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

MINGLING

[shepherd_prince]

[Whether it's before the session, during the break, or afterward while eating sandwiches and enjoying punch, take the time to get to know each other.]

[ranoutofbugs]

[Lailah has heard a bit about Chrom and had to come see for herself who and what he was. Did people like him really exist? After her travels, it was difficult to believe, and nobody could ever replace Sorey... or Michael... in her heart. Still, she's in the corner, watching. Watching. Not creepy at all. Okay, maybe a little creepy.]

[shepherd_prince]

[It's been a good workout for him. While he can't speak for the others, he does feel as if he's come away from this exercise with a better understanding of his companions and a sense of cooperation. He's sure they'll fare better against their next foe, whoever the unfortunate soul happens to be.]

[After finishing his sandwich, he looks up and notices the quiet pale-haired girl. The color of her hair reminds him a great deal of Robin, and he has to take a moment to fight down that quiet ache in his heart.]

You've been observing us for quite some time. Is there something we can help you with?

[ranoutofbugs]

[Lailah bows politely.]

My name is Lailah. I come from a continent called Glennwood in my world.

[She pauses, looking around before setting her sights back on Chrom.]

I am in search of someone. From the rumors I've heard, it just might be you, but I had to come to make certain.

[shepherd_prince]

Ah... Pleased to meet you, Lailah.

[Given what she's told him, he figures it's safe to assume that she's probably a Hero of Light like the rest of them. But he's not certain if she's looking for him specifically, or just someone like himself that meets a certain set of criteria.]

My name is Chrom. I've stepped in to manage the use of this training hall rather recently. Have you come to seek combat lessons?

[ranoutofbugs]

[Lailah shakes her head.]

I'm handy enough in a fight, but my true strength comes forth from being partnered with someone to act as my vessel, or rather, a blade which eradicates malevolence from the land.

[Lailah gives him a smile, tilting her head slightly.]

I've recently gained approval to regain some of my lost powers from my world. However, they cannot be truly realized unless I form a partnership with someone who is strong of heart.

If this may interest you, I suggest we talk about it some more. If not, I will be on my way, never to bother you again.

[shepherd_prince]

A vessel? I'm afraid I don't understand.

[He might be a little pink in the face at being considered strong of heart. It's a very fine compliment, and he's not sure he's earned it.]

But I am willing to listen, if you are willing to explain.

[ranoutofbugs]

That's all I ask for now.

[Lailah bows once again.]

While I may have the ability to bestow the power of purification, I am not able to use it under my own volition. I need a Shepherd - a partner, if you will - to form a contract with me. By being able to house my spirit, the Shepherd may also utilize the power of purification through me.

While the dynamics of power in this world may be different than where I come from, I do believe that my flames can be of use in our quest to save this land. But I cannot do it by myself.

[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?

[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?

[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'?

[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]

Not just 'Shepherd' but 'Calamity' as well.

[It's enough for him to give the matter some serious thought, and the notion that it's not an entirely binding agreement does ease his mind somewhat. He's inclined to agree if this is what she really wants, but he wants to know as much about it as possible first.]

How would one perform this purification? Are there any other duties I would need to see to as a...Shepherd?

[ranoutofbugs]

Just by being infused with the power of purification, your very actions become able to perform purification whether you will it to or not.

[Lailah tried to explain.]

Well, back in my world, you would need to go about to destroy the Lord of Calamity. I don't think there's one here, though, so I figure your main duty is to do the thing you do.

[It's not like she heard he was a mass murderer or anything.]

[shepherd_prince]

[He's still not understanding despite his best efforts. 'Purification' is such a vague term, he can't really be sure what it means to 'purify' someone. It could have a completely harmless connotation, or it could mean complete genocide. Lailah doesn't seem like the type who'd want to slaughter people, but even so. He wants to be certain he really grasps this before making any agreements.]

Then to purify a monster would be to kill it? What happens to it if it's purified, as opposed to what normally occurs?

[ranoutofbugs]

Most of the time, if the being is still alive, it will revert to its previous state. Whether the monsters of this world used to be regular creatures or not, I can't say. But leaving them alone... I don't think that's an option either.

However, if it's been ages and their physical form has decomposed already... then it is granting them eternal rest, purification.

[pot_head]

[Mmmm, food.]

Phew, I worked up a real sweat! I feel like we're back in Ylisse! And with all these capable folks, nothin's gunna stand a chance against us!

[zodiac_brave]

[In his letter, Chrom asked Ramza to lend his tactical knowledge to their new group. So now, after the sparring ends, he can be found conversing quietly with his moogle, Simon, looking over the notes Simon took during the various rounds. He looks up in between jotting down his thoughts to see how the other Heroes interact with one another. Bonds outside of battle can be important for team cohesion, after all.]

[boomchucka]

[Maybe it's the months of working at Cuppa Kupo or maybe it's just that Selphie knows how the serious types get when they get focused on something. It's with this intention in mind that the perky brunette taps Ramza on the shoulder before offering a plate with one ham sandwich, an apple and some coloured peppers.

She smiles cheerfully at him.]

Can't wage war on an empty stomach.

[zodiac_brave]

[Ramza looks up from his work, startled. He had not realized how hard he had been focusing until Selphie approached. He eyed the plate of food appreciatively.]

Thank you. I must have lost track of time. I meant to grab something earlier.

[His stomach gives a little gurgle. He takes the plate and offers it up to his moogle. Simon snags the apple, and Ramza commandeers the sandwich.]

[boomchucka]

[Selphie's familiar with workaholic types who throw themselves into their work so she understands if he forgot. If he's going to be around though, she'll make sure that he gets something to eat.

She's not about to let anybody in this group fall over from hunger if she can help it.]

You're welcome! You can't wage war or... [She took a look at what he was working on.] tactics in this case, on an empty stomach.

[She smiles understandingly.]

Don't let it happen to often. There might not be someone around all the time to feed you.

[zodiac_brave]

[Ramza looks down at the sandwich a little sadly.]

No, indeed not. I must take better care now that my roommate is gone.

[Barkeep had been the one who had forced Ramza to take breaks and brought him food for over a year. He had grown accustomed to the older man's supervision.]

But I wanted to finish this assessment while it was still fresh in my mind. I will not have to do it every day, so do not worry on my account.

[boomchucka]

[That sad face makes Selphie's heart sink as she squats in front of Ramza.]

Stop by Cuppa Kupo anytime you need a bite.

[She gives Ramza a thumbs up and a wink.]

I'll hook you up! I'll have you know that I make a pretty mean cup of tea these days.

[How in the world does she manage to befriend all these workaholics?]

If I have to, I'll send you messages three times a day to take a break and eat y'know. And don't think that I won't do it.

[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.