"Why hello, darhling."The woman drawls"I trust you have business with Mr. Derik. Or did you too hear rumors of pie?"
"Not really. I was merely curious. What kind of place is this anyway?"
"It is an inn, trade post, and school."The man replies.
"Do you teach locals to read and write?"
"The Bladestone Foundation is a school of combat arts, mundane and magical."
"Do you teach adventurers as well?"
"Regularly."
"Perhaps you would give me some pointers on my melee combat? I have some experience fighting monsters but I rarely fight experienced masters."
"Well, let's go see what pointers I can give."
The man leads the way to the arena in the back. "Welcome to the Bladestone Arena." He fits his shield to his arm, and draws one of his swords.
"So, to determine what pointers I can give you, let's see what you've got." He motions to attack him.
"Ooh, very nice."The man effortlessly deflects his opponent's thrusts."Keep going."
"Are you not going to attack?"
"Not yet, I'm assessing. Do you want me to?"
"I don't see how this would differ from me attacking a training dummy."
"The dummy doesn't give tips. En guarde." The man immediatly switches stances and attacks.
"You are very quick, I appreciate that."He remarks after several exchanges.
"And you are very proficient in disarming maneuvers."
"It helps."After three more moves, he swats his opponent's blade to the ground.
"You are fast."He lets his student reclaim the blade.
"Didn't help much in a long run."
"It would have. Your combination of footwork and that initial attacking maneuver is quite impeccable. Stay mobile. Because when you let yourself get pinned down, it's over. I hope you are pleased with the service." The man smiles in satisfaction.
"You are lucky that I managed to counter his magic. You should not have charged in blindly like that."
"And you are lucky that each arrow was a hit."
"Might makes right, and by rights all their riches now belong to us."
"You lot certainly seem like Vanguard material."
"What vanguard is this?"
"The Whitewood Vanguard."
"Explain what that is."
"One of the most active Mercenary companies on the Coast. For one, you won't be a slave soldier."
"Would they make me leader instantly, then?"
...
"I am the only one who kept a cool head under stress back there."
"You hid like a coward."
"Should I have attacked a companion under a temporary spell? Don't be absurd."
...
"Death by a thousand cuts - at least, it would be that if this had been fought to the death."
"Is this pointless exercise over now?"
"It was not pointless."
"No it's worse... You did it to entertain someone..."
"Don't you watch and learn, archer? How can you specialise in hunting giants or anything else if you pass up valuable opportunities to watch others fight? That's how you divine all their strengths and weaknesses." The woman laughs. "Come on, let's get off this icy peak."
"Don't want to enjoy the view?"
"I enjoyed it rather more when you were lying face-first in snow."
...
"As I was saying... if you feel it worth your time, consider the Vanguard... You will certainly seldom find yourself without backup, and you will hardly find better."
"What is the purpose of this vanguard that you advertise?"
"Like I said, Mercenary company..Currently at the forefront of the war with the Zhentarim."
"Does it have no agenda aside from earning money fighting for others?
"You have to ask the Captain that. I am just paid to shoot things dead. But If you want to learn to improve your bladework...There are far deadlier bastards than me in the ranks. The Captain is Michael Dunn, but he isn't even the best fighter."
"It has only just dawned on me that I never introduced myself. How impolite. I am Catherina Albrecht.
"Catherine, a name finally."The man smiles."And whom do you deign to serve besides yourself?"
"I serve the Most Noble Order of the Radiant Heart, of course."
"Funny one aren't you. You are not with the Order of the Radiant Heart..."The man growls."You are a Banite, aren't you Catherine?"
"Why would you make that assumption, Bedine?"
"I fought enough to have learned some tells... And it is not an accusation, I merely want the story straight."
"And on what authority do you make such a demand?"
"Authority? Let's not get into that foregone argument. But since you ask me that... It is yet another tell. Banites tend to obsess over such things."
The woman laughs.
"It is a bold accusation. Where is the evidence of your claim?"
"An educated guess. Know thine enemy and all that."
"I think it may be even less than that - just persecution mania."
"Fine, keep your secrets... But you are certainly not of the Radiant heart... I haven't fealt an aura of death from their knight before."
"At any rate, with Bane dead, how can anyone be a Banite? And aura of death? Now you're just grasping at straws."
"Me? I don't personally care. Unless you give me reason to."
"Yes, you sound like you don't care. Shall we step outside?"
"Let's say you came upon a drow camp whilst travelling the Underdark. A camp hidden in a hole in the ground. You are aware of them but they are not aware of you. What would you do?"
"First volley is free then, whoever is left standing gets another."
"Drow are not archery dummies."
"No, they are slippery, good for practice."
"So you would reveal yourself, take the initiative and stick arrows into their hole?"
"What if they have archers of your caliber among their company?"
"Unlikely..But even if they did, that just makes it a battle worth remembering."
"Would you at least see yourself taking them from behind?"
"I am not really sneaky myself. Never liked that whole dishonorable approach."
"I see. What if they are big muscled drow?"
"Bigger targets are easier to hit."
"They also hit harder."
"True, but then again, that is life, you bleed them, they bleed you back sometimes, all fair and well."
"You know how treacherous drow are. Could you handle big burly drow warriors taking you from behind?"
"Probably better than you could."
"Oh, no argument there."
"Your confidence is very inspiring. Do you know if the magic upheaval has affected the Underdark as well? Could this be the source of your bravado?"
"Exactly. The drow rely heavily on magic. I do not, thus giving me a substantial advantage. Not to mention an arrow flies faster than they can cast any magic anyway, I can usually kill them before they even manage an incantation."
"I have heard that clerics are having even more trouble casting their magic than mages. And by that, I mean that if it comes down to a cleric and a mage facing off, I know which I'll be putting my money on."
"What if there was someone who could be quick enough to evade your arrows?"
"What if they can? They cannot evade forever, and if its just one out of ten it won't matter anyway. I am smart enough to aim for those who cannot first. Besides even if they get close, I am still not incapable of eviscerating a foe. So come as close as you like..."
"There are ways to evade his arrows quite easily."
"I agree. Even wandering monks can manage something like deflect a few arrows, no?"
"A few... I have many."
"Monks can do those crazy moves of theirs, but all it takes is a split-second delay and they die. There are better flawless ways."
"Really? Like what?"
"A sorceress does not reveal her arcane tactics."
"Right... I did mention I became really good at killing mages too? If you want to test yourself, I will oblige you this once. Maybe then you will fear the drow less."
"No, not really interested, thanks."
"Have it your way, pretty lady."
"What kind of sorceress would I be if I let myself be so easily tricked?"
"Tricked into what?"
"Into revealing your weakness, that you might find a workaround in future."
"Aha, bold, I like it."
"Bold or bluffing. Who can tell?"
"So much talk of power yet refusing the most real test on offer.. What is the point then really?"
"I'm all talk and no bite."The woman smiles.
"You have bite somewhere... If you lose, maybe you can show me."
"You'll have to get used to disappointment."
"Is there any more to be had even?"
"You're trying to trick me into revealing something. It won't work."
...
"I will look out for bandits and monsters whilst you two play."
"Ah..The moon is beautiful tonight.."
"Indeed. Its silvery pallor is enticing. Will you be fighting to the death?"
"Excuse me, miss. Would you happen to know if any of the teachers are in tonight? Ah, forgive me, sir. Your visage from the back made me a bit confused."
The man looks over his shoulder, and offers a soft smile."G-greetings."
"Greetings. Regarding the teachers in this establishments? I was told by headmaster the other day that I could speak with some whenever they stop by."
"Mmm. I am one of t-the teachers here. Adrian."The man dips his head, and smiles softly.
"A pleasure. Do you by any chance teach fighting with sword? I am interested in seeing different techniques in hopes of picking ones that better suit my combat style. I have had headmaster give me a fighting lesson before. He showed me his disarming technique."
"I c-currently have another student, whom I am teaching on a regular b-basis."The man rubs the back of his head as he thinks for a bit."How involved are you l-looking for your lessons t-to be? I'd like to h-help, but I may not have t-the time currently."
"I believe a single lesson would suffice to show if I have an aptitude for a particular combat maneuver. I am not a novice after all. But what kind of techniques do you teach, if I may ask?"
"M-my speciality lies in the art of w-wielding two weapons at a t-time. Though I s-suppose that is more a style than a t-technique."The man lets out a small chuckle."Similarly to our h-headmaster, Derik, I am adept at disarming my foes, knocking t-them down, and recovering quickly from b-being knocked down myself, to the point where I am not really knocked d-down in the traditional sense. Though the latter is a q-quite involved process, which will t-take several lessons to teach. After all, that style is t-the one favoured by our deputy h-headmistress, Lylan. She's the one who t-taught me in the a-art of quick recovery, and graceful movements."The man smiles softly, with a touch of fondness."A true d-duelist that one. Like her, I also know t-the art of springboarding over and t-through my foes to leave them m-momentarily stunned in my w-wake."
"Ah, Lylan the elf? It has been several years but I remember the name. If it is the same person, I believe we have sparred together in the past. Would you like to have a practice bout, Adrian? I would be interested in seeing how far a student of Lylan has come. Not to mention the challenge of fighting an opponent who wields two blades at once."
The man nods."I can d-do that. How far d-do you wish me to t-take the practice bout? Just a r-regular sparring, or should I go a-all out? By that, I mean to use a-all the tricks and techniques I h-have at my disposal... I prefer to d-duel without magic."
"Then all out, by all accounts. I would like to experience fighting a really skilled opponent. You learn more by defeat after all."
The man offers a light bow, and then draws his twin kukris. Each get a small twirl, going opposite ways around, before he settles on a comfortable grip, and assumes a ready stance.
***
"This is indeed the technique that Lylan was perfecting back then."
"I am sure not by your standards. Did you change your hair?"
"I've grown accustomed living around humans."The woman shows off her braid by a half twist of her neck. "You too though."
"You sure carry a lot of swords."
"I found out around the Devil Wars that i needed to keep changing at the battlefield to engage with different types of Devils and their flocks. Once thing led to another, and it sort of stuck with me."
"It kind of suits you, I suppose. At least it shows that you have been keepeing up with your training.
The woman nods in affirmation."Have not missed a day yet. And have begun training others."Her smile turns a bit more amused."I heard you were keeping with yours as well. Given the sore account of my student. Graduate, actually."She corrects herself.
"A student? Ah, Adrian. He did mention you have taught him. He has impressive offense. Though his defence is a bit lacking. But I am sure he will improve with time. We all did."
"He is bright, and diligent. You truly inspired him to to get better."
"I am glad. I have picked up a few things from that place myself. I think I crossed blades with your superior the other day as well. He was kind enough to show me his excellent disarming technique."
"Another other reason to carry many swords."
"Hm. I suppose. Though I am not sure how well that would suit me. I prefer to restrict my movement as little as possible."
"The scabbards are customized to rest at my natrural anatomy, still needed an adjustment period to learn to dance with them."
"You have incorporated dance in your combat style?"
"The foundation is built upon dance principles and ways of motion. I do however am quite strict on my ban against empty flourishes. It's great to dance around an enemy and get angles I wouldnt otherwise have, but my goal is still the quickest line of motion."
"Sounds interesting. You will have to show me sometime. I have been in the region for a few tendays and so far haven't found many talented warriors. Your foundation excluded, of course. Too many put emphasis on offense while ignoring their defense."
"I was one of them if you recall, until Derik whacked me into shape. I hope he proved more a challenge than Adrian did."
"He did. As for Adrian, using dual blades sometimes causes one to rely on them too much. I have heard from him that most enemies succumb to his initial flurry of blows. That kind of bias sticks with you and becomes a weakness later on if you don't address it."
"He has better defences than most offensive dual-wielders, but it takes too much of his focus in my opinion. Still, in the field of battle he is always reliable."
"To each their own. It was only a one on one duel. In a team battle, he would be a formidable opponent. Do you know of any strong warriors in the region, by any chance? I have been teased with a few of them being a part of White Vanguard but I am unsure of much of what I heard was simply a recruitment spiel."
"Most likely. I mean they have good warriors, but the only one I can say that beating isn't a sure thing if I put everything into it is their dwarf warrior, Doan."
"That must mean something for you to admit it."
The woman shakes her head."He is well guarded, mobile and sturdy. It is the balance between offence and defence, and his keen battle focus. He knows what he is doing."
"Sounds like an ideal opponent to hone one's skill against."
"Now, now."She smirks."Should I get offended and challange you to change your mind?"
"I was simply agreeing with your assessment. Are you fishing for an excuse to start a fight? If so, you need only to ask. I never turn down an excuse to show someone up."
"Maaaybe."The woman chuckles."It has been a long time since we dueled. And I would admit to being intrigued. It seems you spent your time in the east, judging by your outfit."
"I have traveled a bit. And I won't deny that my style has changed somewhat since the last time we crossed swords. And this outfit grows on you and easy to move in."
"It looks very comfortable. I have a student from the Kara-Tur, I am helping her to be more agile with a katana."
"I have heard that there was an influx of students following the recent magical upheaval. I hope it gets better with time. It's been a hassle trying to find a competent magus to accompany in ventures."
"The hassle only starts there. Amn had downright outlawed mages, and Balur's Gate arrests those who cast magic spells within city limits. The Bladestone Foundation found itself becoming a sanctuary of sorts, for mages who flee persecution."
"A temporary state of affairs."
"I am trying to help there where I can. Apperently my insistence on egineering in lue of my ability to cast is proving itself useful."
"Are you dabbling in construction nowadays?"
"For decades. Started while I was sailing, rose to be a boatswain, it's the the officer in charge of maintenance. It grew to war engineering... quite naturally actually. I was always facsinated by moving parts and how they function."She seems to consider something with an amused thought."Congruent with my passion for motion, I think."
"Sounds fascinating. Sometimes I envy those who have something besides their swordsmanship."
"Its never too late to develop a skill if you have a sharp mind. And I remember you a sharp woman."
"Kind of you to say that. But I fear it would detract from my skill with blade. Perhaps when I am old and withered."
"I commend this kind of devotion. Just don't forget to take the time to enjoy the world you are fighting to preserve. It is healthy for the mind, and the soul."
"Thank you. It is a good advice. But resting is all I do nowadays."
"Oh? This is the first day in two tendays I had free to rest. Lacking a purpose?"She lightly tilts her head.
"No, my purpose right now is to find a good opponent to further hone my skill against. What did you say is the name of the group this Doan fellow is a part of?"
"He's with the Whitewood at present. But I wouldn't recommend tangling with Vanguard, frankly speaking. How was fighting Derik?"
"Why? Are they not fighting a good fight? Last I heard from one of their members, they have been fighting zhents."
"Were.. But it's not all they do and their reputation suffers for it."
"I see. Derik was a tought opponent. He had a good balance of good defence and offence. And an excellent focus. A second I broke my stance he took advantage of it and won the fight."
"He defeated an Orc Chieftain in single combat a little while ago. Broke their entire clan."The woman grins at that, unhidden admiration on her face.
The man taps his index finger on a small glass he is holding with his right hand.
"Are you a regular to this establishment?"
"Not really."He drinks from the glass then leaves it empty on the table."I moved to this... Region... Fairly recently. I'm not new to places such as this though, I must admit."
"I was told to visit this place if I wished to know about the strongest warriors of the Coast. I don't suppose you know much about that?"
"Places like this are home to all sorts of rumours... You might find something useful or... Well... A pile lies. What do you need a strong warrior for?"
"I wish to hone my skill with the sword."
"Hm. Fair enough. I've seen a great deal of fighting in my life... Though I wouldn't call myself a warrior. I don't believe I can help, although this part of the world has been going through a great deal of troubles... Trouble and experienced fighters get along. Wait long enough and you'll find what you are looking for."
"I did not come here for a fortune telling. Do any names come to mind? People of notoriety? I gather that one has to be particularly strong to come out on top in this kind of environment."
"I've heard about something, or someone... Not in Roaringshore though. I've heard of a man called Derik Ranloss... He owns an establishment called the Bladestone Foundation. They gather veterans and experienced fighters to teach combat. Maybe that's the kind of place you're looking for."
"I have been to that place. I don't suppose anyone else comes to mind?"
"Is all you're looking for to fight things and travel?"
"For now. Do you have anything to contribute? Or are you simply curious?"
"Curiosity is poison. I was going to offer suggestions but that really depends on what you're looking for."
"I am looking for people with great martial skill. Simple enough, is it not?"
"If you're looking for martial skills you'll either be seeking Michael Dunn down in Nashkel with his mercenaries. It's sometimes easier to find them at Blunt in the farmlands outside the gate. Or... Wait for a ship captain like Anglo to show his face around this place looking to hire on more sailors. If your desire is for something more "just" then you may wish to join one of the holy orders like the Radiant Heart, Church of the Triad, or the Silver Rose, though they are washups. But if you don't mind getting your hands dirty, the first two would be your best suggestion."
"Infamous captain Dunn? I was told by one of his own men that he is not the strongest one in his outfit."
"More often than not... Mercenary leaders are not the strongest individuals of their own crew."
"Depends on what you're seeking in strength. Is he of the greatest weapon prowess.. No. Is he keenly intelligent, a decisive leader, and knows his position.... Yes. He lead a group of about thirty of us in holding off a horde of creatures from white slaads, to earth elementals all sent by some dragon, from destroying Beregost. And mind you nearly everyone fell in that fight save for my Volstagg. But we held the line. And Michael was quick to give good and stable orders. So if he's not the strongest, it means he has a champion. Perhaps you'd best them, hmm? I think if you're reaching for any title, that'd be a decent one to hold."
"Another member of the White Vanguard? I am merely seeking someone strong. I have heard the name Volstagg before. One of the students at Bladestone Foundation mentioned his name. Can you tell me where I can find him?"
"I don't particularly like a couple guys in his unit. But even after the fighting Michael offered words of encouragement and food. He's also been helping the church down there, as well as seeking out mage hunters and defeating them so mages here are safe. So... Just all something to consider. As for finding Volstagg... It depends on why you seek him out, miss."
"Testing his mettle I presume."
"He's not looking for anymore people coming to pick a fight with him to prove themselves. So you can prance on if that's your desire. And yes, I do speak in his stead, as his woman. He's the bouncer here."
"If he wishes to be left alone, let it be so. I have no interest in forcing those the hand of those without ambition."
"Thank you for that sentiment. He's just had a lot of people coming in looking to prove themselves over the last couple months. He had to force an elf woman to leave a couple weeks back because she wouldn't let it go."
"Bloody hells..."
"But aye, if you're looking for someone competent to fight... Renloss, Marshall, one of Dunn's men, Gavin. Those would be the best I could suggest. Derik though they say has been unstead since his wife's death."
"So that's your life? Challenging the best warriors you can find until one of them cuts you in half?"
"Does the concept of fighting not to the death seem foreign to you?"
"I know lies better. I know people throwing away their honour even more. You might ask for a fair fight, suddenly you're dead in a ditch."
"If she'd come here seeking Volstagg, that fight would have been fair. It would have been held here in the basement with other's watching over to make sure both fighters were cared for afterwards. Odd place for fairness... but, it's the truth. Same at Bladestone."
"There is a risk of that, sure. As there is a risk of me unsheathing this blade and lopping your head clean off. But a possibility is simply that."
"Fair enough. My question was aimed to understand if all this experience you're making is gonna be put to use. Or are you nurturing talent for its own sake?"
"I have no goal in mind at the moment. Perhaps when I am as old as you, I might think more deeply."
"Then good luck making it this far."The man smirks slightly then finishes this second glass of whiskey.
"Thank you. And I appreciate your advice. Though I give no promises that I will follow it. Farewell."
"Name's Shana Mirna"She shrugs a bit at that"Ye probably heard about me because ye talk ta people in this tavern. Apparently I'm talked about a lot."she reaches up and taps her horn lightly"Probably along words like 'fun' and 'trouble' and 'cheeky'. Might be a bit good with a sword... But mostly I'm just a blade fer hire... Ain't got a big seagoing reputation."
"I will match two hundred."Tosses gold to the pot.
"Y' puke at sea?"
The man looks at the table and ponders."I'll pu' anotha' hunna' in... makin' it three."
"Never had. Served on some ships fer coin wen they needed extra blades or I needed passage.
"I will match that."Adds another 100 worth to the center.
"Y' lookin' f' work 'r y' lookin' f' a coin from a John?"
"Ain't a flipskirt."She shrugs"Though I do like a good tumble I ain't really charge fer it. Works more my line."
"Oi Sel, Comin' ta' play?"
"Y' sayin' y' know shipwork?"
The bartender walks in with a few bottles of fresh rum and ale, setting them on the table"Nay, been a long day and night. Pike takin over for now gonna head to the Inn myself."
"Fair enough, Sel mate. Go sleep tha' sore neck off."He chuckles some and give him a pat on the back.
"Nay any master at it."She shrugs"But I know it. Bit of engineering, geography, astronomy.... Some local legends all over tha world.... Knots and such.... Don't know all the ship terms by heart... And dreadful with port and starbord switchin round on me. But I do know how ta do things."
"So, Quarta' masta'. Yeh'n got a name fo' that glaive o' yours?"
"Not for you to know, swabby."
Gives him a nod with a smile"Fair'nuff."
Glances at the glaive."You taking part in the tournament wielding that thing?"
"I am."
"A curious weapon."Admires the glaive"Does it slashes or pierces?"
Smiles grimly."Either, depending on the angle. But it likes to decapitate the most."
"Never seen anyone wield something like this competently. I am taking part in the third tier. We might never cross blades, unfortunately."
"The pit is waiting if you desire."
"I'm probably tha most agile person ye'll meet. Can scale a ships rigging or swing around on it easy enough. Ain't so good in the nest, poor distance sight, but I can aim quite well in weapons range."She pats her blades
"You don't like beating 'round the bush. Let's have another round of dice and go the pit after that."
"Got a knack fer tha close up and personal style... And can swordsplay with tha best of em if needed... But I also got some skill with mechanical stuff like locks and traps...."
"Bu' are y' lookin' f' work?"
"Dice offer only a fraction of the excitement the pit does. If you're so keen to bet, you can bet on yourself."
"Fair. How much are we betting?"
"I'll let you lead this dance."
"Appreciate it. How about five thousands?"
"Depends on if works found me." She shrugs"I live by the way things happen... If yer looking fer me ta look fer work... I'm lookin fer work. I can get by on my lonesome, but a group workin together is much more fun. But if I am lookin for work... then if the group don't turn on me... I don't turn on the group"
"Agreed."He stands upright and retrieves the polearm.
"Oh we'n gan' down the pi'?"He chuckles softly and stands up.
Taps his companion with the butt of his warscythe."Follow and keep your eyes peeled. You might learn something."
"I nae doub' it."
***
The man assumes position in one end of the pit. His hand reaches for the fiendish looking mask hanging from his belt and dons it. His demeanor changes in an instant. He looks alert, focused, taut. His breathing is similarly elevated.
His opponent unsheathes one of her blades. A hand & a half sword of eastern make. She takes a deep breath and assumes the fighting stance, lifting her weapon slightly with both arms. Then exhales.
He'd narrow his eyes at Garon, almost examining this other side yet to be sseen by the tiefling"On my three once'n yehs both ready aye?"
"Alrigh' - One!"
"Two!"
"Three!"
"Go fo' it!"The man chuckles softly as watches his companion disappears in thin air.
He then reappears behind his opponent and makes a series of horizontal slashes with his glaive. The woman attempts to evade his lightning fast attacks but ones of them nicks her left arm, leaving a long bloody gash. Not to be outdone, the woman unfolds a complex motion with her sword, wounding her opponent in return. After that first exchange the fight quickly devolves into the series of quick bouts wherein each of the fighters attempts to feel out and pierce the other's defenses. Sweat and blood covers the floor of the arena. Blades clash in struggle for dominance. After a few minutes, the fight is finally decided. The man falls on one knee, blood pouring out of his mask. A trembling hand reaches up to remove the demonic visage, dropping it on the ground. He looks up at his opponent in disbelief, before wiping his lips with the rag.
The woman stumbles back a few steps in sheer exhaustion, then rights herself and wipes her blade with a cloth, sheathing it in the scabbard.
"That'n be it!"He lets out a belated shout. He quickly jumps to his companion's side and offers the man an arm up.
The man slaps the hand away and rises using his warscythe as a prop. The rag is then pressed against the hole that had been opened up.
"Well fought."He admits without a hint of vitriol and produces the five thousand from his satchel.
The woman pauses in the process of dressing her wounds and reaches out with her good arm, accepting the bag of gold and making it disappear in the inner pocket of her robe. "Likewise. You have really interesting techniques. I have never seen anything like that before."
"You better win the pot or I'll never be able to live this down."He retrieves his mask from the ground.
"I will try to. Mayhaps we will see each other in the finals after all."