The Grey Tower

Lirievin Tesiva Liri had had a little skip in her step all day, well as much skip as one could have with a limp, today Liri was heading to the Yards again for another training session with Conor. She had smiled each time as she thought about it, although it was frustrating not being able to do things as she once could Liri was happy that she was learning to defend herself, it also helped the Conor was so nice to her. Liri liked spending time with Conor, although he was too insistent that she get a cane to help her walk, he didn’t really ask any other questions or try to pry into why she had a sudden interest in why she wanted to learn. Liri was just coming to terms with the fact that one day she would have to talk about it and she was not looking forward to that day.

Although Liri refused to admit that she may need a hand walking, she did have to admit that leaning on the practice sword she had was useful, she walked faster, and didn’t worry as much about tripping over her own feet. So she continued using the sword until she got close to the Yards. She didn’t want Conor catching her leaning on the sword and continue pushing her to get a cane. Liri walked close to the practice area where she and Conor had met before, she wasn’t exactly sure where to meet him, but she stood out in her Accepted’s dress so she knew that Conor would find her in any case.

Liri must have had been super early as there was no sign on him yet, so she sat on the ground and watched a few other young men practice. She could tell they were new to their weapons, as they fumbled occasionally, but they had their form down, the way they moved their feet it was like watching a dance and Liri was mesmerized for a few minutes, she only wished she had that control over her own foot still. One of the men dropped his sword which made Liri realize that she had been staring, so she looked away searching the yard for Conor. “Maybe I shouldn’t use the sword as a cane.” She said quietly to herself. “I’m here far too early. Better not say anything to Conor or he’ll keep bring it out though.” she finished to herself.

Conor Palfrey Conor spent a great deal of time since his meeting with the Accepted with the limp trying to think of ways to help her. He was an expert in his skills, and then some, but it was drastically different from teaching someone who had some kind of disability that kept her from being able to do things. What was more, he felt protective of her like he might a little sister and it was confusing to him because feelings like that didn't just happen on first meeting. Conor was sweet, and clearly he had swagger... but emotional attachment?

He arrived at their designated meeting place once he was done his usual run around the yard and a stretch himself. She was already there waiting for him, dressed still in her dress, and he felt thankful that the lesson was more on defense then forms today. She would need to wear some proper leathers to get anywhere while in the yard. At least until she can choose her own attire. Conor gave a shrug, and then walked up with that Palfrey! smile to keep his other thoughts hidden. "Good morning Accepted Lirievin." It took him very little time to remember her name after that first day. Usually it took longer. "I hope you warmed up a little, but today shouldn't be too challenging. We'll work on basics behind defense which will be the most use for you then being offensive. At least to start." He looked her over once more, "And next time, try and obtain some proper clothes for the Yard. That dress will only hinder your already limited movement more."

"Lets get started. Sword out. We begin today with the basics of defense," he said unsheathing the blade and waited until she had hers out. "Now, the major points of anatomy as relating to swordplay," Conor started, pointing a thick finger at the chart as he reeled off areas, "are the head, an almost instant kill or unconsciousness, the chest, the abdomen, the arms, the legs, and the back. For most effective killing, the head, chest, and back are the major targets. For disarming, try the arms. For maiming, the legs. You have to learn to picture where your strikes will land, or your swordplay is just the same as two babes with sticks pretending to be soldiers."

"To aim a strike is to accept that you are fighting to the death. First blood means nothing. It's the last blood, the heart's blood, that you want." He grinned grimly at Lirievin, and moved on.

"In defense, we have three major tactics. To protect the head is of greatest importance, then the chest and then the back. Often you can protect your back and your head by wearing armor, but there are other ways, too. First of all, make yourself the smallest target possible. Always twist to the side if you can to present the least amount of "face" - that's space to launch an attack into - to your opponent. Also, learn to be aware of where you fight, so that you are not easily flanked. To be flanked is to have an enemy to the side or behind you, not good places for them. Keep 'em where you can see 'em if you want to live."

"So," he continued, twisting to the side as he smoothly mimed a thrust, "by doing this, I ensure my opponent's attack misses me."

"That protects the chest well," he noted, pointing out how his now faced away from his imagined opponent's blade. "Now, to prevent blows to the face, you can either wear a helm, which is not always or even usually a face protector, or you can duck blows. Be careful ducking blows, as sometimes, you'll be right in position for a downward swing as some of the more popular sword forms 'come around' back to a guard stance."

"If you want back protection," he added, "you'd best learn to grow eyes out of your helm. Still, in a pinch with multiple opponents, you could keep your back to a wall, preventing both rear attacks and flank attacks, but that limits mobility. Best to utilize a running style of combat to prevent backstabbing."

"So, what did you learn about defense?"


OOC: This is where I get reminded that I used Conor's old work for his sword points. lol
(http://www.grey-tower.net/classes/archi ... chiveid=88 For later lesson reference)

Lirievin Tesiva Liri felt somewhat embarrassed that she had shown up in her Accepted’s dress instead of the proper clothing. But this was her first time here and Liri didn’t think she was allowed to take her Accepted’s dress off and wear leathers. Liri tried not to let her cheeks flush at the embarrassment and instead made a mental note to get some leathers after she was done here. Conor started right on on defence tactics There was so much to cover that Liri had to really focus in on what he was saying. She remember some sword forms from when her brothers taught her but none of it had been formal training, so this was all new to her.

Liri took out her sword and watched Conor carefully as he did a few moves, showing her how to stand to not get her head chopped off, and how to keep her back and chest from being hit. It what seemed like no time at all he has stopped talking and moving and had turned towards her. ”So, What did you learn about defence.”

“Don’t get hit with the pointy end.” She said, her face not showing a single emotion for a few seconds. She waited for a minute then panicked. Did I just say that out loud?! Why would I say a thing like that. This is suppose to be a lesson not a joke. Her cheeks flushing red, Liri curtsied to Conor. “I’m sorry Conor Gaidin, I didn’t mean to say that. Please forgive my lack of respect.” Liri waited a moment before continuing.

“What I meant to say what that there are major areas to keep protected, your head, chest and back. Twisting to the side and slowing less of your face makes it harder for an opponent to hit you as the target is smaller. You also have to be aware of your surroundings as you don’t want any opponent to be behind your or to the side of you. Keep them in eyesight.” She said everything so quickly hoping that Conor would laugh at her earlier comment but she wasn’t totally sure, if she was going to get in trouble the faster he said something to her the better,

Conor Palfrey Conor nodded at the summary of his defense lecture. "You were paying attention. Good," he said, with what was almost a smile. "Now that you have some idea how to keep your head on your shoulders in a fight, it's time to use what's between your ears when you need to get in one. There are some fights you can't control, and those are the most lethal. The ambush, the mad assault, the unexpected blow: these are all impossible to predict and plan for. Thank Creator they're rare," he noted, with sarcasm. "However, you can see most fights coming, and that gives you a great advantage - time to prepare. To control a battle, a general deploys his troops to a chosen ground and sets up defenses. For you, in swordfight, time to prepare is much less, but you need to do the same basic things."

"In all fights, you should choose your ground carefully. In a crowded hall, you must be doubly careful of your back. While the Lord strikes from before you, there's nothing preventing the Lady from slipping her poisoned dagger into your back. Use anything you have - insult, wit, charm, deceit - but pick that ground. And once you have it, use it for all you can. In your case, be aware of your own disabilities and use it to your advantage. Few will see a limp and understand that a cane can be just as much of a weapon as a sword."

"Defense is your best ploy in a fight you don't start: wear your opponent's rage and adrenaline down, and you can change the tide with well placed attacks. You'll see weakness in your enemy, and you can exploit it. And if you see none, make a weakness: wound an arm or a leg as quickly as you can if it's clear you can't get to the body or the head."

"We're going to cover two kinds of forms: the kind that open a fight and the kind that test an opponent's skill while checking for weaknesses you can exploit to end the battle."

"This first class of sword forms is meant to open a fight: from the showy unsheathing of Unfolding the Fan to the stance we call Lion on the Hill. Most are uncomplicated, you should know these from your other classes." Touching his own sword, he assumed the basic ready stance, feet apart, shoulders down, both hands on the hilt of his blade. Slowly, so his pupils could absorb every nuance, he drew his blade out and across in a straight line, scoring an imaginary enemy with the tip of the sword.

"It can be a disemboweling strike," he noted. "We call this one Unfolding the Fan. It's the opposite of Folding the Fan, where you draw the sword back across the body and then sheathe it. With your blade out and hopefully, your opponent jumped back a few hands - which is how to avoid this stroke if it comes at you, although it's far better to step back and then in the opposite direction of the slice, so that you can launch a flank attack on your opponent while he's still stopping the blade's momentum - you can easily flow into the next form, which is only a stance, Lion on the Hill."

He drew the blade up to a high guard, and his body back to the basic ready stance, with feet a shoulder width apart and his body squared over his slightly bent knees.

"Lion on the Hill can change into nearly any other form, and is a handy form for both defense and offense. Usually it's partnered with Lightning of Three Prongs," he said, demonstrating the quick thrust, a feint, and a third thrust. "It can also work with The Hummingbird Kisses the Honeyrose, which is a thrust to the face."

"Another good combination of movement - because swordplay isn't static, not even with your back to a wall - is The Creeper Embraces the Oak, a circling maneuver with feints and thrusts. You will find most combat begins with a circling, even in the barnyard cats! Creeper Embraces the Oaks is particularly useful because it has such a fluidity of movement: the sword goes up or down, or out into a thrust such as Lightning of Three Prongs. You can, for instance, aim for that crippling blow to the leg, or shoulder, or upper arm, while having enough control of the blade to preserve your own flaming head on your shoulders. No sane enemy would leave his body wide open to strike at your head while you're using this form."

"A final beginning attack is Leaf Floats on the Breeze, which turns very neatly into Lizard in the Thornbush. Just as The Boar Rushes Down the Mountain, you start high, such as from Lion on the Hill, and draw the sword in a sawing motion as you slice down. From the nadir of your form, you can slice in a upturned arc, which we call The River Undercuts the Bank, and try for a disemboweling cut or a major leg wound."

"So, tell me," he said, "what form would you use to start a fight? And where would you fight it, for say, a Trolloc? And for a soldier in a barroom brawl? And for, say, a sword-trained nobleman in a exhibition duel?"

Lirievin Tesiva Liri listened carefully as Conor talked, telling her about various starting stances and what they could lead into. Although it wasn’t the most interesting thing in the world, Liri knew she had to focus and learn so she could protect herself in the future. Liri had to work hard to contain her facial expressions through the lesson. Although she knew this was serious, part of her wanted to laugh at the unconventional names that had been given to each form. Hummingbird Kisses the Honeyrose, almost sounds romantic not something that could end up with the pointy end of a sword in someones face.

Knowing she was about to laugh Liri cleared her mind of everything, watching Conor closely, she found him demonstrating the forms very useful giving herself a better perception of what she could do with each form. She could tell that she was already getting her mind into thinking strategically as she pictured herself doing each form and working around her weak foot. Her way may not have been the best way but Liri knew she could feel confident going to Conor after and having him show her alternatives. That was kinda what he had agreed to anyway.

As they came to a close on the lesson, Liri knew there would be questions and she only hoped she could answer them correctly. As much as she wanted to learn it was harder for her to grasp everything, she never her life had dreamed of hurting or even killing anyone, and although she knew that that was a childish hope and sometimes hurting or killing was the right action, she still clung to the past.

When Conor asked her to answer his questions Liri paused for a moment, running through the lesson in her head. "For most fights I would start with Lion on the Hill. It leaves me open for either a defense and offence move. If I were to in a fight with a Trolloc I would start with Leaf Floating on the Breeze. A trolloc is a lot larger then me so creating a wound is priority. If i were in a fight with either a Solider or a trained noblewomen I would start with Lion on the Hill or Creeper Embraces the Oak. Both leave me open to my next move as well as give me time to access the other in order to figure out my strategy." She hoped her answers were good, and at least on the path to being correct.

Conor Palfrey
"So, you've got that concept," Conor noted. "Now, I bet I know what you're thinking - what happens when you can't pick your ground or avoid a fight? What do you do when confronted with an ambush or a mad assault?" He studied her, noting the eagerness in her to learn. "When politics fail to work, swords do the job." Capping off his cryptic comment with another smile, he sheathed the sword at his waist.

"The first consideration is numbering your attackers. It is vital to know how many attackers you have so that they can't possibly do what you want to do - flank your opponents. This obviously works best when there are more of you than them, but strangely, people rarely mount assaults without bringing reinforcements. It's as if they're all reading the same primer on fighting." His humor was bright and clear, but he sallied forward for all the seriousness of the topic at hand. "A fast method to end a fight with any number of opponents is flanking, having a force so large that you can split it in two and crush an enemy between the parts. Artur Hawkwing specialized in it, and it built his empire. You'll learn about it so that you can avoid it."

"Let's go on assuming that this is a one versus one encounter. If he has the initiative - that is, he has the higher ground, he has a hostage, or he has wounded or blinded you before wielding a weapon - then he wins. Initiative can be regained, but some injuries are so complex and require time to recover from that you won't have in this swordfight. Always be alert," he said, unsheathing his one blade faster than she could blink. "There are ways to know I had that. Work on learning and honing those instincts. And remember, if you don't pay attention, you might be paying with your eyes, your throat, or your arm. These knives do much more damage coming out than going in."

"Now, that mentioned, you should also learn about running. Not only is it the proper way to leave a fight, it's the proper way to survive fighting in combat. Moving at speed is vital to your survival. It protects your legs and chest, so the armor will protect your back from arrows, but only if you are moving at speed and they aren't designed to punch through armor. Run in a broken pattern: swordmen are vulnerable to the attack of archers, and they're always near impossible to get to to kill. Although, given a torch and a prybar," he mused, "they burn just fine."

This time his humor was muted and his logic as cold as it had once been delivered to him. Even he was not immune to the engagements of war and tactical actions.

"Now, I want you to assume that you have a force of five sleeping in a place of your choice: a clearing, etc - and that an attacking force of seven is coming. Pick the most likely way for the seven to attack, and then try and save your five. You'll see how lethal flanking is, then."

Lirievin Tesiva Liri listened carefully as Conor went on to explain more tactics. All of these she knew was important information and she knew she would have to use it someday if she went through with what she was thinking of. This part of the lesson at least made more sense to her then the others. She knew a little about this having heard it from her brothers and her father. Although she was never told all the stories she did get the basics on most of them and the trollocs generally outnumbered the soldiers in any borderland attack.

Liri frowned when Connor brought up running. Although she could maybe run one day after gaining her strength back, she would never be fast. It sucked and she didn't t like thinking about it but she had to accept that it was her new reality and she would have to find a way to deal with it. Before she could forget she made a mental note to ask Conor about it when he was finished with the lecture.

As Conor finished he posed another question. As the lectures any on Liri noticed the questions were getting more complicated, she now had to consider a multiple things and factor them into her answer and to think some people have to make these decisions in seconds or risk loosing their lives. Thinking on it for a moment Liri couldn't come up with any good scenario.

"The only way the 5 would survive, assuming all the men are about equally as good with their weapons, is if they had an advantage. Like in a forest, they could hide in the trees and pick off their opponents, assuming they had a bow. In a open field there is only a small chance they could survive as the seven would be able to see the five and could surround them. Even on the ground in a forest, two man can look around better then one and they could take them out individually or as a group they could surround them." Maybe she was wrong. There might have been a way for the five too survive but Liri did not know the answer to that.

"Conor, you talked about running but I can't run. At least not yet and never at a speed that I could outrun my opponents. What would you suggest I do in that scenario?"

Conor had fallen into training mode and forgot who his student was. He blushed brightly as his mistake and rubbed his hands through his sandy blonde hair. "In your case, I would learn to blend. A crowd, a corner, a bush. Anything. If you haven't taken any classes on this then that is where I would go next." He cleared his throat.

"The first stage of a fight is the exploratory stage, where you examine your opponent for flaws - such as always feinting left or having a clubbed foot. You must also appraise his strengths. Some will be obvious. He may be, for instance, mounted. Others may be more subtle, such as his being left-handed - the left handed have an innate strength for blades. The rest of us have to get used to being approached the way the left handed are for everything. The left-handed are acclimated." Breaking off his ramble, he turned his diagnostic anatomic chart over and revealed a slate. On it, he wrote:

a The Cat Dances On the Wall

b Lightning of Three Prongs

c Thistledown Floats on the Whirlwind

d Whirlwind on the Mountain

e: The Wind Blows Over the Wall

f: The Wood Grouse Dances


"These are the exploratory forms," he explained. "Some of them are quite risky, and others are not. Another, Lizard in the Thornbush, is best used against multiple attackers. However, each of these forms, performed at the right time, will succeed in making a weakness in your opponent. From there, fear and pain will help you finish him off."

"I want each of you to order the forms above in seeming usefulness, noting a pro and a con for each. Pay careful attention to feet position and bladework."

"And, just so you know, if I have to rip your page in half tomorrow, you won't be finishing the course."

Lirievin Tesiva Liri nodded as Conor spoke, she would have to get use to blending in so she made a note to take a class on it as well. Liri listened as Conor spoke; it seemed today would be a shorter class. As he finished he brought up a list of Sword forums. She wrote them down quickly then sat thinking.

The Cat Dances on the Wall is a series of feinting slashes, short thrusts and parries. One would use this to feel out their opponent and buy time to pinpoint a weakness. Useful if you were having trouble getting a weakness but Liri felt like it would leave her too open. Lightning of Three Prongs consisted of a thrust and could continue as a second and third thrust, or dual slashes to either side. If that's where your opponents weakness was it would be useful. Thistledown Floats on the Whirlwind worked best if you were surprising your opponent. But it involved jumping and spinning the sword to hit the opponent. It may be useful for some but Liri didn't think it was overfully useful in her case you she put it on the bottom of the list.

Whirlwind on the Mountain was similar to Thistledown Floats on the Whirlwind, but instead of jumping you stayed still and spun to hit your opponent. Again, Liri knew she would have issues with this one, but at least it took less coordination. The Wind Blows Over the Wall was good for feinting before striking. The Wood Grouse Dances involved feinting, tentative short slashes thrusts and parries. It was good to feel out your opponent early in the fight.

Liri grabbed some parchment and wrote out her list nicely.

1. The Wood Grouse Dances
Pro: Can spot weaknesses early on, before you are tired.
Con: Won't do any lasting damage to your opponent.

2. Lighting of Three Pongs
Pro: Thrusts could cause significant damage if they hit right as thrusts could hit in multiple locations.
Con: Leaves legs and head unprotected.

3. The Cat Dances on the Wall
Pro: Simple moves that won't burn too much energy while spotting a weakness
Con: Leaves one open to attack.

4. The Wind Blows Over the Wall
Pro: Good to catch your opponent by surprise
Con: You leave your midsection unprotected.

5. Whirlwind on the Mountain
Pro: Can hit multiple opponents at once, if one is facing multiple attackers
Con: Takes co-ordination and if spacing is wrong, you can leave yourself open to attacks while re-situating yourself.

6. Thistledown Floats on the Whirlwind
Pro: Good Surprise attack
Con: Involves a lot of co-ordination and timing the jump and spin correctly.

She handed the list to Conor hoping she had gotten it right.

Reaching over, he took the list from Liri and gave it a quick read through nodding as he did so. "I think you have a good grasp. Now, lets see how well you translate it to form." This time he had a light smile on his lips. One that showed he rare serious side. It was one thing spar with a peer in comparison to a student. And an Accepted with a limp, no less. He didn't want to take it easy on her, and he wouldn't, but his usual humor was lost as he refused to let her feel the fool. Anyone else he wouldn't mind tempting their temper but not her. Not Accepted Liri.

He moved into a defensive position with his sword ready at a mid-stance. "Whenever you are ready."



(OOC: Go ahead and take the first attacks, and remember what's going on up there. We will have a three post spar and then you should be able to apply for a sword credit.)

You might find this useful:

II: Head Shots

A: Arc of the Moon

B: The Courtier Taps His Fan

C: The Hummingbird Kisses the Honeyrose


IV: Body Shots (Chest)

A: The Boar Rushes Down the Mountain

B: Bundling Straw

C: The Kingfisher Takes a Silverback

D: Low Wind Rising

E: Parting the Silk

F: Tower of Morning