The Training Gallery is an open cavern compared most of Zinrah’s narrow tunnels, small caves. It lies somewhere in the middle of the cramped hollows and grand spaces, broken by the stone pillars that support the cave’s ceiling and the weight of the ruins above. Open steam baths in the room keep it alight with the glowstones radiating faint light along the floors and walls, as well as serve as a place to clean up after a rough match. They’re too open for the more sensual pleasures, though they make a nice relaxation point as an observer watches the matches. This is where the constrictor Dhani tend to spend most of their time if they aren’t burdened with their work or hunting. This is also where snakelings first come to learn the basics of the hunt and combat in a variety of ways.
The structure of the cave makes it ideal for the purpose of a training gallery, although earth reimancy has left its mark in perfecting the structure of the cave. There are open pits and elevated platforms for wrestling matches. A contest sometimes is to push your opponent from the platform, where as the pits are meant to signify an event of no escape. There are stone targets, some made of shale rock, for weapon practice. The cleavage of the targets allows for minimal damage to most weapons. Wooden replica weapons provided in the gallery are suggested in use of the stone targets. Live combat is best performed with an elder instructor or peer to simulate the real deal to the fullest. A range in the back of the Gallery allows for practice with all projectile weapons, be it bows or javelins. The Dhani aren’t picky about their weaponry.
The unique addition from the reimancers is the cave’s overarching spires and obtuse extensions. From the right angle, when the lighting is dim enough, it’s as if a viewer is actually back in the jungle. The walls and pillars are all customized to allow the Dhani to practice the skills they need to maneuver the wilds. Rock climbing along the walls – and ceiling for those with the proper skill – or scaling the stone trees are all options. Once a Dhani snakeling knows how to move in the jungle, he is ready to learn the more skillful ambush techniques in the extreme springs where the cave live is abundant, or out in the ruins where the real danger emerges.
All are welcome to use the Training Gallery at any hour of the day. It’s usually most active during the mid day when the sun is high and the Myrians have clear shots at the ruins. Come nightfall, the Dhani are back on the hunt, sleeping, or actively sublimating their Myrian based hatred in industry. There are those exception few who call themselves professionals and spend all their time in the Gallery though, and they are always welcome to help upcoming Dhani or friends of Zinrah, as well as accepting challenges in their respective areas, such as wrestling.
Original Author Credit: Schism
