[Forge] Tasad seeks gladius training (GM or peer-mod please)

[Tasad R'rowl]

Tasad entered what was called the 'Forge' and looked around, taking in everything with a glance. Observation was simply the best way to stay alive, and observing quickly was just that much better.

After taking stock of the situation Tasad walked to a human looking at one of the fields and growled out," Serale, I'm here seeking training for a gladus sword with the accompiment of a tower shield. Can you direct me to who I need to see with my request?"

Tasad waited for a reply, his tails swishing back and forth lazily.

[Tasad R'rowl]

The human the he had approached turned and looked at him for a moment and then said," Aye, you'll be needing to see Drill Instructor Icewind. Go to the training headquartes over by the east wall and he should be inside."

Without another word the human turned back around and continued watching the fight.

Turning away from the crowd and the fight Tasad went to the building that he had seen on his initial observation and after knocking and hearing a muffled,'Come in,' entered into the building.

The inside was clean and simply furnished, with a weapons rack on one wall that contained swords, spears, axes, and all the other tools one would need to deal out death and destruction. On the other wall were different types of shields, ranging from small round bucklers, to tower shields. Towards the back wall was a desk and behind the desk sat an elf. Walking forward Tasad stopped at the front of the desk and growled out," Serale, I was told to see Drill Instructor Icewind for training with a gladious sword and tower shield."

Tasad fell silent and after a moment the elf replied saying," I am he, but we only train members of the military here not civilans. So go and join up and then come see me."

The elf apparently dismissed Tasad from his mind and the lionoid had to refrain from wanting to unsheathe his claws and put a few furrows on the Drill Instructor. Instead he growled," I've joined the Serpents, and have prior service with the Defenders in Olympia, so I am allowed to train here. So are you going to get off your butt and train me or not?"

The last was said with the lionoids typical blunt rudeness, but he didn't particularly care about that. Elfs annoyed him.

The Drill instructor looked up sharply and said,"Watch your mouth or you get a beautiful set of bruises on your first day. You should had said you were in the Serpents." Standing up the elf pointed to the walls and said," You will need to pick the weapons you wish to train with first though."

Tasad went to the weapons wall first and looked over what was there. He finally found a gladius and picked it up from the wall. It was heavy!!! Looking at it closely Tasad saw that it was a wooden practice sword, but it had been filled with lead, making it much heavier than what even a real sword would weigh. Looking back over the weapons shown he also picked up a septum and a pilum as well, knowing that both spears were used with heavy infantry as well as the sword. Both spears were also weighed with lead. Turning back to the other wall, and setting his weapons down along the way, he went to the shield wall and picked up a tower shield that suited him. Like the weapons it too was weighed down with lead and very heavy. When he returned to Icewind the DI smiled at Tasad's look and said," The lead makes the weapons and shield heavier than even our normal weapons by quite a bit. We do this so that when we are in an actual battle our weapons and armour is light as a feather compared to what we train with. It has been said that our training is bloodless battles and our battles are bloody training and that is true. We train how we fight, which is hard so that we can outlast any enemies that we come upon. And judging from the weapons you have choosen and the shield that you picked you are going heavy infantry, which will be especially fun. Come with me."

With the last sentence Icewind led Tasad out of the training building and into the field. Heading to a part of the field that had few inhabitants Icewind turned and said," If I am to be training you then train you I will. We will start every day the same, with stretches and several excercises to limber us up so that we do not injure ourselves. Is this understood?"

[Tasad R'rowl]

Tasad nodded in response to what Icewind said and in response said," Aye, I understand."

With that Icewind set about stretching, with tasad comying what the DI did. Then they moved onto the excercises, running around the compound several times, and then going through a muscle rending set of push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, flutter kicks, and many more assorted excercises made to improve the bodies strength, speed and coordination.

Once the excercises were completed the DI said," Now that we have completed our warm ups we'll start on weapon training. I'm going to start from the beggining, so if it is something that you already know, deal with it and do it anyway."

Turning and grabbing his own gladious shortsword Icewind turned back and said," Alright, we will start with the sword first and then add in the shield. First, hold the sword in your right hand, not too tight, and not too loose. If you hosl it too tight it will be knocked from your grip quickly and if you hold it too loosely it will be knocked out even faster. Just have a firm grip that feels comfortable."

After checking Tasad's grip the elf moved on saying," Now, there are different ways to use the shortsword both with a shield and without. Since there may be times that you may not have your shield I will teach you both ways. So first you need to understand the concept of ‘The Box’. The Box is an imaginary square that goes from the top of your head, down to your groin, and to the sides encompassing your arms. When defending yourself from attack, you must keep your blade point in this box. Always keep your weapon between you and your enemy. Don’t try elaborate hidden dagger type techniques. If you get fancy, you get killed. Keep it simple. When an attack comes in, counter with your own blade and redirect it to one side. Do not try to stop it dead, especially if your opponent is stronger than you are. That wastes energy that you will need elsewhere. Keep light on your feet and try to move out of the way. If the attack is coming in on your right, spring to your left and parry the blow to your right. If the attack comes in on your left, go the other way. If high, duck. If low, spring backward. Always parry to make sure you do not get hit.” As he spoke the elf showed Tasad what he meant and performed each maunuver. After he had finished he said," Alright, your turn, perform the actions I just showed you."

The elf sat and watched as Tasad prepared to do as he was told.

[Tasad R'rowl]

Tasad, did as Icewind instructed and moved accordingly as the elf shouted which way the attack was coming from. The wooden lead filled gladius moving as quickly as the muscular lionoid could move it without throwing himself off balance or over-extending his reach.

After an half-hour of such an exercies Icewind called a halt and allowed Tasad to get water, and rest for a few moments. When the katta had rested the elf said," “We will now cover the basic thrust. Step forward and drive your sword point through the target, straight as an arrow. This is called the ‘flechette’ which means ‘arrow’. Drive straight in, twist the blade to open the wound, then pull back. Always aim first for a vital area like central mass of the body, throat, and face. In battle you may not always be able to do so, and so striking anywhere upon your enemy will suffice until you can get a killing blow. With the gladius striking in this way will be your main way to dispatch your enemies, as slashing is usually not very effective in the type of enemies that you will meet as heavy infantry, meaning that they are as heavily armoured as you are. Now, step up to the post and strike as I call the count."

Icewind waited until Tasad had assumed a fighting stance and then started the count, watching as the katta struck the post.

[Tasad R'rowl]

After an hour of striking at the post Icewind called another water break and Tasad drank greedily. The elf was a hard taskmaster, but the lionoid knew what he was doing. He was drilling him until the movement became automatic so that he would do it witout thinking. Having been engaged in battle before Tasad knew that one could freeze and unless the movements came automatically, without thought from the troop, then the likely hood of dying was greatly increased.

After a few moments in which to rest Icewind called Tasad back over and started the next lession saying,"For many swords the main attack is the cut. And although you will be using a thrust for most of your fights, there may be times that you will be able to use a slash against a lightly armored opponent. There are 9 different cuts; high, middle, low front cut; high middle, low backhand cut, front up cut to the groin, backhand up cut to the groin, and the cleave-the-skull-in-two cut.” The elf demonstrated each cut as he named them and then looking at Tasad said," You will perform the cut I call out until I am tired."

Walking to the side the elf stood waiting. Tasad wlaked up to the post again, waiting for the elf to call what attack he desired him to perform. The day was waning fast and Tasad guessed that this would probally be the last excercise for the day. As the elf started calling out cuts, Tasad responded as quickly as he could, striking the post deftly and as quickly as he could. His arm was tiring since he had, after all, been swinging the sword for most of the day, but he pushed through the burn anyway, knowing that in combat he would not be able to rest just because he was tired.

[Tasad R'rowl]

Icewind called a halt after an hour had passed, the lionoid was tired, obviously, and the elf decided to call it a day and to start again in the morning. Looking at the panting katta Icewind said," Dismissed for the remainder of the day, but I want you here at first light ready for training, understood?"

Tasad nodded, panting heavily and growled," Aye, I understand." Icewind turned and walked away and the katta was left feeling hungry and tired, and decided to make his way to the barracks for chow and sleep. First light would come early.

The Next Brightening

Tasad arrived at the Forge early, the sun not yet peaking over the horizon and set about readying himself for the day. He was sore, although the night's rest had served him well and so set about stretching before Ivewind appeared. Feeling the muscles loosen was a blessing and the stretches felt good.

Moments after he had finished his stretches Icewind appeared and said," Ready to begin the day?" Recieveing Tasad's nod and growl of readiness the elf proceeded through the stretching and excercises they had performed the previous day. When they were completed he said," Unless you are a moron you should remember what I taught you yesterday and so I will not go over it again. Today I'm going to show you how to use your sword with your shield as you would in combat, while holding a line. We will both be 'fighting' each other, and I use that term loosely as what we are really doing is I am showing and you are learning, understood?"

Again he waited for Tasad's confirmation before continuing," Now get your shield on and your sword ready. The ready stance is the same with the shield as it is without."

Tasad strapped his shield, weighed down with lead, to his left forearm and adjusted it properly. Drawing his training sword, also weighed with lead, Tasad assumed the ready stance, his sword held by his side, pointed towards the elf with his shield held in front of him.

Assuming his own ready stance Iceinwd said," Now, remember the concept of the box, first and foremost. The first thing I'll show you is how to use your shield properly. Despite popular belief, you do not stop a strike with your shield or try to take the full force of the blow, but instead you hold your shield so that when a weapon strikes it the weapon will be redirected to either side and you can counter with your own strike. Here is the demonstration, try to stop my blow."

The elf struck quickly with his own short sword and Tasad attempted to stop the blade fully, getting knocked back in return. Reassuming the ready stance Icewind then said," Now, try to hold your shield so that my blade strikes your shield, but is redirected to your right."

Again the elf struck out and this time Tasad met it with his shield properly angled, sending Icewind's sword to the right, leaving the elf open to a counter strike. Reassuming the ready stance Icewind said," See the difference? Although a short sword does not make much impact an axe or war hammer would, and trying to halt such a weapon would more then likely shatter your arm and end with you dying. Now, your shield itself is used to keep the enemy from you as well. When an enemy clashes with you, either with a shield or without, you simply keep him on the otherside of it. Think of it as a wall with you on one side and him on the other. Do not let him cross that wall."

The elf moved forward quickly, smashing is shield into Tasad's causing a loud metallic clang. Pushing against the katta Icewind attempted to drive the katta back, while Tasad was trying to do the same with the elf. After several moments of both trying to gain an advantage over the other Icewind called a halt, stepping back and saying," No matter what hold the line. Do not let your enemy push you backward. Now, using your sword while equiped with a shield makes makes your life a bit easier. You don't really use your sword to block or counter very much, although there are times that you will need to do so. For the most part though you will block and redirect with your shield and attack with your sword. And while attacking, the thrust is the most common way to dispatch your foe, and the most practical. Follow me."

Moving over to two rows of stakes set into the ground Icewind moved to one side and indicated that Tasad should move to the other. Once they were situated Icewind said," Now, we are going to have a mock fight, using the training that I have given you today. The wooden stakes on either side of us represent our position in the line, and can be considered your comrades. You can only move forwards and backwards. If I push you out of the end of the stakes I win and vice cersa. Try to strike me and I will do the same, but a blow landing will not stop the fight until one of us thrown from the stakes. Understood?"

Tasad growled an affirmative and set himself in the ready stance. When Icewind called the start of the drill he moved forward purposefully, not hurrying nor dawdling in his attack. The pair met in the center of the stakes with the clash of shields and began to fight in ernest. It was clear from the start that the elf was much better than the katta and was holding back just enough so that his skills were better than Tasad's. Fighting an inferior oppeoent, even in training was to no purpose. Straining and striking the two traded blows, with Tasad recieving the 'lions' share of the strikes, although he did manage to slip several through the elf's defense.

The bout finally came to an end when the elf succesfully managed to push the katta out of the line of stakes. Both combatants panting Icewind said," Well done, you show drive and aggression, but not too much. You hold yourself well and do not let anger cause you to strike wildly. Break for lunch and meet me here afterwards."

[Tasad R'rowl]

Tasad ate his lunch quickly, but did not eat a lot. He knew from experience that eating too much would have him vomiting on the ground before too long. The elf was pushing him hard and he wanted to meet the challenge to the best of his ability. His pride would allow nothing less.

Returning to the training field Tasad went to where Icewind was standing and growled," I'm ready to resume training."

Icewind turned and said,"Good, take this and put it on."

'This' turned oiut to be a set of plate, commonly worn by the Serpents. Like the weapons and shield it was weighed with lead and was a heavy burden, but one that Tasad bore with just a slight grunt. After adjusting some straps and getting it settled onto his frame he turned to Icewind and saw the elf was similarly armored. With a grin Icewind said," Now, we run!"

And run they did, in full battle armor with shield strapped to their arms. Around the field they went, and up onto the battlements that encircled the field. Then into the obstacle course, with Icewind setting the pace, seemingly hardly out of breath, while Tasad soldiered on, panting heavily and wishing he could drop down and die.

After what seemed like an eternity, although couldn't of been for more than an hour, Icewind called a halt and after allowing the katta to get some water returned to training, this time taking him to a circular area filled with sand," Now, we are going to perform the same drill that we did earlier, in full gear, but we are going to do so without the stakes. In this excercise you may move in any direction that you wish, except out of the circle, understood?"

Tasad growled an affirmative and both combatants assumed a ready stance. Icewind called the start of the excercise and Tasad moved forward to meet the elf's charge with his shield. With a resounding clang the two met in the middle of the circle, and started fighting in earnest. Icewind led Tasad around the circle, constantly striking with sword and shield, making the katta think as he moved. Although he had been training a short time Tasad learned quickly and so fewer of the elf's strikes made it through his guard and one or two more of his actually struck the elf.

Finally the contest was again halted when Icewind expertly tripped Tasad onto his back, ending the match. The sun had sunk low and as the elf helped the katta up he said," You have done well today. I have pushed you hard and you have risen to the challenge without complaint or quibble. Stow your gear and go get some rest, we will continue our training tomarrow."

Tasad cleaned his gear and replaced everything in it's proper place and headed for the barracks, tired and more sore than he had been yesterday. A good meal and sleep were what he needed and he would get them shortly. Watching from the window of the Training building Icewind watched him go, already planning tomarrows training in his head.

[Tasad R'rowl]

The next brightening Tasad arrived at the Forge and began his own personal stretched and warm-up excercise before the sadistic elf showed up. He was sore from the exertion and if he didn't stretch before Icewind got there he would be in sad shape.

Once they were completed Tasad went and checked out the armour that he had used the previous day, taking it aside and began a minute inspection upon it. Even though it was just training armour and weapons the habit was still drilled into him to make sure there was not loose straps or hooks that could betray him during a fight. Finally satisfied as to the 'battle' readiness of the armour the katta went about the routine of putting it on, remembering from yesterday how to put the armour on since it was slightly different from what he was used to. First he placed the rolled padding around his neck and let it trail towards his stomach, crossing the fabric across his chest. This would pad his neck and keep the armor from digging into it as well as help with the rebound from any strikes that came from overhead. He then put the upper portion of the armor on, slipping it over his head and then jumping in place to settle it. He then laced then strapped the front plates together, closing the armor and encasing himself fully. Next came the metal riveted leather kilt, greaves and bracers. After those were in place he added his gladius to his right hip and placed his helm upon his head.

Turning in place he saw that Icewind was watching him with a look of approval on hi face. How long the elf had been there Tasad couldn't say but when the elf spoke he knew he had been watching from the moment Tasad showed up. "You care for your armor even though it is just for training and not exactly yours, and you are methodical about ensuring that it will function well, and you ensure that the armor goes how it is supposed to. Keep this up and we may make a Serpent of you yet!!"

The elf looked around for a moment and Tasad noticed that he was armored as well when the elf spoke again saying," Well since we are both ready we will start our excercises. Lets begin."

With the the pair set off at a run, around the training field, up the stairs around the top and back down again. They followed this course twice before entering the obstacle course, and when that was completed Icewind set Tasad to doing the streghtening excercises while he counted cadence. The katta was straining at the end but not nearly as bad as the day before. By doing these excercises Tasad was strengthening hs body and building his endurance and the amount of time he could operate in armour, which would be critical for heavy infantry.

When the excercises were finsihed Icewind said," Now, let us resume where we left off yesterday and begin with the stake battle first." The pair went to either side of the stake row and when Icewind called the start the two met in the middel, battling ferouciously. This time, Icewind won again, but it took almost an hour before he was able to do so, and even then he barely managed it. Tasad was learning quickly and pushing his instructor hard. Icewind called a rest and the two took water, getting their breath back and relaxing aching muscles. These skirmashes, although not real, did mimic a real fight very well and therefore built Tasad's arm strength, endurance, and helped with his agility while wearing armor, definately desirerable traits.

[Tasad R'rowl]

After the break Icewind took Tasad to the circlular arena where they would continue their 'battles'. All that Icewind was trying to do now was to make sure that the attacks and defenses came to Tasad without thought as there was little time to think when another being is trying to stick their sword into you.

The two combatants took their positions and Icewind called the start. Tasad moved forward fluidly, neither hesitating or rushing in his attack. Crashing into Icewind's shield Tasad strove to hold his place and struk out at the elf, with an underhanded stab, which the elf blocked. Tasad wasn't working under any illusions and knew that the elf could whip him soundly if he used all of his skills and knowledge but since he was holding himself to Tasad's level the katta was quickly catching up. Bashing at each other with both shield and sword the pair manuvered around, each attempting to throw the other off balance and gain the upper hand. Blows landed on armor and bruised the body beneth but neither soldier noticed in the heat of their battle.

At the end of an hour Icewind called a halt, with neither of them the winner and so Tasad recieved his first draw against his instructor, which although it may not sound significant, was a very good sign that the katta was improving tremendously, in the days since he had first started training.

To Tasad the draw was motivation to push himself harder to the point that he could beat the elf. With all the excercises that he was performing and the fighting as well he hardly noticed the weight of his armor and weapons, which was the point of loading each with lead. Tasad would find that real armor and weapons were much lighter than what he was wearing now.

While the pair were drinking water and taking a break Icewind said," You have improved quite a bit and I think that you will complete your training soon. But remember in a real fight you will have different terrain and possibly many opponents to deal with. You will recieve have bad officers as well as good and must deal with each as they come. Serving in the Serpents is much more than just fighting, it is about completeing your mission whatever the cost. Remember that just because you are victorious, does not mean that you will live. There will come many times in your career that you will have to make difficult decisions and will have to use yourself and those under you to complete your mission, sometimes sacrificing those under you, to make sure that our land remains free and that the devestation of war does not come into our homes."

Icewind fell silent, apparently looking inward and Tasad felt no need to intrude upon his thoughts. Standing up Icewind said," Your dismissed for the day, I'll see you tomarrow."

With that the elf headed for the training building and Tasad cleaned his armor, returning it to the armory and headed for the barracks for food and sleep.

[Tasad R'rowl]

The days turned into weeks as Tasad trained with Icewind ad at the end of a month the Katta was pressing Icewid hard. At the end of the current days training Icewind said," You'll be taking your final exam tomarow. Get a good nights sleep and be ready for tomarrow. You will find it to be a pressing exam and will need all your strength."

Tasad nodded his head as Icewind walked away and headed fo the barracks for food and sleep.

[Tasad R'rowl]

When Tasad arriced at the training field on the last Day Icewind was there waiting. Looking the katta up and down the elf said," Today is your final test. Fail any part and you will be failed. Prepare to defend yourself."

Suddenly Icewind attacked and the fight was on. Deep within the calm within himself Tasad moved by instict, counter, dodging, and attacking as if he was watching another perform rather than himself, althoug he knew he was the one doing the movements, could feel his breath coming in controled gasps, and his muscles combineing to surge and unleash strikes.

The pair moved in a deadly dance, blades moving quickly and efficently, the clash of shields and steel the only sound to be heard. Their weapons moving so fast that it sonded as if there was just one long ringing sound rather than several. Lunch came and went, neither stopped, although both had slowed a bit. In and out up and down, around the training field and up onto the ramparts, steel flashing and ringing, naeither gaining an advantage, although Icewind was only using what he had taught his student rather than the more advanced techniques that he knew.

As darkness came the pair did not stop, letting the moon light their fight. Vision grew dim due to the sparse light, and each fighter recieved several slashes from strikes that were not seen in the low light.

Through the night they went, both slowing considerably, until when dawn came they were barely trading blows, so exhausted and tired were both. Blows were still traded, but with minutes between, until they both slipped to the ground, back to back and lay there panting, exhausted.

Between gasps Icewind said," Congrtulations, you have completed your final test, now, lets get to the barracks and get cleaned up and some rest."

The pair walked back to the barracks, neither asking for help as their steps drug, and eventually both made it to their resting places and went to sleep.

[Steve]

Awarded 2 XP in Gladius training.

Awarded 2 XP in Tower Shield training.