caughtinanetwork | .2

Entry tags:

.2 | video;

[Okay, this time, the post is deliberate. Hubert is addressing, well, everyone. He pushes his glasses up out of habit before he begins speaking.]

My name is Hubert Ozwell. I've been in Vatheon for several months now, and... some of you likely saw me on the network a few weeks back. I apologize for not realizing my SFC was turned on.

That aside, I was part of the residents that were taken to a strange place some time back, and the dangers presented there were many and difficult. I realize the longer I remain stationary here, though, the more likely my combat skills are to atrophy. That's not something I would like to happen.

I am aware of the defense force, however I haven't decided just yet if I want to join. If anything I would like to ensure that I'm not going to be a liability and that I haven't lost my edge.

[Yes, it's only been a short time and he's already worried about this.]

Would anyone be interested in sparring at all? I extend this offer to anyone with decent to passable combat skills, as there isn't much I haven't dealt with. I also have healing artes, so I have no concerns or qualms about injures.

I await responses to know if this is something worth perusing. Thank you.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[He does go for it. There's no hesitation, just patient waiting for the proper opening. As soon as Serph's away from him he flips back, coming to a stop a few feet away and right next to his discarded gun.

He grabs it and clicks the blades back in to place, and the blades back in to the staff before he's up on his feet again.]

[It's a trap, man!

...But Hubert is faster and more agile than Serph had estimated. Nevertheless, because Serph doesn't use eyes to know an opponent's location, he also doesn't need line of sight for his spells.

The only warning Hubert gets is a hissing sound from Serph, before a massive icicle will appear from under his feet.]

[Damn! He should have seen that!

The icicle erupts from the ground and sends him flying in to the air, but he manages to use the momentum to still pull off a leap. He spins through the air and lands in a crouch, but not without damage. The ice still cut through to his right leg, leaving him bleeding and a bit unbalanced.

He lets out a pained grunt when he can't stand again, quickly breaking apart his staff again. He crosses the guns in front of him, a bright white and green glow surrounding him.]

Rays of light shine upon us! Healing Wind!

[A green glowing array flashes around him, and the wound is mostly healed. Enough that he can stand again, spinning the pistols back in to blades then to staff form again.

He doesn't make another move yet, though, hesitating for the sake of not wanting to make another mistake again]

[Serph's curious about the breaking and reformation of those weapons. Something to ask, later.

The icicle shatters on its own, breaking into fragments that rapidly evaporate.

While Hubert's healing himself, Serph's also in the middle of casting a spell. The same one as before, in fact. Serph's not one to give opponents much room to breathe, so, again, Serph hisses and another icicle erupts from the ground Hubert is standing on.]

[This time he's ready for it, and he side-steps before the ice can get him again. He attempts to go for a straight, head-on attack this time, charging forward once his blades are broken apart again, swinging them in tandem.]

Dualblade Dance!

[Fast learner. Quick close range engagement. Smart move; Hubert's reach is longer than his fists in melee range.

Serph isn't willing to find out how sharp Hubert's blades are, even if his flesh is much tougher than a human's, so he darts to the side; he estimates that Hubert is too fast for him otherwise. Unfortunately, this also means the tree is no longer between himself and Hubert.

He's not very familiar with human melee weapons other than knives though, so he moves in for a grab when he thinks he senses an opening in Hubert's attack.]

[Hubert instinctively yanks back from the attempted grab, clicking the blade back in to a gun and firing with one hand.

He doesn't stick around long to see if it worked, simply darting zig-zagging backwards to get out of arm's reach quickly.]

[Argh.

Serph lets out a snarl of pain. Yep, that shot definitely hit him in the ribs, just under the armoured scales, creating a mark where the shot hit. But he recovers almost immediately, easily shoving aside pain; he's learnt to in a literal dog-eat-dog world. Serph isn't about to let Hubert gain distance on him either; he has a good idea that Hubert fights best if he can engage and disengage from battles quickly.

The question is, is Hubert out of leg's reach? Serph covers a lot of ground in one stride and kicks low, attempting to break Hubert's balance.]

[He would have been, had Serph waited just two more seconds and one more step back. And Hubert is quick on his feet, but there are moments when even the best isn't good enough. He gets caught with the low lick and stumbles to the ground harder than he was expecting to.

There's a grunt as he rolls away, but he's only down for a few seconds before he's up on one knee, pistols at the ready again.]

[Serph doesn't give chase. Instead, he holds out a hand.]

Enough.

[His voice is a little deeper and slightly guttural in this form, but it's still distinctly Serph's. Raising his left hand, he reverts back to his human form and gives Hubert an approving nod.]

Your weapons are very interesting. Can you show me how they join and separate? I cannot see when transformed.

[It seems like a good time to exchange thoughts on the short spar.]

[Hubrt nods and straightens. He feels a bit of stiffness in his leg, but it's nothing another healing spell won't help later.

He ignores it for now, quickly putting the staff back together to demonstrate.]

Of course.

[He pulls the staff apart first, twisting the pole slowly to show how it clicks and separates.]

I will be the first to admit, it is a weapon that's taken many, many years of practice to perfect.

[He lays one down on the ground so he can continue with just one.]

The handle clicks down like so... and the blades move back...

[He pushes the handle down at an angle, and with a snap of his wrist the pointed blades separate, swing back and click in to place, turning in to the pistol.]

Like that.

[Serph watches intently, totally fascinated. Wow. Damn. It's one thing to know the weapons change, but it's quite another to actually see them change in front of him. It's an interesting piece of weaponry.

He nods again.]

It's quite versatile. Is this a common weapon in your world?

Common? No, not exactly. Though to say any weapon is "common" in my world would be a bit of a stretch.

[And back to staff form, quickly as he can once he picks up the laid down blade.]

Many people start off training in a certain style, and eventually come to customize their own. For that reason, there are hundreds of styles of weapons floating around. In fact we often found discarded or retired weaponry along our travels.

[The concept of customised weapons is foreign to Serph. But it seems the people of Hubert's world has had time for such things. He nods.]

What other skills or experience do you have?

[Whether it's combat related or not.]

I'm a Lieutenant of the Stradha Military, actually. I have a bit of hand to hand combat experience, but it's not my strong point.

[Military, huh? Having another with that kind of expertise is definitely a bonus.]

Your experience would be welcome on the Defense Force, if you still wish to join.

[Even without the military background, another helping hand would be more than welcome.]

I have confidence in your abilities.

Is that so?

[He lets out a quiet 'hmn' of thought, eventually nodding.]

I would like to, yes. Thank you for the offer.

[Serph nods. There's a small pause before he speaks again.]

Would you be interested in leading an organised training group?

[Hubert seemed interested in ensuring his skills don't decline so...]

There are many both within and outside the Defense Force who wish to keep their skills sharp in case of attack.

[ooc: To have Hurbert officially, all you need to do is fill out a form here!]

A training group?

[He's a bit surprised there isn't one already, but it does sound like an ideal place for him to start.]

I see. Well, I don't see why not. It wouldn't be the first time I've led training exercises.

[Serph gives a nod in approval. Good. He'll let Hubert handle that, then.]

Don't let me keep you, if you have other business.

[Hubert returns the nod.]

Thank you very much for your time, and consideration for the defense force.

[Serph gives Hubert one last nod in acknowledgement and turns to leave; there's still plenty he needs to get done, after all.]

[ooc: Also, if Hubert's handling sparring/training now, this may be relevant to his interests.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

.2 | video;

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject