[Castellum] Shield as a Weapon (14th Fury 7th Ushtar)

[Grik Doomhammer]

Cycle 4, Junctior, in the Season of Autumn,
Era II of the Celestine Mandate,
Era XIV Post Fractum

Training: Shield as Weapon Basic Mod Plan

The training field looked packed this brightening as Grik took his position. Various faces he recognized, others seemed new. Though Grik had never counted that high, there were 875 Lughorns on the field armed to learn how to properly utilize thier shields. To use them as more than a defense, but as an offense against those who would seek him out in battle. One form that walked to the front of the group, Grik recognized right away. It was the dark elf Kruel, his past instructor for the shati and he looked to be the groups shield instructor as well.

Kruel pointed to a row of carts piled high with round wood shields.

"You Lughorns will need a shield as you come onto the field!" he yelled as the throngs of orcs approached. "This cycle we learn shield-as-a-weapon!"

Grik looked at his shield he got from the armoury a few brightenings past, when he was getting ready for the instuction he would learn this cycle. So he passed by the car, for he wanted to be comfortable with the weapons he was issued. No use to learn on a toy when the weapon he would kill with was availible. As the majority of the group moved to retrieve a shield, Grik got a spot near the front of the class. He had a great view of the instructor and his assistants, plus he was now surrounded by otheres who were as prepared as he was.

Kruel paced back and for, watching the mass of orcs. His face was a mask of indifference. It seemed he was waiting for something, or someone. Once everyone had thier spot it became obvious that he was waiting for the stragglers to arrive and for the orcs to arm thier selves. The vysstichi race usually have longer lives than orcs, perhaps that is why he was not rushed to get started. Or he knew that the training was so important that he wanted to be sure all of the 14th Fury of 7th Ushtar was accounted for.

[Grik Doomhammer]

The training field soon filled, the ranks of Lughorns that were to be known as the 14th Fury shuffled around restless. The group should have learned by now how to use the Sapat, Shati. This class was just one more tool in the arsenal of the Horde's warriors. Grik was one of the few who had obtained battle grade weapons before the training. His Shati was sturdy, and well balanced, and went well with the crude yet solid shield. A few of the other orcs glanced at him, with no love in thier eyes, at the better equipment he wielded. The already dented training shields were banged in frustration as they waited for the class to begin.

Kruel's sinister eyes glared as he ordered them to pair up so he may start. To Grik's right was grunt, he turned to see a similar build orc motioning for them to pair up. In agreement he grunted back.

Shield Basics

"As I said you will learn how to use your shield as a weapon in this class. A few of you may have seen various types of shields, each has it's own use. Depending on the style of fighting, and the kind of protection you seek plus the level of agility you need." Kruel paused, he hoped he had not lost the orcs.

"You see there are small light shields held in one hand that are better for man-to-man combat with hand weapons. And then the tall shields that are used by mounted warriors, which are set on the ground offered more effective defense in large battles. Then there are specialist shields that are required for archers, who needed both hands to discharge their arrows. Shields could be made of wood, bark, basketry, leather, skins, shells, or metal" As an expienced trainer Kruel knew he would soon lose the attention of the recruits. He could see them beginning to shuffle about.

"Look at your shield,' He lifted his own practice shield. "You see that?

Round shields are of two classes: First is what we call "bucklers" and the there are "targets". . Which of you can tell me the differnce?" Stopping for a moment, he cast an amused glance at one of his assistants. When there was no answer, except the call of the multitude of bugs he continued. Just an amused cough from the assitant dark elf.

"It is simple, you can tell by the way they were held, bucklers having the handles in the middle which were grasped with the hand and held at arm's length. Conversly the target shields have two widely separated handles through one of which the arm was passed while the other was held in the hand. At times you can modify your shield so that it has three loops placed so that they could be used either as targets or bucklers. The inside of the shield is the Back and the side that faces the enemy swords is called the Face. The handles on the inside of the shield are called Enarmes, and the sling by which the shield could be hung from the neck the Guige.

The edges can be reinforced with decorated metal strips, and a wooden reinforcing spine can be ran through the face, broadening out to form a boss or UMBO in the center"

Grik nodded as the Vysstichi spoke, matching the parts as they were covered by the instructor. Around him various orcs had lost focus due to thier short attention span. Though there were many words, Grik paid attention he knew that he would have need of this defensive weapon.

Power & Distraction

In a loud commanding voice that brought everyone to attention, Kruel spoke"Look at the shield face!" He waited to be sure the orcs could tell which side the face was. Seeing that the majority looked at the correct side, he knew that they were learning. "The surface of a shield is an obvious area for embellishment. From my time here i know you orcs will get creative, decorate your own shield. I am not speaking to hear my own voice, on the battle field this is actually one of the ways that you can use the shield as a weapon!"

A murmer of intrest signaled Kruel had their attention. How could painting a shield help in battle. the orc is always looking for aides in battle and any little thing will be noted.

"As you know, the orc depends upon Orok to protect him in battle..."

The orcs roared at hearing the name of their old God Orok, Girk's own voice was nearly drowned out. But he felt energized at the thought of his god watching in battle.
"... and because the shield protects its bearer, many of the decorative designs also have protective properties. Consequently the shield is often regarded, not only as a weapon of defence, but also as a religious instrument ... it is full of magic power, and when it is painted in a particular way, Orok will allow his protections."


Once agian with Grik roared agian, with the other orcs joining his chorus. From being sleepy to being wide awake to impress thier god, the orc were a total 360.

"The shamen of the Great Horde will make sure that your shield first of all, gives you the power of the spirits of all the slain orc of the Great Horde. This power from your ancestors will fill the enemy with fear!"

The dark elf had gone form boring school teacher to an entrancing priest preaching to a full crowd. His gospel included how to kill the humans and thier allies, and to bring the favour of thier ancestors, and thier god. Kruel looked to be converting a large mob, which in effect is what he was doing. Turning raw recruits into battle ready grunts.

"The Shamen will paint upon your shields to give it powers causing the enemy to shoot at the shield rather than at the exposed parts of your body."

The orcs cheered again invigorated by the words of their teacher. Nobody cared that the real reasoning why the enemy would shoot at a wildly painted design on a shield is simply a natural occurence that attracts the opponent's eye. A simple trick of the eye, but the strongly superstitious orcs thought other wise.

[Grik Doomhammer]

Grik wondered if he would need to seek out the Shamen, or if they would come to them before battle. He would like to have the shield decorated, for the protection of Orok, and for his blessing in the upcoming battles. His patron god was more than a match for any of the shara's weak gods.

Instructor Kruel was speaking once more, "Now, when you need more than Power and Distraction to subdue an enemy, the shield itself can be used as a weapon" Kruel grasped his round shield on his left arm then assumed a basic attack stance with his shield in front of him. "From this position you can use the shield to redirect the blows that are coming at you just like you would normally see in a defensive shield class but...'[ A slight pause served to gather the orc's attention. "..."it is how you redirect those blows that changes your shield from a defensive tool to an offensive weapon."

With thier shilds strapped on the orcs looked around to see if any of the other recruits understood. The confounded looks proved they did not, and then they found out. Thier instructor thendemonstrated by taking a step forward and at the same time, thrusting his shield upward to where his left arm was fully extended over and slightly in front of his head making an umbrella over himself with the shield.

"Like this, you see? From here I can take any strike that is coming from the enemy's waist level or above coming toward me and push it up and over. Simple, huh, this in combination with the step that I took forward now enables me to assault the wide open mid torso or legs of the enemy!"

The shaking of heads, and lifting of shields proved they were listening. From the basic stance Grik paused, defended, then lifted his shield high, his lead foor stepping forward. The dark elf's eyes watched the clumsy mimiks, and then move on. This time he returend to a basic attack stance, and from there he stepped forward once more. Yet this time he swung his shield straight out from him in one simple and quick motion.

"See here!!! Can you tell that i am pushing any thrust that the enemy makes toward my torso away to my left. It is important that you remember a key point about this move..." There was on further pause. Grik along with the more observant orc noticed that when he pauses, there is something worth remembering afterward. "...you MUST ensure that you make the step forward before you make the thrust left with the shield. If you forget this, you could be out of range when you thrust left thus exposing you to the enemy's attack. Once the thrust is made, you now have open access to the enemy's front or left side depending on which way he was attacking when you redirected his momentum.

Does the Horde want or need dead orcs, or strong smart and healty ones." The seriousness of the words slowly crept in to the grunts.

Now you need to be sure to work with your partner, and practice these two redirects..." Kruel again took a basic attack stance and allowed his class to do the same. He then executed an overhead redirect, then recovered. His class did the same. He then executed a left redirect and waited for the class to mimic this.

"Good, you can also do a right redirect. This one is easy as you simply grasp the enarmes tightly and execute a punch right using your left hand (stepping forward) and keeping the shield facing the enemy. It is a shorter redirect so make sure that you have made the step forward before you make this move. Doing this one will push the enemy's blow right and allow you to spin around and strike the exposed enemy's flank. This is a tricky move so we will go further with the right redirect in later skill class."


The class of recruits were now following along to the instruction. With that the instructor gazed about the training field. So far soo good, he thought as the orcs gathered to find partners. The orc's next duty was to get a partner, and get into his position, the begin practicing.

[Grik Doomhammer]

Once again Grik had to find a partner, size did not matter. For on the battlefield he could not really choose whom he fought. Just what ever shara that happened to cross his way. This time he did partner with and equally built orc. The partner told Grik to attack him first, so he could practice.

Grik swung his hand across as if he had a blade, and in correct response his partner moved his shield. Grik's fist hit the shield and was guided upwards, and the orc stepped forward towards him. They repeated this several times, then moved to the next move. This time the partner lifted his shield and directed his fist to the left, but he failed to step forward. To this Grik swung his other arm and connected to his partner's jaw with his fist. After an angry then confused glance the other orc smiled and nodded understanding. He had to step foreward everything. The partner repeated this twice as many times as the first move, and a few time wrapped up Grik's attacking arm and threw a light punch.

The same series was repeated by Grik then. He lowered himself into the basic stance and defended by lifting the shield, while stepping forward the first Redirect they learned. As he repeated the moves, his partners attempted to test him with a stray punch. When he felt comfortable he then practiced the block to the left, the second one, a Left Redirect they learned, each time stepping foreward. As the instructor stated, it left his oppoenents middle, or side open for attack. Before the dark elf called thier attention again, he practiced the arm grab, and attack. Then he moved on to the Right Redirect, the arm grab with a followup punch. Going from basic stance to block Grik repeated this several more times, lightly tapping his partner on the chin to show the open attack.

Shield Strikes

The instructor Kruel was enjoying what he saw. The class was doing well, and as unlike most other students the orcs learned surprisingly fast. Probably due to thier upbringing. Though the finess was not thier they had the basic skill firmly implace.

"Next, I'll teach you the shield strikes. Shields are not just for defense blocking the opponent's blows. You can make sttrikes of your own.

Watch..."

Kruel lined up in front of an orc in the front row.

"See what happens naturally when I do this..."

He then took a step forward and at the same time, raised his shield arm up over his head then brought the edge of the bottom part of the shield down upon the orc in front of him. The orc naturally raised his shield to block the strike.

"You see that he raised his shield to block. Now there is a huge part of his body that I can attack. And what will I attack with????!!!"Kruel was throwing in a question to make the orcs think.

An orc from the middle of the group yelled out, and was accompanied by a few other orcs nodding "Wit' da Sapat!"

After the orc said that, the rest of the class cheered. Even Grik smiled in amused men of cutting down an enemy. But thier were wrong as the instructor was to inform them

"NO no no no, why does every class say that, no never mind I know already!" Kruel replied. The orcs grew silent. "Sheesh, this is a sheild as a weapon class. What else do you think we will strike the enemy with????"

A murmer went amoung the recruits and as one the class raised thier shields, and yelled "Shield!"

Kruel nodded. "Yes, the shield. You will use a combination of "shield strikes" to keep the enemy off balance and unable to attack after his block. Be creative! Use two, three, or more strikes with your shield to keep the enemy guessing! By constantly slapping him with your shield, he won't have time to respond after the combination strikes for a few seconds. That is enough time for you to now make a strike with another weapon."


Some voices from the group could be heard, "Aaaaahhhh...."

Kruel now demonstrated these strikes. "First, my Overhead Strike..." The dark elf repeated the overhead strike that he did before slowly so the class could watch and learn. "Next, my Backhand Strike..." he then followed the first strike with a backhand motion that sent the left side of his shield edge into the face of the shield of the opposing orc. "Third, is the Center Strike..." This time the step foward and thrust of the shield straight out in front of him where the bottom part of Kruel's shield struck the orc's shield. "And last, I will top it off with a Right Strike..." the final strike, Kruel threw his shield back along his left side then swung it outward in an arch where the right side of the shield edge struck the orc on the sword arm. This first strike did not hurt as Kruel was still moving slowly but now came one more in normal time...

"This time is real, no playing this time!

Defend yourself!" Kruel cried as he first took a couple steps back then took a step forward with an overhead strike, this was quickly followed by a series of center, backhand, then right strikes. The final right strike was so quick that the orc actually yelped a bit as the shield edge struck him.

The class roared with enjoyment. They now saw how this flurry of strikes can disorient an opponent and actaully cause pain in the process if any of the strikes made contact.

"Ahh I thought you would understand it like that, but that's not even the best part." Kruel added. "You can then further cause damage by adding sharpened edges, add spikes, horns, metal knots, etc. to cause more pain and suffering."

A roar went up abount the trainees, they lifted thier shildes over head. The worker orcs looked around wondering what happened.

[Grik Doomhammer]

Grik roared with the rest of the training group. The blood lust was growing with every session of training. The skills they learned would be used to prove the dominence of the orcish tribes. Used to punish those who broke the treaties they cried to have put into place. It would soon be time for retribution, for orcs to feel at home in the places they called home.

The orcs were still murmering about the last aspects of the training that the dark elf had shared with them. The strikes and the use of decorating thier weapons. The information was valueable, items that Grik would have to put into effect before he found himself on the battlefields. When ever that time came the young orc would be ready.

"Now, pair up and then do the strikes one at a time against an opponent."

Kruel looked on as the class performed each strike. Some orcs began to get carried away and started with combination strikes when they saw how fun it was. Grik was looking for a new partner as the dark elf called out.

"Cut it out, you Lughorns!"" Kruel snapped. "If you wnat to be more than Lughorns pay atteniton to my instruction!

Get the individual strikes down pat first. If you don't do them right here then you won't get them right on the battlefield!"

The orcs then began to slow thier strikes, going just as the instructer requested. The nature of the beast got ahead of some of them as a few more strikes were seen in several areas. Grik had then pulled his partner back, he had moved away looking for an easier partner to train with.

Grik had to show him all he learned and to show the orc not to shy away form a strong opponent. Taking it easy and slow Grik repeated the moves. Then paused to allow his partner to train also. This went on over and over till a yell from the instructor brought them back to the task at hand.

"Okay, NOW, try the combination strikes I showed you!"

Now all the orcs were excited. They were doing the strikes perfectly and always on the final strike they looked as if they were trying to break a shield on their opponent. The energy had spread throughout the field and just as Grik had shown his drive, the others proved the felt the same way. It was quite a horde growing.

"Good. That's enough. Good work urak. I think you have mastered the basics of shield as a weapon. Come back here at least twice and I will review your training to make sure that you are ready to use this new skill before heading out to battle. I look forward to seeing you out on the battlefield."

With that, the class roared. They had just completed the basics but it was enough to give them a little edge in battle when the time arises. For once they proved themselves on the battlefield they would be granted more training, and more skills to vent thier wrath.

[Grik Doomhammer]

The instructor had left the field, and with him a good portion of the orc recruits. The first day of training had come to an end. With steely eyes Grik spoke to his partner, 'We stay, more practice. Be strong and be ready for da Horde.'

His partner seemed ready to turn and leave the field from the hard day of training. Grik grabbed his shoulder, 'Me say practice more, ju have no honor, ju no wanna be warrior for Horde. Come now!!!'

The Lughorn must have struck a cord for his partner turned and faced him. A grun was his only reply as he signaled for Grik to get ready. They both slipped into basic stance, who would attack first and would they follow the instruction that Kruel had given them. It took only a moment, Grik settled into postition and his partner roared out and stepped forward to attack.

The maddened orc stepped forward, skipping the section of instruction about redirectio. He used his shield to strike at Grik, who stepped back in the flurry of blows. Grik looked for a way to redirect the blows, but as it was his first real taste he was unable to halt the fury. Then the assult stopped and the partner went back and signaled he wanted o go again. And once more the sheer ferousiousness kept Grik from turning his defense into an attack. This time the partner was able to slip past his guard and bang Grik's forearm.

'Ju go now!'

Having practiced the redirect, and not being successful, he went with the next tactic. First he used the Overhead Stirke, with a step foreward the shield came down to his partner's head. Where it was blacked, so then he went to the next move the Backhand Strike. Where he used the face of the shield to bash his partner's face, which was once again blocked. Not detered Grik continued, he was not attempting to ingure his partner. The young orc was practicing each move. He went slow now, but would speed up and increase the ferocity as he practiced.

The Center Strike was next, where Grik stepped forward thrusting his shield before him. There two shields banged together, with a cloud clash. the last in the series was the Right Strike. In which his left arm swung out and around, the edge landing where the enemies sword arm would be.

To practice Grik went through the attacks one at a time, which he repeated several times. He rotated a few more times with his partner, who had calmed down and was studing these basic attacks with Grik. Before long the field was empty save those two, and Grik's forearm felt a welt coming so they stopped the training. A few brews would ease the pain of the training, and have them ready for thier first brightening of practice.

[Grik Doomhammer]

The following brightening Grik found himself shuffling through the city. With the few cycles of training under his belt he felt more of a member of the Horde than he did when he first walked through the gates. He felt bigger and stronger, and more coordinated. Infact his mind was even clearer, he now had purpose and it showed in his work ethic while training.

The shuffling orc made his way to the training yard, a few candlemarks after mid-day. The clouds seemed heavier than they had, perhaps a changing of the season. A change that did not affect the young orc, for he knew another change was coming. That was the change of orcish oppresion, and subjugation. They had been lied to and pushed to the side for too many eras, and now that the Great Horde was called, that would all change.

Grik arrived on the field and pointed to another young orc who was standing listlessly. Now was time to engrain the lesson they had learned, time to punish each other for not missing any portion of the class. It was not yet a time of full reckoning, but a test for that time. The two young orcs did not say much, just a few grunts before they raised thier shields and eased into basic stance.


Grik grasped the Enarmes tightly, he mentally remembered the names of the handles. The Face of the shield was banged and battered, but he would have it blessed before going to battle. Grik looked over the Back of the shiled, at his opponent. He waited for his partner to move first, The sling of the Guige blew back and forth as the wind picked up. Growing tired, Grik made the first move. With a balled fist he punched the other orc in the forehead. He stood thier for a second, as his eyes glazed over in anger and embaressment. It was then that Grik was able to practice the first part of this brightenings training.

Grik's opponent punched stright out, and using the last lesson, he raised his shield and Redirected his partner's fist to the side. As he did this he stepped forward, and punched the opponent on agian. This time in the open area of his ribs, just as Kruel had explained. The partner ten banged his shield against Grik's and punched again. Using a similar technique, he Redirected the attack once more. This time he stepped forward, then pressed the shield foreward. A simpled thrust and Grik and he was once mroe able to land his own punch. They repeated the series over a few times before th other orc realized Grik was goading him to attack.

The other orc demanded that Grik return the punches so he could practice also. Grik punched the first few times with much gusto, then his partner caught on and was able to block and return his own return punches. For a candlemark or more the two went back and forth, practicing the redirects. Grik attempted the Right Redirect also, holding his shield's handle (Enarmes), he punched at his partner. It took two time before Grik was able to learn the distance of his short step foreward before he 'punched'. A few times the young orc noticed the open guard where a spinning backfist would work. But he held out as his instructor had ordered them to wait till they got further shield experience and training.

[Grik Doomhammer]

The previous brightening's practice left Grik with a body of sore muscles. He felt the ache from top to bottom, and a slight stiffness. Put the pain was just an annoyance for the orc, as his race reveled in the pains associated with battle. He had left his partner after the suns had set, and went off to find the shamen that Kreul had spoken of. They had blessed his weapons and armours in a ceremony that slightly spooked the young orc. He had never been much for the magic and religiousness. But he did rever his god and the lord of battle for the orcs, and with his mark and blessing Grik did feel much more confident for the upcoming battles.

Having completed another portion of the lesson, Grik once more returned to the training grounds. He only covered a portion of the required lesson, and this day he would complete the rest. He moved towards the center of the training fields, looking for any other lone orc. At this time he seemed to be the only single orc, the others were paired up and banging on each other using the technique's that Kruel instructed. Not willing to waste time Grik took a moment to stretch out his tight muscles. From there he went on to go through the motions of redirect that he practiced previously. The three moves seemed strange to practice without a partner attacking, but it served to ingrain the movements.

As he began his last Right Direct, he stepped forward and thrust out his shield. A block and a punch at the same time, he heard a thump several times be hind him. A large Vysstichi stood behind him, with shield and shati in hand. Not the usual dark elf this one stood almost as tall as Grik though about half his girth. He was one of Kruel's assistants that usually roamed the training fields correcting errors of recruits as their leader taught. The Vysstichi thumped the ground once more and asked, 'A shame to see you without someone to attack you. I will be your partner this eve urak.'

'Set, Guard!' He shouted as he assumed his own basic stance. Grik was in for a true test this evening, it would be a true teacher testing his skills not a raw recruit.

The orc lifted his shield just in time to block a spear thrust, it showed the Vysstichi was not testing the recruit but was making him prove the battle readiness. Grik's first two blocks just moved the spear point to the sides, after a few thrusts he was able to move more confidently with his redirect. The dark elf yelled for Grik to take initiative, and settled once mroe into basic ready stance. With a grunt Grik took a step foreward lifting his shield overhead, and then dropped it down on the Vysstichi. The elf lifted his own shield and blocked the blow, and twisted sideways to avoid Grik's balled fist.

A nod signaled for Grik to restart, and the two went through this practice several more times. The orc would get closer, then not, and one time he missed severly and the elf smacked his shoulder roughly. A quick whelp of pain brought Grik's attention back. And he focused the rest of the class.

From there the two went on to practice the rest of the moves. One at a time Grik attacked, first with the Overhand Strike, following up with an unarmed attack. Then the Backhand Strike, which the thinner Elf took with more effort than another orc would. The trainer's assistant wanted to allow the orc to practice as he had been taught, for he coudl have dodged the blows and tagged Grik a few times. But that would be a future advance class...

Then they went through the last two attacks. First being the Center Strike, which was then followed by the Right Strike. As Grik got the basics of the moves down, he tried to move faster, to score a hit on the elf. To his dismay the orc was not fast enough to strike the elf. Once the assistant thought he had enough single attack practice he called for Grik to try combinations.

For this Grik stepped back, and took a breath while in basic stance. Before he could signal to see if the elf was ready, a spear head was coming for him. Grik lifted his shield, to Redirect the attack to the side and above, then attempted to punch the elf. He missed as he was too far back, but tehn stepped foreward with a Center Stike, which was quickly followed by an a flurry of blows. The Overhead, then another Center strike, a Backhand then another Overhead, that was followed by a fast punch. He grazed the elf's mouth, and a flash of anger light his partner's eyes.

The Vysstichi then attacked in his own flurry, Grik moving to block the onslaught. He did well till a Right Strike came across and banged his upper arm, Grik growled through his tusks as another flurry came. This one ended with the spear point under his chin. Grik shoved his partner back, and repeated his own attack combination. Overhead, Backhand, Center, followed by Right Hand strikes, they came faster than he had before, and with more precision. For the trainer was pushed back and a smile was begining to grow on his face.

'Good good... much better than I have seen in a fresh recruit.' He said signaling the end of the practice session. 'Perhaps if you come back from the frontlines, we can dance some more,' he said with a wicked look in his eyes as he turned and left.

Grik's shoulder slumped, and he let out a deep exhale. He was tired, more so than he ahd been in many a long era. But he also felt more accomplished than he had ever before. He battled a slippery dark elf and did well, not many on Telath could say that... and fewer orcs.

[Gauls]

Grik had done all that the instructors wanted them to do and excelled at all that he did. With two training days worth of shield training under his belt, it was at least something that Grik could use out on the front lines of battle. At least it was better than nothing and perhaps the efforts he exhibited here would prove useful in the era to come.

XP Award Grik is awarded 2xp toward the Shield-as-a-weapon basic skill