[Open] Blade to shackle-bearer, valiant of spirit

[judgemewhole]

WHO: Character(s: James Norrington, Alayre Sauveterre, Pel Ashara, NPC soldiers and templars and YOU.
WHAT: First Templar Training Session for Inquisition Soldiers
WHEN: 14th of Wintersbreath
WHERE: Skyhold Training Ring
NOTES: Warnings for Violence, Racism against Elves, Templars being badass.

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Norrington had told all of the other Templars that he would begin training the soldiers in direct Templar training on how to handle abominations, and he was as good as his word. He put up a list for sign-up for the soldiers, and it was filled within minutes. His own Templars came to help train the fifty-plus soldiers, and James took on lecturing duties. Explaining the differences between demons and abominations, and beyond that, spirits as best as he understood them. Informed them that no, not all mages were simply 'abominations waiting to happen'. It was a conscious choice of the mage within the Fade to make that deal with a demon, and typically? It was because the mage had lost control of their abilities through either fear or ... coercion.

Then he had each soldier run through practice drills on the best way to defend against demons, using his Templars (and any who volunteered) to walk them through step by step. Then, to demonstrate how it all worked together -- James called Templars into the ring, and took them on, sword and shield. The effect was just what he was hoping for, the men were completely rapt with attention. Which was good - he wanted for them to soak it in.

And if any of the passer-bys wanted to stay and watch? Learn something or just know how much training went into actually hunting and killing demons? Well. Visual demonstrations were always ... effective.

And afterwards ...

Afterwards, James would be hanging milling on the side of the ring - talking to the soldiers or his fellow Templars. If you wanted to speak to him, challenge him to some sort of sparring match, or just taunt from the sidelines? Now was the time.

Comments

[judgemewhole]

It is good both of them are using caution, because Norrington is all too aware the other man is not wearing armor and cannot take a more serious blow than a few taps. Which was why Alayre was not currently on his back, staring up the sky and wondering what happened. Fine control with a sword and shield was difficult, and Norrington had to work very hard not to hurt the other man.

"Well, one has to be willing to get interesting when one's opponent has a weapon that can freeze your innards." Norrington grunted in kind, as he carefully turned on one heel, taking a step backwards once more.

[equanimiti]

"How true." A chuckle. "I will take better care not to allow such a travesty to transpire."

Alayre resumes his stance again once Norrington takes his. Despite doing whatever he could not to injure this man, he couldn't help but want to show up James a little. Alayre has a slight competitive edge about him that only Taashath seen before in combat. The Hero of Pharos enjoys locking blades with friends and foes a bit too much for his own good. He craves battle. All of this political nonsense he's undergone thus far as agonized the warrior within Alayre. For today and only today, the mild-mannered negotiator will take a backseat.

"Shall we continue?" Alayre asks eagerly with something akin to a smirk upon his lips. "I suppose you could say I'm becoming quite fond of my role in this." He says as he presses the opposite ends of his swords together. The conjoined hilts make a slight click once secured.

"You've demonstrated well how to defend against a dual-wielding Red Templar but what of one who carries a single weapon that is sharp on two ends?" The bar just got raised.

[judgemewhole]

"As will I."

Oh, Norrington has seen this look in men's eyes before. That glint of competition, the desire to best their foe. Norrington's eyes narrowed thoughtfully - he is a brilliant warrior but he always looks for all ways to victory, and not with just superior sword craft. Perhaps that is why he chose sword and shield.

"We shall ..." He watched as the other man combined the two blades together, before he called out to the men. "So the Knight Commander is now demonstrating how a Red Templar might use all of his weapons, or indeed, be a weapon himself. Always be cautious, here. You must wait for a weakness."

[equanimiti]

Alayre nods in consent when the other gives his. Norrington is a difficult opponent for him to face, especially outside of armor. He counted all the numerous times James could've severely wounded him. His footwork was a little sloppy earlier since Alayre truly wasn't in the mood for spar. However, that changes here and now.

Again, Norrington's commentary is correct. The best way to force an opponent like him is to wait for any telltale signs of weakness. This is why Alayre takes a moment to study Norrington's stance before quickly charging forward with a might thrust. The Iceblade is on the forefront here and Alayre is wielding this double-ended construct like a pole arm this time around. He strikes first with the larger blade before spinning the opposite end forward to jab at Norrington's shield.

It should go without saying that Alayre is capable of detaching the swords at will. However, it seems that he's attempting a vastly different style of combat to throw Norrington off his game.

[judgemewhole]

Oh, and now the man was going to have the advantage, while James played defensive. Any move he could make would seriously hurt the other man, so he gritted his teeth and took the slams to the shield, holding it in front of him to fend off the attacks.

In this, James showed that Alayre had the superior speed, and the superior weapon. He also showed that you could stand against it, if you had the guts to do so. Determination was never something he lacked, after all.