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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Nonlethal Force" data-source="post: 3012298" data-attributes="member: 35788">Ischarus wrinkled his eyelids toward Brandt, but knew that the wizened elder had likely been down this path with others.  His instincts had been right so far, even if it did lead to his own injury.  In fact, his instincts had proven reliable even in the event of the injury, although Brandt himself had not expected to be burned by acid.  In the end, Ischarus did sheath his sword and sit back down in one of the plush red chairs.  Brandt sat opposite him and a conversation much like the one between Rhema and Brandt followed.  Ischarus spoke of his hometown, his father dragon, his training as a swordsman, and his adventures in Quehalost.  After about and hour, Ischarus had shifted his legs once too often and Brandt noticed his fidgeting.  “So, you’ve come far by using that sword of yours.  Your reliance upon the sword is significant and I doubt that’ll change any time in the future.  But I believe it is my calling to see that you learn how to teach yourself your newly developing habits.  Care to give it a shot?”Ischarus smiled; he was eager to get out of the chair.  As soon as he moved, however, he felt the ache in his leg from the earlier healing.  “I would like the chance to learn, but I’m afraid that my leg may not be willing.  Besides, Bracchius told me to keep from straining it.”Brandt smiled broadly, his eyes scheming with an obvious thought beyond his response to Ischarus’ query.  “Bracchius is an able healer, but do not forget that I am also significant in my own right.  I would not be working in conjunction with a temple if I did not have divinely granted powers of my own.  If anything should happen to you, I can fix it.  Trust me.”The last two words offered by Brandt held a clearly mischievous tone.  There was certainly something that Brandt was planning, and his tone aroused a deep curiosity within Ischarus.  Yet, Ischarus feebly offered up one more expression of caution.  “And what of the leg pain?”Brandt erupted in laughter, but his laughter had a distinct lack of amusement.  The eruption of noise was more like what Ischarus was used to hearing from a card player who had just suckered him into betting his last gold on the table.  After the short laugh, Brandt added, “The battlefield does not wait for you to be free of pain, Ischarus.  And I believe you already know that through your experience.  If you wish to learn, you must practice whether you feel prepared or not.  There is no other option if you wish to survive against the foes who will no doubt seek you out in Quehalost.  Now get on your feat and give me your sword.”The last sentence was spoken with the same near magical quality that instantly allows any parent to automatically get the attention of their own children.  Ischarus immediately obeyed without hesitation, not wanting to disappoint Brandt with another comment.  Ischarus drew his weapon and handed it to Brandt in the same manner that his weapons master trainer had taught him.  The sword was extended to Brandt hilt first with the flat edge of the blade lying upon Ischarus’ outstretched palms.Brandt took the sword and smiled.  Nodding in a general direction, Brandt spoke softly, “Daancrah Pashfuul.”  As Brandt concluded the spell a small creature appeared in the middle of the room.The creature looked rather much like a fat, ugly, yellow blob.  The creature had long arms that dragged on the floor as it appeared before Ischarus.  Its light green beady eyes quickly found Ischarus in the room.  Somewhere out of the indistinguishable fat roll where the face should be located it almost appeared to smile in a menacing way.  It lifted its hands off of the floor and clenched them tightly.Brandt only offered up a single piece of advice.  “I’d strongly recommend dealing with it quickly.  Beings from the dark realms of evil don’t care for being summoned and they rather enjoy killing.”Ischarus gave Brandt a quick glance as he broke his stare from sizing up the creature summoned.  He knew enough from talking to Semeion about his training that sometimes surviving a summons could be accomplished by simply avoiding contact with it until the spell ran out.  However, from the look of pleasure of Brandt’s face Ischarus knew that would be one solution that wasn’t available to him.  Ischarus also noted the death grip that Brandt held on his sword.  There would be no retrieving the sword until he had bested the beast with his bare hands.As Ischarus sized up the summoned creature, it apparently decided to size him up as well.  The creature shifted its fat body around, the rolls of fat twisting and undulating as it rotated its small frame.  The creature stepped forward a bit and as it moved it lifted its long arms up from resting on the ground.  The rolls of fat underneath each arm flapped with each movement.Ischarus stepped forward, and his previously wounded leg muscles shot signals of pain to his brain.  On top of the normal pain from being healed, they were stiff from sitting so long as Ischarus talked to Brandt.  Ischarus growled as his brain registered the pain.  He clenched his teeth firmly and inhaled deeply.The beast surprised Ischarus at how fast such a fat body and stubby legs could move.  He nearly underestimated the creature’s reach and only narrowly dodged the evil beast’s first fist assault.  Ischarus returned with a swing of his own.  The swing missed, and as he swung he had to catch his balance because he had anticipating hitting the solidly obese creature.  Once more pain ripped through Ischarus’ leg as it complained against the unusual workout.The creature lifted both fists above his head in a super smash attack, but Ischarus was able to shuffle out of the way before the blow could connect.  He knew his mobility was being severely compromised on account of the pain in his leg.  In spite of his reduced mobility he was also quite sure that his fat opponent was significantly more agile than he looked.  Ischarus swung again and landed a solid blow.  The obese opponent’s fat laden body absorbed the shock easily and Ischarus could almost see another evil grin coming from where the face should be if the creature hadn’t been so fat.Ischarus felt his anger rising inside him at his ineffectiveness in this combat.  He doubted for a moment that this was a test of his pride.  For just a second Ischarus contemplated winning by tactically avoiding the summoned creature long enough for the spell to wear out.  However, the temptation didn’t last long and as Ischarus moved again to dodge another blow he winced in pain and nearly pulled up lame on his recovering leg.  He shot a glance towards Brandt.  The religious mage sat watching the combat with all the interest of a fanatical fan observing an excellently performed bullfight.Ischarus angrily scowled at his opponent and clenched his fist tightly.  As he did, Brandt noticed that Ischarus’ right hand developed a faint red aura.  Ischarus struck, and landed another solid blow.  The red aura passed from his hand into the creature and only then did Ischarus himself notice the magical discharge.  Although it felt like power was drained from his being, the release of the built up energy felt very satisfying.  Ischarus gave a quick shout of joy as the blow landed.Surprisingly, as the blow landed Ischarus saw his opponent nearly fade from sight.  He could still see the faint outline of his combatant, but it appeared as though the fat laden opponent had lost touch with the physical world and was a mere ghost.  Of course, Ischarus knew at once what was happening.  He lowered his defensive posture and as the creature threatened to attack once more Ischarus offered up no resistance.  The outline of the creature’s hand struck out at Ischarus and appeared to pass straight through the pained combatant.Ischarus shook his head as he ignored the strike and slowly turned to face Brandt.  “An illusion?  You put me up against an illusion?”The obese opponent continued to fight against Ischarus as though it was not aware that Ischarus had not felt its last blow.  As Brandt looked on, a fat fist launched itself harmless at Ischarus’ midsection and emerged out the other side.  The illusion tilted its head back in a simple howl of joy at the perceived howl.  Ischarus was either ignoring these attacks or simply oblivious to the fact that the illusionary opponent continued the pursuit.However, Brandt appeared rather amused.  He grinned widely enough to expose several of his front teeth and as Ischarus was struck a second time Brandt spoke.  “You didn’t honestly think that I had the power to summon real minions of evil, did you?  And certainly you did not think I would summon them here and risk diverting their attention away from Quehalost and onto Tongra?  It is bad enough that they are already so concentrated in Quehalost.  But at least there they fight among each other!”Ischarus could only shake his head at the fact that the simple illusion had managed to trick him.  The pain fromhis leg and his desire to please Brandt had blinded him from the truth.Brandt continued, “As you have spoken, I believe that the source of your power stems from combat.  Come, sit.  Let us talk some more of this now that you have stretched your leg.”As Ischarus moved to sit in his chair, the illusionary outline followed Ischarus.  Ischarus sighed and Brandt realized that his game had lost its fun for Ischarus.  With a mere thought Brandt dismissed the effects of the spell and the outline vanished from sight.  Once they were seated they spoke of overcoming the pain in Ischarus leg and the motivations within combat.  It was clear that Brandt did not intend to make Ischarus a better fighter.  However Brandt intended to make Ischarus a smarter fighter.  When they had talked long enough for Ischarus’ pained leg to grow restless again Brandt concluded with an invitation to rise out of the chairs.  “I think we have had enough for today.  Over the next few days I hope that you will discover what that latest spell was in addition to developing the ability to use your magic outside of combat.  For now, I think it is promising that we know from which arena in your life your magic stems.”Brandt rose and handed Ischarus his sword in the same manner that Ischarus had given it to him.  Ischarus readily accepted his blade back and sheathed it.  Together the men left Brandt’s office and headed for Brandt’s house.  The first day of Ischarus’ new training had came and gone rather successfully.[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]Ischarus wrinkled his eyelids toward Brandt, but knew that the wizened elder had likely been down this path with others. His instincts had been right so far, even if it did lead to his own injury. In fact, his instincts had proven reliable even in the event of the injury, although Brandt himself had not expected to be burned by acid. In the end, Ischarus did sheath his sword and sit back down in one of the plush red chairs. Brandt sat opposite him and a conversation much like the one between Rhema and Brandt followed. Ischarus spoke of his hometown, his father dragon, his training as a swordsman, and his adventures in Quehalost. After about and hour, Ischarus had shifted his legs once too often and Brandt noticed his fidgeting. “So, you’ve come far by using that sword of yours. Your reliance upon the sword is significant and I doubt that’ll change any time in the future. But I believe it is my calling to see that you learn how to teach yourself your newly developing habits. Care to give it a shot?”Ischarus smiled; he was eager to get out of the chair. As soon as he moved, however, he felt the ache in his leg from the earlier healing. “I would like the chance to learn, but I’m afraid that my leg may not be willing. Besides, Bracchius told me to keep from straining it.”Brandt smiled broadly, his eyes scheming with an obvious thought beyond his response to Ischarus’ query. “Bracchius is an able healer, but do not forget that I am also significant in my own right. I would not be working in conjunction with a temple if I did not have divinely granted powers of my own. If anything should happen to you, I can fix it. Trust me.”The last two words offered by Brandt held a clearly mischievous tone. There was certainly something that Brandt was planning, and his tone aroused a deep curiosity within Ischarus. Yet, Ischarus feebly offered up one more expression of caution. “And what of the leg pain?”Brandt erupted in laughter, but his laughter had a distinct lack of amusement. The eruption of noise was more like what Ischarus was used to hearing from a card player who had just suckered him into betting his last gold on the table. After the short laugh, Brandt added, “The battlefield does not wait for you to be free of pain, Ischarus. And I believe you already know that through your experience. If you wish to learn, you must practice whether you feel prepared or not. There is no other option if you wish to survive against the foes who will no doubt seek you out in Quehalost. Now get on your feat and give me your sword.”The last sentence was spoken with the same near magical quality that instantly allows any parent to automatically get the attention of their own children. Ischarus immediately obeyed without hesitation, not wanting to disappoint Brandt with another comment. Ischarus drew his weapon and handed it to Brandt in the same manner that his weapons master trainer had taught him. The sword was extended to Brandt hilt first with the flat edge of the blade lying upon Ischarus’ outstretched palms.Brandt took the sword and smiled. Nodding in a general direction, Brandt spoke softly, “Daancrah Pashfuul.” As Brandt concluded the spell a small creature appeared in the middle of the room.The creature looked rather much like a fat, ugly, yellow blob. The creature had long arms that dragged on the floor as it appeared before Ischarus. Its light green beady eyes quickly found Ischarus in the room. Somewhere out of the indistinguishable fat roll where the face should be located it almost appeared to smile in a menacing way. It lifted its hands off of the floor and clenched them tightly.Brandt only offered up a single piece of advice. “I’d strongly recommend dealing with it quickly. Beings from the dark realms of evil don’t care for being summoned and they rather enjoy killing.”Ischarus gave Brandt a quick glance as he broke his stare from sizing up the creature summoned. He knew enough from talking to Semeion about his training that sometimes surviving a summons could be accomplished by simply avoiding contact with it until the spell ran out. However, from the look of pleasure of Brandt’s face Ischarus knew that would be one solution that wasn’t available to him. Ischarus also noted the death grip that Brandt held on his sword. There would be no retrieving the sword until he had bested the beast with his bare hands.As Ischarus sized up the summoned creature, it apparently decided to size him up as well. The creature shifted its fat body around, the rolls of fat twisting and undulating as it rotated its small frame. The creature stepped forward a bit and as it moved it lifted its long arms up from resting on the ground. The rolls of fat underneath each arm flapped with each movement.Ischarus stepped forward, and his previously wounded leg muscles shot signals of pain to his brain. On top of the normal pain from being healed, they were stiff from sitting so long as Ischarus talked to Brandt. Ischarus growled as his brain registered the pain. He clenched his teeth firmly and inhaled deeply.The beast surprised Ischarus at how fast such a fat body and stubby legs could move. He nearly underestimated the creature’s reach and only narrowly dodged the evil beast’s first fist assault. Ischarus returned with a swing of his own. The swing missed, and as he swung he had to catch his balance because he had anticipating hitting the solidly obese creature. Once more pain ripped through Ischarus’ leg as it complained against the unusual workout.The creature lifted both fists above his head in a super smash attack, but Ischarus was able to shuffle out of the way before the blow could connect. He knew his mobility was being severely compromised on account of the pain in his leg. In spite of his reduced mobility he was also quite sure that his fat opponent was significantly more agile than he looked. Ischarus swung again and landed a solid blow. The obese opponent’s fat laden body absorbed the shock easily and Ischarus could almost see another evil grin coming from where the face should be if the creature hadn’t been so fat.Ischarus felt his anger rising inside him at his ineffectiveness in this combat. He doubted for a moment that this was a test of his pride. For just a second Ischarus contemplated winning by tactically avoiding the summoned creature long enough for the spell to wear out. However, the temptation didn’t last long and as Ischarus moved again to dodge another blow he winced in pain and nearly pulled up lame on his recovering leg. He shot a glance towards Brandt. The religious mage sat watching the combat with all the interest of a fanatical fan observing an excellently performed bullfight.Ischarus angrily scowled at his opponent and clenched his fist tightly. As he did, Brandt noticed that Ischarus’ right hand developed a faint red aura. Ischarus struck, and landed another solid blow. The red aura passed from his hand into the creature and only then did Ischarus himself notice the magical discharge. Although it felt like power was drained from his being, the release of the built up energy felt very satisfying. Ischarus gave a quick shout of joy as the blow landed.Surprisingly, as the blow landed Ischarus saw his opponent nearly fade from sight. He could still see the faint outline of his combatant, but it appeared as though the fat laden opponent had lost touch with the physical world and was a mere ghost. Of course, Ischarus knew at once what was happening. He lowered his defensive posture and as the creature threatened to attack once more Ischarus offered up no resistance. The outline of the creature’s hand struck out at Ischarus and appeared to pass straight through the pained combatant.Ischarus shook his head as he ignored the strike and slowly turned to face Brandt. “An illusion? You put me up against an illusion?”The obese opponent continued to fight against Ischarus as though it was not aware that Ischarus had not felt its last blow. As Brandt looked on, a fat fist launched itself harmless at Ischarus’ midsection and emerged out the other side. The illusion tilted its head back in a simple howl of joy at the perceived howl. Ischarus was either ignoring these attacks or simply oblivious to the fact that the illusionary opponent continued the pursuit.However, Brandt appeared rather amused. He grinned widely enough to expose several of his front teeth and as Ischarus was struck a second time Brandt spoke. “You didn’t honestly think that I had the power to summon real minions of evil, did you? And certainly you did not think I would summon them here and risk diverting their attention away from Quehalost and onto Tongra? It is bad enough that they are already so concentrated in Quehalost. But at least there they fight among each other!”Ischarus could only shake his head at the fact that the simple illusion had managed to trick him. The pain fromhis leg and his desire to please Brandt had blinded him from the truth.Brandt continued, “As you have spoken, I believe that the source of your power stems from combat. Come, sit. Let us talk some more of this now that you have stretched your leg.”As Ischarus moved to sit in his chair, the illusionary outline followed Ischarus. Ischarus sighed and Brandt realized that his game had lost its fun for Ischarus. With a mere thought Brandt dismissed the effects of the spell and the outline vanished from sight. Once they were seated they spoke of overcoming the pain in Ischarus leg and the motivations within combat. It was clear that Brandt did not intend to make Ischarus a better fighter. However Brandt intended to make Ischarus a smarter fighter. When they had talked long enough for Ischarus’ pained leg to grow restless again Brandt concluded with an invitation to rise out of the chairs. “I think we have had enough for today. Over the next few days I hope that you will discover what that latest spell was in addition to developing the ability to use your magic outside of combat. For now, I think it is promising that we know from which arena in your life your magic stems.”Brandt rose and handed Ischarus his sword in the same manner that Ischarus had given it to him. Ischarus readily accepted his blade back and sheathed it. Together the men left Brandt’s office and headed for Brandt’s house. The first day of Ischarus’ new training had came and gone rather successfully.[/Sblock]</blockquote>

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