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Post by Duma on Feb 20, 2016 20:09:21 GMT -6
Duma kept himself entertained practicing his swordplay. He received a new steel blade and was testing it out. He tried to keep his mind focused on his movements. To those with untrained eyes it appeared as if he was swinging nothing more than the blackened hilt in his hand. This new steel blade a shorter version of the katana like blade he had been using prior. This put him at a slight disadvantage, as he was accustomed to swinging longer blades. But, this shorter style sword gave him more agility, it also meant he could flick it over his arm quicker as a defense. He was repeating the same set of strokes over and over again. But Duma knew the differences between them. He knew when he applied too much force in his swing. The blade responded in turn, it curved outwards, which in a real combat might have missed his mark. It would have left him open for a counter attack.
So he repeated the motion once again. The same stroke. This time his grip was off and the blade turned in a manner he did not want. He shook his head. Come on Duma. Get your head in the game. He swung again. The blade glided through the air effortlessly. He followed up that swing with another, an upwards swing that would have deflected an oncoming weapon. He did two more swings before he stopped and changed hands. And again he repeated the same motions. Later, he would focus on his body movements. He wanted to incorporate the newer styles he had learned from the other tribes into his movements.
“Once more..”
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Selibas
Hero
The Little Wolf
My Word is Iron.
Posts: 455
Etruria Fame: -1
Bern Fame: 4
Illia Fame: -3
Profession: Khan
Guild: Tribe of Sacae
Affinity: Ice
OoC Alias: Selibas
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Post by Selibas on Mar 1, 2016 14:53:01 GMT -6
The sun rested in the sky high over the Sacaen camp as Selibas walked between the gers. It was a long day, a long day of talking and walking and exchanging pleasantries. A strange turn of events at a few of the more recent camps he had visited, that also served as a reminder of the different customs of the assembled tribes, and it in the form of gifts from the different Khans or representatives. One that was of particular interest to the young man was a gift from the Khan of a small tribe who he'd only had passing words with. She was an older woman, who did more than imply that she'd be sitting out from the fighting as she said she could barely mount her horse. The gift she'd given him was one that struck him as odd, but he'd been willing to accept it. It was a Sacaen Saber, fully sized and fully forged, but dull on the sides. Upon giving it to him she said that she knew he wouldn't use it in battle, but that, 'If you had a son you could teach him.' Then she winked and mentioned that her granddaughter was young, good with a bow, and quite pretty. Then Selibas had excused himself.
Now he walked, oddly fingering the hilt of the useless blade at his belt. The thought of a son was jarring to say the least, but the thing that upset him even more was the thought that he couldn't teach one, hypothetical or not. He knew nothing of Sacaen Swordplay, of dancing all around on your toes as you swung your sword like a ribbon. His fighting wasn't pretty, it was hard and ugly, it was fast but not a style based on swift movements. He fought like a stone, not a stream. Maybe it was time for him to learn, if he Selibas Sacae, he'd need to learn what the Sacae part of it meant.
While still deep in though he came upon a thin swordsman with long green hair practicing sword motions that Selibas would have considered quite Sacaen in nature. It was pretty, clearly deadly, but pretty. Selibas thought, as he saw the man's face for a moment in the midst of the man's movements, that he recognized him. So, the little wolf approached and watched, letting the man finish the technique before calling to him, "You, you spoke at the moot. What was your name?" He fingered the hilt of the practice blade, it was similar to his old saber, but just slightly different in the particular curve.
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Post by Duma on Mar 2, 2016 16:23:59 GMT -6
Duma let out a breath with his final swing. That last one was a clumsy swing, he had misjudged the strength of his back swing and nearly buried the tip of the sword into the ground. Damn it. This new blade’s shortness was messing with his perception. I’d have to be very close to my opponent in order for this blade to be effective. This means a change in my usual style. I doubt the Eturians would let me get close. He then turned his attention towards the man who called out to him. Duma’s eyebrows perked up for a moment. He regained his neutral composure. Then stood up straight and sheathed his blade.
“My name is Duma. Good afternoon, Grand Khan.” He gave a slight bow. Duma was unaccustomed to giving such formalities. The elder of the Qazvin had instructed him on some diction. The matriarch was not going to have any of her tribe embarrass themselves towards the others due to a lack of diction. When the green clad swordsman tried to reason out that he technically was not a member of her tribe, the matriarch whacked him in the head with her walking stick. Despite, this Duma found himself staring at the Khan. He wasn’t sure why the bearded Khan was here. Perhaps he wanted to talk with the Matriarch?
“Uhm.. Do.. you need something from me?”
If the Qazvin could see him now they would all collectively be face palming their foreheads. “Uhm” was probably not the most intelligent of things to say in front of the leader of the Khans.
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Selibas
Hero
The Little Wolf
My Word is Iron.
Posts: 455
Etruria Fame: -1
Bern Fame: 4
Illia Fame: -3
Profession: Khan
Guild: Tribe of Sacae
Affinity: Ice
OoC Alias: Selibas
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Post by Selibas on Mar 3, 2016 0:51:44 GMT -6
Selibas nodded. "Duma." He followed the man as he bowed, which still felt quite odd to him. Not more than four years in the past he was a runaway with a sword he didn't know how to use, traipsing about Lycia, Nabata, and Bern with no one in the world paying any attention to a mongrel Sacaen brat, let alone listen to him. Now however, Etruria turned Elibe's ear wherever its army marched, and Selibas' voice carried. They would hear him. To be bowed to, it was odd for a young man who'd been made to keep his own head low as a child. He didn't know if he'd ever be comfortable with it, although he could think of a face or two he wouldn't mind seeing pointed at the dirt, but he would not stop people if they would bow. He could not appear weak, in any form or he would be unfit to lead.
The man, Duma, asked if there was something he needed. Selibas looked at the man's sword, and noted that while it was not like the trainer he wore at his belt it was more like it than any that he had ever held before. Selibas crossed his arms in front of his broad (relatively speaking) chest and looked up at the long haired man's face. "If you wouldn't mind, I'd be interested in watching you practice. The motions I saw you working through when I came up were quite impressive." The short Khan noticed that the man was tall, even more so than usual, and wondered how important that was for swifter lighter swordplay.
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Post by Duma on Mar 4, 2016 9:37:41 GMT -6
There was a light blush on Duma’s face. Duma wasn't accustomed to compliments from strangers. And while he was glad the Khan thought it impressive, Duma did not. The swordsman knew his own faults with the new blade. And he knew his swing and arms reflected it. Another swordsman of his caliber would have probably scolded him for such a sloppy display. The fact that the Khan said his movements were impressive gave Duma an impression that maybe the Khan was unfamiliar with the Sacean style of swordplay. Which would make him blush out of embarrassment. Regardless of the reason for his own rosey cheeks, Duma nodded softly and took a step back.
He gave the Khan another demonstration of his skill. He pretended to be facing another fighter. One with an axe. The axe fighter went to swing down, Duma took a step forward. He swung upwards which would usually deflect the axe blow. Then quickly pulled the sword down and performed a diagonal slash. Followed by another upwards diagonal slash. Three quick simple slashes that would kill any non armored man.
Pretend fighting and actual fighting were two different things. And while the strikes appeared quick Duma knew that when they connected to flesh they would be slowed down to a degree. He'd have to remember to accommodate for that in battle. He stopped for a moment and sighed. Those swings all looked well but again Duma could feel all of the subtle mistakes in the swings. And it annoyed him.
“Truly sorry for that Khan Selibus but that was not my best display. This blade is new to me and am struggling trying to master it.”
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Selibas
Hero
The Little Wolf
My Word is Iron.
Posts: 455
Etruria Fame: -1
Bern Fame: 4
Illia Fame: -3
Profession: Khan
Guild: Tribe of Sacae
Affinity: Ice
OoC Alias: Selibas
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Post by Selibas on Mar 6, 2016 23:59:58 GMT -6
Arms still resting across his chest, Selibas watched as the lithe swordsman went through his motions. They were very fluid, the man seemed to be out of his own head. As he watched, Selibas tried to venture a guess as to what the motions were meant to do, in action or reaction. If he had to venture a guess, he'd say the man's moves were best in countering an axe or sword, but not a lance. Maybe, he wasn't sure he'd be able to tell with a more Sacaen style what was what. Perhaps the man's motions would have ended with an axe through the gut, but as Selibas watched Duma move, he guessed that it wasn't quite perfect for fighting a sword, and must be for an opponent with an axe.
When the man finished he claimed the short Khan had not seen his best work, but Selibas threw his hand up to dismiss the man's words. "The day I see flawless swordplay is the day the sky father holds a hilt." Selibas first lowered his arms, then reached his right across his body, and slid the practice saber from its sheathe. He held it for a moment in his right hand, but decided it felt too odd holding such an odd blade with his brutal right arm. He passed it over to his left, and decided it was better for the task he sought. He gripped as he would any of his other blades, hard and straight. Looking the long haired swordsman in the eye he spoke once more, "If it's not to odd a request, I'd appreciate a lesson. I know little of Sacaen swordlay, and would like to begin to learn."
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Post by Duma on Mar 9, 2016 15:34:46 GMT -6
Duma was indifferent to the Khan's comment about father sky being perfect with swordplay. The swordsman had heard many tales along his travels about how seemingly perfect gods had faults similar to humans. Faults like pride, greed, lust and jealousy. Brother gods who made bets on humans and put them into unwinnable situations. Sky gods who throw lightning at people that they just didn't like.
"A khan who knows little of Sacean swordplay.. that.. is something you do not hear too often." He paused for a bit then tapped his own chest.
"Then.. again.. a non-sacean who is well versed in Sacean swordplay isn't common either." Duma took a moment to look at the Khan. He had heard only a few rumors of the Khan's life. How he was only half a Sacaean and shunned by his tribe. Duma could see some Bernese features in the young Khan. Specifically, the broad shoulders, short haired beard, and wider eyes. His hair although green like many of those born from the plains was cut short. Most Saceans preferred to keep their hair long. Now while the hair cut and facial hair did not specifically indicate region of birth it did give Duma some idea as to where the Khan had been. Maybe Bern.. or Lycia? He'd have to fight him in order to confirm or deny his thoughts.
"I'd be honored to give you a lesson. Show me what you can do." Duma held up the short sword in a defensive manner. He then took a stance and signaled for Selibus to strike at him.
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Selibas
Hero
The Little Wolf
My Word is Iron.
Posts: 455
Etruria Fame: -1
Bern Fame: 4
Illia Fame: -3
Profession: Khan
Guild: Tribe of Sacae
Affinity: Ice
OoC Alias: Selibas
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Post by Selibas on Mar 14, 2016 11:05:42 GMT -6
"Correct," Selibas pressed out, "it is not common, but I am not a very common Khan." He looked at the way the man moved on his feet, everything from the actual movement to the way he shifted his weight. Anything he could identify as marker of the style of a swordmaster would be useful for the short Khan to learn. Everything in his walk was hard, he was sure he'd need to grow lighter on his toes to begin learning how to fight like the sword dancers so many plainsmen seemed to be. Duma was right, it was odd for him to stand as Khan, and not fight like any of the men or women under him. He needed to learn, for in learning the sword their way, perhaps he could understand more of them on a level deeper than he did now. It was probably better to learn from someone who was not Sacaen, it was poetic. An outsider with an inside style teaching it to an insider with an outside style.
Selibas attempted to set his feet in the same method he had seen Duma use just before starting his movements. Then he ran towards Duma, trying to pace his steps like all the swordsmen he had fought in his life that used lightning speed instead of thunderous strength. As he got close to the other man, he tried to swing the sword, but as he began the motion, a flash of memory came to him. He saw a wooden training sword coming for his face hard, and his own much smaller arm trying to protect himself. He dropped the training saber he was swinging in the present day. Abrudptly stopping his motion, Selibas said, "I'm sorry, I truly know nothing of the style, the motion I took was so foreign to my hand I dropped the blade." Selibas forced a chuckle, then said, "Why don't you begin? And we can work from there?"
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Post by Duma on Mar 15, 2016 19:24:59 GMT -6
Duma stood there and watched. He watched as the Grand Khan tried and failed to imitate a proper Sacean style. The Khan approached ready to strike Duma raised his blade to defend but it wasn’t needed. The khan dropped his sword. Duma sighed softly, waited for Selibus to finish speaking, took advantage of the distance, and struck the Khan with the blunt edge of his sword. He made sure to use enough force to send the man a few feet.
“What the hell are you doing?!” He shouted. Duma quickly put his sword away. And stood there with his arms crossed staring down at the Khan. It was painfully obvious to Duma that Selibus had no idea how to work with the Sacean style. Selibus had shown hesitation. Hesitation in the battlefield led to death. And this unification would not and will not survive if Selibus is dead. He sighed again this time calming himself.
“It was foolish of you to try and come at me with a style you are clearly unfamiliar with. I do not want to see you imitate the Sacean style. I want to see your style. Selibus’ style. The style that got you to where you are today.” He then drew his sword again.
“The Sacean style is as versatile and unique as the tribes who use them. These styles are all variants and improvements of basic movements. I simply cannot “teach” you new basics.” He paused for a bit.
“We will use your original style as a base and build from there.” He took one pace back and took his stance again.
“Now. Come at me.”
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Selibas
Hero
The Little Wolf
My Word is Iron.
Posts: 455
Etruria Fame: -1
Bern Fame: 4
Illia Fame: -3
Profession: Khan
Guild: Tribe of Sacae
Affinity: Ice
OoC Alias: Selibas
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Post by Selibas on Mar 18, 2016 22:47:56 GMT -6
Not a moment after the short khan had finished speaking, the flat of Duma's blade made contact with him. Hard for the man's size. Hard as it was, Selibas would likely have been able to take the blow with only a bruise and some sharp pain if he'd had his feet set in his usual way he probably wouldn't have been moved. However, his feet weren't set his way, they were the dancing way, and move he did. He almost lost his feet as he was sent stumbling back, but managed to keep himself from falling onto his back. The man asked him what he was doing rather bluntly, and Selibas growled, "Learning swordplay, I thought."
The man made a good point then. His style was set in his mind, he could not hope to learn a new style after years with a sword in his hand the way he knew it without some work to establish his relationship with the sword. Perhaps he could take on enough teachers, and through them he could break down his old style in his mind, and become a man without ways when he moved. Instead of a style he could be a bundle of techniques that he could pull out at any time, the move fitting his fury or duty.
The man told him to come again, and the short khan nodded. He passed the practice sword over to his right hand, and set himself in his more regular stance. His right foot was a bit forward, his legs just less than shoulder width apart. His blade was inbetween his waist and his neck, pointed at an angle towards the sky. His left hand was up, forearm bent so that it was close to his face. Then, he rushed forward. He had no doubt the other man was faster than him, but Selibas was by no means slow. Selibas came in, and didn't stop moving, he only slowed down. He made like he was going to thrust, at Duma's stomach, but then flashed the sword in a horizontal slash that would take the man across his shoulder.
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Post by Duma on Mar 20, 2016 9:47:20 GMT -6
Duma watched as the Khan changed his sword hand and took another stance. Duma smirked softly as Khan Selibus charged at him. This is what he wanted. He wanted to see how the Khan moved and operated. Almost immediately Duma could see that the Khan was built for strength rather then speed but that does not mean he was slow. The khan had average speed and that was enough to keep him alive. To keep his momentum, the Khan appeared to try and thrust the sword into Duma.
Duma moved quickly. He turned the sword in his hand so that the blunt edge faced forward. The last thing he wanted to do was injure or accidentally kill the Khan. Killing the Khan would be amazingly bad for him. All of Sacae would be out for his blood. He braced himself for the attack, he quickly pointed the sword downwards and did a horizontal slash in order to parry the blow. His intention was to redirect the Khan's movement and move him away from the sword master's body. But he was forced to change his tactic when the two blades met in the middle of each horizontal slash. There was a clang and Duma could feel the force of the blades ring up his arms. Duma quickly took a step back, raised the blade upwards, so that he can get a change of angle, and let Selibus' sword run off of his own sword.
Duma then quickly side stepped and gave a quick but strong vertical slash.
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Selibas
Hero
The Little Wolf
My Word is Iron.
Posts: 455
Etruria Fame: -1
Bern Fame: 4
Illia Fame: -3
Profession: Khan
Guild: Tribe of Sacae
Affinity: Ice
OoC Alias: Selibas
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Post by Selibas on May 24, 2016 18:02:26 GMT -6
Hmm. The swordmaster was sturdier than he looked. Sturdier than most every swordsman Selibas had ever met on the plain. Most Sacaens were like paper with a razors edge, sharp and quick, but able to break in a strong enough wind. The ring that came to the arm of the short khan told him just how different the other man was from a typical lithe swordsman. He managed to almost stop Selibas's stroke, and then started to try and turn his blade. The Little Wolf's momentum prevented him from making a full stop, so he steered into the skid. He merely tried to keep going, but the long haired man pulled away and took aim with a vertical slash against him. Selibas twisted, and managed to parry the blade. Then he kept going running a few more steps before turning about. A nice move, one that Selibas could swear had been used on him before.
Now that he'd turned, he came on again, slower this time. He took harder wider steps, steps that would be harder from which to move him. Of the two men, he was certain that he was the stronger, and that he was the slower. He hoped that the other man could find some way to make him quicker on his feet and with the blade, but until he did, he intended to fight using his strengths. Namely his strength. When he was withing range, he set his feet in a wide stance. He brought his blade in, hard, flat facing Duma. Though the weight and size had been matched to his arm, the style of the blade still made swinging it with neutral intent rather difficult for Selibas. His blade sailed in as a horizontal slash against the other man's stomach.
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Post by Duma on Jun 23, 2016 9:10:51 GMT -6
Duma smirked a bit at the Khan’s attack. He could see why he was called the “little wolf”. The Khan was perceived to be smaller in stature than the average man he fought with the ferocity of a wild animal. While not as unpredictable as Vincent's style of sword play it was still very effective. A strange mash of raw power and skill. Duma liked it. He liked to see swordplay that was different from the norm. Normalcy implies repetition. Repetition could be memorized and turned into prediction. Prediction could lead to death on the battlefield. Abnormalities, hybrid, adaptable, or unpredictable, styles like this may just be what saves a man from meeting the gods.
But, the Khan was slow. His style reflected that of another country one that was accustomed to swinging larger wider swords then that of the thinner blades of the Saceans. Duma could take advantage of this momentary lapse in speed. Duma would show him the advantages of speed and movements in time. And if not him then another Sacean could take his place. Duma braced himself. He countered the swing with one of his own. Again, the clang of metals resounded the air. But, this was different. The resulting stalemate forced the pair of them to remain stationary as the blades made a t shape. Duma was strong but not strong enough to hold the stalemate for long. He saw an oppertunity to end this. He pressed himself forward. The movement forced him to have Selibus blade rise up and meet the shoulder guards that were sported on Dina's unusual clothing. As they rose Duma kept moving pushing himself against the flat end of Selibus blade until he was at its very edge. Then he quickly twisted himself around the tip of the sword and was again face forward to the khan. He was now safely out of its range if only by a few hairs. Selibus would have to step forward to close the gap. And that bought him just enough time to prepare himself for his next move.
The swordsman had channeled his energy into the blade. This was the precursor to his next skill. His talent. His expression changed to one of complete neutrality. He focused solely on Selibus and of his own movement. The next strike would decide the victor of this sparring match.
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Selibas
Hero
The Little Wolf
My Word is Iron.
Posts: 455
Etruria Fame: -1
Bern Fame: 4
Illia Fame: -3
Profession: Khan
Guild: Tribe of Sacae
Affinity: Ice
OoC Alias: Selibas
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Post by Selibas on Aug 20, 2016 19:54:23 GMT -6
The little wolf was coming to remember how much he hated fighting speedy little swordsmen. They were all about dancing around you and turning you away. There was no standing your ground, it was a style that simply served to frustrate him. It was a style the short khan needed, and wanted to learn. Still, against it his blood boiled. The taller older swordsman managed to twist away from his blows without taking any damage that would even slow him down. If Selibas had to guess, the two of them were very similar. Selibas was faster than most with his style, and Duma seemed to be stronger than most of those with his. It made for an odd balance.
After a brief exchange that resulted in Selibas' sword to clang against the shoulder guard the marked swordsman wore, and the twist of Duma's blade to give Selibas' forearm a bruise. The little wolf grunted as the two of them were given breathing room between them. Selibas gripped his sword the way he was used to, a half finger below the hilt, and his fingers practically red from the tightness of his grip. His nostrils flared, the other swordsman didn't move.
He was trying to goad him, to get the short Sacaen swordsman to rush him, and Selibas almost did. The man wanted an example of his style, that might have been the truest showing he could give. Rushing in, blood like fire and with tenacity like steel. Instead, he set his feet, and held his left arm so that he could respond. He'd considered adding a shield to his style, but had decided against it for now. He liked being free to grab or strike things. For now, he waited to see the answer from the other swordsman, and he would answer in kind.
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Post by Duma on Sept 10, 2016 18:52:25 GMT -6
Oh. Oh! This was unexpected. Duma was certain Khan Selibus would come charging at him like an angry bull. He was waiting for that moment. He would read the Khan's movements and respond in kind. But, the khan did not charge at him. Duma let out a small sigh through his nose. He would need to be the one to initiate the attack. He smirked lightly. It wasn't often he needed to play the roll of aggressor in a sparring match. He had not shown the young Khan all of his sword talents. And there was a good chance he wasn't going to show all of his secrets. No, Duma needed to wait and be patient with his skills.
He changed his stance and prepared to charge. He ran towards the Khan. Unlike, most warrior's Duma's demeanor was calm. He wasn't hot blooded like some of the younger fighters whom were itching to test their mettle against everyone. He was experienced in the ways of battle. He knew how to behave. His movements were precise, he would test the Khan's reactions with his strikes. The Khan had no shield. This was a good thing for Duma. It meant that whatever hit he got on the young Khan would strike his body.
He stopped and lunged his blade forward. The Khan had two options to go about this. He could either strike the sword, which Duma anticipated. The swing of Selibus' sword would determine how he would counter. If he moved out of the way, Duma was close enough to close the gap and strike again.
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