[Training]Rapiers are for girls, learn to use a longsword! (Basic Longsword Self-mod)

[Teig O'Maolain]

First Brightening of The First Cycle of Spring, and so on and so forth...

If there was one thing Teig was aware of, it was that his Rapier Technique was not going to get him anywhere fast. He needed to become well versed in the Longsword that was so popular amongst the other fighters in the Jade. He strode out to the training ground and was prepared to meet his instructor. His training sword was drawn as soon as he noticed that the normally lively sword grounds were empty.

Defend yourself MAGGOT! That was all the warning he got as a vicious downward thrust came at him from behind. Teig spun around and brought his sword up. The strike brought it right back down, slightly contacting his forehead. Teig pushed the shot off, falling to the ground, and he rolled back.

The man standing before him laughed heartily.

Good! Good! you are wary of your surroundings and prepared to defend yourself.

Upon hearing this, Teig breathed a sigh of relief
NOT SO FAST MAGGOT! the Daekin barked. That defense was pitiful. your forehead would be bleeding profusely if that was a real blade! My name, is Shield Daekin Jard'en Burkid! Remember that name, for I will be your instructor in the basic forms of Longsword combat! if you feel like you're ready for it someday, I may even teach you how to wield that sissy little rapier and longsword together like a man! On Your FEET! The Daekin stood there with his arms crossed, and waited for Teig to comply.

What in all of Aeternia was I thinking?! Teig mused as he rose to his feet.

The Daekin looked over the not so raw recruit standing in front of him. He could work with this. Now the Other Daekins tell me that your quite good at push-ups! I will never ask you to do one. However, if I feel that you are not getting the training, or paying attention, you will have to defend yourself! That is regardless of whether the training is done or not! Now follow me to the Longsword Area! The Daekin took off towards the Training Area at a brisk pace, which Teig scrambled to match.

As they ran to the area, he looked the Daekin up and down. He was 6 feet tall. He had a scar that ran vertically down his right eye. The eye was intact. His long hair was black, and the blue eyes that were framed by his face were intense. He had
no choice but to learn from this man. Failure was no option.

They reached the training area, and Jard'en came to a stop. he hadn't even broken a sweat in the early spring morning air.

All right Maggot, I know that you know your way around a pointy piece of metal, so I won't bore you with a history lesson! Instead I will teach you the two basic forms of Longsword Technique. They are the mid guard/shield tactic, and the High guard, or The Falcon's Pose, Il Postre de Falcone! These two tactics will get you through any sword fight you could ever need! Now! Let's get started! Mid-guard tactic, and if I see anything that resembles rapier form, I will personally beat the gods out of you boy!

The Daekin assumed the mid guard pose, and awaited Teig to do the same.

[Teig O'Maolain]

Teig took the posture, holding his sword at a slightly forward angle, his feet placed facing forward, and slightly bent at the knees. his sword was able to twist and move freely into a variety of positions from this stance.

Jard'en looked at his form. Sloppy Maggot! Like this! Jard'en went through a variety of practiced, polished motions. His sword swiped left, then right, then up, and down, diagonally accross.

Teig watched the Daekin intently. He began to mirror the movements. When he felt like he had each individual move down, he began to start a pattern of movements.

It was all Jard'en could do to repress a smirk. The lad learned quickly. Of this he was certain. Now it was time to test the boy.

Recruit! If I do this!He began a slow cross slash, coming down over Teig's chest, from right to left. How do you respond?!?

Teig pulled his blade upwards, and used the force to come over his opponent's blade and knock it forward and down.

Jard'en frowned. Effective, but WRONG! a quick slash underneath found the blade crashing into the inside of Teig's knee. Teig buckled a little bit, and somehow managed to keep his footing. You never push a blade towards your center of mass. Always deflect away! Either that or lock up and prepare to fight dirty! but for the interests of this training exercise, deflect away!

Jard'en launched the same sort of slash, Teig quickly and deftly deflected it, but he didn't move fast enough to stop the shot that came across his side.

Jard'en laughed as he saw Teig wince with pain. What did we learn recruit?! keep your guard up at all times, let the blade become an extension of your arm! you have 5 minutes to reflect on what I just taught you, then we are going to have an evaluation!

[Roland Moonstar]

Roland had no idea where he was or where he was going, he just decided to roam around the Military base while scoping out the size and shape of the Imperial Army. If anyone asked, he'd say he was looking for Sheng, the fellow he had met in Arium.

Neither man realized that they were doing the opposite of what the other was up to, but that was simply how it went sometimes.

While fumbling around the base, Roland stumbled into the training area, and he spotted one of the poeple he'd seen in the Crown Inn. He paused to observe the drill for a bit.

The longsword was not Roland's weapon of choice-- he himself barely had more skill in it than Teig-- and so he found the instruction more interesting than it might otherwise have been. This Daekin here reminded him of his old drill instructor, the Dorin named "Duke." Perhaps the gruff attitude was universal among teachers of the military arts.

[Teig O'Maolain]

Teig strode back to the training arena, vaguely aware of Roland's presence. He drew his sword and stood at the ready.

Jard'en also entered the arena, and drew his longsword.

I am now going to test you on what you have learned! Have at you MAGGOT!

Jard'en launched his attack coming in with a high aimed downward cross slash.
Teig parried and brought it away from his body, lashing out with a thrust.

Jard'en laughed as he spun the blade downward with a quick parry, and pushed Teig off of him. Teig wasn't letting his rage affect him though he could feel it welling inside him. Instead he focused with a calm and began to strike in earnest. His blade whirled through the air as he became one again with the instrument. He remembered the flowing motions of Cyrus Marius and how he had begun to understand them.

Jard'en on the other hand was not ready to allow that to happen. Seeing the signs of focus in his student's eyes, he launched a flurry of attacks that Teig could only barely parry away, and once, just once, the practice blade nicked his shoulder.

Jard'en stopped.

That's Enough! You learned a thing or two, congratulations. you're not just a maggot anymore, now you're a fly. I crush flies. Grab a shield recruit, its time to learn the second part of this guard.

Jard'en picked up two shields from the practice rack and tossed one to Teig.

The weight was heavy, a little unfamiliar, but he slid it over his left arm and took hold.

Now we begin the shield guard!

[Roland Moonstar]

Roland was impressed at the natural aptitude displayed by Teig. He must have been blessed with athletic ability and good instincts, for he was able to hold his own against the Daekin known as Jard'en. Well, not exactly hold his own, but at least he didn't end up skewered like a shishkabob.

Sure, it was only a training exercise, but even so, that didn't mean it was any less dangerous: these were soldiers being taught for war, and you didn't teach a man how to melee by going easy on him. Because the enemy wouldn't go easy on him, and an Orc or a Xet isn't going to pause or nod if you yell "Timeout!" or have to scratch an itch or adjust your weapon.

This wasn't a game... this was serious, and more than one life would be at stake, more than one life would be risked if the Daekin taught his student incorrectly. Better a few pinpricks and bruises and sore muscles now than a moment of panic later on. It might make Teig hate his drill master now, but someday, victorious on a distant battlefield, he would thank the man.

Roland had learned this very lesson. Having wealth and power, he had bought himself some training from a man who had gone easy on him. Later, as a Marshall in the Arakmat desert, he had made a foolish that had wiped out his platoon to a man, and had cost Roland the better part of an era to nurse back to health. Never again would he take the easy way out, or go easy on himself or those around him.

Now he stood and watched carefully as the two men went through their motions. Not a mere bystander, he instead studied what both were doing. Someday, he might have to join these men, or fight against them, or call for their aid. There was no true substitute for muscle memory... eventually he would have to do some drilling of his own... but here at least he could pick up some knowledge and ideas, watch as thrusts, feints, parrys and blocks were executed. He hung back in a far corner, to make sure his presence was minimally invasive, and actively studied the moves and countermoves.

[Teig O'Maolain]

Teig picked up a shield from the rack, and hefted its weight in his arm. He let himself grow used to it, and then once it felt almost extensionable, he let it drop to his side.

Jard'en Smiled.

Now Fly, Let me show you how this is done!

Jard'en bent his knees slightly, and brought the shield up so it was just below his eyes. It seemed to be level with Teig's own eyes. The sword arm came up, and bent at an angle so that the sword created a cage up and across the Daekin's head.

Strike Fly! Aim for my Head!

Teig launched an overhead strike, and was easily parried away by the Daekin simply lifting his blade. Seeing this didn't work, Teig attacked the side of the body not protected by the shield. Jard'en was there, blocking the shot again.
Teig grew frustrated as strike after strike would not penetrate the seemingly invincible stance.

There, he saw it then. He shot his sword straight out, arcing it at a flat angle to strike in between the sword and shield. which was where Jard'en was waiting for him to attack in the first place.
The Daekin dropped his sword straight down and locked Teig up in a grapple.

Good Fly!The strike that you would've executed there is known as a Slot Kill! Now, Take your stance!

Teig did as he was told, and began to mirror his opponent. The first attack the daekin came in with was a slot kill. Teig slightly raised his shield and bounced it away with his sword.

[Teig O'Maolain]

Jard'en was impressed. He saw a lot of recruits pick things up quickly, but there was something different about his one. That was when he remembered. He thought back to the day when that foolhardy Cyrus Marius had begun fighting three men at once. Tarfuss and Teig and Lars. His blood boiled at the name of the AWOL Lars Arrenum, he hated quitters.
This caused him to think unbalanced, and he launched a flurry of strikes at Teig.

Teig did his best to block and parry every shot coming at him. He felt like he was fighting Cyrus here again. He blocked a few slot shots, bounced a few low raps, and countered when he saw the opening, but Jard'en was too fast. Three shots glanced off his helmet, a fourth knocked his shield free, and a fifth shot coupled with a heel kick knocked him to the ground.

He rolled defensively to his knees and breathed hard. Was Jard'en trying to kill him?

His anger took control, and Teig launched forward, Slashing viciously at the Daekin's legs. He checked his anger after this strike, and brought his sword up to defend against Jard'en's blade.

He couldn't breathe, and his vision was starting to go dim at the edges.

[Teig O'Maolain]

Burkid Skidded to a halt after his unfocused attack.

He looked at Teig was about to fall over from lack of air. The tell tale signs of Asphyxiation were showing. he saw the cause. the man's chain mail had tightened around his throat as a result of the last round of attacks.

He motioned for a stop.

Can't breathe, can you man? check your chain around your neck.

Teig groped at the chain mail after removing his guantlets. there, a piece had broken slightly and tightened around his trachea.

While Teig was fumbling with his chain mail, Jard'en walked over to where the spectator was sitting.

Serale Citizen, Can I help you? I notice you are taking a notice in our little training spar here.

[Roland Moonstar]

Roland nodded at Burkid.

He held out a hand. "Yes, you are something to watch. I have to admit I am in awe.

Serale, I am Lord Protector Roland Moonstar of Paxia. Though for purposes of this place, here, I am a veteran. Gained a battle-field commission to Daekin when the orcs attacked Abestat."[/color][/b]

As he did not want Burkid to think the wrong thing of him, he elaborated. "
It wasn't front line, it was supply: I have some medical and arcana training. In swordplay I am a rank novice."

Roland gave Teig a glance, hoping the fellow was all right. He turned back to Burkid."At any rate, I hadn't pursued any further calling after that, thinking my political service would preclude any attempts at a military career. But as you may have known or heard, the former Equite of Paxia, was also our Provost. And of course we have an Imperial garrison. So, to that end, I've decided to brush up on my training, and we'll see what happens after that.

Today I am looking for some sword-play, a bit of sparring." He swallowed nervously, looking at Teig. "Though I won't even pretend even for a moment I am as good as that fine lad there. You could no doubt mop the floor with me."

[Teig O'Maolain]

Moonstar! I've some things here and there about the Abestat Theatre. However, I'm always willing to train another maggot in the ways of the blade.

He gestured to Teig

You think he's good? you're in trouble then. He's nothing but a fly. He's almost worth being called a man. that means you're lower than him. Can a man of your stature admit it?
At this he smiled, there was nothing he loved more than breaking down "royalty", especially politicians. You needed to realize that you were only seconds away from death at any point, and that made you no better then any one else, only then could you wield a blade with skill.

If you think you can, report here in two days time, before the first sun rises over the empire. I suggest you acquire a Standard longsword, and I will supply you with a wooden counter part.

With this, He strode back to the training circle where Teig had regained his composure, and picked up his shield.

(OOC: Roland, I will create a thread for you, keep an eye out in the military district. Sorry it took me so long to get back to you.)

[Roland Moonstar]

Roland nodded. "All right. Thank you, I will see you then." He made a note to stop by a local armory and pick up the needed gear.

He waved goodbye to Teig and wished him good luck. Considering the attitude of the Shield Daekin, Teig was going to need it.

Roland watched Teig battle with the trainer for a little bit more, curious to see if Burkid was indeed going to mop the floor with the lad. Once he was satisfied that Teigh would live to see another day, he went on his way.

[Teig O'Maolain]

Teig finally managed to remove the chain mail caught on his throat. He took a seat and some water, and Jard'en Burkid sat next to him.

something changed however, and the man's demeanor softened.
Well Kid, you've graduated to human being. It doesn't mean you're worthy to wear that uniform, but you're worthy enough to try.
He produced a whetstone, some flint, an oil rag, and a leather strip

I'm gonna teach you how to clean and maintain your blade.
He began to show the young man how to take the oil rag, clean his blade, and then using the whetstone, remove the nicks and imperfections in the blade.

A clean blade will remain strong, and will help you survive. Your turn kid,
He watched Teig clean the blade for awhile, and when he was satisfied the young man knew what he was doing, he stood up.

One Last thing to teach you, and then you and I will fight as equals.

He stood, taking the longsword over his head in two hands he took a slightly arched stance.
He swung the sword in a series of diagonal cross slashes.
This is the postre de falcone. it is meant to defend against a duel wielding opponent, or a broadsword wielder. Now then. It's time to conclude these sesssions.

He stood at one end of the training circle, and drew his practice blade.
Recruit, take you positions. Have at you!

He leapt forward into the circle, and waited for Teig to attack.

[Teig O'Maolain]

Teig was surprised by Burkid's sudden softening, and as warmed a bit, it seemed this DI was so bad after all.
He stood after cleaning his blade and stepped forward to meet Jard'en.
He assumed the falcon form, and waited instead for Burkid to attack him.

Burkid did exactly that using a mid-guard to strike inwards.
Teig used the blade to parry down and away. The battle of blades had begun, and the training square was filled with the sound of the strikes of wood on wood.
The battle raged for fifteen minutes, and left Jard'en bruised, and Teig exhausted when Jard'en called for a break.

The recruit had impressed him, but he still had two more switches to throw at his opponent.

He gave the boy some water, and spoke plainly.

Not, bad, recruit, but a day will come when you must rely on this to survive. take three minutes and go grab a shield, then we will engage in this final combat bout. prepare yourself son, you're gonna need it.

Burkid grabbed his shield, and slung it onto his left arm with a small amount of pain, the kid was getting better by the minute.
He knew he would, after all Teig's father had trained him.

[Teig O'Maolain]

After a short time and several gulps of water, Teig picked up a shield and strode back into the training square.
Burkid wasted no time and charged him, attacking with full fury and anger.

This time Teig was ready.

A diagonal cross slash was blocked by a swatting upwards strike.
A slot shot blocked by a slight raise in shield,
Teig took three shots to his helm, all of which hurt like hades, but he pulled back and regrouped.

He launched forward and kicked Burkid's shield out of the way, and sliced upwards
Burkid barely threw his blade down in time to parry the strike away, but at this Teig dropped his shield and placed a second hand on the hilt, locking up Burkid's blade.

He pushed hard, and attempted a disarm. Jard'en was surprised but replied by pushing Teig off and sending him to the ground.
Teig parried a downward slash. and rolled back to his feet.
He sprang forward and struck Jard'en's right arm.
The pain of the slice caused Jard'en to drop his blade, and Teig kicked it out of the way.

He held the point to his neck.
Surrender.
Jarden held his hands up. He then kicked Teig's legs out from under him, and held him down.

Your father taught you well, and I have refined it. But never forget boy, there is always someone ready to kill you.

He let the young recruit up, hoping he had learned his lesson.

[Teig O'Maolain]

Teig Got up and took his feet.

Jarden softened again, and Teig asked the obvious question.

You know my father?

Of course I do, he trained me.Jard'en smiled

Now, take this Longsword, it will be your tool, your arm, your knowledge from now until the day you die.

He strode off the field leaving Teig to think about what he was just told, and what he had just learned.