[Training - Era XI] Circle of Seven Battle Institute

[BlueberryKitty]

In terms of grandness, the Circle of Seven Battle Institute is second only to the Thanel Palace and indeed, it finds itself close by to the Governmental District at the heart of the city. The building, consisting of four floors, stretches long and wide to allow the inclusion of several training halls inside. Here is the place where people come from afar to learn the finer arts of combat, be it with weapons or in Zinn'Ka.

Immediately noticable in the main hallway are seven statues that stand tall and proud in a half circle. Each one is of a Grand Master of old, the very best in their chosen form of combat and most certainly suitable idols for those wishing to attain such skill. But also the statues represent the seven forms of combat that are taught here at the institute, not to mention such virtues as strength and honour. Indeed, the Masters were selected not only for their superb skill, but also for how they used it for the purpose of good. To further explain what the statues represent, there are plaques under each of them containing a short biography of who they were and the deeds of their time. Meanwhile, along with the biographies can be found a list of which combat types are taught at the Institute.

The Seven Statues

• Statue 1: Grandiv Boarax - Axe Master
  Training Types: Battle Axe, Great Axe.
  Teachers: -
  Plaque: Never had an axe been designed by man or dwarf that Boarax could not handle. Grandiv Boarax was a dwarf of high standing in the clans from around Riparia, his feats of heroism awarding him much fame. Most noteworthy of these was his saving of a local mine, taken over by a malicious band of orcs. Grandiv and his select group of only five others, out numbered by fifteen to one, managed to free the miners and rid the mine of the intrusive orc gang. He died a happy and contented dwarf at a grand old age, but only after a long and distinguished career as the chief of his people.
  
• Statue 2: Jordie McGrov - Blunt Weapon Master
  Training Types: Warhammer.
  Teachers: -
  Plaque:The renowned McGrov clan of giants were renowned for the wrong reasons, until Jordie came along. ‘Jordie the just’, as he became known, became remembered for beating his brother in a battle that lasted three brightenings. His brother, who was a giant who had bad intentions, was trying to kill a town of people that had grown up in his territory. But Jordie took offence to his brother actions and proceeded to take up the cause of the town. The battle ended by Jodie finally smashing his brother with his hammer. Both combatants were injured and bruised, but Jordie was the giant left standing, just! So the town heralded Jordie as 'Jordie the Just Standing', it’s saviour, it built a special residence for its new citizen, and he was given the freedom of the town. Jordie used his time to train others in the Hammer and other blunt weapons. As long as the cause of the student was a just one, the training was given, and no charges were made.
  
• Statue 3: Leonard T’qui - Sword Master
  Training Types: Longsword, Great Sword, Broad Sword.
  Teachers: -
  Plaque:Master T’qui, a half Elf, started life as a private in the Military. The officers, who trained him, soon found that he had an aptitude for the sword. As they trained him He began to surpass all others in his squad and soon rose to the rank of captain. There are rumours that as he trained the soldiers that were in his care, his sword fused itself to his body, he and the sword became one. He is remembered for his many notorious acts of bravery and skill, the most memorable that of the battle of the gate, where he fought off an entire force of some twenty bandits that were trying gain entry into the city. His statue depicts his favourite weapons, His twin swords in his hands
  
• Statue 4: Helerth Qui’lesh - Bow Master
  Training Types: Short Bow, Long Bow.
  Teachers: -
  Plaque: Mistress Qui’lesh was an elf of great beauty. She had eyes that could capture the will of the strongest minded males, and what’s more, she could shoot a single feather off a diving falcon at four hundred meters. Beautiful and dangerous, for she also had the normal elven temperament, Mistress Qui’lesh was renowned for teaching her art to the poorer people of the land without want or need of reward. But moreso, she was known for the fact that she could shoot a bow better than any other elven male or female of her time. Her statue is one that attracts many who come to gaze at and wonder if it could actually come alive, for even the statue has the mesmerising effect that her beauty held.
  
• Statue 5: Nurr Harrt - Polearm Master
  Training Types: Spear, Halberd, Staff.
  Teachers: -
  Plaque:Brother Nurr, a Dorin, and Cleric of the church, began life as a military man. He was involved in a battle that did not go the way of Harrt’s side, and he, with others of his kind, was captured. Harrt found a way to escape and became part of the resistance against the oppressors of Harrt’s city. Over time the resistance gained ground, until the battle that brought down the tyrant that had put his kind as slaves, was slain. Harrt is most well-known for his life after that battle, for he felt the calling to become a Cleric of the church, and took up the training of the oppressed of the realm. His favourite weapon, the Staff, became his symbol, and he trained many in the way of pole arms. He wandered the realm, not asking for payment, but a meal, to cover his time as he trained all he could to become better citizens, not just in the pole arm weapon, but also in the laws of the realm.
  
  
• Statue 6: Herssst Lisshtess- Strategy Master
  Training Types: War Tactics.
  Teachers: -
  Plaque: Lisshtess was a saurid who had been through many battles, offering him experience as well as training to his name. His features were of one who had been in many a fight, with scars to prove it, the most prominent of which started above his left eye and worked its way to his chin. It is well documented how he selflessly gave his life for others in an epic battle of old. During this final fight of his life, he saved two of his companions while fighting against a throng of enemy soldiers. It was the notes of one of the saved companions that best descrive the Battle Master. "He was graceful to the last and fought on the side of good against an enemy that overcame his powers only by sheer numbers. His movements in that final fight were as if he had become possessed by an animal and many fell to his attacks. I will never forget that he saved my life by giving his own".
  
• Statue 7: Greg Holmdon - Sword Master
  Training Types: Dual swords.
  Teachers: -
  Plaque: Bruiser, as he was known, was born in the suburbs of Riparia. He had a hard childhood and during his growing up was picked on by the bigger kids. Bruiser started training in the art of swordwork in order to take care of himself. He quickly progressed to the level of expert and began to win tournaments all over Centripax. Eventually, after making his wealth from the prize money that he had won, Greg went on to to set up a training school of his own. There he began teaching the art of dual swordsmanship to others with the same background as his own. Many of his students later became champions themselves in various competitions. But most intriguing is a cat that sits at his feet. Indeed, for Greg was never known to be without his cat.

At the base of the statues can be found a solitary desk constructed entirely of marble. The desk is also shaped like a semi-circle, making a full circle with the statues themselves. Behind it sits the receptionist of the Institute, a tigron named Srriderr Lonest as stated by a plaque on the desk. Also on the desk is a register for new members to sign and a price list of the training available. Finally, the front of the marble desk is mounted with metal plaques that include the names of all graduates from the Institute.

Prices

Weapon types not listed may be subject to an additional charge. The Circle of Seven Battle Institute only offers training upto and including Expert Level.

• Basic - 100 crowns
• Intermediate - 250 crowns
• Advanced - 500 crowns
• Expert - 750 crowns

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NPC's

- Srriderr Lonest (tigron), receptionist.

Statue descriptions 1-5 written by Ladon.

[Xanta'Kun]

3rd Aslanica of Cryxatum, Summer of Era XI PF

Xanta stood outside the gigantic building he had been told was the combat center. It was the largest building he had seen in Riparia so far, and he could only imagine how long it took to build. Being from the sea, he wasn't used to such grand buildings.

Upon entering the building Xanta was encircled by seven statues, which explained why the place was called the Circle of the Seven. Each statue depicted some great warrior, and a small plaque at their feet described their history and their combat proficiencies. Xanta took time to read a couple, and then headed straight to the desk where a Tigron stood waiting.

"Serale," he addressed the Tigron, "I am seeking intermediate katana training. I imagine a master of the longsword would be proficient enough to teach me what I need to know."

Looking at the sign, he pulled out 250 crowns and pushed them across the desk.

[Riconus Xind'ell]

After finishing his last chores of the afternoon, Riconus immediately strolled to the Circle of Seven Battle Institute to enhance his battle experience. The anticipation of learning new weapon techniques would be enough to keep the Elf from slagging in his practice.

After surveying the different statues, he immediately came across the desk which offered halberd training and approached the receptionist standing behind it. After looking at the price lists, Riconus quickly took out 100 crowns and voiced his request.

"Serale, I'd like to receive basic halberd courses at the Institute. Here is the fees to continue training."

Riconus extended out his hand carrying the 100 crowns, and awaited the receptionist's reply. After receiving one, he listened to the directions of the desk clerk, remembering them before he headed out the door and immediately went to his new training room.

[Halldor Rannveig]

Having gathered the equipment and materials he would need for a decent start on his life, it only made sense to Geld'wyn to go about receiving training. Without the basics, how would he learn through experience? And so after returning to the Paragon Arms and Armory, he rode his horse directly rowards the Circle of Seven Battle Institute, eager to learn a tactic that might prove fundamental in his defense. His golden-blonde hair streamed down towards the nape of his neck, and piercing emerald eyes flecked with a majestic gold studied the four-floored building before him, nearly at the heart of Riparia's Government. A trace of a smile flickered across his facial features before returning to its inexpressive, motionless state.

Upon entering the compound Geld'wyn examined each of the seven statues with utmost scrutiny, noting the detail and imagery of the bust. The Half-Elf had a feeling that the better respected ones would look slightly better than their colleagues, simply because more love went into the art than compared to the others. He was surprised to see the image of a male Half-Elf, bearing somewhat resemblance to himself. Surprise quickly manifested into delight when he saw that that Half- Elf, Leonard T'qui, had mastered in the art of the sword. Saying no more, Geld'wyn's slender left hand came to rest on the pommel of his longsword as his right fished for one hundred crowns. Approaching the Tigron, he smiled politely and spoke in a cheerful tone, "Serale Miss. I would like to enroll in basic training for the longsword...and here is the money required." With that he placed the amount of currency upon the desk and stepped back briefly, continuing to smile and be well mannered. He listened to the Tigress' reply and nodded curtly, bowing the upper half of his body gracefully before spinning on his heel and turning around. After performing the directions she had given, he found himself staring levelly at a wooden door marked with the initials she had said would distinguish his training room.

[Xanta'Kun]

End of Summer of Era XI PF

Xanta entered the now-familiar building known as the Circle of Seven, and headed towards the registration table. The same Tigron as before was attending it. Xanta pulled out 100 crowns, the sum required for basic training.

"Serale, I would like to enroll in basic dual sword classes," he said, handing over the gold coins. Srriderr took the money and handed Xanta a slip of paper with directions to the classroom and the starting date of the class, and bid him well.

Xanta wished to continue with his katana training, but he was required to demonstrate his skill with the sword outside of class before he would be permitted to move on to the advanced level. In the meantime, he decided to pursue another course of study.

[Bahama Turner]

Timestamp: Dianara, in the first cycle of Ioannes in the season of summer, era two of the current pattern, XI post Fractum in the Darkening ages, of the Mageocracy of Julos the mad.

He always enjoyed walking into the Circle of Seven, the grandeur of the place outweighed anywhere in the city in his opinion, many held the Government structures the best, but his affinity with what was taught here always added that special something, while the smell of perspiration was generally off-putting by most, for him it meant a strong lesson had been taught, it was a sign of things to come and for him he was going to undertake something that he would indeed find challenging. Advanced Shaasskah was why he would be here, he knew it would be several months of aggressive training before he would walk out proficient enough to be considered competent enough to be fit into that category, but that was why he was here, he wanted to develop himself both mentally and physically to that level and hopefully beyond. That was still a little while away, in the present however he was facing someone who would greatly assist him in proceeding, Srriderr Lonest was the Tigron’s name and speaking with him was generally a good start to receiving lessons at the Co7BI.

Looking at the Tigron he said, “Serale Srriderr, I’m looking into enrolling in advanced Shaasskah with Master Jin, when can I arrange to begin these lessons?” He spoke in positive tones to the Tigron. Srriderr recognised the Dracon as a patron of the institute giving him a nod indicating he acknowledged the request, handing over the basic registration form and pulling out a large book which the young Dracon assumed was a timetable of some description, while the Tigron got his sources straight, Bahama got his own affairs in order, placing the equivalent of 500 crowns in banknotes, with his visa stacked on top holding the whole affair in place, by the time he had done this Srriderr was placing the book from where it had come.

The Tigron noted that the Dracon had finished his end of the deal, retrieving the neat pile, a quick glace of each item in turn before he looked up handing back the VISA and explained in the tones only a katta could be legitimately taken seriously “This Kurrras he will be able to begin the trrraining, two candlemarrks after sunrise he will be waiting for you in rrrroom 206. Is their anything else you require Bahama?”

Satisfied that he would be able to finally engage again with Master Jin was enough good news for the young Dracon for one day, he replied, his tone and features all indicating a good mood. “Thank you Srriderr, that will be all, serale and enjoy the rest of your Brightening.” With only six brightenings between now and his first lesson, his inspiration in increase the amount of time he spent training in the warehouse and out near the Ashkin woods would step up a few gears. Steeping out into the street he looked up at the sky admiring the nice weather. “Now is as good as ever.” he thought to himself as he made his way to the gates and towards the Ashkin woods.

[Riconus Xind'ell]

After finishing his business at the Paragon Armoury, Riconus immediately strolled to the Circle of Seven Battle Institute to enhance his battle experience. The anticipation of learning new weapon techniques would be enough to keep the Elf from slagging in his practice.

After surveying the different statues, he immediately came across the desk which offered sword training and approached the receptionist standing behind it. After looking at the price lists, Riconus quickly took out 100 crowns and voiced his request.

"Serale, I'd like to receive basic halberd courses at the Institute. Here is the fees to continue training."

Riconus extended out his hand carrying the 500 crowns, and awaited the receptionist's reply. After receiving one, he listened to the directions of the desk clerk, remembering them before he headed out the door and immediately went to his new training room.

[Kuzo Shyr]

After arriving to the gicantic building was amazed at the detail in the various statues.He then accidently bumped into the recopcinist desk.
"uhh...sorry.Serale, about that Im interested in enrolling in longsword classes."Kuzo said.
After the recopcinist handed him a peice of paper with the information on it, he walked away toward his training room.

[Maddyn]

OOC:
Note: The Co7 is now a burning pile of debris. As such the Institute is closed, though feel free to join in here.

Cheers, Maddyn