Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
"See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body"
Posts: 1,144
Affiliation: The Dark Jedi Order
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Post by Gavin Phoenix on Apr 22, 2019 13:45:07 GMT -8
Gavin watched as she ignited her own saber, but said nothing. as the moments went by, the hesitation and nervousness began to fade. This caused him to smirk a bit. "Remember, this is merely a test to see what style fits you. Let go of thought and let your heart and spirit guide you. It will help let your instincts flow. Are you a warrior of grace? Perhaps one of speed? Precision? Flexible? Acrobatic? Strong? Balanced of them all? Single saber? Dual? A staff or something else entirely? It is this we wish to find out. Bringing his saber up, he pointed it at her. "This is a battle of physical combat. Control the Force and keep it contained. Use only your skills in combat."
Giving her a moment to register what he said, he began his assault. Not attacking her incredibly fast of hard. He brought the saber down upon her. Letting it slip to the left, he brought it across horizontally from left to right then back right to left. He only wished to apply the needed amount of pressure to make her work for it and have to actually dive into her skills.
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Darth Sirona
The Sith Eternal
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Post by Darth Sirona on Apr 22, 2019 15:34:47 GMT -8
Letting her left hand drop down and bring the saber over, she grasped it with both hands. She gave one last deep breath. She brought her saber up to block the down ward strike with her it slightly higher to her right, allowing Gavins blade to slide down to the lift and her saber was already at a close position to block his next attack. But when he brought the Saber back at her right, she used the speed, grace, and acrobatics she had been working to hone in the classes to avoid the next strike, she would continue to utilize these skills, avoiding his attacks until she could find an opening to strike at, any opening would do. Death-by-a-thousand-cuts would still end in death. It just came down to if she could continue avoiding his strikes.
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Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
"See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body"
Posts: 1,144
Affiliation: The Dark Jedi Order
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Post by Gavin Phoenix on Apr 24, 2019 1:15:25 GMT -8
As he pushed his attacks, he could see she was waiting, staying mostly defensive until an opportunity arose that she could make her strike against him. Cautious and patient, an effective combo. Tied with her grace and acrobatic abilities, it wouldn’t be long until she found what she sought. As good as he was, he wasn’t perfect or his defense impenetrable.
Electing to focusing more on a single hand strikes revolving around strength more than speed, he pushed on. Reaching out, he plunged his saber straight in before curving it up and over to his right to make a diagonal slash from her left should to right hip. He then pulled back to raise his saber, gripping it with both hands as he brought it down on her.
He knew she possessed grace. She had shown it in those early days of training as she picked up on the evasive techniques, moving through them like a dancer. Her lighter, flexible frame aided in movement around the battlefield as well. It was difficult to tell what styles she could look into that would benefit her. He just wanted to spar for a bit to make sure.
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Darth Sirona
The Sith Eternal
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Post by Darth Sirona on Apr 24, 2019 19:07:15 GMT -8
Her tactic seemed to be working, so far. Nidana kept ducking, and dodging around Gavin's strikes. It was clear to her that Gavin was not going at his full speed. All the same it didn't stop her from feeling the heat coming of the saber, as she narrowly dodged the attack. The Echani utilized the first maneuver that Gavin had ever taught her and the class. She stepped off to her right, his left, and pivoted on her heel and struck, not at the back which he could likely bring the saber back to block. No, she went for his left ankle with a simple and quick slash.
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Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
"See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body"
Posts: 1,144
Affiliation: The Dark Jedi Order
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Post by Gavin Phoenix on Apr 25, 2019 4:59:44 GMT -8
A mixture of slight surprise and joy came out of watching Nidana disappear. It was a move she quickly mastered in the early days and if the further training, she was easily able to even outmaneuver him with it. Despite his speed and understanding, the only possible way he could have dodged her attack was by using the Force to heighten his speed further to turn in time. Had this been a full blown test of her abilities, he would have. But for now, it proved what he needed to know. He smirked a bit even as he felt the impact of the training saber against his boot, even feeling the stinging feeling it brought through the material.
Continuing to move forward a bit, he turned, his saber raised as if ready for another attack. However, after a few moments, he smiled and deactivated his saber. "That is enough for now. I had a strong suspicion as to the forms that would best suit you, and now it's clear. You prefer to stay out of combat altogether and are evasive when engaged in battle. Cinnik actually carries a similar nature. Mixed with your natural grace, Form II Makashi would turn a battle into dance, something you tend to do anyway. If you haven't learned it before with the Jedi, Makashi is a dueling form that focuses on graceful and fluid movement, turning away from strong attacks and blocks and instead utilizing parries and glancing precision strikes. For the times you need or want to become a more aggressive fighter, Form IV Ataru will also aid you due to your flexible and acrobatic movements. That's the center point of the form as it uses the Force to aid movement around a battlefield and is a much stronger form than Makashi. Would you agree about that assessment? Anything you'd like to point out that I don't know?"
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Darth Sirona
The Sith Eternal
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Post by Darth Sirona on Apr 25, 2019 6:53:40 GMT -8
Breathing heavily, Nidana watched as Gavin deactivated his saber, and she followed suit. She bowed slightly as the spar came to an end, smiling to herself, shocked that she had managed to land a hit on her master. He described the Forms II and IV to her, these had been covered in her Jedi training, but it had never been put into the perspective of her strengths.
I think those sound like just my style, Master. And, thank you, for all the work you've put into me.
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Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
"See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body"
Posts: 1,144
Affiliation: The Dark Jedi Order
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Post by Gavin Phoenix on Apr 26, 2019 5:34:54 GMT -8
Gavin smiled and gave her a nod. "Keep at it, Nidana, and I know you will become a feared Sith, one respected and viewed as a wielder a great power among the Blackguard. Never let go of that drive and passion you have to push forward and keep learning, especially regarding that which you love. But that is all. You may return to the others. If you would, send Geralt Klassen in please."
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Darth Sirona
The Sith Eternal
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Post by Darth Sirona on Apr 26, 2019 8:26:30 GMT -8
Bowing again, Nidana collected her bag and returned to the main training area. As she entered she called out. Geralt, you're up next. And as they passed, Nidana made sure her hand brushed his and she whispered to him. Good luck.
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Geralt Klassen
Blackguard Imperium
Posts: 46
Affiliation: Blackguard Reborn
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Post by Geralt Klassen on Apr 26, 2019 9:19:36 GMT -8
Smirking as Nidana's hand brushed up against his, he continued on toward the sparring area where Master Phoenix was. Hopefully he would be up to the task set out before him...
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Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
"See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body"
Posts: 1,144
Affiliation: The Dark Jedi Order
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Gavin Phoenix on Apr 26, 2019 10:47:45 GMT -8
Gavin stood waiting with his arms crossed as Geralt entered the area. For a few moments, he merely looked the man over, trying to gauge him before all else began. He had been keeping close eyes on all his students, but he still continued to keep special eyes on Geralt and Lizbeth for the Sith'ari. Viox had special interest in the two and he certainly had no plans to disappoint with their training.
After a few moments, he finally spoke. So, how have you been finding your classes? Matching up to your expectations?" It was a question he had for all of his students but never actually asked. But he felt the need to ask it now. The Sith had certain expectations and he wanted to see if Geralt fell into that group that thought Gavin's training could be different.
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Geralt Klassen
Blackguard Imperium
Posts: 46
Affiliation: Blackguard Reborn
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Post by Geralt Klassen on Apr 29, 2019 18:56:11 GMT -8
Nodding, the young man replied to the question posed to him, by his instructor.
"Yes, Master Phoenix. So far, I have not been disappointed."
While Gavin's teaching were not entirely compliant with what he had expected from the Sith, it offered some new viewpoints as well as an alternative way of thinking. And that wasn't necessarily a bad thing either.
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Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
"See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body"
Posts: 1,144
Affiliation: The Dark Jedi Order
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Gavin Phoenix on Apr 29, 2019 22:52:43 GMT -8
Gavin gave a nod at his response. "Not bothered by my teaching not falling into the typical methods of the Sith? That's good. Would certainly make things awkward otherwise. And how are things going outside the classroom? Doing well with interacting with the others? I hear you and Nidana have been talking a lot."
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Geralt Klassen
Blackguard Imperium
Posts: 46
Affiliation: Blackguard Reborn
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Post by Geralt Klassen on May 13, 2019 13:30:28 GMT -8
Nodding in acknowledgement, Geralt replied.
"I am doing quite well, outside the classroom, Master. Nidana and I have become good friends..."
The young man trailed off, not wanting to divulge more information than necessary at this time. It was true they were good friends, but there was the potential for something more. Though he wasn't quite sure on what that 'more' could be, specifically.
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Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
"See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body"
Posts: 1,144
Affiliation: The Dark Jedi Order
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Gavin Phoenix on May 13, 2019 21:39:11 GMT -8
Gavin nodded, but said nothing else on the matter. With his age and experience, alongside both the words and expressions of Nidana and Geralt, it was easy to pick up on the reality of their feelings and what could come to pass.
Moving past the small talk, he went on to the purpose of the day. "Have you given thought to the person you wish to be, Geralt?Have you come to understand yourself and the power and purpose you wish to achieve?"
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Geralt Klassen
Blackguard Imperium
Posts: 46
Affiliation: Blackguard Reborn
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Post by Geralt Klassen on Jun 8, 2019 18:31:00 GMT -8
Graciously taking the opportunity to change the subject, Geralt nodded solemnly.
"I have given much thought on the person I wish to be. A defender of our order. A blade to enforce the Sith'ari's will. I understand myself enough, from your teachings, that I know with certainty, this is what I will become. And I will be the best. Better than those who will be chosen after me..."
It wasn't so much arrogance speaking as it was knowledge. He was aware that the Sith'ari had taken an interest in him. And he knew he was being evaluated for some future purpose. At this time, he was uncertain as to why, but he had a gut feeling he would become the best of the best at whatever it was that the Sith'ari chose for him.
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Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
"See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body"
Posts: 1,144
Affiliation: The Dark Jedi Order
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Gavin Phoenix on Jun 9, 2019 6:36:58 GMT -8
Gavin gave a smile. "That is good to hear. To figure out oneself is the first step required on any path, especially among the Sith. Without that knowledge, you are a mindless pawn. Glad to know that you have put much thought into it." He then removed his training saber but didn't ignite it. Instead, he simply held it in front of him between clasped hands. "And what of your approach to combat? Have you figured out the style that best suits you? Or should we spar a bit and see if we can't sort it out?" Most of those he asked before Geralt hadn't a clue as to which style fits them, thus the need for the spar. Yet, those that already knew, or those he had already figured out bypassed this stage. The same would be the same for Geralt and Lizbeth both depending on what they had figured out for themselves.
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Geralt Klassen
Blackguard Imperium
Posts: 46
Affiliation: Blackguard Reborn
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Post by Geralt Klassen on Jan 13, 2020 1:26:31 GMT -8
Gavin gave a smile. "That is good to hear. To figure out oneself is the first step required on any path, especially among the Sith. Without that knowledge, you are a mindless pawn. Glad to know that you have put much thought into it." He then removed his training saber but didn't ignite it. Instead, he simply held it in front of him between clasped hands. "And what of your approach to combat? Have you figured out the style that best suits you? Or should we spar a bit and see if we can't sort it out?" Most of those he asked before Geralt hadn't a clue as to which style fits them, thus the need for the spar. Yet, those that already knew, or those he had already figured out bypassed this stage. The same would be the same for Geralt and Lizbeth both depending on what they had figured out for themselves. |
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Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
"See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body"
Posts: 1,144
Affiliation: The Dark Jedi Order
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Gavin Phoenix on Jan 14, 2020 1:59:05 GMT -8
Gavin's head turned a bit, his eyes never leaving Geralt as he declared the form he desired to master. It was rather unexpected, to say the least. He hadn't thought the boy one for such a style, but the boy claimed to know himself and the path he sought to follow. "Juyo, huh? I must say I am a bit surprised, especially without choosing another along side it."
Gavin rubbed his chin as he began to pace, his eyes never leaving the child. He knew the form well enough, the pros and cons to the style. He had trained for years to become skilled in every form of lightsaber combat utilized throughout the years, from the older forms of the Jedi, to the newer variations crafted by Luke Skywalker's new academy. "That form of combat is a dangerous one, not only to your opponent, but also to yourself. It is the most taxing and is driven by your passion, gaining greater effect when you become engrossed in the thrill of the fight and let go of your defenses. Even I, with all my knowledge, skill, and experience take heed when using it, always wondering if the price is worth the gain? Are you sure you are ready for that?"
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Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
"See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body"
Posts: 1,144
Affiliation: The Dark Jedi Order
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Gavin Phoenix on Aug 5, 2020 16:22:55 GMT -8
The years had passed by in almost a blink. Four years of endless training, the first two spent solely in the basics of combat and the Force with the latter two allowing each of them to push out into their own. And grown they had in that time. From skills to character, nothing was left untouched. He had been proud of each of them and what they accomplished. Despite being young, they were truly capable, able to stand against older apprentices. They had taken his teachings to heart and it had shown.
Now, the final bits of their training was underway within the last few weeks of their time under him. Soon, they'd leave his tutelage and become acolytes or apprentices themselves.
Gavin held the pair of training sabers at his side, his stance low as the entirety of his students, all fifteen faced him down. Keeping his attention on all of them and their attacks was a great test of his skills, despite him being leagues above them. And his skill would test them as he pushed them. And so it came, the fury of attacks. Working together as a team, they didn't attack blindly or arrogantly. They thought about strategy and what could be done to get the better of him, coordinating their attacks. Solo followed by duo attacks, moving in and out, switching fairly well as they worked to whittle down his defense in endless assaults from all angles. The first few times they had undergone this exercise, it had been an interesting experience for them, trying to find a flow in which they could all effectively attack and not hinder or hurt the other. And the learned quickly. Those focused in melee worked to stay close while others who were practiced in the Force stayed back more often to unleash their attacks. However, they were quick to understand the effectiveness of changing their styles and positions. His lessons had made them all capable in both styles, despite preference. That meant that they wouldn't suffer in attacks different from their style preferred. And the switching was a solid strategy to keep Gavin guessing. While experienced enough to handle everything they threw at him, he didn't expect to be beaten but didn't doubt it was possible. Instead, this was about seeing the full depth of their skills and understanding put to use. And the one thing he knew was that they didn't disappoint. Many would fall easily to what they could do, be it solo or as a team.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 5, 2020 23:54:14 GMT -8
--and just as Vesperia had expected of her pop quiz, only a few remained.
A Twi'lek boy grinned maliciously and stood tall among a few fallen 'friends,' while a still-standing Zabrak female scowled at her remaining foe. A few had been ushered to the medbay within mere moments of the duel. Another few sat around the perimeter in a perpetual wince of their misfortune. Their instructor prowled with a whip in hand, encircling them with constant motion as if she was the real predator, prepared to strike down the winner of the fight.
However, Lady Vesperia seemed bored by this point. With a huff and a roll of her eyes, she stopped the duel early. The boy lunged towards his challenger, who raised her training pike defensively. She caught his blade with hers and deflected it off to her side. Vesperia rolled her eyes. She had seen enough and wouldn't spend another minute letting these two 'star students' duke it out. In a real scenario, they'd both be dead already. Igniting her single-tailed whip, needlessly modified for these ankle-biters, she lashed it out to wrap around the boy's wrists, and with her free hand, sent a Force Push to send the girl careening into the wall behind her.
"Enough."
Vesperia spent the rest of the period lecturing the rugrats--or at least those who had survived with minor injuries. She knew nothing would change. They were too young to be held to a more esteemed level as the older children. Chances were that they'd all fall back to something boring like the saberstaff or worse, the standard lightsaber, and leave everything she tried to beat into them.
Once they all sulked out of the room, Vesperia made her rounds through the rest of the training area. Her frustration with the children rose with every day she was forced to watch them play around with knives, pikes, and whips like they were harmless toys. Oh, how she wished to switch them out for legitimate weapons that would dismember them. But the Headmaster would be angry. She snarled. This would be the last class she'd agree to instruct. Vesperia had been with this Sith group for far long enough to be given an apprentice. If the Sith'ari, Jen'ari, or Headmaster wouldn't appoint one to her, she would just need to personally hunt one out…
Vesperia heard a rather loud fuss going on in one of the training rooms, to which she stalked her way over. Crossing her arms over her chest, Vesperia spread her legs into a power stance directly within the entryway.
Of course, it had to be that non-Sith dog's classroom.
Ah, but luck might just be on her side. Her silver-blue gaze swept the room, and Gavin's students seemed to be close to that age--ripe for the picking. A hungry smile curled at her lips. Vesperia lingered right where she stood and took the time to watch each individual student with more enthusiasm than she had moments earlier. Critiquing. Analyzing. Plotting.
Who to choose? Who to choose? The question of the decade.
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