Guard Training

Koku · Guard Training

Part 1: Intro

In the vastness of the Imperial Court lies a small area on the side where few travel. Only those that are seen as worthy may enter, and even out of those, very few will be allowed back. This is the area of the Imperial Guards, where the best are tried to see if they have what it takes to be guards. Here is the place where training commences, and those not will have the honor of being guards.

As the guests line up, a force makes it way from the far north room. "Welcome all to your first day. I see that most of you have made your way here. You all have the opportunity to be guards be proud. Now then, we shall start simply enough. Report in, tell me who you are, your weapon of choice, and what you wish to be known for." As I say that, I decide to kneel down and watch them.

Beanbaker

"Beanbaker, reporting in. Weapon of choice, is my greatsword as of now. I wish to be known as a fighter and a great tactician. Plus, when i leave this earth, i dont wish to be forgotten."

Koku

"Ok so you are a swordsman who i not fully happy with his weapon, and you seem to be afraid of not existing. These are both faults that must be corrected. If you do not show complete respect for your sword it shall never be as strong as it can." As I say that I quickly swing my scythe than loudly hit the bottom of the pole against the ground.
" Look at this, I shown nothing but respect for it and now it has become a faithful ally. As for not wanting to be forgotten, that is noting to worry about. Worry about now, who cares what happens after you die. The big thing is trying not to die! One thing that is good is your desire for strategy. A decent warrior thinks at least two moves ahead at all times, a great warrior thinks at least five moves ahead. Still even the best are sometimes are surprised by events, but not too often."
After finishing say all of that I look towards the next person and await their reply.

Koorlic

i am koorlic my favored weapon is my gilded katana i wish to be known as a fighter and stealth artist. i would also use this power to hunt my twin so i can slay him with this blade

Archaic

My name is Archaic, and my weapon of choice is the kusarigama. I do not want anything, for I know the shadows will tell tails of my deeds. I do not want to be a swordsman, nor do I want to be one who craves a false sense of stealth, my only desire is to be one with the shadows who assaults his enemies seemingly from out of nowhere.

Koku

"Using power for revenge is never good. Sure it seems like a reason at first, but in the long run it will only lead to you not learning everything you must. I also do not think your sword should be used was a weapon to kill with what I can only assume is a bad reason. The blade is to be used to protect, if you can not see this then there is little reason to try to join the guard, this goes for everyone. If he had wronged you get over it, you are fine now, so let the past leave you. Today is a new day, and is a start to something that can be big." As I say this I seemingly fade from sight. As the group of trainees look around I am not to be seen. I then come up from behind then and lightly hit both of them with the bottom of my scythe's pole.
As for stealth, stealth is a great skill to get, but must be used and done correctly. It can be used to get an advantage on those you must defeat, but if the enemy detects you they can turn the tables. Also when done correctly, not even the shadows will be able to spread your tales. Learn all these lessons well." With that I Turn around momentarily, raise my hand and snap. with that three figures come from the room I was just at. 3 figures appear, I point to them to go outside as I lead the candidates to where the figures went. When the candidates get closer they can see that the 3 figures look a lot like themselves.
"Right, you are each fighting yourselves. Cliche, but effective. See how you can handle your equals. I figured you would now your own strengths and weakness, so you should have an idea how to beat them, but then again they know yours too. While you are fighting I will be showing what it takes to be a judge. Begin!" With that I rush to a vantage point to judge, but I am still clearly visible to all, and I am still within reach if needed.

Beanbaker

"This is unexpected... Well, if its gonna go this path, might as well do as what he told me..."

I charge off first, remembering what he said about trusting my sword. I start by heavily slashing at my mirror's greatsword directly, to knock it out of his hands.

Koku

As you try to to knock the sword out of his hand he moves into the blade, getting it stuck in his right pectoral muscle. There he take the opportunity to cut you in the shoulder. While he is swinging the blade down into you, you back up slightly, but not enough to stop it from digging in slightly into your shoulder. As you release your blade you get ready to retaliate.
32 damage to clone Beanbaker
37 to real beanbaker

Beanbaker

(Thinks to himself) "He knows what i know, if not more... He would know the weaknesses and how to defend them. Ill have to think of something new, and it might kill me, but, now, im willing to let go. Ill wait for his attack, knowing me, i always open a chain with a horizontal strike, then diagonal, then vertical. The footing will always moves me slightly into my enemy. If i throw my sword high into the air directly above, and dodge the blows in that order, my clone will be where i was standing, and my sword, which i have known to be very balanced, will land on him blade first."

I stance myself to move quickly if need be, and place my sword around my hip for maximum momentum for throwing.

Koku

As you throw the blade into the air he catches on and instead of charging straight at you, goes a little to the side and cuts first diagonal, but follows through with a fast cut into your ribs in a large cut that sends blood leaking out. As blood drips from the widespread wound you mangae to grab your sword and swing at him. You get him across his back leaving a small gash. Blood is now coming from his back, but not in any way that can be serious.
*real beanbaker took 40 damage, beanbaker copy took 25.*

"If you try to confuse your enemy you will really be trying to confuse yourself, do not do that. He thinks like you think. Try a new tactic. As for the others here, c'mon and fight I do not have all day for this... A guardian when assigned to judge should only wait 5, maybe 10 minutes to fight. This is unacceptable." With that I go back to watching.

Beanbaker

(Thinks again) "D*** this, its getting absurd. I cant attack him, but i can get damage from counterattacks. Ill try parrying, to identify any weak spots. This will improve my offense, as well as give leeway to cutting through his. If he by chance brings his sword above his head to do a vertical, or moves back for a stab, once the blade goes down to strike ill dodge to the left, keeping my sword vertical to my abdomen to prevent any sudden swift strikes. Once the blade is three quarters to the ground or past my body, ill swing horizontally, the quickly spin to get into a defensive stance."

I prepare for attack by keeping my greatsword upright at a 2 o clock position relative to my view.

Koorlic

i charge quickly at my clone both hands holding my katana *if im right handed then so is it* i think to my self running behind him and letting go of the blade with my right hand and slash diagonly from from his left hip to his right shoulder and and grasp the blade with both hands and slice across the center of his back before jumping back ready to defend

Koku

The real beanbaker waits to see the impersonator's actions. As the copy charges forward he starts to slice at him in a diagonal fashion. Beanbaker is too late to stop his body from moving to the left and gets caught in the attack. The blade rips through his right side, leaving a gash similar to the one on his left side. However, as beanbaker planned on doing, he brought his sword down onto the copy's right shoulder. Blood surrounds the armor as the copy backs up and awaits your actions again, looking as if he is enjoying every second of this.

the real bean baker takes 37 beanbaker copy takes 31

As koorlic rushes toward his clone, his clone sees what he is doing, but is a little too late to fully stop the attack. The real Koorlics blade goes into the copy's left hip, but once in gets stuck in the muscle. The copy quickly loosens the blade with his left hand and holds it preventing koorlic from moving to much. He then turns clockwise while swinging his guilded katana and cuts into the real Koorlic's back, but as there was so much muscle he could not get too deep. The real Koorlic is able to free his sword and back up a few steps where he thinks of his next move.
the real Koorlic takes-103 Koorlic's copy takes -134

Koorlic

i quickly start circling around my clone lightly dragging my left foot making a visible circle in the dirt before jumping high into the air and coming down with all my strength and wieght trying to cut deeply into his right shoulder then after i land i quicklyy duck and slice across the muscle just below his knee caps and move back prepareing for another attack

Beanbaker

"Im glad to see someones enjoying this." Then I think to myself again, "Hes starting with diagonals. Ill wait again for this, and before the blow switch my blade form my right to my left hand, and block, then use my free right to uppercut his chin, and then keep on the assault by grabbing both ends of my sword and keep pushing him with the whole mass. This way if he ever attacks i can defend baton-style, even if it hurts my hand a little. Once hes stunned enough and far enough, ill do a stab with my weapon still in my left hand."

Again, I prepare for attack by keeping my greatsword upright at a 2 o clock position relative to my view.

Koku

As Koorlic's blade comes rushing towards the clone, it cuts some-what deep into the clone's right shoulder, creating an on open wound, but then gets stuck. Before the blade can be release from the flesh, the clone put the blad into his left hand and slices as hard as he can, cutting slightly into Koorlics ribs. They both free the swords at around the same time and both face each other again. However, out of nowhere a figure appears and scratches the real Koorlic's neck. It was a crow, which made its way onto the fakes shoulder.
the real Koorlic takes 53 Koorlic's fake takes 89

"You know, I might as well have killed your crow before, you neglect it, refusing to let it assist you. It may not be that strong but it is sure better than nothing. It is too fast to be hit by melee weapons, so only projectiiles will work. Seeing how very few use projectiles, it would stand a god chance of living a nice long life. Now learn to use what you have or forget any chance of judging." With that I put my hood up in disgust and watch as the two beanbaker's square off.

The fake beanbaker, getting tired of waiting charges forward at the real one. He Starts to swing upwards, and when he sees beanbakers clever plan, continues to swing upward, but trying to hit the sword. Doing this it cause the real to let go with one hand, as to not lose the sword or even an arm. However, by doing this he allows himself to take a long cut to go up his chest, causing blood to drip down from the opening. Before the fake can pull the sword down beanbaker go about doing what he planned and eventually stabbed the sword into the fake. However, he soon learned that his sword was not meant for stabbing, so when it is an inch inside the center of the fake's stomach, he brings through right side of the fake and out, leaving a good sized incision. Recovering from a mildly good strike, the fake just starts to smirk and laugh.
The real Beanbaker takes 48 Beanbaker's fake takes 45

Koorlic

i send my crow forth to block the fakes vision and scratch at his eyes while i slip behind him and slice down his back and then for his right calf muscle and then kick him forward into a roll assuming an deffencive stance

Beanbaker

"Why does he continue to laugh, is this just a big joke to him, or is he taunting me? None of my strategies are working, but i havent been on the offensive much. What if, if he thinks what i think, then maybe he knows what im thinking, and can counter... maybe all isnt strategy."

With this, i charge, stabbing first, then shoulder-ramming with my right side, and slashing twice to the back. Once my feet hit the ground, i jump back again at the clone to slash more horizontally, then run away to safety.

Koku

As the crow goes for the eyes the fake moves his head as to allow it to only hit the side of his head. However during this time The fake Koorlic had his attention diverted, and did not see the real behind him slice at his back. By the time he realized it it was too late and the blow had already been landed, cutting deep within the back. The wound is about two inches deep and blood is coming forth from it at a high rate. The fakes crow out of anger then attacks koorlic, getting him in the in the neck once again. Angered the fake Koorlic Turns around and Jumps at Koorlic hitting him before the real Koorlic has time to recover from the roll. Foing so the fake stabbed into Koorlic's back getting it in two and a half inches deep, but missing every vital organ. The blood is coming out steadily from the injury.
Koorlic takes 135 The fake Koorlic takes 173

Beanbaker on the other hands tries to put his plan into action, and manages to get the sword into the chest of the fake, but he did not realize that the fake had held out his sword and prepared to be rammed. Though the force was less, the affect was much of the same. Stuck on each others' swords, they each put their right foot on the other and push off. They both go back a foot and land on both feet.

The real beanbaker takes 23 the fake beanbaker takes 30

Beanbaker

Without hesitation, i plant my blade in the ground and launch foreward. I hold my blade vertical in front of me with the broad side facing out, to use as a shield. With the distance only about two feet, the distance will close quickly. I intend on pinning him down and crushing him with the full weight of the hilt of my sword to his head, preferably the nose or the temple.

Koorlic

i quickly regain my composure watching the clone i send my crow to circle over his head until the oppertune moment i the run forward and send my blade across his face face cuuting below his eyes and across his nose i then signl my crow to come and attack his left ear as i try to stab right through the joint of his right elbow

Koku

As you jump up you plan seems to work, except that you realize how little damage would be done by just using the hilt, as such right before hitting him you make the blade face and outreach your arms a little more cutting into his left shoulder and some of his chest. The only thing he could do was stab you in the side, which left you with another injury to your left set of ribs that was about 3 quarters of an inch deep. The blood if lowing from his injuries while you recover easily enough. The clone was no longer laughing, he instantly got serious with that last attack.
the real beanbaker takes 22 whle the fake beanbaker takes 54

Koorlic's first swing lands clean along the clone's nose, which signaled the crow to attack, barely hitting the ear. As you attempt to stab through the joint, the blade gets lodged in a good amount in, but not deep enough to really affect his power. For revenge he unleashes a swift attack onto your left shoulder that was about equally affective. He then signals for his bird to attack again. When it strikes it connects briefly with the top of your head.
The real koorlic takes 139 while the fake Koorlic'c clone takes 144

Beanbaker

"One rule all should know - never underestimate your enemy." I know how serious he is now, for i know how determined I can be. I think about his shoulder, as I gaze at his legs. I charge, with my blade low, and when i was within an inch of striking distance, i jumped up with the tremendous weight of the greatsword swinging upward diagonally to bring the sword straight down onto the holed armor of the shoulder to cut the arm clean off.

Koorlic

i send my bird to distract his bird then start flying in circles around his head clouding his vision as i charge up the center and at the last second quickly dart to the right then while perfectly aligned with him i charge back with a power ful thrust send my blade through his midsection then ripping out the front of his torso

Koku

While beanbaker wishes to cut the arm off, the truth is the fake's arm is still to securely attached to be removed. However, the cut has been made deeper, but only a little as the bone is interfering too much. The fake retaliates with a quick slice into Beanbaker's right shoulder to show how much it hurts. His attack was slightly less affective as there was less force behind it.

beanbaker takes 26 damage while the fake takes 32

Koorlic bird serves to be a valuable distraction, but with its little scratch one the fake's finger, does not serve much more. Koorlic attempts to get the sword through the fakes body and with tremendous force manages to get it bout half way through. The pain must have been excruciating, but not enough to prevent the fake from raising his right hand, putting the sharp point facing behind him, and digging it slightly into Koorlic's right pectoral. When they free themselves, the fake is badly hurt, but like a true warrior, continues on.
Real Koorlic takes 123 damage and the Fake Koorlic takes 182

Beanbaker

Again i charge, this time with my blade underhanded with the hilt coming out of the top of my hand (assassin style). I run by my clone, swiping the blade against his side, then slowing to a dead stop, only to use the same momentum to launch backwards and plant my blade into the small of my clones back, then to cleanly pull it out and run ahead to prevent an efficient counterattack.

Koorlic

slice quickly at the clones throat trying to send him off balance i then slice for his right arm in an attempt to remove the limb i then jump back and send my crow to scratch at his eyes

Koku

You blade scrapes against his side before it finds its way into his back, but before you manage to run away he pulls out the sword and turns counterclockwise and stabs you in your side and back while you were turning to run. the cut goes to the center of your back and leaves a clean trace in your armor where it hit.

beanbaker takes 33 while beanbaker's fake takes 30 damage

You attempt to cut at hi throat but fail in the process, however your blade does indeed cut into his left arm, but had far less power needed to sever it. While your crow leaves a large scrape against his face he retaliates by sending his crow to hit you in the right shoulder as he goes to strike your left. The crow barely makes contact before having to retreat. The clone's guilded katana makes its way into Koorlic's shoulder in an old wound and cut more muscle, but has yet to even reach the bone.

Koorlic takes 91 Koorlic's copy takes 109

Koorlic

i watch my clone and send my crow to distract his and i go for a slash to remove his right eye before changing the direction of the blade to slashing diagonaly down across his chest

Beanbaker

Again i charge, this time I swing down diagonally, then kick once with my right foot, then with the blade still traveling i bring the sword down onto the injured shoulder again, to slide against the bone and tear off the entire bicep area, flesh and all.

Koku

As koorlic uses his crow to just distract the other crow, he charges to remove the right eye of the clone, but the lone was able to react at the last minute to prevent that from happening by turning his head. His only possible retaliation was to swing around with the sword to attack Koorlic, but from the shock of nearly losing an eye lost his footing and barely got the blade into Koorlic's right arm.
Koorlic takes only 8 damage while the Copy takes 101

As beanbaker charges forward his effort goes in vain as he missed the old injury and created a new one that was only about an inch deep. Laughing at this the imposters opens up the right injury even more, this time coming closer to the bone.

Beanbaker takes 30 damage Beanbaker's impostor takes 18 points worth of damage

"I lok on as the both try to remove body parts and can't help but feel embarased for both of them. Koorlic you have plenty of experience, why are you already trying to remove parts, and you beanbaker, you were a prospect but all I see is a desperate attempt to copy someone right now. Shape up or else you will not make it here. Finish these battles sooner rather than later, we need to talk." I say that and go back to watching the battles, hoping my words hit home.

Beanbaker

I think to myself "Hes right (although who am i copying?!?!) the only way to stop this is to strike a deadly point like an artery or internal parts, and theres the possibility of giving up. "

I lay on one knee, and prepare my sword for an immediate thrust upward into the solar plexus and into the chest cavity. "I must wait for the perfect time, even if it means taking more damage."

Koorlic

i slice at the clones chest just pressing him back as i duck down and trip him then as he falls i slice an ex on to his chest then while hes on the groound i kick his guilded katana from his hand and slice his face

Koku

Beanbaker waits for his clone to attack, but when his clone finally attacked, he was not able to strike a vital point and just got his sword stuck slightly in the clone's body. The clone swipes at beanbakers back cutting a decent amount for the way he attacked.

beanbaker takes 25 beanbaker's copy takes 13

You manage to strike at his chest, when you try to trip him he kicks your face, bringing you up and then slices you with his guilded katana. You get knocked away and notice how similar your wound is to his.

Koorlic takes 52 Koorlic's clone takes 46

Koorlic

i quickly start slashing at his face and neck sendiing my crow to distract him as i stab for his heart

Beanbaker

Noticing Koorlic's similar wounds, I ask Koku before striking, "How exactly were these clones made?"

After that I twist my entire body to do a full strike to the neck. Not to remove the head, but to get through the obvious defense that will slow down the sword (think of swinging a baseball bat)

Koku

Koorlic allows his crow to distract, but it serves little use in the long run. When koorlic went to attack the crow was already shooed off. Koorlic's bad still managed to go into the impostors chest, but it did not did enough to hit any vitals. The impostor retaliates by sending his crow behind koorlic then strikes into Koorlic's left ribs. It punctures the flesh and digs slightly imbetween ribs.

Koorlic does 75 while impostor does 88

As you go for his neck he slightly moves backward making you hit his collar bone, breaking it. When he moved backwards, it was merley to get ready to attack you back. He strikes beanbaker in his lower stomach to make it painful to move too quickly. The cut is slightly deep and ripped through a few muscles.
beanbaker does 28 damage while his clone does 35

"I think I have seen enough, the fights are being called in three more attacks. As for these clones, they things were special gifts for the units and were expensive. I am not even sure how they work, I just know that they do. Still if you could beat them by then, or get close enough to beating them, then we can continue."

Beanbaker

*sigh* "Three more, im sick of the pain, im sick of this piece of **** smiling at me, and i think im going to wipe it right off your face..."

I run foreward to close the distance between my clone and I. I throw my sword at the ground, causing it to ricochet off the ground in a wild manner straight at my clone. While he is focused on that, I take off my aluminum shin guards and fasten them to my fists. Once the blade makes contact, the clone will be knocked back, and ill have a chance to punch the femoral nerve in the thigh to make him lose feeling and control in his leg (aka "dead leg"), and to run off quickly to retrieve my sword.

Koorlic

i quickly charge forward putting as much possible strength into the blow slicing strait down from his forehead to his waist then slice straight across the front of his shoulders and stab my gilded katana into the base of his throat and rip it out the left side and have my crow attack hisface while i get out of reach

Koku

while you attempt this the sword bounces off his armor and close to beanbaker. the clone goes to attack beanbaker and manages to get him in the back of his ribs with a good cut. Beanbaker manages to grab his sword and swing with full force at the clone, getting him in his left side. The clone starts to smile wickedly again

Beanbaker does 31 damage while his clone does 35.

when Koorlic goes to slice down from the forehead, he only manages to slice the chest, but it is a very deep cut that causes a lot of blood to flow. When he goes for the throat the crow causes the clone to back up. making Koorlic just scratch the throat. Angered he gets his crow to attack you while he charges forward and cuts horizonatally though Koorlic's chest, near koorlic's pectorals. It left a gapin wound the caused blood to flow to the ground.

Koorlic does 179, while the fake does 173

Beanbaker

*Puts shin guards back on* "Well, that couldve ended worse. Maybe im thinking too much."

I swing an "X" first to the chest, then using the momentum of the last diagonal slash i thrust the greatsword into the abdomen. Once stuck, i strike the already-broken collarbone with my arm.

Koorlic

i send my crow to pull on his left ear as i run around to his right side and stab in and twist the blade as i pull out then i slice at his head

Koku

Beanbaker slashes an X on the clones chest that starts to bleed instantly. When he attempt to stick the blade in the clones abdomen, it moved to the left and quickly sliced beanbaker's right shoulder cutting under it. Beanbaker's shoulder was cut badly, leaving his movement to be slightly hindered with it.

beanbaker does 41 beanbaker fake does 50

Koorlic's crow attempts to take the ear but only manages to knick it. Koorlics sword punctures into the clones side very deeply, more deeply than he expected. Holding onto the blade, the clone than slashed at Koorlic's side while his crow attacked the scalp of Koorlic. The blade did not go far, but still left its mark.

Koorlic strikes for 184 while his clone hits for only 88

"Considering how close you both are to finishing or being finished I will allow this to continue on for a little longer." As I say that I get up from the excitement.

Beanbaker

"The gap between out health is widening too much, and i believe i only have so much left.."

I call my horse over, and climb into the saddle. "I do not wish to risk your life for this, but i need your help" I whisper to the horse. I turn around to gain distance, and a take off ALL of my armor and place it on my horse's neck, head, and front legs. The horse takes off at full speed, charging at my clone. I intend to ram and trample my clone, then, as I lean over the right side of my horse, upside-down and hanging on by the reigns, i will hack and slash at my opponent, aiming for below the arms (brachial artery) the thighs (femoral artery) and the abdomen (aorta)

Koorlic

i send my crow in to attack his face and time it just right so that as soon as he shoos it away im right there slashing his throat and then i slice his chest and stomacheand jump back out of reach

Koku

As Beanbaker charges with his horse the amount of force with the blow is amazing, and beanbaker strikes for a good amount. Beanbaker does indeed strike under the clone's arms. However, as beanbaker attacks his clone is also striking, and gets beanbaker straight in the chest. Beanbaker falls off the horse and his clone goes flying.

beanbaker does 45 his clone does 47

As the clone shoos away the bird he notices you coming and jumps back. Koorlic cuts into his chest, but it is not deep, and far from lethal. Before koorlic can strike at his throat, the clone slices upwards and cuts through some of Koorlic's muscles, hurting him a good deal.

koorlic does 73 and his fake does 123

Koorlic

i run forward and tackle my cloan impailing it with my katana in the process and rise to my feet removing my katana from him and slicing his chest several times

Beanbaker

"Ugh.... this is killing me...." *calls horse over again*

I remove a reign and fasten it to the hilt of my sword. Trusting my horse will move at the very last movement to the left, i will gain momentum previously by swinging the sword and reign, and come down on my clone. I will then turn around on my horse, and swing my sword/reigns again to spearhead my sword, much like a sling, and launch the sword directly at my downed opponent.

Koku

While Koorlic tried to tackle his clone, he fails to do so and in the process barely scratches his opponent. Angered, he strikes back cutting through Koorlic's stomach. Blood comes dripping down as Koorlic holds his stomach for a stomach. From behind Koorlic the clone's bird attacks and scratches Koorlic.

Koorlic does 17 while his impostor does 103

As beanbaker attempts to attack pull off the move, but it only cuts though the clones collar. It does enough to make it so that when the clone attacks his attack is weakened. It still hits, and weakened the already dying beanbaker.
beanbaker does 29 his clone does 21

Koorlic

i stand up sendign my bird after him and summon all of my energy into a ssingle blow into his midsection i then kick him in the face and slice diagnoly from his right shoulder to his left hip

Beanbaker

"My only chance is the collarbone..."

Putting my armor back on, i have my horse run as fast as it can, but to launch me into the air by kicking me off its back. With every ounce of strength left, l drive my sword into the broken wound on his collar bone to pierce his heart.

Koku

With mild force Koorlic cuts deeper into the clones right shoulder. The injuries that the dummy succumbed were terrific, and caused it to fall down and start to fade. The blood of the dummy started to fade, as it was merely than an illusion. Standing up, Koorlic coughs up some blood, showing some internal bleeding is taking place. Barely able to stand up he awaits orders.

Koorlic does 70, defeating the clone

As beanbaker tries to break into the collar bone, his attempt is valiant as he cut into the bone more, but unfortunately the clone stops it from going to deep...
beabaker does 27

However, before beanbaker is hit with the clones attack I quickly run down and cut it in half, which was made easier from the amount of cuts and bruises it sustained. as the clones fade into nothing the two realize that even if the clones were soulless replica's the damage they did was real. "It appears the Archaic and his clone left somewhere... oh well. Please go take a shower in the guard station located inside the room they came from, it treats wounds lie nothing else.and return then, we have must to discuss."

Chapter 2- The knowledge of guards
After Koorlic and beanbaker were better they make their way back outside for the next part. They have no idea what may be in store from them after already fighting themselves.

When they head outside, they see me napping in the tree I was judging in. When they approach closer I wake up and jump down.

"Now then, can any of you two ask me why I just made you fight yourselves, there are a few reasons and I am sure you both must have some idea."

Koorlic

*goes to take a shower....... and returns a short time later.* Waiting for orders sir i say pushing my hair back

Beanbaker

*comes back* Yeah, same here. Awaiting orders.

Koku

"as I said before, why do you think I made you fight the clones. It is not rhetorical, I really want your input." I shall tell you the truth after I heard an answer from both of you.

Koorlic

to see exactly how we would handle ourselves

Beanbaker

"To learn more about ourselves by fighting the one thing that we would never imagine fighting."

Koku

"both of those sound alright, but there was a lot more than that. I wanted you two to fight your clones because it would be the fairest fight possible. I really wanted to test to see how you would do to take down the opponent really. Creativity in moves is a great talent and leads to more interesting fights. Also, by watching your movements carefully, I could tell what you wanted to do, and I wanted to see if you were planning on doing things that were possible. I also wanted to see if you would take advantage of everything you were able to do.

Both of you underestimated the strength in the opponents arms, and Koorlic, you did not use your crow until I used it. That is unacceptable. Both of you need to learn about the anatomy of a strong and weak warrior.

Now before I go into the lecture I have one more question to ask you A strong warrior has 1000hp left and gets hit in the arm with a move that does 200, does an arm come off? Now say a weaker warrior gets hit with the same move and the same space but only has 300 hp, does the arm come off then?"

I look at them and eagerly await an answer.

Beanbaker

"Uh, i wouldnt think so. Both are seriously damaging blows, and it is possible the arm could come off, but not a probability. I tried to remove an arm, and that failed horribly. No matter the warrior, we are all human, and have the same basic anatomy. I learned the hard way that its much harder to cut bones than it actually looks."

Koku

"As you can guess, the strong warrior would not lose his arm, but the weaker warrior is different. Depending on the situation, it may be possible for him to still have the arm attached, but hardly usable."
Stronger warriors have muscles that are strongly attached and are able to take blows much better. Cutting through the mass of muscles is a lot harder, and as such cuts go in less when compared to weaker warriors who have more fat and less muscle mass. A weak warrior has less hp, and has a much large chance of getting his limbs severed from a strong attcak. However, both weak and strong warrior stand little chance of severing a limb from a weak weapon or weak attack. Generally, if one attack takes away 75-80% of persons max hp, a non vital limb (arm not holding a weapon, an ear, eye, maybe even a leg) may come off, if an attack takes off 81-90%, there is a large chance that a limb will come off if the attacker aims to remove it, from 91-99% from one hit would mean a guarantee in the loss of a not important limb. A one hit Ko mean any limb is gone cased close. These situations should not happen though as a fight should not happen if the two opponents are so heavily unequal in ability. If there is no chance that a person can win against another, as these show, then the battle is not allowed." As I finish that I look at them starting to Nod off.

"Sorry, but this all needs to be said, and it is just beginning. It takes a lot to be a guard as you can now see. Now do you understand the basics described above?"

Beanbaker

"Yes, i understand, but why is it a strong warrior must be, muscular? Can't a strong warrior also be a person who is strong-willed, strong-minded, or strong-spirited, and not just plain strong? Is all there is just a measurement of one's ability to take hits?"

Koku

"A strong person should strong in all those aspects, but when it comes to taking hits, it really matters more abut the muscles themselves. A strong willed person can still be chopped in half if his muscles can not absorb the blood enough. Also, I do not mean he needs to be buff," I show my wiry arm that seems to have little muscle attached. I take beanbaker's blade and do 31 damage to myself, cutting the surface barely, it does not even draw blood.
"See, even though I do not have much muscle at first glance, it has become so tight that your sword can barely leave a scratch similar to a paper cut. Basically strong in the sense of injuries deals with how much health they have, which correlates with how much muscle density and what not they have. Do you understand it better now, allowing me to continue on with the next part of limb severing, it comes up a lot in battles and needs to be covered."
With that I explanation I throw the sword at beanbaker getting it to stick in the ground by his side.

Beanbaker

"Yes, that clarifies things greatly."

Koku

"Now," I say while continuing, "the severing of a limb of an injured person is different. The muscles hold up well in warriors, so even if they seem injured badly, do not be fooled. Even a person at 25% his max health would still have all limbs attached if an attack does 10% of the max hp. A study shown that limbs come off when 15% of the health is removed with one hit from 21-25% max health, at 16-20% max health it would require a hit that does 13% of the persons health, at 11-15% max health, it takes a hit that does 10% of the max health, from 6-10% max health, it requires a hit that does 7% of the max health, and the remaining percentage requires a hit that would do only 4-5% of the attackers max health. An eye can be taken out when the person is heavily hurt and the attack does a good amount. This is more variable, but mostly happens below 25% max health. This is all a bit confusing at first, so please take it in and ask me if you need an example, I just want to rush through this part to get onto your main responsibilities."

Beanbaker

"I actually understood a great amount, but I had to write it down..."

Koku

"good, don't worry though, those were rough estimates to be taken into consideration. The main just was that it is very hard to cut limbs off, those numbers were found in studies, but it changes from case to case. Now then let's move on. I want an answer for both of you on this next one. What is a guards duties?" With that I jump back into the tree to get some excersize."

Beanbaker

"Well, if the name suggests, they are to guard is one job. I assume they have more, like judging within the arena and coliseum. I assume you will explain that there is more than just those..."

Koorlic

the gaurds duties are to protect against inrtuders, protect others and judge fights

Koku

"you both are hitting on it more or less. The guards must judge battles, starting of first with only the arena. You must judge unbiased (this is out of character, You should use dice for this, if you can not afford a lot of dice for some reason just get 2 10 sided dice, I think for under five dollars you could get 4 D20s, 4 d10, 1d6, 1d4 which should cover all damage rates up to 200. Use one (or two) set d10s for ones, and one (or two) for tens. if both are 0s, it is 100 damage). You must make sure that no one interferes with the battles, and if they do you can do one of two things: take them to the side and execute them using your weapon or call the match. Sure this means you are getting in a fight of your own, but it does not mean to let the other fight go unjudged. You must balance them both. However, if you chose to call the match you must send everyone out of the arena and lock it.
You must also try to help the land of Nocte when it is being threatened. Besides for judging and protecting Nocte, you must act as a model for others. If you do not show care in everything you do you shall not become a guard. If people can not turn to guards to see how to behave, who would they turn to." I hope you understood all of that.

Koorlic

i undertsand i say standing tall

Beanbaker

I understand, but the dice damage may have to be explained a little clearer.

Koku

(do not worry about that, it shall become easier to understand once you get dice, until then a random number generator is fine)
"Alright so those are the basics, there will be more to learn later on, but that is only after you guys initiated, if you do that is, and even then, it would only be if I find it important. Until then I shall give you both an honor of practicing judging, by judging a fight with me and..." with that I snap and behind me a shadowed figure appeared. When he looks up it is seen that it is just the clone of me. I look at him and give him a five before taking out my weapon. A Smile is seen on both faces as they take out their weapons and tap them together.
"You will be judging the first hits between me and my clone. You will each judge, explaining what you see happens to us. The reports might be very different as I shall not be wearing my training armor, and nor shall he." With that I remove the vest, arm weights, and ankle weights made of still-sharp blades.
"Just try to explain what you see, I can not hold you to anything more. Yes you will both be judging the same moves, as the damage you report will be different, seeing how this is not a real fight though, it is ok. In a real fight there should only be one judge and therefore the damage reported could not be disputed. I need to hear from both of you when I can start the fight, it is up to the judge to declare who shall go first, and when the match starts. Well, we will be waiting." With that me and my clone separate with a blink of an eye . Both of us hold our scythes ready to attack.

Beanbaker

"Im ready to judge." I sit down on a bench nearby.

Koorlic

im good to go

Koku

Looking at the clone I charge at him with rapid speed, I quickly jump over him. With the split second it takes for him to turn around I take the opportunity to swing my scythe at him, hoping that the swing is fast enough to hit him before he could fully turn and block it.

Beanbaker

A slight miscalculation made the real Koku over jump, and thus gave the clone more time to react. The clone was able to turn fully, but the scythe did not follow as quickly. The blade of the real Koku bypassed the pole of the clone's scythe, and then dug into the clones bicep. Unphased, the clone pushed the real Koku back with the pole, and dealt a vertical strike that landed a deeper wound in the real Koku's shoulder.

My calculations:
Real Koku deals 143 damage.
Clone Koku deals 286 damage.

Koku

Seeing how Koorlic seems to have fallen asleep the battles ends. My Clone and I see a new idea. "Now beanbaker, new lesson- if you decide to sleep or leave for now reason, you might as well give up any chance of becoming guard. A guard must be active, unlike Koorlic is now. So, until he wakes up..." my clone and I get into battle positions, "You shall judge this onslaught. It is me, both of me, verse Koorlic. For every ten minutes of no posting both of us shall attack again until he dies.
With that both of us charge at Korlic. I get to him first and lift him into the sky using my scythe. My Clone jumps up and does a barrel roll of sorts swinging his scythe at Koorlic as he turns. He cuts into Koorlic and send him down to me. I get into position to swing, and once Koorlic comes down close o the ground I swing with great intensity tryign to knock him away far.

Beanbaker

The real Koku's scythe was able to tear a decent sized wound on Koorlic's leg, as the blade grabs flesh and flings Koorlic into the air, and leaving his body cleanly. As for Koku's clone, the blows were tremendous. The initial jump created a gust that knocked over a few potted plants. The barrel roll was another spectacle. The roll was executed perfectly, and every time the scythe found its mark. A distinctive "shling" echoed throughout the halls of the court in total of six times, and a final, bone-crushing axe kick followed by another "shling" tore open more flesh of Koorlic's abdomen, creating a steady downpour of blood. The body, however, hit one of the massive columns in the court, and the real Koku was unable to reach the body in time, and was only able to slash Koorlic's hand, as the body came down with a great "crack" on the ground.

The real Koku deals 193 damage to Koorlic
The clone Koku deals 539 damage to Koorlic.

Koku

"Well another ten minutes past, time for more fun. I am angry that Koorlic baseball could not happen though."
With that the two of us approach koorlic, I duck down and the clone gets on my back as I boost him up high. After sending him up I back up. Soon the clone lands attempting to dig deep into the upper shoulder region of the body. I then quickly approach and start to hold out my scythe. The clone quickly gets out of the way as I speed up and approah Koorlic. With great spead I try to land strikes in Koorlics neck, gut, both sides, and finish by quickly putting the scythe, tip first into Koorlic's back.

Beanbaker

The clone Koku has a good start in the jump, but was only able to moderately pierce Koorlic's left shoulder upon descent. The real Koku has just as much luck, only able to slash moderately at Koorlic's abdomen, leaving more open wounds, and deepening the ones already opened. The real Koku was successful in leaving a good stab, which landed square on the small of Koorlic's back, and digging upward due to the scythe's curved blade. Koku had to pause for a moment to fiddle the blade out of Koorlic, who is already turning yellow due to heavy liver failure, along with deep bruising from internal bleeding and other organ failure.

The real Koku deals 347 damage
The clone Koku deals 396 damage.

Koku

Realizing that this should be the final hits I decide to have fun. "Remember what I said about severing, well you are about to witness an event where severing may be possible. I quickly run to the other side of Koorlic. Deciding to take the simple but eloquent approach to attacks I nod my head at my clone. Together we charge at Koorlic and with great accuracy attempt to cut him down the middle by swinging the scythe's at his opposite sides (both swing so it cuts the side on our right). We try to keep the blades so one is no more than 2 milimeters above the other. We also plan to avoid the other's scythe by mere inches if it were to come through the other side.

Beanbaker

The blows were inaccurate, for Koorlic's failing body sagged and began to fall. The cuts were fatal. The real Koku's scythe cuts through Koorlic's right thigh cleanly through, and the blade of the clone Koku cuts cleanly through, all the way through, Koorlic's raw and exposed abdomen. Both land perfectly, away from each others' blades. A gust of wind blows through the court, and Koorlic falls to pieces.

The real Koku deals 253 damage
The clone Koku deals 473 damage.

"Way to die in your sleep, and with this, Koku and, uh, Koku, win. Koorlic is dead."

Koku

I snap my finger and the clone disappears, leaving just a small scroll. Picking it up I put it away.
"good job judging, you are proving yourself worthy to be a guard. While you are not qualified yet, I shall definately keep you in mind for the position when you are worthy. There is just two things I forgot about that were not too important for this fight." With that I hold out a hand and raise one finger, "one, when judging the persons health at the start is what you go by, while they may gain in strength during the fight, that only takes affect after the battle."
I then hold up a second finger, "two, people attack based off of priority. A person with a horse goes before someone without a horse, and a person with a griffin goes before someone with a horse. If two people have a horse or a griffin then it is the one with the most hp who goes first. Now then," I say while starting to walk away, "you are free to go. The reward for this is simply that you are going to be looked at for being part of the imperial guard, congrats. Now before you go put Koorlics body parts together and toss them into the showers to give him a slight chance to be healed. Also, if you touch my mission book I shall come get you..." With that I leave quickly.