Now that you've been here a while how are you finding the site? Anything you wish there was more/ less/ different?

Honestly? Not really. If the approach to RP was very stats and rules heavy I might say that, but the way things are right now is pretty much in the sweet spot between freeform and guided -- plenty of creative freedom, but people are expected to be realistic (well, "RWBY realistic", at least) and keep track of their shit sensibly. Works just fine for me.

It worked... it worked! Rory had all of a second and a half to relish the fact that he'd pulled off using his Semblance as an "offensive barrier"...

... before the base of the dome touched the floor. That was when things started to go sideways. Literally. The simple fact was that Rory didn't have enough control over his Semblance to move, even slightly, while it was active; on top of that, he was the central point from which the dome radiated. So when it touched down on a solid surface while he was still falling, chaos ensued. The barrier held steady for just a moment in time -- long enough to roll ever so slightly in one direction as it touched down. It might have held longer, had the dissonant feedback shooting through Rory's Aura not been so jarring, but not even a strong Aura barrier could stave off gravity. Nor could Rory's body just ignore the invisible tethers he was projecting outwards. So when the dome rolled just a little, Rory rolled a lot, both mentally and physically. Even before the spherical barrier shattered like ruby glass Rory's body was flung sideways, forcefully, by the energies of his soul meeting harsh reality. And that was nothing compared to the bolt of vertigo that raced through him. Suddenly, getting hit by a massive sword seemed the less painful route to defeat.

He didn't remember the tumble once he hit the ground, only blacking out. The next thing he knew the world was coming back into focus with a sharp throbbing headache as someone shook him. He couldn't make out the words at first, but he could see the instructor kneeling down next to him. When hearing finally returned -- not without a shrill undertone ringing just below the surface -- and he slowly willed himself to sit upright, the words he heard didn't surprise him in the least.

"You kids did realize that was just a practice fight, right?!"





Battle Stats:
▫ Damage received: multiple abrasions, minor concussion, Aura exhaustion
▫ Aura Status: ▢▢▢▢▢▢▢▢▢▢ (0%) DEFEATED




It took a few minutes to get himself able to stand again, all while enduring the teacher's firm admonishment for "overdoing it" and repeated prompts to check in at the infirmary, but Rory eventually got his feet under him. Forget the infirmary; he'd had worse than this, and his focus was elsewhere. Still slightly dizzy, he made his way over to Setsuna and extended a hand. "Hell of a fight -- thanks for that. You alright?"




(OOC: Thanks for giving me this chance to field test Rory's fighting approach. I can tell I've got a ways to go yet but this was a serious eye opener, and you're a solid sparring partner to boot. Any time you want me in an RP thread just say the word and I'm there. )

CHARACTER

Name: Alec Cooper Chadwick

Age: 57

Species and Gender: Human, Male

Symbol: A clean, simple, and almost old-fashioned crossed-keys emblem. He also uses it in the logo for his bakery and brands it on the breads made in his store.

Theme Music: Hero Memories by Fran Soto

Occupation: Baker, Retired Huntsman

Appearance:
Alec is a man who you can tell at a glance used to live an adventurous life. Although of average height (5' 9") he remains quite stocky and muscular with particularly well defined arms, the length of which are scattered with an assortment of old battle scars. He sports a full Bandholz beard and mustache combination which he keeps judiciously trimmed (and carefully covered while baking or cooking -- one can never tell when Vale H&S will pay a visit!), a matching set with his short-trimmed chestnut-hued hair, all of which is showing a growing trend of gray. Despite his burly physique his face is soft and a little bit round, having the overall effect of him looking a bit like a younger, trendier version of Santa Claus. His eyes are a sharp ice-like blue, making for a keen contrast with the warmer hue of his hair. He tends to dress simply and without pretense -- when not in full baking regalia he opts for comfortable, uncomplicated shirts, trousers, and shoes, mostly in white, black, or shades of brown.

History:

It seemed a lifetime ago that Alec and his teammates graduated from Beacon Academy -- warriors in an age of growing peace, champions-in-the-making for a world still weary of the toll of their grandparents' "Great" war. A golden and reckless age, by some accounts, as humanity's star seemed to be rising against the ever-present tides of darkness like never before. Talented, young, and headstrong, the four newly minted Grimm-hunters took to the task they'd trained for with zest. Many battles were fought and won, and it seemed those halcyon days would go on forever.

They would not.

The turning point came when their leader, a brave and compassionate woman named Sienna Andraste, was gravely wounded by a Death Stalker while safeguarding the evacuation of an endangered town, later dying very slowly and in great pain from the injuries she received. The loss of the leader who had for so long united them all shook the team badly; at first they tried to carry on together as a way to honor her, but eventually they all drifted apart onto their own paths. Alec, for his part, was devastated -- he had long harbored feelings for Sienna but had never quite worked up the courage to express them, so having to watch her slip away forever in those final agonized hours was torturous for him. As the team began to dissolve he struck out on his own. Years and battles past in a half-remembered blur of regret, struggle, and alcohol, during which he came close to losing his own life any number of times. It all finally ended when Alec collapsed with a bad fever on his way back to Vale.

When he came to, Alec was in a hospital with a beautiful woman smiling down at him. Her name was Doctor Bress Haven, and her kindness, intellect, and quick wit left quite the impression on the broken Huntsman. Even after recovering he lingered in the hospital just to be around her... right up until she half-jokingly kicked him out and told him to get back to helping people so she could do the same. It was exactly the prod in the right direction Alec needed. Over the next two years he would take on regular missions, always stopping back in Vale in-between to tell her all about what he'd experienced and bring her souvenirs from his travels. The two became close, and eventually fell in love. They married, then headed out of Vale to a growing, prosperous town on the coast that had advertised for a medical expert. Alec ended up leading and training the town's small militia, taking up baking initially as a way to help out his neighbors but gradually coming to really enjoy the delicious craft. For seven years, all seemed right in the world.

When Bress became pregnant, the couple could not have been happier... but as the months progressed things slowly took a darker turn. Bress' pregnancy was complicated and took a heavy toll on her body. In the end, despite returning to Vale for the aid of its best hospitals her condition became untenable. The doctors truly tried... but not only did Bress lose the baby, in the months following she lost her life as well, slipping away quietly in the night.

Grieving, broken, and at a loss once more, Alec first buried his love and then used some of the money he and his departed wife had saved up to start their family to buy a small house on the edge of Vale's commercial district. Thinking his best days were behind him, he was content at first to simply be alone with his sorrows and memories, working through the grief and trying to figure out what to do with himself now. The baking didn't initially start out as a way to honor her memory -- it was just something to do, something to break up the long hours of the day and distract himself, but it wasn't long before he found himself making far more bread than he could eat. It didn't make sense to waste it. Finding people to donate it to got him out of the house, back into the world for a bit, and the grateful looks and words of praise from those who received his creations began to warm his heart again. Somewhere along the way, someone jokingly referred to the loaves and pastries as "that Huntsman's fabled goods", and someone else suggested he start selling his work in the markets or open up a bakery. From there, things just kind of started coming together.

One major renovation later and Alec's house suddenly had a fully outfitted bakery occupying the first floor. It took some doing, but before long Alec had a core business with local customers and the occasional walk-ins from all over Vale. The coffee never quite turned out right -- even he had to admit that, much to his chagrin -- but the looks on people's faces when they bit into a fresh slice or sweet treat told him everything he needed to know. This was where he belonged now. This was how he could help people and honor Bress' legacy. He would work hard and pour his heart and soul into every lump of dough, then turn the profits around and donate what could be spared to Vale's hospitals. It wasn't heroic, exactly... but everyone needed to eat and everyone deserved medical care, so why not get two birds with one stone? The 'Fabled Goods' bakery steadily grew and Alec started hiring, careful only to let in those whose passion and drive at least dimly mirrored his own...

... until one day a pathetic, down on his luck kid wandered in and begged him for a job, any job. Alec could see in Rory the same kind of broken desperation he'd twice found himself in, recognizing tell-tale signs of someone who'd been thoroughly shattered deep down. His heart broke a little -- even though he couldn't get more from Rory than that he was on his own and willing to do any kind of work, he knew the look in his eye. It was the same look he'd seen in the mirror after Bress had died, the same look he'd hated himself for having as Sienna's life gave out. This kid had his whole world stolen from him. So Alec hired him, small jobs at first and then working his way into kitchen duties as he proved reliable. The truth was, Rory became something of a pet project for Alec. Not only did he end up renting him the attic "apartment" at a pittance and building in some combat training exercises to the bakery routine, he worked behind the scenes and pulled some strings at Beacon to help his student application, going so far as to officially sponsor Rory. It wasn't necessarily easy -- the young man was willing to work but completely refused the slightest whiff of charity if he could, and Alec was genuinely scared during the first few months that whatever wounds in Rory's past were haunting him would cause him to bolt and disappear if pushed too far. It's hard to help someone who's skittish about being helped, after all. Ultimately, the two would start to connect through the training and over the construction of Rory's shields. It was slow going, earning the young man's trust, but they were getting there. When Rory finally started at Beacon Alec couldn't have been more proud and made it a point to celebrate the accomplishment. It was the first step on a long road for Rory... and one more for the old Huntsman who was watching over him.

Personality:

Anyone who's met him will tell you that Alec Chadwick has that particular kind of smile, the smile of someone who's seen great and terrible things and made it through to the other side, a smile with a happy surface that hides just a hint of sadness and a wealth of memory. He is the sort of man who faces life enthusiastically, looking at each sunrise as an opportunity and each sunset as an accomplishment, and does his utmost to believe the best in everyone he meets. He's not naive, however -- his eyes betray a shrewd, forward-thinking mind guided by experience, and he chooses his words very deliberately. What he is best known for is his kindness; Alec doesn't have it in him to turn away someone who's genuinely in need, and will often go to great lengths to help people even if he can't provide a solution himself. His is a sympathetic ear and a bold heart... sometimes with just a hint of playful mischief. He sees his business first and foremost as a way to help people, far less concerned overall with whether or not it turns a profit, and it's not unheard of for him to simply give away a loaf or pastry to someone who's having a bad day. Ingredients, he'll say, are cheap -- life is not. He also takes a certain pride in "doing something small with excellence", such that it's a refrain commonly echoing around the bakery. Quality over quantity is certainly the order of the day, every day.

Aura and Semblance:

Alec's Aura shines a coppery orange, most visible when using his Semblance: Girded Force. The Semblance takes the form of coiled bands of energy that trace their way up one or more of his limbs, acting as force amplifiers that double the already considerable strength he applies. For example, a Girded Force wrap around his arms and hands would functionally double his punching, lifting, or swinging power, whereas wraps around his feet and legs would double the heights to which he could jump or how hard he could kick (running speed is also effected, however he tries to avoid using the power this way due to it greatly reducing his ability to slow down or change direction, creating severe mobility problems for anything but a straightforward charge). Girded Force can effect up to two limbs at a time, generally without issues -- trying to apply it to all four at once not only causes the exertion to eat away at Alec's Aura but vastly increases the strain on his old injuries, making it certain he'll be afflicted with brief put paralyzing pain afterwards.

Combat Behavior:

Alec is not as spry as he used to be, nor as fit and practiced. He has battle wounds which act up from time to time -- often the worst times, in all honesty -- and can get so bad that he doubles over in pain. This makes combat a risky proposition for the Huntsman-turned-baker, since his own body doesn't always work the way he wishes it would. This forces him to reconsider how he does things; where once upon a time he would have charged in swinging he now often takes a more passive approach, standing back and letting enemies come to him then employing a counterattack move. It works well enough when it has to, although that's always a gamble. Alec can be a heavy hitter when a situation calls for it but shouldn't engage any significant threat without someone watching out for him.

Given his preferred weapon over the years has been a battle axe, Alec tends to fight up close where he can chop or bash his enemies down to size. During his heyday his strength was such that he could swing Feyrender around like it was a dueling rapier and chuck a car 50ft without breaking a sweat... but time, age, and a softer lifestyle has taken its toll on him. Physically he's regressed somewhat -- still decent by Huntsman standards but by no means as impressive. His swings with Feyrender are much slower and do plenty to suggest the weapon's weight, and his maximum lift without the use of his Semblance is around 800lbs (but anything over 500lbs is sure to see him doubled over in agony shortly afterwards, if not during).

He used to have a revolver sidearm to help deal with threats from afar but sold it when he settled down in Vale.

WEAPON

Name: Feyrender

Primary Form: [IMAGE]

A much older and less sophisticated breed of weapon, Feyrender was nonetheless a quality piece at the time of its forging. This simple single-edged battle axe doesn't transform or have a built-in grenade launcher, but what it does have is several thousand Grimm kills to its name across the length of its long career. Grim who encounter this weapon seem at times to hesitate, as though sensing the "blood" of their kin on it. Ultimately, however, it's just a well made and battle tested axe, the design of which lends itself to being swung a few distinct ways for different, but still very choppy, results.

Secondary Form: N/A

Tertiary Form: N/A

Dust Functions: N/A

History: Feyrender belongs not only to an older generation of weapons but an older generation of Huntsmen. This battle axe was handed down to Alec by his father when he enrolled at Beacon, having first been forged by Alec's grandfather during the Grayed War for the express purpose of hunting and slaying Grimm that were drawn to the battlefields, keeping the flanks clear for Vale's army so the main forces could fight freely. After a particularly pitched battle where grandfather slew a Geist of enormous power the army entreated a nearby priest to consecrate it; whether the holy oils and chanting really made any difference or not is a matter of faith, but the fact was that the axe saw its owner through the worst of the war safely and, if the stories are true, killed a lot of Grimm. Each generation since has cared for the blade as a family heirloom -- arguably it's just as sharp and deadly now as it was then.

For a moment, Rory had been pulling ahead in the fight. For a moment it looked like things had turned a corner.

And then the moment was gone.

Setsuna had, rightly so, taken Rory's use of an Aura technique to mean things were going up a notch. The knight was suddenly a blur of motion -- Rory caught just a momentary glimpse of his opponent's sword coming at him and jerked his shield up to deflect when another blade struck him instead, bypassing his defense entirely. This went on for several seconds: engulfed in a blurry haze of afterimages Rory would try to get his guard up only for attacks to come in from completely unexpected directions. It got so bad that he reflexively hunkered in place, both shields now up to cover as much of his sides as he could while he crouched down, desperate to minimize his weak spots. Yet the blows just kept coming, exploiting the drop in his Aura's defense and finding ways past his guard.

Not good. At this rate the fight would be over in a minute -- if not faster. Sweat dripped from the shield fighter's brow and his heart thundered in his chest. He HAD to get clear of this!

For that, there was only one way to go: straight up. Willing every ounce of strength he had into his legs, Rory leapt directly towards the room's overhead lights. He had no idea if Setsuna would follow his move and attack mid-air -- if he did, there were precious few options Rory would have -- but even if only momentarily he had to put some distance between them. The leap was a risk, since a defender relies on solid ground to anchor themselves, but desperate times called for desperate measures.




Battle Stats:
▫ Passive Effect: Aura Specialist
(defensive Aura focus reduces incoming damage by 1.5%)
[Temporarily disabled due to Aura Strike]
▫ Multiple hits received, 33.5% Aura damage
▫ Aura Status: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▢▢▢ (62%)

Welcome back, and sorry to hear about the computer issues. Your timing's good, in any case -- I'm working on the start to our initiation and should have it up tonight.

EDIT[: Initiation thread is up!

The world whipped around unexpectedly and then briefly became a thundering ball of pain as Cordell felt the wind knocked out of her by a blow strong enough to make it through her Aura. For a few seconds her vision swam and she had no idea what on Remnant had just happened, so by the time she once again became fully sensate the armored mountain was towering over her spraying ice-Dust at her feet. What's more, her weapons had been knocked just out of reach by the impact. Not. Good.

Fortunately, there was one thing that wasn't out of reach -- her trump card. She coughed, then muttered two words under her breath. "Alrin's Pass."

Overhead, there was an abrupt noise and motion. Maneuvering engines roared to life as the Red Corsair swung around and angled slightly downwards, the long barrel of one of its pulse canons trained directly on Michael. That surely got his attention. "Didn't think I came 'ere alone, did'ja?" Cordell glared defiantly up at the armored man. "I ain't captain fer nothin', big guy. So yer tough, an' ye've seen that one move comin'. Don't matter none -- I still come out on top."

"Lift a finger 'gainst me right now an' me ship's guns'll light ye up like a bloody bonfire." She shuffled so she was leaning slightly upright, propped up on her elbows. "So what we're gonna do is this: yer gonna unstuck me leg right quick, an' then yer gonna go down t' th' cargo hold an'--"

"Captain, I hate to interrupt," The slightly synthetic-sounding voice echoed from a sewn-in communicator tucked into the fabric of Cordell's collar. "But we have a problem. My sensors are tracking multiple signatures approaching the cargo ship from underwater, and all indications suggest that they are Grimm."

Cordell froze for half a second, then cursed loudly. "So much fer a quick smash'n grab. Oi, tiny! This ain't no game anymore -- like I said, Grimm bait! Ye wanna live? How about everyone else on this tug? Yer gonna need me help. Let's settle questions'a cargo after we avoid dyin' from sea monsters, eh?"



Battle Stats:
▫ Deck slam did critical damage!
▫ [Ammo Remaining]
  Tide: ●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
  Time: ●●●●●●●●●●●●◌◌◌◌
▫ Status of tether line: 88%
▫ Aura Status: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇□□ (75%)

Now he was getting somewhere. Rory pressed in, seemingly charging straight at Setsuna's extended blade; he even redoubled his speed as he got in close, pushing himself to a full-out sprint. He was about to try something reckless... but, if history was any indication, sometimes the best defense was to attack your enemy's attack. When he had only a few feet left between himself and the sword-tip Rory put all the strength he could into his legs, squeezing as much speed out of them as he could while ducking slightly. He raised his left arm to meet Setsuna's sword, sparks flying as blade and vambrace sheared across one another. The next seconds would be pivotal.

All at once, Rory did several things. The first was to reactivate his left vambrace, causing the full shield to form. Coupled with this he pushed hard, putting his body weight into a shield bash to throw Setsuna's sword -- and, with a little luck, his balance -- out of equilibrium. Rory's body, however, was still moving forward under momentum. With Setsuna's body angled sideways it was likely any blunt attack was just going to bounce off or slide past... but the shield fighter wasn't going for a blunt attack.

All he needed was a touch.

Rory's right hand felt like it was electrified as his Aura concentrated into it -- the power may not have been visible, but it was there nonetheless. He reached for Setsuna, determined to make contact in those fleeting seconds. If he could, the fight would swing in his favor.



Battle Stats:
▫ Passive Effect: Aura Specialist
(defensive Aura focus reduces incoming damage by 1.5%)
[Temporarily disabled due to Aura Strike]
▫ Special Attack: Aura Strike (15% Aura damage)
▫ Aura Status: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ (95.5%)

The gods, as it turned out, had a sense of humor -- Cordell's, however, was wearing a tad bit thin.

At the quip about matching hats, Cordell's expression veered sharply into an agitated scowl and faint hints of a scarlet glow could be seen around the edges of her body. "Ye think this is funny, do ya...?" She subtly flicked two switches on her cutlass, priming it for firing and magnetic grapple. Oh, she would make him take her seriously, even if she had to beat it into him.


A double-shot from her pistol rang out, piercing the steady and serene lapping of waves like a thunderbolt. It was quickly followed by the sharp hiss of compressed air let loose as Cordell shifted, took aim with her cutlass, and squeezed the trigger. The blade lanced forward like it had been launched from a cannon, aimed directly at Michael's shield -- though, honestly, even a hit on the bulkhead behind him would do for what Cordell had in mind next.



Battle Stats:
▫ Double-shot at 6% Aura damage (3% each)
▫ [Ammo Remaining]
  Tide: ●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
  Time: ●●●●●●●●●●●●●●◌◌
▫ Launched blade w/ tether line +magnetic grapple effect (5% Aura damage if not blocked / evaded)
▫ Aura Status: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ (100%)