Deal. Go stalk some prey.

might as well take the deal at this point. Though if she's going for dragon it would be safe to assume she's probably also going to try to gain a full hand of cards to try and jump straight to Pegasus rank so she's probably going to want to take down around 5 other hunters as well and if we also try to go for that route, baring anyone with multiple cards on their person the two of you would have to take down at least 1/5 of the competition by yourselves.

though we did somewhat pass up our chances to start on getting a straight by passing up that 6 of diamonds the one legged guy had.

>>1015239
Hm. I see no reason not to, apart from her recklessness. If we can break her of that and spice her skull-soup up with a healthy dash of cynicism, perhaps she could make it.

1/3 Ceres 2021/11/17(Wed)14:36 No. 1015442 ID: bffbfd
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>Careful considering how common of an ability bloodshots is
Many are born with the ability, but the ability itself sees far less use. Many only need to use it once to see that the drawbacks are too much for it to be worth it. And for what it's worth, I hear it's more common in females.

>Take the deal
"Alright, we'll work together. At least for now."
I grab her hand and shake it. My hand is much larger than hers, which can't even wrap around mine.
If I'm going to have a hunting party, I'm thinking two others should be my limit at any given time, any more than that is asking for trouble. If I have two and find another I'd really want, I can let someone go their separate ways.

"Try to identify cards and see what their owners look like."
>"You got it!"
"Alright, go get your rifle."
She walks over to it as I watch with my crossbow at the ready, while not trying to make it look obvious. She still needs to earn my trust, and maybe I should earn hers. Only time will tell.

2/3 Ceres 2021/11/17(Wed)14:36 No. 1015444 ID: bffbfd
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She picks up her rifle from the ground but doesn't try pulling anything.
>"I'll see you here again in an hour, partner!"
"Let me know if you find that armored ave again."
>"Can do!"

>break her of her recklessness and spice her skull-soup up with a healthy dash of cynicism
I'm not immediately a fan of the idea of spreading my cynicism onto others, but she may be too overzealous for her own good. There is a reason why people like her don't tend to last long the way they are. She'll learn sooner or later, there are some places you just can't reach. I know that firsthand.

The more I think about it, the more crucial the early game seems. having a partner, even one that may be temporary this early on is a fairly big advantage. However, things may become more difficult as things go on, as I think it's highly likely that more and more hunters will team up to fight the stronger opponents, and there are sure to be opponents holding on to multiple cards at once as time goes on. Some hunters may even be setting up traps and securing areas as we speak.

3/3 Ceres 2021/11/17(Wed)14:38 No. 1015446 ID: bffbfd
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I walk around for about 45 minutes, only hearing the occasional distant gunshot. The jungles get humid and warm, but it's nothing I can't handle. I see some small game out and about, something to keep in mind for when I'm looking for food.

Just as I feel I should get ready to turn back, I pull a few leaves to the side where a different hunter and I notice each other at the same time. We both stand still for a moment, looking one another up and down. There is a rapier holstered to his right side, and I cannot see what is holstered on his left. His card must be located on his front or left side, as I cannot see it from this angle.
>"Do you wish to spar?"
I could, of course, try to shoot him from here, however I am concerned about what weapon he may be holding onto his left side. He seems to be asking for my permission, to which I could decline and go meet up with Kay and decide whether to go for this guy or go for any of the other hunters she spots. If I choose to fight this guy here and now, I won’t be getting any help.

Let's go for it, and see what we - and they - are made of in a straight duel.

"Hm. Sure, could do with shaking the rust off. Melee only?"

If he assents and seems unthreatening (and reveals what he's got on his side), lay aside your crossbow and draw your machete two-handedly to enter what you coloquially refer to as the 'fuck you' stance of being a big burly bird with a big chonky blade. You intend to use your reach and general fisticuffs know-how against him, by abandoning your two-handed stance to just reach out with one fist and bonk or grab him.

"First touch? First blood? You'll have the advantage of me in either case, so the prize will only be intel, if so. Card is to first yield, should the other side want it. Agreed?"

If he does want your card - or he has the card you need - you could consider not sticking to melee only. That said, if he sticks by the rules established and - win or lose - doesn't need or have your card, you can consider him team-up member material, though you'll have to verify that he isn't after Kay.

Ah, and don't forget to introduce yourself.

ask what kind of spar he's interested in. Fist, blades, guns?

Speaking of guns I'm assuming your crossbow is out so be prepared to fire a snap shoot if he tries something but if the crossbow isn't out then I hope your a decent quick draw with your pistol.

What a strange proposal. Do you think he got a good look at your card? Asking for a sparing match isn't the kind of reaction I would expect from seeing your target. If he know chances are you are not his target.

The answer of his question should be: Depend. Depend on the rules. Depend on his card.

Not a good idea. He doesn't need your card... but maybe his partner does.
Same would go for you and your partner.

why would i waste my energy?

"Are you a sparrow? That's very clever of you."
Disengage, open the range, get out of there, RUN. You are at his range, not yours, and he has a sword.

No need to get wrapped up in a fight when you don't have the element of surprise. Go back.

Ceres 2021/11/20(Sat)10:19 No. 1015636 ID: bffbfd
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I have my crossbow out and ready to shoot, but I hold off on that, however I am ready to shoot at a moment’s notice. I half want to withdraw, and half with to enquire further.
>Do you think he got a good look at your card?
I doubt it. Maybe he asks the question to everyone he encounters.
>He doesn't need your card... but maybe his partner does.
He has a partner? If so, I haven't seen any indication of such.

"Depends on the rules, depends on the card."
He takes out a card that was attached to his left elbow and reveals it to me.
>"Queen of hearts. The conditions are up to discussion."

>ask what kind of spar he's interested in. Fist, blades, guns?
"Spar with what, exactly?"
>"Your choice. Preferably melee."
"Melee only?"
>"But of course."
He turns towards me to reveal that he has two rapiers, one holstered on each side.

"Why should I waste my energy? I don't need your card and you probably don't need mine."
>"True, however we may still wager information. Information such as who we are hunting for, other hunters we have encountered, and who those hunters may be looking for. You may even wager your card for mine if you would like. I only wish for a fair fight, and neither of us needs to draw blood."
Seems he thought this through.
>"If you wish to proceed, list off your conditions. You may use your own machete or one of my swords. If you are not interested you may also withdraw, as I am only interested in a serious fight with my assigned opponent."

"For the future, you may call me Ceres."
>"Hail fellow well met. You may call me Pieken Gesullivic the fifth."

Seems his conditions and intentions are pretty clear. If I want any of the information he has on offer I can go arrange a sparring match. Otherwise I can turn back to meet up with Kay, and we can compare information.

Hmm. He doesn't have the card we're looking for nor the one our partner is looking for, his card doesn't really help to give us any special hand... though the queen of hearts does put kay in a good position to get a royal flush with her hand which would guarantee she'd jump right to Pegasus rank which would help with her dream... which would probably go a long way to earning her trust if we could get the card from him. What size is he? while rapiers don't really really too much on strength you still might have a reach advantage on him as well as a strength advantage.

Also side note. Speaking of special hands, do pairs and 3 of a kind do anything towards counting towards a special hand? 4 of a kind as well as the note only said getting 4 of a kind will let you pass even without your starting card and target card but it also sounded like 4 of a kind is more of a plan B then a special hand to let you rank up faster. Cause honestly seeing how your personal card and your target card don't really synergize well, unless you want to try and grab 6 or more cards the only special hands you can really get without gathering more then 5 cards would be a full house with 5s and jacks or a 4 of a kind Plus either your starting card or the target card depending on if you decide to collect 5s or jacks.

I like your style.
It's probable unwise but I would be willing to engage in a quick low stakes game. How about a fist fight with points? Torso hits are worth 1, head 2 and arms 0. First to mark 3 points win. The winner get the numbers and physical descriptions of the people we identify so far. Fair enough?

>>1015637
>good for Kay
If it was her target it would be worth taking the risk, but as a possible secondary objective we can just inform her and let she decide what to do.

This soon is a little early to have a lot of info. Pass on the duel and head back.

Agreed that it seems a little early yet to have much info worth sharing, however I don't think they'd offer it up if they didn't have something good to begin with.

Take up the offer. Since they seem to be interested in sword combat, but not blood shed. How about a fencing style duel?

Gotta agree that there's not much for either party to gain at this point. A bit later on things might be different. Also a sparring match could attract attention, and you'll be distracted. It's a risk.

Decline, withdraw.

1/2 Ceres 2021/12/13(Mon)20:02 No. 1017318 ID: 7e04cb
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>What size is he?
He looks to be normal height. Maybe a tiny bit above average.

>do pairs and 3 of a kind do anything towards counting towards a special hand?
Nothing has indicated that so far.

>the queen of hearts does put kay in a good position to get a royal flush
That is something I'll keep in mind.

"It really is too early to have any information worth sparring over, so I think I will decline and withdraw."
>"Fair point. I will leave you be then. May we meet again in the future, and hopefully have more to wager."

I leave to head back to the area where Kay and I agreed to meet.

>"Hey Ceres! Any luck?"
"I did find one ave. We confronted each other but didn't engage one another. His card was the Queen of Hearts."
>"Woah!!! That's good news! For me, at least! Let's see... I did find a couple aves, so that means we have 3 potential targets."
We exchange everything we know about the characteristics of the hunters in question.

2/2 Ceres 2021/12/13(Mon)20:02 No. 1017319 ID: 7e04cb
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The Queen of Hearts.
Pieken, the rapier ave. He seems to be after his own card and not actively looking to antagonise people. He is open to sparring if an advantage can be gained. He seems to value honour and respect very highly.
Wandering the jungle.

Five of Diamonds.
The armored ave. Covered head to toe in armor plating and armed to the teeth with ranged and close up weapons. Has many tricks under his or her coat. Personality and motives are unknown
Currently following a river under the shade of the trees.

Seven of Clubs.
The batter. Wandering around armed with a cricket bat and nothing else. Must have a lot of confidence if she is willing to participate in a hunting competition with just a bat. Seems ill-tempered and aggressive - looking for a fight.
Waiting at a rocky waterfall.

Which one of these might we go for.

Hmm, leaning towards the 5 since that actually helps us… though that does make me feel a bit bad since we’d be having our partner help us build up our hand while leaving a great card for her behind… though if we bring up that he’d be willing to trade information for a fight as well might be better to wait and face him later where both of us might be able to gain more… assuming no one else takes him out.

Head towards the 5. They're armored, so they're either slow or really, really strong. Either way, it would behoove you to set up an ambush rather than go for a straight fight. Perhaps you can harry them with hit and run strikes?

Going for five seems kinda risky, but I think it's better for us to go after them now instead of later.

Yup, go for Mr. Armor guy.

Don't forget that clubs are desirable for us. But yes, the five is the one card here that actually helps us.

Ceres 2022/02/19(Sat)17:31 No. 1024056 ID: 0d2343
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"We'll go for the five of diamonds. It'll be a good head start in case I need to get four of a kind."
>"Okie dokie! Lead the way!"

We walk towards where she says she saw the armored ave. We follow a river in the open that'll soon lead under the shade of trees. Kay follows behind me and starts to fidget.

"Everything ok back there?"
>"O-oh, yep! I just, uh..."
"Yes?"
>"Are we... friends?"
"I can't say I'm doing this to make friends. I mean... you can consider me a friend. If you want."
>"Could you tell me a bit about yourself? I-I'm curious! You seem like you mean business! And I bet there's more to you than meets the eye."
She is acting very coy. I am still unsure what her deal is.
"What would you like to know?"
>"Whatever you're comfortable telling me! Like, what do you want to be a hunter for? What's your family like? Have you met any big hunters before? Who do you think is the best hunter? That kind of thing! We can exchange info if you want! If you prefer, you can ask me something, I'll answer, and you can tell me your answer to the same question."
"You want me to think of questions to ask you? then I answer that question for myself?"
>"Sure!"
"Um... ok... Let's see here."

Avoid asking about family, duh. Turn her prompt on its head with what I suspect to be an armor-piercing question for her (one way or another).

"Do you have any friends?"

And when it comes time for you to answer: "Some claim to be my friend, I suppose. It never felt like they had their heart in it, though."

"Let's be quiet, now."

I'm already bad at this card game, now a social exploration game...

Kay is probable genuine about wanting to have a friendship, the problem is than if her ambition is sincere she would likely betray a friend to improve her chances. So we must avoid giving information that could be used against us in the near future.

We could start professional: What kind of prey do you normally hunt? Do you have any unique achievement worth brag about? Favorite type of trophies?
Assuming Ceres past is not fully developed I imagine she prefer larger targets with interesting antlers and her hunting achievement was capture a big one alive.
Yes, she met some competent hunters but that not worth talking about here. The achievement is nice but she is truly motivated by the thrill.
For more personal questions it would surprise no one to say Ceres family was stern. There are people she used to consider her close friends but time and distance make it difficult to say if that is still the case. Normally personal matters are very distinct from professional ambitions and those end up taking priority without she even noticing.
Kay, are you attracted to women? Maybe a certain tall woman who is good with hugs?

>What's your family like?
You have a father and a younger sibling, and had to live paycheck to paycheck. It was a rough life, but you got by and ended up being the family bread winner. You tried hard to make sure your younger sibling didn't have to go without.

>what do you want to be a hunter for?
>Have you met any big hunters before?
You got lucky growing up, and managed to meet a well known hunter in your area, Piiava Kera. You meet after winning an archery tournament in school, and eventually he took you under his wing after graduating. Now, you want to be a hunter to put your skills to the test, and that is exactly why you're here.

"Orphan."
>Further questions
"Yes."

guess you could make it fair and do a question for a question kind of deal. As for why you want to be a hunter... well didn't you say earlier was to help show off your brother's weapons... or at least that was one of the reasons.

As for what to ask. How dead set is she on getting that Pegasus rank right off the bat? And if she doesn't mind a double question does she have a plan on achieving it or is she just winging it?

Got someone special back home?

1/3 Ceres 2022/06/14(Tue)12:51 No. 1034968 ID: 2edd05
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"Do you have any friends?"
>"I think so! What about you?"
"I keep to myself a lot. Some claim to be my friend, but it never felt like they had their heart in it."

"What kind of prey do you hunt?"
>"Small game stuff, old world lizards and such. I've never taken down a big mammal before, but I'd like to some day!"
"I go for whatever game I can find, but I try to take what I can reasonably get. I'm experienced in hunting smaller mammals, but nowhere as much as I would like. Once I get a rank, I can join hunting parties to go after bigger game."

"Got someone special back home?"
>"My family is special!"
"I didn't mean special like that. I meant relationship wise."
>"Oh, not really. Do you have someone?"
"Can't say I do. I'm not really the affectionate type."

"Have you met any big hunters before?"
>"Yes! When I was little, a dragon tier hunter saved my life. It was kind of the reason why I wanted to become a hunter in the first place! I wanted to be cool, just like him! He uses a bow, just like you! Have you met any big hunters?"
"I have, but I can't put any names to the faces."

"What is your family like?"
>"I have a big family! lots of siblings, and uncles, and nephews, and all that! Lots of siblings meant I didn't get much attention from my parents, so I had lots of free time to myself. None of them are hunters like I want to be though, so there isn't too much interesting I can say! What is your family like, Ceres?"
"As far as my siblings go, I have three, all older than me. There are my two brothers, Vesta and Charon, they are both all business, running a weapon manufacturing business. Then there is my oldest sibling, my sister Lune, who is a hunter. My mother passed when I was very young, and my father passed somewhat recently."
>"My condolences! Can you tell me about your sister? Her name sounds familiar- Is she here too?"
"She is already a professional hunter, she already did this event in the past."
>"You get any good advice from her?"
"Not really. She can't talk about hunting stuff with me, it goes against the family tradition."
>"Family tradition?"
"Yeah. I come from a hunting family. A hunting family that only passes down the knowledge to a single oldest child. My father was a great hunter that taught everything he knew to Lune. He didn't want me to become a hunter, but I did anyway. All that means is that I'm on my own."
>"You’re not alone, you’ve got me!"
"Yeah..."

2/3 Ceres 2022/06/14(Tue)12:52 No. 1034970 ID: 2edd05
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>"Almost there! Just around here should be a river, and we'll follow down there, and we should meet the armored guy with the-"

-CRACK-

>Eh?

-PLONK-

Kay is hit on the head by a quick red object. She falls to the ground unceremoniously, seeming to have fallen unconscious.

3/3 Ceres 2022/06/14(Tue)12:52 No. 1034971 ID: 2edd05
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>"God. What an awful catch."
A green ave with a striped shirt and cricket bat stands from atop a mountain of rocks. She is holding a cricket ball in her other hand.
"That was rude."
>"You seem to have gotten the impression that I care. She was asking for it, not wearing any kind of helmet. I'll cut to the chase. I am the seven of clubs. I want your cards, regardless of what they are. I am doubtful that you are willing to surrender them willingly, so I will be willing be beat your ass until you hand them over."
"I'm guessing negotiating is off the table."
>"You catch on quick. I will ask you one question though; Would you like me to beat your ass standing from up here, or would you like me to come down there to deliver it up close?"

At a distance would be best, as then he'll have to waste ammo launching attacks. If you make him use enough whioe dodging, he'll have to start collecting previous rounds, leaving him vunlerable.

She is unpleasant but her choice of weapon is curious. Nonlethal, very strange for someone planing to gather cards indiscriminately.

The wisest choice would be engage from far way. No matter how good she is at aiming her projections her bat certainly will be more effective without the ball as an intermediary.

Nice of you to offer but I will return it to you. Come down here and I will beat you unconscious, trow something at me and I will shoot to kill.

Raise your voice. Call out, something like:

"IF YOU WANTED A CHALLENGE, WHY DON'T YOU BATTER THE ARMORED ONE AWAITING JUST DOWN THIS PATH!"

Point in the direction Kay had been indicating, to try to distract her, then take a knee to snap off a shot, but really, also to snag Kay's card (for safekeeping, so this goober can't pick it off of her prone body). Then take cover to reload.

Let's have us a sniper battle!

>General tips...
Make sure the newcomer's back will be towards the rumored location of the armored Ave - they'll have to consider that someone else might be arriving up their tail and split their attention.

Try taking your own shots when she tries to bat a ball - that's the time she'll be guaranteed to be the most still in order to to swing her ass and put force into getting a solid whack.

Do use cover and try to dodge. Those balls are probably pretty hard and hefty if they can straight KO Kay. A larger Ave might tank some, but broken bones and skulls are still no fun. Almost as not-fun as getting one's body pierced by bolts.

Fire a bolt into her knee before you even say a word and rush her position, machete in hand.

"First rule of hunting - don't stand around to trash-talk someone you've engaged hostilities with. You are the second person here I've had to teach this lesson to."

Always be moving, even as you say this. Go over whatever rock she hides behind instead of around - the latter gives too many angles for a surprise attack.

you got a crossbow and you already have it in your hands, fire at her center mass and force her to either take a crossbow bolt or dodge. Either way it will disrupt her aim so she can't line up another shot at you right away. Then I would suggest getting closer.

I mean normally I would suggest backing up and take advantage of the fact you have an actual range weapon to your advantage and turn her into a pin cushion but with the whole "try not to kill even though everyone has lethal weapons" (still don't know why they let you use lethal weapons if they don't want their contestants to get hurt) you're only real non-lethal option is your fist. Still, just because you need to get in close doesn't mean you have to fight fair. Grab some dirt as you close in and try and blind the bitch by tossing it in her eyes before you begin beating her ass. Not sure how good she is in a fist fight but you can kind of neutralize her bat a bit by getting in close enough she can't swing her bat properly to get a god whack on you. Hell you're still bigger then her so if you can knock her down and get on top of her you could just pin her down and rain down your fist on her until she's out and she probably wouldn't be able to do much about it since in that position she wouldn't be able to build up the proper momentum to effectively swing her bat.

"I'm not sure, I don't know how you play this silly game."
You should fight at a distance. Your projectile's faster than hers, and you're wearing your helmet. Watch out for ricochets off nearby trees.

Don't even answer, ready your weapon and engage!

1/2 Ceres 2022/09/02(Fri)07:03 No. 1042596 ID: 84c07e
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>her choice of weapon is curious. Nonlethal, very strange for someone planning to gather cards indiscriminately.
It is a curious choice of weapon, she must be proficient with it.

I take Kay's card in case the batter gets any ideas of taking it while I am unable to defend her.

I decide not to answer and instead engage right away by shooting a bolt at her. I aim towards her centre mass to force her to take a hit or move. I move closer after I fire the bolt - taking care to subtly position her so that her back is facing the direction where the armored ave should be located.

She moves her bat and the arrow lands directly into the side of it.
>"Wow. You bore me, know that? Well, seeing as you're more comfortable fighting at a distance, I see no reason why I shouldn't come up close and personal."

2/2 Ceres 2022/09/02(Fri)07:03 No. 1042597 ID: 84c07e
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She sprints at me ridiculously fast. She could have easily dodged my arrow if she wanted to. She moves too quickly for me to react, standing right in front of me before I have the change to register what's going on.

She swings her bat and hits me across the bottom of the head. That hurt - a lot. She is stronger than she looks, she hits way harder than someone her size should be able to. I don't think even I could land a hit this hard.

I quickly recover, looks like my thick skull came in handy as it doesn’t feel like anything is broken. That isn't to say she didn't just do a number on me - I can feel blood coming out of my nose.

Yikes, that hurt, but little does she know that you're a threat at both ranges.

Up and down are an ave's blindspots. Hook your foot betwixt hers before lunging in for a big hug... or a press, if she tries to fall back and ends up... y'know, falling because of that leg hook. Either way, while her batting arm is nothing to joke about, you'll gain a rather extreme advantage by turning this into a grappling battle and completely nullifying her main advantage (that being her extreme acceleration).

"Got you right where I wanted in the end," as you either suplex her or pin her arms under your knees and start wailing on her face, depending on whether you ended up in a hug or on the ground.

well she's strong but we already kind of figured that given her choice of weapon but the real surprise is her speed. Range is out since she can close the distance too quick to get any good shots off and dodge most our shots anyways if she puts any real effort into dodging. Which means we're only really left with melee.

She's quick though so if you just try to slug it out she'll more then likely come out on top so your best bet would to be to try and grapple her to nullify her speed. Plus you're bigger, and while that doesn't mean everything in a fight, especially for someone as who seems to be stronger than you, it does help. If you can get a hold on her and pin her down you could probably treat this a bit like a bar fight and just start wailing on her. After all if you can get on top of your opponent in a fight you have the advantage, and given (again) your size that gives you an even larger advantage if even only slightly.

And for the love of god don't be afraid to fight dirty. This isn't some boxing match with referees watching your every punch. Throw dirt if you think you can get it in her eyes, bite, headbutt, and peck if you think it will help, Take cheap shots if you think it could stun her, and remember that a liver shot can sometimes knock someone off their feet even quicker then giving them a good blow across the head.

I would just suggest to fall on top of her. That has already being elaborated well so I have nothing of value to contribute.

Time for clubbing. Don't overextend yourself trying to grab her. Your crossbow's various loops and hooks might be able to catch her at the bow's expense. I also wager the crossbow will fare better than her bat if you cross swords.

Ack. Even if you were to pull the machete now she seems way too fast to really offer hand-to-hand fight... unless you can get her in a solid grapple, in which case her speed doesn't mean anything, only her strength.

Hrm. You have to trick her, I think. She just bonked you in the head with what can best be described as confident overconfidence, but she doesn't know you have an iron beak and isn't concussed to hell and back like her usual targets might be.

So, take a step, cross your eyes, buckle forward and fall down, as if she had in fact laid you low in one blow.

If you can get your helmet to topple off and land in a tempting position close by for her that'd be even better, but the main point is that you want her to drop her guard and focus on rifling you for cards.

Grab her when she does, and use your own strength and size to pull her down and roll over to pin her to the ground so you can pummel/choke/glasgow kiss/threaten her your machete or whatever.