A Challenge | un: vainglorious (video)

[erschlagen]

Champions of foreign lands and worlds of names I have yet to know–hearken unto me!

[This video starts off with a bang! No, literally. There’s a loud explosion in the background as towering flames suddenly jut out from all corners of the arena forming an orange-red haze around the entire colosseum. For any unfortunate souls here, it’s going to feel hotter than hell but for others just watching from afar; you’re relatively safe for now. Those wild orange flames won’t scorch anyone as long as Rosen has control of them.

Oh, for those of you wondering who’s talking right now–that would be the dapper old bastard with the long flowing hair dressed in bright red and blue tunic standing at the center of the colosseum. Don’t ask how he’s managing to film the entire stunt. He’s just doing what he does best, causing a disturbance. It’s been a little too peaceful here and he’s bloody determined to change all that. If there’s one thing Rosen hates more is peace and quiet.]

Many of you proclaim to be warriors of realms I have yet to explore. Some of you even pretend to be likened to gods all for the sake of vanity and nothing else!

[It’s amazing how this crazed fellow can project his voice. He’s not talking into a microphone or anything. No, he’s literally projecting his voice throughout the entire colosseum over the roar of the fire. That actually takes talent and a lack of shame for being that damn LOUD! Then again, the colosseum has great acoustics.]

Therefore, I challenge you!

[In a flash of brilliant white light, a magical fiery red spear suddenly appears within his right hand. He dramatically points it towards the direction of the camera, making sure that this prized relic is on display for all to see. While it might come into question as of how he’s recording all this, Rosen at least knows how to put on a good show.]

I am called Rosenkrantz, and I formally challenge every capable warrior and legend here to face in armed combat! Only the strong need to apply for those without strength will be turned at the gate!

[He’s not kidding either. If he finds any of you fools lacking, he’ll toss you out of the colosseum on your ass. That is an unspoken rule here.]

With that said, if you seek a worthy challenge–then face me.

[And just like that, the footage goes black.]

Comments

Action

[sangreine]

[ ...he could have just said he wants to fight. But Saya can appreciate a good show, even if she thinks it's a little unnecessary. She hesitates, only for a beat. Fighting someone who can actually handle her is worth her while. ]

[ She doesn't bother answering the video, what's the point? She says she's in, he boasts and/or mildly insults her, they end up at the colosseum anyway. ]

[ When she arrives, she looks like -- not much, frankly. A lovely, petite woman in a purple leather jacket and skirt with matching boots, not a scar on her. The only thing that seems promising is the sword she carries which dwarfs her small frame, yet she carries it as if it weighted nothing. ]

Impressive weapon. [ That's "hi, nice to meet you" in Fight-y Vampire Queen. ]

[erschlagen]

[A woman? Well now, that’s rather interesting. While Rosen didn’t expect his first opponent to be a woman, a warrior is a warrior. Gender doesn’t matter here. The only thing that matters is one’s prowess on the battlefield. That's it. So excuse him if he doesn't pay her compliment any heed. The second she speaks, he grabs ahold of the flames before him and literally hurls it right towards her.

He’s not trying to be rude or anything but he doesn’t for any of the preamble here.]

Yes, yes! It’s quite lovely but FIGHT ME!

[He yells before chucking another fireball in hopes she gets the message. All he wants is to exchange blows right now, not some needless pleasantries. He wants to see what this little lady can do. If she’s going to step up towards the metaphorical plate, then she better know how to bat.]

[sangreine]

[ Oh, well then. No preliminaries at all suits her mood, actually, and however she might appear, she's never caught flat-footed. ]

[ Her eyes glow a vibrant red as he throws his fire her way, and her katana rings as she yanks it from its sheath. Those glowing eyes and a small, pleased smile is the last impression he'll get before she -- vanishes. ]

[ She hasn't vanished, but she moves faster than human eyes can follow. Eyes that are more than human will see more, a blurred trail of movement that conveys where she was moments ago much better than where she currently is. Needless to say, at this speed she has no trouble easily dodging his fire. ]

[ He said he wanted strong opponents, and she's had quite enough of those who talk a big game only to go down in a heap. So when she strikes at him at her nearly-impossible speed -- from above him, to whatever side he wasn't using to throw that fire -- her sword strike could stop a truck dead in its tracks. Whether he dodges or he doesn't, she immediately pivots (in midair, it almost appears) and vanishes once more. ]

UN: flameofrebirth

[tabulacombusit]

[On one hand, Phoenix doesn't know this guy, and she knows what she is whether or not he calls it vanity.

On the other hand, she was born of a cosmos spanning conflict that could not be resolved even unto the death of the universe. It had created something that did not like backing down from a challenge.]

For stakes, or just for pride?

[erschlagen]

Is there a difference? [He answers with a bit of a smirk.] Is one person’s pride not worthy enough here?

[He’s not looking to harm anyone besides his would-be opponents but even so, there’s no malice on his part. Rosen just wants to cause some havoc and give people a show they won’t forget. That’s about it. He’s as straightforward as they come.]

If not, must I raze the city in order for you and others to take me seriously?

[He’s joking, of course. However, he puts the question out there to see what answer he’ll receive.]

[tabulacombusit]

I think that would be a problem for the people who live here.

[Understatement of the year.]

But it won't be necessary. That was a reasonably impressive display, and I'd like to see how you actually measure up, if you're taking any challengers.

video // un:sarajevo

[socialchameleon]

I'm pretty sure I'd die if I got involved in this, so I'll pass, but are you taking spectators? This sounds like a blast to watch. You could even charge people.

[erschlagen]

But of course! I wouldn't mind having a crowd cheer me on as I battle the realm's best and brightest.

[He's such a ham. Rosen is really treating this like some grand performance.]

[socialchameleon]

Great! I'll see you there, but please don't fight me, I'd lose.

video; un: cecilias

[outofoffice]

Issuing a challenge of fists rather than drinks?

Ehehe, that's good. I'd hate for you to stumble home too drunk to see straight. Again.

[ LITTLE MAN WITH NO SELF-PRESERVATION INSTINCTS ]

[erschlagen]

[VENTI, DO YOU WANT TO DIE?! For a second there, Rosen's right eye actually burns gold. He's not amused.]

I WASN'T STUMBLING!

[Yes, he was. Poor Rosen was literally dragging himself home after their little contest. It was rather hilarious but at least he didn't throw up.]

I was just a tad dazed at best! Nothing to brag about.

un: vash

[bountyfull]

Jeez, isn't there anything else you guys feel like doing?

[Maybe this is a little bit silly of him to comment but; come on? Haven't any of these people heard of peace?]

[erschlagen]

And do what, exactly!? Just sit around twiddling our thumbs and drinking ourselves into oblivion?

[Listen, he's not the type to sit around and do nothing all day. He likes sparring but he loves fighting.]

There's only so much "peace" I can stomach!

Action

[mayoninofukucho]

[Alright, unlike some other calls to fighting action that Hijikata has seen on the network Rosenkrantz doesn't seem to want to outright eviscerate or be eviscerated, which is a bit of a relief (who knew that there were so many people with a super S/M inclination around?!). He likes to fight, too, but in a friendly spar he prefers all limbs staying attached to both opponents! As such he turns up at the colosseum. Rosenkrantz isn't hard to spot, so he walks up to him and raises a hand in a casual greeting.]

I'm here for the challenge. Hijikata.

[His statistics: Human, 177cm/5'10'', 65kg/141lbs. His weapons: 1 longsword, 2 shortswords. Does he even make the cut? He clearly thinks he belongs here!]

[erschlagen]

[Rosen is definitely not hard to spot. He’s the only psycho standing here in the middle of this fiery arena. Most of the other warriors here have either left for the sauna or taken to the stands. Some of the regulars here were a little miffed with Rosen for hijacking colosseum but they knew better than to say anything. It seems the bastard with the rose eyepatch is a legitimate threat.

As he waits, Rosen can’t help but look a bit surprised when he sees his next opponent. Saya is a tough act to follow. The little miss definitely gave him a run for his money and then some. Hell, he has some fresh scars on his arms and shoulders to prove it. While his regenerative skills are pretty impressive, scarring is still something he has to worry about. Nevertheless, he greets Hijikata with a cheerful wave before summoning his magical lance once more. That’s the only greeting he gets because within a second, Rosen is already charging at him spear first.

Good luck Hijikata! It seems the old bastard isn’t one for conversation right now.]

Action

[lonesummit]

[Zhongli is mostly curious. He doesn't go around fighting just for fun these days, but it's important to know the capabilities of the people around you, right? Probably.

Anyway, he shows up dressed in his nice suit, looking more like a wandering tourist than a combatant, although if Rosenkrantz gets a good look into his eyes, he might find that they're pretty similar to the one gold eye he's got. No black sclera, but the golden diamond that serves for the pupil is hard to mistake if it's something you're used to seeing.]

I wonder. Just what are you preparing for, friend?

[That said, he's also spent time with Venti. If he was described at all... this is the Blockhead.]

[erschlagen]

[This guy damn sure looks lost in Rosen’s humble option. What is he? A tourist?

Rosen can’t help but arch his brow once he gets a look at this dapperly dressed fellow. He was taking another break in between matches, idly stretching his limbs with some yoga-esque stretches. The old lancer needs to keep nimble some way, right? After fighting against both Saya and Phoenix, he’s feeling a bit sore. Who would’ve guessed that his strongest opponents would’ve been two women? He’s mildly surprised about that but then again, he really shouldn’t be. The most devious opponents he ever faced were always women. While the two of them have vastly different styles, it was like tussling with a monster in both matches. Nevertheless, he’s no worse for wear.]

What an interesting question!

[He laughs while doing a standing split. Listen, Rosen has the body of a 20 year old. He’s in better condition than most college grads and it shows.]

You’re the first ask and probably the last. So “kudos” to you.

[The lancer teases as he gives his would-be opponent another glance. It’s then that he notices those peculiar golden eyes.]

If you must know, I simply want to know where I stand among warriors hailing from other lands.

Action

[psychotics]

[ Knives isn't one to really entertain others with this nonsense of fighting each other for sport. But this man had made that ridiculous assumption over the network and was willing to challenge anyone, so he decided to make his way over. ]

So you're the one who claims that those who are gods are 'pretenders' for vanity? [ Just giving this guy a rather disgusted look from behind his hood. ] Yet you challenge them all for your own.

[ He looks ridiculous in his bubblesuit as he speaks those words. ] Who's the vain one, I wonder?

[erschlagen]

[Oh, look at this sweet-faced little angel here! Rosen almost barks out a laugh once he gets a load of this guy's fit. Just what in the fresh hell is wearing?! It's like a balloon or something. A silvery-balloon. It's probably the most ridiculous outfit he has seen yet. The youth around here sure do like their bizarre little fashion, don't they? It’s something he’s noticed as of late.

Nevertheless, Rosen was taking another break from all the fighting by the time Knives comes to visit. He's seated cross-legged in the middle of the arena on a mock throne composed of fire. Yes, that’s no actual chair rather fire he somehow managed to manipulate. It seems Rosen isn’t a one trick pony like some people. He has a vast repertoire of skills at his disposal.

That makes him quite dangerous.]

Me, of course.

[He answers with a playful wink. Say what you will about Rosen but the man is honest to a fault.]

But that’s whole point, my fashionably challenged friend.

un: whatever

[shear_trigger]

And here I thought everyone was all about making friendships and rainbows here.

[... This seems marginally more normal to him. To be honest.]

[erschlagen]

As much as I like rainbows and all, even I can't stomach the idea of dealing with that shit forever.

GIVE ME DRAMA! GIVE ME CONFLICT! Just give me something other than baseless compliments and fake platitudes!

un: architect

[unnecessaryflourishes]

How very... overwrought.

[Emet-Selch does, admittedly, have no shortage of power to spare. But even here, where such things seem to be more common, he's not about to come out and directly admit to it, if he doesn't have to.]

[erschlagen]

[Overwrought? Well, that wins a chuckle from Rosen here. Maybe he is a little overzealous here and there.]

Perhaps you’re right about that! [He’s honest to a fault.] But it’s hard not to be excited when such an opportunity has crossed my path.

video; un:🐺

[at_heart]

[ Snort. ]

What, too good for the fight club?

[ Which is what he's calling the underground wrestling league forever, probably. ] [ But he's not uninterested, the explosion looked like fun. ]

[erschlagen]

What if I am?!

[He questions as he gives this newcomer a challenging smirk.]

I doubt the members of that little club could satisfy my lust for combat.