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Bite Me
Jun 15, 2020 15:06:20 GMT -6
Post by Nerius on Jun 15, 2020 15:06:20 GMT -6
[Schism - Roar - 2]
<Yes, but loudly,> Nerius explained, then added, <And away from me.> Though, given his own similar threat forewarning ability, that was a potential way to test the effectiveness. Not a particularly pleasant one, but he'd worry about that later, and for now he moved to be beside and a bit away from the sarane. Once he'd moved, Schism opened his jaws and roared. And it was a roar, just, not a terribly effective one. It wasn't as loud as the bellows usually heard in the Pit, and it was lacking in aggression. Nerius wasn't sure if the latter was important for this particular technique, but better to have it than not.
<How was that?> Schism asked. They may have communicated with thought through the ribbon, but that didn't mean every thought that passed through Nerius' mind was sent to the drake. Which was a good thing, honestly. <Decent, for a first go. Needs to be louder though.>
(Nerius: 5/10) (Schism: Lv: 43, 165/170 | Lyl: 31, 155/160)
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Bite Me
Jun 15, 2020 16:01:12 GMT -6
Post by Nerius on Jun 15, 2020 16:01:12 GMT -6
[Schism - Roar - 3]
<Try it again, roar!> Maybe if he seemed enthusiastic it would help? It wasn't the most exciting thing for Nerius to be teaching either, but theoretically would be an easier thing. Several of the other tricks on his list were likely to be more challenging, or unpleasant for Schism. There really was no pleasant way to toughen up one's skin.
But the drake was blissfully ignorant of these plans, and let out another roar. It was louder this time, but still missing something, in the tone or the pitch. <Was that better?> Schism turned to look at Nerius as he asked, having pointed his head away for the roar. <A little, but still needs more.. force.> How did you describe that to a sarane? It had been so long since his last fight that Nerius couldn't very well compare it to other drakes. Hmm, other drakes... That did give him an idea, though he'd need his TROD to retrieve something from his kennel.
(Nerius: 6/10) (Schism: Lv: 43, 166/170 | Lyl: 31, 156/160)
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Bite Me
Jun 15, 2020 16:19:25 GMT -6
Post by Nerius on Jun 15, 2020 16:19:25 GMT -6
[Schism - Roar - 4]
Nerius mentally gave the command to the TROD, it wouldn't take the robot long to arrive given it could fly, but in the mean time he'd continue trying to simply explain what he wanted. <Roar again, loud as you can,> he knew Schism could get louder than that, he had with that monster nyssa in the gardens. Unfortunately he didn't have a giant murder tree handy.
It seemed to him that Schism was getting a little frustrated at his lack of success, but the drake tried again, roaring with all his might. <That was pretty good!> Said frustration might have helped, in a way, as Schism finally had the volume he was wanting. <It was?> The drake was a bit surprised, it hadn't really sounded any louder to him. <Yes, not perfect, but good.> Still didn't have the oomph he was looking for, but the volume was about there. As an added bonus, Nerius had brought a snack for the drake, a large stake that had been cut into small strips.
(Nerius: 7/10) (Schism: Lv: 43, 167/170 | Lyl: 31, 157/160)
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Bite Me
Jun 15, 2020 17:33:01 GMT -6
Post by Nerius on Jun 15, 2020 17:33:01 GMT -6
[Schism - Roar - 5]
Sure, the chance to fight other drakes was an encouragement to cooperate with training, but a little instant reward was always helpful with training. Nerius was probably about as food motivated than the sarane was, but that was besides the point. Still, Schism was interested, <You brought food,> and perked up at the scent of meat. <I did,> Nerius agreed, as he tossed a piece to the drake. He didn't think Schism would bite him on purpose, but that was a small bit of meat, and very large jaws, and accidents could easily happen.
Schism's roar still needed work though, and once he'd eaten his snack, Nerius wanted him to try again. <Roar again, but try to make it more.. intense.> That was probably the best way he could describe it, but that didn't mean the sarane could follow the instruction very well. Schism's roar was loud, but not really any better than what he'd previously done.
(Nerius: 8/10) (Schism: Lv: 43, 168/170 | Lyl: 31, 158/160)
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Bite Me
Jun 15, 2020 17:44:55 GMT -6
Post by Nerius on Jun 15, 2020 17:44:55 GMT -6
[Schism - Roar - 6]
<Like that?> Schism asked, still not quite sure what he was supposed to be doing different. <Not quite,> Nerius was trying to keep from being too discouraging, sarane didn't tend to have a whole lot of patience for frustration.
It was at that point that his TROD arrived, carrying a bundle in it's metal arms. <But I have an idea that might help,> Nerius explained, as the robot set the bundle down over a tree stump, before leaving to carry out other tasks. But even without that, Schism was immediately interested in the bundle, <It smells like a drake!>
<It should, yes.> The bundle was a bit of bedding from one of his other sarane, Tavur. Nerius didn't want to bring an actual second drake out, but this was a less potentially violent alternative. <Should help you have the right mood for a roar.> Mood was perhaps not the best word, but hopefully the scent would spur his fighting instincts for a more intense roar.
(Nerius: 9/10) (Schism: Lv: 43, 169/170 | Lyl: 31, 159/160)
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Bite Me
Jun 15, 2020 20:49:14 GMT -6
Post by Nerius on Jun 15, 2020 20:49:14 GMT -6
[Schism - Roar - 7]
He'd considered trying to have Schism imagine he was roaring at another drake, but sarane didn't have much of an imagination, so instead Nerius had decided to use something with a scent instead. Now to see if the idea worked. <Get a good sniff of it, and roar, as if you're trying to scare another drake!> If that didn't spur a more enthusiastic response, Nerius wasn't sure what would. Well, unless he could find someone to borrow a nyssa from.
Schism did as asked, walking over to the bundle to better get the scent, before letting loose with another roar. This one finally had what the roars had been missing before. <That was much better!> Nerius told him, it almost felt strange to praise a creature that could understand after his past training sessions with plant critters. The ribbon did make things easier though, or at least quicker. He was able to simply explain what he wanted, and skip right to practicing.
(Nerius: 10/10 + Added!) (Schism: Lv: 44, 170/175 | Lyl: 32, 160/165)
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Bite Me
Jun 16, 2020 13:56:00 GMT -6
Post by Nerius on Jun 16, 2020 13:56:00 GMT -6
[Schism - Roar - 8] That might not have sounded like much, but it was nice to not have to figure out ways to coax the critter into doing what he wanted on its own, especially for something more complicated. Roaring was simple enough, but some of the other things Nerius had in mind wouldn't be so straightforward. But for now, he simply gave Schism another bit of meat. He hadn't been giving it over every time, since the drake could understand him, but he hoped a treat every so often would help keep the sarane interested.
<So are we done?> Schism asked, looking proud of himself. They weren't quite there though, <No, you need to be able to do that consistently,> Nerius explained, <Practice your roar again.> The drake didn't look thrilled about this, but he did as requested, letting out another loud, fierce roar. There was a reason Nerius had wanted a spot somewhat away from in use areas.
(Nerius: 1/10) (Schism: Lv: 44, 171/175 | Lyl: 32, 161/165)
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Bite Me
Jun 16, 2020 14:15:00 GMT -6
Post by Nerius on Jun 16, 2020 14:15:00 GMT -6
[Schism - Roar - 9]
<That was good,> Nerius told the drake, giving him another bit of meat. That did slow things down slightly, the sarane had to finish eating before he could roar again, but it was a minor difference, and if it helped encourage him, it was worth it. Once he was done, which didn't take long as it was a small piece of meat and a large sarane, Nerius had him repeat the process, <Roar again.> Schism followed the command, and gave another good roar, before asking <So are we done now?>
<Not quite, I want you to try roaring without the scent of another drake nearby,> Nerius explained. Schism might have been mostly interested in fighting other drakes, but he would encounter other foes if he ever participated in something other than a sarane tournament. The drake grumbled, but moved when Nerius asked him, <Go over by that tree, please.> It was upwind, and a decent distance away.
(Nerius: 2/10) (Schism: Lv: 44, 172/175 | Lyl: 32, 162/165)
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Bite Me
Jun 16, 2020 14:48:04 GMT -6
Post by Nerius on Jun 16, 2020 14:48:04 GMT -6
[Schism - Roar - 10]
Once he was in position, Nerius told the sarane, <Roar again!> He followed the command, but it was a bit lackluster from what he'd done before. <Needs more intensity, try to roar in the same way you did before.> Nerius wasn't sure if that was a good description for a sarane to understand, but it was what he had at the moment.
Thankfully, it seemed to work, and Schism let out a much for ferocious roar this time. <Was that better?> Schism asked, turning to look back at Nerius, who was too far away to give him a treat at that moment. <Yes, much!> Nerius could tell the drake he was doing well, at least. <Practice it again though.> He still needed to be able to roar like that consistently, but had made a lot of progress. Schism, though no longer as hyped up without the scent, still let out another impressive roar.
(Nerius: 3/10) (Schism: Lv: 44, 173/175 | Lyl: 32, 163/165)
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Bite Me
Jun 16, 2020 15:09:37 GMT -6
Post by Nerius on Jun 16, 2020 15:09:37 GMT -6
[Schism - Roar - 11]
<Good! Again,> Nerius started walking over to the sarane, the distance didn't matter for ribbon communication, but it'd still be easier if he were closer. Schism roared, another impressive sound, and Nerius was glad the drake wasn't facing right at him. It was loud enough as it was, and would be even worse head on, which was the point. <That was good, again.> It was a little faster a process without the snack break, but he intended to give Schism a few treats once he got over there.
Schism roared again, he wasn't looking very interested anymore, but if he could still make an impressive roar while bored that was a good sign. <Good, roar again,> Nerius had just about reached him at this point, and by the time the sarane had finished producing the sound, he was close enough to give Schism a treat. Several strips of meat, in fact. <That was good!> he told the sarane, who was quite pleased with his reward, <I think you've got it!>
(Nerius: 4/10) (Schism: Lv: 44, 174/175 | Lyl: 32, 164/165)
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Bite Me
Jun 17, 2020 17:17:32 GMT -6
Post by Nerius on Jun 17, 2020 17:17:32 GMT -6
[Schism - Phase Out - 1]
He'd give the drake a bit of a rest, but then they'd move on to the next thing, which would be much more complicated than simply teaching the drake to roar intimidatingly. Nerius knew Schism could turn invisible, he'd done it before, with that massive nyssa, but the sarane had little control over it. Seeing that Schism was staring at him, and apparently had enough of a break, Nerius explained what he had in mind. <The next thing may be a bit trickier, I'd like you to learn how to turn invisible.>
<I already can turn invisible,> Schism protested, looking mildly offended. It wasn't a helpful response, but Nerius wasn't terribly surprised, drakes tended to have an ego. <Well, go on then, phase out.> He watched the sarane expectantly, trying not to seem too amused. He was quite sure Schism wasn't going to be able to pull it off on the first go, though if he was wrong it'd be a pleasant surprise.
(Nerius: 5/10) (Schism: Lv: 45, 175/180 | Lyl: 33, 165/170)
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Bite Me
Jun 17, 2020 17:31:47 GMT -6
Post by Nerius on Jun 17, 2020 17:31:47 GMT -6
[Schism - Phase Out - 2]
The drake stood still for a moment, before sort of.. wiggling. It reminded Nerius of an excited cat waiting to pounce. <There. I'm invisible now,> said the very visible sarane. Nerius shook his head, <No Schism, you're not. Look down at your claws.>
<What's wrong with my claws? The sharp and pointy and- oh. I can see them.> It took him a second, but the drake did realize the problem. <Oh, well, um,> he looked a bit sheepish, and not sure what to do.
<This is why we're working on this, try it again,> Nerius wasn't going to mock the sarane, that wouldn't be helpful, and besides, was rude. Schism, well, he tried, but it was more wiggling, and a rustle of his wings. <Am I invisible now?> he asked, though unfortunately, he wasn't. <No, sorry,> Nerius told him, trying to think of a way to help the sarane, or at least give better instructions.
(Nerius: 6/10) (Schism: Lv: 45, 176/180 | Lyl: 33, 166/170)
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Bite Me
Jun 17, 2020 17:42:14 GMT -6
Post by Nerius on Jun 17, 2020 17:42:14 GMT -6
[Schism - Phase Out - 3]
<Try it again. Try.. not to be seen?> It was instructions, but not very good ones. Unfortunately Nerius didn't know any invisibility spells, and even if he did, he doubted the process would be similar enough to be helpful. Schism at least tried to follow instructions, though he just ended up flopping down onto the ground, and covering his head with his wings.
<Can you see me now?> Nerius shook his head, before realizing the sarane couldn't see him, <No, you're still visible.> Schism grumbled at this, and made no move to stand back up.
There had to be a way to get Schism to use that ability, he'd done it before, but it was mostly on instinct. Maybe that was the trick? The last time he'd seen the drake go invisible for any length of time was when he'd been startled by the huge nyssa in the gardens. Nerius didn't have a giant tree handy, but maybe he had another way to jumpscare the drake.
(Nerius: 7/10) (Schism: Lv: 45, 177/180 | Lyl: 33, 167/170)
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Bite Me
Jun 17, 2020 17:57:24 GMT -6
Post by Nerius on Jun 17, 2020 17:57:24 GMT -6
[Schism - Phase Out - 4]
Nerius' hand went to the node he always wore around his neck; yes, yes he did have a way to jumpscare the drake. <Schism, get up please,> he asked, moving to be in front of the sarane's vision, but about a body length away. <Ugh, fine.> The drake was pouting, but did stand back up. <Now what?>
<Just, stand right there for a moment, I have an idea.> For some, Nerius' behavior might have been a little suspicious, but Schism was too busy being sulky about his inability to turn invisible. Nerius waited a little, until the sarane's attention had started to drift, and no longer as attentively focused on him. He wanted the drake to let his guard down a little, and, there! Perfect...
Nerius took that moment to draw on the power of the node, channeling the power into a spell with a loud crackle of fire, and flames erupted to wreathe his body.
(Nerius: 8/10) (Schism: Lv: 45, 178/180 | Lyl: 33, 168/170)
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Bite Me
Jun 18, 2020 15:06:00 GMT -6
Post by Nerius on Jun 18, 2020 15:06:00 GMT -6
[Schism - Phase Out - 5] Schism let out a squawking bugle as he scrambled backwards from the sudden flames. <YOU'RE ON FIRE!> It might have been the way the ribbon translated thoughts, but the drake's mental 'voice' sounded shrill. Schism scrambled back, or at least that seemed to be what was happening, judging by the gouges being ripped into the grass. It was impossible to tell for sure, because... <And you're invisible.> Nerius was quite pleased with his efforts, and Schism too. The drake however was less pleased, <And you're ON FIRE!> This may have been his first real experience with large amounts of fire, and he didn't like it. <Don't worry, it's perfectly safe,> Nerius tried to assure him, though it was hard to tell if it was working considering he couldn't see the sarane. <Try to focus on being invisible, on what it felt like to activate that.> With any luck, the drake would be able to repeat the process, without the fire.
(Nerius: 9/10) (Schism: Lv: 45, 179/180 | Lyl: 33, 169/170)
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