The Games of Saberhaven
Harumph vs. Mack
        The crowd goes wild as the 2 half giants step into the arena and their names are all but drowned out as the crowd expects a bloodbath today. The signal is given, and the 2 combatants race toward each other (Mack much more quickly than his opponent Harumph). Surprisingly, when they meet, it is Harumph that scores the first 2 blows, both of which bounce off of Mack's body as if it were made of stone. Harumph does not seem plussed by this fact, as he has probably seen this effect before. Mack pushes the assault with 2 quick swings of the maul of the titans. The first of which is dodged by the surprisingly nimble Harumph. The second however, comes much quicker than anticipated, and catches Harumph full in the chest, staggering the more experienced gladiator.
        More careful of his opponent, Harumph swings one of his lotuli to only to have it bounce of again. Mack, full aware of the advantage he has, tries to drop Harumph quickly ... too quickly actually, as neither of Mack's next 2 blows land well enough to damage his enemy.
        Harumph quickly presses his attacks hoping to bring down the stoneskins. Two more stoneskins go down as Harumph brings both Lotulis to bear. Mack, although moving faster than Harumph, swings after the other half giant. The impact resounds through the stands as the maul batters desparate Harumph. Harumph counters with another swing of the lotulis, only to have it bounce off the bridge of Mack's nose. Mack swings again and smiles gleefully as he once again batters Harumph, only to have the smile fade as he is hit again by Harumph (a reminder of how truly skilled his opponent is) That last hit by Harumph, although it did no damage, must have messed up Mack's rhythm as neither of Mack's 2 remaining attacks land.
        The battered Harumph pauses in his attack. This gives Mack a moment to regain his striking rhythm. But, before Mack can bring any of his attacks to bear, his eyes widen as all of the damage he had caused to Harumph vanishes as the half-giant appears completely healed. The shock of the healing causes Mack to swing wide with his first strike, however, he is so angered by his damage being undone, that the next 3 strikes of his land in rapid succession, battering Harumph heavily.
        Quickly striking again, Harumph brings both Latulis to bear...again they bounce off of Mack's stoneskins. Mack smiles as he sees the close of this combat nearing. He swings his maul, the sound of cracking ribs making him grin all the more. As Harumph brings his Lotulus to bear again, for the first time, blood is drawn. Mack's smile fades as he presses to end the conflict now, but in his haste, he misses his next 2 shots. In his panic of missed opportunities, Mack swings again, but almost loses his footing as the swing goes wild.
        Mack quickly recovers from his initial shock and grins again...spurred on by the rush of adrenaline to his body Mack begins his brutal attacks once more in a concentrated fury. Harumph, once again, seems to not be interested in swinging his weapons. Mack's focused attack is dodged by the large Harumph, and shortly after that, Harumph's intentions are made clear as all of Harumph's wounds heal...again. Mack is so taken aback by this 2nd healing, that his next blow goes wide....so wide, in fact, that he loses his balance and just tries to recover before the newly healed Harumph attacks again.
        The fully healed Harumph quickly resumes his assault on Mack. Mack, however, now more cautious than before manages to dodge one of Harumphs attacks as the viscious latulis carve thier twin arcs of pain. The one that does hit staggars Mack however. Mack quickly recovers from the pain and begins a more calculated assault on his half-giant opponent. Mack's maul batters Harumph, and in kind, Harumph swings again, striking Mack. The pain and frustration are evident on Mack's face. His judgement is clouded as he mis-times his next swing and the maul goes wide. Collecting and focusing himself as never before, Mack recovers nicely and batters Harumph some more. Marshalling his anger, Mack spits out, "This is for healing yourself in a combat." The Maul cracks into Harumph's side and the crowd can tell by the sound that Harumph didn't like the feel of that shot at all.
        Excited by the sound of crushing bone, Mack eagerly presses his attack again, and as he does so, his maul glances off of the magical protections Harumph has. Harumph, wanting to finish this before he gets pulped, swings both latulis in reply. The one in his right hand is expertly aimed, and it sinks deeply into Mack. The one in his left hand however completely misses it's mark and causes Harumph to twist in a most unnatural way. Harumph winces as a strange popping sound from his ankle is heard. The sound startles both opponents, and that is enough to throw Mack off so he misses his next attack also. Harumph grimices at the pain his ankle is causing him, and his lack of mobility aids Mack in pummling Harumph with his next 2 attacks.
        Mack lunges at Harumph as if to punch him, but instead of following through, he stops his fist, and launches 5 quarrels from the bracers on that wrist. Two of the 5 bolts find their way through Harumph's defenses both imbedding themselves in Harumph's stomach. The bolts spur Harumph on to a last ditch effort to stop Mack. Swing both latuli, Harumph slashes Mack's arm and leg. Mack stumbles but stays up. Harumph's follow-up swing tears into Mack's shoulder, but still, both giants remain standing.
        Both giants teeter on the brink of oblivion. The crowd is going wild. The two titans fight against the pains in their bodies. Harumph manages to bring his Latuli to bear more quickly than his hastened opponent. Both weapons come crashing through Mack's defenses and imbed into Mack's chest. Unable to find the strength to pull away, the blades of the Latuli pierce some vital organs in Mack's body, and Mack collapses dead on the arena floor. The medics rush onto the field to help with the combatants. Harumph raises an arm to salute the crowd, and the cheers he receives bring a joyful grimace to his face.
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