#Vilette Laurent

[ormthehermit]

Hey, I wanted to say a big THANK YOU to my new followers! I’m really glad and excited to have you guys along with me as I continue this blog :D

On an important note...  LE_CUR_DU_COMBAT_vol.2.pdf

I recently made a new friend, and discovered they had written this astonishingly rich and well-detailed book from the In-Character perspective of Vilette Laurent: Knight, Commander, and inheritor of the fabled Skyfang (so cool).

https://vilette-laurent.tumblr.com/

They deserve all the praise in the world for this piece of dedication and meditation, and I hope you might give it a read (if it interests you) and spread the word!

[somanoutics]

Artwork I did for this week’s edition of the Crystal Chronicle!

Just portraits of the twinners of some of the tournaments. :)  Our own Swyreyn (@main-tanking) won Grindstone this week!

[ascheblade]

Pros and Cons of Dating Siya Jain aka Leanora jen Drusus

Pros

Family: Being the adoptive daughter of a pureblood family confers all rights expected of a citizen. Both her biological and adoptive family are objectively wealthy and their names wield some measure of political power in their respective nations. She is due to inherit the assets of both when the time comes.

Educated: Having graduated from the academy in the capital, Siya is extremely knowledgeable in medical matters. Combined with her more mystical Thavnairian upbringing, she is capable of mending ailments both physical and psychological.

Compassionate: She cares about the well-being of those around her and seems to genuinely enjoy helping others where she can. A partner should expect to be pampered when possible.

Cons

Family: Between demanding parents and scheming cousins looking after their own interests, Siya has a stressful family life. As the current heir to the Drusus estate, she has many demands placed on her. Some of these responsibilities would also be levied upon any prospective partner.

Impatient: When she sets her mind to something, she wants it sooner rather than later. This can lead to less than ideal judgement calls.

Headstrong: Siya can be very stubborn about something when she feels it’s the right course of action, often needing to experience why something will not work for herself. She doesn’t back down from challenges. 

Tagged by: @glitchysstorytime

Tagging: @mikhasunthistle @truth-of-the-warden @vilette-laurent @ryantiffxiv @lilyverlial @wanderingstoneaxe @lycheria @luca-the-hunter @songstresswendy @bardabouttown @eaotheelf @theshroudwolf @aegir-ffxiv 

[floating-city-of-nem]

Fighting Style: Fiona Delaine

As tagged by: @notoriousmonsterhunter

Thought this was a very cool idea when Gwannes posted it, so I’m doing one of my own. Thanks for the tag! More continued under the cut.

Fiona is a surprisingly effective fighter despite her background as a mage. While she lacks a great deal of skill simply by virtue of not engaging in melee combat very frequently, instead preferring to remain in support to companions with spells and wards, she is capable of defending herself adequately even if she is unlikely to be leading any charges.

Lack of physical presence ensures that she predominantly attacks via striking rather than trying to engage in grapples, and the necessity of a free hand for the gestures needed in spellcasting ensures that her preferred weapon is a longsword, rather than bearing the burden of a shield or great weapon. Quick thrusts and cuts are used in primarily fending maneuvers, as her true strength lies in the magic at her command. That said, her  training in the Coerthan school of swordsmanship known as Le Coeur, courtesy of Ser Vilette Laurent, means that she has a very technical approach to swordsmanship rather than one learned through field experience and ferocity- her blows and parries are precise and efficient, designed and honed from centuries of swordmasters’ efforts to be as neat and lethal as possible. Aetherial augmentation ensures that she can keep up, though melee is certainly her weakest place, especially pressed by superior or augmented fighters. 

Some spells do take advantage of her aetherially conductive weapon, however, allowing for unusually powerful or magical blows that sweep and cleave beyond the bounds of typical weapons use. That can leave her unexpectedly deadly in short bursts.

Fiona does have the benefit of unusual strength for her frame, something that isn’t exploited very often given the finesse focus of the fighting style,  and occasionally mixes up her sword techniques with strikes and punches aimed to disrupt or stagger opponents and leave openings either for spellcasting or dispatching the foe with blade. 

Inspirations: Historical German Longsword, The Centurion (For Honor), Pontiff Suleyvahn (Dark Souls 3), Moonlight Greatsword (Dark Souls series, Bloodborne)

[vierafication]

About Lio

NAME OF YOUR MUSE CHARACTER: Lionnet Blodoint

ONE PICTURE YOU LIKE BEST OF YOUR CHARACTER’S FC: I don’t do faceclaims. I just don’t feel comfortable searching the internet for some random human being’s face and then pasting on a fictional character without their permission lol

TWO HEADCANONS YOU HAVE FOR YOUR CHARACTER:

Lio is always, always prepared. That means that his clothes are always clean and wrinkle-free, not a hair out of place, not a spec of dirt on his boots- but also that he’s got a medkit with him at any given time. That big long coat of his carries within it gauze, small vials of different commonly used potions, bandages, medicines, a small book on herbs. I compare it to the caricature of that guy at the street corner who opens his big coat and tries to sell you stuff. While all this is primarily for healing, Lio has used some of the sharper implements in self-defense!

In regards to self-defense, Lio is actual garbage. He’s stick-thin, and while he’s perfectly healthy, he’s not the least bit muscular. He’s never been trained in much more than basic fighting skills from his school days and never plans to use them. But in certain situations, he’s proven surprisingly good at throwing very sharp objects with pinpoint accuracy and speed- which he chalks up to dumb luck. But his eye for precision and attention to detail makes him quite competent.

THREE THINGS THAT YOUR CHARACTER LIKES DOING IN THEIR FREE TIME:

Reading. Lio doesn’t like to have free time- he feels every second should be devoted to something productive. But resting and relaxing is important for one’s overall well-being, so he allows himself a few luxuries. Books are one of them. He loves detective stories, mysteries, thrillers- but also might have a few sappy romance stories on his shelf. Nothing better than a comfy armchair, a new book, a cup of tea, and no one to bother you.

He can also be found reading horribly boring nonfiction works and literal textbooks because, as he says, “one should never stop learning!”

Cleaning. He cleans a lot! Everything must be perfect. Spotless. Organized especially. Everything has a place and if things are out of place this is a horrible detriment, or at least he thinks so, especially in an infirmary.

SEVEN PEOPLE THAT YOUR CHARACTER LOVES/LIKES/RESPECTS:

Quincy Pallene: Perhaps the only person Lio actually loves is Quincy. Once a Brume boy being helped out by House Argent’s Silver Table Accords, then a ward of the House, then a ward of Lio himself, then his actual adopted son. Lio treated Quincy like a responsibility at first- someone he needed to help as much as possible, but not somebody to have a relationship with. But the quiet, awkward boy was one of the few people to break down Lio’s walls and an awkward father-son bond soon emerged. Lio is consistently proud of Quincy, and would do just about anything to see his son succeed.

Anselme de Haillenarte: One of Lionnet’s friends. Yes, friends! There’s so few of those, but Anselme would top the list. He’s consistently kind, friendly- perhaps a bit too much for Lio, who much prefers quiet and gentle conversations- and also very chivalrous and honorable, traits an Ishgardian knight should have! The two manage to get along, somehow, mostly thanks to Anselme just outright deciding to be Lio’s friend and occasionally dropping in unannounced for tea.

Alexandre Belliard: Another friendly face, one he hasn’t seen in a while, but someone he also respects and enjoys spending time with (not that he’d admit it!). Alex is an older knight and a good guy to grab a drink or two with, and one of the few people Lio can talk to that agrees with him on his more conservative views regarding Ishgardian politics.

Idristan Agache: Enough time spent working together has given Lio enough to trust Idristan. Not the kind of trust that they’d share secrets or anything, or even interact at all in the world outside of the jobs they’d participated in together, but the kind of simple trust that “he’s got my back.” Still, Lio will consistently disapprove of Idris’s wanton void-hunting activities and the horrible influence they’re having on one Luca Black.

Killian de Bayle: Lio’s boss, essentially. Another healer, and one he’s come to respect greatly, though still is very confused on. Regardless, Killian’s skill, especially with his blindness, is very impressive, and Lio ranks him among the healers and chirurgeons he’d respect most.

Gemini de Argent: With a personality and temperament seemingly quite similar to Lio’s, it would appear that the two would become fast friends- unfortunately, when two people both hate talking, they won’t talk! Still, Gemini is a nobleman who cares about the world outside his own estate and has made great strides to help it, especially at his young age. Lio finds him somebody quite respectable though finds his very liberal views quite grating.

Vilette Laurent: Vilette isn’t somebody he’s really gotten to know, but has interacted with on several occasions. She seems to be reliable, respectable, honorable, chivalrous, etc. and that’s just the sort of person the world needs.

TWO THINGS YOUR CHARACTER REGRETS:

Not being there when his younger brother fell in battle, and thus not being able to save him. As well as the vast amounts of other Ishgardians he was unable to save because they were ripped in half or burned to a crisp or whatever by a horde of fucking dragons.

That he hadn’t met Quincy sooner, and that Quincy thus had to suffer under his abusive biological father for that period of time.

A PHOBIA YOUR CHARACTER HAS:

Dragons. As stated above, they’re terrifying and he has seen just about each and every way they can kill or maim a man. Lio still has trouble with this, though it’s not quite a phobia- there’s a definite primal fear there that won’t go away, but there’s also an intense hatred which easily overtakes that and consumes all else. But anything even remotely draconic will remind him of the war, and he’ll get antsy around pet dragonets and even au ra.

Tagged by @roses-and-grimoires ! Thank you for the tag. Tagging... idk yet, I have to do another one of these.

[vilette-laurent]

Ser Vilette Laurent and her sword, Skyfang!

Art by: Kagaruchi

Colours by: Me!

[songstresswendy]

WYNG is honored to have been part of the performance community for these past two years, and is so grateful for all of the friends we’ve made via music and rp! However, it has come time for us to turn our focus to other opportunities and projects. We are sad to say goodbye as a group, but excited for what is on the horizon for each of us! The memories we’ve made in this fantastic journey will always be fond ones, and we are so glad that we could share them with Balmung! Please come see us at our final performance at @gkevents ‘  Musella on Friday, Aug 10th. We will be performing during the fashion show at 9:30 EST! We hope that we can leave everyone with a memory of a passionate performance! In regards to Wendy, I will be officially retiring this character at the end of september (but stay tuned for more information about Wendy and Gemini’s wedding reception- it’s going to be an open event in mid Sept.). I cannot put into words how much fun I have had with this character and all of you. I am pretty sure I have developed laugh lines because of all the great times you guys have humored this crazy character through.  Thank you so so much for all you’ve given me to grow this character! Thank you to my wonderful FC for humoring Wendy’s antics for this long! She’s literally alive because you guys have Wendy proofed the house! Thank you to my lovely bandmates- I am so proud of us and how far we’ve come. Thank you to my PLUS ULTRA husband, @ser-gemini for putting up with my INSANE rehearsal and macro making schedule and supporting WYNG! With that- I hope to see you at the wedding for Wendy’s final farewell! @willowmartell @zhara-liara-yui @penhallowantiquities @vilette-laurent @sidarah @ascheblade @nenet-ffxiv @veils-and-hearts @quintos-the-storm @dylanthornexivblog @aegir-ffxiv @luckysparrowffxiv @tuftananke @eldsich

[wanderingstoneaxe-blog]

The giant man chuckled. “I would have thought you had written me off as dead.”

Vilette Laurent smiled as she replied; “For that, I would have to believe you could be killed.”

[progeny-of-the-fury]

Killian Learns the Sword: Lesson Three

Log date:  9/28/18

OOC Note: The text in these logs are strictly for the reader’s enjoyment. Anyone using the knowledge displayed within this text without the participant’s knowledge risks the potential of blacklisting from future communication and roleplay. Please do not meta-game!

Tags: @truth-of-the-warden @vilette-laurent

Killian De'bayle steps into the yard with his cane in hand, his blunted sword secured to his belt. As per usual, he sets his cane aside, and removes his bag from where it sits slung over his shoulder, to rest both by the fountain. "Ser Vilette? Are you here?"

Vilette Laurent opened her eyes, before slowly pushing herself up. "I am."

Killian De'bayle: "Hello," Killian greets with a smile. "I--I don't know if you heard, but if you haven't, I should probably warn you...I didn't get to practice as much this time. I had to spend some time recovering from an injury."

Vilette Laurent: "That's fine. Where were you injured?"

Killian De'bayle: "Midsection." Killian lifts a hand as though to indicate the wound, just above his belly button and off to one side. "It's mostly healed now - I removed the stitches a few suns ago. But I was on bedrest and low activity for about a week...I think."

Vilette Laurent nods. "We'll be going at it a bit simpler today. I figured that you can't learn things in the usual order, so I had to shuffle your plan around." Vilette picks up her training swords, before stepping over to Killian, holding one out, pommel first for him. "Sword on your right."

Killian De'bayle lifts a hand to take the weapon. "Thanks. What order do you normally teach things?"

Vilette Laurent: "Now that you've learned to strike, I'd teach you some parries. But those are very reliant on sight, and I'd like to build up your other senses before we begin those."

Killian De'bayle: "Ahh...okay. I've been trying the exercises Master Veve has been trying to help me with, but...I'm really not very good at it."

Vilette Laurent nods. She steps back. "How much have you improved by? Can you sense someone striking at you?"

Killian De'bayle: "Mmh...I could, but if I was paying that much attention to it, I probably wouldn't actually be able to do anything. I already have to split my attention between too many things to try to split it more with that kind of focus..." Killian trails off for a moment. "I can sense where you are. Or Hestia. General positioning. But it's not anymore precise than just listening, or...maybe smelling would be a better comparison. I can sense things that are aetherially wrong with better precision, like voidsent. Those are easy for me to sense."

Vilette Laurent: "We'll build on that, then. But bit by bit. Get into stance, show me a long-point."

Killian De'bayle: "Ahh--alright." Taking his training weapon in both hands, Killian steps forward with his left foot to settle into long point. It's clear there's been some practice in the time since their last lesson, at least; he doesn't seem to struggle as much with fluidly entering into the guard with his knee pointed forward, shoulders low, and blade tip angled at head-height.

Vilette Laurent: "Good. You're entering advanced technique territory here, so if you don't understand anything, be patient, and ask for clarification. But this is what we'll be working on today, and for the next few lessons. Fencing from long-point. And some footwork."

Killian De'bayle: "Fencing and footwork. Okay."

Vilette Laurent assumes a similar stance, shoulders low but pulled back; back straight. She extended her point, letting her blade come into contact with Killian's. The steel hummed pleasantly for a brief moment. Every fight will involve the long-point. Do you remember me saying that?"

Killian De'bayle: "Yes. The nucleus of all fencing," Killian echoes.

Vilette Laurent: "Excellent. One of the most common scenarios you will face, is that you have struck for your opponent, and they have parried, or evaded. You will be in long-point. They may or may not be. That matters little for now, but the important thing to take note is that now, both your blades are in contact. They have -bound-. If they were sharp, the edges tend to bite into one another, locking them softly. But we won't get that sensation with these blunts. Anyway. The distance in which a bind occurs is a distance in which sight no longer matters. It is the distance where the Mind can no longer keep up with your senses. This distance is known as la Guerre; and everyone is blind within it."

Killian De'bayle: "Mmh..." Killian furrows his brows with some confusion.

Vilette Laurent: "You look confused?"

Killian De'bayle: "I do? Ahh...I guess...I don't understand what you mean. The mind not keeping up with the senses and...I didn't know that certain distances make people blind."

Vilette Laurent: "Sight requires people to see."

Killian De'bayle: "Er...right."

Vilette Laurent: "When people with sight try to see at this distance, they technically can, but everything will happen too fast for it to matter. In effect, what they see is irrelevant, and too late to be useful. Therefore, they must rely on other senses. They are blind."

Killian De'bayle: "Oh...that...makes more sense, I think. But you're not really blind. It just...doesn't matter that you can see?"

Vilette Laurent: "... Yes. So. Let's begin."

Killian De'bayle: "I never thought of sight being slow...how come--oh, okay."

Vilette Laurent: "Oh, no. Continue?"

Killian De'bayle: "Um, I just wondered...why the other senses are faster?"

Vilette Laurent: "Don't know. My master used to say that they were connected directly to our Hearts -- and, well. Our guts. Like how when we put our hand over a fire, without thinking, we pull it back."

Killian De'bayle: "Th-that's because it's hot."

Vilette Laurent: "But you don't think about it being hot. Thinking takes time. Feeling doesn't."

Killian De'bayle: "So...it's like...instinct? But...sight isn't instinctive? Doesn't--pretty much everyone rely on sight for everything?"

Vilette Laurent: "Sure. But it's still slow. You were born without sight, correct?"

Killian De'bayle: "Mmh," Killian affirms. "I've never been able to see."

Vilette Laurent: "Then you'll have to take my word for it. And others, as well. The further away you are, the greater advantage sight has. The closer, the less useful it is."

Killian De'bayle: "Um. I don't know how to...take a word."

Vilette Laurent paused for a moment, glancing to the side. "Uh. I meant- meant... Believe me. Trust me."

Killian De'bayle: "Oh...what does that have to do with taking words?"

Vilette Laurent: "... Good question. Just one of those sayings. Shall we begin?"

Killian De'bayle: "Oh. Okay, yes. I'm ready, I think. What should I be doing?"

Vilette Laurent: "Relax. Take a deep breath. Try to feel the blade like it's part of your arm. See if you can feel the weight of mine, resting on the weak of your blade."

Killian De'bayle: "Uhh...okay..." Killian tightens his grip on his hilt for a brief moment. It's obvious that Vilette has lost him on the "part of your arm" bit.

Vilette Laurent: "Loosen your grip. You won't be able to feel the vibrations if you tighten."

Killian De'bayle loosens his grip as instructed, smiling ruefully. "Sorry."

Vilette Laurent: "Good. Can you feel my blade?" Vilette just held her sword against Killian's.

Killian De'bayle: "Um..." Killian twitches his weapon a little with a soft scrape of the weapons against each other. "Yes."

Vilette Laurent: "Good. You have the right idea. Apply a bit of pressure."

Killian De'bayle: "To what?"

Vilette Laurent: "The more pressure from either party, the easier it is to feel. Your blade to mine, like this." Vilette angles her blade slightly to apply a bit of pressure to Killian's blade. Nothing impossible to fight against, but enough to know Vilette is still there.

Killian De'bayle pushes his blade against Vilette's more firmly - incidentally, at the same time as

Vilette does similarly. "Yes. I can feel it. Good. Now, the moment you no longer feel me in the bind, Or if you feel that I have left it, I want you to step in and thrust me to the face or neck. Can you do that?"

Killian De'bayle: "From...long point?"

Vilette Laurent: "Yes. Step in to do so, raise your shoulders, thrust up and forward."

Killian De'bayle: "But...it's not one of the thrusting guards."

Vilette Laurent: "Why is a thrusting guard a thrusting guard?"

Killian De'bayle: "Um...I...I don't know. The hilt is drawn back to the sides in the thrusting guards..."

Vilette Laurent: "Because it has its point forward, and therefore, allows you to thrust, no?"

Killian De'bayle: "Oh." Killian flushes red in the face. "I suppose...that's obvious."

Vilette Laurent: "... And the long-point also has its point forward, and allows you to thrust. The difference is the long-point is extended."

Killian De'bayle: "Right. Sorry..."

Vilette Laurent: "Here, you will not be able to put much power into it."

Killian De'bayle: "Extended...because my arms are already straight?"

Vilette Laurent: "Therefore, you will rely on your weight and speed-. Yes. But you still have room to extend more. If you lean in and turn your right hip towards the target."

Killian De'bayle: "I...think...I understand."

Vilette Laurent: "You ready, then?"

Killian De'bayle: "Yes."

Vilette Laurent nods. She then immediately raises her sword into a high sky guard, as if getting ready to cut down at Killian! The steel sings from the motion!

Once Killian detects his weapon's freedom, he tries a forward thrust as instructed, raising his shoulders and aiming somewhere around Vilette's head and neck - his aim is not very precise. He steps through with the motion, leaning in with the turn of his body to add momentum to the strike. "Hah!" he shouts.

The safety-point of the weapon finds purchase on something hard -- despite catching on her sternum. "Don't just stop there, when you thrust, really drive the point in. Shove me! With your point!"

Killian De'bayle: "But...won't I hurt you?"

Vilette Laurent: "I'm wearing armour."

Killian De'bayle: "Hmm...okay," Killian says, stepping back again and returning to long point. "So...I didn't thrust hard enough?"

Vilette Laurent: "No, no, put your point back where it was. I just want you to lean into it and push."

Killian De'bayle: "You want me to...put it back against your armor?"

Vilette Laurent: "Yes. And push. To get used to the feeling of it. When you land the thrust, you push yourself into it."

Killian De'bayle steps forward again, trying to re-find the position he was in when he finished his previous thrust. He meets with limited success. "H-here?"

Vilette Laurent reaches up to guide the point back to where it was. "There we go. Now," she braces herself. This always sucked. "Push."

Killian De'bayle grits his teeth and shoves forward as instructed, another shout accompanying the effort. He does not go easy - in fact, he probably overdoes it - apparently trusting Vilette's previous reassurances.

Vilette Laurent stumbles back, silent for a brief moment before shouting: "Good! Reset." She reaches out with her blade, ready to make contact with Killian's.

Killian De'bayle: "Reset," Killian echoes, stepping back into longpoint again. "Are you okay?"

Vilette Laurent: "... Absolutely. This time, I will be moving back and forth."

Killian De'bayle: "Back and forth?"

Vilette Laurent: "I will either move forward or backwards. You will need to feel it, and use all your senses to discern whether I have left the bind or am stepping away. And if you feel as if I am thrusting towards you, I would like you to push my sword away. And still, when you feel like you can, thrust. Understand?"

Killian De'bayle: "I'm not wearing armor," Killian says quickly. "Sh-should I go get mine?"

Vilette Laurent: "Not necessary. I will not really be thrusting. I will be stepping towards you."

Killian De'bayle: "Mmh...I'll try," Killian says uncertainly.

Vilette Laurent: "If I step back, you step forward after me." Vilette steps back, blades lightly scraping against one another from the motion.

Killian De'bayle frowns at the scrape of movement, then takes a hesitant step forward. There's no thrust to accompany it, or any other action - his focus is clearly torn, perhaps more so than one might expect, as he tries to pay attention both toward the feel of the scraping blades and the sound of Vilette's steps.

A good decision! Vilette's sword was still 'there'. But not for long. She raises it high to prepare for a cut!

Killian De'bayle || With no footsteps to listen for, it seems easier for Killian to detect just the movement of Vilette's blade, and he steps through with another thrust. His aim is a little higher this time - though whether by accident or intent is difficult to tell - and once again leans into the turn to extend his reach, trying to push hard against her as she instructed last time. "Hah!"

The point lands on Vilette's mask, glancing right! She lowers her sword to go and brace Killian from falling past her. "Good. Aim a little left, try to respond quicker to my release." She gently nudges him back.

Killian De'bayle: "I--I'll try." Killian sounds much less certain than he did a few moments ago. "It's hard to remember moving and listening and feeling and attacking all at once."

Vilette Laurent: "That's why we're practicing." Vilette steps back, making blade contact again. She then, after a brief moment, lowers her sword.

Killian De'bayle remains utterly still for a beat before his face turns red again. "I--I'm not sure what you're doing," he admits. "I'm not sure where your sword went."

Vilette Laurent: "... So... I'm open."

Killian De'bayle lowers his own sword to sweep it down in front of him, more akin to checking his space with his cane than wielding a blade. "I...I'm sorry," he says, flustered. "I got confused."

Vilette Laurent: "Back to long-point. When you feel that I'm open, thrust. If you take too long, your opening will be gone."

Killian De'bayle raises his weapon again back into long point. "But if I think that you're thrusting...try to knock your weapon aside? Is it...when you move forward?"

Vilette Laurent: "Yes." Vilette returned into contact -- and after a moment, did the same thing. She lowered her sword.

Killian De'bayle: "Okay. I...okay." Killian pauses when Vilette's blade contacts his, and then - when the contact fades - steps into another thrust He does apparently remember to aim a little left this time! But his distractions from his previous failure means his form is somewhat lacking in power.

Vilette Laurent stepped back from the thrust; the ridge of her helmet having directed the point into her neck. She rubbed at it slightly, before nodding. "Good. Again."

Killian De'bayle: "Mmh." Killian steps back once again and returns to long point!

Vilette Laurent steps back into distance, and establishes contact! She steps back once.

Killian De'bayle follows Vilette's retreat somewhat awkwardly, his expression grim with determination.

Vilette Laurent stepped back yet again!

Killian De'bayle tilts his head a little and continues to follow Vilette's next backstep.

Vilette Laurent raises her sword high.

Killian De'bayle thrusts forward and upward in response, pushing through with the strike! His aim could still use a bit of work, but at least he recognized the opening? "Hah!"

Vilette Laurent 's attack is successfully interrupted! She stumbles back, and lowers her sword. "Excellent! We'll stop here for today, and build more on this next week."

Killian De'bayle: "Ahh...okay. That's...that's good." Killian lowers his weapon and rubs his stomach. "Sorry I was--I don't feel like...I did as well. I'll practice harder this week."

Vilette Laurent: "It's fine. This specific part is… Hard to master quickly. We'll do some more next week, before we combine this with your cuts."

Killian De'bayle: "How should I practice now? I don't have anyone to practice with."

Vilette Laurent: "... I'll find you a practice partner for this. But it's not an easy thing to practice alone. And your cuts. And learn to step back and forth quickly."

Killian De'bayle: "Okay. I'll work on that."

Vilette Laurent: "Good."

Killian De'bayle: "Thank you for the lesson, Ser Vilette." Killian offers the training blade back.

Vilette Laurent takes it steps aside. "It's my pleasure, my lord." She then headed over to the door, passing by Hestia. She gives her a nod and a smile.

Hestia De'bayle offers the woman a nod of greeting in return before turning to Killian. “Do not feel discouraged, Killian. You were resting a great while, and we have had a preoccupied sennight."

Killian De'bayle: "It's hard to focus on a lot of things at once," Killian mumbles. "What if I can't learn it because it's too much?"

Hestia De'bayle: "Only you can allow that to be the case, Killian. I believe in. Nogelle does as well. It is not too much. You are a talented man."

Killian De'bayle: "Mmh..." Killian hums uncertainly. He reaches out to touch Hestia's face in a gesture of affection, nonetheless. "Ready to go home?"

Hestia De'bayle returns the gesture with a gentle smile. "Of course," she steps closer, pressing a kiss to his cheek.

[mishivymendi]

The Bushido Royale -Champion!

( Sil Ascheblade )

The second Bushido Royale was held this past fourteenth of Fifth Astral of this Year. Held at The Coral Banquet arena in the Ruby Seas, and hosted by Kasagagi Dojo, Genko & Khokanchin, Golden Fox Trade House and Bansenshukai, this fantastic event took place to celebrate the liberation of Doma and its rich culture while honoring the martial prowess of warriors from all over Hydaelyn.

The sun shone brightly upon all those gathered to watch twelve warriors test their skill and might against one another. After opening and welcoming remarks from Keiho Jizutsu of Kasagagi, the warriors took their place and awaited the mark to begin.

“The tournament is a celebration of an art form the east constantly thrives to improve and perfect. The art of war, the dance of warriors. To carry steel, to wield sword and spear and bow for a cause, to defend what is dear, and to constantly challenge yourself to reach a new height. This is a creed, regardless of differences between the bushi of Doma, the soldiers of hingash, and the warriors of the steppe. As we march on I wish to share this with the world, with all my brothers and sisters of steel “ - Keiho Jizutsu

The honored warriors were:

Tola Balrahn Lyon Mercury Vilette Laurent Kojako Gineda Lycheria Itazura Garron Durieux Cyuina Marcy Blake Foster Tange Shishido Ayane Mayuzuma Yrui Namakina Sil Ascheblade U'illya Verlial

After the first round of bouts, it was clear that all those who had entered the tournament were of honor and great skill. The martial prowess of all involved was captivating, drawing the crowd in with a shared passion. After each bout, Healers provided by The Golden Fox Trade House tended to both contestants. Their dedication to their duties honored all those who participated and allowed for the continuation of this great event.

After the first round, the warriors had been narrowed down to six. Lycheria , Lyon, Kojako,Yuri, Blake, and Sil. While the victors prepared for the second round, it was time for a moment of an artistry of a different kind. From the stage of Lucky, four wonderful performers gifted the audience with a taste of the East and the passion of a warrior.

With second round coming to a close, the field was once again narrowed down to three. Yuri faced Lyon for their place in the final round with Lyon taking the victory. The final battle came down to Lyon Mercury and Sil Ascheblade.

Sil Ascheblade bowed towards Lyon, reading her sword in front of herself after she did, waiting for the signal.

Lyon Mercury performs an eastern greeting towards Sil Ascheblade.

Sil Ascheblade pressed off her back foot, charging towards Lyon, intending to close the distance as much as she possibly could. Once she draws near, she thrust her sword forward towards Lyon's arm.

Lyon Mercury would sidestep the blade with ease upon doing so he would twist around and attempt to the length of his spear across Sil's back hoping to knock her forward.

Sil Ascheblade was struck! She went forward further than she would like before she twisted around, closing the distance yet again. She held the sword out in front as she neared, the point moving through the air for his middle.

Lyon Mercury would be struck in the middle with a gasp he would hop back a few paces before lunging forward swiftly with his spear at her center mass!

Sil Ascheblade a loud 'Oof!' escaped her as the spear made contact with her chest. The woman seemed fairly resilient, however, that and the fact the weapon wasn't lethal... thankfully. She reached out to grab the shaft of her opponent's weapon with one hand, trying to pull him closer towards her, right into her waiting bokken.

Lyon Mercury would fall upon the waiting blade with a gasp has it touched him. Resilient as he was there was a sound. He gasps as he would push off her planting his spear into the wood plants and used its momentum to deliver a solid kick!

Sil Ascheblade reached her free hand out to /grab his leg/ as he kicked at her, trying her best to hold it there as she brought the pommel of her sword down from above, aiming to bash the weapon right into his head, though not hard enough to cause any serious injury.

Lyon Mercury would be bashed in the head as he would stumble back dropping his weapon ." Aye thats it!"

Sil Ascheblade sheathed her sword, taking a deep breath as she did. She held a hand out towards Lyon. "Good fight, for sure."

Lyon Mercury would extend his hand as well with a firm shake

Sil Ascheblade shook his hand firmly before she released, turning to the crowd and smiling. "Thank you everyone!"

This year's Champion of the Bushido Royale is Sil Ascheblade !

((The event was wonderful to be apart of, thank you to the hosts, those of Lucky, and everyone who participated! There were a lot of great moments in and out of character. I think everyone will remember the 999 roll that Lyon got and Sil’s  827 roll to Lyon’s 826 that brought them to an even score of 2-2. Alot of planning and time went into the event and not everyone is mentioned. There were security details, judges, healers on standby. Those of Lucky went above and beyond to make a show dedicated to the theme of the event, and as always, it was amazing. Our host for the night did an amazing job tying it all together, keeping the pace of the event going while offering IC purpose and meaning to the event itself. All in all, was a great evening. We thank you. I will tag as many as I can, but please tag those you know. ))

@oceaneyedcoeurl , @kasumi-ffxiv , @gft-xiv , @ascheblade,

[jancisstuff]

Lecture Room

November 1 2018

[ivbenjaminart]

This was a commission completed for @vilette-laurent from the Ironclaws Free Company on Balmung, from the MMO Final Fantasy XIV! Another part of their FC art collection!

[bardabouttown]

Honest Q&A (Copy and Answer)

What is your full name?  

“Dylan Siobahn Thorne-Carrick.”

 What do your friends call you?

“Dylan.  Dyl.  I really hate Dyl though, because it makes me feel like I should be pickled.”

 What is your favorite animal?

“Red panda’s like my Klaus.”

 Where were you born?

“Red Rooster Stead, jus’ outside of Limsa!”

 Do you have children?

“Nope.  An’ never will either.  You can’t replicate greatness like mine.”

 Is there a person/people you love?

“Aye!  I love my dad, my brothers – on most days ... and men with a sharp mind and a devilish smirk.”

 What is your favorite color?

“Blue.  Most definitely blue.”

 What is your full occupation?

“I’m an’ asprin’ wanderin’ bard an’ playwright.   But until that airship takes off, I supplement my income by writin’ a column for the Gazette an’ a bit of secretarial work on the side, in between the odd offer to perform I get now an’ again.”

 Are you good at physical fighting?

“As my archery teacher, Leanne would no doubt tell you, I’m a bit of a calamity when it comes to fightin’.   But I’m workin’ on getting’ better.”

 Which form are you best at?

“The chocobo song.”

 What about magic?

“Um….”

 Which type are you best at?

“..ehhh….”

 Craftsmanship?

“I do a bit of sketching now an’ again.   I’m also taking some panting lessons and I’m a dab hand with a needle and thread, but that’s more out of necessity than anything else.  It saves a pretty gil to be able to make and mend your own costumes as a bard.”

 Any other skills?

“Storytelling, singing, dancing, a bit of slight-of-hand and reading people.”

 Are you an only child?

"Nope! Youngest of five!”

 Where do you see yourself in five years?

“Hopefully not in shackles.”

 Have you ever almost died?

“Aye.  I was snatched as a kiddo and taken some Sahagin while I was out playin’ one day.  Luckily, I was rescued b’fore anythin’ too bad could happen.”

 Do you have a secret, not just a secret, but like a really big secret hardly anyone knows?

“Uh huh.”

 Salty or sweet?

“Sweet.”

 Do you like yourself?

“Definitely!”

 Do you believe in the Twelve?

“I think they’re a nice idea, but....”

 Are you religious?

“Not really.”

 Do you carry prejudice with you?

“No.  I imagine she’d be rather heavy.  Besides, I don’t know her all that well.”

 What do you consider entertainment?

“A good play or storytelling. I do love a good story.”

 Favorite drink?

“Cider.”

 Do you have any family traditions?

“Aye!

 Are you a good person?

"I try to be.”

 Thank you for answering my questions.

“No problem! Fortune’s Favor!”

@sylastair @songstresswendy @doctorclarke @ser-gemini @vilette-laurent 

[ascheblade]

The Ironclaw Order Now Recruiting!

The Ironclaw Order of Balmung is open for recruitment. If you are looking for an established, fun, and friendly FC with combat, investigation, social RP and everything in between, then we invite you to take a look at our brochure found in the link below!

http://joinus.theironclaws.com/

If you have any questions, feel free to ask us! 

@vilette-laurent @ascheblade @songstresswendy @blkwaltz

[ronaconda]

HELLO. I did some art for a friend @https://vilette-laurent.tumblr.com/ ! This is her character Vilette Laurent from FFXIV. Knight Commander of the Ironclaws! She’s a swords lady and super cool. She is dating Oliver Delvants, my dorky dragoon. Been a while since I finished a piece!

[furymint]

The Tournament of the Range has completed! Thank you so much to everyone who participated and those who made it happen in <Bell>!

Congratulations to the Champion, Ser Vilette Laurent of Ishgard, and the runner-up, Leanne Delphium of Gridania!

@tea-and-conspiracy @brave-horizon @tonberryslantern @faucheux-investigates @haru-qwey @aronauxfarendaire @rose-in-the-stone @halonic