The Saga of Tornado Man (continued): Episode 2: The Butcher and Leap
Tornado Man is growing into his role as a leader. This is most readily seen by his consistent use of the phrases, "This way... this way guys... come this way" while backtracking to an area of the map we've already covered multiple times and, "man, WE just did that... that was awesome" after killing anything resembling a boss (read: the bad guy is bigger than his character). Great leaders give credit to the team.
He's also showing growth in his self esteem and self recognition as demonstrated by his ceaseless mutterings of, "Don't worry, I'm a Barbarian" and, "Barbarians are the strongest of all the game". He's also very quick to learn new skills as the second he gains a level, he equips whatever new skill he's earned and uses it exclusively until the next skill becomes available. Material items also mean nothing to Tornado Man as he is quick to discard his current item for whatever the next item he picks up is. It matters not that he's trading the "Giant Great Axe of Bul Kathos' Rending Destruction" for "Simple Dagger" as it's fairly obvious that the axe has been dulled by all the slaughtering (of walls) he's been doing and the dagger is shiny and new.
On our most recent adventure to rescue the stranger from Maghda's henchmen, Tornado Man discovered the LEAP ability. This allows the mighty barbarian to cover great expanses of ground quickly. It also grants the ability to jump on to or down from ledges that would otherwise force him to walk to a staircase and ascend/descend like a peasant. This is especially convenient when you want to trap your party mates in an area while using your leadership phrases to encourage them to find unique solutions to their inability to leap 30 feet into the air. There's nothing more motivating than "Come on guys, we HAVE to go this way!", over and over until the game finally decides you're stuck and teleports you to your leader.
The party eventually leapt and backtracked our way to the Chamber of Suffering. Home of Maghda's most brutal enforcer, the infamous Butcher. Before entering the lair, the more experienced party members instructed Tornado Man not to stand in fire when it comes out of the floor. In turn, Tornado Man reminded them not to worry as he can just leap out of it. That wisdom having been imparted, Tornado Man decided it was time to enter the chamber (while dad was not at his controller, letting the dogs out to pee).
As most epic battles do, this one began with a Michael Buffer-esque introduction of our opponent. As a projection of Maghda introduced The Butcher, Tornado Man could be seen with what might have been panic in his eyes. The party would later be informed that Tornado Man was not worried at all and he just thought the cut scene was awesome. With the introductions made, the battle would commence.
And a fierce battle it was. Tornado man belied his incredible size and bulk with his impressive nimbleness. While his more fragile party members were engaged in combat with the beast, Tornado Man was demonstrating his ability to leap out of the fire. Furious battle cries of "See", "I did it again!", "This is easy", and "Did he just say FRESH MEAT???", could be heard over the sounds of battle. When the beast was finally vanquished Tornado Man voiced his pleasure with a single word. "Loots!"
Shortly after dispatching his foe the party was able to free the Stranger who turned out to be a mighty angel sent from the heavens with a vital warning. Tornado Man did not hear any of this vital information as he was busy tending to more important matters... equipping every item that dropped from his enemy.
With their enemies vanquished and their new ally rescued, the party retired to brush their teeth (well this time, not super fast and lazy like this morning) and turn in for some much needed rest.
Unfortunately for the citizens of New Tristram, Tornado Man has Karate tonight so they will be on their own until he can return. Hopefully, that will be Thursday night as long as he completes his required studies, follows directions (the first time!), and doesn't be a jerk to anyone until then.
To be continued...