Summer Training

[Ram]

An indoor venue, the Summer attraction is built within a large metal building. It currently features semi mobile bunkers to allow the "arena" to be rearranged at random. These bunkers come in plywood, for greater realism, and inflatable barriers to mix up the lay out quickly.

The plywood structures are a mixture of partial walls, doorways, single rooms, and small structures that patrons can duck behind. Inflatable structures come in mostly static shapes such as cubes, triangles, X's, and domes. The current arena is surrounded by a safety net, to prevent any unwanted interaction between the players and spectators, staff, or the warehouse's wall/ceiling. The netted arena space is further divided using a mesh curtain to create 3 large arenas for standard play. Lighting levels in the three can be adjusted to a degree so that players can experience their "battle" in daytime or twilight. Spotlights are used to target rule-breakers so there is no argument from the players about who is being called out. Staff monitor the games from scaffolding and a control room.

One section has the cover cleared out, leaving a space for furniture. Folding table and chairs had been set up off to one side. On the table were to-go boxes with chicken fingers, wings, and biscuits. Not to mention half a dozen dipping sauces. Several six packs of bear, cider, and old-timey sodas was also there for the taking.

Beside it are several foam weapons, boxing gloves, and a few BB guns in a bin. There are also targets on display. Ranging from classic bullseye to straw humanoid dummies, free standing punching bags and even a mechanical swivel type with a target on one "arm" whilst the other has a sand bag. If you did it wrong, whack.

And finally a single freestanding door with a hole punched through its center had been placed in a place of central prominence.

Ram felt like jumping up and down with giddy excitement for this training (and his big surprise) but had settled for walking around and adjusting thing slightly every now and then. He'd gotten there ridiculously early and set up things up.

[Circe]

The blast of dry heat told Ram exactly whom had shown up first. Circe was dressed more casually then normal. Very much so for Circe really with the yoga pants and a neoprene shirt. Maximum flexibility for training and such. But for pockets, she was wearing a hunter's vest. That gave her pockets fer her various little helpful tools and other things.

Though not her Colt. That was what the shoulder holster was for.

The outfit was mostly in shades of grey save for a biege and two green items. Her hunter's vest was biege. The Hedgespun glasses and duffel bag were green. She'd some things to show and for people to try using. Maybe.

Ram was easy to spot. His behavior got a raised left eyebrow and ear from Circe. How much coffee had he had? Wait a minute? Did he not know she knew about? Okay, she decided that she could not let him know that she knew what he knew but thought she didn't know about.

Yes, that makes perfect sense to Circe. With a nod to herself she heads on over to Ram, "Sup Ram?! Nice spread bro! Hope ya don't mind I brought a little something extra fer folks ta give a handle on," she heads over to the table to observe and drops the dufflebag. "Nothing illegals, just in case, but" she sings out, "Ya don't have one of 'em here. Despite amusement factor of it."

Then she looks at the door. Circe looks to Ram smiles at him,"Yer in a good mood tonight."

[Colonel Worm]

Training day. It's not just a delightful thriller starring Denzel and Ethan anymore.

Worm is buoyant as he makes his way through the park, wearing some red shorts, a comically oversized t-shirt, and his white crocs. He's carrying a bundle, wrapped in a blanket and secured with two belts cinched at either end. His bag of tricks.

The goblin strides into the space shortly after Circe, whistling a classic Four Seasons tune. Spots the Monarch talking with a hulking fellow. Some people might find the Ogre intimidating, but Worm is delighted, breaking into a giant grin. What a bruiser! Just what you want to see out of Summer.

"Circe!" he calls out by way of greeting, bouncing over with barely suppressed excitement. To Ram: "And...Big Dude!" Gingerly sets the bundle down. There's a faint clanking of metal from within. Sticks a red hand out in Ram's direction. "Nice to meet you. Damn fine. Colonel Worm," indicating himself with a thumb.

[Ram]

“Hey Circe. Thought I’d set up early. See if I can pay back at least a little for the Id stuff,” Which he still owed her a fair amount but really that was just an excuse to be here ahead of time. “Plus I know how Viv likes the meat courses.” Of which he’d brought plenty. And honey to dip it in to boot.

“I also brought some stuff,” he indicated his bulging back pack that he’d hidden in a corner and yet to unpack. “Give me a sec and I’ll change into the armor, and get out my new practice weapons, and…,” Oh shit. Was this the right time? He’d packed everything ahead of time but hadn’t really been think how things would play out. He grimaced slightly, hoping this didn’t come off wrong.

“I managed to get everything together for the gauntlets and…,” now it would look like he’d only made the hollow for his own selfish purposes of getting Hedgespun “And…,”

And who the fuck was this?

The shimmer in air managed to distract Ram. He knew Circe’s dry heat and while it interacted to make a similar effect sometimes, the Ogre could recognize that it wasn’t the case now as the Wizened entered the arena.

“Hey?” He looked to Circe briefly, as if hoping for an explanation “Ram. Good to meet you.”

It felt like all his careful planning was going to shit. Ram could feel the kinship the Stone brought but didn’t know this guy. Yet, he had a mantle stronger than his own. Which placed him in the chain of command as above. But the Render had had new commanders suddenly appear in the Battlefield. It rarely harolded anything good.

“Who are you?” Again, a look to Circe. Colonel Worm? What a stuck up name. Then again, Ram went by… well, Ram.

Who was this scrawny guy?

[Vivian Wing]

Vivian came bustling through the door. She had her large gym bag on one shoulder, and she had her training wooden swords and two curved real swords carefully placed in special carrier just for them. California laws were pretty strict on walking around with fucking swords. Vivian didn't need an issue with a cop. She had had conflicts with law enforcement when she first came iron side. She hated them.

She was dressed in sweats and a bralette top that was feminine and pretty, but you only saw it if she lifted her arms up or was moving around a lot due to the crop top sweat shirt that had the Puma logo on it. The heavy fabric helped keep her muscles warm even when she had stillness of movement. It was essential in both dance and sword training. Keeping limber that way you avoided tearing muscles and other unpleasant things. Her long gray and blue streaked hair was braided in the front to the back to keep some of that hair of hers out of the way.

She moved over to Ram and took a flanking position to his side, eyeing the newbie, who seemed to be introducing himself. Vivian's gaze moved over to Circe, waiting to understand who this was, and what the plan for the day was.

"Hello Circe, Ram.......new meat." She said with a slight twitch of her lips.

[Circe]

"Always happy ta help a Summer,' is her reply to Ram bringing up that old business. Not like those guys were going to turn her away for bringing them more work. Vivian's carnivorous nature got a laugh from Circe. "Cool bro," as he goes to suit up.


But he pauses on his gauntlets. Yes should could help with that but why was he trailing off. Circe's hand twitches as she looks to where Ram is watching. Of course Circe had a gun on her here.


Circe's lip twitch into an amused smile as the Colonel arrives. She'd have to make a point to get him a certain fast food chain mascot's costume. "Ah, the noob is here," she cheerfully comments as Ram tries to catch up with the Worm. She smiles back at Ram as he question's Worm's presence. "New arrival, figured he should meet the Court at some point and why delay. Also, proper name not a rank," she holds up both arms into an X, "We ain't doing that shit again. Not unless I get a tank that works in the Hedge." She then looks to Colonel Worm as she drops her arms, "Feel free to blather in too. This is about you."


And then Vivian was here, "Vivian, glad ta see ya," a blue hand gives her a thumbs up on the matching attire. Seems that the noob was the only one not dressed for the gym. Circe then smirks as she waves both arms in presentation towards Colonel Worm, "New red Summer meat tonight. With a splash of color, imported from out East. Serves well, even if there is a little whine. Inspected by me, and more importantly, past approval by big rock. He is totally stoned." That pun wasn't getting old anytime soon.

[Colonel Worm]

Ram seems a little...confused. That's OK. Guy that big? You don't pay him to think.

"Colonel Worm. Like I said." A nod to Circe, "Correct. Not a rank. Just a term of endearment I picked up in a very bad place."

Seemingly unconcerned with everyone's confusion, the Goblin sits down next to his blanket wrapped bundle. Pulls off his shirt, revealing his red-skinned torso, criss-crossed with the pink lines of scars. Some old, some new. Tugs off his crocs next, revealing comically large Goblin feet. Begins to stretch.

Looks up at Vivian's greeting and gives her a maniac grin. "Fresh meat is right. Ready to be tenderized." Lifts an eyebrow as if to say: You want a slice? Takes the cue from Circe concerning the ethereal Airtouched's name: "Vivian, a pleasure. I'm Worm. Or the Colonel. Or Mr. 100%. Whatever you want."

He reaches over and undoes the belts holding his bundle together, gives it a gentle push to unroll the pack. Its contents are revealed as the blanket unfurls. A few of his favorite sharp and pointy things: a bastard sword, two Khuri knives, a bowie knife, and a machete. "Party favors," he announces as he returns to his stretch in earnest.

"So what's the deal, where do ya'll want to start?" He asks the question generally without looking up from his preparations.

[Ram]

“Mmm,” Ram grunted in a way that said he wasn’t entirely convinced. However, with a sniff, the Ogre seemed to be satisfied that their Fairest leader had inspected and approved of the newcomer. He didn’t seem… exactly enthusiastic but trusted Circe’s judgement enough.

“Hey, Viv,” he said, still working on snapping out of interrogation mode. Even managing a smile. “Made sure to get extra chicken meat for training.” He knew her predilections.

The Ogre moved over to his backpack and began getting stuff out. Not just the videos and rabbit claws/feet for Circe but also an entire set of riot gear. He gave his queen a wink. Excited to see not only how she’d react at him getting better gear on his own but looking forward to what came next.

“I’ve also been busy trying to fix the door I punched a hole in last time,” he teased, still strapping into his armor as he moved to the entrance. Still managing to give a slight side eye to Colonel Worm, but ready to get the party started. They were Summers after all. If a problem with the Colonel came up, they all knew how it would be solved. Ram just didn't trust new officers. They liked to try and take control without knowing what was going on.

[Vivian Wing]

Vivian attended to what Circe was saying and giggled a little at how faboo she put that. Nodding a bit to herself. Well that settled that. He was here to stay! Summer grows! She got all excited, and spotted the chicken. Oh look. Ram remembered her stress eating complex!

She grinned at him and nodded. "I'm gunna start helping myself real quick while you all figure out how we match up for some sparring and training!"

Vivian was completely predictable when there was food around...I mean hello. She wandered on over and got a paper plate and put some chicken on it. Not as much as she usually would because she would need to move aggressively afterwards. Still enough to show she meant business.

[Circe]

"Cheers," Circe says as Worm brings out actual weapons. Circe whistles as Ram brings out the new armor. She is impressed. "Nice lucky charms Ram. Great armor choice too," she gives him a salute, "Now I can't quote Batman at ya whilst I wear," she picks out her own Hedgespun breastplate, "This with ya. I also brought somethings fer training," she pulls out a ball and chain that she tosses aside. It bounces. As does the second. The third thing that came out? A set of rather fragile ceramic disks for throwing. Made for BB guns. She waves one disk in her hand, "Ya didn't expect me ta bring the carbines fer this, did ya? Evidence bros and sis, best ta avoid leavin' it."


Circe just shoves the Lorica Segmentata down onto her shoulders and latches it quickly in place. Then thumps it with her fist, "I could make a sexualized pun, but I refrain." Circe then turns upon Ram with a loud sigh, "Dude, I told ya not ta worry about the hole. It was awesome. I heard the kids love its addition."


Circe was reasonably certain that said kids would find Ram awesome too if they knew he did that with a punch.


Then upon Colonel Worm is where the red and black eyes focus last. "Just as a point noobie," she waves, with the yellow disc, to get his attention, "We don't start out hitting each other with real stuff. We don't have THAT good a healer," then waves her hand to the training weapons Ram had set-up, "We start with those. And feel free ta cazzo around with the chains too. Fun ta untie yerself," Circe keeps running with this line as she waggles the disc in the negative, "Which is NOT related ta me wearing skin tight silicon cat suits."


Ram and Vivian probably know about that armor though Colonel worm should be confused. Suddenly, Circe spins on her heel, "Vivian! Don't forget ta leave some fer the rest of us!" And makes her way to try to get some protein before Vivian eats it all.