Bracing Ourselves for What's Next

Hi guys!

Upon reading the past few prologues and epilogues, I've realized that this event is going to have a much bigger impact on the world of Arawyn than usual. With that in mind, my friends and I have decided to [strike]brutally combat each other[/strike] train via boffer sparring multiple times over the course of the next eight or so days. Any recommendations as for how? I have a bit of variety in terms of weapon collection, so we will be able to fight against each other using almost every fighting style in the KR collection (if only I knew how to make polearms better than a staff), but I'm not sure what exactly we would practice. One on one sparring? Small scale tactics? Lots of sprinting? [strike]Ignoring all that and just playing Pokemon GO?[/strike]

Best bet is to watch some of the videos on the different fighting styles... and make a point to better your control over the given weapon types you wish to know and use.

1v1, 1v2, 2v2, etc etc... Emphasis on Form and Defense are best bets. if you and your friends were closer, I'd say come up this way and work with us here.

All I can tell you is, the storytelling team is working incredibly hard to put the next event together. Letting you know what to prepare for, would take away from the fun.

That said, have fun and we'll see you guys soon!

Get out of your comfort zone and practice for situational fighting. Righty? Practice left-handed for when your right arm is broken. Use a 2-hander? Practice blocking with it 1-handed in each hand. Florentine? Fight with only 1 weapon in either hand. Shield? Practice fighting with only your weapon, and then with only your shield (active blocking so you can retreat/hold a line, not shield bashing). Wear a dagger for decoration? Learn to fight a battle with it because it might be the only thing you have left. Wear armor? Practice in it and out if it and learn what you can and can't do in each.

Learning to fight with weapons when everything goes right is important. It's knowing how to fight when everything goes wrong that will save your life.

Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.

Besides just training on using weapon styles, I recommend physical training as well, focusing mainly on physical endurance and cardio. We're probably going to fight for a long time, so being able to keep up is always good. As for fighting styles, footwork is invaluable. Knowing how to move on the battlefield is helpful. And it never hurts to keep on getting better at what you're good at. If you are good at florentine, practice it often so you can be better. Sometimes, it's not about how to adapt on the fly and do something you're not used to, but how to use your tools and your skills to survive and win.

Casters are not omitted from needing practice! Dust off the spackets and toss them at targets! Throw spackets while you're in motion! Find a practice buddy and throw spackets at them in motion! Have them attack you: duck and dodge while calling your verbals! Work on your quick draw for spackets and scrolls!

Look at your card regularly! Memorize how many of each of your most-used spell combos you can use before you're spent. Know your body total! That goes to everyone! Memorize your tags, defensive or offensive!

If you plan on attending masses, or any other event where you expect to get buffs, remember that you have those buffs marked on your card when you get them! Can't remember how many times mass prayer shield could have helped me out of a pickle. Or the ever-coveted Willpower. Know the rules associated with those too, you need to know them in just as short a pinch as you need those Repels, Evades, or Valances on your card.

Refresh your memory on any of the rules that apply to your card. I look over the rules on casting spells almost weekly, just to make sure I still remember them. Know the rules text on your spells and tag skills, and keep up on the rules forums!

Also: remember to take care of your voice! This goes for warriors and rogues, too! Practice projecting your voice while running, or exerting yourself physically: any military drill song is good for this. Side-note: Also: pay attention to the rhythm of the drill songs. The notes are coordinated to account for when you have the most vocal support while jogging to the rhythm, so get to know what your body feels like at those moments so you can call your spells and skills without losing your breath. Don't just stay hydrated: Keep your mouth and throat hydrated too! Sip water more frequently than you need to drink, and swish occasionally. Your voice box and sinuses require good lubrication, just like any good machine.

Toss your spackets all about in an area, and time how fast you can find them. This is critical, a mage without their spackets is a warrior without their weapons!

Wash your garb and get packing!

Most of all, have fun! Talk it up with friends, maybe get some things straightened out IG. Facebook and missives are your friend there.

in the future any one in the Wayne area looking to get in shape or just train feel free to reach out to me...


Additionally diet is equally important as training .

Good luck

I forget I live like 5 minutes from you Matt.

Hit me up. I keep meaning to get started.