In considering the actions of a character, players are wise to understand the nature of their situation in terms of advantages and disadvantages. In causing a character to take a hit, thus losing their position and calm, the player opens the opportunity to press an advantage. Yet, with each change in stance an equal and opposite weakness is laid open, such as a vulnerability where previously the players were on the same ground. There are exceptions to this, for example when a character is facing a tireless and powerful onslaught which they are struggling to match, or up against a creature of exotic powers with which they can barely cope. It is important to understand that the simple rearranging of position, such as a player moving their character below another and to the side, does not immediately signal that they are losing.
Far from it, a character that is standing low can be far more deadly, capable of swiping at the legs of the other, as will soon be shown by Conan. In this case players must understand how to press the advantage gained to counter this effect, or to withdraw to the relatively safety of an even match. Clarity is again required when keeping track of all this motion, and so it is common courtesy to give reference relative to each character for each action, so that the visualisation of what is unfolding is clear.
Conan_the_Barbarian feels his strength ebbing in his fallen position, and so deftly swipes his feet around beneath the legs of Druss in hope of either felling him or forcing him to release his pressure upon the sword. At the same time as he does this he spins around beneath the axe, his arm providing support against the flat of his own blade, preparing to rise up behind Druss should his actions be successful.
Length of description is never as important as what is revealed during the description; players should be very alert that the more of their future actions they reveal, the more a player can plan for in advance. Ideally, players should be capable of trusting their opponent not to press the information as an advantage, yet this is not always so, and thus a particular style must be adopted in such situations. Only enough detail to ensure the opponent knows what is currently happening, or about to happen, should be revealed, yet the groundwork must be laid for the next steps in the sequence.
Druss_the_Axeman feels the booted feet he had dodged earlier with ease smack him in the shins, a strong assault against his steady form causing him to stumble forward and over Conan. His hold on the blade is released, his gaze fixed on the far wall as he realises the advantage he has just lost, and that they young youth is now behind him without hindrance.
Taking risks is a valuable tactic that has to be though out very carefully, planned to meticulous detail before implementation. It is more than feasible to expect a player to recover from a swift setback as the other is also re-establishing his foothold, but sometimes it is advantageous to allow the opportunity to pass by, playing a mental game of opportunity with the opponent. In the above paragraph, it appears that Druss has exposed his back to Conan, who will now be rapidly rising even as he continues forward.. yet a few mere lines of text would have removed the risk.
Clearly it is hard to win any battle without risk, but it is possible. Setting an opponent up to take advantage of a situation is an old trick which works most times, yet harder still is to force them to make a mistake they will pay for later. Observing their tactics can often help choose the best method, so separating the more able player readily, and giving them more chance of being able to accomplish their task.
Conan_the_Barbarian rears like a snake behind Druss, his blade swinging overhead once more, prepared for a downward thrust, mercilessly into the back of the old man, his cry of exultation startlingly loud as bloodlust is realised. He steps forward, the blade trailing over his right shoulder as he nears the stumbling figure, and with the quickness of the metaphor, he strikes.
Druss_the_Axeman turns in those fleeting seconds as Conan nears, the blade raising over his shoulder to strike at him, having rightly gambled that his penchant for the broadsword and the length when considered with his height would lead him to favour the downward cleave. Yet Druss is older, wiser, more experience as he spins with Snaga in both hands, raking it out to slice hits guts open, speeding against the slow trawl of the moment to strike before the final blow is begun, then away as quickly.
Conan_the_Barbarian stares in abject horror as the axe sinks into his flesh, pain exploding beneath his chest as he is burned by the searing sensations, the tearing of his intestines striking home suddenly and with less mercy than he would have allowed. Cold overwhelms him as the axe leaves, Druss spinning away, his blood spilling to the floor in a crimson spray, weakness consuming him and forcing his grip on the broadsword to loosen, then release. He topples to his knees, clutching at his stomach, his blade lying to the side, too far away to aid him now.
Ultimately, in accepting the death of a character, there are details commonly understood yet seldom practised. It is possible to sustain severe injury to the tendon of an arm and still function, or to take blade�s points in non-vital areas of the body, but if these objects penetrate the head, pelvis, gut or chest, there is little to no chance of baring it with grace. Rage might provide adrenaline when the pain is bearable, but mortal wounds such as they are just that; mortal, even in the midst of magic and fantasy.