Hysteria: We are ready to begin round 2.
Game Master: After a short break–when Hysteria disappeared from center court to join me in the Tower overlooking the stadium, and the gathered crowd buzzed excitedly about the action in the octagon so far and the potential for the action in the remainder of the Dance–Hysteria reappears on center court.
Hysteria: The matches have been set.
Matchups for the Dance of Hysteria 2nd Round
1. God 14 versus 2. Pultine
5. Zazel versus 6. Maxx the Superguardian
8. Cras-myne Re versus 9. Metatron
11. Wielar Realfen versus 12. Coffey
It is time for the DRs for the remaining participants to report to the Tower. I will send you there so that we can begin promptly.
DR for Each Participant
Gabriel for Metatron
Ahdis for Pultine
Lofet for Coffey
Agiel for Zazel
Lorv for Wielar Realfen
Argile Brom for God 14
Kazi Ethrel for Maxx, Superguardian of Bludon
Belfrat 33 for Cras-myne Re, Despot Fhet King
GM: The eight remaining participants stand around center court and Hysteria up on the octagon. She gestures for the fighters of the first match to join her on stage, and the others are instantly transported to the stands. God 14 is a tall statuesque male-presenting Druinte and e has long talons at each of the fingers of eis hands. E has long dreadlocks that are similar to Pultine’s and they smile at one another.
1. God 14 versus 2. Pultine
Hysteria: First up is God 14 versus Pultine
Pultine: It is an honor to face you, God 14 of Druont. Please know that regardless of the outcome of this match, you will still have fighters for your interests in the competition, including myself.
God 14: I am aware of that, Pristine. If not for the Mmoatia, we would not even have a seat at the table. I do have questions before this match begins.
Pultine: Please.
God 14: If you face the Superguardian in your next match, do you intend to best him?
Pultine: We have discussed it, and we think that if the Superguardian is capable of defeating a Mmoatia in battle, then he should have a chance at beating Metatron. So if nothing else, I plan to test his mettle to see if he is up to the task.
God 14: What if I were to assure you that the Superguardian is powerful enough to best Metatron?
Pultine: How could you possibly do that?
God 14: I will yield to you. If I yield to you, and the Superguardian is not strong enough to best a child of the Mmoatia, then you will be able to claim victory against Metatron if he does make it to the final, as it seems he will. But you will see if the Superguardian bests the child, Zazel, in his match, and the full extent of his abilities will be on display. He will win this Dance, no other All Star can win now that the Queen Rowen is out.
Pultine: I understand. But if we do battle, you have a chance of advancing to either yield to the Superguardian or best Zazel.
God 14: I am fighter and I can definitely give you a good workout. But if I best you, it would be by chance, not skill, and I do not know that my luck is good enough to hold out against the aerphim child. She is formidable. If she does manage to best the Superguardian, you are the only one who can stop her. Well, you and Metatron. Despite our numbers, there is a very good chance that we will not win this Dance and our real odds will be revealed in the next match.
Pultine: Does Wielar intend to battle Coffey?
God 14: I can’t imagine that he will. All of our hope was in the Queen and now it rests in the Superguardian. And I yield to you so that you can triumph in the event of his defeat.
Hysteria: The winner is Pultine!
GM: For the second round in a row, Pultine’s opponent has forfeited the match. Technically, the first forfeited and the second yielded, but here we are. Pultine is through to the 3rd Round and we haven’t even seen her do battle. Both participants leave the octagon.
Hysteria: I will call up Wielar Realfen and Coffey next based on the conversation in the last match.
GM: Wielar and Coffey fly to the octagon.
11. Wielar Realfen versus 12. Coffey
Wielar: Your match was entertaining to watch. You handled yourself well.
Coffey: Thank you. I heard what God 14 said. Ain’t no reason we shouldn’t throw down. I’m sure you a great warrior and can handle yourself if you make it through.
GM: Wielar laughs.
Wielar: I only survived the Melee because I hid. I haven’t fought a single battle since this whole thing started. I was just a placeholder. For you, apparently. Metatron is tough and if Re can’t handle him, then I definitely can’t. You’ll have to do it. Hysteria, I forfeit, or yield, or whatever. Coffey, good luck. I’ll be rooting for you.
Hysteria: The winner is Coffey!
GM: Wielar and Coffey leave the octagon and Hysteria summons the participants of the next battle.
5. Zazel versus 6. Maxx the Superguardian
Hysteria: Participants for the next match, please join me in the octagon
GM: Once again, the sheer size of the Superguardian makes his opponent seem ill equipped for the contest at hand. He wears tight fitting shorts that display the musculature of his legs, and his shell sits on his back like a backpack; his chest plate displays pecs and abs. Zazel looks spry in her skirt and chest armor, and not a bit intimidated.
Hysteria: Participants ready?
Zazel: I’m ready.
Maxx: Me too.
Hysteria: Fight!
GM: Hysteria leaves the octagon as the battle commences. I’m with Agiel and Kazi Ethrel, the DRs for our participants in this match. The stats of both participants have been projected for the audience.
Name – Zazel
Character Type/E-KIN – AERPHIM-MMOATIA HYBRID
Specialization – GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL
Moral Alignment – LAWFUL NEUTRAL
Traits: Detached, Musclebound, Brawler
Hit Points: 219 (total of all attribute stats)
Attack Bonus: 40 (strength + agility – 7)
Armor Class: 15 (resilience – 7)
Character Stats:
Essence Retention – 51
Strength – 24
Agility – 23
Resilience – 22
Wisdom – 37
Intelligence – 33
Charm – 29
Name – Maxx, the Superguardian
Character Type/E-KIN – PRIME 5 ALL STAR/BLUDONIAN
Specialization – LEADER
Moral Alignment – LAWFUL NEUTRAL
Traits: Distinctive, Hardy, Brawler
Hit Points: 226 (total of all attribute stats)
Attack Bonus: 68 (strength + agility – 7)
Armor Class: 22 (resilience – 7)
Character Stats:
Arcana Mastery – 25
Strength – 43
Agility – 32
Resilience – 29
Wisdom – 31
Intelligence – 31
Charm – 34
GM: Agiel and Kazi Ethrel are the DRs for this match. You’ve both got 1D20. I will let you both know when to roll, if there are any bonuses and whether it’s with privilege or not. First, roll to see who attacks first.
Agiel: 1
Kazi Ethrel: 4
GM: Maxx powers up instantly and his body is covered in the golden glow of the Superconscious. He flies at Zazel who beats her wings quickly at her back to propel herself forward and they both intend to clash in the middle of the ring. Maxx cocks a tight fist on his right side, and Zazel pulls together the glowing embers of her essence in her left hand; they both attack as hard and fast as they can when they meet in the middle of the octagon.
Agiel, roll for Essence Retention with privilege and you’ll add 21, geeze, for Zazel’s bonus. Kazi Ethrel, roll Strength with privilege and you’ll add 21 for the Superguardian’s bonus. Heavy hitters out there.
Agiel: Indeed. That is a Divine 20 and 8.
Kazi Ethrel: 11 and 4.
GM: With that Divine 20 and the crazy Essence Retention bonus, when the two participants meet in the middle of the octagon, Zazel smashes her aspect-inundated hand with the glowing hot embers into the Superguardian’s face with all the force she can muster. Maxx got a 31 on his Strength roll, but with that Divine 20, Zazel’s attack is probably going to interrupt Max’s powerful attack. Kazi Ethrel, I’ll give you a Resilience roll with privilege plus 7 to see if he has the wherewithal to attack after being hit so effectively.
Kazi Ethrel: 11 and 15.
GM: That’s a 22. I think Maxx does land a hit, but Zazel will only take half damage.
Agiel roll 1D20 and 4D4 for Damage because it was an Essence attack. Zazel will deduct a third of the total damage from her Hit Points because she does not have a Third Heart. Kazi Ethrel, you roll 1D20 and 9D4 because it was a Strength attack. You will half the total.
Agiel: 21.
GM: Maxx’s Hit Points are currently 205. Zazel takes a third, 7. Zazel’s Hit Points are currently 212.
Kazi Ethrel: 29.
GM: Zazel takes an additional 15, we’re rounding up on the half. Zazel’s Hit Points are currently 197.
Both fighters retreat to reset after those blows. Zazel flies up from the octagon and her face contorts with anger. Her tan skin begins to brighten, like a fire boils inside of her, and she roars in the direction of Maxx. Three melon-sized balls of fiery, molten rock explode from her mouth as she roars.
Agiel: The classic Demon Blast!
GM: Indeed. Agiel, give me three Essence Retention rolls with privilege and you’ll add 21. Kazi Ethrel, you’ll roll three Agility rolls with privilege plus 7 to see if Maxx is dodging direct hits.
Agiel: First roll is 2, 7, 15. Second is 11, 5, 13.
GM: 11, 7, 15, plus 21 is 32, 28, and 36.
Kazi Ethrel: 10, 11, 16 and 18, 16, 18.
GM: 18, 16, 18 plus 7 is 25, 23, and 25.
Maxx takes each Demon Blast and it’s got to hurt. The molten balls impact and explode over the Superguardian who singes and smokes under the heat and is knocked back by the impact. Agiel, roll 3D20 and 12D4 for Damage. Zazel will deduct a third of the total damage from her Hit Points.
Agiel: 63.
GM: Maxx’s Hit Points are currently 142. Zazel takes 21 Damage. Zazel’s Hit Points are currently 176.
Zazel has turned the tide with that attack. Kazi Ethrel, give me a roll for Resilience with privilege plus 7 to see how the Superguardian is faring following that attack.
Kazi Ethrel: 13 and 8.
GM: With a 20, Maxx is eager to respond and he sloughs off the molten mess of Zazel’s attack. The golden energy around Maxx’s body begins to expand from his arms, creating large hands and long arms in the golden glow that he can manipulate by moving his fingers, hands and arms. His hands are big enough to grab Zazel and he is going to close both big golden fists on her, hoping to smash her between his hands and then tighten and grind the hands for a second attack, before throwing her to the ground for a third.
Kazi Ethrel, roll for Strength with privilege plus 21 in opposition to Agiel’s roll for Agility with privilege. If the Kazi rolls higher, Maxx will then roll for the success of the tighten and grinding attack and then the throwing attack.
Agiel: 7 and 7.
GM: That is a 7 for Zazel’s agility roll.
Kazi Ethrel: 4 and 4.
GM: That’s a 25 and 25 for Maxx’s Strength roll. Kazi Ethrel, roll two more times with privilege plus 21 for the next two attacks.
Kazi Ethrel: Divine 1 and 14. The second is 19 and 18.
GM: A 14 for the second attack and 19 for the third, plus 21 is 35 and 40.
Maxx grabs Zazel with the large golden hands and the hands grind her as she yells out in pain. Then he throws Zazel to the ground and with those roll numbers, there is potential that Zazel lands outside the octagon. Kazi Ethrel, roll 2D20 and 18D4 for Maxx’s Attack Bonus on two attacks. The highest possible Damage Maxx can do with this attack is a 112. If he rolls more than half of that, more than 56, Zazel will be knocked out of the octagon and will have to save to avoid falling out of bounds.
Kazi Ethrel: 65.
GM: That’s big. Zazel’s Hit Points are currently 111. Agiel, give me a roll for Resilience with privilege to see if Zazel saves from being thrown from the octagon.
Agiel: Come on, Zaza. 17 and 13.
GM: Zazel is thrown out of the ring and she is hurting, but she flies to save and hovers over the octagon. She seems unsure, Maxx’s large golden hands are still out and she seems to be calculating her next move. Zazel turns her face down toward the octagon and she takes off as fast as she can fly, hoping to get in close to the Superguardian and land a punch with her right fist, a punch with her left fist, and a knee thrust.
Agiel, roll for Agility with privilege.
Agiel: Divine 1. Oh no. And a 10.
GM: With that 10, I’ll have Kazi Ethrel roll Agility with privilege plus 7 to see if Maxx can catch her out of the air before she arrives at him to start her attack.
Kazi Ethrel: 8 and 12.
GM: With a 19, Maxx manages to catch Zazel as she flies toward him. He’s going to repeat his attack from before. He is going to close both big golden fists on her, hoping to smash her between his hands and then tighten and grind the hands for a second attack, before throwing her to the ground for a third.
Kazi Ethrel, roll for Strength with privilege plus 21. If he succeeds, Zazel will have to save again from being thrown out of the octagon.
Kazi Ethrel: Divine 1 and 15.
GM: With a 36, Maxx smashes Zazel between his golden hands. Roll two more times for the next two attacks with privilege plus 21.
Kazi Ethrel: 2 and 4. Second roll is 8 and 4.
GM: That’s a 25 and 29. Zazel wails as Maxx grinds her in the golden hands and then he throws her down.
Kazi Ethrel, roll 2D20 and 18D4 for Maxx’s Attack Bonus on two attacks. The highest possible Damage Maxx can do with this attack is a 112. If he rolls more than half of that, more than 56, Zazel will be knocked out of the octagon and will have to save to avoid falling out of bounds.
Kazi Ethrel: 70.
GM: Zazel’s Hit Points are currently 41. Agiel, give me a roll for Resilience with privilege to see if Zazel saves from being thrown from the octagon.
Agiel: Come on, Zaza. 8 and 14.
GM: Zazel is thrown out of the ring for a second time, and she saves for a second time, but the battle wears her down. Maxx’s Hit Points are currently 142 and Zazel’s Hit Points are currently 41.
Maxx is going to press his attack and seeing how weary Zazel seems to be, Maxx will do the same attack and Zazel will do her best to save against it.
Agiel: She should yield. But she won’t. He’ll have to knock her down.
GM: Kazi Ethrel, roll 2D20 and 18D4. If you roll more than 56, Zazel will be knocked out of the octagon and will have to save to avoid falling out of bounds.
Kazi Ethrel: 69.
GM: Agiel, give me a resilience roll, 1D20 with privilege.
Agiel: 3 and 9.
GM: That won’t do it. Zazel’s Hit Points are currently -21. With that, Zazel falls unconscious out of the octagon and hits the ground. Agiel flies out of the Tower to lift her from the court and take her to the stands where there is a healer to soothe her wounds.
Hysteria: The winner is Maxx, the Superguardian!
GM: The Superguardian leaves the octagon. There are cheers for him, but there is also concern for Zazel, until she flies over to the Superguardian and congratulates him on his win. The entire stadium erupts in applause for both of the participants, as the next participants meet Hysteria in the octagon.
8. Cras-myne Re versus 9. Metatron
Hysteria: Participants ready?
Cras-myne Re: Yes.
Metatron: Yes.
Hysteria: Fight!
GM: Hysteria leaves. Re, with his intimidating stature on his solid feet and his large tail, and Metatron, the statuesque angel with blond hair, stare at one another. I have Belfrat 33 and Gabriel with me, the DRs for our participants in this match. The stats of both participants have been projected for the audience.
Name – Cras-myne Re
Character Type/E-KIN – PRIME 5 ALL STAR/FHETATIAN
Specialization – LEADER
Moral Alignment – CHAOTIC NEUTRAL
Traits: Cautious, Slippery, Passionate
Hit Points: 200 (total of all attribute stats)
Attack Bonus: 72 (strength + agility – 7)
Armor Class: 18 (resilience – 7)
Character Stats:
Arcana Mastery – 32
Strength – 21
Agility – 58
Resilience – 25
Wisdom – 18
Intelligence – 14
Charm – 32
Name – Metatron
Character Type/E-KIN – 1ST SPHERE AERPHIM/LESSER VODUN
Specialization – LEADER
Moral Alignment – LAWFUL NEUTRAL
Traits: Polite, Specialized, Focused
Hit Points: 242 (total of all attribute stats)
Attack Bonus: 60 (strength + agility – 7)
Armor Class: 12 (resilience – 7)
Character Stats:
Essence Retention – 27
Strength – 32
Agility – 35
Resilience – 19
Wisdom – 35
Intelligence – 42
Charm – 52
GM: Belfrat and Gabriel, you’ve both got 1D20. I will let you both know when to roll, if there are any bonuses and whether it’s with privilege or not. Roll to see who attacks first.
Belfrat 33: 8
Gabriel: Divine 20.
GM: Metatron has a game plan that worked well for him in his 1st Round match, and he will open this match the same way. He raises both of his hands and aims a bolt of lightning from each, and for good measure, he opens his mouth and unleashes a third bolt. Keep in mind that Metatron takes a third of damage dealt with Essence Attacks.
Gabriel, please roll for Essence Retention with privilege and Belfrat, roll for Agility, also with privilege plus 21 for Re’s high score there. This is to see if all three bolts hit.
Belfrat 33: 1 and 5.
GM: That’s a 26 for Re’s Agility roll.
Gabriel: 7 and 3.
GM: Re is a hard target to hit. He uses his thick legs and long feet to jump and dodge the lightning attacks. Gabriel, roll 3D10 and 24D4. Metatron will take a third of that Damage.
Gabriel: 63.
GM: Metatron’s Hit Points are currently 179.
Re will jump toward Metatron and try to kick him with both feet, one after the other. Gabriel, roll for Resilience to see if Metatron has recovered from his attack to try and counter Re’s move.
Gabriel: 10.
GM: Re launches his feet at Metatron and I’ll have Belfrat roll twice for Strength with privilege in opposition to Gabriel’s roll for Resilience for each attack. If Belfrat is higher, the attacks land, if Gabriel is higher, Metatron manages to block and avoid damage.
Belfrat 33: 13 and 3. Second is 4 and 2.
GM: That a 13 and 4.
Gabriel: 11 and 4.
GM: Metatron takes the first blow, and manages to block the second. Belfrat, roll 1D8 plus 10D4 for Damage.
Belfrat 33: 11.
GM: Metatron’s Hit Points are currently 168.
Metatron grabs Re’s feet with both hands. Gabriel, give me a Strength roll with privilege plus 7.
Gabriel: 19 and 16.
GM: With a 26, Metatron grabs Re’s feet and slams him to the octagon. To determine how many times he is able to do this, I will have Gabriel and Belfrat each roll 1D6. If Gabriel’s number is higher, that counts as a successful slam by Metatron of Re on the court. If Belfrat’s number is higher there are no more rolls and Re will manage to escape. So, Metraton definitely gets one. Let’s see if he gets 2.
Belfrat 33: 1
Gabriel: 5
GM: Metatron gets 2. Roll again.
Belfrat 33: 4
Gabriel: 5
GM: Metatron gets 3. Roll again.
Belfrat 33: 2
Gabriel: 3
GM: Metatron gets 4. Roll again.
Belfrat 33: 2
Gabriel: 3
GM: Metatron gets 5. Roll again.
Belfrat 33: 3
Gabriel: 4
GM: Metatron gets 6. Roll again.
Belfrat 33: 2
Gabriel: 1
GM: Metatron manages to slam Re into the court 6 times before he loses his grip. That is going to be 6 Strength attack rolls for Metatron. Gabriel roll 6D10 plus 48D4, my god. Metatron has an Attack Bonus of 60, so he gets to add 1D4 of Damage for each multiple of 7 in his Bonus. That is 8, and he multiplies by 6 here because he hit Re 6 times, that’s why it’s 48 D4.
Gabriel: That is 156.
GM: Woooo, boy. Re’s Hit Points are currently 44.
Re is dazed after that attack. Belfrat, roll for Resilience with privilege.
Belfrat 33: 12.
GM: Re is not doing well. He is on his feet but he is not steady. Metatron takes advantage and replicates his opening attack of three bolts of lightning, one from each hand and one from his mouth. Re is in no condition to save against it, but Gabriel, give me a roll for Essence Retention with privilege to see if Metatron hits.
Gabriel: 10 and 14.
GM: All 3 of Metatron’s attacks hit. Gabriel, roll 3D10 and 24D4 to calculate damage to Re. Metatron will take a third of that Damage.
Gabriel: 84.
GM: Metatron loses 28 Hit Points. Metatron’s Hit Points are currently 151. Re’s Hit Points are currently -40.
Re falls unconscious to the octagon for a ten count.
Hysteria: The winner is Metatron!
GM: There are muted cheers around the stadium. The most enthusiastic applause comes from the Archangels, but most of the other teams congratulate Metatron politely.
Hysteria: So concludes the 2nd Round of the Dance of Hysteria. Round 3 matches will commence shortly.
Matchups for the Dance of Hysteria 3rd Round
2. Pultine versus 6. Maxx the Superguardian
9. Metatron versus 12. Coffey
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