Battle Joined
Well, the main bit I've been wanting to write. Hope y'all enjoy it! I've included my version of the logic of magic at the end of this chapter. If this receives good feedback then I'll make another Blademaster and Hero battle. You can skip the part after the bar, because that part's just the extra info.
Onward to more battle!
Valor: Ultimate Demoralization
The Champion, Morah, cast the spell and dodged another pierce from the Vampiir, Vandaras, who cried out as his nervous system slowed down from the spell. His reaction time decreased and he growled as he leapt backwards, his left-hand swirling in a spell.
Shadow Mastery: Darkened Haste
His nervous system restored itself, and Vandaras hurled himself once again into the battle, his rapier flashing to meet the claymore of Morah. He dodged a downward hack and leapt onto the blade, throwing himself past the left-side of Morah, his own left-hand burning with fire.
Shadow Mastery: Blazing Claw
"Argh!" Morah cried out as he twisted away, a claw slicing his cheek, making a surface cut. Not deep, but it would be a scar for life. Morah howled in rage as he rained blows down on Vandaras, who had spun and was running back to engage him. The claymore hacked downwards, blocked by Vandaras, then spun and sliced upwards, which was side-stepped by Vandaras. Still in the air, the claymore hacked diagonally left and stabbed into the ground, which Morah used for leverage to kick the nose of Vandaras out of place.
His foot connected with Vandaras' face and knocked him backwards, stunned and chocking on his own blood. Momentum from his strike carried Morah over his blade and he landed on the other side, where he pulled the sword out with his right-hand and held it to his side, his left-hand flying up, palm out toward the Vampiir.
Valor: Blast of the Champion
A shock of power surged through Vandaras and he shuddered in pain, unable to cry out as the power of the spell took effect. Vandaras chocked and fell forward, his hands clawing the ground, desperately trying to summon the last of his power to heal himself.
Shadow Mastery: Greater Regeneration
Immediately, the wounds on Vandaras vanished and he stood, rejuvenated and untouched, his undead flesh glowing in the moonlight. Morah saw he had cast a spell and grumbled under his breath something about cheating. Immediately both combatants stretched forth their left-hands, the gloved hand of the Champion and the clawed hand of the Vampiir connected by power, forming a dome of power around them that pushed away anyone within. The power cackled and burst, sending pulses and blasts that threatened to explode, and yet did not.
Finally they could not resist the call of power, and both cried out their Snare spells.
Valor: Crawl
Shadow Mastery: Voice of Horror
Vines of undetermined strength leapt out of the ground and wrapped themselves around Vandaras, as the power Crawl took effect and bound a swearing Vampiir amidst the maze of vines. Meanwhile, all motor sensors in Morah had gone off and he was rendered paralyzed, unable to move or speak. Both combatants stood there in the middle of the courtyard, paralyzed and unable to move, recuperating their strength. The spectators breathed a sigh of relief and settled themselves, some amongst them betting on the winner of the match, while others simply discussed the powers of the two combatants animatedly, some children even attempting to use sticks to recreate the battle.
Off to the side, a smith and his apprentice were conversing on the finer points of the battle.
"Master," began the young man, "I thought Vampiirs were devoid of power, relying completely on their combat skills. How did he suddenly acquire such powerful magic in his claw?"
"Did you honestly think that his claw was merely another weapon?" asked the Master. When no reply seemed forthcoming, he continued, "The Vampiirs have no magic of their own, but leech off the power of others. In battle as they fight, their enemies give off power unconsciously and Vampiirs absorb this power for their own use. After the battle, should he have any power left of him, he will continue to unconsciously give off power until his pool of power finally runs out."
"And why are their powers so different, master?" asked the apprentice, "Is not magic the same throughout the realm?"
"Magic is the simplest thing my dear apprentice, I am glad you brought this subject to light," said the master approvingly, "Magic is like molten metal. It has no shape nor form, and thus has no use on its' own. It is simply a deadly force existing without a purpose. But creatures with a presence of mind may sense this power and turn it to their own use."
"For example, healing magic is possessed by the Druids and the Wardens. However, the Druids specialize in rejuvenating and enhancing the body, simply for the well-being of the people. The Wardens, however, cast healing and defensive spells, which focus on protecting the people from battles. And thus do you find their magic, though similar, different to some extent."
"Likewise, the Champion's branch of magic mainly focuses on lowering the strength and overall abilities of their opponents, while granting them a small boost in strength, making them nearly on par with our pure-fighting classes such as the Heroes. Vampiirs on the other hand, have three choices and of the three, Vandaras has chosen Shadow Mastery, which follows the Champions' branch of magic almost exactly. However, the way they obtain their power, and the ways they use their powers, are entirely different,"
"Put it simply, it is like a smith who wishes to forge a sword, an axe, or even a pitchfork with metal. Metal, like magic, is shaped according to the purpose and function required of it."
"I understand now, master," said the smiling apprentice up to the beaming face of his master, just as the Snare spells of the two combatants lost their effect, releasing their fury.