Weapons Classes

[heartofsilver]

A couple of my friends and I were tossing around this idea, and I wanted some input.

I'm considering having Fiona open a "dojo" to "train" people looking for a bit of RP behind their AB scores. I know folks can just go out and kill monsters to "get better" but there would be some social prestige to say "I was trained by a master swords(wo)man".

Maybe there could be some milestones for people who religiously attend these classes - kind of like belts in an martial arts academy. Maybe someone could get a "belt" for doing over 100 points of damage during a bout with their peer. Another for landing a (non-crit) blow during a spar against their master (who has a huge AC obviously). Things like this.

It might be a nice little social faction for us sword-monkeys that doesn't involve politics.

Would there be some interest in this? I'd like to know before I fork over mountains of coin for the idea.

[sacoroth]

I think it could be a great RP tool to get people involved with one another in RP no matter whether they're established on the server or not. I can't be the only one, but I'm sometimes apprehensive about starting RP with people whose reputations precede them, this would make them more approachable (guest speakers and such from note worthy characters could be fun.) It'd also be another way to get lower level characters to get to know one another as well through different means. The Greatgaunt Volunteers are nice and all, but not suitable for every character's personality/goals...

Perhaps not investing too much coin in to it originally, having a few people participate IG and see if interest builds might be a more cautionary route.

[sharpgn2]

I like the idea, it's a nice 'neutral' faction that can see participation across the alignment board and break the social norms in many ways. With varying Masters of different Martial disciplines, regular classes and training, sparring and tournaments, it can garner crowds and make nice little events. It's a sound idea and I'm all for it!

[heartofsilver]

Yes, I think it would be neat to eventually have "Masters" for every weapon discipline (Unarmed included) to train people, but I imagine that would happen much later and after a lot of screening.

[Fenix]

Beyond thinking fiona is a bit crazy from the few encounters, id say fenix would be interested. Hes a much more active and urban type druid that tries to round himself in each field, which includes swordplay, hand to hand, and claws. I could see it being fun for him to participate as a student, or showing others how to fight in different styles, or to combat certain creatures as hes a shifter.

Hes also an expert on death. So you know, he can instruct proper methods to avoid such if needed. Or what it feels like to do so.


Either matter, I could see interest as well. Not just in my pc, but a variety of others whom find themselves dedicated to their art. We have a bardic academy (even if its kot used much now) so why not a swordplay academy?

[heartofsilver]

I like the idea of classes about "What to do when fighting ~against~ these types of enemies" or as someone who could potentially use claws as Fenix is suggesting. That's a spin to it I haven't considered.

Ultimately, though, Id want to get away from the magic portion of it. At its heart, a student will study to improve their martial prowess - what green hands they can throw around and how long they can hide in greater sanctuary before tossing out an implosion arn't really what I had in mind. It won't necessary be a "How to kill monsters on FRC" school, though we could certainly have classes like that. I really had martial character classes in mind (That is not to say a cleric, druid or a wizard could not participate - they would just be discouraged from using their magic) and sort of hoped it'd contain this old-timey samurai dojo-ish feel.

[Fenix]

May 9, 2014 15:33:29 GMT -5 heartofsilver said:

I like the idea of classes about "What to do when fighting ~against~ these types of enemies" or as someone who could potentially use claws as Fenix is suggesting. That's a spin to it I haven't considered.

Ultimately, though, Id want to get away from the magic portion of it. At its heart, a student will study to improve their martial prowess - what green hands they can throw around and how long they can hide in greater sanctuary before tossing out an implosion arn't really what I had in mind. It won't necessary be a "How to kill monsters on FRC" school, though we could certainly have classes like that. I really had martial character classes in mind (That is not to say a cleric, druid or a wizard could not participate - they would just be discouraged from using their magic) and sort of hoped it'd contain this old-timey samurai dojo-ish feel.

Heh I suppose my concept explanation was a bit flawed. Theres there would be the potential of how to kill x monster with y tactic, no magic of course, but I was more thinking along something like defeating your opponent whom has an overwhelming force.

Ex that minotaur with a big axe? How do you defeat a larger opponent with a non standard blade?

Either way disregarding those suggestions, still definitely be up for it, sounds like a great thing either way.

Plus you can always secondary it as an arena of sorts. Practice gear and rules for spells and such for each fight. Gives you interclass Combat lesson potential, and a way to bring extra money to the academy

[heartofsilver]

Thanks Fenix. I appreciate the input. And no worries, you still gave me things to think about. I can totally imagine a druid walking in and saying "I want to fight better as a bear!"

[Fenix]

May 9, 2014 15:43:39 GMT -5 heartofsilver said:

Thanks Fenix. I appreciate the input. And no worries, you still gave me things to think about. I can totally imagine a druid walking in and saying "I want to fight better as a bear!"

Then scaring people off because OH MY GOD THERES A BEAR LOOSE IN HERE!


First lesson, trainees. Be prepared for anything.

[Kiyohime 🐍]

May 9, 2014 15:33:29 GMT -5 heartofsilver said:

sort of hoped it'd contain this old-timey samurai dojo-ish feel.

This idea has Kiyohime's seal of approval.



Seriously, though. I think this is an awesome idea. I can't see why a bunch of puny unblooded greenhorns wouldn't want to train and learn from the best blades in Cormyr. Also, plenty of RP opportunities and player run event? Pretty ok in my book.

Go for it.

[oceansky]

May 9, 2014 15:33:29 GMT -5 heartofsilver said:

At its heart, a student will study to improve their martial prowess - what green hands they can throw around and how long they can hide in greater sanctuary before tossing out an implosion arn't really what I had in mind.

[joke] Silverquick throws popcorn at the Ace of Blades. Fiona probably dodges. Lyn looks somewhat dejected, but then discovers hard cider. All is right with the world. [/joke]

I really like the sound of this idea. Even if I don't see Lyn fitting into such schemata, she did seek people out specifically for mace fighting. This would have been something to look for at the time.

[heartofsilver]

May 9, 2014 16:33:06 GMT -5 oceansky said:

I really like the sound of this idea. Even if I don't see Lyn fitting into such schemata, she did seek people out specifically for mace fighting. This would have been something to look for at the time.

That would have been perfect! Even though Lyn isnt a "Fighter" as you said, shed be someone who had IC reasons to "Improve" her fighting prowess. This would be great RP to facilitate some of those "+1"'s people eventually get to there AB when they level up.

Instead of:
"When did you start fighting with a mace?"
"I took the Martial Weapon Feat"

We now have:
"When did you start fighting with a mace?"
"Well, its something I've been considering for a while - I found this school and I've been training with them for a season. Ever heard of Master Macy-McMacerton? That guy's been training me."
"Whoa! Macy-McMacerton? That guys is badass! I see. Looks like its paid off"


Thank you OceanSky!

[Razgriz]

Good idea, I like it. More so if every weapon has it specific master(s). Weapon masters know everything about their weapon of choice, but even if two of them share the same weapon, their tactics, "style" and techinque could be very different...One could fight with the weapon and have shield, while other could dual weild the weapon like Fiona does. Others depending on their base class will opt for flanking attacks, while others will fight their foes head on or even use spells/special abilities in combination to their martial prowess. Holance for example is combining sword mastery with his paladin wards and develping his own style.

[ren]

I too think this a great idea.

Though to avoid in-school fighting you might need an NPC or PC Master of the school.

In D&D 's Epic Level Handbook ( www.lski.org/pictures/TableTopGaming/D&D/3rd%20and%203.5%20Edition/ <--- go here to download it yourself ), on page 248 it describes a plane that was also a giant city. It was a plane-city for merchants and most anyone who got to level 21 and higher. It was called the City of Union.

In the city (page 259) there was a building called: The Temple of Twilight Calm. It was a place for monks, not devoted to any Gods or Goddesses. Any monk was welcome as long as they paid their respects to the Head Monk, Master Od.

In the same way, I would suggest to avoid politics, difference in religion following, or clan/personal grudges, any character is welcome at the school as long as they

1) Pay respects to the head master (npc {guess the npc would be LN or NN} or pc)
2) No fighting and no killing in the school is done save those allowed teacher-present and teacher-allowed spars, duels, or class-exercises.

3 to x) rules to come later

Breaking these rules results in punishment anywhere from "10 000 swings with the thrice weighted wooden practise sword and no meals for three days" to "banishment from the school"

Just wanted to toss in my 2 coppers

Once more, think this is great idea.

[heartofsilver]

Thanks Ren. Yeah, that was pretty close to what I was shooting for. I wanted it to be a place were just about anyone could come if they are intending to "Walk the path of the Sword" and would be expected to put their personal differences at the door. Of course, getting to duel a hated rival/enemy in a match could also make for some great RP.

As to a grand-master that runs the show? Gonna go with Fiona - my idea, my gig. Shed be expected to uphold the same rules though. To be honest, if Aris (or any other rival) came up to her and said "I'd like to learn here" she'd love it! So don't think one would need to be a personal friend to participate or advance. We would all be students of the sword here...

[Sadistic Hobo]

I like the idea. Every so often Ramona stops twirling her hair  and burning people  and talks about weapons. She has a heavy investment in her primary weapon, and she first changed to it after talking weapons and technique with a fighter she used to travel with. It's usually pretty fun roleplay.

[Deleted]

Katessa would like to help teach. That's something I've been wanting to do with her for some time, and have done a little bit here and there.

[DOT]

I think it is a fantastic idea. Though i dont have a wm character, I would love to help in its construction (idris loves meditation)

[heartofsilver]

You wouldn't need to be a WM or even a fighter to participate and advance. =) I am pleasantly surprised to see all this interest though.

[appleseedy]

This sounds like good fun. I know my PC would relish the opportunity to prove his skill with not just one weapon...

[DOT]

Do you think there could be a guild portion, and then a public portion? like interim instructor. id be willing to donate some moolah even if i wouldnt be part of the guild

[heartofsilver]

Uh wow! I suppose if I could drum up the 200,000 required and get 5 active members, I could make it a "guild", sure. Maybe those guys could be the "masters" and merely being a student requires no "guild" dedication. What do you guys think?

[Fenix]

May 10, 2014 9:18:13 GMT -5 heartofsilver said:

Uh wow! I suppose if I could drum up the 200,000 required and get 5 active members, I could make it a "guild", sure. Maybe those guys could be the "masters" and merely being a student requires no "guild" dedication. What do you guys think?

I could see it working rather well. Even just fundraise the money

[DOT]

May 10, 2014 9:18:13 GMT -5 heartofsilver said:

Uh wow! I suppose if I could drum up the 200,000 required and get 5 active members, I could make it a "guild", sure. Maybe those guys could be the "masters" and merely being a student requires no "guild" dedication. What do you guys think?

 very coo indeed

[Fenix]

Could even make it fit the guild role by going a step beyond just a swordsman dojo with the amount of interest and idea youve got. "Lightfellow Institute of Martial Prowess". Have classes, training sessions, tourneys, go a whole nine yards thing for it. Classes for rp things like camoflauging yourself, teaching about hunting and survival, but keeping the main focus on your core concept of martial expertise.

[DOT]

i think the latter of camo and whatnot is being persued by another player, im more for all the martial prowes, especiialy the tournies (one magical?). hugs all of this

[Rane]

You could use the new book system and churn out some books on style and form as well. I have been doing around this same idea with my monk and I would love to get a character in for lessons with Fiona

[Fenix]

May 10, 2014 9:48:47 GMT -5 DOT said:

i think the latter of camo and whatnot is being persued by another player, im more for all the martial prowes, especiialy the tournies (one magical?). hugs all of this

I believe the Alizarin Academy used to handle that, though it has long since been abandoned as players leave. I thought of trying to rp fenix picking it up but I was like nah not a bard.

[Fenix]

May 10, 2014 9:49:58 GMT -5 Rane said:

You could use the new book system and churn out some books on style and form as well. I have been doing around this same idea with my monk and I would love to get a character in for lessons with Fiona

Wait theres a book system?

[heartofsilver]

I love you too Rane. There's always 'special' classes available for you.

Seriously though, I'm pretty surprised by the interest in this. I think I'll start off small - maybe have Fiona put up a poster saying she is looking for pupils and see who signs up. Maybe we'll do our first few classes in by the the training dummy in Greatgaunt or something and see if the idea sticks in general. After that, who knows, we can petition the Crown for an actual plot of land and a Guild!

I think it would be cool to have uniforms - "Gi"'s or something to practice in and training weapons.

Thanks for the super-cool-awesome support everyone! Look for a post in a few days and be sure to sign up!