Sword Chat

-Dalen Capital, Valade Estate. Evening, 2 DSTR

After ensuring that Eliza and Lafayette had enough coin to play with, Kalena went into the Ransom game with reckless gusto. She won a lot at the start, but in the end was down to thirty gold pieces. Upon seeing Gularzob's delight at his enormous pile of winnings she didn't mind her losses. She was pleased to see the orc visibly enjoying himself and happily offered her congratulations. If he wasn't a guest and they were at the city gambling house she would not have felt so beneficent and magnanimous.

But her guests being entertained and content was her first concern at the moment. She was heartened to observe Kline's men also enjoying themselves with her slaves waiting on them like they were all high nobles. She found herself somewhat fascinated by Frogmore and periodically stole glances at him. Gulazrob had her complete attention however as he spoke of Praitine. She was unaware it was partly composed of mithril, and even more surprised to learn that it was so much stronger than that legendary metal. It appeared to be just another reason why the Timber Crag were considered such a great menace.

When they spoke of swords, Kline said, “The saber is a better weapon to choose from, the other is a dueling sword.” He commented. “Of course, if all you do is fight people one at a time it is good, but it is my experience that is not the case. If anything, you want something that is purely utilitarian, a longsword, something that cane be utilized in many ways and the fighting style switched up. A sword that forces the owner to one style is limiting and you are offering your opponents the chance to know your limitations, your weaknesses.” He shrugs. “This is just some soldier’s take on things.” He said in conclusion with a smile and shrug.

Gularzob chuckled softly and said, "I must agree with Kline, but my sword of choice does not move me as much as one might expect. I prefer the reach of a zweihander, much like that of a polearm, but with the full-edged lethality of other swords. Able to be moved as quick as any other, but with the force and momentum to do to plate armor what no other sword can. Speed and sharpness are nice against lightly armored or unarmored opponents, but your sharp, light saber will bounce off plate with no effect."

Kalena took their informed opinions in stride. “Well I know Kline is correct that a longsword is practical and versatile. They also tend to have more reach than a sabre, however once you're in reach the speed of a sabre is very difficult to overcome, and a sabre can deliver very powerful cuts. Often for me it's no more than a case of parrying the first thrust and swiftly following with a counter cut to either the throat or head.” She gestured in the air with a quick slashing of her hand. “But again, Kline, you do make a good point about fighting multiple opponents that are supporting each other. A sabre then can sometimes be at disadvantage, though I'll have you know it is a superb parrying weapon, and versatile in its own right. I can't speak for a zweihander as it's a bit much for a slip of a thing like me to handle.” She smiled. “But as far as a sabre being completely useless against plate armour,” she said, looking again to Gularzob. “As you well know even in a full suit there can still be gaps and weak points. Though I'd sooner use a bow against someone in full plate-armour. I've shot arrows through eyeslits, and have managed to punch through plate steel with bodkin-tipped arrows.” Seeing some doubt in their eyes, she added, “My bow had a fifty pound pull, and this was at close range, mind you. Of course I've never been a rank and file battlefield soldier, so I've rarely been forced to tangle with heavily armoured opponents head on. I would much prefer to leave that sort of thing to the professionals,” she said, throwing a smile at Kline.

As they entered the training room, Gularzob said, "I would be interested in sparring if you have enough practice swords."

“I own plenty of practice swords, but many would look like small toys in your hands. But there might be something here that would suit you in a pinch.” Kalena led them over to one wall where an extensive collection of foiled weapons hung. Sabers, rapiers, epees, longswords, as well as cushioned quarterstaffs, maces and bolas and other such things that had been rendered as safe as possible for training purposes. “I'd be interested in seeing you and Kline spar together,” she said looking to the two big tall men.

(OOC – LSP and I are going to write Lafayette and Kalena's fencing match in a colab post.)

<Tag – Kline, Lafayette, Gularzob, Eliza, and optionally, Lars, Isai, and Chiren/Jack.>