While I wait for...

Marvel Heroes to d/l the patch and itself, I might as well pull off a grand summary of what I've done thus far. Well sorta...

Mr TTC: I don't think trying to do your own CCG is ideal, you know.

Me: Why?

Mr TTC: Because Marvel is a global company. You do this kind of thing, they will want you to pay royalty.

Above convo truly happened during church. So much for trying to be my own man... -_-

Apparently, I got myself lost in 2-3 sub-quests @Hell's Kitchen. Damn fun running around in open space and spamming Black Panther's basic attack tho*...
*Gutted to say I've yet to get the hang of using Cyro-Dagger in terms of trying to pahlang instead of pahjiao.

[Marvel Alliance of the Atom Ver 1]

What you need:

1. Cards from Marvel Alliance of the Atom

2. More than one deck of poker cards

3. Counters

Different phases during every player's turn:
Draw-Draw a card from any deck belonging to your Characters. You can only draw one card per turn this way.
Main-This is where your Characters will engage combat with enemy Characters.
End-Concludes your current turn together with resolving any debuff (including Stun) effects.
Note: Unless stated otherwise, all debuff/Stun effects lasts only until end of current turn.

Character and deck rules:

1. For every Character played, a deck containing 53 cards plus 7 additional Character cards must be used. More on the latter part later on.
2. Every Character will have his/her own respective cost. No matter what, total cost used cannot exceed the maximum limit of 10.
3. Maximum number of cards in your hand will be decided by twice the number of Characters you play.

4. Every Character's actions will be classified under one of the four types, i.e. Spades, Hearts, Clubs, Diamonds.

Card type rules:

1. Diamond denotes Heal. Value of the card played will decide how much Life your Character will recover. Can be used more than once during any given turn.

2. Clubs denotes Stun. Value of card played must be greater than target Character's Strength or Life, depending which one is higher. Stun can only be played once per turn and after successfully dealing damage.

3. Hearts denotes Defend. Value of card played will reduce the amount of damage suffered by your Character. If that card's value is greater than damage dealt, defending Character takes no damage instead, i.e. successful Defend. Can be used more than once during any given turn.

4. Spades denotes Attack. Value of card played decides the amount of damage which can be dealt. Can only be used once per turn.

Rules for different cards:

1. Standard cards will have value ranging from 2 to 10.
2. Burst cards are those beyond the value of 10, i.e. Jack, Queen, King.
3. Characters affected by Stun cannot use any action apart from Heal.
4. Using Heal will remove Stun.

Burst:
1. Only one Burst card can be used per turn.
2. Burst will override all other effects.
2. Attack Burst, i.e. Spades, will always deal full damage. Damage value is fixed at 12.
3. Defend Burst, i.e. Hearts, will always ignore all damage dealt from a single source.
4. Stun Burst, i.e. Clubs, will always cause Stun status regardless of whether target Character manage to take damage.
5. Heal Burst will always recover full Life. Remove all debuff status including Stun this way.
6. If a player's Character deals 1 Attack Burst and target Character uses 1 Defend Burst, the Character with the higher Burst value wins, i.e. winner activates the respective Burst effect while the loser's Burst effect will be nullified.*
*Stun and Heal Burst cannot be used this way.
Note-Burst card value counts as Jack being the lowest and King the highest.

Flare:
1. Applicable only for Characters only.
2. Every deck must have four Aces. Flare will confer either twice the damage successfully dealt or +4 to Defend.
3. Flare lasts until end of your next turn.


Universe:
1. Every deck can only have one Joker.
2. If you draw one Joker card and decided to use it, all your Characters can use any ONE card from the hand as a Burst card. 
3. Will only last until end of current turn.
4. Can only choose one type of Burst effect.

Combat:
1. Unless specified otherwise, every Character can only Attack once per turn.
2. Attacking Character will always initiate attack.
3. Defending Character can never do so, no matter what.
4. Defending Character will attack back against the attacking enemy Character as a result.
5. Defending Character cannot attack back once stunned.
6. Characters cannot attack once stunned.
7. Stun effect will last until affected Character's next turn.

Characters:
1. Every Character will have one Ability.
2. Every Character will also have his/her own combat type and damage type.
3. Extra Character cards can be played to boost their existent counterparts during the game. This is known as Alternate Impact. This must be done before your Main phase.
4. Alternate Impact can only be used during your current turn and will last until starting of your next turn.
5. You can only use one Alternate Impact per same Character.
6. Alternate Impact confers +1 to any two stats of your choosing.
7. Cards used for this purpose can be added to the respective Character's deck.

Combat type
1. Blindside: Will always attack first.
2. Rage: +3 to successful damage dealt during next attack whenever receiving damage.
3. Brawl: Attack twice per turn instead of once.
4. Lock: Attack deals full damage at the cost of any one extra card used. Cards discarded this way must have a higher value than the Attack card used.
5. Leadership: Draw 1 extra card from any friendly Character's deck after winning a combat.
6. Wild Card: Unique effect that does not belong to any of the above five.

Stats:
1. Every Character will have the following stats: Life, Strength, Agility, Intelligence.
2. Life indicates maximum amount of damage Character can take. Once any Character's Life drops to 0, the Character will be declared dead and removed from game.
3. Strength indicates how much damage a Character can dish out. However, actual damage dealt will be decided by value of the Spades card played+Character's Strength.
5. Agility indicates Character's chances of avoiding damage altogether so long value of the Hearts card played+Character's Agility is higher than total value of damage dealt by enemy Character.
6. Intellect indicates number of extra cards drawn from that Character's deck during Draw phase so long you have less than 4 cards in hand. Can be stacked with Leadership.

C001: Iron Fist
(Danny Rand)

Cost-3

Life-17

Strength-7

Agility-8

Intellect-1

Combat type-Brawl

Damage type-Unarmed Melee

Description: Can choose to use Hearts as Attack and Spades as Defend during combat.

Mark of Shou-Lao

Can choose to skip Iron Fist's current turn. Iron Chi cannot be used during your following turn.

You can choose one out of four choices below during your next Draw phase.

[Healing Chi: Any Heal card played will double the amount of Life healed]

[Critical Chi: +4 Attack. Not applicable against Defend Burst]
[Fortress Chi: Immune to damage whenever any Defend card is played. Not applicable against Attacking Burst]

[Silent Chi: Immune to Stun]

C002: Angel
(Warren Kenneth Worthington III)

Cost-1.5

Life-16

Strength-5

Agility-7

Intellect-1

Combat type-Lock

Damage Type-Unarmed Melee

Description: Can choose to use Hearts as Attack and Spades as Defend during combat.

Soaring Free

Attack with value of 4 or more will be treated as Lock Attack without the normal cost of 1 extra card.

C003: War Machine
(James "Rhodey" Rhodes)

Cost-2.5

Life-15

Strength-7

Agility-5

Intellect-2

Combat type-Lock

Damage type-Energy Ranged

Description: Total damage equals Attack value+card discarded.

Noble Assistance

War Machine can choose to Stun any attacking Character during opponent player's turn; resolve the effect per normal. Can only use this Power once per every player's turn.

C004: Morbius
(Dr. Michael Morbius)

Cost-3

Life-18

Strength-7

Agility-6

Intellect-3

Combat type-Wild Card

[Heal 1 Life whenever Morbius wins a combat]

Damage type-Feral
Description: +1 Attack; +1 damage successfully dealt.

Living Vampire

Whenever Morbius is attacked and you choose not to use a Defend card, draw a card from attacking Character's deck. If drawn card is a Diamond numbering 2-10, use it to heal Morbius according to the card value. If it's a Burst or Flare card, put that card into your hand.

C005: Mister Fantastic
(Dr. Reed Richards)

Cost-1.5

Life-14

Strength-5

Agility-4

Intellect-4

Combat type-Leadership

Damage Type-Unarmed Melee

Description: Can choose to use Hearts as Attack and Spades as Defend during combat.

Ability

Elastic Deflection: Defend card with value 8 or more will nullify any non-Burst Attack targeting Mister Fantastic. Draw 1 extra card from Mr Fantastic's deck upon success.

[When Defending Burst is used: Redirect all damage from any source to target enemy Character]

C006: Sentinel

Cost-3

Life-24

Strength-10

Agility-2

Intellect-1

Combat type-Lock

Damage type-Energy Ranged

Description: Total damage equals Attack value+card discarded.

Extermination Programming

Sentinel can't be healed. Can choose to use any Heal card together with an Attack card during combat; Sentinel gains +1 to that Attack card dealt and +2 damage dealt. Can only use this Ability once per turn.

C007: Mystique
(Raven Darkholme)

Cost-1

Life-12

Strength-4

Agility-4

Intellect-2

Combat type-Leadership

Damage type-Unarmed Melee

Description: Can choose to use Hearts as Attack and Spades as Defend during combat.

Impostor

If you have the lowest number of Characters in play during any turn, Mystique will copy one enemy Character's stats. Draw an extra card after this ability is activated. Can only use this ability once per turn.

C008: Avalanche
(Dominikos Ioannis Petrakis)

Cost-1

Life-18

Strength-6

Agility-4

Intellect-1

Combat type-Lock

Damage type-Seismic Ranged

Description: Discard any one card from your hand after successful Defend; deals damage to attacking Character according to the value of that card discarded this way.

Seismic Shock

Whenever Avalanche uses any Burst card, deal 7 points of damage to all enemy Characters. Stacks with Attack Burst.

C009: Hogun

Cost-3

Life-19

Strength-9

Agility-3

Intellect-1

Combat type-Brawl

Damage type-Crushing Melee

Description: +2 damage successfully dealt.

Warriors Three: Grim

Hogun cannot be a target of any enemy Character's Burst effect.

C010: Tier

(Tier Sinclair)

Cost-2.5

Life-17

Strength-7

Agility-8

Intellect-1

Combat type-Brawl

Damage type-Feral

Description: +1 Attack; +1 damage successfully dealt.

Son of Hrimhari

Discard any Hearts card from your hand with value above 4.  Tier gains +2 to any stat of your choosing.

UC001: Spider-Woman
(Jessica Drew)

Cost-2

Life-17

Strength-8

Agility-7

Intelligence-1

Combat type-Brawl

Damage type-Unarmed Melee

Description: Can choose to use Hearts as Attack and Spades as Defend during combat.

Maximum Resistance

Draw the top card from Spider-Woman's deck during your Draw phase. Spider-Woman becomes immune to damage until end of your turn if drawn card's value is 7 or more. Discard the drawn card if Maximum Resistance is activated. Otherwise, place that card at bottom of the deck.

UC002: Pyro
(St. John Allerdyce)

Cost-1

Life-10

Strength-4

Agility-5

Intelligence-1

Combat type-Lock

Damage type-Area

Description: Can target up till three Characters.

Shaping the Inferno

You can choose to draw the top card from any of your Character's deck during Draw phase. If it is a Spades with value above 5, Pyro can attack up to five enemy Characters. If it is a Burst card, Pyro can attack all enemy Characters instead. Discard all cards drawn this way. Can only use this Ability once per turn.

UC003: Hydro-Man
(Morris Bench)

Cost-1.5

Life-16

Strength-7

Agility-6

Intelligence-1

Combat type-Brawl

Damage type-Unarmed Melee

Description: Can choose to use Hearts as Attack and Spades as Defend during combat.

Riptide

Whenever Hydro-Man is attacked, draw a card. If it is a Hearts card, Hydro-Man deals the same amount of damage as that card's value to attacking Character. Place the drawn card at bottom of the deck afterwards. If it is any other card, add it to your hand. Can only use this Ability once per turn.

UC004: Thing
(Ben Grimm)

Cost-3

Life-18

Strength-9

Agility-1

Intelligence-1

Combat type-Rage

Damage type-Unarmed Melee

Description: Can choose to use Hearts as Attack and Spades as Defend during combat.

Clobberin' Time!

Discard any Spades/Hearts card with value of 7 or more from your hand during Draw phase. You cannot discard any Burst/Flare/Universe card this way.
[If discarded card is Hearts: Only Attack cards with value 7 or more can damage Thing until next turn]
[If discarded card is Spades: Attack counts as Rage until end of current turn]

UC005: Shadowcat
(Kitty Pryde)

Cost-2.5

Life-11

Strength-3

Agility-4

Intelligence-3

Combat type-Blindside

Damage Type-Unarmed Melee

Description: Can choose to use Hearts as Attack and Spades as Defend during combat.

Intangible Phasing

Whenever Shadowcat takes damage/is attacked, you can choose to discard any Hearts/Diamond card with value above 6 from your hand. Shadowcat takes no damage instead until starting of your next turn. You cannot discard any Burst card this way.

UC006: Boomerang
(Fred Myers)

Cost-2.5

Life-13

Strength-4

Agility-4

Intelligence-3

Combat type-Lock

Damage type-Tactical

Description: Can use Diamonds, Clubs, Hearts, or Spades as Attack during combat.

Boomerang Specialist

Select one out of seven options during your Draw Phase. Boomerang's Attacks will have specific added properties until end of turn. You cannot choose the same option twice in a row.

[Shatterangs: +3 to successful damage dealt]

[Gasarangs: Attack cards will also count as Stun, i.e. successful damage dealt will automatically cause Stun]

[Razorangs: Only Defend cards with value 6 or more can be used by attacked Characters]

[Screamarangs-Stun any two enemy Characters of your choice whenever damage is successfully dealt]

[Bladarangs-Only Heal cards with value 6 or more can be used by attacked Characters]

[Gravityrangs: Can use any card as Stun]

[Reflexerangs: Enemy Character will be automatically stunned whenever a Stun card of any value is played]

UC007: Kane
(Garrison Kane)

Cost: 3

Life-18

Strength-7

Agility-3

Intelligence-3

Combat type-Leadership

Damage type-Tactical

Description: Can use Diamonds, Clubs, Hearts, or Spades as Attack during combat.

Interphasing Analysis

During your Main phase, target one enemy Character and draw the top card from Garrison Kane's deck. If you draw any Spades card this way, damage dealt by Garrison Kane to that enemy Character will count as Lock. If you draw any other card this way, Garrison Kane gains +1 to all stat until your next turn. Interphasing Analysis can only be used once per turn. Discard any card drawn this way.

UC008: Hammer
(Eisenhower Canty)

Cost-1

Life-12

Strength-4

Agility-2

Intelligence-4

Combat type-Lock

Damage type-Tactical

Description: Can use Diamonds, Clubs, Hearts, or Spades as Attack during combat.

Artillery Innovation

During Draw phase, you can discard any four cards, i.e. one Diamonds, one Clubs, one Hearts and one Spades. Hammer will automatically deal 5 points of damage to one target enemy Character whenever any of your Characters is attacked. Effect last until starting of your next turn.

UC009: Banshee
(Sean Cassidy)

Cost-1.5

Life-15

Strength-5

Agility-7

Intelligence-1

Combat type-Lock

Damage type-Area

Description: Attack can target up to three Characters.

Eldritch Blast

Discard any Spades card from your hand during before Banshee declares an Attack. Add that card's value to amount of damage successfully dealt. Cannot discard Burst/Flare cards this way.

R001: Nightcrawler

(Kurt Wagner)

Cost-1.5

Life-13

Strength-4

Agility-10

Intelligence-2

Combat type-Blindside

Damage Type-Unarmed Melee

Description: Can choose to use Hearts as Attack and Spades as Defend during combat.

Smoke and Brimstone

Place a Teleportation counter during your Draw phase.

[Remove any number of Teleportation counters during combat: Nightcrawler is immune to damage from X number of sources where X equals the number of Teleportation counters removed this way. Can only be used during your turn]

[Remove all Teleportation counters: Nightcrawler's Attack will target X number of enemy Characters where X equals the number of Teleportation counters removed this way. Characters targeted this way cannot use any Defend cards apart from Burst]

R002: Quicksilver

(Pietro Maximoff)

Cost-2

Life-15

Strength-5

Agility-10

Intelligence-1

Combat type-Brawl

Damage type-Unarmed Melee

Description: Can choose to use Hearts as Attack and Spades as Defend during combat.

Supersonic

Place a Speed counter every time Quicksilver takes no damage from any Attack.
[Remove all Speed counters: Quicksilver's Attack will target X number of enemy Characters where X equals number of Speed counters removed this way. Characters targeted this way cannot use any Defend cards apart from Burst]

R003: Bullseye

(Lester)

Cost-1.5

Life-14

Strength-6

Agility-7

Intelligence-1

Combat type-Lock

Damage type-Physical Ranged

Description: Can use two Spades instead of one whenever attacking. Value of cards used this way can only range between 2-6.

Anything Goes

Whenever Bullseye declares an Attack on an enemy Character, reveal the top card of that Character's deck. If value of the card drawn is not a Burst/Flare/Universe card, you can add that card's value to Bullseye's Attack. Attacked Character will place that drawn card at bottom of the deck afterwards.

R004: Thunderball
(Eliot Franklin)

Cost-2.5

Life-19

Strength-9

Agility-1

Intelligence-3

Combat type-Leadership

Damage type-Tactical

Description: Can use Diamonds, Clubs, Hearts, or Spades as Attack during combat.

My Wrecking Ball

Draw an extra card during your next Draw phase whenever Thunderball successfully deals damage.

R005: Colossus
(Piotr "Peter" Rasputin)

Cost-3

Life-19

Strength-9

Agility-1

Intelligence-1

Combat type-Rage

Damage type-Unarmed Melee

Description: Can choose to use Hearts as Attack and Spades as Defend during combat.

Organic Steel

Immune to damage so long attacking Character's Attack is value 6 or below. Colossus is still able to activate Rage so long he is attacked.
[Discard any Hearts with value above 5: Colossus replaces any attacked Character as the target]

R006: Sif

Cost-3

Life-20

Strength-9

Agility-5

Intelligence-1

Combat type-Rage

Damage type-Slashing Melee

Description: +2 to successful damage dealt

Dragonfang

Next Attack will automatically deal full damage so long the Attack card played has value above 6.

[Use any Attack Burst: Effect cannot be nullified by any Defend Burst]

R007: Gambit
(Remy LeBeau)

Cost-2

Life-14

Strength-4

Agility-9

Intelligence-2

Combat type-Blindside

Damage type-Explosive Kinetic

Description: Play one additional Spades upon successful damage; add that card's value to total damage dealt. Cannot use any Burst/Flare cards this way.

Cajun Flair

Place a Kinetic counter during your Draw phase.
[Remove any number of Kinetic counters before combat: Gambit gains +X to either Agility or Strength until your next turn where X equals the number of Kinetic counters removed this way. Can only be used during your turn]

[Deal any Burst card during combat: Remove all Kinetic counters. Gambit deals X damage to attacking Character where X equals that Burst card's value+total number of Kinetic counters removed this way. Effect cannot be nullified by any Defend Burst]

SR001: Thor
(Thor Odinson)

Cost-3

Life-20

Strength-10

Agility-4

Intelligence-1

Combat type-Rage

Damage type-Lightning

Description: Successful damage dealt can be allocated freely against more than one target.

Mjolnir

Place a Bravery counter whenever any of your Characters defends successfully, i.e. takes no damage from any attack after defending.

[Remove one Bravery counter: All your Characters gain +1 Strength]

[Remove all Bravery counters: All enemy Characters automatically suffer X damage where X equals Thor's Strength+number of Bravery counters removed this way]

SR002: Loki
(Loki Laufeyson)

Cost-2.5

Life-13

Strength-4

Agility-2

Intelligence-5

Combat type-Blindside

Damage type-Tactical

Description: Can use Diamonds, Clubs, Hearts, or Spades as Attack during combat.

God of Mischief

Place a Trickery counter whenever Loki receives damage without healing.

[Remove one Trickery counter whenever being attacked: Enemy Character can only deal damage by playing two Attack cards instead of one]

[Remove all Trickery counters during your Draw phase: All enemy Characters cannot initiate any attacks during their next turn unless the controller discards his/her entire hand]

SR003: Black Panther
(T'Challa)

Cost-3

Life-19

Strength-7

Agility-10

Intelligence-3

Combat type-Brawl

Damage Type-Unarmed Slashing Melee

Description: Can choose to use Hearts as Attack and Spades as Defend during combat; +1 to successful damage dealt.

Soul of the Panther

Discard any card of standard value, i.e. 2-10. Black Panther gains +X to either Strength or Agility where X equals that card's value divided by two and rounded down.

SR004: Deadpool
(Wade Wilson)

Cost-3

Life-15

Strength-6

Agility-8

Intelligence-2

Combat type-Wild Card

[Can choose between Blindside, Lock, or Brawl to utilize before the game starts: . Deadpool will gain that combat type until end of the game.]

Damage type-Tactical

Description: Can use Diamonds, Clubs, Hearts, or Spades as Attack during combat.

OMG! THEY KILLED DEADPOOL!

Place a Healing counter whenever Deadpool initiates attack. Deadpool automatically recovers X amount of Life after taking damage where X equals the number of Healing counters.

{YOU BASTARDS!!!!}

[Add-on effect: If Deadpool is killed, remove all Healing counters from the game and place Deadpool back to your hand instead. You can place Deadpool into play again starting from your next turn. Effect only takes place if Deadpool has at least 10 Healing counters in play]

A/N: If you guys ever wonder where the images are from, please worry not.

Now let's do some gaming...

Simply put, nothing to do apart from designing my own shit again...
Yes, this post is lagi random...

[Alliance of the Atom]

 R007: Gambit

Cost-2

Life-14

Strength-4

Agility-9

Intelligence-2

Damage Type-Explosive Kinetic

[Deal 1 more Attack card upon successful damage; add that card's value to total damage dealt.]

Power [Blindside]

Cajun Flair: Place 1 Kinetic counter during your Draw Phase.

[Remove 1 Kinetic counter before combat-Gambit gains +1 to either Agility or Strength. This ability can only be used once per turn]

[Deal any Burst card during combat-Remove all Kinetic counters. Gambit deals X damage to target enemy Character where X equals the Burst card's value plus total number of Kinetic counters removed this way]

SR004: Black Panther

Cost-3

Life-19

Strength-7

Agility-10

Intelligence-3

Damage Type-Unarmed Slashing

[can choose to use Hearts as Attack and Spades as Defend during combat; +2 Damage]

Power [Brawl]

Soul of the Panther: Discard any card of standard value, i.e. 2-10. Allocate that card's value divided by 2 to one of Black Panther's stats.

[The Elven Chronicles]

CH001: Ilandil

Movement-7

Technique-6

Strength-3

Fortitude-3

Speed-6

Inclined to Magic-No

Weapon Type-Sword [+1 Damage or +1 Parry during combat]

Rules-Skirmisher*, Martial Precision**, Bladesong***, Fury of Erian****, Firstborn of the World*****

*Cards with Skirmisher rule ignore any stacking penalty on movement caused by Terrain cards.

**Cards with Martial Precision rule always attacks first.

***Bladesong confers +2 Hit Save and +1 Magic Save. Damage dealt counts as Magic.

****Fury of Erian confers +1 Strength when fighting in Forest Terrain.

*****Firstborn of the World automatically confers Mental Immunity.

Note-TEC is basically inspired by Warhammer Fantasy. Got no plans to go full writer edit on this one until I manage to finish whatever I've started.

On unrelated (?) side-note, the song below seems to weirdly remind me of WHF Wood Elves...

How to be persona non grata (Pt 3)

So here I am doing nothing apart from having the entire house by myself. Parents go off liao, sis also. Hopefully I can do more than just one post atm. ;) Apparently, I need to decide who I want to play for Marvel Heroes: Gambit, Deadpool or Nightcrawler?

Recap satu

Recap dua

Fact: Don't mess with Gambit

I won't keep track of actual events from hereon since it's getting quite taxing due to this idiot not having any semblance of experience with the original comics. What I'm gonna say here is why Gambit is so bloody BA. After undergoing a mock trial hosted by Magneto, Gambit was forced to live and die in Antarctica. Call it a product of his past if you want to, but Remy LeBeau somehow contrived to survive. One event leads to another, Gambit eventually met up with his worst nightmare. Literally.

You see, the New Son whom Gambit acknowledged as his new boss was none other than Remy LeBeau in another future. In fact, Marvelverse is full of parallel universes for reasons I do not profess to know. Long story short, the New Son was actually out to bump off Gambit. As the New Son, Remy LeBeau burned away the entire world, hence killing everybody apart from himself. The reason why? Because Remy le New Son could not control his kinetic charging power. Ironically, it seems that Remy le Gambit managed to use his own powers to overcome Remy le New Son. How he managed to do that, I dunno. Apart from the fact that I dunno how.

Then we have Remy le Mort, namely Death IV. We all know by now that Apocalypse is Marvel's answer to South Park's Kenny McCormick. Yet, this was when we finally realised the full extent of Gambit's fortitude. In the process of being Death IV, Gambit was revealed to have a firm grip on his original self. Not strong enough to break free for good, but at least strong enough to maintain a hold onto himself. Although granted he wasn't the only S.O.B capable of that. Go ask Sunfire if you dunno wtf I'm talking abt.

In fact, it seems that Gambit possesses a strong resistance to mental intrusions if there's anything to go by via his struggles against both Mary Purcell and his Death IV alter ego.

Question: Gambit y u so badass?????

I can't really pinpoint a reason behind his incredibly imba fortitude. What I know is the fact that unlike most mutants in the Marvelverse, Gambit was merely regarded normal if we're talking about actual abilities before that fateful moment of culpable homicide. The only trait of mutation one could see from him were his eyes and nothing more. In a warped sense of speaking, Gambit is pretty much Le Bâtard himself (whoever said term refers to anyway since William the Conqueror was indeed a bastard).

If we're to invoke the term "signature moves", there are plenty of examples to gather from. From Son Goku and Kamehameha to Himura Kenshin and Amakakeru Ryū no Hirameki, from 성미나 to ガイ, everything is a bloody constant. As for Gambit, I'm not talking about Royal Flush.

We all know how Gambit fights his battles. Charging little things with major explosives is fun and I'm not talking about C-4 (okay, I only PES E, I only ljp). There are many things more destructive than C-4, I can guarantee you that. Nukes for one is an example (don't blame anyone, blame Einstein and his E=mc2). Carpet bombing is another (don't blame anyone, blame whoever declaring war in the name of *insert whatever excuses here*) while terrorism is everyone's fave example (don't blame anyone, blame all the sick bastards who doesn't have shit to do w/religion and politics).

Okay I'm digressing now, so let's go back to Gambit. I'm not too sure how destructive kinetic energy can be (since I've learnt during primary/secondary school that energy is quintessentially invisible), but one can be very sure the Gambit brand is 10 x more powerful than your standard C-4 used during BMT. (wait, did I get this right?) However, it must also be stated that the larger object charged, the longer process will take. This is most likely why Gambit enjoys using playing cards because:
Reason 1-Maximum cost effectiveness
Reason 2-Maximum productivity
Reason 3-Gambit's a rogue, we tend to associate those like him with money, vice and #TeamMITBlackjack.

The result is a combination of deadly ranged sniping and equally dangerous bo fighting. Former case denotes his offensive mainstay, latter case basically means congrats mon ami.

At the same time, Gambit possesses an incredible extent of willpower (most likely due to his past experiences and not whatever mutant ability he's capable of). How this will pan out for his future development remains to be seen (after all, blokes at Marvel really enjoy upgrading their chosen ones).

Fact: Remy LeBeau is emotionally fragile

I don't know about you, but when someone has been through plenty of shit (in Singlish/Hokkien, this is called kenna sai), quite obviously said person would end up pretty ****ed up in a way or two at least. While the Gambit every X-Man knows is a calculated rogue with a heart of gold, it seems that he can get quite worked up when it comes to those he cares about.

I still remember playing the Apocalypse Spec Ops 1-2 months ago and this was something about gambit which stood out for me. Basically it's about Rogue getting kidnapped at Apocalypse's order and everybody going on a journey to get back what belongs to them. Along the way, Iceman, Beast and X-23 also got converted.

Long story short, Gambit was extremely upset because of Rogue. As if this wasn't enough, he nearly got himself into a fight with Cyclops because Scott Summers happened to be the field leader cum pragmatic bastard who suggests Rogue must be put down in the worst case scenario.

Throughout his life journey, Gambit owes plenty of debts to his mistakes. Everything started from being duped by Mr Sinister in slaughtering the Morlocks, thankfully everything ended with Mr Sinister supposedly dead in the end. In fact, Gambit would rather die than associating himself with Nathaniel Essex.

Sadly, becoming Death IV nearly wrecked everything Remy held dearly. Ironically, he believed turning into Death IV and serving Apocalypse was the only way to save every Homo sapien superior, i.e. mutantkind. Lastly, he (together with Sunfire) chose to join Mr Sinister and rejoin the Marauders because Apocalypse happened to sing Britney Spears' "Hit Me Baby One More Time" in terms of dying.

Now two things must be added here:

1. Turned out that as the master thief, Gambit didn't dare to trust Apocalypse 100%. In short, Death IV would have no qualms in assassinating En Sabah Nur if he dared even harming the least of the X-Men.

2. When Gambit agreed to whatever dastardly deal struck up by Mr Sinister, he had already been betrayed by those he cherished, i.e. the X-Men...

Fact: Gambit was a betrayer

Kids tend to say the darndest things and this got nothing to do with Bill Cosby. I still remember clearly a particular incident during church where one kid ended up calling another "a betrayer". For what reason, I don't know. Neither do I care as well because episode was alrdy over. Firstly, allow me to explain a bit on why Gambit can't be trusted.

Ms Ho: How many of you don't like Minghui, please raise up your hands.

*Me arriving into the classroom without knowing what's going on*

Classmate anonyme: Eh, Minghui! Raise up your hand, raise up your hand!

Above scenario is based on real life circumstances beginning from my secondary school up till my ITE days (to a lesser extent, my NSF years also). What I'm trying to do is NOT to victimise myself, but to let you all understand how Gambit possibly felt when he first joined the X-Men. To set the record straight, Remy's debut only started at 1990 during the Uncanny X-Men Annual series. This was much later than many others like Cyclops (1963), Wolverine (1974), Rogue (1981) and Nightcrawler (1975). Yet as part of Red In The Ledger gang, Gambit started off as the antagonist (in every sigeena's own words, "that 坏人"). The mass butchering of the Morlocks would have gone a long way in earning him distrust, hence the title of this multi-post. Coupled with the fact that he's a thief and most likely a liar, the cold hard truth is that... well, nobody likes Gambit.

So imagine the kind of gargantuan effort Remy LeBeau had to make in order to prove himself. If not for Charles Xavier helping him out, Gambit would have been driven out like that swamp rat Julien Boudreaux denounced him to be. Coupled with Gambit's eventual defection to #TeamSinister and everything could have gone terribly south. If only Mystique had never backstabbed Mr Sinister...

#sarcasm (which ironically was after she betrayed the X-Men first)

Fact: Gambit is Casanova and Romeo rolled into one

I still recall a recent article where a certain Michelle "Babarella Hosehbo Vannybella" Chong managed to troll some fake angmoh who happened to be a real bastard. If it's down to Remy LeBeau, what'd you think he'll do? Remember folks, this is one hell of a Cajun capable of dodging hired hits and dishing out actual hits as well. In a real world where ladies are considered half whores and rapists deemed as half heroes of the universe, it's to my opinion that Gambit IS indeed every little boy's perfect role model. Below part is the reason, any argument shall be rendered invalid as a result b/c limpeh says so.

Call me a shameless showoff, but there's a difference between the real Casanova and the real Romeo. The real Casanova, officially known as Giacomo Girolamo Casanova, was a lady killer. Romeo? Quite the opposite. Potential parents, please take note. I know at least one guy whose first name is Romeo, William Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet because he's actually intelligent enough.

Gambit is Giacomo Girolamo Casanova II because of two things.

1. He's indeed one of the most accomplished players on the field (the other significant playboy literally a god).

2. Despite quitting the lying, cheating and stealing business for good (?), Gambit still moonlights regularly as an adventurer.

Gambit is considered Romeo II because of one person: Anna Marie aka Rogue. Period.

The romance between Remy LeBeau and Anna Marie is nothing short of romantic. In a cynical world where plenty of problems will arise between individuals, their love is truly a breath of fresh air. There are quite a number of official CPs officially deemed over (with Cyclops and Jean Grey being the highest profile casualty while the whole Angel-Psylocke deal might still be resurrected after all), so it's best for Marvel not to mess this CP about.

In the form of Bella Donna Boudreaux, Gambit also have to fight off an enemy perhaps more dangerous than others. While I do not know the ending of her jealous feud against Rogue, I'm not too sure if the powers-that-be will end up rekindling the hate once again, but it's not as if Gambit must take the rap for something that is caused by some stupid member of the family. In fact, Gambit manned up to his failings like a real man should.

The interesting part about Gambit x Rogue lies in the fact that Anna Marie has always been Remy's emotional mainstay. To highlight how much of a devoted lover is Remy LeBeau, we must remember that he once decided to murder Rogue. Given that he's technically an assassin, it shouldn't be a problem.

Regardless of why the intended hit was declared a failure, success otherwise would have doomed Gambit into someone like his New Son incarnation. That is my point.

And that'd be the mother and father of irony itself as well.

A/N: On a side note, we also have a Femme Mysterieuse by the name of Joelle joining the fun halfway through. Okay, that's technically a lie since Gambit was merely making use of her to bail himself out. That's before the both of them were forced to team up in order to screw the Red Skull. Well, sorta anyway depending on how you define the term "housebreaking"...

Add A/N: One iconic aspect of G-R lies in their common pain of not being able to touch their loved ones without shit happening. For Gambit, that was the reason why he asked Sinister for a lobotomy op. For Rogue... well, we all know her issues are far more serious due to significant grounds.

Internet theory: How much more badassery will Gambit dish out?

Firstly and foremost, Professor X is dead. Ignore whatever being shown in the movies for now, it's true that Charles Xavier has kicked the bucket. Yet, this will be where Gambit's current battle be fought. Latest development seemed to be pointing towards a battle between #TeamRedneck and #TeamRedSkull. While I hope to see Rogue joining the fray (albeit most likely later rather than sooner due shocking plot development), chances are that we will see the all-new X-Factor playing up the wild card factor. We have Polaris and Quicksilver already (not to mention the Scarlet Witch also), all that's left for us is to see Gambit stirring up major shitstorm yonder south.

Why?

Because the fans are worth it.

Tremors Before Blood

"Like a beast or bird sensing disaster sent from the gods five days ahead, so is he who understands why a knife has to be hidden behind a smile."

~Heihou no Tae'Gyuk

)0(

A Ranger’s Tale

)0(

Gentle warmth washing over the bustling island, cities and towns alike busked under the high noon sun. Merchants were everywhere, attractive women accosting themselves with willing men. No man was spotted dressing in drab, every lass worth her price flaunting her goods. Winter was nearly unheard of, only spring and summer prevailed nine seasons out of ten. Welcome to Histalonia, every local would surely say. There you shall find your finest pleasure and dearest indulgence, they promised.

“Master Lukas, the osprey has arrived,” bowed an attractive girl no older than sixteen seasons, her tanned complexion somewhat different from the local harlots plying their trade.

Lukas Brun uttered nary a reply, his only answer only a beckoning hand. The unnamed girl strode forward and entrusted unto him a tiny parchment, she was duly dismissed afterwards. Hazel green eyes browsed through the contents, a quaint smile creasing his face. Then he lit up the parchment with nothing bar a sudden combustion.

Eliador was right. Mink is now heading to Edwood to negotiate terms with Jarl Ironstone. There goes victory for the Homm’Eot, so much for rapers trusting a knave.

)0(

A massive crack resounded the evening sky, horrified onlookers could only stay their silence. Here before them was a fight between two men, a brawl with one dishing out punishment and the other gladly accepting it. Tanee was part of the spectators, her heart remaining in her mouth as the third blow ceased its fury. This was a brutal man wielding fists equally relentless, she loathed imagining what would happen if such a gauntleted hand connected with her abdomen.

O’Father above, please don’t let this be murder…

“Oi, why are you still here?”

Before Tanee could utter any statement of reply, she felt a sharp pain stinging her forehead. Guided by instinct, she planted a foot down firmly against the offending man’s foot. Blind aim proving true after all, the fairly tanned lass could only look at who the culprit was with her jaw gaping wide.

This is a lie… I must be drinking too much last night! Wait, I never drank any wine or brandy!

“Get out,” a gruff voice snapping her out of thoughts akin to a rushing river, Tanee felt like some helpless hamster in front of a hulking man dark and handsome.

“That’s not the correct way to treat a lady, most honourable Ser,” grinned the victim of the public assault moments ago, a brief hacking bout shocking Tanee, “I survived three punches per promised. So no more going after Aera Darko.”

His unnamed counterpart merely frowned, an armoured fist clenched crackling with volatile power. Moments earlier, the two of them were engaging in a fight. If not for that Demon Hunter offering an alternative, the Berserker would have given chase. As it turned out however…

“Why are you doing this for someone who hates you?”

“Because we are all sinners and this person you’re out to go after is the least of them all. I know this doesn’t make much sense, but rest assured that I’ll be the first one to kill him if shit goes horribly wrong.”

Arondight wasn’t a fool, his status as a Berserker serving up naught when it comes to clouding judgment. Surely there was something about the Ranger unsettling enough, yet sensibility had dictated him not to pursue. Why then did he choose to start an unwanted fight in the first place?

“It’s only natural for Aesir and Vanir alike to do the same thing as you,” called out an impassive Lars Alterfate, an unconscious girl in his arms, “Contra Mundum and Chaos Incarnate will always attract those of likeminded nature.”

Before the conversation could go anywhere further, Arondight narrowed his glowering stare. In front of him stood a smirking lass no older than twenty winters, her ruby orbs latching themselves onto the duo. Raising a finger on her scarlet lips, she walked towards Lars with a gliding grace akin to fluid currents of a stream.

“What do you want?”

Her intended target’s sudden question slightly threw Sarel Aphros aback, yet she would be a fool to underestimate someone both blessed and cursed with the identity of a Storm Crow.

To think I am also one.

“Ah’na should have taught you proper manners when it comes to basic courtesy,” quipped the Grand Damsel, the impact of her words not lost unto herself, “Lars Alterfate, don’t make me face your back.”

Brief silence announcing its triumph, a sudden gale assailed the three. With a smile creeping up her sensual visage, two pairs of crimson eyes gaze at each other. Reaching out a delicate hand for the comatose lass in Lars’ protective grasp, Sarel Aphros finally received her reward in the form of a snarling Demon Hunter and her outreached hand pierced.

“Don’t,” warned a defensive Lars Alterfate, blatant ire earning only mocking laughter as its keep.

“You think I’ll do to her what I’ve done to those innocent folks working in that eatery? I’m not that evil, rest assured.”

“You killed them all the same.”

“And I heard they’re relatives to a certain young lion.”

Realisation of whatever dire possibilities forcing open Lars’ emotions like a gaping wound, the Demon Hunter failed to spot a shadowy figure taking aim with a longbow firmly held. A flashing streak was all it took to snap the partial blond back to his senses, alas too late it was for him.

A gauntleted hand reached out for the fatal missile, a bestial roar accompanying an arcing slash. Another speeding arrow connected itself with Arondight’s newly crafted sword, the outcome deemed his victory even though the weapon got shattered.

“Sniper, hold your hand!”

Sarel’s command was absolute before her servant, simple was the relationship between one of Those Who Strike Alone and the Grand Damsel of Napishtim. Grinning like a confident rogue in spite of an iron grip threatening to snap his neck by half, Tristan Ajax let go of a knife hidden seconds ago.

“Can you let me go for the sake of that fine wine I gave you earlier?”

“I don’t remember someone so dishonourable giving me such a fine gift,” growled Arondight, his anger unabated and tightening hand unrelenting.

“Unfortunately ‘tis easier for one to swear by honour rather than through deeds,” shrugged the obnoxious Sudlhit.

“Shit, that idiot is courting death!” exclaimed an agitated Lars.

A bellow tore asunder the stranglehold enforced by silent tension, the Berserker withdrew his hand and took three steps back. His fury now directed towards a white haired maiden still maimed, not even burgeoning rage could force a reckless move out of him.

“You hold the power of life and death.”

“Only the key, not the gate,” smiled a winsome Sarel, the deceptive nature behind whatever intent barely disguised, “I hope you enjoy the fire of Muspelheim.”

Before Sarel’s mockery, Arondight could only stay his murderous urge. The burning sensation was all too real, yet his gauntlet remained whole and untouched. The Grand Damsel of the Holy Quintet Church was toying with him, this was a game between cat and mouse. How the knight detested being the latter instead of the former, whatever knowledge hinting at a possible outright death boiling in his mind.

“There’s no point starting a fight between those with something in common.”

Turning to the speaker, Lars betrayed a rare smile of genuine nature.

“Finely spoken, my Sudhlit brother.”

)0(

“That’s a lie!”

Against denial put forth by Karen, an Elf hauntingly fair merely sipped his wine with languidness. The wind caressed his flaxen hair now let loose, golden tendrils billowing like pennants aloft. Casting a frigid gaze against her defiant fort, the daughter of House Tenias felt courage freezing instantly and promptly shattered.

“A dead man’s due is his to keep. For every one finger laid on this lesser girl, I shall invoke once the swiftness of death.”

Profuse breathing abruptly seized her soul, images of lustful men brutally eviscerated making their visit once again. No one had ever told her about this Shadow Brotherhood, any rumoured word on Kerstein de Bladefort proven through actions. This was someone denying all she had dreamt about Elves, this was a slaughterer cold and cruel.

“You are ours to keep till I meet your father.”

What will they do, Karen asked herself in silence.

“I promise you my word and our honour that chastity shall remain untainted, no matter what.”

Will these Elves keep to their word, Karen questioned her heart.

“Oh shit, that lady busted us.”

What was the name of that offensive Elf again? Was Coner or Conwer? Regardless whether her guess was accurate, that damning scene could never lie to itself.

“Those not part of us have no right to partake and neither the freedom to question or judge.”

Shuddering to imagine what will happen should being a captive counts, Karen Tenias was nevertheless thankful to the Father for escaping a hedonistic show of mass orgy. Yet one person stood out from the rest: Kerstein de Bladefort.

“Why di…”

Before Karen could finish her words, a wizened Elf entered their room with nary a courtesy shown. His face wearing a frown, this was the only other Elf absent from that theatre of debauchery mere hours ago.

“They’re here, Kerstein,” informed Huan de Weon curtly, “Sorry for my tone.”

Uttering naught for reply, the Wraith Lord tied his hair up in a low ponytail. Elven sabre sheathed readied at hand, Kerstein de Bladefort departed from his room with fluid grace akin to a spectre living under the daytime light.

)0(

“You sure?” asked a bored Tristan Ajax, a frowning visage facing his hand.

“Yeah,” yawned Lars in an equally bored manner, fingers fiddling with his cards, “You can trust that kindest Ser to do his job.”

“Duty you mean,” grinned the Sudhlit Archer as he dealt a four card sequence, “Two Princes, one Queen and a King.”

“Royal House,” whistled the Demon Hunter, “Impressive… unfortunately though…”

Wearing a triumph upon his beaming face, Lars Alterfate dealt a five card sequence before a smirking Sarel Aphros.

Three Soldiers and two Generals… a Grand Assault. You’re good in playing cards, Lars ah’ni. A pity you’re up against a master…

“Can I deal one more card before you take my innings?” quipped Tristan Ajax with his hand upraised.

“You only got two cards left,” shrugged a cocky Lars, “C’mon, all the watchers are waiting for me to win.”

Upon such statement of intent, every patron and barmaid alike roared their approval. The comely Sudhlit abruptly snapped his fingers, the resultant sound reverberating through a crowd staying quiet seconds earlier.

“That’s your problem, not mine,” the Archer was surely grinning like greedy knave preparing to take his share of spoils. Then he slowly drew out his remaining hand.

“Look carefully, loser. I’ve got a Fool… and one Assassin.”

Gasps of outrage resonated throughout the tavern, the spectators hardly believing their eyes. If Sarel Aphros was wearing a chuckling face, Lars Alterfate only gave a frown. With one corner of his lips turned downwards, the Grand Damsel knew what it means.

Dealing with a crushing defeat.

“Argh!” screamed a frustrated Demon Hunter, his hands throwing up a blustery show, “I fucking give up, you asshole!”

“You must have been cheating!” exclaimed an outraged lady dressed in a low cut gown, “Tell me your secret, black dog.”

“It’s not nice calling me a black dog since I might end up being your next customer,” replied Tristan in a harmless manner, “It’s perfectly fine for a whore to fuck a Sudlhit, quite another for her to actually fuck a dog.”

Raucuous laughter punished the harlot for her reckless tongue, a blushing face betraying an innocence yet to be breached.

“That was devious, despicable scoundrel,” whispered Lars against Tristan’s ear, feigned ire giving way to unbridled mirth, “Using a Fool to nullify my final hand and sending an Assassin to rape my Queen.”

“I’d rather sleep with a princess,” shrugged the impudent Archer, his rascally visage showing nary a remorse, “Heard the Bastard King’s half-sister is truly a stunner. Tall, beautiful, blond… a pity I heard she’s a bit flat at the front.”

“Talking about Lady Caylon the Swift, I presume.”

Reacting with a slight nod, Tristan Ajax diverted his sight towards an Elf dressed in white and blue. His eyes were of sparkling emeralds, long flaxen hair braided neatly at the nape. Held casually was an Elven sabre sheathed, its weight resting upon his slender shoulder. A cloak woven from midnight black was draped across his athletic frame, every detail about him seemed eerily without flaw.

“Wraith Lord of the Shadow Brotherhood, Kerstein de Bladefort,” greeted the Elf with nary a bow, his tone nevertheless polite, “Pardon my bluntness, for I am not good in formalities other well learned folks are used to.”

“Forgive my straightforward nature as well, Wraith Lord,” replied Tristan, a vagabond’s smile giving way to a soldier’s visage, “Let’s get down to business.”

If Kerstein was listening, he merely held out a beckoning hand. A pouch made from softest leather fell into his outstretched palm, the irony behind such a gesture not lost onto Lars who happened to wear his wryest grin.

A beggar asking for charity against a sellsword asking for his rightful keep. No wonder why people like us are born to be despised.

“Fire rubies cut to perfection,” replied Kerstein with a sigh, soulless emerald orbs boring into his paymaster, “This is not what the Brotherhood demanded.”

“Neither did you demand any deposit as well,” smiled the Grand Damsel, her voice tinged with a seductive edge. No sooner Sarel Aphros started attempting a guess on Kerstein’s imminent reaction, roaring heat and sudden flare assailed the uneasy peace.

“It has been quite a while ever since I saw a stampede taking place,” commented a cynical Sarel, her counterpart retaining his inhumane frigid calm. Then he spoke out, but not towards anyone seated.

“Huan, you’ve committed a decision contrary to your nature.”

“My apologies, Kerstein,” sighed the wizened Elf, an annoyed gaze making his partner squirm, "I know equally well as you when it comes to the likes of the Grand Damsel."

Getting up on his feet, Kerstein strode over towards a half drunk slob oblivious to what is to come. With a single swipe, the drunkard fell on his rear as cusses rang out to Karen’s embarrassment.

“Sit,” motioned Kerstein in a commanding tone, his posture making things no less easy for the daughter of Granad Tenias.

“YA FARKA! GONNA FARK YER HOE!”

It all happened too fast, Kerstein de Bladefort’s very movement undiscerned by all. One minute ago, that unnamed boor attempted to grab a terrified Karen. A minute later, an invisible force ripped the offending ruffian nearly into half. Turning away from a gruesome sight, the young noble lady nevertheless had her stomach turning against her.

“That’s not cool,” pointed out Lars with feigned outrage, “You made a lady throw up in front of a gutted corpse!”

“And would you prefer him castrated before his innards start falling out?”

Unable to devise a witty riposte against a sense of humour quite brutal, Lars could only laugh in spite of circumstances. This was an interesting meeting taking place in a hauntingly quiet establishment, only one person would be incapable of appreciating it and she wasn’t around.

Tamee… what a sweet name. Wait a sec. Is she called Tanee?

Realising the futility behind a stupid question asked towards himself, Lars smiled like a self-deprecating little boy. After all, the only other fellow not around had given his word that the lass will never encounter harm. Truly a knight blessed with honour worth his weight, such was the Berserker Arondight.

)0(

The bar was boisterous as usual, plenty a patron expressing their approval and booing. Times of war always brought forth the noblest in men and worst of humanity. Under the wooden roof unfolded a scene not so dissimilar. Beyond the windows perched languid crows cawing lazily, within the mortar walls a fight took place.

Tanee could not bear to look on any longer, yet she was unable to convince her protector to do the same. The hulking man stared impassively, apathy displayed stirring up the fire in her. She still recalled lessons in life imparted by her grandfather, the name of Fergie Malom bringing pride into her otherwise bland life. For this reason alone, she fell out with her only family. Her father died shortly after her fourteenth birthday, her mother always flying into a fury whenever the Gaffer of Manchester was mentioned.

You stupid half hulk, do something!

“That Ranger will be perfectly fine the way he is,” claimed Arondight, his reply catching Tanee off guard.

That’s a lie! He knows my thoughts! Tanee Malom, wake the fuc…

“Only fools and jesters betray their innermost being through words spoken,” answered the Berserker, his rippling muscles remaining flexed and taut. Before such a sight, Tanee suddenly discovered her heart skipping like a skittish doe.

The battle will soon be won, reminded Arondight unto himself.

Indeed his assumption materialised, the dark Ranger managing to evade a blindsiding attack. With a cruel feline’s grace, he executed a wide sidestep and shove a foot onto the back of his unlucky assailant’s knee. A trip was all it needed to snuff out a life, a fumbling man impaling a standing one.

As blood spurted out in a crimson stream, the unwitting killer also met his end at the hands of he who made this possible. A hand gripped his head roughly, a hunting knife concealed in a cloak releasing a tide of red from the victim’s severed neck.

The crowd hushed up immediately, this play had gruesomely ended. Never turning back to face his audience, the dark murderer cut off his two quarries’ heads nonchalantly. Feeling queasy before macabre theatrics, Tanee blacked out.

Seeing his charge rendered comatose, Arondight chose to stay his hand. As if having eyes on the back, the sellsword turned around briefly. With a slight nod and most sardonic grin, he walked away with two heads weeping blood in tow. Bounty hunting was always about violence and blood, for this was an industry dictating kill or to be killed.

Then the Berserker witnessed a scenario never before seen flashing by, the portrait painting a broken warrior standing tall. His form was majestic, his sword stainless and bright. In the middle of a tundra he remained alone, his back facing an icy fort. Three sets of questions were asked from heaven above, a poetic chant forged from conflict ringing true.

Unto whom did Aeranath admire? Was it that nameless girl betrothed to her dream?

Unto whom have Chaos Incarnate love? Was it not a maiden given to tragic death?

Unto whom will Contra Mundum guard? Is it not both a fiery dragon and defiled maid?

Wind blaring from winter's horn, an army of denizens I know not of.

Howling for my blood and mine alone, I mock them as beings I fear nothing from.

Elves, Dwarves, Humans, and all... every Demon comes to fore.

They are as violent waves shattering themselves against a laughing rock.

As wayfarers unschooled in terrain of endless plains and most treacherous woods.

Hence beckons my only friend forever gripped, Fragarach...

Let the Answerer's blade unleash my unrivalled wrath.

)0(

Background notes

Innings: Slang for stakes placed or winnings earned.

The card game played between Lars and Tristan is called Era where winner is the one securing victory after emptying his/her hand. Cards used in this game represent individuals of varying standings during war and politics.

A/N [1]-Jester is used to grant the gamer an extra card played while the Assassin can render any given card useless, i.e. "killing" the target.

A/N [2]-Era is NOT about history lessons, but rather the Spanish term for war.

During times like what Blomfeld is facing currently, entering/exiting the relevant settlement is possible since conflict has yet to be confirmed. However, stringent checks amounting to strip searching would be enforced with a fixed quota of those departing until the situation has been resolved.

A/N [3]-Okay, I'm technically attempting a bailout that will make even the Greeks go "wtf man???!!!" in their mother tongue.

)0(

Relevant URL

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Asspull

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ShrugOfGod

)0(

Long time nvr do this liao...

In short, new character concept.

Heihou no Tae'Geuk

Appearance: Around thirty ki of age, he exudes a timeless aura akin to an immortal. With rugged handsome looks and a stubbled chin, his eyes merely betrayed plenty a battle fought and many a war won.

Garb: A simple robe of grey with loose pants and straw sandals. Easily passing himself off as a vagabond shunning the crowd, not even one out of a million men knows his identity.

Personality: Calm and composed, seemingly benevolence yet brutally efficient when the moment comes.

Weapon: Wielding only a simple sword of bronze, a scroll made from bamboo is never seen missing from his hand.

Inspiration

I think this one from the official DW8 artbook...

http://tv.sbs.co.kr/daepungsu/index.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhang_Liang_(Western_Han)

B/c we all know Wikipedia is only for simple reference...

Conceptual quotes, i.e. your grandfather says...

"There are only two ways to win a battle, three to win a war. Five striking ten, hundred surrounding a score and seeing the enemy as yourself."

"Courage requires numbers, quantity before quality."

"Quality over quantity, valour defines men."

"Brave is he who wields the sword, wise is an adviser. Better still are those very few combining both."

"One part steel and two parts cunning, blessed is he understanding valour."

"Battles are won by the manner of profit gained, not whatever loss necessary. Hence able are those winning a war before one year passed."

"Depart at once should your adversary remain stubborn, prudence begets victory served on the finest platter."

Lastly, try guessing who lol!

"Impressive feat in spite of failure, little boy. Never have I ever witnessed a meticulous petty thief planning five steps ahead. Is every Homm'Nua truly like you? Or mayhap you are truly one surpassing your kin."

"Fools deride one as you, let your father and his house mock themselves unto the grave. No one has ever tried entertaining me for a game of chess after the first round, you are the first to persist beyond the rest. Bravery defines a person's wit, stubborn pride is proof of either a gem uncut or gravel true."