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Post by Gar on Jun 30, 2017 20:07:14 GMT -6
Gar was humming a sea shanty as he made his way to the shoreline. He held a bottle of grog in one fist and a canteen of water in the other. Didn’t want to get dehydrated in the sun. He hopped off an embankment into the sand. The berserker immediately kicked off his boots to let his feet feel the warmth of the sand. The sun was high in the sky, it was radiant. There was the occasional cloud and the sea breeze kept things from getting too heated. Gar liked it. The smell of the ocean, the sound of the churning waves.
It was kind of funny. Gar had spent his life at sea, drinking in the sun and the salty air, but he still wasn’t tired of it. He could spend the rest of his days in a shack on the beach and it wouldn’t bother him one bit. Assuming that he had already taken care of business around Caledonia of course. But Gar wasn’t here to think about all that mess. He was here to enjoy the sun, free his mind and relax. It wasn’t too different from Aeos’ meditation when Gar thought about it. Just a different form.
Gar bent down and cuffed his breeches. He had to set his bottle down in the sand to complete the task. After the breeches had effectively been converted into shorts, he rose up. Gar extended his arms above his head and stretched for a lingering moment, before letting out a content sigh. He bent down again to grip his bottle, open it and bring it to his lips. He drank the drink down and wiped his mouth with his forearm. The sting was bearable, but he still made a bit of a face as the liquid spread around his midsection. Gar made his way further down the sand, toward the sea line and found a nice spot to set up. First, he removed Xigshaw from his back. June had been fairly dormant recently. All the better for Gar to have some time to relax. He dropped the weapon into the sand. It left a crater as it buried itself into the ground. Gar smirked at the sight. He always liked watching how heavy the axe really was, since he was able to wield it with such ease. He placed his two containers next to the axe.
Next, Gar took off his turquoise coat and allowed the wind to catch it. As it flew out horizontally, Gar took a knee and placed it on the sand. He turned and allowed his behind to fall onto the coat. The relaxing berserker sprawled backward, placing a hand behind his head as he did. Gar’s eyelids were closed, but he could still see some of the sunlight shining through.
There were stories of sailors and pirates getting sick in their older years due to too much sun exposure, but Gar didn’t pay any mind to that. Right now, the sun was his friend. Gar enjoyed the light’s company.
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Ian Riley
Soldier
A prodigal young soldier from Santaruz. He seeks to better himself by traveling the land.
Posts: 13
Profession: Wandering Warrior
Affiliation: N/A
Guild: N/A
Affinity: Fire
Profile: Ian
OoC Alias: Selk
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Post by Ian Riley on Jul 6, 2017 10:01:51 GMT -6
Gar's mental freedom and empty mind might find that he wasn't alone out here on the beach. Strangely, a young man with yellowed brass hair tied back in a pony tail was dressed in only a simple brown tunic and cloth breeches. He was sprinting back and forth through the sand barefoot. Again and again he dashed, sliding to a hard stop in the sand before turning with haste and dashing the other way. The sounds of his breathing overshadowed the steady, calm sound of the oceans waves cresting against the sand at low tide.
On one such pass in his sprints, Ian didn't quite notice the berserker sprawled out on the sand, and he slid to a halt just close enough to toss a decent wave of sand across Gar's body and onto his coat. Ian was focused entirely on his training, so he didn't even realize someone else had come onto this stretch of the beach. He didn't have any measurements or marks to tell him where to finish, but his lance and his pack of gear were planted in the sand above the tide line as a starting point for each of his sprints. He went out a little further each time, too.
On his next trip back towards Gar's direction he finally realized that the fellow was laying there, and he stumbled to a stop before falling to his knees beside the berserker. "Whoa!" Just like that, he saw the sand and his previous footprints near Gar and immediately knew he must have spattered sand all over the fellow. He just laughed a little and sat down. "Didn't know there was someone else out here on this stretch of sand!" The young man casually slumped back onto his rump and rested his elbows on his knees. The smell of the grog caught his nose even through the thick ocean breeze, but he didn't comment on it. Judging by the axe and the grog, this man must have been a pirate of some sort. A small hint of concern did raise in the back of Ian's mind that he may have just made the berserker angry by splashing sand onto him accidentally, but that was yet to be seen for certain.
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Post by Gar on Jul 7, 2017 18:01:05 GMT -6
Gar felt a spray of sand fall across his abdomen. He tilted his head and squinted one eye open to gauge the situation. The culprit was a blonde haired boy. Gar wiped the sand from his stomach, although some grains clung to his skin. Apparently, the teen was in the middle of some type of endurance training. That was respectable. Gar didn't make a comment initially. He considered doing some training of his own, but instead just returned to his maximum relaxation regiment. At least until the boy returned from his sprint and crashed to his knees to Gar's side. The boy commented that he didn't know Gar was resting here. Fair enough, Gar didn't entirely make his presence known.
Gar eyed the boy as he sat down. "Don't worry about it. A little sand never hurt anyone." It wasn't like Gar thought he owned the beach. Not this one anyway. He noted the boy's flushed face and heavy breathing. The berserker gripped the canteen of water and tossed it over his body in the boy's direction. He was careful not to toss him the bottle of grog. He didn't want to get the boy drinking before he was a man. Plenty of young pirates had stunted their development in that fashion. He just saw that the boy was likely thirsty after training in the sand and sun.
Gar's curiosity was piqued however. "What is all that training for? You trying to be a recruit or something?" Gar had probably started combat training in earnest around the boy's age, so he assumed that he was in a similar boat, so to speak. The teen had a different build than he did at the time though. So Gar had to assume he wasn't a seafarer. Maybe a mercenary or something like that.
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Ian Riley
Soldier
A prodigal young soldier from Santaruz. He seeks to better himself by traveling the land.
Posts: 13
Profession: Wandering Warrior
Affiliation: N/A
Guild: N/A
Affinity: Fire
Profile: Ian
OoC Alias: Selk
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Post by Ian Riley on Jul 8, 2017 10:35:57 GMT -6
Much to Ian's relief, the berserker wasn't completely enraged by the fact that the younger warrior had dashed sand onto him. In fact, he was so kind as to toss a canteen of water over to the training soldier. Ian gladly held it up and toasted the sunbathing fellow before tipping it back and taking a big swig. "Thanks. And yeah, something like that. I went through a lot more than just the basics already, but I left the militia a couple of years ago." It might be hard to believe, but it had been two years since he left the squirehood in favor of his own freedom. At his age, no one would expect someone on the verge of knighthood to have left it all behind over a year ago.
"Most soldiers in the mountains, hills, and fields don't know that running in the sand builds endurance, balance, and quickness in ways you just can't learn while running on more sturdy and stable terrain. It's even harder with armor on, but I'll tackle that issue when I feel like I'm ready for it. I also wanted to feel the ocean breeze while I was working out." He tossed the closed canteen over to the other side of the axeman's body, landing it close to his axe.
He raised an eyebrow now that he got a closer look at the axe. "That's quite a weapon you've got there. I can tell from here that the craftsmanship and effort put into it are far beyond any normal wood chopper. Even beyond most regal executioner's tools."
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Post by Gar on Jul 16, 2017 16:10:45 GMT -6
Gar nodded his resting head slightly. He had to agree with the soldiers comment about training in the sand. Most of his training happened on sand or on the deck of a ship, so surely he had some familiarity with the benefits. "Aye, but traversing hills and mountains make for a good work-out too. I ain't too familiar with all that, but I've seen some people bigger than bears come from the mountains. More than one way to skin a cat and what not." Some bandits he had seen had the same build as Gar did himself. Pirates and brigands were too dissimilar with their fighting styles. In that regard it made sense that they both would grow to the same type of fighter.
Gar watched as the canteen sailed back to it's original position at his side. Then the boy commented about his axe. More on the craftsmanship thereof. Gar gripped the weapon and moved it closer to the inquisitive teenager. "Ahh, this is Xigshaw. I call it June sometimes though." Gar was fairly certain the boy wasn't going to try anything sneaky here. However, if he did, Gar thought it would be best to have the axe in hand. He lifted it upward with one hand to block some of the sun as he spoke about it.
"I don't know much about how it was made. But I do know it is special. And it was a pain in the back to get ahold of." Gar smirked lightly as he reminisced. " Aye, this here is my problem solver." Gar placed the weapon back at his side with a thud. Fortunately, there weren't any problems for his to solve at the current time.
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Ian Riley
Soldier
A prodigal young soldier from Santaruz. He seeks to better himself by traveling the land.
Posts: 13
Profession: Wandering Warrior
Affiliation: N/A
Guild: N/A
Affinity: Fire
Profile: Ian
OoC Alias: Selk
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Post by Ian Riley on Aug 7, 2017 19:04:24 GMT -6
Ian hadn't thought much about traversing hills and mountains as a workout outside of endurance training. This and that were similar, but this was more about balance and quickness of footwork. Either way, what the man said wasn't wrong. He did recall that woodsman, bandits, brigands, fighters...many of them came from those parts and many of them were burly and bulky. "I suppose you have a point."
Ian gave a light chuckle when he heard the man call that beast of an axe his 'problem solver'. He looked at his own lance, stabbed in the sand a ways back, and then smirked. Maybe someday he could own such a valuable and high quality weapon? If things went according to his plans, such a weapon would be the only real choice for someone of his skill. That was still off into the future, though. "Ever met a problem it couldn't solve? I'd imagine having an empty tankard would be about it, but if you're in the right place I'd wager it could solve even that."
The young spearman didn't even recall asking for this fellow's name after he dashed sand on him, but they seemed to be getting along well enough. It was a surprise considering that Ian normally was a bit too brash for his own good. But he wasn't afraid to admit when he was in the wrong, and trouncing sand upon a resting man is definitely in the wrong. He may have turned down the knighthood, but that didn't mean some of those values didn't make it into his way of life.
"What's your name, stranger? I feel awkward knowing the name of your axe before knowing your own name. I'm Ian Riley, future greatest lancer in all of Elibe." There was that boldness and overconfidence he had been known for back home.
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Post by Gar on Aug 8, 2017 6:10:40 GMT -6
Gar listened to the teenager's words. He appreciated the fascination he had about Xigshaw. Gar was a proud wielder of the weapon. The axe very well could be the strongest weapon he's ever come across. However, that certainly didn't mean its power was limitless. "An axe can't solve all the problems in a person's life." Gar would have to be a fool to think otherwise. Oddly enough there were a lot of pirates on the isles who were just that. Gar continued his thought.
"For example, I'm currently tracking down the location of one particular scumbag. No axe would be able to help with that." Gar didn't know why he was sharing so much, and he didn't really want to think about Black Bart. The grog could just be loosening his tongue. "But once I find him, Xig should be able to handle the rest."
Ian introduced himself. The berserker didn't care too much about introductions or politeness. "Name's Gar. Pleased to meet such a guy with such a favorable destiny." Gar smirked. "Who's your fortune teller by the way?" The berserker was only joking. Most young males were full of ambition and bravado. Gar would probably consider himself in the category as well.
"If I can give you a tip. Keep training your movement. The way you seem to be, you'll be the best in no time. Hahar, You might already be one of the better lancers that I've seen." Gar stretched his arms over his head before returning a hand beneath his head. "They love to hide behind their armor. No matter how much they wear, it never saves them." Gar didn't have much respect for the knights and soldiers of Etruian ships. He had crossed paths with them countless times before. They were stuffy and holier than thou. But this Lycian soldier seemed solid enough of character.
Gar shrugged. "That's how I see it at least, I'm sure you have some thoughts about pirates and axe users."
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Ian Riley
Soldier
A prodigal young soldier from Santaruz. He seeks to better himself by traveling the land.
Posts: 13
Profession: Wandering Warrior
Affiliation: N/A
Guild: N/A
Affinity: Fire
Profile: Ian
OoC Alias: Selk
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Post by Ian Riley on Aug 17, 2017 15:45:52 GMT -6
Fortune tellers and favorable destinies? No, those weren't the sorts of things that Ian got himself involved in. He had no delusions of grandeur about his goal to be the best. Attaining the title of best Lancer in all of Elibe was likely a path covered in hardships and blood. It wasn't something he was proud of, but the young man wouldn't be denied. He'd put forth his absolute best and achieve his goal. Still, there was no need to spout off about it to everyone, least of all this salty fellow who was just making an idle joke.
"The only one who can tell my fortune is me, and so long as I stick to my goal and follow the path I feel is best to achieve it...I know I can get there." Then the axeman did something that Ian didn't expect. He offered him training advice and commended him on training his mobility. "When I was in training, heavily armored knights always dominated the mock battles we fought. Only the fastest, most powerful cavaliers were able to down them. Most foot soldiers like myself were supposed to set a counter for the enemy cavalier charge to protect our knights, and the knights defended the archers while our cavaliers ran amuck in the enemies' back lines. Or so the plan was supposed to go. I don't need to ride a horse to outmaneuver a man wearing his body weight in metal."
He smirked at that, but paused when the comment about pirates and axes came up. "I've never met a pirate on the field of battle, but I have met plenty of brigands. Either way, my great grandfather is the one who taught me my ideals when it comes to lances, axes, and swords. You'd probably not want to hear something so idealistic and stuffy as that, though."
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Post by Gar on Aug 24, 2017 14:35:30 GMT -6
Gar swigged his drink once more. It was still a nice day with a nice breeze, even though it was beginning to get a little late. Gar was still interested in the conversation. The boy claimed that he was in control of his own destiny, which was true to an extent. Nothing will show you how little control you have like a rogue wave. Or being sold into slavery, but that was beside the point. Gar liked Ian’s perspective. Good old work ethic will get you where you want to go in most cases. The soldier seemed to have plenty of it. At least enough to train on such a great day for relaxing.
To the soldier, armor knights were the dominant fighting force. Gar didn’t see it, but not everybody had a swing as powerful as his. There were armor slayers and piercing lances that could certainly help with that. But of course a person can’t be expected to have a trump card for every eventuality. Ian went on to speak briefly on brigands and his grandfather’s words. However, he refrained from repeating the words himself.
Gar raised an eyebrow, his curiosity was piqued. Gar wanted to know what this soldier's old man had to say. Could be nonsense, but it could also be valuable wisdom. “No reason not to hear an old soldier’s words. Aye, probably stuffy, but the guy didn’t get old by being wrong.” Gar had heard the sentiment before. ‘Old soldiers never die’ or something along those lines.
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Ian Riley
Soldier
A prodigal young soldier from Santaruz. He seeks to better himself by traveling the land.
Posts: 13
Profession: Wandering Warrior
Affiliation: N/A
Guild: N/A
Affinity: Fire
Profile: Ian
OoC Alias: Selk
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Post by Ian Riley on Aug 24, 2017 14:55:45 GMT -6
Ian was a little surprised that Gar took an interest in the words of the old knight. The young soldier took a deep breath, "So, let me preface this by saying that my grandfather was not only an old soldier, but a follower of the old ways of knighthood...of which there seem to be fewer and fewer followers these days." The young man shifted his weight from one foot to the other before starting his explanation.
"My grandfather had a very idealistic explanation of why axes best lances, lances best swords, and swords best axes. It's a simple fact of combat that most soldiers get pounded into their head, but none I've met have explained it the way my grandfather explained it to me. He told me that swords are tools of royalty, of nobility, and of leaders. Lances are the symbol of the knighthood, delivering justice to a point. And axes are the symbol of the masses. From farmers to woodsmen to blacksmiths to bar wenches to pirates, Axes symbolize commoners. A sword is meant to lead, and it holds sway over the axes, but the axes hold sway over the lances, which are the supporting infrastructure of the sword. Should the sword prove inadequate or unjust, the lances will cease to support it either by choice or by way of being overrun by the uprising of axes. When the commoners raise their axes against the knighthood, it is the knighthood's duty to stand aside if there is no justice to be delivered." He paused to take a breath at that, then gave a short summary.
"I suppose what it all boils down to is that my grandfather believed the knighthood served the commoners, and not the royals. The knighthood took orders from the royals so long as the people's best interests were kept at heart. Each group willingly follows the one above it until such a time that the group above is no longer acting in their best interests, forming some checks and balances."
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Post by Gar on Aug 24, 2017 15:33:24 GMT -6
“Your grandfather isn’t wrong. I don’t know much about knighthood or lordship, but it seems to check out from what I’ve seen.” It was interesting. A highly metaphorical and poetic way to explain the weapons of the world. Gar held a very similar view, if not the exact same in different words. He once shared this view with a blue haired mage that he had met in this very town. “I once claimed, swords are for the greedy.” Mercanaries and lords. “Lances are for their loyal lapdogs.” Knights and soldiers. “But axes. Axes are for a free man. Or a commoner. One not bound to serve.”
“Looking at it from a new perspective, a lord’s obligation to his people is not too different from a captain to crew.” Gar tilted his head, wondering if this analogy was too much of a leap. “As long as the one in charge does right by the people, they will remain in charge, gaining whatever benefit that gives.” That part seemed to check out.
“However, if the one in charge becomes corrupt, there will certainly be an uprising. Be it rebellion or mutiny.” That seemed fair to say as well. The only difference being that if a captain does poorly, there isn’t a line of knights who will stand between him and his people.
“The people have to keep the ones in charge honest. Otherwise, you end up with tyrants and it will take a lot of losses to take down a person like that.” Gar didn’t know exactly what the deal was with the leadership of the many countries. However, he knew of wars and rebellions in almost every one of them now. They were fighting over something or other and Gar rarely knew what that was. This train of thought led Gar to another question.
“Any particular fight you’re trying to join?” It may be fair to assume that no one trains for the hell of it. Ian probably had some sort of motivation. Unless he truly wanted to be the best lancer and that was the end of it.
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Ian Riley
Soldier
A prodigal young soldier from Santaruz. He seeks to better himself by traveling the land.
Posts: 13
Profession: Wandering Warrior
Affiliation: N/A
Guild: N/A
Affinity: Fire
Profile: Ian
OoC Alias: Selk
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Post by Ian Riley on Aug 24, 2017 15:44:09 GMT -6
Gar's words seemed to ring true to what Ian had been told by his grandfather. It made the young man smile to think that his grandfather had something of a kindred soul in this gruff pirate. He chuckled, even, and smirked. "Me? I don't have any reason to fight for king or country. Right now I'm just facing forward and preparing myself for the next job that might allow me to afford a good meal and a good night's rest. I've got a small reserve of coin to cover me between jobs, but usually I just live job to job." He wasn't sure if it was smart to tell a pirate he had spare coin, but somehow he felt like this fellow wouldn't try to lift his coin from him seeing as he hadn't done so already. After all, Gar's weapon was within arm's reach while Ian's was meters away stuck in the sand.
"My homeland isn't war hungry, but they're never without a shortage of soldiers due to having so many potential allies and enemies on their borders."
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Post by Gar on Sept 1, 2017 22:50:38 GMT -6
"Living life one day at a time huh? That's a good way to do it. I like the freedom that comes with it." Gar smiled as he enjoyed the relaxing breeze from the ocean. "Folks who work jobs day and night never get a chance to enjoy the smaller things." For example, spending a day on the beach. That said, the best part of the day was about through. The berserker gave his arms one last stretch before rising. He brushed aside the sand grains that clung to his skin in various places.
Gar gathered up his coat and shook the sand off of it's backside. He was careful to make sure that none of the sand blew into Ian's direction. As he placed his arms back through the sleeves of he turquoise coat, he rolled his neck and spoke. "It was a nice talk, but I had better head out." Gar gripped his large axe and latched it onto his back. He extended a fist to bump against Ian's. Gar began to walk back up the shoreline to the proper town of Badon. He held a half empty bottle of grog in one hand, and a half empty canteen of water in the other.
Gar called out behind himself as he returned to town. "Oh one last thing, if you ever find yourself on Caledonia, be sure to come find me. People there should know where to find me. Hahar." Gar pulled himself back onto the embankment and entered the town.
[Exit Gar]
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