[center][h3][color=DA70D6]Hyun Sasithom– Frenzy Camp[/color][/h3][/center]

As far away as they were, the events surrounding the plummeting airship did not interrupt combat practice.  The Frenzy Plant soldiers continued training at a good pace, experimenting with different weapon types.  When Zander brought out a war hammer, several of the trainees were surprised to see the hammerhead wasn't much larger than a candlestick.  On this, the Ruby Knight was happy to elaborate.  [color=E0115F]”Hmm, yes.  From all of the giant, ridiculous weapons you see all the time, you'd never expect actual hammers used in war to be so small.  The principle is simple: for people without the use of physics-defying magic, weapons have to follow certain rules.  Even for the mightiest men, huge weapons are impractical because as size increases, volume increases faster than surface area.  In other words, a big hammer may deal twice the damage of a small one, but it takes three or four times the strength to swing.  The workaround is to use less dense materials, but that lowers damage capability.  So why use a huge, clumsy, light weapon when you can have a much denser smaller one?  That smaller the point of impact, the more concentrated the force.  On a giant mallet, the force is so spread out that even if you could hit, you'd be knocking the opponent back more than crushing their vitals.  Here, take it.  Get a feel for its heft.”[/color]

Even Hyun accepted a hammer, if only for a moment.  Everyone else experimented a little with the hammer on training dummies.  It was obvious that blunt weapons were the way to go against armored opponents.  The swordswoman was, however, the first to pipe up with a new question.  Evidently, being humbled again even after her power boost and attitude change had brought her back down to earth. [color=DA70D6]”Zan...uh, sir.  How do you deal with a person larger and heavier than you, who attempts to grapple?”[/color]

After setting two of the other trainees to practice parrying, the Ruby Knight considered the question.  [color=E0115F]”I know you are referring to Damian.  You did well, actually, to turn his own force against him.  All muscles are bound by the same rules.  A grip may be unbreakable in one position, but if you're able to twist a foe's wrist in a certain way, you can slip right out.  If you're lighter and faster, you can reposition more quickly...”[/color]

[color=DA70D6]”Yes, yes, I know.  Sir.”[/color]  Hyun interrupted.  [color=DA70D6]”Holds were taught in my country.  I mean holds like what he used to...to finish me off.”[/color]

Frowning, Zander thought about reprimanding her for interrupting, but knew that this was a touchy subject.  In the end he decided to answer her.  [color=E0115F]”Hm.  I know you're too familiar with the nature of physical ability to get mad at me for saying this, but grappling like that is something women typically have a hard time counteracting.  It is why in professional wrestling women and men do not often compete.  Best course of action would be to never let him get too close.  Are you familiar with the concept of spring-heeling?”[/color]  She was not.  [color=E0115F]”Well, if you lift up one foot off the ground slightly, you can spring off your back to take a very quick step in any direction.  Since it doesn't disrupt your balance, you can immediately change direction for another step.  Use that to backpedal out of the way if a man you're fighting attempts to grab you.”[/color]

Hyun nodded sagaciously.  [color=DA70D6]”Or to move to the side.  If his hands are up, his ribcage is unprotected, and most armor has a weakspot below the shoulder for arm mobility.”[/color]

[color=E0115F]”If I may say so, it seems like you're really thinking about Damian.  Are you planning to fight him again?”[/color]

An unexpected question.  Hyun guessed she hadn't really thought about it.  Now that she considered it, a rematch was mandated by her deep-seated principle of honor.  That, however, was an dilemma in and of itself.  [color=DA70D6]”I...well.  In my mind I had already decided that I'd have to fight him again.  That was honor speaking for me.  Hmm...”[/color]  She paused, thinking.  When she seated herself on the grass, legs crossed, Zander joined her, taking his helmet off to see more personable.  [color=DA70D6]“Back in Seven, I could afford to live by that code, but here I can choose for myself.  I'm not honor-bound to beat him or die trying.  Beating him wouldn't even be much of an accomplishment after losing once.  Even so...I think I will challenge him again.  Perhaps on the last day of the games.  It will help clear my head of any lingering demons.”[/color]  Her eyes rested on the trainees, who had stopped to listen to her.  They flinched guiltily, causing something strange to happen. Hyun cracked a smile—not a wry one, or the crazy one that she'd worn when she trumped Zander earlier.  This one was true.   [color=DA70D6]”In the mean time, I think I will spend some more time with you all.  Now that I will never get my kingdom back, you are the people I care most for.  I think I knew this a while ago, but I couldn't spare enough focus to realize it.”[/color]  

She stood up and grabbed a warhammer, flexing her fingers around the handle.  [color=DA70D6]”Enough lollygagging.  We all have a lot more to learn, and only so many hours in the day.”[/color]

[center][color=9ACD32][h3]Xyster - Crocus Streets[/h3][/color]
[@CirusArvennicus][/center]

Xyster watched, wide-eyed, as Salvoy struggled to raise the ship.  After a few moments, it became clear that the task was growing less strenuous.  New and lively noises from within the ship supported the theory that whatever bizarre and miraculous magical contraption enabled a boat to sail through the air had been reactivated.  With his burden eased, the World began to walk forward, searching for a place to put the ship.  He spotted a park in the distance and began to make his way toward it.  Huge legs and a long stride made for good time, and in short order, whale, ship, and everyone on board were nearing the park in which Frenzy Plant had made its camp.  Spotting the bright green tents, Xyster shouted, [color=9ACD32]”It's my mates!  Put the boat down over there, whale man!  You can count on our bunch to sort this out.”[/color]

Salvoy obliged, not hesitating to step on any maze creatures that got in his way.  As he was walking over to a convenient patch of grass to place the ship on, Xyster jumped down from his arm to land on the ground.  Naturally, she tripped, and her head flew off.  Fortunately, her guildmates were on hand to retrieve it for her. [color=9ACD32]”Friends!”[/color] the head cheerfully and unnervingly exclaimed.  [color=9ACD32]”I thought that everyone was supposed to get indoors for the maze?  Nevermind!  I brought you guys a present!”[/color]  Her ribbons unraveled and lashed out around her body's hand, pulling the head back to her.  Grinning, she pointed toward the ship that Salvoy was just now letting go of.

[center][color=d8BFd8][h3]Nero the Genie – near Dragon Fang[/h3][/color]
[@Caits] [@Invisible Man][@liferusher][/center]

The news hadn't particularly surprised Nero, though he did duck out of the Time Lord's hand as soon as possible, muttering, [color=d8BFd8]”No touchies.”[/color].  Chances were that the Games would be going to take advantage of the sprawling city layout sooner or later.  After readjusting his shirt following Ayame's tugging, he gave the child a pat on the head before saying, [color=d8BFd8]”Looks like we're in for a sweet in-guild breakfast.  I'll hold you to it about those omelets, time man.  I've sto...had enough hotel omelets to know that most aren't egg-xactly edible.  Nyeheheh.”[/color]

Without further ado he waltzed right into the establishment.  His gaze landed on a painting hanging on the wall, which depicted dogs playing poker.  The dark mage shivered.  [color=d8BFd8]”So unnatural.”[/color]  Fortunately, his nose managed to get him back on track, steering him straight toward the meal area.  [color=d8BFd8]”Hey, Aya.  Would ya mind finding a seat?  I'll grab food for ya.  Whaddya want?”[/color]