2018.09.12:Trainingatthecaern

Training at the Caern
Post Drama exercise at the ampitheater
IC Date	September 12th, 2018
IC Time	Evening
Players	Sergei, Viktor Balasevic, Skully, Dragomir, Xenovia, Aleksandr, Hjalmar, Maksim, Faith, Jake Miller, Brooke, Lleutrim
Location	The Amphitheater at the Caern
Prp/Tp	none
Spheres	Gaian Garou
Theme Song	CHVRCHES - Bury It ft. Hayley Williams

Howling-Wind stands up to all fours and shakes himself out before he makes his way down to the floor of the Amphitheater >>Time for someone to learn something. Who's up?<<

Viktor shakes his head, ?I can get you home.? he remarks to the kinfolk as he begins to rise. A slight furrowed brow as he does so.

Skully gets a nod, "Claws and fangs. We can activate the Mercy festish and go all out Crinos. That's the form I need most to practice fighting in. If you prefer another option, just name it." Lleutrim looks around, "Anyone know how to activate the fetish, or want to show me how?" He walks on out into the amphitheater. Just as well to get everyone's eyes and mind off of Faith and onto the impending sparring.

Dragomir gestures for Skully and Lleutrim to come over. "This is a Fetish.. focus your spiritual side on it, (spend a gnosis) and you will awaken the spirit that has been located within it to act as it is chosen to do so." He allows one of the younger Garou to have the chance to do so.

Xenovia says to Hjalmar. "Thank you for offering. Viktor will see me out, and then you can join the others for the spar. Seriously, thanks for escorting me for the lesson here." A gentle hand touches the Fianna's shoulder. She then picks up her bag on her way out of the benches. "Goodnight."

"Okay then. But I won't use no Gifts. That wouldn't be fair," Skully replies to Lleutrim with a nod, following Dragomir's instructions carefully and looking at Lleu. "You want I should do it, then? I got Gaia's favor to spare." But he senses Lleutrim already reaching out to the Fetish and takes a step back, letting the cub have this experience.

Lights-The-Darkness bows his head to Xenovia when she addresses him, just a little, as he does with anyone. The same to the others leaving, according to their station, he has a ssytem. Then his eyes return to the fight about to start below. Sitting quietly and watching. You can learn a lot from up here.

Hjalmar gives a nod to Xenovia. "Very well. Until next time then." He walks down the steps and unto the theatre's floor. "I might give it a try." (Not sure how long I will be able to continue though... Getting late.)

Lleutrim does indeed focus on the Fetish and does as Nascha has taught him to do, even if he's not very good at this yet. A nod then to Dragomir and Skully both, "Thank you, Eye-of-the-Storm-rhya. I believe it was Lucky-Bastard-rhya who told us about it but not how I could activate it." Donnachaidh puts a hand out to Skully's huge shoulder, "You can use gifts if you want to. I need to learn about dealing with them when they are thrown at me anyway, but up to you." The 'young' Galliard turns and walks a few steps away and then focuses on shifting his form to something more suitable.

Maksim finds a spot to sit and watch, settling on one of the lower levels, but out of the way of any sparring that's going on. He's still silent, though lifts a hand in greeting to Dragomir.

Howling-Wind ripples up effortlessly into his warform and waits as the fetish activation lesson gets gone over.

Dragomir nods to the fighters and offers, "I will inform Defiant Storm how you do in your test of martial prowess." he gestures with a half-gloved hand and then walks over towards Maksim and reaches out to pat the young man on the shoulder, "Greetings little cousin.. keeping yourself out of trouble?" he grins feral at the other, and then gestures towards Howling Wind, Halona, Brooke and Iris and asks, "Have you met the rest of my pack yet?"

"Nah, unless I have to, I ain't gonna. This is for practice. What do you learn if I rip you up bad right away? That Gifts are better than no Gifts?" Skully replies with a grin, reaching a long arm out to scruff Lleutrim's hair as he walks away. He takes his place opposite his opponent, drawing a deep breath, and /shifts/. The already huge behemoth grows to over eleven feet as he takes his breed form, massive and dangerous and baleful as his human form is calming.

<< But know that you face Weathers-the-Storm of the Wendigo, cub. That will be my /only/ concession. >> My he's much less easygoing in his War Form. The huge Metis snarls, one golden eye fixed on Lleutrim while the black abyss of his deformity stares blindly forward.

Maksim looks up as Dragomir walks over to touch him and he nods respectfully. "Cousin. I stay out of trouble. Mostly. I have been exploring California. I bought a Jeep and went camping. You have not had complaints, have you?" His accent is thick, but his English is understandable. "I have not met your pack, no." She turns toward those who are present and nods.

Howling-Wind gives a big wolfy crinos grin as the trainees square off >>Do you wish to fight eachother in turns or shall you all come at me? Practice fighting a stronger opponent as a pack?<<

Weathers-the-Storm turns to Sergei with a questioning growl, then looks back to Lleutrim, whuffing out his nose. << What say you, cub? Fight with me or against me? >> The huge Metis thumps his chest with a fist, looking back to his elder. << I am not afraid to face you, Howling Wind-rhya. >>

Hearing the words of Howling Wind, Dragomir nods solemnly and offers, "A good test.. all of you Cliaths and cub can practice working together to take down Howling Wind. It would be a good challenge, he is a strong warrior." he looks around, and then gestures for Iris to come over to meet Maksim, "Mercy's Messenger, this is my cousin Mac. Mac, this is Mercy's Messenger. Introduce yourself." he pats the man's shoulder encouragingly.

The Galliard Cub changes his shape from man to giant Crinos war form. Not as huge and imposing as Weathers-the-Storm yet far from wimpy. The huge grey werewolf with the ruddy flanks bares his teeth at the Metis, << Noted, Weathers-the-Stomr-rhya. But who faces Howling-Wind-rhya?"

Lleupine turns his wolf's head to note the other has also shifted into the war form and listens to what Howling-Wind has to say. Donnachaidh looks back to Skully, << Let us not waste opportunity. You and I can spar any day, Weathers-the-Storm-rhya. >> Oh, aye, he's game to try! Lleupine turns and starts to move towards Howling-Wind's position.

Faith moves slowly away from the others while keeping to herself, but she doesn't quite reach the exit of the arena. As the fight below starts to take form, she draws closer to where Lights-the-Darkness is settled. Taking a a seat on the ground several feet below the lupus, the kinswoman places her hands in her lap and watches the ring below in silence.

Hjalmar nods at Dragomir. "Alright then.. Let us see and train." He smiles and gives a nod to all participants before closing his eyes and focussing on the shift to come... A few moments later, it happens.

<Terminal Velocity> Dragomir says, "Try not to beat them too badly Howling Wind."

Howling-Wind cracks his neck and settles into a ready stance as he concentrates for a moment and his fur starts to shimmer >>When you're ready trainees.<<

Dragomir nods towards Jake when he approaches and offers a slight grin, cheshire in fact as he says to the Elder Ahroun, "The Cliaths and Cubs are about to attempt to work together to take down Howling Wind. This should be a good test for them, wouldn't you agree Defiant Storm-rhya?" as he moves to sit down now.

Jake returns Dragomir's nod and looks pleased. "Very good. I totally agree. Should prove to be very interesting. I wouldn't have missed this for the world." He then takes a seat, attention turned towards the combat area.

Lights-The-Darkness splits his attention between what is going on down in the ring, and Dragomir and his cousin and pack, though he is very quiet. Observing things as they go on. Now that the nastiness is over, he notices more, bowing his head deeply to Jake as he enters. He looks about to move a little, but it's Faith sitting down near him that pauses him. The wolf can't speak with her, but his gaze goes her way curiously.

Then it's decided. The gigantic Metis bows his head and runs his claws over the stones, scraping them to razor sharpness. They gleam in the light, and he snarls in satisfaction, hands flexing in preparation. He focuses inward, drawing upon inner strength, and growls in a guttural voice, << Greatfather Heart-of-the-Pack, I am listening. >>

Maksim gets up as the fighting starts and he nods at Dragomir. "Excuse me. I must take care of something. Call me if you have need of me."

When Howling-Wind readies himself for the fight, Skully roars his battle cry, the shout of << HOKA-HEY! >> ringing through the Amphitheatre like a thunderclap. He charges directly at his elder, sweeping with his claws, but it's a feint; he spins and strikes downward with the other hand, raking downward fiercely and exposing a weakness in the other Wendigo's defense before allowing his momentum to carry him past for another to attack. He pivots on one foot, striking out again with his claws, but his opponent steps aside, then again with the follow-up blow. Growling in frustration, the huge Metis takes a third strike, the blow ringing off of Howling-Wind without a telling strike.

Hjalmar is not the quickest of the three to attack this time.. No, after the other two made their attack, he claws... But damned.. How he misses! He needs to show what he's worth, and get at least some good hits landed!

Lleupine circles and has no preparations he can make in the form of gifts so he eyes Howling-Wind while the other two make themselves ready. Silver-grey eyes are intent. Suddenly Weathers-the-Storm goes in like a freight train to lead their pack and force an opening in Howling-Wind's magical armour! Having worked with Weathers-the-Storm a number of times on patrols already, Lleupine is right behind him! Lleu is quick to try and get in a bite! Howling-Wind may have been taking somewhat by surprise by Skully but not him! Lleu gets nothing between his teeth the first time but an audible snap! There is much dodging, much trying to catch up, and all the bustling kicks up a haze of dust in the Amphitheatre almost at once! So much happening so fast. Donnachaidh's rage pushes him onward and the Cub in Crinos form snarls! He keeps moving, digging his claws in to try and keep up with their very fast, slippery target! Lleu's second bite connects /this/ time and finds fur and flesh! Ooorah! That in turn spurs the Galliard on, still fueled by the strength and speed of his rage, to sink his fangs into Howling-Wind a second time! Not deep bites but not nothing either!

Howling-Wind gets tagged with a hard hit to the armor his gift layered on as his tribemate leads with opening a hole in his defenses. With appropriate respect for the threat Skully presents Sergei embraces the essence of his pack's totem and dodges the much larger garou furiously. This exposes him to Lleu's flurry of bites and some nips are taken. ShieldBrother's swing also needs attention and each little bit of the opening flurry disperses some of Howling-Wind's attention.

<Terminal Velocity> Dragomir says, "Lets see if they will crumble once under fire."

<Terminal Velocity> Brooke says, "Who brought popcorn?"

Dragomir watches and nods his head, seeing the younger garou working to take down the strong ahroun. He leans over to Jake, murmuring and gestures with his half-gloved hand towards them as they move. Blue-eyes watching intently, judging them no doubt.

<Terminal Velocity> Howling-Wind says, "I wonder if they realize what I'm doing yet. I am sure Weathers-the-Storm will realize it after"

Jake nods back to Dragomir, his expression remaining totally impassive. He does have quite the poker face. Is he pleased? Is he not pleased? Impossible to tell.

Getting ready for another round, Hjalmar snarls in the tongue of the wolves, <<Surround him.. Attack from all sides... Make it hard on him.>>

<< TAKE DOWN! >> Skully growls in response, ducking aside and preparing to flank the other Wendigo. He will show himself a worthy Ahroun or he will face Gaia having tried.

Lights-The-Darkness continues watching, studying every movement from all four combatants, from arguably the best angle in the place: above. Eyes flickering here and there, as they each move, silently from her perch. Maybe he's taking notes.

Dragomir turns to look towards Lights-the-Darkness and asks, "I wonder how your father would feel about you sitting on the sidelines while your brothers get their asses handed to them Lights-the-Darkness?" he offers with one of those cruel tones he reserves for his own tribe. He gestures towards the group and says, "Perhaps best you stay out, they appear to be losing." A test? He wouldn't? Maybe he would.

Hjalmar attacks again and again, landing hits, but not hitting hard enough... He needs to think of something else to annoy this foe of theirs.

<Terminal Velocity> Dragomir says, "You fight excellently Howling Wind. I am filled with pride watching you work. These young Garou become stronger today, because of your strength. Show them no mercy - let Gaia have pity on them."

Howling-Wind slashes at Weathers-the-Storm and takes a piece out of him, eliciting an angry snarl from the huge Metis. Skully strikes back, but his claws are turned by that damned ARMOR! Left open from his attack, he takes more claws along his face for his failure, and the Ahroun /howls/ in frustration, a wordless paean to Wendigo to /LET HIM FIGHT/.

Lights-The-Darkness's eyes rise from the fighting to Dragomir as he is addressed. <<Believe learn less here?>> It's an honest question from the Theurge to his Tribe Elder. <<Believe learn more there?>> There's a pause and then he considers. <<Father would say. Use what we have.>> He's not intimated by the tone Dragomir uses, but he is quite respectful. This just like being talked to normally. He's sued to the venom. <<Learn much losing. Less winning. Good lesson. Wish me to join? Can? No fear. Not life or death.>> A pause. <<Will fight Howling-Wind-rhya alone. If like. After. No fear.>>

Howling-Wind stops dodging as hard and leans into the hits, accepting the rain of blows more tactically except for a particular lunge by Lleu for a bite that came a little too close for comfort but a half step back keeps the teeth from the tender parts. Howling-wind's own claws lash out in a flurry of blows at his tribemate and he howls to shake the cavern >>WEEENNNNDIIIGOOOOOOOOOOO!!!<<

Dragomir adds simply, "You do not learn to be part of a pack, by being here and not there."

Jake doesn't show any reaction to Dragomir's taunt and Lights reaction. Just observing. Much the same as Shaderunner would do in this situation. It's almost unnerving how still he stays.

This is a difficult fight - for the Cub who's more used to working in Hispo lately than awkward Crinos! But Lleu's doing his best with it, and at least he's no longer stumblign over his own clawed feet - yet! He even tries to trip up Howling-Wind and manages it sort of! But Sergie's too fast for him. Lleu gets in another vicious bite though it too doesn't seem to do any real damage to the Ahroun. There is a snarl for the beating that Skully is taking, << HIT ME, Howling-Wind! You think you're fast, you try to tag me next! >> Lleu tries to distract Howling-Wind off of his friend!

<<See how pack moves. Different angle. Learn much.>> Lights-the-Darkness dips his head to the Elder though. <<Can fight with. Learn also. Much learning. If like.>> A pause though. <<Understand lesson Eye of the Storm-rhya. Do. Pack not always fight. Claw, claw, bite.>>

Howling-Wind grows even more still, trusting his gifts and his battle hardened toughness to protect him and he channels a powerful blow at his tribemate, even strong enough to drop Weathers-the-Storm like a felled ox after all the blows he's taken. Unfortunately he falls on Shield-Brother and he's pinned beneath the titanic metis's bulk.

Weathers-the-Storm braces himself for another attack, but when Howling Wind strikes he is unprepared for the hammering force behind the blow. He spins 'round and hits ShieldBrother, clock thoroughly cleaned and now useful mainly as a battering ram to fell his erstwile "packmate".

Things are /still/ happening fast - except for taking Howling-Wind down. That's just not happening despite their efforts! Lleu's snarling and trying to get in for another attack. Just then he sees Skully get hit with a gift Sergei throws at him and BAM! Donnachaidh sees his friend sent to bed, taking Hjalmar right out with him! It unsettles Lleu enough that his own teeth snap on air, utterly missing his attack!

Desperate to try again, but breathing pretty hard by this point, the Galliard doesn't give up! Lleu lays into Howling-Wind and gets a hold, sinking his teeth into /something/ but it is ripped right back out of his fangs without taking harm! The Cub is suddenly left alone against the Russian Wendigo!

Finally, Jake smiles slightly. It's the first time he's shown any expression at all. He turns to Dragomir and says, quietly, "Nothing like a good sparring match. Really gets the blood pumping, eh?" He then returns his attention to the combatants.

Dragomir watches, nodding his head and looks then to Jake. "They did good, lasted longer than I expected they would. Good start. Things seem to have fallen apart in the end there. A good bout, well done all together." He nods once more, pleased with the display.

Brooke has been sitting here. Quiet, observant, happy to be here and not just sitting at home. She seems pleased with what she has seen, and that the Cliaths and Cub got a chance to see just what Howling-Wind could do.

It doesn't take Lleu any time at all to see he's alone in the fight. Howling-Wind is even now turning to face him and the former Marine remembers Dragomir's teachings. The Fianna Galliard gets down at once and bears his throat, "I yield, Howling-Wind-rhya! I have no hope of defeating you this day!"

Howling-Wind stays in Crinos form for the moment and listens to Lleu's surrender and then throws back his head and howls in Triumph before catching his breath and saying >>That was exhilerating. I had to work for that.<<

"They did damn good," Jake agrees with Dragomir then gives the warriors a thumbs up. "Pridemore...Lleu...I'm pleased. I'm definitely seeing improvement and your pack tactics worked well. As you continue your training you will only get better. Don't for one moment be discouraged. Howling-Wind is a helluva tough Garou but you held your own."

Weathers-the-Storm groans as he wakes the fuck back up, shaking his head and pushing up from the ground -- and Hjalmar -- and moves from the combat circle, retaking his Homid form and rubbing his face. "Oww," he murmurs quietly to himself, sighing heavily. "I've never been hit that hard before. Ever. Even with my gift to feel no pain, I /felt/ that." He catches Jakes words, bowing his head to the Shadow Lord in respect. "Thank you, Defiant Storm-rhya. Howling Wind-rhya fought expertly. Respect to you, Wendigo; you make us proud."

Lights-The-Darkness falls quiet again, since it seems Dragomir has taken his attention from the silver wolf. He gives a bowed head to all four combatants, the deepest to Howling-Wing. Still watching them all. Ears flickering again, clearly listening to everything going on around him. <<Respect Elder for reason.>> He notes to Skully in particular.

Lleutrim slips back into his native human form and sits back, still breathing hard, sweaty, and liberally dusted with grit from the Amphitheater floor. He turns his attention to Skully and Hjalmar to make sure they are all right. Fetish or no, a gift was used. The Marine smiles thinly at Skully, "I think that's the same gift Alecto hit me with twice. I weathered it the first time, but the second? She probably threw me at least ten feet through the air before I hit the ground." Lleu gets a few more breathes and looks back to Dragomir and Jake, "Weathers-the-Storm-rhya gets all the credit for the pack tactics - his idea." A nod to Sergei, "Aye, couldn't hardly touch you, Howling-Wind-rhya." Man, Lleu's going to sleep like the dead after tonight and he didn't even get his butt kicked, like he was expecting.

Howling-Wind nods at Skully as he wakes up >>Opening with a fur gnarl was an excellent manuver, very well done.<< Then glancing to the other trainees >>You all did very well.<<

Dragomir nods, turning to look towards the combatants and offers, "Combats are rarely identical. You must remain nimble, adapt to your foe, exploit what weaknesses you find and minimize your own." He gestures with his half-gloved hand and says, "I want you all to take time, and consider how you could have beaten Howling Wind and present it to me when you decide."

Skully nods sagely at Lights-the-Darkness, rubbing his nose. "You got that right," he rumbles, walking over to Lleutrim and clapping him on the shoulder. "We did okay, considering. I saw that move used a buncha times. Always wanted to try it. Never had a pack behind me to do it."

His attention is caught by Dragomir, and he bows his head deeply, replying, "Yes, Eye of the Storm-rhya, I will," with all seriousness.

Sergei nods at Skully and considers as he drops back to homid form "When Terminal Velocity uses it we all gnarl till the armor is gone, keep making the hole bigger. Its a very effective tactic.<<

Dragomir offers, "Terminal Velocity has pack-tactics weekly. Our next will be led by Mercy's Messenger about combat within the Umbra. If you are all around and not busy, you are welcome to join us and learn what you can. It may help you."

Jake listens to Dragomir then offers, "In my first pack we used pack-tactics exclusively. It was just me and my Wendigo pack mate but we could do a shitload of damage between the two of us. It was like we were one. Hard to describe." He turns to the others. "Eventually, when you fight with the same people you'll get a silent language going between you. You'll get a feel for exactly what they're going to do and how. Planning ahead helps too. For instance...pick a limb and go for it. Every time. Or a throat. Or whatever."

Skully considers that tactic, then nods deeply, running thick fingers through his scruffy hair. "Yeah, that'd... especially if someone tackled last and everyone piled on. That'd work against a tough fighter." To Dragomir, he nods again and says, "I have a lot to learn, sir. You'll see me there. But... for now, I thik I got a lot to think about, and you know how long that takes me. This was... a good lesson."

<<Would be interested. Will come." Lights-the-Darkness says towards Dragomir. A bow of his head to him, then to Jake. <<Wolf fight as pack. Always better.>> He does know this, despite what Dragomir was saying to him earlier. A glance at Skully, as he says he's going. <<Speak? Weather-the-Storm? Be brief.>>