Completed Wet Behind the Ears

[Ricky Maze]

Wet Behind the Ears
Spring 10th 514 AV, 11th Bell
Location: The Wave Guard Head Quarters, Training Grounds

Today the land and sky of the bay just felt perfectly balanced with a soft moist kiss from Mathew’s bay as the winds drifted onward through into the city and between the reaches of Mirahil Pass, Syna’s long rise was almost at her peak in the day as the bustle of the town proved usual in the same tedious schedule it still kept, the locals going about their business while the workers plied their trades where they were fit to go. The place that seemed regularly active at times was the facility that his fellow comrades the Wave Guards used as their base of operations, and all the more it proved to be an excellent opportunity for Ricky to be a part of something he truly loved. The Wave Guard was not just a communal faction brought together by one cause, but in fact an actual organization made up of men no different from Ricky with but one similar cause in mind. Here everyone strived to keep peace and order within their home as they defended Zeltiva, and today just like any other day it fell on him to further instruct the Wave Guard recruits that proved to have potential.

He was interested to see who would all show as a two recruits already have, only one or two more remained absent as they waited for them to show up to this little gathering. It was simple basic routine to many but for those who had heart; they knew that deep down training the recruits was very well the same as passing the torch onto the next generation. Ricky not only understood this but took it upon himself to be both encouraging as well as harsh as it would help toughen them up, the more important thing to keep in mind was the lessons Ricky would be able to pass on to them as he helped them in their effort to become fully fledged Wave Guards. The fisherman had taken to pace back and forth several times while the recruits already there relaxed for a while; given the chance to rest while they could before their workouts truly began. They wondered if their Sergeant had started to lose patience hence the pacing yet this was far from the truth, in reality Ricky never really paced when he was losing patience with anything. Then again he never really lost much of his patience to begin with, either way he merely paced around to help his train of thought flow as free as the ocean while they waited.

What’d be de best lesson t’ start wit’ Oi wonder…. Often did he debate this when he would be chosen to instruct new recruits, yet even if he were to summon any new ideas there were always the original ones that came first. Usually simple exercises that called for the stretching and workout of the muscles before anything, but Ricky never really liked to follow the same usual schedule as one tended to settle to it before too long. The recruits needed something fresh, something new and different each time they practiced. How else would they learn to expect the greater things in this job, much less grow into finer Wave Guards than the teachers that guided them to begin with? Oh yes, Ricky believed it was in fact possible. In fact he wanted to see it. He knew each recruit had the potential, but he really wanted to see a turn of events, where the student would one day surpass the teacher as he or she grew older.

Maybe… He didn’t think it too broad of an idea much less considered it dangerous seeing as how they would use practice weapons, but first Ricky would have to see their how their hands handle their weapon of choice first. It was an idea he’d not yet followed through with, so why not give it a shot with these handful of recruits. But of course he still had to wait until the rest showed before they could get down to business.

[Pulren Marsh]

Time for training came too soon for Pulren, as his night with the strange Magi had lasted longer than he had expected. Still, groggy was no excuse for skipping a practice session. Guardsman would not be delivered to him on a platter. It would take determination, grit and smarts. Pulren definitely felt like grit as he headed toward the training yard. He came with his trident, as he was slowly discovering that the one favored weapon would be the weapon used for the length of service.

Upon arrival, he found a few recruits. Pulren found it odd and a little disconcerting that the yard was often so bare, though logic could explain that they were simply out in the City or that there were few recruits as opposed to actual Guardsmen. He prayed to Laviku for the strength and courage to become one of the proud sentinels of his city. A paragon of this ideal stood before Pulren and the others, recognized by him as the one from the New Year's Festival. Perhaps this was a good omen from Laviku, a sign that Pulren was on the right path and believed in His charge.

"Hello, Sir!", Pulren shouted. He walked up to the Sergeant and stood at the ready with his trident. He was still wearing the same old pants and tunic he had worn since last Spring. "Pulren Marsh, reporting for training, Sir!" His full attention was given to the Sergeant, his heart fully given to his God in thanks.

[Ricky Maze]

Upon his arrival Ricky found his eyes automatically casted upon the recruit that had shown up, the deep blue hues curiously locked onto the weapon in the man’s hand as he took point for recognition. It brought a good chuckle out of Ricky as he gave a smirk towards the few that had shown up to today’s training session. "At ease recruit." He nodded gently as he felt odd saying the statement, even if it were part of the daily practices the ranking officers would say he still… felt strange. Mainly because it would be the words a leader or someone in charge would say, in which the fisherman never felt himself capable of carrying such a role. Still his interest had only been heightened by the very weapon this particular recruit carried with him, considering the recruits and most of the other guards were more practical in their choice of weaponry.

He was used to seeing swords of different lengths and sizes along with the shields every guard carried, if not a spinoff of some preferred handheld weapon that proved useful in the hands of a fisherman or civilian. Interstin’ t’ see t’ say de least… It’ll make dis session all de more interestin f’r me. He mused with a few finger taps to the tip of his prickly chin. He then decided how to properly begin this lesson after a quick cross examination with the other two recruits that stood ready for orders, the notice that one used a broadsword while the other used a mace quickly noted in his mind as he took upon him the challenge. "Roi den mates, listen up as Oi dun really like t’ repeat me self. The name is Ricky which is what Oi like t’ be called, or if ye prefer Rick is fine just as well. At any rate Oi’m goin’ t’ change t’ings up a lil’ today, an’ even if ye may question me methods Oi want ye t’ follow orders. Dat clear?" He called out in a slightly stern voice to hold his authoritative sway over them, hopeful that none of the recruits would notice the nervous build within his insides.

He never really adopted the idea of playing a leader but in cases such as this it served well, since the next generation always needed someone to follow as they learn by example. Once they all seemed to agree to the order, one or two a bit hesitant about it, Ricky nodded in recognition that they would follow his orders here after his little introduction to them. No doubt he would make a bit of a strange impression but deep down he knew this would serve better for them later on, and even himself as he would come to better his reflexes and resistance with a shield. With but a moment to pass Ricky turned around and walked over to the wall where his shield rested, the crest of the rising wave etched on the polished surface as he gripped the edge and pulled it up. He slipped his left arm through the clutch and grasped at the second clutch of the shield with a firm grip, a few circular motions with the shield followed as he reacquainted its weight with his arm. "Okay, ‘ere’s what’s gonna ‘appen mates. T’day ye’ll be practice wit’ yer weapons but ye won’t be usin’ straight dummies, t’day ye’ll be testin’ the defense o’ a livin’ person. Me in fact." One of the recruits looked to be amused at the idea, while the other couldn’t help but blatantly ask a question in terms of reason.

"But wouldn’t that risk injury? What if one of us ends up hurtin you? Or the other way around? Or worse?" He pressed with a puzzled expression. Ricky couldn’t help one of his eyebrows from rising at the sudden concern, which then descended as a slight grin developed on his face moments after.

"Not t’ worry lad, ye know by now dat injuries can an’ sometimes do occur durin’ trainin. Which is why we’ve got a nice infirmary at de University in de event somet’in does happen." He quipped with a hearty chuckle to follow, the grin on his face once for reassurance towards the recruits that might question him. "Believe me when Oi say Oi will not make dis easy f’r yew lot, but all de same Oi will not fight back wit’out reason eit’er. In dis practice session ye can expect retaliations but no attacks outta me, whereas Oi am goin’ to be takin’ every blow ye vagiks can dish out." He instructed with a hand gripped on the longsword at his belt, upon draw the blade gave a slight cry in the form of a ring as the very metal seemed to breathe in the air. He had no intention to use his blade but the feel for its craftsmanship all the same called for its presence, how else would he manage all the oncoming blows of his recruits other than the resilient shield on his arm. The perfectly balanced feeling and elaborate outlook in the design made him feel all the more like an appropriate Wave Guard ready to fend off those who would attack him or his home, though this was more so a practice session for both parties.

"Now ‘re t’ere any questions afore we begin?" He asked with a twirl of his blade, the beautifully sleek design a resemblance to his status as Sergeant.

[Pulren Marsh]

Once acknowledged, Pulren relaxed himself. The Sergeant seemed kind, though Pulren guessed at the fact when they had met at the New Year's Festival. Being a loving father and husband gave him stability, though the recruit secretly wondered if it didn't also soften him. Either way, this was his superior and he would be sure to keep his personal opinions to himself. He had certainly risen to his ranks by valor or skill, so that was to be respected above all else. It showed a way to Pulren.

Seeing that his trident was being ogled, Pulren raised it a bit, the sunlight catching its tines. "It has served me well in fishing, Sir, and it reminds me of my love for Lord Laviku." The weapon lowered again as he focused attention on Rick's words. There was a plan in the works and Pulren knew immediately that he would be one for following orders. He found soon that the recruits would be testing their skills against Sergeant Rick himself. Pulren smirked slightly in anticipation of learning what it meant to fight a real soldier. Recruits and dummies were useful, but this would be a more valuable lesson.

Listening as one of the others questioned the safety of the lesson, Pulren scoffed silently at the other man. Personal safety was secondary to the safety of the unarmed citizenry. He would take his role seriously. He watched with admiration as the polished shield and sword of the Sergeant shone before him. The wave crest emblazoned on the shield gave Pulren chills as he thought of when he might have his own to display proudly. Initiative would guide him, so he looked at the trident and prayed wordlessly to Laviku. Stepping to the side of Rick, he waited to see if one of the others made an attempt. if so, he would thrust his trident toward Rick's swordarm to see the result.

[Ricky Maze]

With the initiative seen in the recruit Pulren Ricky took caution in the move he made, the steps made to where he was to the right of Ricky while the other two seemed to get into positions where they made a formation in the shape of a triangle. This proved rather interesting seeing as how upon the first strike of the recruit from his left was timed with the recruit on the right. This meant Ricky had to prepare for two incoming blows, one on his shield arm while the other on his sword, while the third recruit would prove able to freely strike him down were he an actual enemy. So a counter measure had to be taken into effect, one that would require Ricky to dual his paradigms together and make one effective system to disallow any blows from getting through.

First was to act as a guardian, defend from the shield side and redirect the blow. From there would be to switch into the warrior's role and go on the offensive... though he wasn't to be offensive. He was to use his offensive as a defense, which could be done with the parrying of his blade. From there it would be counter acting with the role of a debilitator and throwing his oppenents into disarray while he went back into the guardian state. From there he would block the strike he would expect the third recruit to his front to make, and manage to push him back just enough to prepare for whatever next move would come out of the other two.

The tactic had been planned thoroughly in the heat of the moment though, and so with naught but a moment to act upon impulse Ricky followed through with his combat instinct. First the blow of the mace as it came down onto his shield from the left with a loud clang, the extra weight thrown into the very same weight of the shield proved a hefty challenge for Ricky to throw back. Nevertheless his motive proceeded with some accordance to reflex, as he managed to throw the blocked blow off and stagger the recruit back just enough to focus on the next target. There was but a moment. A moment in lapse with the synergy of a mind and body as they felt and nearly acted as one. With the longsword held ready he prepared to flourish his blade at first, but then took to thought about the three prongs at the end which made the trident. That would be his target.

Bound to serve well in a swift disarm if not sudden guard impact it could surprise his hasty recruit and put him in a stir long enough to keep Ricky on his toes, and in turn block the final blow that was bound to come in from the third recruit. With no need to flourish his blade Ricky practically took a step back to where he could flick his blade forward into a slanted thrust towards the earth, only angled low enough to catch the trident where he wanted while he absorbed the impact of the blow for what felt like an entire chime's worth. Once this had been down Ricky then went with another flick of his blade that would flow into a counter-clockwise motion to try and throw Pulren off for just enough ticks. He'd thought to try and debilitate the two recruits he fended off but the timing for it was impossible, he only had the chance to take in what would be the impact of another blade as the sword of the third recruit clashed against the surface of his shield.

Ricky grunted and cursed under his breath as he already felt a sweat break over his forehead, his body already heated up by the sudden workout he received in the effort to literally fend off against three recruits in training. He wouldn't stop there though, not when he had plenty of fight left within him to hold up to the challene they provided. He would be stronger from this with no doubt, but that of course would later reflect on all of them in this struggle they'd engaged in. With a hard kick of his heel to the ground Ricky shoved himself forward just enough to throw the third recruit into a stagger, and quickly peered to both left and right to assess the situation anew.

oocFeel free to control the NPC Recruit seeing as he's working with you to try and get a blow in. We'll see how everything goes upon your next move with Ricky in this little practice session.

[Pulren Marsh]

Pulren felt a tingling sensation in his chest, giddy with the rush of combat. It felt similar to the feeling of fear that he would have while swimming and seeing some rogue shadow pass beneath him in the depths. This was different, however, as the young recruit had some measure of control. Watching for the others, he was impressed as they moved into a pattern which would surround Rick. "Let's catch us one, lads!", he cried out, a smirk on his face as he saw the mace come down toward the Sergeant.

Rick easily pushed off the impact of the mace, sending the mace wielder reeling. It was too heavy a weapon for Pulren, seeing how it had as much use as an iron stick. With the momentum of the fight increasing, the recruit went to shoot forward with his own weapon. The Sergeant's skill proved too much as his single blade found purchase between the tines of the fork. Before Pulren could react, he had turned the blade so that it nearly pulled the trident from his hands, his grip tightening on the wooden shaft. With the two recovering,Rick easily fended off the other swordsman.

Seeing the others getting back to their senses, he could see that the mace wielder was angered. Pulren found the challenge frustrating, but not due to the trainer's skill. He had recalled in his own fight with Gerlo that he was often outmatched often due to his lack of physical strength. It was something that would have to be rectified, as strength backed the shield and the trident. Guessing that the mace would charge for Rick, Pulren decided to wait for purchase. He would let the others make their strikes and then attempt to catch the edge of the shield with his fork. Perhaps he could use the same leverage technique against the Sergeant. It was doubtful, but worth a shot.

[Ricky Maze]

Ricky’s stance had taken back to another defensive position with the shield held before him in a sort of dropped posture, almost as though he were tucked into a completely defensive position behind the shield to avoid any possibilities of being flanked from the rear… that of course wasn’t the case since he was literally outnumbered three to one. That and their formation was rather spot on for keeping Ricky on his toes, all the same he took to keeping his guard up as was part of the challenge in this training session he created for them. Although his shield skills weren’t much to rely on his sword skills would help benefit it, seeing as how he could mainly try parrying attacks to ward them off. That would in turn help him improve both his sword and shield skills while he trained the new recruits at the same time, so he was pretty much killing two birds with one stone in this event.

The mace wielder was first to move again and this time the sword user was the second to follow as the third with the trident remained patient for a moment, which led Ricky to assume that he was waiting for an opportunity to strike… or likely finding a weakness to exploit in the defense the fisherman tried to hold up. There were likely several places to note for one, especially the back area where Ricky would have a harder time guarding. Yet then again Ricky’s reflexes could very well prove problematic as well unless he were distracted, and there was always the chance Ricky wouldn’t naturally dodge but try to evade an attack as well. It was after all part of the spar that would go on, as the rules of the engagement were rather simple. He was to be hit but only done so in a manner that broke through his defenses, all while he would do everything in his power to avoid such a thing. So naturally Ricky took into consideration the measures he would take, and then from there follow through with the set tactics he would have in mind upon quick observation with his recruits.

The mace wielder was the first with a slanted swing from his right that would sure enough clobber Ricky’s shoulder if not the shield, while the recruit with the sword was the one who went in for a jab somewhat aimed for Ricky’s chest area, although done so rather crookedly to avoid a direct stab into the fisherman’s body. Ricky thought it thoroughly just as they were near him in their assault and quickly found the best conclusion to resolve the heat of the moment. He would have to be quick about it while he first use his warrior tactic and then immediately change it up to his guardian tactic, where he would fend off the blows just in the nick of time should he be able to bring in a third tactic. That of course left it open to interpret what the recruit with the trident would do… Ricky would have to assume he would go somehow go for a blind spot, an opening in the defenses that likely involved the shield. Whether he liked it or not Ricky knew good and well he was poorly experienced with his shield skill, and that in turn likely made it obvious for the others if they’d observed him close enough.

Ricky prepped his sword with a quick glance between all three recruits, his brow in a sweat as he commenced his paradigm of tactics. First was the change in position as he rearranged his footing to where his sword would be the one to fend off the mace, the counter clockwise rotation brought a bit of astonishment in both the recruits as Ricky’s sword was brought up to clash into the heavy weight of the mace with a harsh impact. Ricky then knew just how much the mace weighted then and there, practically an oversized iron rod with an overly large club at the end. It proved an even greater challenge to fend off the weight with his own strength, but this time it was in his right arm… the sword arm which was stronger than his shield arm. Therefore the counteract was followed through with but a moment’s notice as Ricky pushed his blade up further, the recruit with the mace almost on the tip of his toes now as Ricky used the shift in balance against him. Ricky then used a short but sudden flourish as he shifted his blade from the flat side to the edge, and just barely pulled it a few inches away from the mace as he sent it back to tap it into one direction. That sent the recruit reeling once more, this time to his left as the mace practically drug his balance along. That left but a tick’s notice to react with the shield while the recruit with the blade nearly penetrated his defense.

Ricky’s attention shifted to the sword as he first thought to try and block it, but the jab was already several inches past the shield’s and aimed for Ricky’s back area. The thought was reconsidered with but a reaction to simply knock the sword further away from the point of target and in turn go with another shift in position as he would rotate clockwise to change back into the dropped stance to where the shield was prepped up like a wall. The recruit stumbled forward and nearly lost his balance like the first did but managed to stay on his toes, all the while Ricky still kept his focus on that sword user for the moment. The recruit with the mace wasn’t of concern for him right now, Ricky knew he’d be down for at least several ticks, while the sword user had another chance to get in a blow. Yet Ricky had almost forgotten about the trident user, who now seemed ready to go forward with his own strike. It was clearly evident in Ricky’s face that he was literally finding it difficult to keep up with all three recruits, but then again he’d managed to face off two pirates on his own before and managed to survive.
Point being he was literally challenged to keep up with not two but three men hellbent on breaking through his defenses, not intent on killing or injuring at least but just breaking through that protective instinct he had as he endeavored to keep them from penetrating. That’s what was important when you served as a guard, in combat you make sure the enemy can’t get through to you… otherwise you were done for. Still even with sharp and worn eyes on his would be approaching recruit Ricky failed to take notice that Pulren, the recruit with the trident, had made his next move already.

[Pulren Marsh]

Pulren found himself bobbing on his heels as he watched the fray. It was almost as if he wasn't involved, but he guessed that was the luxury that training gave recruits. Mistakes could be noted and learned upon with only the pride being hurt, rather than a limb or worse. His grip remained sure on the shaft of the trident, though the anticipation of attack caused sweat to squeeze from his fists. The mace wielder went sloppy again, though Pulren was impressed to see Rick strike out with his own weapon, rather than use the shield again. What would the recruit do in such a situation, against such a weapon?

With the sword swinger's motions, he could only wait until the end of the session to imagine things. The time for action was rapidly approaching as he continued to watch the edge of Rick's shield. He found himself focusing on its edge and the opening and closing fist of Rick's shield hand, when it could be seen. His eyes dropped momentarily, as a thought passed about skewering a foot, but Pulren knew that kind of maneuver was best suited for the real fights. It was still a funny thought, though.

Damn! His moment of opportunity was slipping by quickly, like a fish that darted the net. Pulren had one chance to take his shot before the Sergeant would be fully turned to him, so he changed his grip to the right being overhand and the left being underhand. with a step in, he grunted out as his trident's outer tine caught the edge of the shield. Petch! he hadn't caught it like he wished, but Pulren still pushed with all of his might to open Rick's defenses. He was already cursing himself for not being ready and hoped that the defensive maneuver wouldn't send him reeling like it had the others' attempts.

[Ricky Maze]

With but a moment's notice the fisherman soon found that his shield had very well been caught by the outer pronge of the trident the recruit Pulren used, a sudden jerk followed as he felt the weight of his shield shift and betray the balance he clung to. The attempt for Pulren, though delayed in timing, was still a success in creating an open for Ricky, one that lasted for just an instant as he teetered to his right. The recruit with the sword was quick to make this part of his advantage as Ricky's back was more or less pointed towards Pulren. If anything this alerted Ricky to the potential threat that existed when he tried to juggle not two but three opponents, he knew well enough that they'd be a workout for him but this... this was just insane!

Damn! Mot'erpetcher! He cursed under his breath as he regained his footing just in time for another reaction, but of course the sword wielder was on his tail, as was the trident weilder likely. Ricky didn't know. He only knew that he was wide open for the two, all while the recruit with mace was almost on his feet. What was he to do now? He would have but a moment to react and hold off the two behind him, yet that still left him open for the recruit with the mace. He had to recalculate his methods now, surely regretful of the turnout with his dropped guard. Lesson learned: Watch your sides.... and remember the weight of the shield too. Okay so two lessons learned, either way this experience was one the fisherman wasn't going to forget for sure.

Go 'bout dodgin' dis one, den follow t'rough wit' debilitation! He readjusted his paradigm to suit the situation once more, a little more thorough in his thought process as he went along with what he planned out. Though not anything near noteworthy in terms of grace or skill Ricky first picked up one foot and rotated on the heel of his grounded foot, to spin in a clockwise motion to redirect the blade of the recruit once more to send him past the fisherman. Though quick and halfway planned through, since it was his only reaction to go with, Ricky started to pick up on the spar session as he went along. He made sure to send a foot forth just enough to trip the recruit as he continued on his redirected path of the charge, and tucked himself backwards with hands first to the ground to avoid chances of hitting himself in the process.

He tucked into what simply was a roll backwards away from the recruits, to get the two that would stand out from his blind spots while he regained his balance. The world spun for a moment as the sudden drop and back roll sent his equilibrum in a short sudden spiral that lasted only a couple of ticks. He know had vision on all the recruits, aware of what would've transpired should Pulren might've gone for an attack as well. Ricky panted hard as he recomposed himself with the same downward stance he held earlier, only this time without the worry that he was surrounded. Therefore no need to consider the chances of surprise, and nearly losing his shield in the process of it all. "Ye vagiks are quite good, keepin' me on me toes an' all. Still 'aven't got de better o' me yet t'ough." He challenged them further as he regained a firm grip on both sword and shield.

Believe it or not this was only a front to see how they would handle a frontal assault now, should they have fallen prone to his taunt that he casted at them. It was in this moment he considered what he needed to do next, mainly what his paradigm should follow while he held off what barrages of attacks would likely follow next. Mostly he would rely on the role of Guardian with but a few switches with Warrior and Debilitator, mainly as much Debilitator as he could to buy him more time between attacks. Anytime when he would find the chance to knock them off their feet or lose their balance for a set amount of ticks, that would be enough to buy the extra time he needed to guard and parry off the attacks that followed. Of course now he was going to go all the way, instead of simply hold back his punches... well he would still hold his punches, but he was definitely going to do more.

More than just block the attacks with his shield and sword. He was serious now, serious enough to take into effect the techniques he learned some time ago. Which means he could not only catch his recruits off guard, at the same time surprise them with what sudden rolls and tucks away from attacks they would bring.

[Pulren Marsh]

Having almost felled himself with the uneasy attempt at disarming Rick, Pulren took a knee, gaining his breath and watching as the Sergeant rolled backward and brought himself up into a new stance. the trio of recruits were keeping him busy, but Pulren felt that if Rick wanted to, he could easily dispatch the three. the current way just wasn't working. There had to be a different way to approach things.

Looking over to the other two, they seemed out of breath but still ready to engage. Taking turns was dicey enough the first time, but with a rolling Waver who knew combat beyond wooden weapons and dummies, tactics would just have to change. Standing, Pulren walked over toward the maceman and the swordsman. "Gather round lads, we're going to have to try something else." The mace seemed ready to listen but the swordsman wanted to hold on to his pride and fight alone. "hey, we won't make any headway like this. The Sergeant clearly outmatches us, but we can try again. Trust me, man. Come on over."

Reluctantly, the swordsman came over and the three of them huddled up in a circle, hopefully out of earshot of their opponent. Pulren had come up with this break in strategy, so he didn't hesitate to take the lead in its development. In a hushed tone, he spoke, "Okay, Mace. You are going to hammer that shield with each of your blows. Don't worry about anything else but ringing that bell of Rick's. Sword, you put your skills to the test and try to counter his own sword. With Mace banging away, he shouldn't be able to do that twisty thing he has been doing. I'll shoot at his feet and keep them moving. No feet, no rolling and diving like a swan."

The others chuckled with the last remark and the group got ready. "We have to fight as a team to take out the opponent. One on one, we'll just keep ending up on the ground. Ready?" All nodding, the trio returned in a line of offense. Mace, stood to the side of the shield, Sword to the sword. Pulren got a grip of his trident, pointing its tines toward the ground and eyeing the Sergeant's boots.

"GO!"