty obvious by now that while Shodan can put Winter on the defense, his attacks are just not strong enough to pierce the Guardian's Shield in any meaningful way. Meanwhile, his opponent looks for openings in Shodan's own protections and snipes away. He doesn't do much damage, but little by little it's going to mount and lead to an easy to determine outcome.
So, what Shodan can do is bolster his defenses like Winter does, and delay. They can probably go on like this for another few minutes, hours, days? But the end result will be the same. Or, he can accept his strategy has failed and look for a new one. Frontal assault clearly didn't work out.
"Enough" He says with all the resolve he can still muster "It doesn't lead anywhere" Should he fall, can he really count on Winter to leave it there? Or would he use the chance to pound his chest or worse, kill him outright? No, Winter won't get that satisfaction if this Prime Mover can help it.
Doesn't he always accuse the Diamond of clinging to solutions that don't work? It's probably time he's taken a lesson of his Legacy and Order to heart and moved on. Cut the losses. The fight continues.
It's the shape that changes.
I yield. A duel ends either with a death or a public admission of inferiority. The Guardian shakes his head disapprovingly,the Libertine was still clinging to his pride. He flicks his wrist in the air, but the whipslash misses the target.
failure
So it's going to be like that. No escape until words of unequivocal defeat are spoken. Shodan'd admit to some surprise - had they positions were reversed, had he heard Winter speak like he's just spoken, he'd have accepted and stopped. If for no other reason, then because people with nothing left to lose don't become placid. They turn desperate, and that's a whole different beast.
"I yield" He says, his voice hollow "You win"
And with that, the duel is over.
"Happy now?"
He's perplexed. On one hand the Libertine has admitted defeat, on the other the younger Obrimos has enough wind left to fan the flames of irreverence.
The Guardian has been too soft - he reckons - he could have ended this farce with the first attack.
The thorn digs deeper into his soul, but he feels lighter. Hopefully, he'll ignite a flame or two.
"Let me offer you some friendly advice. Don't pick fights just because you can, fight only when you must. And choose each fight carefully. You might be dying to try the new shiny toy you've just bought, you feel invincible. But I urge you to proceed with caution and think. What if the other guy has toys that are both better and he's too reluctant to show? Today - in this buffoonery of a duel - I've treated you with the velvet glove, but not everyone will extend you the same degree of courtesy", few words to the Wise.
Okay, fair enough. Winter has earned his bragging rights, and it's plain he'll use them to... act the mentor? Rub salt in the wound? Shodan can't quite decide.
"Duly noted" He says simply. What more was there to add?
Honestly, he feels tired. The physical damage is fine - he should be okay by the time he gets home. The damage to his reputation, pride and long-term exhaustion resulting from Winter's attacks is yet to be assessed, however.
2 successes
The roll is to determine Winter's feelings/emotional state right now and the 'intent' as he gives the advice. Is it truly 'friendly'? Or is there contempt, mockery, or some other emotions? Also, Shodan has nothing to add at this point, so unless stopped he'll return to the main thread
The Guardian's advice sounded genuine, almost paternal. "Good", he says.
3 successes