Come down, come down sweet reverence

Jynn walked through the Emerald Valley, enjoying the feeling of the spring grass on her feet despite the rising temperatures. Summer was right around the corner and that meant Winter would soon fall on Auster. Not one for the cooler weather Jynn planned to head north into Boreas but she needed to find a good spot to set up her home base. On her way to Northern Boreas she planned to stop at the Battlefield and get some practice in. It had been ages since she'd sparred. Speaking of… she should probably get some practice in.

"What do you think Tahmores? Does this seem like a good spot?" She looked over to the Ethiopian Wolf. He nodded his approval and looked up at her with a dorky grin. Taking a stick she started marking the ground to form a ring before facing off against her companion.

D i m o s t h e n e s Dimosthenes kept moving through the green grasses. The air was warm on his fur, but not so much as to be unbearable. The valley curved down to a clear blue river edged by sand, and Dime walked along it -- trying his best not to let his paws get wet, but not trying too hard, since the sky was as blue as the water and the sun was at his back and the air smelled of light and adventure. Dime hadn't drawn since he was a pup etching lines in the sand when he was bored, but somehow he wished he could render it on some canvas. He snorted a little at his own softness, but there was less disdainful venom in it than usual. As he kept moving, he spotted two orangey wolves, one much smaller than the other. He trotted closer, wagging his tail gently to show he wasn't here for a fight. Not a true one anyway, he wouldn't actually mind a good spar. He wasn't terrible at fighting, but that was no reason not to try to get better at it. Besides, it was fun. He was bored and tired of doing nothing. It was hard to have fun when you were alone all the time. "Speech"

Ulmaria rolled in the grass, enjoying the feeling of all the lush green grass before the summer got too hot. While much of the west was dry and arid there were a few patcheds that were like an oasis of hunting and herb gathering. She had passed a nearby pack but had given the border a wide berth. She didn't want to get into any trouble and still hadn't decided if she wanted to join a pack or not. Having grown up in a small traveling band of family suddenly a pack seemed a bit more daunting. However, she knew she didn't want to be a loner all of her life. She wanted to belong to something.

Getting to her feet she headed off in search of the days next meal only to stumble upon a strange looking orange woman and a small pale man. The woman seemed to have made some sort of fighting ring. Oh it had been ages since she'd sparred or had a fight lesson. "Hey there! Are you guys training? Can I join?"

Rhian made her way down the valley, soon spotting a small group gathering in a sort-of... fighting ring? Probably? The possibility was intriguing enough for her to keep moving toward them. She was trying to learn how to fight better. It seemed an important thing to learn how to do. Especially since she was pretty sure you could challenge an alpha for a pack. She could make her own, of course, but it was good to keep your options open. If there was a really good patch of land or something and she wanted it -- well, she'd just have to take it, right? As she got closer, she heard one of the wolves ask if the other two were training and if she could join. Rhian trotted closer and grinned her most friendly grin, which sort of looked like she was baring her teeth. She remembered to let her tail swish from side to side. "Hey!" she said cheerfully. "I'll join too." Her tail stilled without her conscious thought. She was trying to be nice -- really, she was -- but it also wasn't a request. These wolves were not going to be allowed to tell her no. "Speak"

Come down, come down sweet reverence

They were about to start practice by running through some scenarios when a familiar, green-eyed man arrived. She remembered him from their race. "Hey there! How's it going? You're welcome to join us if you like." As much fun as it was to train with Tahmores, they trained with each other all the time and it was fun to get different perspectives and spar different wolves. Speaking of different wolves. Two yearling girls arrived and voiced their interest in joining.

"Sure, the more the merrier! We were just going to run through a few fight scenarios and then maybe do some sparring. There's not much time to think during a spar so we run through scenarios to figure out what we'd do in a situation and practice it so the muscle memory is there. Here, I'll show you." She faced off against Tahmores. "Let's say your opponent is coming at you and they slip to the side and go for your thigh. How do you respond?" She demonstrated, darting forward toward Tahmores then slipping to his left, she skidded to a halt, jaws poised to latch onto his thigh but she stopped and looked at the group. "Now we run through ideas. What should Tahmores do? Anyone want to share?"

D i m o s t h e n e s Jynn greeted him and said that Dime was welcome to join their training. "I'm doing good," he replied. "and sure, I'm game." He had never been one for sitting down and listening to someone lecture at him -- the mere thought made him want to zoom in circles until he was too out-of-breath to do anything but sit, probably while screaming -- but somehow he didn't think the wolf he'd raced not long ago would do that. And she had no way to make him stay. If he got bored, he would leave. A moment later, two girls that looked young -- yearlings, probably -- arrived, one after the other, and said they'd like to join. Cool. More wolves would help to keep this from being boring. The chances of all three wolves being stiff sit-down-and-shut-up types seemed low, especially since none of them smelled like they were part of a pack, and, from Dimosthenes's limited experience, he assumed that pack wolves were more likely to be no fun. A few scenarios and then sparring. Dime decided that sounded pretty good as Jynn began, facing off against her companion and explaining a move before demonstrating it. He pictured himself in that situation and tried to imagine what he would do. His brow furrowed. He wasn't sure what answer she wanted, but he had one impulse in his head. "Move back or to the other side before they get to you?" he suggested, not liking the uncertainty in his tone. "Speech"

Ulmaria grinned as she was allowed to join and she quickly sat down, tail wagging as she waited for the lesson to begin. She smiled at the other yearling that had joined. She didn't really recognize the girl and couldn't put a name to the face but her scent reminded Ulmaria of Chaos and she couldn't help but wonder if the other girl was a Fireside wolf that she just hadn't relaly met before she left with her father and grandfather. The tall lady name Jynn explained what they were doing and then presented a scenario and asked what they should do.

Ulmaria hesitated instead waiting until the older man spoke and then nodded her head. "Yea, since you're going for his left thigh he could move to his right to get out of the way. Umm I'm not sure how best he could attack back." She glanced at the other yearling to see what answer she'd offer.

Rhian nodded, her tail beginning to wag again once she was told she was allowed to join the training. She glanced at the long-legged wolf, the pale man, and the other younger girl a little closer now. She didn't know any of them, but that wasn't a surprise. She didn't know that many wolves. Yet. She did need allies. Maybe she could work on that, too. The tall purpley one was about her age and looked tough, so maybe her, first? No harm in trying -- even if it didn't work, she'd at least look friendly for approaching, right? Which might get around if she had any friends who might have better taste in allies and would want to join her, which meant it would achieve the goal anyway. Jynn explained and then demonstrated a move, slipping to the side and going for her companion's thigh. Rhian's eyes widened as the other two suggested moving out of the way, neither one even attempting to think of a counter-attack. "Are you two cowards?" she said, tone upturning like it was a joke -- a little giggle further reinforcing the impression she wanted to present. "You could bite down on their neck until they let go of you?" she forced some uncertainty into her tone to match theirs, phrasing her idea like a question. "Might hurt you, but it'll hurt them worse." She bared her long fangs with a smile to illustrate her point, her tail beginning to wag again. "Speak"

Come down, come down sweet reverence

Jynn held her position, listing as everyone voiced their opinion. Dime and the purple girl suggested moving to get out of the way while the other yearling suggested letting them get hold and then using the position to retaliate. While Jynn was more of an evasive fighter herself all the answers were decent options. She nodded. "All of those are good options, a lot depends on how big and heavy you are compared to your opponent. If you are fast enough to get out of the way and retaliate then shifting to the side would be best. If you're bigger and stronger than your opponent it might be worth it to sacrifice a hit in order to bring them close to you and reveal a more vulnerable target." Jynn stepped back and faced off against Tahmores again. "Let's do one more. Then we can break into sparring pairs." Jynn moved toward Tahmores again, this time heading straight on and pulling to a stop in front of him. "Your opponent charges straight on at you, their fangs aiming for your face. What do you do?"

D i m o s t h e n e s Dime listened as one of the girls agreed with him on trying to evade the bite, and the other suggested using the opponent's attack as an opportunity to strike. Such a strategy would probably work better in a real fight than a spar, as going for the neck didn't seem like too "polite" of a strategy, but he figured it made sense. He turned his attention back to Jynn as she explained that all of their choices were good options and that fighting style depended a lot on individual body build. Dime was fast and agile and small enough to evade most attacks pretty easily, so he should use those strengths to his advantage. That sounded good, as evasion was usually his first instinct as well. Jynn set up another scenario, running up to the Ethiopian wolf and telling Dime and the girls that their hypothetical opponent was now charging right at them, aiming their teeth at their faces. Dime thought about it as he had before, a bit emboldened since then. He'd probably try to move away again -- again, it was his natural instinct -- but he tried to picture other options. He gave up. "I'd probably try to evade it again. You can always go back in to make your attack after." "Speech"

Ulmaria bristled a little at being called a coward but based on the girls giggle maybe she didn't mean it to be mean? Mar wasn't sure. She had limited social skills having been raised only among her siblings and then becoming a loner so early. Her focus shifted back to the long-legged woman as she responded to the answers and then presented another scenario. Ulmaria thought for awhile on it. The other yearlings words still sticking in her head. "I suppose it depends how fast they're coming at you. If they were slow I'd try to dodge to either side but if they looked like they were gonna be fast like you then… ummm… I think I'd try to duck down under your jaws and go for the throat or something."

None of the wolves seemed to react much to Rhian's tease. That was good, although it didn't give her much information about them. Though on the other other hand, she was probably never going to talk with these wolves again. Maybe they'd be good allies, but she had to be honest with herself, and that meant admitting that she wasn't actually all that great with social skills. She could talk -- she'd always been a big talker -- but she didn't have any friends. She resisted the sudden urge to sigh dramatically. Then she realized how pathetic she was being. She didn't need friends. She needed allies. And she had all the time in the world to learn how to get wolves on her side. The woman explained another scenario, and Rhian waited for the other two to give their input as they had the first time. She didn't mind taking turns, especially if it meant having the opportunity to prove them wrong -- their teacher had said that all of the options were good ones, but Rhian still thought hers was the best. The pale man again suggested evading the attack. Not very creative, was he? At least the other yearling brought up an attack, placing herself in the moderate section between the coward and the winner -- Rhian, of course. "I think she's got a good idea," Rhian said, pointing a paw towards the dark girl before glancing at her with a supportive smile. "It makes sense to dodge sometimes, but if you have time to attack, you should." "Speak"

Come down, come down sweet reverence

Jynn listened as everyone responded with their answers, moving back to address the group. "Those are all good answers but I think its time now to put some of this to the test. Thinking through scenarios is all well and good but it won't replace actual sparring. Dime, how about you and I spar and the girls can fight each other and see how they do?" Jynn moved to face off against Dime. She set her defenses, paying special attention to pinning her large ears which could often be a target. She waited for opponent and when it seemed he was ready she sprang into action. While she couldn't thrown a new move at him she wanted to see his suggestions play out in real time. As she approached she suddenly shifted to her right, seeking to slide along his left side as her jaws launched forward as she attempted to nip his left thigh.

Jynn vs Dime for Spar
Round 1/?
Age: Over 1 Year
Size: Large
Build: Light
Offensive Battle Accessory: Bladed forearm bracers
Defensive Battle Accessory: Spiked helmet
Companion 1: Ethiopian wolf, Male - Battle - Boosted
Companion 2: Jaguar, Female - Battle - Boosted
Skills: Master Navigator & Master Fighter
Specialty: Weaponsmaster

D i m o s t h e n e s Once the girls finished giving their answers, Jynn spoke again, this time instructing that it was time to put their thinking to the test. Finally. Although that had actually been pretty fun, Dime had come here for a spar and he was happy to be getting one. He wouldn't actually know how to fight better -- not really -- if he didn't actually do it, right? It seemed Jynn agreed with him about that. She sorted them into pairs, and Dime was going to be facing off against her. That was... a bit scary. She seemed to know what she was doing -- a lot more than he did, though he hated to admit it. He pushed the doubt aside. He still had a chance, if he was smart and he and his body remembered what he'd learned. They faced off, each settling into their defenses. Jynn moved forward first. She was fast -- as he knew well from their race -- and dashed right up to him before moving to her right. Dime, without even really thinking about it, slipped to his right, turning quickly once he did so that his body would hopefully form a sort of capital T with hers, with him as the vertical line. Quick as a snake, he'd attempt to nip her armpit and then, whether he actually touched her or not, would back up quickly, still facing her. Dimosthenes vs Jynn for Spar Round 1/2 Age: Over 1 year Size: Small Build: Light Skills: Intermediate Fighter & Novice Navigator "Speech"

ooc: figured we could do their spar first then Ulmaria and Rhians

Come down, come down sweet reverence

Jynn kept her focus on her target and as she saw Dime's hind end pivoting away from her she arced her upper body to follow so when Dime rotated to make a T, she had already shifted as well to bring them face to face again. However, it wasn't instanenous. As she rotated she felt fangs graze her side, a few inches behind her armpit. Rather than linger on the hit she darted forward, trying to come in low as her jaws darted forward and down for Dime's right shoulder. It was tricky to fight an opponent so much shorter than herself but she went for it with gusto, hoping to nip the top of the man's shoulder and score her own hit.

Jynn vs Dime for Spar
Round 2/2
Age: Over 1 Year
Size: Large
Build: Light
Offensive Battle Accessory: Bladed forearm bracers
Defensive Battle Accessory: Spiked helmet
Companion 1: Ethiopian wolf, Male - Battle - Boosted
Companion 2: Jaguar, Female - Battle - Boosted
Skills: Master Navigator & Master Fighter
Specialty: Weaponsmaster

D i m o s t h e n e s Dime's little attack hit, albeit not exactly where it was meant to. But fights were active things -- Jynn was moving as much as he was and so he couldn't bet on her staying still long enough for him to hit where he was aiming for really ever. That was fine. It wasn't like he was trying to get at any big blood vessels or anything. He wasn't even sure he'd broken the skin, before. As Jynn darted back in, her head tilted down but still above Dime, he had an impulsive idea. Not giving himself time to reconsider -- she definitely wouldn't -- he threw himself onto the ground, down under Jynn. He would fall on his stomach and try to roll over onto his back as quickly as he possibly could in order to lightly kick her in the stomach with all four paws. It would take a second to get into the right position, time in which she could try to move away or something, but he knew there were ways for him to use his small size against taller opponents; even if they were light and quick like him and he couldn't use his speed, he still had strengths. Dimosthenes vs Jynn for Spar Round 2/2 Age: Over 1 year Size: Small Build: Light Skills: Intermediate Fighter & Novice Navigator "Speech"

And the winner is...

Jynn

Dimosthenes must give up by submitting, fleeing or passing out. Totals: Dimosthenes: Attack Roll: 95 Defense Roll: 96 Agility Roll: 17 Perception Roll: 68 Total: 276 Attack[95] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 95.00 Defense[96] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 96.00 Agility[17] + 15% Bonus[2.55]: 19.55 Perception[68] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 68.00 Total[278.55] + 10% Bonus[27.86]: 306.41 Jynn : Attack Roll: 72 Defense Roll: 91 Agility Roll: 93 Perception Roll: 67 Total: 323 Attack[72] + 60% Bonus[43.20]: 115.20 Defense[91] + 15% Bonus[13.65]: 104.65 Agility[93] + 30% Bonus[27.90]: 120.90 Perception[67] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 67.00 Total[407.75] + 25% Bonus[101.94]: 509.69

Ulmaria watched the older wolves fight, doing her best to take up pointers until a victor was declared and then it was her turn. She swallowed nervously then turned to face Rhian, doing her best to put on a brave face. After the adults moved from the ring she stepped inside and prepared herself, making sure to set her defenses. She’d really only ever fought her siblings and maybe her uncle a few times but never a stranger. At least not that she could remember right now. She was glad her siblings weren’t here to see but at the same time she really wanted to impress everyone here even if she didn’t really know them. She took a deep breath. She could do this. “Ready whenever you are. You can take the first move.”

Ulmaria vs Rhian for Spar
Round 0/?
Age: Over 1 Year
Size: Extra large
Build: Medium
Offensive Battle Accessory: Clawed and spiked gauntlets
Defensive Battle Accessory: Spiked helmet with cowl
Companion 1: Fishing Cat, Female - Battle
Companion 2: Black Lemur, Female - Battle
Mutation 1: Low voltage shock - Defensive
Mutation 2: Dexterous paws - Offensive
Skills: Master Healer & Master Fighter

Rhian glanced at her assigned opponent, wondering if they were going to fight at the same time as the other two. Apparently not, as Ulmaria made no attempt to move first and Rhian remembered that there was only one fighting ring set up -- which she didn't think mattered but... She swallowed her impatience and settled back to sit and watch the older wolves fight with an internal huff. She could pick up some tips from watching, sure, but she wanted to fight! That would be so much more fun, and, she thought, would teach her much more. Experience was the best teacher, right? Still, she waited her turn and tried her best to pay attention, and it was actually pretty exciting once they got into it. Once they were finished, the long-legged Jynn the clear winner, Rhian followed Ulmaria into the ring and set up her defenses, ready for any sudden attack. She blinked in quiet surprise when Ulmaria said she could have the first move -- it certainly wasn't what she would have done -- but recovered quickly. She wasn't going to go easy on the girl just because she was nice, if that was what she thought. She sprinted forward with almost reckless abandon and would attempt to dodge right at the last second to turn and try to headbutt the girl in the side. Rhian vs Ulmaria for Spar Round 1/2 Age: Over 1 year Size: Medium Build: Medium Mutation 1: Elongated fangs - Offensive Skills: Beginner Fighter & Intermediate Hunter "Speak"

Ulmaria kept her defenses set, her heart pounding in her chest with excitement and nerves as she watched the other girl. Rhian suddenly charged and as she darted to the side Ulmaria tried to dodge by leaping forward and to her right, however she didn't leap in time. Rhian's skull crashed into her side, right into the rib cage and combined with her attempt to dodge caused her to tip over. Ulmaria was quick to use the momentum to roll back onto her feet. Still crouched, she twisted her head and aimed to latch onto Rhian's left wrist, hoping their earlier collision had delivered enough of a shock to buy her some time. All the while she kept her defenses set and her limbs curled tightly under her.

Ulmaria vs Rhian for Spar
Round 1/2
Age: Over 1 Year
Size: Extra large
Build: Medium
Offensive Battle Accessory: Clawed and spiked gauntlets
Defensive Battle Accessory: Spiked helmet with cowl
Companion 1: Fishing Cat, Female - Battle
Companion 2: Black Lemur, Female - Battle
Mutation 1: Low voltage shock - Defensive
Mutation 2: Dexterous paws - Offensive
Skills: Master Healer & Master Fighter