Martial Arts

Vaeldrys says, "Thank you all for coming to what I hope will be the first of many lectures on the Faendryl martial arts."

Vaeldrys says, "For this lecture, I will be discussing its history and the influence it has on the forms practiced today."

Vaeldrys says, "Now, there is some debate as to where the idea of a formalized system of unarmed combat first came from."

Vaeldrys says, "Some, will say it was the Palestra who decided it was necessary shortly after their founding, while others will tell you it is an invention of the Clerisy, specifically the Extrachthonic Cartographers guild."

Vaeldrys says, "What is agreed upon is the reason behind its invention, being disarmed in combat leads to death. Especially against rogue demons."

Vaeldrys says, "While most who train in weapons have a basic understanding of how to swing their own fist - it is often not enough when faced with a real foe."

Vaeldrys says, "And so, we see the first organized set of forms develop as supplemental to weapons training."

Speaking to Vaeldrys, Xanthium says, "I like to kick them much more."

Speaking to Xanthium, Vaeldrys says, "Me as well, though I favor the fist, or spear hand."

Speaking to Vaeldrys, Xanthium says, "Sounds very...physical."

Vaeldrys says, "Oh yes...quite."

Speaking to Xanthium, Ysharra says, "And also distracting."

Vaeldrys says, "Of course, as with anything - we Faendryl will pursue perfection in all disciplines."

Vaeldrys says, "As such, research into the martial arts occupied a unique place, as it was picked up by interested scholars of the Clerisy as well as explored within the academies of the Palestra, both became devoted to pivoting these martial arts away from survival and weapon recovery towards turning oneself into a weapon."

Vaeldrys says, "Their approaches varied, the scholars began to explore the idea of turning mana inwards to augment the body to support the forms they were developing, while the Palestra tended to focus purely on the form and function. Now, there was, and are exceptions to this of course, but the general rule applies."

Vaeldrys gestures.

The bones surrounding Vaeldrys's forearms shift and fortify.

Vaeldrys says, "For example."

Vaeldrys says, "Bone plates allow for parrying weapons a much less painful prospect."

Vaeldrys says, "Now, these first masters drew inspiration from many places while creating their combat systems. The beasts of Rhoska-Tor provided ample demonstrations of nature's own ingenuity in combat. But, there is always room for improvement."

Vaeldrys says, "Observing the lightning quick strikes of pit vipers inspired a style based around spear hands and circular, flowing defense."

Vaeldrys says, "The Ibex and its horns inspired fist strikes that can shatter bones and when applied effectively can remove limbs."

Vaeldrys says, "Though, perhaps our sorcerer colleagues were the larger inspiration in that regard."

Mnar whispers, "Sorcerer hands?"

Speaking to Gutstorm, Dendum asks, ""What is Ibex?"

Daevian begins chuckling at Vaeldrys!

Speaking to Mnar, Ysharra says, "Dextrous fingers."

Speaking drunkenly to Dendum, Gutstorm slurs, "It a fash moovin lunch."

Melikor chuckles.

Vaeldrys chuckles.

Speaking to Melikor, Yardie whispers aloud, "Can you throw a punch?"

Melikor glances at Yardie.

Vaeldrys says, "The elusive snow leopards of the mountains showed how speed and agility could make up for size and strength when applied correctly."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Dendum asks, ""Like a goat then?"

Speaking quietly to Yardie, Melikor asks, "Why would I need to do that?"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "More like a deer."

Melikor waggles his fingers mystically at Yardie. How nice.

Speaking in Elven, Xylador says, "Apologies for the late arrival."

Xylador nods once.

Speaking to Gutstorm, Dendum asks, ""Hrmm it tastes like deer then?"

Vaeldrys says, "A rarer site in the deserts, cranes provided great insight into leg work, and kicks."

Speaking to Dendum, Ysharra asks, "It does. Sort of close to a gazelle?"

Speaking drunkenly to Dendum, Gutstorm slurs, "Yeah, but dey got nashty hornsh, no wanna git shtuck by demsh."

Speaking to Melikor, Yardie says, "You never know."

Vaeldrys says, "These early styles did indeed allow practitioners hold their own in combat against armed and clawed foes."

Speaking quietly to Yardie, Melikor says, "I mostly just point at things. Or stare."

Vaeldrys says, "So much so that even today, we see techniques and forms that stem from these early "animal" styles."

Speaking quietly to Dendum, Mnar suggests, "Faendryl learned to fly from watching birds."

Vaeldrys says, "The Ibex's fist and viper's spear hand being my two favorites."

Vaeldrys says, "For several hundred years these scholars and martial artists worked on perfecting their systems, but the cross over of techniques was limited during this time."

Speaking to Mnar, Yardie says, "Better birds than the lizards you speak of."

Speaking to Mnar, Dendum informs, ""Have never seen Faendryl fly..."

Vaeldrys says, "This stemmed not from an unwillingness to share, but more a single-minded devotion."

Vaeldrys says, "Eventually a few scholars decided to learn what other styles were being developed both within our own culture as well as outside it, and this would mark the beginning of the modern era of Faendryl martial arts,"

Vaeldrys says, "For it as the Clerisy says, our power comes from knowledge - and in knowledge of many styles comes a power that exceeds any singular style."

Vaeldrys exclaims, "But what that journey was and its meaning for today's art is a discussion for another time!"

Xanthium says, "Why not right now? You should tell us everything."

Speaking to Xanthium, Vaeldrys says, "Everyone loves a man of mystery."

Speaking in Elven, Laehna softly says, "Always leave them wanting more."

Lylia says, "I think he has you there."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me prefer wimun."

Speaking to Xanthium, Yardie says, "I figure there are a lot of rules, styles, and techniques. I never fought in such a way, but I'm curious."

Speaking to Vaeldrys, Xanthium says, "Yes, we like our enigmas, in this world. Especially in this hall."

Speaking coolly to Gutstorm, Arenglae asks, "But do they prefer you?"

Speaking to Yardie, Ysharra says, "We have been keeping the peace in a hostile place for some number of centuries."

Speaking to Yardie, Vaeldrys says, "There are practically countless - and it was the understanding that they all had their strengths that marked the beginning of modern practice."

Vaeldrys says, "I would be happy to answer any questions, but that is all I had prepared for today."

Speaking softly in Elven to Hanshayr, Laehna explains, "Thunder."

Speaking to Yardie, Xanthium says, "Maybe you've just invented your own path."

Speaking to Ysharra, Yardie says, "Through a multitude of ways. Hand to hand, is rather complicated."

Speaking in Elven to Vaeldrys, Daevian says, "I appreciate the insight you shared."

Speaking to Daevian, Vaeldrys says, "Itwas my pleasure."

Lylia asks, "But I do want to know, Vaeldrys, if there are other traditions of physical fighting that you could illuminate, either tonight or at another time?"

Ysharra says, "Everyone, this is Vaeldrys' first lecture for us since he joined. Ask him anything, but definitely give him a little applause, too."

You say, "Hopefully not the last."

Speaking to Lylia, Vaeldrys asks, "There are many upon many, and I would be happy to prepare examples for future symposiums perhaps?"

Cryheart says, "Sorry I missed your presentation."

Cryheart nods at Vaeldrys.

Vaeldrys says, "You are all too kind."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Feral shore doesh like da bar tnite."

Xanthium says, "We also will draft you to do it again."

Speaking to Cryheart, Vaeldrys says, "It is quite all right."

Speaking in Elven to Vaeldrys, Daevian says, "I would be interested in hearing more, certainly."

Lylia says, "More than a few kind words; it was an excellent lecture to start us off, and you have done an excellent job of setting the tone."

Speaking to Cryheart, Lylia says, "I took a few notes."

Ysharra says, "It's true, there's always such a focus on sorcery, and for good reason."

Ysharra says, "When it comes to the defensive and offensive talents of the Faendryl."

Lylia says, "There are, for example, hand-to-hand defensive tactics that the Armata have developed. I know rather fewer Armata Faendryl than I should, but their fighting style seems, at least to my untutored eyes, rather different."

Speaking to Yardie, Vaeldrys exclaims, "I will be happy to strike at you anytime!"

Speaking to Ysharra, Mnar says, "I hear flappy wrists make sorcery more powerful."

Ysharra says, "So it was good to have an alternate perspective."

Speaking playfully to Vaeldrys, Yardie says, "Do you worst."

Speaking to Mnar, Ysharra asks, "Is that why you're a ranger? Your wrists are all crunchy?"

Mnar says, "What. It's just what I hear."

Speaking to Melikor, Yardie asks, "What?"

Speaking to Mnar, Xanthium asks, "Yes, Mnar. Are your wrists too floofy?"

Speaking to Melikor, Yardie says, "I respect his style of fighting."

Lylia says, "Fluidity of motion and gestural components to spells are important, yes."

Vaeldrys says, "The Armata has a much more...direct approach to the philosophy of hand to hand combat."