Fight Club Open Log! (Catch-All For the Month of Imagination)

[rieper]

Who: Open to anyone! Make your own toplevel style~
Where: Training gym
When: Throughout the month of Imagination
What: Training in the gym. Unofficially known as "Fight Club". 47 absolutely does not call it that. But I do!
Warnings: It's a Fight Club! Sorta. Expect (hopefully friendly) violence, maybe some cursing, and whatever else. Free feel to add cw in your toplevels if needed.

Early in the month of Imagination, 47 makes an announcement on the ICP.

From: Training Gym
To: All Carriages

[It's the bald man in a suit again and if you've guessed what he's going to say before he starts talking you've been on the train for far too long like the rest of them.]

Another mission should be coming within the week. Anyone unprepared should consider the efforts ongoing in the training gym to learn new skills for survival, combat, and defensive measures. Those who have such skills already are welcome to participate in sparring and exercise sessions as well if they have not already done so within the group setting. [Or come help train.]

There are multiple people to chose from for training or sparring needs. Simply make your way to the training gym whenever possible. My name is Tobias Rieper--you'll find me there most days and if you need help with anything I'm available.

[That's all he has to say this time. Short, sweet, to the point. The end. He'll be in the training gym for Q&A for the rest of the day and probably most of the week or until the next mission comes (at least). This is typical for him anyway.]

Make toplevels to your heart's content and tag around to each other freely. Whether your character is offering to teach or wanders in looking for someone to get them involved (or just to watch), this is a post for you! You may use this for any sort of open or even private threads if you so wish.

This log is for anyone who wants to participate in exercising, training, sparring, and teaching lessons. Some of the "classes" also involve things like yoga, meditation, and easier self defense mechanisms for anyone to learn. Magic users also use the facilities to practice their spells! Everyone get use to that crazy lightning storm going off around them as they fight the big bad monster of a training dummy! It's going to happen at some point out in the field, guaranteed!

Basically, if you want to learn new skills that could be useful on missions, come take a peek!

For a basic set-up consider this: the new training gym has all sorts of useful equipment for physical fitness such as mats, soft hand held pads for training with, training dummies, some balancing beams and even a springboard. There are large blocks for making obstacle courses or creating a unique battlefield, and two climbing apparatus next to the wall. Many people are found here daily training, maintaining physical fitness, and teaching others how to handle combat in one fashion or another. Others come and go more sporadically but all are welcome and everyone (typically) shares everything with relative ease. Many of the usual suspects will help accommodate whoever asks for help. Generally, there is just a lot of activity and a busy but fluid schedule around all the equipment and space provided.

[[ooc note: The typical Fight Club open log post has returned! Now condensed into one post with the ic announcement for convenience of yours truly. Here is the original ooc info post which may or may not one day get an update, and here is a list of training/trainers offered up. Feel free to continue to update either post with new character info! Or ask questions if you have 'em!]]

Comments

47 | OTA

[rieper]

I. The Announcement

[For anyone wanting to reply to 47 through the ICP and ask him questions or heaven forbid chat at him. He'll be here all day.]

II. Training

47 stood by the ICP in the training gym for most of the first day. This was so he could make responses to his announcement, of course, but it was also easier to find him there than out in the middle of the hectic gym space. He was always ready to lend a hand to help find a trainer, a sparring partner, or even offer his own training regime to those that found his particular skills the most desirable to learn.

The remaining days he does his usual retinue of helping set up various obstacles courses and the like throughout the gym, and participating in training sessions with those still training under his guidance, as well as finding time to spar with anyone else looking for a partner when no one else was available. In essence, he was a near constant in the gym most days and he was always ready for whatever came his way.

Training-ish

[eyeslikeblood]

By and large, Gyousou had been avoiding the other members of his assigned team. Not for any real dislike, but perhaps a certain amount of wariness, given their assignments and average demeanour.

Assignments and a demeanour that he shared, if he was honest with himself, but that were entirely incompatible with a kirin. Now, though, with their numbers further reduced... He found himself watching the tall, quiet man with serious speculation.

And it wasn't soon after that he approached, mind made up.

"I was hoping to have a moment of your time, Tobias," He didn't bother to smile; something told him it wouldn't serve to put the man at ease. Better to be straightforward. "I'd like some advice."

[rieper]

It was what he was here for, wasn't it. He had offered to help with whatever training or mission related questions were thrown at him. His eyes darted over Gyousou quickly, briefly.

He simply nodded once in acknowledgement. "What can I help you with?"

[eyeslikeblood]

"In my own world, I am considered an excellent swordsman," he admitted, with no particular pride. "Before I became King Tai, I was a general and a hunter of demonic beasts, and I don't see myself as lacking in that regard. However..."

He looked to the side, where several people were taking turns peppering a training dummy with bolts of energy, and then further, to the group sparring with blades that shimmered with spiritual power. One man struck, and the room briefly resonated with a musical chord. Gyousou smiled, wry and brief.

"... A swordsman, even one as hard to kill as myself, is nothing special here, and my world holds few similarities with those we save. Many weapons and styles are unfamiliar to me. I was hoping you might have a suggestion as to what I ought to train in."

[rieper]

47's gaze followed Gyousou's eyes out to the crowd of those practicing today as he listened. They returned to the king when he was finished speaking.

"If you feel comfortable with your skills as a swordsman and hunter then what do you feel you lack? Where do your strengths lie?" 47 couldn't teach the man any of the spiritual or magical talents that others here seemed to possess in abundance but he could suggest one of the teachers that did if Gyousou had the wont and capacity. Otherwise, 47 could teach more modern technological skills and arts. "Do you wish for more armed combat experience or are you searching for other skills?"

[eyeslikeblood]

"I spent just over fifty years as a soldier," he agreed, "Many would call that a strength." His eyes were distant as his attention turned fully back to 47, and he took a moment to think about it before giving an answer. What did he need?

"Passing familiarity with otherworldly weapons would be a good start, but I wouldn't turn down learning skills with more utility." How useless, really. He smiled, acknowledging how little he was answering the man's questions. "If I could narrow it down, I would not need to seek advice!"

[rieper]

47 nodded in acknowledgement of the answer to his questions anyway. It was a broad scope but it was a place to start anyway. And 47 couldn't fault anyone for simply wanting a bit of knowledge in everything. He was a well-rounded jack-of-all-trades himself, frankly.

"I can teach you firearms, demolitions, and basic mechanics and electronics if we can find the materials to work with. Useful skills based on modern technologies from my own world and of similar ones to it." A beat of time. "If you're looking for other abilities, supernatural or magic, I'll point you to other trainers here for such skills."

[eyeslikeblood]

"Mechanics and electronics..." he repeated the words, thoughtful. "That would suit. Would you be willing to teach Taiki at the same time? He has more familiarity with your modern technologies, and learns quickly."

[rieper]

47's eyes roamed the carriage looking for the topic of discussion and stopped on Taiki if he were in the carriage. Then returned to Gyousou. "Yes. I can teach you both at the same time."

Training

[consider8]

Eight was very appreciative of other professionals, especially if their area of expertise was fighting. Before she begins there was one thing that she was hoping this man -- Tobias as he was known -- could provide her with some guidance.

"Mr. Tobias, sir." She greeted with a small bow. "I am pleased to meet you. My name is Eight. I have a question, and a possible request depending on the answer."

"You have the bearing of a soldier, and I would like to know a little of your past work and service."

[rieper]

The number, so casually given as a designation, brought up the image of another person in 47's mind. A boy, a young man from his past, a brother. The flash of memory didn't last long.

"Our worlds are different," he said on the fly, "the information would hardly match with anything you know."

Not untrue technically. If he listed dates or actions none of it would make any sense to her. Further detail was out of the question. No one had quite asked him so explicitly what he did in the past, surprisingly, not like this. Rather, he had let people make their assumptions about what he did based on what they could see of his performances on the missions. He never caused any trouble and was useful out in the field so, presumably, they left well enough alone and simply accepted him. That was fine with him.

"If you're curious about my proficiencies, they are many. I can help you adjust to the missions as best suited to your needs if that is what you wish to ask about."

[consider8]

Eight wasn't sure why he didn't answer the question directly, unless there was a reason not to do so. There were many reasons for that, as well, but perhaps the point wasn't too unreasonable. After all, this was their first meeting and she had learned the cost of too much transparency.

"I have... weapons training, primarily in firearms. But I find ammunition is limited here. In a situation that would require unarmed combat, I may be at a disadvantage." She closed her eyes, considering how to continue the reason for approaching him. "There's more... I would need a style of combat that does not require bones."

[rieper]

47 listened impassively as she explained herself though as soon as he heard the kicker his eyebrows inched upwards just enough to be noticeable. A combat style that did not require bones.

Her "hair" like structure was the biggest clue. It seemed odd to him though that a boneless creature could stand and emulate a human. What held her upright? Even snakes had bones to help hold them in place as their powerful muscles worked to pose them upright.

That didn't matter. He supposed he could clarify to make certain she really meant that she was boneless. Then... well, time to do some research on invertebrates. There had to be some sort of grappling style he could teach her that would work wonders on opponents.

"You don't have any bones in your body?" Straight to the point. That's all he needed to know.

[consider8]

There was a harsh seriousness to... everything about this man. Were she not already familiar with commanding officers of similar dispositions, Eight would be intimidated. Instead, she was glad for the straightforward nature, though she found that she had also started to fall into routine.

She nodded. "My body is primarily comprised of ink." As to demonstrate, her hand started to dematerialize and droop like a jello structure that had been let out in the sun for too long. "My weapons are still effective of course, but I noticed in sparring with a handful of others that I cannot depend on the same tactics when I'm unarmed. Our mass is too different. Their structure is too rigid." She snorts in frustration. "It's entirely possible I'm asking you for the impossible, even if you are an expert in combat."

Still, he was a master of combat against his own kind. Perhaps he could determine a few strategies that would be effective.

[rieper]

...that was stranger than what he had guessed. How did that work?

It didn't matter. If he had time to learn the physics and other sciences behind it later then he could learn it later. Their current conversation was on another matter. A more important matter.

"I would suggest grappling and defensive techniques. Maneuvers that utilize physics against your opponents--the same concepts that allow a smaller person to out-maneuver and over-power a larger, stronger person in a fight. Using their own strength against them. That way they do the work for you."

It sounded simple in concept. And mostly it was. It was simply learning the techniques and applying them in battle that needed to be practiced. He could help with that.

[consider8]

Eight nodded. The principle was sound, and she got that far. Only...

"This is what we are usually trained, yes." But... "The problem is the difference is too severe. It is like trying to direct..." What's big and heavy thing that this man would be able to understand...?

"A car. Do you know what those are?"

[rieper]

"Yes."

They were definitely something in his world and he got the analogy fine with the usage. He was silent for a thoughtful moment.

It seemed a little bit of an extreme but then he didn't have plasma as a body structure. Sure, he was made mostly of water but that water was supported by a nice, strong bone frame and lean muscles kept in peak form. She just seemed to be a gelatin all throughout that somehow kept the shape of a body. However that worked.

"I can show you more techniques, perhaps ones you haven't learned before. You may already know some if you've been trained in many forms of martial arts. But I suggest supplementing them with a tool then. It doesn't take much to break a bone. A simple piece of wood will suffice. I'll show you techniques for it." They had plenty of wood on board the train, it wouldn't be hard to make a baton for her to use. If it were lost then she would have to revert back to the unarmed techniques he would show her. Hopefully, a little of both 'worlds' would work effectively.

Training

[zechs_isonfire]

A tall, blonde man came into the training room, looking at the setup, analyzing. Curious. He wasn't certain what exactly would be involved, here, how this (on the surface) largely civilian-seeming group attempted to prepare its members for potential combat.

He nodded as he approached the man who made the broadcast. "Tobias Rieper? Zechs Merquise."

[rieper]

It was sadly lacking in structure but what it lacked for in practical organization... well, it still got stuff done. People still learned. There was just a lot of randomness to it. A lot of different styles and people practicing each their own thing. 47 tried not to think about it.

The bald man nodded in return. "Merquise." A beat. "Anything I can help you with?"

[zechs_isonfire]

"I presume you've been on at least a few missions," Zechs said, calm and straightforward. "I was wondering what I should be expecting, generally. As well as understand what we'll have to work with."

[rieper]

"Correct." More than a few. What to expect though was still a hard answer to give. 47 didn't make it seem that way though when he answered with casual ease. "The train does not provide weaponry. It does provide equipment and clothing when relevant to the mission. Red Team typically has aggressive goals: assault on enemy bases, trekking into dangerous terrain to hunt down monsters, fighting large enemies and groups of enemies. If you prefer to accompany one of the other teams then there may still be fighting but less constant or relevant to the mission parameters. They escort or maintain defenses or repair technology or gather information."

He paused to allow Merquise time to digest the information. This wasn't much different than when he greeted people on the platform, honestly, and he was used to giving information about the missions and train life.

"Specifics, if any, will be given out prior to the mission, early morning the day of. Every mission has been different so far. The worlds and stations we have traveled to are varied."

[zechs_isonfire]

"We seem too few for me to rid the Red team of skilled talent," Zechs said bluntly. "Unless other teams encounter risks they're not equipped to handle - or the intelligence proves faulty - I'll likely stay with Red."

He frowned. "What's the point in assigning us the tasks like those, if they don't arm us? Do they expect us all to have abilities such as ..."

Zechs made a vague nod toward Piccolo, whom he'd spoken with before.

"If most here are like myself, more comfortable when armed ... It's hard to say if the lack is due to incompetence or malice," Zechs said a little gruffly.

[rieper]

"Agreed," 47 said in response to the last of Zechs' observations. He was reminded of Alice for a second, always complaining (rightfully so) about the train's lack of care towards its passengers. Certainly it provided them with plenty of amenities for in between missions to keep them comfortable and occupied, but it could do better in the armament department. The latest addition to the shop was a start but it was a high price to pay for something that should already be provided for such high-stake missions.

"The train's inconsiderate accommodations aside, there are a few laser guns from a previous mission available. Unfortunately, there is little ammunition left for them." Mostly because 47 used it all since no one else seemed so inclined. Their loss, his gain. "If you prefer a melee weapon they're a bit harder to come by without purchasing one or finding one on one of the missions. The practice weapons are mostly wooden."

47's eyes drifted to the Namekian previously referenced. "Unless someone convinces him to help out with creating more weaponry again." Long shot.

[zechs_isonfire]

"I'm a fairly skilled shot, second in marksmanship in my class," Zechs told him. "I'll make do with the limited ammunition, and otherwise use a melee weapon if I can get my hands on one. I am a good swordsman as well, and there isn't a point in wasting firepower if we're in close enough quarters for a blade."

Just a regular statement of fact. A few years ago, it'd be a far cockier boast, but. He's a different man now. His arrogance was worn like a natural consequence of his skill, instead of something he had to show off at any moment.

His eyes narrowed. "What made him stop?"

[rieper]

"Understood. You won't mind if I watch your skill at a target," he said and it was obviously less a request and more a formality. Before he handed the weapon over he was going to test Zechs on it. It was less about distrust and more about keeping weapons out of the hands of people who shouldn't have them. "Weapons can be stored in the lockers of the armory carriage. Some prefer they stay there whenever we're not on missions or training."

Not that he accommodated. At least not entirely. He had moved some of his gear to the armory but preferred to keep most of his weapons closer at hand. Him and Lightning already had a good thing going in their cabin anyway. A pity the Thunderstorms weren't still with them but the new roommates would just have to cope with their unusual decoration methods.

A pause before he answered the question. "One of the weapons was used in a murder."