The Bladestone Foundation

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DiceyCZ
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Re: The Bladestone Foundation

Unread post by DiceyCZ »

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During the last and long upcoming days, the cheerful warrior and Bladestone Foundation Headmaster known as Derik Ranloss makes way to the city of Baldur’s Gate for the morning of every other day. There he meets with a prepared regiment of Flaming fist and City Watch recruits, leading them in basic combat classes.

The first several lessons would be mostly drills. These drills would consist of two things, foot work and shield work. How to get your shield into place while keeping yourself mobile enough to move. This would be for both self-defense as well as watching the back of and the flanks of their compatriots.

As days progress, the lessons would turn to drawing and handling weapons. Being aware of your personal space so that when swung , a weapon doesn’t hit companions or anyone but the intended target. More so, Derik then imparts awareness of how and when you are vulnerable to flanking and ambushes.

The third set of lessons would combine these into formations for both smaller and larger combat units. How to capitalize on varying weapons in the team and combine them, spears, swords, crossbows, for maximum efficiency in close quarters one would likely find in the streets and buildings of a large city.

Lastly, the series of lesson plans would conclude with personal mastery of chosen style. Once the recruits have the basics of how to work together, Derik would show them how to individually pursue and master their particular weapon combination both offensively and defensively. This would also include how to maximize combat effectiveness in the immediate personal space around the individual fighting both a single or multiple opponents.

The elegant sun-elf fencer carrying proudly name Lylan’Synor Syr’Asiryn would then follow with lessons after Derik in the evening of the same days.

Her lessons would focus at first on physical and mental fitness, putting the soldiers through their paces and explaining the chaos of combat as well as how to keep your head steady and on your shoulders, so to say.

As the training goes on, the elven fencer would continue her lessons in the example of the Bladestone Headmaster and her training shifts towards proper movement through and around allied and enemy troops to not disrupt your allies and avoid enemies. Her training is much more centered around proper body work and she would even force the recruits to learn basic rhythm and dance steps explaining and proving later, how much, they can keep one of harm’s way, especially without shield. This whole block of lessons would culminate in proper training of parry and counterstrike moves and stances.

As the whole course for selected regiment nears it’s end and Derik Ranloss focuses on specifics of each weapon groups, Lylan’Synor likewise gives more attention to light weapons and fight without shield. Training them in the style of not brute force but finesse and combat centered around precision and misdirection which allows for creating openings and searching for enemy’s weaknesses.

Finally, Kaylee, the newest addition to Bladestone Foundation’s lecturers would appear on every day in between Derik and Lylan’Synor’s lessons and spend hours repeating, training and imprinting the courses taught by her peers.
She would go through the finer and more complicated material over again to make sure it is properly written in the minds and bodies of the City’s recruits.
Her teaching style would be very similar to Lylan’Synor’s and even through her initial slight nervousness, she would soon find her footing as the first set of courses comes by.

In the background there can often be seen the read headed Administrator lurking between the troops and watching the lessons as Niyressa often accompanies the lecturers, making sure everything goes smoothly and helping when it’s needed. After many of the lessons she would meet with the officers who manage the recruits outside of Bladestone’s care and ask them if there is anything the find lacking in their new recruits.
Niyressa Dawncrow (bio) - Head Magus, Bladestone Foundation
"Magic is Chaos, Art, and Science. It is a curse, a blessing, and progress. It all depends on who uses magic, how they use it, and to what purpose. And magic is everywhere. All around us.” - Yennefer
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artemitavik
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Re: The Bladestone Foundation

Unread post by artemitavik »

--Taken down as bylaws have been updated--
Last edited by artemitavik on Fri Jul 30, 2021 7:44 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Derik "Crimson Bulwark" Ranloss: Thugging for GREAT JUSTICE!!! (yes, I know he doesn't wear red)
Headmaster:Bladestone Foundation.
Owner:The Last Anchor

Braithreachas Leomhainn
"My purpose is to shed blood for those who can't, and to bleed for those who shouldn't."
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artemitavik
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Re: The Bladestone Foundation

Unread post by artemitavik »

The last several days have seen a wagon or three arrive at the Bladestone Foundation building on the Lion's Way. However, unlike previous wagons, these are carrying finished furniture and other items that someone would decorate or place on the inside of a building.

It may be that after having several delays due to labor issues ((see: some RL got involved. :) )) the Bladestone Foundation is nearing completion.
Derik "Crimson Bulwark" Ranloss: Thugging for GREAT JUSTICE!!! (yes, I know he doesn't wear red)
Headmaster:Bladestone Foundation.
Owner:The Last Anchor

Braithreachas Leomhainn
"My purpose is to shed blood for those who can't, and to bleed for those who shouldn't."
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artemitavik
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Re: The Bladestone Foundation

Unread post by artemitavik »

It is formally announced that the Bladestone Foundation's interior is being finalized!

The tavern section itself is open for business, but people are requested not to enter the combat arena for the moment until certain safety check and such can be finalized.

((The tavern is open for RP but we've got some walkmesh and door locking issues, so for the moment, please don't go anywhere by the main tavern area))
Derik "Crimson Bulwark" Ranloss: Thugging for GREAT JUSTICE!!! (yes, I know he doesn't wear red)
Headmaster:Bladestone Foundation.
Owner:The Last Anchor

Braithreachas Leomhainn
"My purpose is to shed blood for those who can't, and to bleed for those who shouldn't."
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artemitavik
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Joined: Sat Sep 24, 2016 10:22 pm

Re: The Bladestone Foundation

Unread post by artemitavik »

The main set of rules for sparring can be found in our bylaws and are very basic, both parties have to agree. However, having been asked many times what are examples of rules that could be discussed and used for sparring and there is no officiator or special circumstance like a class or a tournament, here are some suggestions to take in part or in whole, or edit as the parties agree:

1) No fights to the death. Period. The Bladestone does not exist to settle your personal grudges.
2) Standard allowed wards is 4. This is a school of martial combat, not magic.
3) No summoning.
4) Stealth may be used a total of 3 times by each individual per spar. This does not count as a “ward”.
5) No offensive magic, particularly area effect damage spells. This does not include weapon wards, such as elemental weapon.
6) Shapeshifting allowed if agreed upon by all participants. The Bladestone recognizes that this is how some are able to participate in martial practice.
7) Technique use such as disarm, knockdown, shield bash, etc are allowable.
8) Archery is allowable.
9) Do not exit the combat ring. This constitutes a forfeit.
10) Use of fear effects is frowned upon. Excessive use of fear to win a spar may result in suspension of it being allowable.
11) Respect you opponent at all times, win or lose.
12) If your opponent begins to ward more than allowable or agreed upon wards you may attack while they are still warding.
13) Use of Dispell is allowable if all parties agree.

These are just rules for "standard" moments of fun and games by me, Derik Ranloss. Other instructors may post their own recommendations of combination or stand alone rules for example at any time.

((Please note that there will be NPCs that are nearby during a spar if not actively in the room and that breaking the very few rules of the bylaws, like no death and stuff, and they WILL call the guards))
Last edited by artemitavik on Fri Jul 30, 2021 7:45 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Derik "Crimson Bulwark" Ranloss: Thugging for GREAT JUSTICE!!! (yes, I know he doesn't wear red)
Headmaster:Bladestone Foundation.
Owner:The Last Anchor

Braithreachas Leomhainn
"My purpose is to shed blood for those who can't, and to bleed for those who shouldn't."
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artemitavik
Posts: 1050
Joined: Sat Sep 24, 2016 10:22 pm

Re: The Bladestone Foundation

Unread post by artemitavik »

It is with great pride that the Council of the Bladestone Foundation announces that the facilities of Foundation are fully open to the public.
This includes a fully functional tavern, inn, arena, private sparring areas, classroom, and more.

All are welcome to come and enjoy the establishment. Please abide by the posted rules and bylaws. Please also note that the storage and healing capabilities of the Foundation are still currently limited due to various supply or space limitations.
Derik "Crimson Bulwark" Ranloss: Thugging for GREAT JUSTICE!!! (yes, I know he doesn't wear red)
Headmaster:Bladestone Foundation.
Owner:The Last Anchor

Braithreachas Leomhainn
"My purpose is to shed blood for those who can't, and to bleed for those who shouldn't."
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taintedseraphim
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Re: The Bladestone Foundation

Unread post by taintedseraphim »

A redhead not seen on the coast in some few years is seen entering the Bladestone building, remaining inside for quite some while. When she departs, she is seen carrying not one but two applications in her hand.
Rania Marie Ragnon-Servant of Selune
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artemitavik
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Re: The Bladestone Foundation

Unread post by artemitavik »

A notice is posted:
Come one come all to the Bladestone Foundation Summer Double Tournament!

The Bladestone will be sponsoring 2 tournaments over 2 days at the Foundation's arena. Both are free to participate and will have 3 categories, beginner, intermediate, and expert. All three categories will have a winning prize of 10,000 gold. (1-10, 11-20, 21+)

The rules for will be as follows:

Tournament 1: Enhanced Battling
Melee Weapons only
You may not leave the ring once started
No healing mid-fight
No Fear Magics allowable
No area affect or offensive magics allowable
5 Wards will be allowable
You must cast the wards yourself via spell or item
Stealth counts as 1 ward, but you may use it unlimited throughout the bouts
Shapeshifting counts as 2 wards. Dragonshape counts as 3
Auras count as 1 ward
Bardic inspirations count as 1 ward, but you may shift between them unlimited throughout the bouts
Damage shields are allowable, but only 1/bout, and your opponent can choose to not immediately engage or hit you until the ward drops
Depending on how many participants are in each category, the fighting may be single or double elimination.

Tournament 2: Pure Sport
Melee Weapons only
You may not leave the ring once started
No healing mid-fight
No magic casting
Stealth is allowable
Bardic inspirations are allowable
Non-fear auras are allowable
Shape shifting is not allowable
Depending on how many participants are in each category, the fighting may be single or double elimination

The Tournaments will take place <7/19 and 7/20 at 17:30 GMT> at the Warrior's Rest/Bladestone Foundation on the Lion's Way

Derik Ranloss will be the officiator.
OOC:
I have received some questions, so I'm going to put some OOC clarifications here.
Yes, Bardic requiem counts as both offensive magic and healing, it is not allowable.
Yes, restoration counts as healing magic, it is not allowable.
No, anyone feared via non-magical means, like MAA fear abilities, will not be disqualified if forced out of the ring. However, if you follow your feared opponent out of the ring YOU will be disqualified.
Some martial abilities end up being AOE. This is ok, they are not magic. They are allowable. Hitting bystanders with one though will count as immediate disqualification.
Please do not Enlarge Person on your dragon form, we don't have the room.
Derik "Crimson Bulwark" Ranloss: Thugging for GREAT JUSTICE!!! (yes, I know he doesn't wear red)
Headmaster:Bladestone Foundation.
Owner:The Last Anchor

Braithreachas Leomhainn
"My purpose is to shed blood for those who can't, and to bleed for those who shouldn't."
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artemitavik
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Joined: Sat Sep 24, 2016 10:22 pm

Re: The Bladestone Foundation

Unread post by artemitavik »

The first tournament concluded as a rounding success!


Before the battling began, it was announced that per Founder Ashan Wayne's instructions, now that the school is up and fully running, Derik Ranloss took the mantle of Headmaster. Lylan was then, to her surprise, granted the position of Deputy Headmaster due to a secret vote and majority rule from the rest of the Council.

The Beginner bracket included Talio and Xilvii, both with one win and one loss each, and then a draw in their third fight, ending with a Draw and both collecting winning prizes

The Intermediate bracket included Amos and Makenzie. Amos took the bracket after two wins.

The Expert bracket included Adrian, Mealir, Atria, Gabriella, Lylan, Leo, Amos (who asked to participate) and Aiden Vega. After many good and close fights, Aiden won the bracket undefeated, donating his prize to the orphanage of Baldur's Gate.

After the tournament was over, Bladestone Administrator Ronja Leonhart fought Headmaster Derik Ranloss and laid him out on the stone in a super close, unwarded, exhibition match.

Some then chose to stay in the arena and continue to spar while others took advantage of the 3 hours of drinks on the house announced by the Headmaster.
Derik "Crimson Bulwark" Ranloss: Thugging for GREAT JUSTICE!!! (yes, I know he doesn't wear red)
Headmaster:Bladestone Foundation.
Owner:The Last Anchor

Braithreachas Leomhainn
"My purpose is to shed blood for those who can't, and to bleed for those who shouldn't."
Milluw

Re: The Bladestone Foundation

Unread post by Milluw »

BSF tournament 20 flamerule ((19/07/2020))

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artemitavik
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Re: The Bladestone Foundation

Unread post by artemitavik »

The second round of Bladestone Tournaments, Pure Sport also was a rousing success!

The beginner bracket was empty, but the intermediate consisted of Merrick, Elvin, and Victor. After several fantastic fights, Merrick took the bracket undefeated.
But barely.

The expert bracket consisted of Atria, Lylan, Jalib, Aiden, Hanner, Yashavia, Drudoc, Adrian, and Merrick. There were an incredible number of fantastic and very close fights. Ultimately, the first place was split between Aiden and Lylan, as they managed two draws, neither a clear and definitive winner over the other.

Afterwards, Adrian was placed on the spot by Deputy Headmaster Lylan to see if he was ready to graduate from her tutelage, however, he didn't quite beat her.

Like before, free drinks were offered for 3 hours after the even.

Thank you all who participated!
Derik "Crimson Bulwark" Ranloss: Thugging for GREAT JUSTICE!!! (yes, I know he doesn't wear red)
Headmaster:Bladestone Foundation.
Owner:The Last Anchor

Braithreachas Leomhainn
"My purpose is to shed blood for those who can't, and to bleed for those who shouldn't."
Milluw

Re: The Bladestone Foundation

Unread post by Milluw »

BSF tournament 21 flamerule ((20/07/2020)) Screenshots curtesy of Gamarasa

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Milluw

Re: The Bladestone Foundation

Unread post by Milluw »



At the Night of Starfall, many travelers found their way to Warriors Rest, staying after or even just coming in belated after the open stage had already ended. Among two of them, a bet was made, based on a brawl.


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All too soon, they also found the aid of a bored Wizard, to settle that bet in a grappling match in a greased ring with quite a number of spectators. The fight was long, and painful to both sides, involving biting, broken bones and one mans bells being rung in the less cheerful sense. However, in the end, no victor emerged as one fighter saw fit to throw his greasy, oiled-up competition into a Brazier, setting fire to both and grievously injuring them.


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A frenzied search for a healer began, and hasty first-aid were delivered, together with some more drastic measures being set up.

But thankfully, in the end, One of those called in managed to magically soothe the damage done, and both participants and the staff of the infirmary were left with a harrowing experience, a hefty bout of exhaustion and perhaps a lesson learnt about fire safety.. And a creative way of solving the priorly made bet.


(( Writing courtesy on Gamarasa. ))
GaretAthran
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Re: The Bladestone Foundation

Unread post by GaretAthran »

A young woman of Mulhurand and Chondathan descent leaves a letter with the guards on duty. The woman claimed to be a Guard-in-Training of Candlekeep.
Kamine Waynn
~
Paladin of the Red Knight
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artemitavik
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Re: The Bladestone Foundation

Unread post by artemitavik »

A huge shipment of wood, furnishings, and other goods arrived today at the Bladestone and Warrior's Rest. It was delivered by a caravan of Blackrose merchants and placed in the yard, covered by oil-cloth.

Later, Bhor Stonecutter was seen talking to the Headmaster and Proprietor regarding work in expanding the cellar and adding an cold-storage room.

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Derik "Crimson Bulwark" Ranloss: Thugging for GREAT JUSTICE!!! (yes, I know he doesn't wear red)
Headmaster:Bladestone Foundation.
Owner:The Last Anchor

Braithreachas Leomhainn
"My purpose is to shed blood for those who can't, and to bleed for those who shouldn't."
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