Tranquil as a Forest, But on Fire! ...Just on fire.

[shepherd_prince]

WHO: Chrom, his new band of 'Shepherds', OPEN
WHAT: Now that there's a new team working together for the sake of the greater good, their first task is to beat the shit out of each other gather and spar, to better learn the skills, strengths, and weaknesses of their future allies on the battlefield. There may be shenanigans, there may not. But there will definitely be friendships of at least C-Rank by the end of this session.
WHEN: October 18th, 8 a.m.
WHERE: Training Hall
NOTES: Feel free to tag as many (or as few) sparring partners as you like. Chrom will be watching to take note of which people work best together for future reference. If you want him to come by and give feedback after a session, feel free to say so at the end of the spar!


The largest room of the training center had been specially reserved for Chrom and his assembled team. Kulevi was hovering just outside the front doors to direct Heroes to the proper location, advising them to stop by the armory if they needed to pick up any equipment for the training session. There weren't any refreshments, not yet, but Kulevi hinted that there might be sandwiches and punch once they concluded their sparring with one another.

Once everyone had arrived, Chrom greeted them with a smile. "I'm glad so many of you were able to attend. Given the warning we received a few days ago, I plan to have us conclude well before the appointed time if you wish to act upon that anonymous tip. In the meantime, let us begin." He produced a small tin can that rattled in his hand. "Inside are pairs of marbles with matching colors. Draw a marble, and find the person whose marble matches yours. This will be your first sparring partner. After ten minutes, the bell will ring and you will switch to someone new. Please take some time to introduce yourselves, and decide if you wish to spar with real weapons and spells, or if you would rather make use of the blunted and wooden practice weapons.

"We'll take a fifteen-minute break after three rounds. It is my hope that, by the end of our training regimen, we will all have a better understanding and appreciation of one another." He walked down the line, holding out the can to allow each person to draw a marble. When everyone had drawn, Chrom himself took the last one. He was not exempt from this exercise either.

Comments

[shepherd_prince]

[Chrom nods once to convey his understanding, as well as his sympathy.]

As far as I'm aware, it does seem important to unlock the Onion Knight's full potential. I can only thank the gods for experience orbs in that regard.

[Grinning, he gives his sword a light and idle swish where the point is directed toward the mat.]

Well, I happen to be in need of learning to continue fighting when impeded by the various ailments a Time Mage can inflict, or the benefits thereof. Would you be willing to assist me in this endeavor?

[shepherd_prince]

[There's a flicker of shock that moves across Chrom's features at Flynn's words. Surely he couldn't have known of Chrom's current difficulties, but even so...it hits close to home. Speaking of hits, his momentary stunned reaction gives Flynn the edge he needs to beat aside Chrom's shield, and the way he raises his sword in defense is downright sloppy, even for a beginner.]

[He's forced to take two steps back as he struggles to recompose himself and rearrange his defenses.]

Yes...you speak the truth, friend.

[His furrowed brow betrays his grim thoughts, but after a quick breath, he moves forward, focusing on the fight at hand rather than his personal inadequacies.]

[shepherd_prince]

Er...flames?

[Forgive the little hitch in his voice. Chrom has not had good experiences with fire magic in general. It's a curse.]

A Shepherd. I see. That's an unusual coincidence to share such a title. What does this purification entail?

[shepherd_prince]

[He seems to be holding his own easily enough when dealing with weapons combat. After all, he's been trained in swordplay for the majority of his life. But he wasn't expecting that kick, and it causes him to stumble backward, shield jerking up defensively almost on instinct to protect himself from any attacks of opportunity made against him as he regains his footing.]

[The surprise registers clearly on his face, followed by a deep and hearty chuckle.]

Good! Very good.

[That means he doesn't need to hold back quite so much. He comes at Selphie again, increasing the speed and power of his blows, turning to hit with the flat of his blade rather than the edge just in case there's any danger that she might not be able to block in time.]

[red_planet_blues]

Ran outta those. Suppose I could probably get the cash together for one, but that price is still pretty steep... [O'aka is definitely ripping people off, and Sparks would rather not give him his money if he can help it.]

Yeah, sure. I can hit ya with some Slow 'n Stops and the like, see how ya deal with 'em. Sound like a party to you?

[shepherd_prince]

Ah...yes, it is.

[He sighs, rubbing the back of his head. Chrom's not as good with money as Robin was. He'd prefer to spend his money on new swords to stash inside of his Toy Bag so he always has the right elemental on hand to fight any enemy, then he dropped a lot of money on the Fire Bender job to ensure he wasn't set on fire half as frequently as he was in the past.]

[But back to the matter at hand, he nods and draws his sword.]

That would be appreciated. And for you? Would you prefer that I attack you personally or should I set my sights on one of the training dummies so that we might attack it as a team?

[zodiac_brave]

Use whatever you have. [Ramza parries with a thwack of the robot fist with the flat of his blade, then takes a step back. He has experience with hand to hand fights, though the mechanical gauntlets are a novel addition. He tucks the knife back into his belt and falls into a boxing match.]

If I am too quick for you to follow, slow me down.

[zodiac_brave]

[Ramza smiles at Selphie.]

You are a kind hostess. I am sure you have much to do at your cafe, so I will try not to be so hopeless a case.

[boomchucka]

[She beams right back at him.]

I'm never so busy as to let somebody work themselves into the ground. Really, stop by any time. Even if you just want some place to think or someone to talk to.

[red_planet_blues]

Well, all I got's this particle thrower, so...

[Such an unsatisfying weapon, even if it's come in handy with the supernatural in the past.]

I guess go for the dummy, 'n I'll just practice my spell aiming.

[ranoutofbugs]

I know fire has different connotations in different situations. But like most things, it really comes down to how it's wielded and for what purpose. If I were to offer sub-contract to others who wield other elements, you could use those to purify as well.

[Lailah chuckles]

What makes it a coincidence, Sir Chrom?

[dammit_yuri]

[Flynn lowers his sword. There was no point in taking advantage of Chrom's current weakness, even if this was a practice fight. The talk was distracting, after all, and he wasn't going to let that take away from the fight.]

I didn't mean to bring anything up that you're uncomfortable with. Please, take up your arms and we can begin anew.

[Flynn tried to smile.]

I won't try to claim I understand whatever it is that caused you pause, but... please, know that if you ever need someone to speak with about something on your mind, I'm available.

[red_planet_blues]

Right, right. [The whole point of this was casting his spells, right? So he jumps back from Ramza and drops a Slow spell on him. Now this should be a piece of cake. Here come those robot fists!]

[boomchucka]

[A fire lights in Selphie's eyes as Chrom picks up the pace. However, he has strength and experience on his side as the flat of Falchion almost lands on the top of her head. She pulls the shield up quickly to block the blow.

It's only half successful. The flat of the blade still lands on Selphie's head but most of the force of the blow reverberates through her arms. She stifles a surprised curse before pushing the blade upward and lunging in for a fatal strike.

The move is weak from the strength of the first attack but she's not out yet.]

Not done yet!

[Using her smaller stature, Selphie darts around behind Chrom and attempts to strike the back of his neck with the flat of her blade.]

[shepherd_prince]

'All' you've got? Ha ha...

[He chuckles.]

It might be particularly effective on the undead, but I assure you, it can be just as destructive to the living, as well as to household furniture. Perhaps I should let you see what happens if you use it on the training dummy.

[He moves to the side, removing one of the dummies crafted out of feathers and burlap, propping it up a decent distance away from the others. Then he gives it a wide berth.]

See what happens when you strike it with your spirit firearm.

[He really should learn the proper term for it, even if he doesn't have one himself.]

[shepherd_prince]

[He has to admit that he's rather curious about what his agreement would entail. He's hardly accustomed to using magical abilities of any kind, and Chrom could certainly use the practice and experience from someone better versed in such arts.]

In the halidom of Ylisse, I led a group of men and women to combat invaders and protect towns from bandits and supernatural creatures. We were called the Shepherds. And no need for titles; just Chrom will be fine.

[He smiles.]

What do you mean by 'purify'?

[shepherd_prince]

It's nothing so concerning. It just caught me off guard, is all.

[His answering grin is grateful nonetheless as he takes the moment offered to recompose himself.]

We just ended a long and difficult war with the country to the south, in my own world. I was to become the next Exalt...after the death of my beloved sister. I had imagined that she would continue to rule for many more decades, so as you can imagine...the title does not yet sit well with me.

[shepherd_prince]

[Hopefully she doesn't think so lowly of his skills that she would believe he couldn't manage to turn in time when she starts running around to get behind him. His armor isn't that bulky. Falchion lifts to block the blow and push back.]

Attacking from an unprotected angle is well and good on the battlefield against an unaware opponent. But against someone you're combating one-on-one, conserve your movements, and wait for the opening to come to you instead of trying to force it.

[Clang clang clang.]

You will inevitably face someone who may try to spin in place to deliver a sword stroke. That is the opponent you want to strike, as they must break eye contact with you in that brief moment to complete their spin.

[His shield comes up to push back against another of her strikes, and he smiles.]

Naturally, I would advise you not to perform any spinning attacks as well, no matter how grand or flashy it may appear.

[zodiac_brave]

[Flynn's focus is admirable, to be able to attack even as he falls. Ramza takes the strike against his breastplate, and the impact drives him back a step.]

Well done! [He lowers his weapon to allow Flynn to stand without fear of an unsporting strike.]

[zodiac_brave]

[With Sparks moving abnormally fast and Ramza extra slow, Ramza is unable to dodge the next attack. It does not do as much damage as a monk or another physical class could do, but a metal fist hurts no matter how little power was behind the blow.

Ouch. Maybe he should not have goaded Sparks quite so much. He moves into a defensive stance, but he can feel his response time stifled by the spell.]

[pole_position]

Of course! Practice away.

[Pyrrha smiles, taking a moment to catch her breath before striking a defensive posture.]

[dammit_yuri]

[Standing up, Flynn acknowledges Ramza's commendation.]

Thank you.

[Taking on his stance again, Flynn smirks.]

I've been told I'm a bit of a stubborn one. It doesn't matter if I lose, I'll keep on fighting to the end.

[dammit_yuri]

Nobody expects the death of a loved one, unless they're planning it.

[Flynn nods, shaking his shoulders to loosen up a little.]

The fact that you chose to face it head-on rather than running away from it - that deserves some commendation, I would think. It's fine to have reservations, but it's what you do in spite of the discomfort that defines your character.

[ranoutofbugs]

In my world, things were susceptible to being tainted by a force called "malevolence". In some cases, the only way for malevolence to be wiped out from a person or being borne from malevolence - a hellion - is to purify it, thus making it revert to its unaltered state. Because malevolence was so spread due to the influence of the Lord of Calamity, it became imperative that a Shepherd make a pact with a Prime Lord in order to exorcise the impurity from the land and usher in a new age of peace.

It may not be a coincidence that your group went by the moniker of "Shepherd". It may not always make good memories, but fate may have a hand in bringing us here together.

If anything, a contract is not a binding agreement. If you try it and decide you don't like it, you may revoke it at any time.

[shepherd_prince]

[He returns that smile with one filled with appreciation. It's a good thing he brought along a few different types of remedies for just such an occasion. As Pyrrha moves to defend herself, Chrom brings his sword in front of him as well, concentrating. There's a flare of bleak energy, which might be an indication that this is going to come from one of his Dark Knight skills rather than the Paladin ones.]

[He releases the Blind spell with a swing of his sword as he prepares to move on the offense once more.]