with the raid on the horizon, Spider is more anxious than ever to hone their skills. they’re fighting on behalf on their pack, after all, so it can never hurt to brush up on their knowledge - and as defender of said pack, a warrior must avoid getting rusty. Spider stretches out their limbs as they pace onto the battlefield, working out any kinks they might’ve obtained during sleep. it’s gratifying to feel how powerful their muscles have become, to feel their own strength and the sense of pride that comes with it. regular training has helped take their mind off more…unsavoury topics, and the results are obvious in every shift on their body, every incremental movement. strength. it’s been a while since they were that defenceless pup, a defencelessness that’s melted away with afternoons spent vigorously training. now warmed up, they look expectantly to the horizon, eager for an opponent.

Word count: 151/1500

Speech

There was an itch in Kitsune’s coat thrumming just under her skin like electricity. She could feel it in her legs, in her back, zinging through her body. She wasn’t keen to go too far from home, but she found herself running, and she didn’t stop for some time. When her paws finally slowed, she was breathing quickly, and her limbs ached. She shook her head, feeling almost dazed as she looked about herself. Searching for some clue as to where she was, and how far she had come - before she realised what land lay in front of her. Had she come here on purpose? She would not challenge her Uncle for the throne. Not without her mothers blessing, and doubted the former Empress would give it to her.

She took a few slow steps forward, her nostrils working as she took in the scent of this land. Old blood and dust, with the hint of something fresher. A wolf? She scanned the field before her until her eyes alighted on the other. She did a double take as she noticed the four sets of eyes as they in turn found her. Four sets, and one face. One set blinked, and the other did not. Hmm… interesting. This wolf was not the strangest the fire fox had seen, but they were close.

She stepped closer, catching the scent of Armada, and Warlord. Her mothers closest allies. Would that change with Chimera? She couldn’t stop the many questions lingering at the forefront of her thoughts. She wished she could. Perhaps that was what she needed. A challenge, a distraction. Something other than anxiety running through her veins. “Greetings, Warrior of the Armada. May I have this fight?” The Ashen Princess asked with formal politeness as she inclined her head in a graceful dip towards them.

Total: 455

"Speech"

Spider perks up at the sound of footsteps, watching as an unfamiliar woman appears in the distance. she’s beautiful, her pelt dark and interwoven with smouldering flame - but there’s also a quiet confidence in the way she approaches their spar. nothing to indicate the jitters of a nervous opponent. yes, Spider can recognise an experienced fighter when they see one.

“you certainly may,” they chirp, flashing a grin. there’s a pack-smell wafting from her, but it’s not one they’re familiar with. at least they can rule the pirates out; she lacks the salt-and-brine scent of the sea. it stirs up their curiosity, though, and urges them to press for answers. “my name’s Spider. if you don’t mind my asking, from which pack do you hail, miss?” perhaps she’ll tell them not to pry - but there’s no harm in getting to know one’s opponent, right? Spider waits a heartbeat for her response, then shifts into a battle stance, head bent forward and legs splayed apart for balance. they tuck their ears into the sides of their skull, the fur along their neck raised to protect the vulnerable flesh there. the anticipation of battle is already heating their blood. “ready to dance?”

once she’s given her blessing, Spider kicks off from the ground and charges forward, sending up dust in their wake. they’ve chosen early morning for this fight, but the summer heat is bearing down on them all the same, and sweat begins to bead along their scruff. teeth flashing past black gums, the teen aims to clamp down on the woman’s left shoulder, hoping to unbalance her and gain the upper hand early on.

Araneae (Spider) vs Kitsune for Spar
Round 1/2
Age: over 1 year
Size: Extra small
Build: Light
Offensive Battle Accessory: Small dagger engraved w/ "Spider Fatalis"
Companion 1: Raven, Male - Flying
Skills: Advanced Hunter & Expert Fighter

word count: 731/1500

Speech

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Spider, I’m Kitsune Tachi Oritsu Abraxas, from the Ashen Empire” she explained, her voice welcoming and polite as her diplomacy training bid her to be. Their question had indicated a curiosity, so she continued on, answering them in full and without judgement. “Your esteemed Warlord originally hailed from the Ashen Empire, and that history has forged a lasting bond of allegiance between our two packs.” But that was enough history and explanation. That itch lingered in her coat and under her paws. Excess energy she needed to rid herself of, least it burn her up inside.

Her opponent readied themselves, and she did the same. Letting her body follow the familiar patterns as she moved into her defences. “As I’ll ever be” She said, anticipation touching her tone with a glimmer of excitement.

It was nice to face an opponent that didn’t tower over her, and she relished their advance. Spider charged at her, and she let him have her shoulder. Knowing he would struggle to pierce her thicker than average coat. It brought him in close, and she balanced against Spider’s attack as she raised her right paw. Extending her claws as she aimed the grab just behind their knee and pull it forward. She wasn’t trying to hurt them, only compromise their balance. At the same time, she twisted her head to the side and attempted to swipe at their neck with her antlers.

WC: 248
Total: 979


"Speech"

Kitsune vs Spider for Spar
Round 1/2
Age: over 2
Size: Medium
Build: Light
Offensive Battle Accessory: Shoulder spikes
Defensive Battle Accessory: Leather chest piece
Companion 1: Black kite, Female - Battle
Companion 2: Male cross fox, 20" with antlers - Battle
Mutation 1: Horns - Offensive
Mutation 2: Cat claws - Offensive
Mutation 3: Thicker fur - Defensive
Skills: Expert Fighter & Master Healer
Specialty:

Sirius was originally from Ashen? now that's an interesting titbit to file away. Spider supposes they've never really thought about the Warlord's life before he was head of the Armada; he seems an innate fixture of the pack, like he'd just materialised into the position the moment it'd been formed. does he ever miss home? what had made him leave? all things to pick his brain about later, perhaps. committing Kitsune's scent to memory - so this is what an Ashen wolf smells like - they push all other thoughts aside and turn their attention to the spar.

they're surprised at how difficult it is to clamp down on Kitsune's shoulder; her fur seems to repel them, as though she's wearing a layer of steel beneath her coat. distracted, the Ashen woman unbalances them easily, and they fall directly in line with her antlers. thankfully their reflexes kick in, and they're able to twist in a way that deflects the worst of the strike, but those antlers still nick the side of Spider's neck. stumbling out of range, they take a few seconds to gather themselves, aware they might be giving Kitsune the perfect opportunity to strike. to reduce this risk, they pace briskly back and forth, eyeing her fur dubiously. right, whatever defence she's got hiding under there, they certainly won't be trying that one again. unwilling to waste further time, Spider throws themself at her flank and attempts to use the momentum to bowl her over and pin her to the ground. this plan, of course, has several drawbacks: for one, they're not very heavy, so their attack relies more on surprise than strength. and for another, if Kitsune is in the middle of her own attack, they've all but stumbled right into it. but Spider's attack style has always been a little reckless, a little impractical, so all they can do is hope for the best.

Araneae (Spider) vs Kitsune for Spar
Round 2/2
Age: over 1 year
Size: Extra small
Build: Light
Offensive Battle Accessory: Small dagger engraved w/ "Spider Fatalis"
Companion 1: Raven, Male - Flying
Skills: Advanced Hunter & Expert Fighter

word count: 1297/1500

Speech

Kitsune felt Spiders balance falter as she grabbed for them behind their knee. She pulled a little harder, hoping to compromise it fully but felt them find their centre and keep their paws. Ah well, there were more attacks she could work on. Her antlers nicked the side of Spider’s neck - she could feel it, more than see it. She had to compromise her sight by lowering her head to strike. It was a weakness she had to take in order to use her natural abilities, and while it wasn’t great, she was accustomed to it.

She raised her head again, working to reset her own balance, and saw Spider was resetting themselves as well. She grinned at them, enjoying the fight. When Spider suddenly launched themselves at her flank, her antlered fox warned her with a quick cry. “Princess!” He said, and she started to turn. But Spider was already there, shoving into her. She felt her paws slip in the earth beneath her toes and she scrambled to dig them in with a grunt of effort. At the same moment, the silver cross fox went for one of Spiders back legs, trying to pull them backwards and compromise their attack to by Kitsune time to refind her balance.


Total: Over 1500

"Speech"

Kitsune vs Spider for Spar
Round 2/2
Age: over 2
Size: Medium
Build: Light
Offensive Battle Accessory: Shoulder spikes
Defensive Battle Accessory: Leather chest piece
Companion 1: Black kite, Female - Battle
Companion 2: Male cross fox, 20" with antlers - Battle
Mutation 1: Horns - Offensive
Mutation 2: Cat claws - Offensive
Mutation 3: Thicker fur - Defensive
Skills: Expert Fighter & Master Healer
Specialty:

And the winner is...

Araneae

Kitsune must give up by submitting, fleeing or passing out. Totals: Kitsune: Attack Roll: 56 Defense Roll: 27 Agility Roll: 47 Perception Roll: 5 Total: 135 Attack[56] + 50% Bonus[28.00]: 84.00 Defense[27] + 45% Bonus[12.15]: 39.15 Agility[47] + 5% Bonus[2.35]: 49.35 Perception[5] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 5.00 Total[177.50] + 20% Bonus[35.50]: 213.00 Araneae: Attack Roll: 76 Defense Roll: 88 Agility Roll: 43 Perception Roll: 17 Total: 224 Attack[76] + 25% Bonus[19.00]: 95.00 Defense[88] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 88.00 Agility[43] + 15% Bonus[6.45]: 49.45 Perception[17] + 10% Bonus[1.70]: 18.70 Total[251.15] + 20% Bonus[50.23]: 301.38