The sluggish thoughts of Justice

[Pseudonym]

Original Submission

[Pseudonym]

*Justice enters the temple of Rofirein in Vehl, his dull grey eyes sweeping the interior, searching for a familiar face. They brighten momentarily as they alight upon another young man, he too barely out of adolescence, currently at work scrubbing the flagstoned floor. His huge stride takes him to his fellow ward's side in moments. Justice's voice booms out, startling some of the nearby petitioners at their evening prayer.*

JUSTICE NEED SUM WORDS WRIT. YOU WRIT FOR ME OR ME MEBBE RIP YUR ARMS OFF AND YOU PROLLY DIE. THEN ME GET IN TRUBBLE AND THAT NOT BE GUD. YOU WRIT FOR ME NOW.

*His fellow ward of the church, long used to evading having his arms ripped off (and probably dying) offered Justice a tentative smile and hurriedly retrieved some parchment and a quill to record his large friend's no-doubt ground-breakingly philosphical thoughts. Justice's brutish face creases for a moment in deep thought, then he slowly speaks for his shanghai'd scribe. He is obviously unwitting to his more learned friend's unwilling.*

THINKS AND WRITS THAT JUSTICE HAVE

B..B.. But Justice, that doesn't really make any .. errr .. sense. Do you want me to .. you know .. t..t..translate?

YOU WRIT DOWN WOT ME SAY OR ME RIP ARMS OFF

S..Sure .. calm down .. exactly as you say it. Got it. Understood.

Thinks and writs that Justice have

Me gots no money.

Me hungry.

Me told sharp sword is good to fights with good and not sharp sword that is not one.

*The shanghai'd scribe's eyes flick towards Justice for a moment, his eyes clearly refecting the inner turmoil at having to scribe words that contravene his thorough indoctrination of the importance of proper syntax. Deciding that defence of correct grammar is not as important as maintaining a full set of functioning appendages, he continues to scribe the words as spoken*

Me buy one and me practice lots.

When me told to kill bad man then me able to kill quick and then me get back to dinner quick.

Me need gold to buy tin shirt. Me got big body so man in shop say it cost me lot of gold.

Me want to be good fighter so me watch knights of worm

*the scribe coughs politely and mumbles under his breath*

.. wyrm ..

DON'T MAKE ME ..

*Justice's huge hands clench threateningly*

Nothing Justice! Go on!

Me watch knights of worm and me copy them. Mebbe one teach me.

*again Justice's face twists in confusion. Long moments pass. The shanghai'd scribe shifts nervously, waiting more dictation. More moments pass.*

THAT IT FOR NOW. ME HUNGRY.

[Pseudonym]

*Justice sucks down great gasping breaths, his massive chest still heaving in the aftermath of his violent exertions. At his feet lay a dozen and more ogres, their spilled lifeblood congealing and turning the road dust into a dark umber. Justice looks down at the rent and broken bodies. Some short distance away, fellow Rofireinite Sasha Tomyris* casually wipes the blood from her blade onto the corpse of one of the fallen.*

ME NOT KNOW WHY YOU BETTER FIGHTER THAN ME SASH-AH. ME GOT SWORD LIKE KNIGHT OF WORM NOW**. ME BIGGER THAN YOU BUT ME ONLY KILL TWO OF DEM AND YOU KILL*mumbles as he counts the strewn bodies* ONE, TWO, T'REE, SIX, SEVEN, ELEVENTY, FOUR .. UMMMM, LOTS OF DEM.

You forget my large friend, I have been dealing with these bandits for many years now. I have dedicated my life to the service of the Great Gold, and as such, the mastery of his weapons. With such dedication to his ideals and dogma comes a certain proficiency in martial pursuits.

*Justice blinks slowly at the utterly incomprehensible polysyllabism*

Ummmm, okay, Me practice lots. Me kill lots of bad men. Me get good at sword-fight. Chop chop, swing swing, chop chop. Yes? You understand?

*Justice nods, understanding dawning across his brutish features*

YES SASH-AH. ME DO LOTS OF SWORD CHOPPING AND ME GET GUD-DER AT IT.

Better at it Justice, not gooder.

~oOo~

*long pause while Sasha waits for Justice to process this new information*

~oOo~

SASH-AH?

*slightest hint of exasperation creeps into her voice* Yes Justice?

IF ME PRACTICE LOTS AND LOTS WIT' SWORD, ME GET GUD- .. UMMMM .. BETTER .. FIGHTER. MORE IS GUD, YES?

Yes Justice, that's right.

*long pause again. Startled birds resume their song. Clouds chase each other across the sky. Shadows lengthen.*

IF MORE IS GUD, WHY ME ONLY USE ONE SWORD? ME GOT TWO HANDS, ME CAN SWING TWO SWORDS!

But Justice, quantity doesn't really substitute for quality.

*Too many syllables. Blank look*

BUT TWO MORE THAN ONE!

B..But Justice, wielding two swords doesn't necessarily mean--

JUSTICE THINK OF CLEVER THING!! TWO BETTER DEN ONE!!

*Sasha heaves a small sigh ... he really looks so pleased at his own logic*

Yes Justice, clever deduction. Right you are. Two is more, and therefore irrefutably better than one.

JUSTICE BUY ANUDDER SWORD NOW AND ME BE DOUBLE BETTER THAN SASH-AH SOON!

*Justice offers Sasha a huge grin. She smiles encouragingly in return.*


[size=-2]*Sasha's appearance and later condescension come with the permission of her player, Dezza.
**Sword of Knight of the Wyrm = Bastard Sword[/size]

[Pseudonym]

*Justice sits, his unblinking gaze never leaving the face of the weapons instructor. The lesson had now stretched to two hours and most of the other students had long since grown restless. Justice wished the class to never end.*

The experienced warrior senses and reacts to combat at an intuitive level. They react without consciously having to attend to each action. The less experienced fighter has to think too much, especially when facing a vastly more skilled foe. If you have to stop and think, your enemy opponent will assuredly use that split second to defeat you.

*One of the other students nudged the fellow beside him and whispered something about the absence of conscious thought suiting Justice perfectly. Fortunately for he, the whispers didn't reach the volatile Half-giant's ears*

What sets the truly excellent warrior apart from the merely proficient is their ability to perform basic techniques very well.

Listen carefully, the subject of breathing. We all breathe and we all breathe all of the time or else we die. Yet, at that time when it is most important to focus on this fundamental, in the middle of a fight, we stop breathing or, at best, stop breathing correctly. Usually this is due to poor concentration and a lack of training. Clearly the worst time to stop breathing, or to breathe short and tight breaths is when you are wearing 60 pounds of armor and a giant ...

*A few sideways glances at Justice*

... errr ... I mean, an ogrillon is swinging at you with an axe twice your size. It is moments like this that you need all the air in your lungs that you can get. Yet, at this most important of times, the stress of fighting can cause us to actually breathe less. Breathing shallowly tends to produce rigid movements, slow thinking, and poor reactions.

*The instructor casts a stern gaze over the assembled pupils. If he was taken aback at the intensity of his largest student's return gaze, it wasn't apparent*

How does one breathe correctly?

In short, you want to make the act of breathing correctly so engrained that you don't have to think about it. You don't want to have to consciously attend to your breathing but you want to be aware of your own body. You want to be aware when you start to tighten and your chest constricts. With training and focus you will be able to control your breathing without having to consciously attend to it.

Easy lesson. Good fighter without sufficient air equals bad fighter. Breathe deeply from your stomach and not shallowly from the chest. Tension is a natural response to stress but it also results in a redirection of strength and power that can be better put to use in the power of your blows. When you breathe correctly you will feel your body become loose and relaxed. You will become efficient. You can strike, you can react to attacks quicker and more effectively and your mind will be clear.

Practice slow, deep breathing, especially while under stress. What you are used to doing by repeated practice is what you will do when you are fighting. If you are used to slow and deep breathing, when your body tenses up in combat, it is more likely that you will continue to breathe properly.

Another aspect of breathing ... and fighting involves the timing of your breathing and the best time to attack your opponent. You will get more power when you swing on the exhale. As you exhale, you exert power and focus. Some warriors will even shout loudly at the moment of exhale. This serves the functions of helping you focus, assuring the correct timing of your breath and may even startle your opponent into error.

Any questions?

*Justice's hand rises into the air*.

Yes Justice?

WOT SUFFISHENT MEAN?

It means 'enough' Justice ... as in there has been sufficient interruption of this class from your constant requests for clarification

WOT CLARIFIKASHURON MEAN--

Enough Justice!

*The teacher rounds on another boy seated in the front of the assemblage*

Mitchart, please provide Justice with a copy of today's notes at lesson's end

*Small spots of colour had appeared on the teacher's cheeks, the only sign (other than the barely discernible small vertical crease which appeared at the juncture of his eyebrows) of any frustration*

I shall continue.

Balance. You are thinking simple, yes? Don't fall over?

*There are a few chuckles*

Balance is somewhat more complicated than just that though not falling over is a good start.

*The student seated beside Justice glances over to the giant's parchment. Upon it's surface he sees in crude handwriting.

BREETHE = GUD

FALL OVER = BAD

*The teacher's voice drones on*

Most of us were born with two feet which, when fighting, should always remain in contact with the ground. This means that we have two points on which to balance at all times. If you are off balance you will more easily slip, trip, or fall.

Tripping, slipping and falling are seldom desirable outcomes. However, there are times when you may choose to move off balance in order to make a killing blow. The important thing to consider is whether or not you intended to move off balance. You make this decision based upon experience, intuition and your perception of the likelihood of being able to make the kill. There is an element of judgment in the choice to go off balance and you only do it for this reason.

Keep your feet shoulder width apart and never cross your feet or bring them both together as you move around the battlefield. It is better to slide your feet an inch or so above the ground than it is to pick up your feet and plant them back down again. The closer your foot is to the ground the less likely you are to be off balance for your opponent's attack and, more importantly, for your counterattack.

*The teacher looks up*

Other than Justice, any questions?

*There are none .. or at least none willing*

Timing

Good timing is the most critical factor in your attack. No matter how fast or hard the blow, if it is not timed so that it hits your opponent in a vulnerable area it will have no effect.

Timing is also one of the least conscious factors in sword or axe fighting. Some people are born with faster reaction times yet to a great extent, the more you fight, the more you work in Rofirein's name, the better your timing will become.

Timing also includes your ability to read ... based on probabilities calculated from our experience ...

*Before Justice can raise his hand, the weapons teacher sighs heavily to himself before continuing.*

... you can guess what the other fighter intends to do and then to defend, or better yet attack them, before they can do it.

Sometimes you can sense an attack, or a particular direction of attack, by the way your opponent shifts their weight or drops their shoulder. Often such signals are not obvious ... though sometimes they are. Pay attention and the kill will be yours and not theirs.

A word of warning. The better your opponent is the more likely they will use these subtle signals to their advantage. They might just initially swing slow enough that you see it and start to counter it ... when the initial attack turns into something else and you die.

With experience and practice you can develop an intuitive sense of movement and expectation. Time your attack in such a way as to take advantage of this process and you will create opportunity. It is this perception of what is about to happen that allows your timing to improve. As your opponent begins to think about their blow ... you have already blocked it in your mind and moved to a counterattack. If done correctly your foe may see the block but won't see the counter ... until it takes their head.

*The instructor turns another page of his notes*

By carefully observing your opponent you will be better able to time your blow. You can often tell a lot about the other fighter by looking into their eyes but you must remember you cannot focus on them as you will lose sight of the rest of the fight. You should work on taking in the whole fight without looking at any single part of it. Speed is important but even great speed and strength is not effective if you don't do it at the right time.

Conditioning. Conditioning is essential ... but conditioning is not simply strength. Conditioning includes stamina, flexibility and endurance. Rofirein's warriors need all of these.

Run. Lift rocks. Wrestle. Eat well. Swim.

All of these things will help your conditioning but none are as important as battle practice and experience. Some warriors might be fit enough to be able to run ten miles but will begin to breathe heavy before they have dropped their second ogre. Others not so, they will be bearing wounds and faint from bloodloss and yet they manage to continue to fight for hours. The difference is practice and experience.

*The pupil besides Justice dares another glance*

BREETHE = GUD

FALL OVER = BAD

SHOUT LOUD = GUD

EAT LOTS = GUD

The mental processes

A great man once wrote ... all things be ready if our minds be so.*

This is especially true regarding combat. Many lose a fight before they even start. It happens frequently. Perhaps they see the helmet or coat of arms of a famous warrior and tell themselves they couldn't possibly defeat them? Perhaps they mentally place themselves into a category from which they are afraid to progress? They have defeated themselves before the battle even begins.

This aspect of combat and fighting is the most difficult to teach. It is a personal fight that exists inside our own heads ... but without it, nothing else works.

*the turn of another page*

So what should we have in our heads when we enter the fray? Rofirein's will be done? Death to our enemies? No. Do not think. Do not think about your enemy. Do not think about what you think is going to happen. Be confident. Be open, flexible and ready to act or react to what ever happens. Don't preconceive notions about the battle ... who is going to win and who is not. Just observe and react. Expectations and assumptions will get you killed.

Fighting ability is made up of many things ... some we can control and some we cannot. Some people have a better sense of balance than others ... or faster reaction times ... some are just stronger. Yet, these differences mean little in the compared to a willingness to put forth the effort necessary to improve. Those who observe carefully and are willing to put forth the effort will assuredly improve to become favoured in the sight of the Great Gold.

This lesson continues with practical applications in the courtyard.

*The instructor looks up to the chorus of half stifled sighs of relief. To he who stifled his groan of pleasure the least,*

Gretellen, you shall pair with Justice.

*Grins from those not bearing the name Gretellen at escaping his fate*

// * 'All things be ready if our minds be so.' Shakespeare in Henry V.

[Pseudonym]

// Apologies for the completely OOC nature of this post, it just was the perfect mental image that I had when I pictured Justice at the Rofireinite martial academy!

Drill Sergeant is in Forrest's face as Forrest stands in line with the other recruits.

Drill Sergeant: Gump! (Justice!) What's your sole purpose in this Army?
Forrest (Justice): To do whatever you tell me, Drill Sergeant!
Drill Sergeant: Godamnit, Gump!(Justice!) You're a goddamned genius! That's the most outstanding answer I've ever heard. You must have a godamned I.Q. of a hundred and sixty! You are godamned gifted, Private Gump! (Justice!)

The Drill Sergeant moves down the line to the next man.

~oOo~

Forrest (Justice) finishes assembling his rifle as the other recruits are still working on theirs.

Forrest (Justice): Done, Drill Sergeant!

Drill Sergeant: Gump! (Justice!)

The Drill Sergeant rushes up to Forrest (Justice).

Drill Sergeant: Why did you put that weapon together so quickly, Gump? (Justice?)

Forrest (Justice): You told me to, Drill Sergeant.

The Drill Sergeant looks at his stop watch.

Drill Sergeant: Jesus Christ! This is a new company record. If it wouldn't be a waste of such a  fine enlisted man, I'd recommended you for O.C.S., Private Gump (Justice). You are gonna be a General some day, Gump! (Justice!) Now, disassemble your weapon and continue!



//

[Pseudonym]

*into the descending curtain of night, Justice emerges from the confines of the temple. His eyes take in the sights of the Vehl docks, narrowing ever so slightly as they take in the vista of vice and villainy*

[Pseudonym]

Thrust!
*An audible grunt of effort from twenty lunges*

Block!
*Twenty parries*

Counter!
*Twenty ripostes*

*Twenty wards of the temple are lined up in an approximately uniform row. Sweat drenches nineteen quilted practice tunics. Nineteen sets of shoulders droop from a long day of relentless training. Thirty-eight eyes look pleadingly at the merciless instructor overseeing today's lesson for a surcease to their efforts.*

Repeat!

~oOo~

*the passing of another hour*

~oOo~

*Dusk approaches. Elongated shadows cover the training yard*

Well, if we have a unanimous decision to call this day to a close, then it shall be so. Is this the case?

*A giant-sized, dark-skinned hand is raised high into the air*

Yes Justice?

WE KEEP PRACTICE BOSS? ME JUST STARTING TO GET THIS NOW.

*The instructor offers the other incredulous pupils a grin*

There you have it, I do believe we are yet to achieve unanimity. Repeat the drill.

*Nineteen groans*

T'ANKS BOSS!

[Pseudonym]

Justice signs up to put his training into practice

[Pseudonym]

Excerpts of the scintillating roleplay of Justice!
[size=-2]// from last night //[/size]

~oOo~

Arynne Liadon: Rather ... though I doubt he'd understand what you meant if you said that to his face and judging from our catfish discussion, struggles with the abstract.

~oOo~

Justice: *chuckles, looks to Sasha* One sword ... you stoopid
Arynne Liadon: *looks down at her twinned adamantium blades* Not that I object to your preferences, but what have you got against using only one sword?
Victoria Liberalis: *rolls her eyes* uh oh here we go
Justice: *chuckles* You stoopid, two is more gud than one! One more den one *grins proudly*
Arynne Liadon: *smiles a bit* That's true ... but Sasha has a shield too, and you don't. Maybe if you had two swords and two shields ... *grins a bit mischievously*
Justice: *face brightens* Dat be gud idea
Arynne Liadon: Something to work on, when you're not thinking about catfish
Justice: Ar-rin mebbe not so stoopid
Arynne Liadon: Well, I know two swords are better than one, don't I? *holds up her blades so Justice can see* Now if only I could figure out how to hold two shields too *winks at Sasha*

~oOo~

Rose Overhill: *her eyes boggle at Justice's weapons*
Justice: *chuckles* Hot swords
Justice: HA! HA! HAAA!
Rose Overhill: *points at them* They are massive! you could impale someone with that!
Arynne Liadon: And they burn so brightly, for one so dim
Sasha Tomyris: *muffles a giggle*
Justice: You lissen to Ar-rin, she smart

~oOo~

Justice: Me gonna kill more goblins then Sash-ah
Victoria Liberalis: *clears her throat* lovely

~oOo~

Justice: *is standing there with the sword an inch or two in front of his face making oooh and aaah sounds*
Arynne Liadon: He's going to burn his eyebrows off, Sasha ...
Sasha Tomyris: He's got to learn somehow
Arynne Liadon: *peers closely* In fact, I think he already has!
Justice: *chuckles* Me no hairy .. anywheres
Rose Overhill: Eeep!
Victoria Liberalis: *shakes her head* oh boy
Arynne Liadon: Oh. Folian. I did NOT need to know that. *shudders*
Justice: It make me feel free ... it be nice
Arynne Liadon: Stop, stop ...
Victoria Liberalis: I think I may be sick
Sasha Tomyris: We got company .. *calls back*
Justice: Nuthin like it

~oOo~

Justice: *raises his swords to Rose* Oh, me sorry, you liddel like goblin
Rose Overhill: oi!
Sasha Tomyris: oh dear...
Rose Overhill: does this head look like a goblin?
Justice: *to Sasha* Wot you say 'bout deer?
Rose Overhill: does this leg look like goblin?

~oOo~

Justice: *glares at Rose* Who kill dat one? Me or you?
Rose Overhill: What do you think?
Justice: *scratches head, looking confused*
Justice: Now? Me think me hungry
Sasha Tomyris: er...wrong question Rose

~oOo~

Sasha Tomyris: He came to the temple in Fort Vehl
Arynne Liadon: And Rofireinites have a thing for strays?
Justice: Me love Gold dragon like Sash-ah! *says proudly*
Sasha Tomyris: His heart is in the right place .. its just the rest of him .. that .. er .. well
Victoria Liberalis: He reminds me of someone or something .. I remember now! There was this big tent with performing animals in it ..

~oOo~

Rose Overhill: Hey giant?
Victoria Liberalis: *kneels to pray for the sins of her friends*
Justice: *looks down* Yep?
Rose Overhill: *gestures to Justices pants* Your pants, too tight there?
Justice: *squints* Wot you say?
Rose Overhill: turn around
Arynne Liadon: Okay, stop turning now!
Rose Overhill: just turn around so your bottom faces us
Arynne Liadon: *watches Rose warily*
Justice: *bends over*
Rose Overhill: *starts giggling. covering her mouth coyly*
Justice: Uh oh, Justice mebbe should not eat beans ...
Arynne Liadon: Right ... I'm going to find the others. *looks mildly appalled*
Justice: *lets a thunderous flatulence go over Rose as she inspects*
Justice: Oops, me sorry
Rose Overhill: *gasps* *fortitude check*
Arynne Liadon: The others might be on their way soon ... if the little one can pick herself off the ground
Victoria Liberalis: Did I just hear thunder?
Rose Overhill: *staggers back to camp coughing*

~oOo~

Justice: *looks at his parchment of the cat and the fish and the catfish*
Justice: HA! HA! HAAA! Ar-rin stoopid
Arynne Liadon: Oh?
Justice: Fish-cat *shakes his head*
Arynne Liadon: *braces herself for another onslaught of Justice logic*
Justice: *puts parchment away* Fish swim in water .. cat eat mouse *shakes head* You stoopid
Arynne Liadon: What if I threw a cat in the water? Would it swim?
Justice: *blinks slowly*
Justice: *scratches head, looking confused*
Arynne Liadon: Would that make it a fish, then?
Justice: Mebbe *looks deeply troubled*
Arynne Liadon: *stifles a giggle* Or maybe ... maybe they call it a catfish because it tastes like a cat but swims like a fish *grins wickedly*
Justice: *holds his head in his hands*
Justice: *attempts to pick Arynne up* *str check*
Arynne Liadon: *attempts to dodge* *dex check*
Justice: *growls* You stop talking!
Arynne Liadon: *ducks, giggling, under his big arms and onto the other side of the fire*
Justice: *blinks slowly*
Arynne Liadon: But Justice, I'm just trying to open your eyes to a myriad of new possibilities!
Justice: *looks confused*
Justice: My head hurt *drinks healing potion*
Your healing potion goes to waste as you are at full health!
Justice: My head still hurt

~oOo~

Justice: Wot here Sash-ah?
Sasha Tomyris: Bandits
Justice: Bandits bad
Sasha Tomyris: We are going to flush them out
Justice: If dey be bandits, it okays to kill dem, yes Sash-ah?
Sasha Tomyris: *nods* If they resist..they will find that we will not be forgiving
Justice: Dwarfie! Mebbe him know Arg-aly?
Sasha Tomyris killed Dwarf Mercenary
...
Sasha Tomyris: I don't think so Justice
Justice: Mebbe not
Sasha Tomyris: Argali would not associate with these types

~oOo~

Argali Trueaxe: *nods and smiles*
Justice: She Arg-aly
Rose Overhill: Ugly?
Argali Trueaxe: *looks around*
Justice: *growls, clenches fist*
Rose Overhill: She is ugly? What a thing to say!
Sasha Tomyris: No...not ugly Rose...Argali
Justice: Arg-aly not ugly .. you stoopid

[Pseudonym]

The Temple of Rofirein in Vehl

~oOo~

But Sir, it's not just me, he frightens all of the students. Surely this cannot be Rofirein's will, to have a .. a .. an *he spits out the next word* abomination amongst our number?

*High Justicier Reus' tired eyes regard the earnest face of the pupil before him. With a sigh he places the quill atop the desktop This was not the first such complaint against the ward that had been taken in many years ago and probably not nearly the last.*

Has he broken any laws?

I'm sure it's only a matter of--

To your knowedge, has he acted in any way one might interpret as contrary to the tenets of the faith?

He broke Merban's arm at training! He tried to--

Did he deal this injury in any manner that one might interpret as dishonourable or by means that might be said to contravene the established definition of virtuous behaviour?

He is rude, ill-mannered and lacks the wit to--

*High Justicier Reus reaches towards a large tome atop the desk beside him. His hand hovers inches above it's surface, apparently hesitating with uncertainty.*

Quite true, please remind me which law this breaches again?

B.. But he--

*Reus' voice cracks, still maintaining the authority that has cowed many, that has pronounced judgment on the guilty for decades*

Enough. Our Lord Protector's word applies to all. His laws are not only for the benefit of humankind but for all. Human, dwarf, elf and, yes even our large friend. Unless you have specific breaches of the law that you wish to report, you are dismissed.

But Sir--

Dismissed!

~oOo~

Outside the Temple of Rofirein in Vehl

~oOo~

*Justice maintains a vigilant eye for vandals.*





[size=-2]// Reus' appearance and manner of speech approved as acceptable prior to posting this CDT entry[/size]

[Pseudonym]

Quieten down students. Quiet! Eyes forward ... Herngar, that applies to you too.  Does anyone need to visit the privy? No? Excellent. The examination starts ... *pregnant pause*  ... now! You may take up your quills and commence.

*There is the scrape and clatter of chairs sliding in closer to desks,  the soft sound of quills tapping ink wells. Twenty sets of eyes peruse the first examination question*

~oOo~

Question One.

Walking down the street you witness a street urchin stealing a loaf of bread. The baker, who is the rightful owner of the loaf of bread, catches the thief and proceeds to inflict a thorough beating. During the course of the beating the baker accidentally strikes a bystander, who happens to be a known adulterer, with an errant blow causing said bystander the loss of a tooth and a bloody nose. The bystander then shouts a profanity blasphemous to The Lord Protector at the baker within earshot of the (thieving) minor.  Another bystander, an elderly lady bearing the device of Pyrtechon, attempts to provide succor to the beaten child and prevent further injury. As a result of the ruckus, the baker's cart tips over, spilling sixteen loaves to the muddy street (and rendering them inedible). It is then that you notice these loaves to be made with rye grains when the merchant's point of sale advertising clearly states they are made of wheat. Before you can intervene, another man approaches claiming to be a Knight of the Wyrm from the local chapterhouse. You have never seen this man before and know all the Knights of the Wyrm from the local chapterhouse. His claim cannot be true.

Assume the role of a Guardian of Justice, prioritise action (justify), determine accurate judgment (justify) and apportion appropriate sanction and/or compensatory damages (justify).

~oOo~

*Hours later, examination finished, the teacher of laws at the church of Rofirein sits at his desk grading the papers. Eventually he comes to Justice's essay.*


ME BASH BOY COS HE THEEF

ME BASH BAKER COS HE BASH THEEF TOO HARD

ME BASH MAN WHO RUT WIT' RONG WIFE AND SAY BAD STUFF BOUT GRATE GOLDY

ME BASH OLD LADY COS SHE GOT NASTY DRAGUN SIMBOL

ME BASH FAKE KNIGHT OF WORM

ME EAT BREAD DAT SPILL ON ROAD

ME BASH BOY DAT ME SIT NEXT TOO COS HE NO LET ME LOOK AT HIS PAPUR

[Pseudonym]

*It is deepest night, some time past midnight, a time when all those possessed of good intentions towards their fellow man are fast asleep [size=-2](apart from bakers, doctors on call, night shift workers and waste management folks and the like).[/size] The training yard at the rear of the temple is quiet, the ring of steel on steel from earlier in the day just a memory. A solitary figure remains. The dark-skinned giant goes through the advanced techniques that had been introduced to the class today again ... and again ... and again ... and again. His instructor's commands are his mantra*


*A feint from his left blade, low* Don't overextend Justice. Sharper! Quicker!

*A high sweeping blow that takes the head from the phantom menace*  Power Justice, that's it. Pivot. From the hips. Good.

*A desperate block* Good. Keep the wrist strong. Recover, use the motion ...

*A counter that slips under the guard of his imagined opponent* Faster Justice. Good. In and out. Maintain your balance.

*The blade withdraws to meet another attack that exists in his mind's eye only* Don't think - just do! Yes.

*Crouch and spring. One blade high, one blade low* Breathe Justice. Legs tense, shoulders relaxed. Keep those blades parallel Justice. If you must persist with this foolish notion of wielding two swords I shall see you do it properly.

*Turn of the body, sweeping blade through a lunge directed at a presented knee* Twist Justice, minimise your own target, expose your oponents.

*Recover and back to guard position* Better. Let's see it one more time shall we?

*and again ... and again ... and again*

[Pseudonym]

*The now familiar surrounds of the Rofireinite Academy's training grounds. Two instructors watch from the shadows of the main hall, their eyes appraising. A dark-skinned giant, the lone student occupying the grounds, performs a complicated training drill*

~oOo~

*fighting stance, step through and overhead strike with the right hand blade, step back into a deeper stance, overhead block with left hand blade*

*step through side strike with left hand blade, horse stance, short pause, step through left foot forward, overhead strike, dropping to a deeper stance, right hand blade swinging low to defend*

*shuffle forward, side strike, right hand blade straight thrust, recovery spinning into a horse stance and bringing the left hand blade up into horizontal guard position*

*pivot into a double blade left side block, right foot sweep, crouch, right hand blade swings through over head strike*

*swap feet position and left hand blade follows in an overhead strike as the right hand blade returns to guard*

*short pause, then a step through over head strike and simultaneous side block, pivot back, overhead strike with the reverse sweep*

*step sideways into a deep stance, sweeping lower block, returning to shoulder width stance and both blades in a parallel vertical.

*short pause then step back left hand blade overhead block, deep stance, shuffle forward right hand blade groin strike, back into deep stance*

*pivot into side block, falling into horse stance, two blade forward straight thrust, recover into overhead cross block, reverse grip, dive forward and roll, right hand blade chest strike, left hand blade groin strike*

*regain footing with a forward stance, turn with a right back hand blade horizontal neck strike, left back hand torso guard*

*step back and sideways with a right hand blade side block, pause, double thrust high and low with left hand blade, smooth into an overhead block with left hand blade, sweeping lower block with right hand blade, pivot into a crossed blade low strike*

~oOo~

*Eventually, one of the watchers whispers to the other*

I must hand it to you Fre'sian, I honestly didn't think it could be done. A bet is a bet, I think you must have earned this coin. I hope it is worth the frustration you must surely have endured.

*A small bag, heavy with coin, exchanges hands*

You would be surprised my friend, shall I let you in on a little secret?

Oh please do.

It is purely a matter of finding the right ... incentive.

*In the background Justice finishes his routine, his chest heaving, his face dripping with the sweat of intense concentration as much as his exertions. The two instructors walk out to join him on the training grounds.*

Excellent Justice, almost flawless. Drop a little lower in the fourth and seventh stance but otherwise, excellent. As promised, triple rations for you tonight, I shall instruct the kitchens.

T'ANKS BOSS!



[size=-2]// Please don't try to analyse the kata sequence for practical efficiencies or effectiveness, I was just making stuff up as I went along! //[/size]

[Pseudonym]

More excerpts of the scintillating roleplay of Justice!
[size=-2]// From mix's quest: Folly of Frolic //[/size]

~oOo~

Brandin Fleetfeet *as he walks introduces himself to the others* The name's Dogboy...
Justice Dogboy? Dat stoopid name. HA! HA! HAAA!
Leisa Margreve *spends much of her time aboard ship up in the rigging practicing her agility skills amongst the ropes*
Brandin Fleetfeet good te meet ya'll *stares at Justice* Stupid is as stupid does
Justice Unless you be boy who is dog? *spends the trip trying to decipher the veracity of Brandin's pseudonym*
Brandin Fleetfeet look out mate... I bite *growls at Justice*
Justice *bends down as low as he goes to look at Brandin's bottom*
Justice Yous no got tail
Ni'haer Helvivirr Are you even listening?
Brandin Fleetfeet would ya leave me behind alone... thats just... creepy

~oOo~

Ni'haer Helvivirr *spoken rather fast and with a sharp tone* Good.
Ni'haer Helvivirr This town is rich with information dating back centuries ago.
Ni'haer Helvivirr The town has fallen so far as to forgot some of it's old traditions.
Leisa Margreve *alights on the deck next to Ni'haer as he explains*
Ni'haer Helvivirr Not so long ago, we were tasked to accompany a Judge of Rofirein and oversee the trial.
Justice *fishes in a huge nostril with a huge finger for something (thankfully) unseen*
Ni'haer Helvivirr A farmer sent his child to the dangerous caves to touch the statue of Beryl.
Leisa Margreve *rubs oil into her hands where the ropes have lightly burnt the skin*
Justice Grate Gold! He be guddest God!
Ni'haer Helvivirr And they were disputing whether or not the child is alive.
Ni'haer Helvivirr Eventually, we were all tasked in securing the child.
Justice *looks at you, slack jawed, vacant eyed*
Ni'haer Helvivirr The child was dead.
Brandin Fleetfeet sad affair that
Ni'haer Helvivirr Killed by the creatures that dwell in the caves.
Leisa Margreve The child was a young man who accepted a wager to touch the statue
Ni'haer Helvivirr But, we did explore further; well, some of us foolish enough to.
Ni'haer Helvivirr The pie maker who accompanied us was foolish enough to touch an ancient device - a mirror.
Tralek Rivarmar The father was on trial?
Leisa Margreve It was a determination whether the wager was valid or not
Ni'haer Helvivirr The father and the child are irrelevant now, our mission is to secure the mirror.
Justice Justeece confused .. You start from start again
Brandin Fleetfeet *stares at Justice*

~oOo~

Ni'haer Helvivirr Now, the task at hand.
Ni'haer Helvivirr We are looking for symbols; symbols that will determine the use of the mirror.
Ni'haer Helvivirr Maybe even activate it
Leisa Margreve *frowns*
Vrebel Why activate it?
Justice Who ate mirror?
Tralek Rivarmar *listens*
Vrebel To recover the piemiester?
Justice Who is activ? He ate mirrir?
Ni'haer Helvivirr It depends, it is up to us on how we shall deal with this mirror. A consensus must be formed.
Brandin Fleetfeet *looks up at Justice* Not thinking on the same level are we?
Justice *appears as if 99% of the conversation is going over his head*

~oOo~

Justice *leans over the side of the ferry, letting the spray whack him in the face*
Justice HA! HA! HAAA!

~oOo~

Tralek Rivarmar Should we chose a leader or spokesman/woman
Justice Justeece make gud leader
Leisa Margreve Ni'haer
Tralek Rivarmar Yes Ni'haer
Brandin Fleetfeet *shrugs*
Ni'haer Helvivirr We have no need for one.
Justice I hear. Justeece is boss, yes?
Brandin Fleetfeet No
Leisa Margreve No..Ni'haer is
Justice But Leesa say she no hear
Ni'haer Helvivirr If you all insist.
Ni'haer Helvivirr Come, let us look for this farmer.
Justice I say louder. JUSTEECE BOSS
Brandin Fleetfeet *calls back* In your dreams

~oOo~

Tralek Rivarmar Howdy folks
Guard of Mistone - Footman HOLD IT...right there
Justice *looks around alarmed and grabs Vrebel* Dis 'it'?
Justice *loud whisper to the embraced Vrebel* Him say hold 'it' but him no say what 'it' is.
Justice *loud whisper* So me guess and hold you 'it'
Ni'haer Helvivirr Shall we? Perhaps some time this century would be nice.
Guard of Mistone - Footman Anyway, pass another of those doughnuts
Justice *eyes the pastries*
Guard of Mistone - Footman Yes indeed
Justice Me no hold 'it' any more?
Vrebel Hold what?
Justice 'it'
Leisa Margreve *observes the activities on the hill while she waits for the others*
Justice 'It' is you stoopid
Vrebel Come on big fella
Justice *one last lingering glance at the pastries*

~oOo~

Villager What the? ... Hey big fella
Justice Hullo
Boy What is that dad?
Justice Me a Justeece
Villager That son ... is something you dont see ... everyday

~oOo~

Hunter My clan will stand strong like an immovable rock in the face of giants and trolls that will try to overwhelm us
Justice No. You prolly die

~oOo~

Hunter First we will appease the old crazy one
Justice You no pees on anyone! *angrily*
Justice Him say he gonna pee on dis old man!
Brandin Fleetfeet *grins as he arranges his packs*
Justice Old man, we no pee on you, Gud, yes?
Hunter *claps a hand on the old man's shoulder and joins six others and runs south*
Leisa Margreve *nods to Ni'haer*
Justice Mebbe we needs to pee on hims, Mebbe dat be his t'ing
Ni'haer Helvivirr Rest now, while we still have time. Once everyone is ready we shall hunt.
Ni'haer Helvivirr Leisa and "Dogboy" will track the Troll down.
Leisa Margreve What is the relevance of the old man?
Justice Okays, Justeece do pees on old man
Brandin Fleetfeet Geez, I never worked for so little *sighs*
Justice *looks around to see if he is receiving party approval before he proceeds to pee on an old man*
Ni'haer Helvivirr We must find the amulet before the others do.
Leisa Margreve *says and does nothing to stop Justice*
Justice Where you goin'?
Crazy Old Man huh?? Get away from me ya lump!
Brandin Fleetfeet Cripes...Justice! Dont do it!
Ni'haer Helvivirr Leave the old man alone.
Tralek Rivarmar  Stop it Justice, not funny
Justice Him say we gots to do a pees on old man
Crazy Old Man I aint so old I cant whup ya all into the ground.....say yer a big un alright, harder they fall right
Justice *scratches head, looking confused*
Ni'haer Helvivirr Justice, leave him alone.
Ni'haer Helvivirr Come, we must go and look for this Troll.
Justice *shrugs*
Ni'haer Helvivirr We must make haste.
Leisa Margreve *nods*
Justice Me think we no get to do lucky pee
Justice Dat not be gud

~oOo~

Brandin Fleetfeet There is a large group of big spiders over the hills
Ni'haer Helvivirr We're facing all manners of creatures and no Trolls.
Vrebel The welcoming party
Justice Some of dem got gud manners? *scratches head*

~oOo~

Ni'haer Helvivirr My magic wanes.
Vrebel The stoneskin is off
Ni'haer Helvivirr Let us look for a cavern to rest in, but rest quick, we must.
Justice Dat gud, a birdy was circling youse before when you statue

~oOo~

Justice Reflex Save : *failure* : (6 + 6 = 10 vs. DC: 12)
Justice Justeece all sticky! And not in gud way
Justice Gggrrrrrr
Justice Me stuck!
Ni'haer Helvivirr He is a liability.

~oOo~

Ni'haer Helvivirr Hmmmm, Myconids.
Justice You gots kids? And youse let dem down here?
Justice*shakes his head* Justeece no let my kids down here

~oOo~

Brandin Fleetfeet *SUCCESS* on a certain tight space
Leisa Margreve *SUCCESS* on a certain tight space
Justice *looks at the tiny space*
Justice HA! HA! HAAA!
Vrebel I don't think you'll make it
Justice Justeece no fit in dere
Brandin Fleetfeet *looks at the hole*
Vrebel Suck in and feel tiny
Justice Youse have to grease me up
Justice *hands him a tub of grease and strips down to undies*

~oOo~

Ni'haer Helvivirr There's a rope at this well, perhaps the Half-Giant can be of some use after all.
Brandin Fleetfeet Good thinking
Ni'haer Helvivirr Reel it in and let us descend.
Justice *peers down the hole*
Ni'haer Helvivirr I fear there are far worse things than Trolls down there.
stranger // The rope is not so ancient and some repairs suggest someone has kept this working as a way up and down
Justice We make wish here?
Brandin Fleetfeet Thats right mate.. then jump on in
Ni'haer Helvivirr No, we go down through this contraption.
Justice *tosses a coin in then squeezes his eyes shut tight*
Brandin Fleetfeet Hey! don't waste the true
Ni'haer Helvivirr Pull the rope, Justice.
Justice Sssshhhhh, me thinkin' of wish
Leisa Margreve I will climb down and pull on the rope if its safe for you to follow
Justice *opens his eyes, looks around, then frowns* It no come true! Dere be no food and no big woman!

~oOo~

Ni'haer Helvivirr I cannot ward all of us with Mind Blanks so I suggest you be cautious.
Justice Dat be okays, Justeece got gud strong mind
Ni'haer Helvivirr *laughs*

~oOo~

Ni'haer Helvivirr Look for the Amulet.
Tralek Rivarmar: Wait til you hear swords
Justice *holds his sword up to his ear*
Tralek Rivarmar Other swords
Justice*holds the other one up to his other ear*

 

Justice It not sayin' nuthin

 

Justice *attacks anyways*
Justice Me come and kill dem sooner but him say Justeece not fight til sword tell me to
Vrebel Good job Justice

~oOo~

Ni'haer Helvivirr He came back with more Trolls from here, hopefully the Amulet is in there.
Ni'haer Helvivirr But I must rest for my spells.
Brandin Fleetfeet I'll look ahead to see if its safe
Justice Him stoopid sleepy man
Ni'haer Helvivirr *rests his legs and closes his eyes*
Justice HA! HA! HAAA!
Ni'haer Helvivirr I'll pretend I never heard that.

~oOo~

Justice attacks Black Pudding : *hit* : (20 + 15 = 35 : Threat Roll: 9 + 15 = 24)
Justice damages Black Pudding: 14 (14 Physical 0 Electrical)
Justice killed Black Pudding
Ni'haer Helvivirr Infernal slime.
Leisa Margreve Going deeper will cause more deaths
Ni'haer Helvivirr Indeed.
Brandin Fleetfeet There are more of 'em slimes ahead
Justice Dis not be pudding like Justeece remember it *looks confused*

~oOo~

stranger //sorry folks crashed
Ni'haer Helvivirr //its ok
stranger //did i miss anything?
Ni'haer Helvivirr //just killed the giants and off to go to folly with our -hopefully- tiger amulet
Justice // Justice killed Milara and destroyed the cult
Ni'haer Helvivirr //LOL
Leisa Margreve // hehe
stranger // what! again??

[Pseudonym]

*Justice stares at the parchment for long minutes*

JUSTEECE WOS SURE ME HAD SUMTIN' IMPO'TENT TO SAY BUT ME NO 'MEMBER WOT IT WOS NOW.