Closed [Kendoka Sasaran] Hitting it Off (Robinson)

Orin and Robinson meet and spar in the Kendoka Sasaran

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Built into the cliffs overlooking the Suvan Sea, Riverfall resides on the edge of grasslands of Cyphrus where the Bluevein River plunges off the plain and cascades down to the inland sea below. Home of the Akalak, Riverfall is a self-supporting city populated by devoted warriors. [Riverfall Codex]

[Kendoka Sasaran] Hitting it Off (Robinson)

Postby Orin Fenix on July 14th, 2017, 12:43 pm

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Orin bit his lip. He didn’t think that his long series of comments had actually made Robinson feel any better, and Orin was upset that he’d so misread the situation. The chef was usually better than this at reading the situation, even if it wasn't exactly a strong suit of his. After all that, though Robinson didn't look any better. In fact, the mercenary looked unhappier. Orin decided the wisest course of action was simply to shut his mouth for now, until he got to know Robinson better.

The other man also seemed hesitant to go anywhere with Orin, although it did make sense that Robinson would want to finish training. As a mercenary his training was what kept him alive. Orin wouldn't want to miss a day of training either if that was the case. In fact, Orin usually approached his training as if his life depended on it because frankly, one day it might. Orin had been in enough dangerous situations despite being a chef, generally considered to be a relatively safe profession. So he was under no illusions that his skills were really enough to make sure he survived in the world at large. That was actually why, while annoying, Orin liked training with Akalaks. It was good experience for fighting foes with significant advantages over him, and Orin assumed every opponent had something up their sleeves until the fight was over. Orin didn't really fight to win. He fought to survive, and there was a crucial difference.

Orin was about to suggest that they both train for a while longer and at the end meet at the front, but Mizrachi stepped in. “Excuse me,” he said in his loud, rumbling voice. “I have another idea.” Beckoning forward another Akalak, with a dark blue skin, Mizra continued. “Now that you've fought each other once and hopefully learned each other’s skills and styles, perhaps it's time for you to face another opponent, this time together.” The other Akalak bowed to Mizra, and then went to picked up a shield, a large wooden circle, and a wooden long sword from the weapons rack.

Orin blinked, surprised at this development. He didn’t know how he felt about two bouts in a row, especially one with a partner he’d literally just met. Still, Orin figured it was good practice for the real world, although the chance Orin would have allies in a battle seemed slim to none. Trouble always seemed to find him when he was alone. Regardless, this seemed like an opportunity to both hone his skills and get the opportunity to bond with Robinson. “I’m game if you are!”

The new Akalak swung his long sword in a circle, likely warming up his wrist. Orin took a moment to assess the new target. Sword, has reach on me. Shield, also can be used as a weapon, watch for that. Likely plays defensively based on weapon choice, but can’t assume that. Sword, more maneuverable than an axe in a lot of ways. All those thoughts flashed through Orin’s head in an instant. The sword and shield was a favorite combination of the Syliran Order, and Orin had seen more than enough of them in action back in Syliras to know how they worked.

Considering tactics, Orin glanced at Robinson. “Perhaps, if we’re going to do this, we should discuss strategy?” Orin knew what he would do. The stronger of them, with more reach, that being Robinson, would engage their opponent directly and try to keep the Akalak locked down, while the smaller and nimbler of them, Orin, would look for opportunities to strike, and try to flank, keeping the Akalak off balance if at all possible. Still, seeing as Robinson was a mercenary, he probably had more experience working with others in a fight, so Orin was more than willing to defer to the other man’s experience. Sometimes, the hardest part about leadership was knowing when to follow.
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[Kendoka Sasaran] Hitting it Off (Robinson)

Postby Robinson Gilli on July 16th, 2017, 6:21 am

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Well, that was a unique development. One tick he was talking to Orin about hanging out and continuing their training, the next they were presented with another obstacle in the form of an Akalak with a practice longsword and a round shield. This… was something he was unused to be sure. He never had to fight an Akalak wielding sword and shield, never mind one with a sword with as long a reach as a longsword.

And the master expected him and Orin to take on this tall feller.

May’s well, ain’t reach me surmountable odds limit for the season’ He sighed mentally, rotating his axe to flex his wrist. He looked to Orin and simply gave him a nod, looks like their bonding session was taking place now rather than a bar or some sort of restaurant.

Still it was going to be hard fought even with the two of them, and while he didn’t like to be the pessimist; they were dealing with a foe who was physically their natural superior. What experience he had fighting foes with swords was typically that they were more varied in movement and add a shield it meant he could block and strike them with ease. Skill wise, he didn’t know how powerful the Akalak was but at the very least he wouldn’t be unskilled.

Might jus’ be on our scale, fer whatsits worth’ He hummed in thought. He look to Orin’s word regarding plotting a strategy and while he thought it a good idea, the immediately plan was Robin would likely take the front and Orin would flank. Common sense it was, didn’t even need to think it unless one was that dumb.

Which was precisely the problem, it was the obvious method. Running a hand through his hair he felt himself sighing. No doubt Orin thought up the same plan, but did he think of the conundrum? He shrugged that off and stepped closer so that their voices could be spoken in whispers “ ‘s not gonna be easy. ‘E iz gonna expect the usual stuff” He began “ So its gonna be that an’ I take the charge while ya do yer whatsits, or we’z switch it up. Either way ‘s the same odds of us ‘aving our rears on a platter”
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"Is not that I dun wanna talk, is jus' that I'm not good at it"
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[Kendoka Sasaran] Hitting it Off (Robinson)

Postby Orin Fenix on July 16th, 2017, 1:43 pm

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Robinson seemed quite startled by this turn of events, although Orin, having been around Akalaks as long as he had, wasn't as surprised. The dark-skinned giants not only liked to fight, they liked to test themselves in increasingly more dangerous situations. Orin thought that it was only natural that they'd test their non-human students in a similar way. Since Orin had mainly been training against Akalaks for a long time now, Orin took it as a given that he'd have to fight smart, as he was almost certainly at a disadvantage against every opponent. So Orin was more than ready to roll with the punches.

The chef just wasn't sure that Robinson was quite as willing to go with this particular flow. The mercenary seemed deep in thought, twirling his axe almost absentmindedly. Orin hoped that the other human was focused on the fight ahead and not on his former sparring partner, now partner in battle. Running through his interactions with Robinson, though, Orin couldn't think of anything that he personally had done to make the mercenary concerned about Orin. Of course, Orin knew that he was an acquired taste. Maybe Robinson was still upset that Orin's attempts to cheer the mercenary up had failed. Or maybe the mercenary was simply pissed at being forced into this situation with someone that he had just met. Admittedly, Orin wasn't thrilled that he was being forced to fight alongside someone whose techniques the chef barely knew, especially against was appeared to be a rather formidable opponent. Perhaps that was the source of any hesitance on Robinson's part.

The mercenary made an excellent point that their opponent would be expecting anything obvious, and Orin mentally kicked himself for not having even considered that possibility. Still, a new idea was now forming in the chef's mind. Glancing around at their section of the Sasaran, Orin was pleased to observe that it was relatively empty, free of many other individuals training. It might have even been subtly emptied out by the Grand Master. Orin imagined that Mizra wouldn't want too many distractions for this development in Robinson and Orin's training. Still, it fed the growing idea that was forming in Orin's head. It might just work.

Sending that the Grand Master wasn't going to let them collude for too long before forcing them into the fight, Orin lowered his voice. "Listen, nothing in the rules that says we have to stay in this area and engage him." That might be going against the spirit of this match but Orin had to fight dirty. "I saw that means we split up, sort of. Force him to choose a target to pursue. When that happens, the other goes in for an attack, and then disengages when he reacts." Orin shrugged. It was imperfect, and fraught with danger, and it wasn't exactly unpredictable after the first few exchanges. "I know it's not an unusual strategy but it is a strategy that is hard to do more than react against." Hopefully Robinson would agree with the chef's reasoning. This particular plan did require a great deal of trust in the other, though.
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[Kendoka Sasaran] Hitting it Off (Robinson)

Postby Robinson Gilli on July 20th, 2017, 5:40 am

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Robin raised a brow at the plan, it was unusual for certain at least for Riverfall but he found more familiarity in it from Sunberth. Fight and flee was a common gang tactic if he recollected what bits and pieces, and considering their enemy’s likely style… perhaps the most viable.

It boiled down to keeping him distracted and what he could do, tire him out while more agile foes try and seize whatever opportunity opens. Granted, after the first few tries the pattern would be obvious but what is obvious won’t always be easy to solve. He allowed a smirk to appear on his face.

“Still a might better than dat there other one, may’s well go for it eh?” He answered, giving his axe another twirl, keeping his wrist flexible. Watching the Akalak step closer, Robin realized they were out of time to think up of more stuff to do.

So there plan was keep apart, distract, and strike. Rinse and repeat as necessary. And since it was a now or never sort of deal, he immediately broke apart from their little meeting to create distance for which the Akalak would be forced to choose.

Robin circled as he kept the distance using the wider space now available to them, so that it be more than just a turn of the head for the Akalak but of the body as well. He was also banking on the fact that Akalak would consider him the least troublesome. While it would be expected of Orin to flank him, it was also expected of him to break away quick.

Robin trying to flank? Trying to take an attack of opportunity? Still obvious but less expected, he’d also be willingly put himself at a disadvantage. In the meanwhile the Akalak would have no choice but to still, deciding which to focus on while also trying to prevent the other from taking advantage of any openings.

It seemed to be going well so far and when Robin felt it wise enough, he lunged forward in an overhead strike. His blade met shield and keeping the strategy in mind broke off, taking a few quick steps back as he ducked his head from a sideswipe of the Akalak’s blade. Allowing for the Akalak’s back to be exposed and an opening for Orin to exploit.

It was the start of a long game, but hopefully it will all be worth it.
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"Is not that I dun wanna talk, is jus' that I'm not good at it"
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[Kendoka Sasaran] Hitting it Off (Robinson)

Postby Orin Fenix on July 20th, 2017, 12:19 pm

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Robinson seemed to actually quite enjoy Orin’s suggestion. The chef was surprised to say the least. It wasn't like he was an expert strategist, or anything like that. In fact, Orin could imagine that Robinson had been in far more actual fights than the chef, and should have significantly more experience coming up with battle plans. Still, if both of them agreed it was the best course of action Orin wasn't going to question it further, even if this plan did play more to to strengths of Orin’s fighting style than it did to Robinson’s. Hopefully the mercenary could adjust to such a change on the go.

They didn't have any more time to discuss the situation anyway, as the Akalak had decided that it was time to start the fight. Robinson sprang off to one side, clearly trying to put some distance between himself, Orin, and their opponent. That sounds like a great idea. The chef backpedaled, making sure to keep his feet and balance under him and under control. Most of fighting, Orin had discovered over the years, was footwork and positioning. Orin had to be quite precise. He had to be far enough away from Robinson that if the Akalak decided to pursue one of them, it would take their opponent’s whole attention, but not so far that the two of them could come to the rescue of the other when the Akalak picked a target.

At least that had been the plan. Orin had just finished his strategic retreat and was beginning to circle, when Robinson decided to engage. Orin cursed mentally. This is not what I had in mind! Orin didn't want either of them to go in for an attack first. They were supposed to wait until the Akalak went in for a strike and respond appropriately. Orin cursed mentally, but had to go with the change in plans. Robinson’s axe thunked solidly into the shield. Sword incoming, was Orin’s immediate response. At least Orin only had to deal with one of the Akalak’s weapons.

Their opponent obviously was anticipating Orin’s approach, and was already turning his body, swinging the sword and keeping his shield in between himself and Robinson. Luckily, it seemed that the Akalak was used to fighting foes closer to his own height, as the sword was passing through the air around Orin’s head. Finally, the two of them were having a stroke of luck, so to speak, as the Akalak opponent still hadn’t adjusted his fighting style to fighting humans. That made it incredibly easy for Orin to duck below the path of the blade. Now the chef had to respond appropriately.


Still ducked, the chef spun, pivoting on his left foot, as his right arm and right leg came out in a simultaneously slash and kick. Unfortunately, Orin wasn’t quite coordinated enough to pull off such a maneuver. His low kick missed entirely. However, his dagger managed to connect, although all Orin managed to do was score a slice across the right side of the Akalak’s chest. Then, Orin was free of the Akalak’s blade, and the chef darted away from the Akalak, completing his spin around as he put some distance between them, turning his chest as necessary while he turned to to keep their opponent in his sight.

“First blood to the humans,” the grand master intoned, and Orin nearly started, forgetting the other Akalak was even there. However nice it was that they’d managed the first blow, Orin knew it would have done nothing more than annoy their opponent in an actual fight. Hopefully, though, Orin had distracted the opponent long enough for Robinson to take advantage of Orin’s assault.
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[Kendoka Sasaran] Hitting it Off (Robinson)

Postby Robinson Gilli on July 24th, 2017, 10:16 am

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He felt a surge of joy at that. First blood to them it seemed and now he as he crept closer to the Akalak’s rear he swung his axe to press the advantage. Swinging his Axe Robin’s joy quickly turned to annoyance as axe met shield rather than flesh.

He quickly squashed that feeling though, as he merely needed to drag the Akalak into his direction. He stepped back as the Akalak threw a thrust, the blade passing his neck and over his shoulder. Ducking, he avoided the following sideswipe that would have given a right concussion practice weapon or no.

He struck again, needing to keep the Akalak’s focus on him. He’d no doubt the Akalak knew what he was aiming for, but as long as he had to keep up defending from Robin he really couldn’t spare his focus unless Robin slipped up somewhere. Axe met shield again and this time there was a follow up strike, the axe striking like a hammer and as much was the intent.

If he was going to be the distraction by attacking then he would also try to rob the Akalak of his advantage of the shield. Of course their tools being what they were he was also at risk of breaking his own axe but Robin deemed it a necessary risk. No risk no reward was what made combat ‘combat’ after all and he was all for it.

Stepping back again he avoided getting slammed by said shield, though his axe nearly flew from his grip as the shield’s rim slammed into the flat of the axe head. The Akalak now raised his balde for an overhead strike, Robin prepared for the worse now and hoped this would be an opportunity Orin would make use much better than Robin did of his.
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[Kendoka Sasaran] Hitting it Off (Robinson)

Postby Orin Fenix on July 25th, 2017, 4:12 am

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That would have been exhilarating under any other circumstances. As it was, Orin couldn’t enjoy what might have been his first actual strike with a dagger that landed on an Akalak opponent, as they were still in the thick of battle. Next time, Orin would make sure whatever training match he was went until first blood, assuming the Akalaks would allow it. Likely they wouldn’t, as they were too martial to let a little imaginary blood stop them, unless it was a fatal strike. Orin didn’t have any illusions as to his chances in a real battle between himself and an Akalak. He was mostly training so that he could buy himself the time to get away in the unlikely event the chef was on the receiving end of a beating from a stronger opponent. The more he learned, the more likely he was to survive his next encounter.

Unfortunately the plan wasn’t working out as Orin had hoped, and any joy the chef might have felt regarding his fighting abilities was quickly displaced in worrying about his sparring partner. The Akalak had attempted to follow after the chef following Orin’s maneuver, and Orin had braced himself for what would no doubt be a painful strike from the dark-skinned giant’s sword. As he tracked the blade, though, Orin was shocked to see Robinson decide to apparently go all in. While their plan had gone to pieces already given that the two of them didn’t have enough experience between the two of them or with each other to keep up an actual plan of attack, it still struck Orin as odd that Robinson would decided to go with the tactic that they’d decided was too predictable; that is, the mercenary would occupy the Akalak’s attention while Orin attempted to flank.

Still, Robinson seemed too committed to whatever move he’d initiated. The mercenary had gone in for a strike, which had been blocked by the shield. Then, instead of retreating, Robinson had stood his ground and dodged a few blows, before started to hammer on the Akalak’s Orin watched with horror as the other man seemingly tangled his axe in the Akalak’s shield. The dark-skinned giant lost control of his shield, but the sword was already in the air, ready to come down hard in what would be a fatal blow if this were a real fight. Orin had already been trying to reverse his momentum, and he started running forward, heedless of any attacks the Akalak might be preparing to throw the cook’s way. All Orin was thinking about now was rescuing Robinson.

Luckily, the Akalak seemed to have forgotten Orin for the moment. Whether it was because their opponent thought the chef had been farther away, had assumed Orin wouldn’t close for some reason, or whether Robinson had angered the Akalak or gained his attention some other way, Orin didn’t know. Still, the chef launched his whole body into two strikes against the Akalak’s currently exposed back. His right arm went in a straight stabbed aimed at the center of the large dark-skinned man’s chest, while his left arm rose in an uppercut aimed at the Akalak’s armpit. Both of those blows connected, and Orin felt the pain in his left fingers and the hand, reverberating all the way up to his elbow. Still, it must’ve hurt the Akalak more, as the sword dropped from his nerveless fingers.

“Match goes to the humans. Let that be a lesson to you all.” With that, the Grand Master strode off. His pupil bowed to the two humans, then left as well, clearly dejected.

Orin bowed belatedly as they departed, his mind still trying to catch up with the exact sequence of events that he’d just participated in. “We…won?” the chef asked, more than a bit incredulous. “I mean, we won!” Finally, Orin let out a small whoop of joy. He felt good, and, although meeting new people and interacting with others in general normally wasn’t enjoyable for Orin, the success and the rush from the fight made him more reckless than he might otherwise have been. He held out his arm for Robinson to clasp. “It’s been an honor fighting with you.”

That ritual of manly bonding completed, Orin decided to get to know Robinson better. Maybe the Akalaks were on to something here, as the whole sequence of fighting against and then with Robinson made Orin feel a bond to the other man. “Where’d you learn to fight like that? And how often do you train? Do you usually spar or just do drills?” The chef was panting slightly, but his words were still clear enough. Orin would love to get the insights from someone who was better versed in the martial and combat arts than he was. It was likely that Orin could learn a lot from Robinson. Glancing at the now empty area of the Sasaran, Orin thought it was funny that the Akalaks had cleared out after one of their own actually lost to a human. It felt good, but Orin also knew that his own personal training would probably get a lot harder from here on out. Still, that was a problem for another day. The chef bent in half, trying to stretch out his muscles after all that exertion before they stiffened. “Do you still need to hang around and train here or do you want to get out of here?” It was probably odd for Orin to be doing this, but the slight burn in the back of his legs felt good, and Robinson clearly knew the cook was talking to the mercenary.

OOCI hope you don't mind I ended the fight! Let me know if you want to wrap this up now or keep going. I'm fine either way. If you want this to be your last post, feel free to throw it up for grading
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