The Grand Hunt R2 - Beowulf vs. Emperor Kuzco

[SSJRuss]

The Grand Hunt

Round TWO

Capture or Kill the Target: (Emperor Kuzco)

 

The taste of steel and sweat still lingered on Beowulf’s tongue as he emerged victorious from the first challenge. The castle he had conquered felt abruptly distant, lost behind a veil of shimmering sorcery. One moment, he stood amidst the broken forms of vanquished foes, the clang of swords and shriek of magic still ringing in his ears, and the next, he was blinded by a sudden flash of light.

When his vision cleared, Beowulf found himself surrounded by sights that boggled his seasoned warrior’s mind. Gone were the grim walls of the fortress he had seized. Instead, he stood in a wide courtyard paved with polished stones, where vibrant colors were splashed about like dye thrown by careless hands. Towering columns of carved stone soared skyward. Brightly woven tapestries hung from tall balconies, and the scent of unfamiliar spices and flowers drifted on a gentle breeze.

He was inside a palace. The ceilings were high and peaked; decorative llama motifs danced along golden friezes; and every corner bursting of wealth.

Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, narrowed his eyes. The enchantment that had brought him here could place him in any sort of realm, it seemed. If the Commissioner’s first challenge had tested his blade against cunning and numbers, this second round might test something else entirely. He had never tasted the fruit of a new realm, yet he knew better than to underestimate appearances.

He took a step forward, heavy boots echoing against the stone floor. Then he noticed guards had begun to gather around him. They wore bright tunics and carried slender spears and bronze-tipped staves. Unlike the kobolds who swarmed in vicious packs, these men stood tall and disciplined, with more than wariness in their eyes. They seemed uncertain what to make of this stranger who had suddenly appeared in their emperor’s home.

Beowulf’s hand drifted toward Hrunting’s hilt. It had tasted kobold blood not long ago, and he doubted it would take issue with humans. Still, it would be wise to gauge this place. His target was the emperor. Dead or alive, that is all he needed to move to the next challenge. He glimpsed an open-air chamber beyond, where a throne sat elevated atop a small flight of steps. On that throne lounged a figure draped in fine robes of red and gold, an ornate headdress on his head. The man wore a smug grin that seemed to say he owned the world.

This must be Kuzco. The target.

The faintest smile touched Beowulf’s lips. He had crossed seas and slain monsters. He had broken the backs of fiends whose names would live in fearful memory for ages. Now he would stand before a ruler who dared lounge in comfort.

Kuzco snapped his fingers, the sound echoing with impatience. More guards poured in from side entrances. They had the advantage of numbers, but none could miss the feral strength in Beowulf.

For a moment, no one spoke. The breeze kicked up a bit of dust along the polished floor, and the distant sound of trickling water from a distant garden fountain. Beowulf measured the guards, noting how they formed ranks, how they gripped their weapons. He studied Kuzco, whose raised brow and easy smirk suggested he thought this a mere inconvenience, rather than a threat to his life.

Beowulf’s voice rumbled low in his throat, breaking the silence. “You must be the one I’ve been sent to find,” he said. His words were blunt. “My last opponents did not seem a challenge. I wonder, will you fight or flee?” His gaze flicked to the guards. “Or perhaps these men will fight and die in your place?”

At that, Kuzco shifted slightly on his throne, crossing one leg over the other with casual arrogance. The guards tensed, their knuckles whitening around spear hafts. Beowulf’s hand tightened on Hrunting.

One order, a sudden move and the stillness would shatter into violence. Beowulf felt the tension coil in his muscles. He was a heartbeat away from clashing steel with this new host of foes. They would give their lives to protect their emperor.

"So be it," Beowulf struck, killing the first guard in his way.

_____________________________________________________

Beowulf must defeat the guards and kill or capture Kuzco to win the challenge.

(30 guards with access to spears, shields, swords, and bow and arrows)

(Beowulf has his swords Hrunting and Naegling)

[Callisto]

Learn More About
Beowulf
Read more about Beowulf at Wikipedia
Official Site: Paramount Pictures Links: Wikipedia Wikipedia www.who2.com

Emperor Kuzco
Read more about Emperor Kuzco at Wikipedia
Official Site: Disney Links: Wikipedia Disney Wiki The Emperor's New Wiki

[Boratz]

An interesting match up! One that I definitely want to see the outcome. I am definitely leaning toward Beowulf. I feel like his experiences as a warrior and the previous hunt will give him an edge. Although it did seem like Kuzco has some dumb luck on his side.

Great addition to the Great Hunt