[Castellum] Shati Training (Basic Spear)

[Grik Doomhammer]

Cycle 3, Junctior, in the Season of Autumn,
Era II of the Celestine Mandate,
Era XIV Post Fractum

Training: Spear Basic Mod Plan

It was another dreary day as Grik found his way to the training grounds. He rubbed his neck to get the kinks out from sleeping in an alley. Without a hovel he would be roughing it like he did before he came to Orckon. When he looked around Narim Castellum he was impressed. Everything was new from the wood that made up the high fence around the training grounds to the new wood posts setup to act as training dummies for the recruits to hack upon during class. The Castellum was in a run-down state for so long but now there were orcs working to restore the rotting portions of the bridge over the moat as well as improving the defenses and setting up new training areas for the recruits. As they toiled, they would sometimes pause to watch the new horde recruits while they conducted their training. At times, an orc would get so motivated watching the recruits having fun that they would toss down their hammer or bucket and march right over to the recruitment hovel in Orckon to join up themselves. Once they join the Horde, they would be sent here to begin their military training.

Keeping an eye on the lowly worker orcs, he took his place upon the training field, soon after the vysstichi trainer stepped up and cleared his throat.

"Listen up Lughorns! You rats are going to have the privilege of being a part of this training camp and to be able to join the Great Horde of Orckon on the front lines against the shara invaders! If that was not honor enough, the possibility that you will die defending Orckon against the greatest threat since the Great War that created our lovely city will cause other hordes after you to sing your praises as they march into future battles!"

The vysstichi was dressed painly as far as dark elves normally went. A simple purple tunic and grey trousers with black belt are all that he wore. He didn't even wear boots. Since vysstichi loved to dress nice, it was obvious that this one wore what he did so that he did not mess up his good duds conducting this class. Grik didnt mind the mud, it would help keep down the flies, and their sting. His silver hair whipped as each wind blew and his slate colored eyes made it hard to tell who he was glaring at when yelling. This meant that recruits in the general area where he was yelling all listened to what he was gripping about not knowing if the yelling was directed at them or not.

With a great roar the new recruits responded to their trainer, Grik lifted his roar above the others to show how eager he was to get started. Orcs not in the class came out of the Castellum with a cart. In this cart were 3500 spears, one for each member of training group. The spears were light with a metal tip and a metal looking clamp placed about center of the spear shaft. Each recruit looked over his spear as others received theirs. The trainer grabbed his own spear which was a much nicer one than what the recruits got then took a position in front of the group to begin the class.

Shati Pieces

"Listen up! My name is Kruel. I will start this first class by telling you a little bit about what the shara call a "spear". You in the Horde will learn it to be called "Shati". This is a basic shati class and the better you learn this weapon, you will eventually be able to get the Shati status (rank) in the Great Horde. Right now, you need this basic class to get your first Sapat status. You don't want to march into battle as lughorn do you?"

In unision with the other orcs on the field Grik yelled 'Nar!'

"Good. Then look at what you are holding. The long wood part is called the shaft. It is usually wood but it can be iron or other metal to make it stronger. The sharp pointy end here is the shati head. That is what you insert into your enemy!"

A laugh went up amount the training group, as a sinister grin crossed the young orc's face. His head bobbed in amusment with the other recruits.

"You are probably wondering what these funny looking metal clamps are here at the center of the shaft..." Kruel points to the metal that looks like a bracer clamped around the shaft at the center of the spear. "This is called a demy-hache."

Grik tried to be serious as he listened to the teacher. Other orcs started to laughed and mocked the piece as a "dummy hatch" demonstrating that if you hit someone on the head with that metal clamp, a knot would form the orcs called a "dummy hatch". Grik knocked one of the nearby recruits to hush him as Kruel shouted, "At ease"

"You joke now but you will see the potential of this weapon soon enough."

Pointing to the very end of the shaft opposite of the spear head, "Last but not least, this end of the shaft is called the butt. Every piece I have shown you can be used to injure your opponent. Every one must be mastered though not all in this class!"

A sigh of disappointment came from the recruits, Grik looked around him disapointed in the other recruits. He would take to this pointy stick... uh Shati, as he did his axe and master them both.

"Time for you now to take a moment to review the pieces I taught you."

At the command of the trainer took firm hold of his Shati. It was not the highest quality weapon he had seen, especially after watching the trainer use his own. But it was a practice weapon, one that could be used and abused for the raw recruits to become familiar with. Grik was sure that he would have a much better weapon when he was to face the 'Shara'. As he looked over the long wooden weapon he listed over the parts that Kruel just described.

At the top was a dull metal spike that served to stab the enemy, it was the Shati head. Grik's own weapon was dull and unpolished, but if Grik stabbed hard enough it would skewer a soft skinned Shara. He took a few practice stabs into the air imagining one of the trainer's more fair skinned brethern.

The next part was the metal 'bracer' that Kreul described as a Demy-hache. It was wrapped around the wooden stright portion called the Shaft with some sort of clamps. The jokes that Grik did not participate in helped remind him of these two portions.

Then came the Butt, the very end of the weapon. He tamped the blunt end against the ground, and looked around once to see if any orc was joking about that portion also. There were four pieces that he had learned the names of, including the shaft portion. He could imagine the uses of the head and the butt, though he wondered how he would use the 'demy-hache' against an opponent. As the trainer had mentioned it would all become known as he mastered the weapon.

[Grik Doomhammer]

Basic Spear Stance

Kruel sighed as he watched over the large crowd. One would have thought that he would be used to the behavior of untrained orc by now, but it seemed like the same amount goofed off every training. "If you recruits would mind, we can move into the part of the lesson."

A orc that Grik had to hush that clown of an orc that was near him into quite once agian. Using the 'Butt' end to make his point heard, Grik motioned back to the dark elf.

"Next you will learn the basic shati stance. This is the foundation from hence most major thrusts will start. I want you to stand in the manner I am now."

With the spear in his right hand holding tight at the mid-point between the demi-hache and butt, the trainer then placed his left hand widh his palm directly on the demy-hache. Kruel then turned to face the untrained grunts, as his fight foot slides back behind him firmly planted on the ground. His move into alignment with his feet, now at a 45 degree angle to the class. With his left hand he steadies the demi-hache even with his waist, his small fingers pearched ontop of the shaft. Grik notices how the trainers right hand is unmoved from the starting position, with the knuckles facing the muddy earth. He also watches to see how the tip is even at the dark elf's neck line.

While the trainer demonstrated the position, Grik mimicked him. He held the weapon tightly, with his right knuckles towards the ground while the left fingers steadied the shaft from the top. The spear tip wobbled as Grik was unused to the balancing hold that the position required. It dipped more as he slid his right foot back, lowering himself slightly to get a firmer base. He hoped this was as Kruel demonstrated. Though it was a new posture, after a few moments it became slightly more comfortable.

"Decent. You must be sure to get this right because it is the base move for many of the other motions. If you get only one thing right in this class, it must be this stance!"

Kruel began to walk through the ranks slapping down spears that were not being held correctly or hands were smacked by Kruel's spear shaft that were not positioned in the right place. Grik snickered as the orc beside him got rapped across the knuckles as the orc messed up. Focusing on his right foot and the angle he had his shoulders in, Grik had let his left fingertips slip back. This allowed the spear tip to rise up past his head. Just as he was starting to correct the position, Kruel tapped his spear up. The base of the metal point clunked against his forehead with thud, it was the turn of his neighbors to snicker at him.

"Keep your spear balanced, or else you could end up with more than a sore brow." Kruel said with no humour in his voice, before he moved back towards the front of the class.

Grik cut his eyes towards the laughing orcs, but held tightly as the trainer instructed. He may had a sore head, but the skulls of orcs were solid. And it helped drill in the point to the young orc. Proper form, and proper balance.


He made sure that everyone had this right before continuing on.

[Grik Doomhammer]

With his sloped forehead still sore, Grik watched as the trainer made his way back to the front of the untrained horde. He gazed about the crowd as they kept thier basic stance, he soon mimicked it. As he moved into the his more experienced stance he paused to let the group take in how the perfect stance should be.

Attack Zones

"It seems that most of you have gotten the basic stance, now we move on to the basic attack zones. These zones are where you will strike with your shati"

A few in the group snickered once again at the thought of battle. Moving with all eyes upon him, Kruel thrust the shaft straight ahead keeping the spear head at mid torso level until the arms were fully extended. He hald the position before turning to the side allowing the recruits to get a differnent view.

"This is what we call the Mid-zone. All of your enemies major organs are in this zone. It matters not thier size, a squat dwaft or a bumbling giant. This is the best zone but also the hardest zone to strike, leading to the most deadly damage."

From his basic stance Grik attempts to mimick the trainer's thrust. The spear's point had dropped slightly, it would have been perfect mid-strike of a human. After visualising the human he thrust with zeal, with the thought of the human dropping it's own weapon to grasp Grik's spear. So following the same formula, he thrust again and again. Feeling slightly more comfortable with each solid thrust.

The black eyes of the orc moves back to Kruel as he begins to move once more. The dark elf trainer had returned to the basic stance then thrusts in the same manner as before except the spear head is aimed left and upward at a 45 degree angle until the arms are fully extended. After a momentary pause he thrust again, slightly slower for the orcs to follow.

"This is called the Upper-Left Zone..."

The lithe form of the elf returns to the basic stance, before he thrusts in the same manner as before except the spear head is aimed right and upward at a 45 degree angle until the arms are fully extended. He once agian repeats slowly for the orcs to mimick correctly.

"And that is the Upper-Right Zone. These zones are meant to attack the head on the left or right side. If you have hooks or barbs attached to your spear, you don't even have to hit the opponent with the shati head, just try to connect the head with the hook or barb as you bring the spear back to the basic stance."

Once more Kruel returns to the basic stance then thrusts in the same manner as before except the spear head is aimed center and upward in a direct thrust until the arms are fully extended.

And this is the Upper-Mid Zone. It has one purpose, to strike the enemy's head or face directly. It is a small target but can cause the enemy great pain or death if you can hit it."

The elf pauses to watch the orcs practice these new moves. Most would be bored with the task of teaching the simple orcs these simple weapons. But Kreul knew that his work would help forge the Horde into an unstoppable force.

Once the elf made it clear he was waiting for them to practice, he got to work. He settled once more into the basic stance, hips sunk slightly, then shot the spear forward towards the Upper-Left Zone. Once off angle, once more off angle but low, then twice into the perfect area. Several more times he trust, to be sure he had his angle correct. Each time he paused to return to the basic stance, remembering what the elf said about the importance of the first stance.

Then he thrust once more to the opposite angle. The head of the spear was at 46 degrees but to this time it was Upper-Right Zone. Demonstrated to hit the opposite side of the enemy's head. After returning to the basic stance he thrust several times more rapidly, adjusting to improve his aim. After he had the moves correct, then would come his accuracy, and after that speed.

He felt the dark elf's eye fall on him as he moved to his basic stance once more. This time he moved to thrust at head level for most humaniods. The elf called this move Upper-Mid Zone, for it would be a wicked attack. Seriously damaging, or killing whom ever was caught at the wrong end of the spear. Grik focused, and slowed his first thrust. To show the power he got from his hips, and the accuracy from the other practice thrusts. Even after the elf moved to another orc, he practice the thrust. Upper-Mid Zone thrust, basic stance, thrust, recover. He repeated this several times, several time as he had the other thrusts. Then he repeated all three, one after the other. From basic stance, to upper left, to basic, to upper right, to basic, to upper mid.

Once the trainer, Kreul, moved back into his basic stance he paused once more. With a quick thrust, he followed the same manner as before except the spear head is aimed right and mid-level at a 45 degree angle until the arms are fully extended

"Watch again, this is the Right-Mid Zone. Attacking here is where most of your attacks will fall simply because it is the side you are holding your shati and it is the closest zone. The enemy will present this zone 90% of the time they face someone. The zone is usually protected more heavily with armor and perhaps even a shield. Attacking here with a shati is usually done to stun or break up the enemy's concentration or attack he is preparing to use against you. Anytime you see the enemy prepare to strike, you should first see if you can throw in an attack on the right-mid zone. If you suceed, you could injure the main defenses the enemy has against your attacks."

He repeated the move twice more, before pausing in the basic stance again. Once he does Kreul then thrusts in the same manner as before except the spear head is aimed left and mid-level at a 45 degree angle until the arms are fully extended.

"The Left-Mid Zone... maybe is the most important zone to attack. A successful attack here could disable your opponent's ability to wield a weapon. It is also the zone that is furtherest away from you in combat. The enemy knows the importance of this zone and will never present it to you unless he has the skills to defend it properly. Even the most skilled enemy must open up this zone to attack each time he swings at you. It is this moment that you have the best time to strike."

Finally the dark elf returns to the basic stance. From there he thrusts in the same manner as before except the spear head is aimed left and lower-level at a 45 degree angle until the arms are fully extended.

This is the Lower-Left Zone..."

From there he returns to the basic stance then thrusts in the same manner as before except the spear head is aimed right and lower-level at a 45 degree angle until the arms are fully extended.

"And this is the Lower-Right Zone. Both of these are meant to attack the legs. Attacking the legs makes sense but attacking these zones opens up many of your own zones and it is difficult to block or strike back once you are fully thrust into one of these zones. One good thing about these zones is that they can lead to many other more advanced attacks that you'll learn later on. At this level, I would limit my lower level strikes."

For the last move he returns to the basic stance. From there he thrusts in the same manner as before except the spear head is aimed center and lower-mid level directly trusting ahead until the arms are fully extended. The trainer was on a roll, his moves were fluid, and where one would think mechanical, they flowed automatically.

"This Lower-Mid Zone is a dangerous zone to attack. You attack here to try hitting the groin of your opponent or to setup a sweep or inner leg strike. This is very dangerous at this level so I would not ellaborate on trying to attack there until you get a little more training."

The trainer then stands, his shati in his left hand, butt on the ground. He looks across the group.

Now go through these last five positions. Just as we did the first three. Do it slowly and focus on making the strike correctly.Speed will come later. THen we will go through all nine once again."

The time to practice came once agian. The lughorns once agian all assumed the basic stance, Grik made sure he position was rooted and solid. Then adjusted his hands to be sure his right hand's knuckles were facing the ground and his left palm was on the demy-hache. The spear tip balanced correctly in line with his midline. As soon as directed Grik began his thrusts. The first few thrusts were to the the right, attempting the 45 degree angle required. Though Grik was focused on his own shati, the others of the training group mimicked his miss aims. Just as Grik wanted to improve his place in the Horde so were many of his companions, others wanted to just survive the onslaught. Soon Grick got his angle down, he returned to the basic stance and began thrusting his spear towards the left. With his arms fully extended he worked to get that correct angel once agian.

It was the Left-Mid Zone that he tried to perfect more. For if an enemy was slow, or stupid Grik could score a deadly hit here. As it was not as heavily armoured as the Right-Mid Zone and thus if not defended correctly it was a tender area. So slowly at first he thrust, then returned to basic stance, then thrust again. His thick fingers gripping the spear tightly, to acheive the correct angle.

The trainer then calls out for them to practice the Lower Zones. First following the trainers repetitions, then moving at his own pace to perfect the angles, he thrust from basic stance. To the Lower Left he went first, being sure to thrust fully, yet controlling the balance of the shaft. Several thrusts later he attempted the Lower Right Zone the angle seemed to come much easier. Though not fully successful everytime, the comfort was growing with the weapon. He continued to practice, to make it eprfect here while in trianing. So when he was on the battle field his accuracy would come naturally.

Kruel then presented the Lower Mid Zone once agian. Remembering his words about the more expierince level needed to try this zone, Grik tried once more. Though he felt he had it right to soem degree, he did not want to push his luck. As the trainer called out positions Grik tried to match them, with as much speed as he could but made sure he was accurate in position and target.

[Grik Doomhammer]

Basic Thrust

As soon as Kruel went through testing the recruits on the attack zones he quickly proceeded to instruct on the first actual attack thrust, the Basic Thrust.

"Now, this is the first thrust that you'll learn. It is not so hard and you have already been practicing it. It is the Basic Thrust."

The dark elf trainer then assumes the basic spear stance then thrusts the shaft straight ahead keeping the spear head at mid torso level until the arms were fully extended. Then as he had the other moves he proceeded to thrust the shaft straight ahead once more, at a slower pace.

"This is the basic thrust delivered without moving from your position. This is good if you are defending your position or want to measure your distance to the target. The same thrust can be made like this..."

From there he moves back into the basic spear stance. His next move is to then thrust as before but this time as the spear head goes forward, he takes a step using the hind foot to thrust his body forward. He pauses looking amoung the recruits.

"I used my hind foot to thrust my body forward. You can practice this thrust now by making a basic thrust into each of the attack zones I showed you before."

Grik was the first to lower himself back into the basic stance. His thick green fingers holding firmly upon the shaft. He then proceeds thrust forward, mimicking the Kruels Basic Thrust. Once then twice, before pausing to reset himself for the next thrust. With the spear head held at mid level he stepped and thrust forward. Using the image of a paleskinned human as his target.

The dark elf watches as each orc makes the basic thrust into each attack zone. again, he is quick to smack anyone that does not do one of the thrusts correctly. Grik was doing better, for he did not recieve a smack this round. He then kept up the repetations as he continued to disembowel the imaginary human before him.

Basic Hook (grapple)

"well done, you Lughorns seem to be catching on. Now I will show you something that is a favorite of orcs in battle. As you know, an orc weapon is more than just something to bash in a shara's brains, it is a work of art that many orc take pride in. The shati is no different. Many of you will add hooks, barbs, wire, chains, etc. to your shati to make it hurt the enemy more. When you add things like that, it makes this next attack even more deadly. The Basic Hook."

The lithe elf walks over to one of the recruits and faces him. He proceeds to assumes the basic spear stance and makes a basic thrust to the right-mid zone. As he returns to the basic stance, he demonstrates how the spear tip can be used to snag the recruit's arm in a hooking motion causing a cut. Though the recruit snarled as the blade knicked him, he stayed in position.

"Oh, you didn't like that eh? Well then this may aggravate you more!"

Kruel performs the same attack except this time attacks the left-mid zone cutting the arm then in quick succession attacks the lower-right zone snagging the orc's leg nearly pulling his leg out from under him as Kruel returned his spear to the basic stance.

A great orcish roar goes up, the training group grunted in approval of the effectiveness of the move.

"As you see, I injured my foe's arm and nearly tripped him in just two moves. Orc shati are not very long so it is easy to use. Some shati are longer and make these quick attacks slower and more difficult to attack two sides at once. If your shati is longer or heavier, try to attack on the same side."

The recruit that was demonstrated on looked at the cuts on both of his arms but didn't mind them much. He rolled his shoulders, ready to enact his own thrust/hook. The dark elf had by then stepped away to the front of the crowd. He began addressing them with his shati held tall beside him.

"Now you pair up with another urak and do the same as I did. Make sure each orc in the pair gets his chance to attack."

At the trainer's command Grik pointed at the orc near him. The orc was dark skinned almost a black hue, and had a shaved scalp with sunken eyes. Grik's training partner was a head taller, but was of a thinner build, so they probabl had the same weight.

'Ju first, den me go.' Grik said with a sneer.

With his beady black eyes, Grik watched as the orc assumed what he thought was a sloppy stance. A slight growl came from Grik's throat for this orc was making jokes before and did not focus on his lesson. Grik would make him pay if he did not prove he learned his lesson. The training partner then thrust as the instuctor taught, then returned back to his basic stance. Next the orc thrust, and attempted a hook. The blade grazed Grik's flesh, yet the other orc missed with his slow low attack.

Still in his basic stance Grik grunted, 'Now ju watch dis!'

Grik first mimicked the trainer's basic thrust. Then moved back to basic stance to attack again, he moved as he was feeling more and more confidante with his skill. Though he was stil a beginner, he felt he was getting the basics down good. So in a quick motion he thrust to the Mid Left of his partners torso, and then moved his shati to clipped the orc's Lower Right leg. As he slipped the spear head by he twisted the shaft and caught the other orc's leg, and pulled sharply. Falling back into his basic stance, Grik saw his partner fall back with cuts to his arm and leg.

Could it have been beginner's luck, or that the young orc was a good student. Grik was sure it was the latter as he paid attention to all the instructor said, and he hoped it would make the other orc pay more attention. For the Horde was only as stong and solid as its weakest link.

[Grik Doomhammer]

At the front of the training area Kruel laughed. It was more due to the nature of his people than anything else. The dark elves delighted in the mis-haps of others, and as the orcs practiced Kruel one after another get injured and fall. The injuries would have been sever for other races, even the dark elf's own, but for the sturdy orcs it was a minor inconvience. What also delighted the instructor was the zeal of the trainees in slashing, and disabling thier opponents. As the trainer for the Horde, it was a good sign. A good sign indeed.

Spear Shove

Kruel once again started speaking to the recruits. His voice was enough to capture the attention of the fresh recruits.

"Now that you see that the spear is very useful at a range, it is also useful up close. As the enemy gets too close on occation it becomes difficult for you to carry out further strikes. At this point, I will show you the most basic of the defensive attacks, the Shati Shove."

To demonstrate the trainer brought over a different recruit. He faced the orc and with speed that was almost hard to comprehend he struck the orc. Those that were near the pair were able to see that Kruel brought his spear up with both hands spaced equally from demy-hache and the shaft, as it was horizontal and at chest height. From there he snapped the shaft forward, catching the orc across his snout with the metallic flange of the demy-hache.

The orc reeled back clutching his now flattened snout as blood trickled through his fingers. With the usual remorse (which was none) of a dark elf he shoved the injured orc to the ground with a shove using the spear shaft.

"As I have just demonstrated, the shati shove is not just a way to get the ememy to step back away from you but also a way to attack and disable him even if just for a brief moment. That moment is long enough to follow with another strike."

Kruel circled the orc who was now on the ground then went into the basic spear stance "Once down, you are then able to take any liberty you wish upon your enemy. Another strike you can make using the demy hache again... Like,"

Living up to his name he made a single motion bringing the spear up over his head where the shaft was now horizontally over his shoulders then grasping with both hands moved downward into a kneeling position bringing the metal plated demi hache of the spear shaft crashing down upon the left shin bone of the hapless orc.

A primeval cry exploded from the orc, and with it the laughs of a few of the more wicked orcs. Grik even allowed a chuckle as he saw the utter efficency of the trainers work.

With a glint in his eyes, Kruel looked menecinly at the young horde, "Don't be so quick to laugh green skins, he is just the first. Now partner up again, use practice the shati shove. Then use any of the finishers I have shown."

Kruel gestured for his assistant trainers to remove the orc. As was usual with his trianing, the Healing Hovel would see much use these next few brightenings. Luckly the hardy orcs healed quickly, and bore the scars as badges of honor.

As the trainer had been showing the moves, Grik followed along. He mimicked the moves slowly as the instructions were called out. He felt more comfortable with the shati, but it would be a few brightenings before he felt as comfortable with the moves. The young greenskin finally looked over at his 'partner' and nodded. 'Ju 'n me agian?... Ju first again.' he said with with conviction. The taller orc nodded in agreement, perhaps he thought it was his turn to even the score.

Grik lowered himself in the now familiar basic stance. Feet were firmly planted in the dirt, hands perched correctly on the shaft, ready for action. The other orc mirrored him, and Grik saw this time his posture was much better. Whack!

Pain exploded across Grik's face, there was a bright flash as he felt the orc perform the move. A sadistic grin grew across his face as he nodded to his partner. A thin line of ebon blood began to trickle out of his snout, hinting at possible trauma. The young orc had fallen back with the Spear Shove, left open for further attack which the tall grinning orc failed to follow through with. His mistake thought Grik as he reset himself into the basic stance.

He calmly waited for the other orc to get set, Grik's snout began to drip. Yet he ignored the minor irritation, and loosened each finger and reset them on the shaft. His partner signaled he was ready, and Grik sprang forward. The force of his planted legs, and the coiled upper body strength shot the shati forward. The metallic flange caught the tall orc across his face, knickin a tusk. Without pausing Grik pulled back and performed a Basic Thrust once again. This time on the opposite arm, and quickly came across and hooked the now injured orc's leg. Using the Basic Hook his partner found himself laying prone. His shati fallen free, while he grasped his now chipped tooth.

Grik stepped foreward, raising the shati spear tip end facing down as he paused before the other orc. It was a move that could have killed his opponent, but both were new to this. And Grik had no wish to seriously injure another of his brethern with the war comming. This one seemed to pickup quickly, when he was paying attention and not joking around. Perhaps Grik had gained abit of respect, or he may have started fued with this tall beast.

[Grik Doomhammer]

With a wicked smile and slight nod of approval Kruel clapped, soon the new recruits were facing him agian. The taller orc that Grik had partnered with clumisly got up, so Grik helped him by grabbing the dark ones collar. Grick gelt that the training group must be doing well, for amoung them not one was with out an injury. Minor and slightly more serious, they all watched the dark elf with now utmost attention. For this level of training that was all Kruel had to impart, there would be other lessons and other skills that they would return to him to gain. But for now they were almost finished.

"Attention Lughorns, you have made your first step in getting status in the Great Horde. Before you can pass this class, I expect to see you out on this very field at least two different brightening. Do not doubt that I will be watching, and if you are not practicing as you have this brightening, I will come down the 'help' you. Go over every piece of your shati and practice each of the moves and attacking the various zones. I want each of you to have a buddy to spare with. Once each has done their two days, I will consider you finished with basic shati class."

Kruel turned and without any further words began to walk away tossing his spear into a cart on the way off the field. He would return to grade his recruits whom he has little doubt will pass their practice days with ease.

With a clap on the back the tall, dark skinned orc got Grik's attention. 'Ju 'n me have brew. Next practice me go first...' he said with a wink to Grik. All the young orc did was nod, and start to head to the Brew Tent. A few brews would help ease what would be a growing tingle of soreness form the injuries, and from using the new weapons.

[Grik Doomhammer]

His snot was abit swollen he thought as he ran a hand across. Nothing a few brightenings wouldnt fix, and clear up the sligth discolouration under his eye. Grik was on his way to the training yard for the first round of practice. The recruits were to go over the moves that the dark elf had shown them the previous brightening. It was a fair amount of information to take in, but as were most orcs Grik was a fast learner when it came to matters of war.

Grik placed his battle axe to the side and found a clear area to practice his shati. He first took a few moments to ease out the kinks that showed up over the darkening. He lifted the shaft over his head with both arms, and swung it back stretching the knotted muscles of his back and arms. He continued like this for a few bit before beginning his training. Looking around he saw there were plenty of other recruits to train with. His previous partner was not to be seen yet, with a chuckle Grik rememebred the darkening past. They erased the pains of training with more than a few brews.

Shaking off those thoughts, Grik began to go through the moves. He wanted to practice solo at first, then find a partner to finish up as the trainer instructed. His first task was to name the parts silently, first there was the Shaft, the solid wood portion that he held. To the top was a metal head that was called the Spear Point, and at the base was the Butt, a rounded metal portion. Finally his eyes rested on the Demy-Hache, the metal flange that he left fingers held to balance the weapon. Grik said the names a few more times to be sure he was well aquainted with them, and the proper pronunciation.

Then Grick lowered himself into the Basic Stance, knees slightly bent. It was from here that they used al the positions and attacks they had learned. Just as Kruel had said this was the basis of Shati trianing and use. With his knees slightly bent, Grik held firmly thee shaft in his right hands, knuckles to the ground. The orc's left hand rested on the Demy-Hache, slightly curved around it, allowing the spear tip to be balanced at mid torso level. Next was the Zones, another task he could practice on his own.

First he thrust the spear foreward, the tip held at mid torso level. Just as Kruel had shown, the young recruit repeated the thrust to Mid-zone. A simple and basic move, but as he repeated the move he thought of the various results of the move.

He then returned to basic stance and thrust forward slowly to theUpper-Left Zone. He called out the position as he repeated it once more, faster this time. The instructors words echoed in his mind about the use of barbs and hooks, and the extra damage they inflicted. A smile grew on his face as he aimed to the upper-left zone, at a 45 degree angle. Once more comfortable with the move he returend to basic stance, the shaft held firmly in his green hands. Upper-Right Zone he thrust the shati once more, this time to the opposite side at a 45 degree angle. The results of hooks and barbs would be jsut as effective from this angle.

Next Grik moved to practice one of the more sinister moves. The Upper-Mid Zone thrust, a move to skewer the face of an opponent. If it hit the neck or the face, it was sure to be a devestating move. The young orc's zeal showed as he thrust, returned to basic and thrust again. Moving slowly at first then building up the speed as he felt more comfortable, hoping his form was correct.

From there he quickly went through the [b]Right-Mid Zone[/], knowing now that this was a more heavily protected zone. he continued the repetitions before moving to practice the [b]Left-Mid Zone[/]. The zone would be more open to scoring a hit, though a skilled opponent would keep it well protected. So Grik practiced more on this side, going from full basic stance to full thrust of the left-mid zone.

As the candlemarks passed Grik grew more and more comfortable with his weapon. It would be a bit longer till he was fully proficient, but he felt his skill growing.

The final two zones he would practice next, once agian assuming the repetitive basic stance. First was the Lower-Left Zone, a thrust once agian at 45 degrees, but this time to the lower portion of the opponent. The butt of the shati liftied as Grik pointed the tip slightly down, to clip the leg of his invisable training partner. He then moved to attack the Lower-Right Zone in the same fashion as he had done previously. Back and forth from thrust to basic to thrust to basic. Grik spent time becoming familiar with these last two moves, and even a few times at Lower-Mid just to feel rounded. Though Kruel mentioned they should not rely on these lower zone, and infact limit them. Especially the lower mid, until the were more expereince.

Feeling the suns heat beating on his dark green skin, Grik felt it was time for a break. He would be back after he broke his fast, and had something on his belly. It would not do to have an orc not give his all due to overtraining and hunger. Danger came from that last statement, so Grik took up his arms and stepped off the field for grub.

[Gauls]

As the suns set, the recruits on the field began to filter off to their own doings. Grik had returned shortly after his class to perform his first day's training. After an exhausting day, Grik had performed the lessons taught to him satisfactory enough not to be harrassed by the trainers as some on the field had been. The trainers had noted this and decided to allow Grik to move on to one more day of practice before they would deem him fit to march in the ranks of the Horde with his shati skill.

OOC: XP awardGrik has 1xp toward Basic Spear

[Grik Doomhammer]

The orc shuffled into the training area, hands busy scarfing down the last bits of food. With the gusto that he ate it must either be great tasting or he was in a hurry to attend training. Any other orc may have been happier grubbing, but Grik was excited to put his new found skills to the test.

The olive skinned orc set his spare equipment to the side, other than his simple clothing he had his Horde issued Shati. The wooden spear was not just a practice tool, it was a true weapon. Currently free of embelishments, but Grik would soon add to it. The dark elf instructor had mentioned that other orcs used hooks and barbs to decorate thier shati. More than just eye candy it served the purpose of causing additional damage to ones opponent.

Just as he had the previous brightening, Grik went through a serious of stretches. It was nothing fancy for the young orc just lifting the spear over his head, and using the weight to strech his back as he bent forward. A few shoulder rolls rounded out the basic stretchs of the orc. He was early this brightening, no class was on the field. Yet there were already a fe clusters of orcs ready to start thier practices, and sparring.

He would search out a partner after he went through the motions of the first section of his trianing. A quick rehash of what he practiced on the previous brightening. He metally went through the various part's names: the Shati Head, the Shaft, the Butt and the Demy-Hache. He then proceeded to thrust his shati head into the various zones Kruel had instructed them on: Mid-zone, Upper-Left Zone, Upper-Right Zone, and Upper-Mid Zone; then the Right-Mid Zone, and Left-Mid Zone; finally the Lower-Left Zone, Lower-Right Zone and lastly the dangersous Lower-Mid Zone.

After he went through these zones a few times, he was warmed up and ready to go over the more aggresive attack positions. It took a few moments but Grik eventually found a similar sized orc. The orc was of similar hieght and weight, even skin tone yet Grik's partner shaved his head smooth. He had a serious glent in his eye which made Grik even more serious. To practice with weakness made you weak to practice and battle the strong. That made you stronger!

'Me Grik,' he said with a nod. With more of a grunt than a word the other orc introduced himself, and asked to be first. That was fine with Grik, to check out the others form to be sure he copied the correct moves and did not have the same errors. 'K, Ju firsd den me.'

The partner lined up and got into his stance, and Grik mimicked him. Then the orc went through his attacks. He started first with the thrust then the hook, neither injuring Grik. Then came the shove, which he actually suprised Grik with. The shove went for his already swollen snout, but was partially blocked. The suprise came as the other orc swept down and clipped Grik's heel, causing him to tip over and fall on his backside into the mud. With a quick tap with the butt of his shati he rapped Grik on the forehead.

Grik noded to a job well done, a little muck did not bother the orc. And soon he was ready to practice his own moves. Grik readied himself with a firm grip on the shaft with his right hand, and a ligther pvergrip on the demy-hache. His shati's head was balanced right above his chest area awaiting his partners signal.

Once the other orc signaled Grik thrust out fully with his arms. This Basic Thrust would have skewered his partner straight through his midsection if he had not step back. Grik repeated teh simple move a few more times, stopping only to prepare adn get set for his next move. He started jsut as his teacher had shown him, a quick thrust to the upper right zone. Grik was not as fast or his partner was quick himself, for he did not draw blood. So once more Grik thrust to the same side, then dipped his shati head in a guick motion and caught the orc's leg and pulled slightly. It was enough to prove the hit connected and to get a silent jeer from his partner. Using the same move, switching sides a few time Grik became more accustomed to the Basic Hook.

Now a light sheen of sweat had covered the two orcs that faced each other. The last two remaining suns of Telath beat down on the harshly, yet it did not deter eitehr of the focused orcs.

Grik set himself once more into the base position, the first stance they learned. With the lust of battle in his blood Grik did not await his opponent and pressed foreward with an unexpected shove. The move was lower than was previously demonstrated, but did the job of faining some space. After setting once more Grik repeated the move this time correcting the error and shoving towards the orc's face. Which then scored a hit, momentarily blinding his partner before shoving him once more to the mid section, causing him to bend foreward and to finish Grik Hooked the orc's arm with the shati point and pulled the orc to the ground. Face first into the muck the orc fell, and jumped back up angrily.

Grik's partner then got tusk to tusk with Grik. An angry red glare in his eyes and a gutteral rumble from his throat, which was met with an equally venomous stare from Grik. A few orcs gathered around as the two circle each other. Seems like the stakes just upped or the sparing session of the class.

Though they circled each other, Grik was sure to stay low in a basic stance. His fingers gripped the shaft tighter than he had held it in practice. The angry orc circled Grik back his posture the same, both waiting for the other to move first. Taking the initiative Grik thrust forward to the Mid zone, which was quickly dodged and responed with a thrust to the upper left zone. Not being as agile Grik suffered a cut to his shoulder. Thrusting again with glee the other orc attempted a shove and pushed Grik back, stumbling a few feet back.

The partner then rushed foreward in which Grik moved to the side slightly and used his shatie to perform a spear hook. The tip of the shati caught the foreward moving orcs lead leg, and with a guick pull both yanked the orc and slashed his leg. The orc fell with his shati goin to his side, as Grik pointed his shati head at the other orcs throat. To Grik and the fallen orc it signaled he end of the sparring session. It was over with quick, but as the other orcs disperesed Grik felt their hearty smacks to his back.

As his partner attempted to rise he slipped due to his injured leg, it was not a bad cut, but would need to see the healers. Grik reached his arm down to help the other up, using his own shati for support. Grik looked up at the trainers to get thier approval before gathering equipment, and helping the other orc to the healer tent.

[Gauls]

The trainers were watching with enthusiasm. They enjoyed seeing the orcs take such pride in their training. This program has seen some great successes. Much better than any classroom lessons the pointed eared counterparts could manage to do in their stone cities. They nodded in acceptance in how Grik performed and motioned for someone to come help get the recruits wounds tended to.

XP award Grik is being awarded 1xp toward the Basic Spear skill