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Dojo
Taross nods to Karou a moment, "Well, pleased to meet you then." she answers and turns back to Porter for the rest of the explanation that goes with the tour.
When 'introduced' with the wall of weaponry, she's impressed. Not impressed by all the weapons, though, but of the completeness ((is that a word?)) of the entire collection.
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Phelan
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Member #4965
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Posts: 1059
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((sorry it took so long, uplink trouble wouldn't let me load this section for a while.))
"I'm sorry. The car's near bulletproof. YOu'd need an industrial-grade diamond saw to get through the windows. BUt yes, I'm here because I'm admittedly ammunition-dependant. I'm tired of relying on guns for everything. I value all life, not just my own."
Phelan looks back at the Stratos' briefly, watching the oily hue of laminated polycarbonate in the windshield fade as a cloud passed overhead.
She'll be safe.
"I'd like to train here, if you're not booked-up or anything."
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Just inside the dojo itself
Sesame noted both of Jason's rejections, and her eyes narrowed slightly. This behavior was quite different from the recollections that Master Bar Gamer had told her. Perhaps this Master Kakemaru had something to do with it. Something else to investigate later. Sesame stepped forward when she noticed the signs of anger in 'Myra-chan,' and taking the human's outstretched hand in her own slightly furry and oddly lumpy hand, calmly and quietly drew Myra's attention away from Argosy, and back towards Master Porter, who was doing something.
Taking Karou's silence as a granting her forgiveness, Sesame Oil returns her attention to Master Porter when he uses his telekinesis to smooth over the gravel. Sesame noted the similarities of the gravel here to the grains of sand that she moved during her testing. Sesame mentally wagered that soon, it would be her duty to smooth over the gravel.
Master Porter resumes speaking. The array of weaponry was rather startling to a minimalist like Sesame, but she let her gaze linger over certain weapons, particularly the long and short blades, many of the shorter weapons, and some of the exotics, like the manrikigusari. Though not always for the same reasons.  Sesame's hands and wrists turned this way and that as she considered how the weapons that she was not familiar with might move, but the modern and Western weaponry completely befuddled her, especially the telescoping batons. Were they to be employed as clubs, perhaps?
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"I'm sorry. Are you cold?" *Mysterious smile.*
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Sesame's attempt to distract Myra from Jason's rudeness isn't very sucessful; she still appears to be quite mad at him, but she's not going to go off on him immediately.
Oh, no, she'd much rather wait for the proper opportunity for her revenge. Some things just shouldn't be rushed, after all.
She works hard to keep her reactions to Sesame friendly though. She doesn't want to offend someone who has been friendly to her, after all.
When they reach the wall of weapons Myra looks them over with an appreciative eye. Her Fleet hand-to-hand training didn't include weapons, except for knives, and the idea that Porter's own training could include so many different kinds of weapons is interesting, even though she can't see just how some of the weapons would be used. Like the long chain-thing with the weights on it, or the odd, hook-shaped blades. And just how you'd use a 2-meter length of cloth as a weapon is a mystery to Myra.
Likewise, her curiousity is piqued by Porter's references to an area for 'ranged' weapons. Given the variety of weapons here, she can't wait to see what sort of things Porter considers to be 'ranged' weapons.
She glances over at Porter and asks, "What about weapons that can be used both in close combat or at range, like knives? Fleet hand-to-hand uses knives, and we're trained both to cut and stab with them and to throw them. Our sparring with them permits both uses; you can score on an opponent with a well-timed knife throw just as you can with a strike by blade, hand, or foot. The idea is to be ready to use any weapon in any way it can be used, not to get locked into thinking of it in a single way.
"From what you've said, it isn't permitted to use a 'ranged' weapon in here. So is there a place here where one could practice such a combined method of combat, rather than just hand-to-hand or throwing?"
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I was a shepherd to fools
Causelessly bold of afraid.
They would not abide by my rules.
Yet they escaped. For I stayed.
-"Convoy Escort" by Rudyard Kipling
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Entrance Gate
Phelan hears a rather loud click as the entrance gate unlocks, and AI Beta addresses him again.
"Very well then. Please enter, and approach the group at the central building. Sensei Porter is the large canine that looks rather like me, and he has been told to expect you. He is giving a tour of the facility to several other prospective students at this time."
Inside the dojo
Porter pauses a moment, looks in the direction of the entry gate, and comments "We have yet another prospective student, it seems. We will wait here a moment, as he catches up to us."
He nods to Myra. "The next area, behind this building, is more suitable to thrown weaponry, or to weapons that are fired, such as archery or firearms. And the closer half is also quite suitable for hand to hand practice - a nice lawn of dense grass. We will go there in a moment, and you will see."
"In my training, weapons forms were primarily a form of self-discipline. When one controls a weapon fluidly, so it becomes an extension of your own thoughts and movements, one comes closer to mastering oneself. But in practice, everything around you is, potentially, a weapon. Or at least, can be of use in gaining the upper hand over an enemy. Ordinary objects such as pens and pencils, keys, boards, ladders - even walls and parking meters. It is a matter of using what is available, and being deeply aware of one's environment."
He walks around the dojo, touching various weapons as he names them.
"In China, they once tried banning all weapons for those of the lower classes. And the development of that was that people learned to use the items they had available to them, instead. The tonfa clubs are a handle for a water well or a hand-powered millstone. Sai are rice planting forks. Nunchaku and staff-flail are farming tools, for seperating the chaff from the grain in rice farming. And many of the more unusual staff and blade combinations are pruning hooks, simple scythes, or other practical items that have become somewhat stylized in more modern use."
He picks up the long silk ribbon that Myra had been looking at, and shows that it is attached to a slender rod about a foot in length.
"Here's a deceptively innocent looking item. Looks like a girl's pretty toy, doesn't it?"
He waves the wand around, causing the brightly colored ribbon to trace fluid patterns in the air. The effect is quite beautiful, and yet also rather hard to focus one's eyes upon. The pattern appears to be semi-random, and covers a fairly wide area in front and to both sides of him.
"Jason? Take that spear over there, and try to thrust it at me in a threatening manner, will you?"
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Inside the dojo
At Myra-chan's question, Sesame's eyes flicked over to the aforementioned area behind the dojo, then back to Master Porter. When Porter confirmed her guess, Sesame nodded to herself. As Master Porter continued the tour/lecture, Porter picked up the ribbon, which Sesame was also curious about. As Porter twirled it, Sesame's eyes widened and glittered with anticipation. Sesame leaned closer to her newest friend, and whispered so that only the two of them could hear...
OOC: PM, Myra-chan! ^_^
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The Grand Tour
Karou follows the rest, then chuckles at the reactions of the others to the weapons shown, his interest only mildly piqued as Porter describes some of the more unusual weapons, then upon hearin Myra's question, he chuckles even louder, "I'm certain that Porter's definition of a ranged weapon is similar to mine .. though mine might be a bit more unusual.."
He fishes in his clothes for a moment before coming out with a small vial full of an oily black substance, "Then again, most folks don't have the ability to bottle skunk musk as easily as I do." He then puts it back where he got it from.
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Karou's Live Journal^Karou's Descriptions (Semi-updated)^GG Profile^SheezyArt Gallery
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Jason takes the indicated spear, and watches the pattern for a moment, considering and analyzing, before thrusting forward towards Porter.
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As Jason thrusts with the spear, the swirling silk ribbon suddenly coils around the spear's shaft, ensnaring it, as Porter yanks hard on the cloth strip with his free hand. This not only jerks the spear suddenly forward and to Porter's left, but also imparts a sudden and violent twist to the shaft. Unless Jason is exceptionally alert and fast with his reflexes, the spear should be yanked free of his grip, to embed itself in in a post about six feet behind Porter. At worst, the thrust should go well to one side of it's intended mark.
The silk ribbon flicks free and is swirling around Porter again almost before the action can be percieved.
"The Silk Wall defense", Porter says calmly. "And I'm not even very good with this item. I've seen experts that could snap a spear shaft, or break an arm, with one response. Not an impenetrable defense, by any means. But a strong distraction, and surprising in its effectiveness. Similarly, the tassels and silk scarves attached to the hilts of Chinese swords can serve to blind an enemy to your position and motions, as well as ensnaring their attacks."
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Jason had been anticipating such a response, but still almost had the spear ripped from his grip. "Impressive," he says, smiling. "I've never seen the technique in use outside wuxia films."
Bowing to Porter, he returns the spear to its place before returning to stand with the rest, listening.
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Phelan
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Member #4965
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Posts: 1059
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Phelan was tempted to open his beak, but was afraid of looking like a complete moron.
Indiana Jones did stuff like that with a whip, didn't he? It makes sense, 'cuz silk's stronger than leather, pound for pound...
But damn, this guy's good...
I hope I don't end-up pissing him off. I'm quick and all that, but hollow bones break too easily.
"I'm sorry if I'm interrupting by butting-in here."
He was still at the back of the group, almost afraid to move in and get a better look.
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Porter bows to Jason as he coils the silk ribbon.
"Very good! Most people would not have managed to retain their grasp on the weapon like that."
He sets the ribbon back where he got it from, and smiles at Phelan.
"Do step forward and introduce yourself. I an Sensei Porter, and this is the Golden Paw Dojo. These others are prospective students of the martial arts. Beta tells me you are interested in seeking training? Well, that is what this facility is here for. I can teach unarmed combat, weapons styles, and a variety of more peaceful arts that are related to studies of Eastern lore, such as Zen and Shinto philosophy. I also have skills in psionics, and can offer some training in powers of the mind. This Center is open to anyone who seriously wishes to better themselves, provided they agree to use what they learn here for good purposes."
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Sesame thought... #Wu Xia... film? What could that be? Hrm... It must be some way of learning Wu Xia, or Argosy would have been disarmed completely. Film does not sound like a modern technological word... it must be something else... But never mind that. I must learn this Silk Wall Defense. I can already see how I can improve it's limitations, with my Water Magic...# In the meantime, Sesame turned to look at the latest visitor. So many people, too many combinations! Sesame hoped not all of them would stay long. Even her skills had limits.
If Phelan looked, he would probably see a tall, young, catgirl with blue fur and pupil-less eyes, dressed in a simple blue dress of some light, sheer material. Silk, most likely. She was staring at him with an intensity that was unnerving, though otherwise expressionless.
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Taross had been watching the demonstration, though afterwards started to peruse some of the other things on the wall. She set her hammer down again on the ground and removed one of those odd metal batons from the wall. With a flick of her wrist, the thing extended to its full range and she tested the weight and balance a moment.
"Quite interesting here, I'd wager if we all want to, we can teach eachother as much as we can learn." she grins a moment and then puts the baton in her armoured hand (She put on the Kote, it's better than carrying it around) and dug in a pocket to retrieve some throwing cards "Even without metamagical backing, a simple card can be an interesting diversion. The basic throwing technique's the same."
She stops when another person enters, greeting them as well by giving them a proper and polite bow, as is appropriate for the decor.
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Phelan
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Member #4965
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Posts: 1059
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Phelan's own gaze, an almost cold stare, coupled with his physical inability to smile (you know, beaks do that) made his own returned glanceand gesture almostas eerily unnerving, though he wastrying to appear as friendly and amiable.
He looked back at Sensei Porter.
"Sensei Porter, it is, right? I'm Phelan. I'm a trained pistoleer. It's a tactic I was brought-up with, fighting at any range with an automatic pistol. The problem is, bullets kill people, and I'm sick of relying on lethal force to keep somebody from crushing my bones, stealing my car, you know."
He still doesn't step to the front of the group, afraid of attractingtoo much attention.
Hawks are shy creatures.
"Basically, I don't want to be bound to my Beretta anymore."
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Porter nods to Taross. "I certainly do hope that we can learn from each other, yes. Each individual has unique experiences and abilities. We all have our strengths, as well as our weaknesses. Learning to use our advantages, and not to expose our weaknesses, is a key part of any study of martial arts. Conversely, learning to exploit an opponent's weaknesses, and turn their own strengths against them, is also a valuable goal."
He turns to Phelin. "For example, a hard style like Shotokan Karate would be all wrong for you. It's likely you'd do more damage to yourself than your enemy would have done to you without any defense, if you tried to block a blow with force. You should use a softer style, like Tai Chi or Wing Chung. Avoid direct, hard contact; deflect incoming attacks with minimal force; and cause your opponent's strength to be more of a liability than an asset. Precisely placed blows that strike at nerve clusters and other subtle weak points are your ticket, I think."
He walks over to a weapons rack and picks up a pair of Sai. "These might work for you. Light weight, fast, and easy to carry. Sai can be used to block and parry, as well as to strike at nerve clusters. They can be reversed to shield your forearm from a blow, and the pommel can be used to strike with as readily as the pointed shaft. Most legal jurisdictions consider them to be strictly defensive, and thus legal to carry. They can even be thrown, with limited usefulness. Not much good against a gun, but a good non-lethal defense."
"I teach firearms as well, and I agree that a liability of most of them is that under most circumstances, if you have to use a gun, you wind up killing your opponent. Or at least you have to accept the risk that you might kill them. But have you considered a tranq gun? A small air pistol that fires neurotoxin darts, with ammunition intended to stun or paralyze rather than kill?"
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Phelan
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Member #4965
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Posts: 1059
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"Firearm technique..."
Phelan scratched the lower half of his beak momentarily.
"I've fired a British-made Mark 22 before, with low-velocity hypodermic ammunition. I don't have one right now, but I've got my ways around that. That might be an idea."
Phelan looked back at the sais.
"Those look like soil aerators. I heard before that the word 'karate' translated directly to 'empty hands', and that most of the weapons used ended-up evolving from garden tools. I guess the Koreans weren't kidding..."
Phelan was finally looking a bit more relaxed.
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"Precisely. The modern Sai are a slightly stylized version of the Japanese farmer's rice planting fork. Just a farming tool, that the average farmer might carry anyway."
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Touring with Porter and the rest
Karou simply smiles and shuts up, listening to everyone as they speak .. he's tired and he knows that that makes him more prone to irritation.. He does catalogue each weapon as it's introduced and explained, but doesn't comment on anything quite yet.
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Myra listens to Phelan, and to the remarks of the others, then will speak to him.
"You might also consider using some sort of short club or stick. Battle Fleet teaches it's personnel to fight with knives, both cutting and thrown; I was just discussing that with Porter. Some of the knife attacks could be used with a short stick as well as a knife, and a weighted stick could make a decent throwing weapon. And that would be less lethal than using the knife the moves were designed for."
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The Hood found the Bismarck, and on that fatal day,
The Bismarck started firing, fifteen miles away.
"We've gotta sink the Bismarck!" was the battle's sound.
But when the smoke had cleared away the mighty Hood went down.
-From "Sink the Bismarck"
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Porter moves along the wall, and picks up two more items. The first is a wooden stick, about 20 inches long and an inch thick. It seems to be made of polished rattan, or smoothed bamboo. The second item is a small rod, six inches long and half an inch thick, which appears to be made of a dense black plastic.
"Like these, Myra? The longer one is a Phillipene Escrima Stick. Often used in pairs, much like Sai are used. The shorter one is a Kubotan, used to weight the fist slightly, and to strike with the ends at nerve clusters."
He shows them around, and then puts them back.
"Plenty of time for that later. Let's look at the back range, shall we?"
Porter leads the group back out the front door of the dojo, and around to the far side of the building.
The area behind the dojo has a row of trees shading the left third, a center third that is half grass, and then smooth raked gravel, ending in a set of rifle targets, and the right side is a grassy streach ending in archery targets.
There is a whirring sound, and from a building in the back left corner come an array of hovering drone targets of various types. Some of these take up positions on the rifle range, and appear to have a mix of hostile and civillian target faces on them. They rotate to an edge-on aspect, mix their positions, and appear to be set for a 'Hogan's Alley' style target range, in which one must make instant decisions about weather to fire at all or part of a target, or not.
Other drones come closer, and holographic 'opponents' rez into position over them. Some are unarmed, and some have what appear to be very real weapons.
"You asked about moving targets?" Porter says with a grin...
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Behind the Dojo
By watching the pattern of movements, Sesame could guess that the flying-machines had opponents already, so she sat back to watch the demonstration, with avid attention. Sesame could see that she would be getting valuable practice, here. Too much of her training with Master Bar Gamer had been one-on-one battles, but here, she could practice attacking multiple targets. An area for ranged combat, was it? Sesame began to consider a new shuriken technique... | 3
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"I'm sorry. Are you cold?" *Mysterious smile.*
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Taross oohs softly at the display of targets available and mmhs, she turns to Porter and then gestures towards some of the moving targets. "May I try?" she asks.
((That's all I got for now, ask first, show off later ;D ))
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Behind the dojo
Porter gestures for Taross to advance. "By all means. The drones detect exactly where they are hit, and respond accordingly. If you get in a good disabling shot on one of the drones, it will drop to the ground and rez a green sphere around itself. A solid kill shot will do the same, but the sphere will be red. If you disable or kill a 'friendly' target, such as the hostages or bystanders on the rifle range, those will have a blue band around the sphere, in three directions. Of course, if you destroy or disable the drone itself, it will just shut down the hologram and drop to the ground, likely in pieces. It's usually at either the head or heart location on an opponent. Don't worry about destroying them. There's a replicator in the back building that creates them, and it can always make more."
"The holograms are supported by matching forcefields, and the drones themselves are protected by a fairly substantial forcefield, good enough to take a hit from a .50 calibre bullet. Your weapons and blows will meet resistance, just as with a real opponent. And they can hit back like a real opponent, too. Though they are programmed in their default state not to use lethal attacks. The free-moving drones will ignore you until you perform an attack. Then they will respond, slowly adding opponents as you defeat them. The rifle range targets will activate at random, turning to face you for a period of a few seconds, then turning away again. They only score hits when at least partially facing you."
"The combat range is live. Any of you may proceed, if you wish."
OOC: You may script your training as you wish, including describing what sort of opponents or targets you are engaging. Have fun!
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Since Myra has been looking forward to practicing her skills here, Porter's invitation is quite welcome. Before taking to the range, however, she needs some appropriate ammunition, so she will first retire to the weapons room and select a half-dozen throwing knives. She wighs the knives in her hand, slightly disappointed that they're so small; Imperial fighting knives are easily twice as big.
As she turns to leave, however, something else catches her eye, and she pauses to pick up a pair of hatchets. They're closer to the weight she's used to throwing, but very differently balanced, and she decides to give them a try. She'll also look for a belt or bandoleer to fix her selctions' scabbards to; her sweatpants are notably lacking in pockets.
Once she's so equipped, Myra will return to the range, draw one knife, and ask Porter what the rules are for the excercise; like if there is a time limit to deal with each target, and if the targets can hit back.
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As we're lifting off, it's Mercury who'll help us in our need,
Not only as the patron god of Health and Flight and Speed,
We hope that he will guard us as we're startin' on our trip,
As the God of Thieves and Liars, like the ones who built this ship!
- from "Rocket Rider's Prayer" by Steve Savitsky
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