I will teach you everything you need to know.

[hatesdragons]

Who: Emille and whomever
What: A. Emille teaches her first class on Dragons; B. Emille holds office/lab hours; C. Emille tests her strength; D. Wildcard.
When: February 3-7, the first week of the month.
Where: A. A classroom in Robespierre Hall; B. The labs in the Citadel; C. The Legionnaire Quarters; D. Wherever.
Warnings: None.


A. Daemon Biology class: Intro to Dragons

[A short woman who doesn't even look like she should be teaching is indeed standing behind the podium in front of the classroom. She's standing on top of a stepstool, of course, but the podium hides that fact from the front.

She is wearing a formal red and white dress, a short white cape, black leggings, and has a red beret on her head to complete the look. Furthermore, she has a red band around her left arm with a curious dragon-and-sword symbol emblazoned upon it.

Once the same dragon-and-sword symbol (now with the text "MURAKUMO" running along the bottom) is projecting on the screen behind her, the woman confidently begins her lecture.]

Hello, class. I am Professor Emille of the Japanese Murakumo organization. I am the Murakumo liaison to Daybreak Academy, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be here and speak with you about daemons. I plan on covering different facets of daemon biology, but I will begin with the breed of daemon that I know best: the Dragons.

The Dragons are, first and foremost, dangerous consumers of life. Most are mindless, only led by their insatiable desire to feed on other life to gain entropy for continued existence. In that way, they are comparable to what we know as the ancient breed of dinosaurs.

Dragons exist in a three-tiered society, with lesser Dragons being the bottom tier. In fact, many lesser Dragons physically resemble dinosaurs. [The screen behind her changes here to show the picture of a rather formidable orange-striped white wingless Dragon with prominent claws.] To the ordinary citizen, this creature would likely be mistaken for an artist's rendition of a deinonychus dinosaur. However, it is a type of lesser Dragon known as a Stab Dragon. There are several kinds of lesser Dragons. Some, like the Stab Dragon, do not have wings and thus cannot fly. On the other hand, some have multiple wings, like the aptly-named Hover Dragon, which you can see behind me. [The Stab Dragon's picture is replaced with a long green Dragon with six orangey-pink, insect-like wings.] Lesser Dragon breeds are plentiful, so there are certainly more than just one Stab Dragon running around, and some tend to travel in packs or swarms.

The middle tier of Dragons are the Imperial Dragons, sometimes referred to as the High Dragons. They are much more elusive, but have lesser Dragons at their command. These mons-- ahem, Dragons are unique and have powerful individual abilities, such as command over specific elements or the ability to spawn illusions. Little is known about the Imperials, such as how many there are, but we do know that they are very formidable.

Even moreso are the seven True Dragons, the rulers of this species. Nothing is known about them besides there being seven of them. Surely they must have strength and abilities rivaling gods.

[Emille pauses here, letting the barrage of information just presented sink in, including the fact that it'll take a full-on war to defeat these terrors. Well, they picked a fight with someone ready to (mobilize others to) do so.]

One last thing. A warning, if you will. [The Hover Dragon's picture cuts out, and a cluster of orange flowers on purple stalks takes its place.] If any of you are ever in the Outlands and see these orange flowers, be careful. They are called various names, including the Bloom, Dragonsbane, or Furowaro, but regardless of what you call them, they are deadly for two reasons. One, they emit a toxic pollen that can harm mortal bodies physically and make them sick; and two, they are a sure sign that Dragons are nearby.

[Another pause, because what she's about to say might sound reckless and a little desperate.] If any of you are daring, and absolutely sure there are no Dragons in the vicinity, I would be willing to pay anyone for retrieving a sample of Bloom flowers for me to analyze. I have recently come into possession of a possible antidote to Bloom sickness, and any assistance for carrying out this research with fresh specimens would be appreciated.

Class, that is the end of today's lecture. If you have any questions, please ask them now, or meet with me in my office. It is located in the labs underneath the Grand Hall, within the Citadel complex. [She looks over the class and nods approvingly.] Thank you for your time and attention.


B1. Office hours / B2. Lab time

B1. [Emille's office is in the back of the labs. If one looks through her office window, she can be seen using her computer. Have any further questions about Dragons? Interested in joining the lab staff? Or do you just want to drop in? Emille may look busy, but she is fully expecting students or fellow faculty to visit her -- these are her office hours, after all.]

B2. [Does anyone want to use the labs for an experiment, and need the Head of Research's help? Or just want to see what's going on?

Emille has two magical substances that she is testing in the labs this week -- an icy leaf that condensates water but never melts that Emizel helped her find during the Dawnbreaking Party, and a goopy antidote substance that Rex made. One of the orange Bloom flowers is in a covered hydroponic pot -- it was the last one Emille had, brought over from Tokyo -- and she plans on seeing if she can make a Bloom-specific antidote with the goop and Bloom pollen. She's open to anyone helping out or observing, as long as nobody is in the way of getting her results.]


C. Strength training

[Emille has found herself in the Legionnaire's Quarters, a place completely outside of her element, and is now staring down a wooden training dummy with her rapier drawn. She's practicing sword swings against the dummy, but every now and then she'll go wild and try to do something like you'd see in a samurai movie. Unfortunately, it's not from a lack of trying, but her lack of strength leaves her unable to do anything to it.

Each unsuccessful blow slightly frustrates Emille more and more, to the point where she begins to growl at the dummy:]

Arrrrgh! Hiyah! Foolish piece of wood...!

D. Wildcard
Feel free to stop Emille anywhere else on campus, or try to make her go somewhere! Open to all.

Comments

[heromedal]

[ It was hard to miss Rex, even when he was sitting at the furthest back he could- purely out of politeness. Blocking people's view was inevitable for someone his size. Having basically no boundary between student or teacher anyway (they're just jobs, really) he gave her a small, but friendly wave when everyone was filing in. He made several notes and planned to speak to Emille about some of it but he hadn't been exaggerating when he said he studied practically everything- he had to leave quickly to get to his next class. It's on his list of things to do. But fate has them meet before then anyway. You don't get as massive as him without exercise.

For once, Rex is not in his coat- though his idea of a workout outfit is still considerably more concealing with most. A full set of leggings that goes into his trainers, shorts over the top of that, a similarly tight long sleeve shirt with a sleeveless jacket over the top, hood up. Even that's a little more revealing than he likes- in his signature puffy coat his juggernaut physique is difficult to discern, but like this it's obvious. ]

...Would you like some pointers?

[ He says this with his usual deadpan voice, having watched her for a bit. His sword is as physically different to her rapier as Emille is to Rex- it's six-foot-long, a slab of golden metal covered in beautiful decorations to disguise its nature as a modular, transforming weapon. Despite its obvious weight, he holds it in one in an underhand style. ]

[hatesdragons]

[Emille has a lot to take in as she looks over Rex and his sword. He's certainly better-dressed -- and better toned -- than she is for this sort of training. And that sword is massive, but Rex wields it so easily. It is undeniably beautiful, but that doesn't really ease the slight discomfort she feels from having what could be a guillotine for someone as short as her so close to where she's standing.

Even so, Emille remembers the gentle care Rex gave to his handshake with her, so it should be okay. Besides, free training advice is something she's always needing. Aware that she's probably ogling at this point, she shakes her head slightly to refocus and looks calmly towards him.]

Well met, Rex. I would not be adverse to pointers, if you have some to give. [She can't help but look at his sword again, then down at her teeny-tiny-in-comparison skinny little piece of sharpened metal.] Yet you do not believe your weapon to be much too large to show a rapier-wielder practical swordsmanship advice?

[heromedal]

[ If merely being in the presence of that gigantic slab of glorious golden metal made Emille nervous, she may feel some distress when he swings it around in front of himself to swap the grip to overhand, spinning it around. But like the handshake, he takes care to make sure he's not injuring anyone. A glance around first and the movement is smooth and practised. ]

I will not be able to illustrate precisely the methodology, but the fundamental principles are relatively easy to convey with any handheld object.

[He calls the weapon bigger than her handheld.

He takes his time to move into a stance and illustrates a thrusting motion a few times, each one looking impossible. Explaining as he does, that the key is to use all the muscles as one. Not just swing the arm, but pull the other shoulder back, push forward with the hips, step into it. Even doing it for about a minute has him sweating just a bit, but he still manages to stab with the sword one-handed and in the style of a rapier.

It helps the sword itself is behaving. Eternal Sunlight is moody and picky about what she does for Rex, but she has decided to interpret Emille's ogling as barely restrained attraction and if there's one thing which motivates her? It's trying to get Rex hooked up. ]

That's the basic concept- easy to learn, but difficult to master, I believe is the phrase.

[hatesdragons]

[Yeeeeah she just kind of stares as Rex gives his demonstration, more impressed by his strength than anything. Emille finds herself wondering if he could take down a Dragon single-handedly. No, this isn't the time to be thinking such things... sorry Eternal Sunlight

She does notice that Rex moves his entire body as he strikes, which makes sense: it allows the full force of the body's kinetic energy to be transferred into the weapon as it is thrust forward towards its mark. The physics behind the concept make sense, but to actually train herself to get entirely into her attack; to throw her whole body into the motion...

Well, Emille isn't one to back down from a challenge. She straightens her body and takes a few deep breaths while readjusting her grip on the sword in her hand.]

I may understand the concept you are showing me, Rex. Watch and tell me if I am correct.

[Emille enters a battle stance: legs slightly apart, knees slightly bent, eyes dead focused on the training dummy. In one swift motion, she steps backwards with her right leg, bringing her sword arm along with it, and then stabs towards the dummy as if she was trying to throw a javelin. It knocks her off her balance a bit and causes her to hop, but the dummy certainly bends backwards from the force of the blow on its left shoulder.

After another round of exhales, she turns back to Rex, slightly frowning.]

It seems that I still need to work on formulating a balanced stance, but that was indeed a more forceful attack than I have been able to muster thus far.

[heromedal]

[ He ain't the Chosen Hero for nothin'! Though he does have to take a subtle breather ofter all that stabbing. Carrying Eternal Sunlight is like hauling around a newborn horse- swinging it around is hard enough. She's supposed to split into two lighter swords or a spear when you want to do that. He puts the sword away, spinning it around, so it's at the right angle to be placed in the harness on his back. The Final Fantasy victory theme plays automatically. It's not accurate to call it a scabbard, it's more like a sling that covers the tip and edges. You'd need a lot of clearance for a conventional sheath.]

That's an excellent start. Melee weapons rely heavily on torque, though when used in martial arts it's often called fa jin.

[ Still not quite ready to use the sword again, Rex demonstrates with his fist instead- though just before he does, he casts a smell that produces illusionary arrows with numbers indicating the flow of force, from his ankles, hips, shoulders, everything until it's all expressed through his fist. He makes an 'eeeeeiYAH' sound as he does and... Pow! The dummy rocks back and Rex doesn't mind the dull pain in his knuckles. ]

Repetitive practice of the basics is, unfortunately, the only way to form a solid foundation.

[ The way he speaks with his hands is also illustrated by the arrows and numbers. ]

[hatesdragons]

[Oh my, what a fluid and flashy show of sword-sheathing. Rex seems to have a lot of experience with his horse sword. Emille, meanwhile, has just over a year's worth of experience with hers. Thankfully, this session is making her feel a bit more confident with the rapier.

Eyes still on Rex, she is taken slightly aback when numbers and arrows begin to pop up all over his body as he prepares to strike. Is this an effect of his "fa jin"? The reading over his fist grows exponentially -- while the others decrease -- in the moments before his attack. Hmm. Once again, it seems that the entire body's force must be concentrated into the muscles thrusting the weapon so the weapon can rely on that force for more damage.]

It seems that I have yet much to learn, and much practice lies ahead of me. Let us hope that I am able to build up muscle and technique before any situation in which I would need my weapon presents itself. It seems that you are well-prepared, at least, with a massive sword and martial arts skills.

[Noticing that numbers and arrows are still displaying over Rex's hands, she asks,] Is it hard to learn how to check your flow of energy using fa jin? It looks like a useful skill to have for training. [Emille must not have caught on that he used a magical skill for that. She's a non-magical human still getting used to such things.]

[heromedal]

Hmm- oh, that's an illusion spell of mine. Here- [ He flexes his fingers in an almost identical manner, though it finishes with a point at her instead. The smallest of motions from both them are now displayed with arrows and numbers that indicate the direction and force of the movement. ] I find being able to record such qualities in real time extremely useful when running tests on mechanical and biological systems, but it certainly has its place in martial arts training too.

[ Rex doesn't really consider his skills to be anything special (because they're not in the top 10 in the world) and so doesn't feel they're worth noting. But the sword- ]

Skills and muscles are important but anyone can obtain them. But the full power of a weapon of this quality is much harder to earn and would require someone truly special, so do not imagine I've come close to mastering her. That said, the previous owner was only slightly larger than you are so are, so make of that what you will.

[ Said previous wielder being his mother. He... Really takes after his dad, physically. ]

Intro to Dragons

[nevernoaction]

[Ren is taking copious amounts of notes in class, as usual. But as he's listening to the lecture, it makes him realize what she hasn't said.]

So the fact that dragons breathe fire isn't a fact at all, then?

[hatesdragons]

[Emille is impressed to see Ren hard at work taking notes. It does a scholar good when she notices someone listening to and taking her seriously.]

It is a fact for certain breeds of Dragons, and not at all true for others. Each kind of Dragon has its own strengths, and I am sure that some lesser Dragons have fire-based abilities. It may be related to the climes they inhabit -- desert-dwelling Dragons likely have more of a fiery inclination than arctic- or sea-dwelling ones.

And, of course, there is a high possibility of an Imperial Dragon existing that specializes in the use of the fire element. Whether or not it actually breathes fire is yet to be seen. I hope this is a sufficient answer to your question, Sir?

[After a moment, Emille screws up her face a little bit before continuing.] Ah, I feel I must add that not all creatures known to humanity as "dragons" are a part of the daemon breed I am discussing today. It is unknown if the historical dragon stereotypes originated from Dragon daemons or similar creatures.

[nevernoaction]

It just makes you wonder that with all of the powers that dragons do have, why is it the only on that seems to stick in all the stories is the breathing of fire.

[Well, he IS the Student Council Secretary so taking notes all over the place is just part of his job. But this class is particularly fascinating for him.]

[hatesdragons]

I would conjecture that the stories remain the same due to the Veil. I was also tricked by its hidden truths about Dragons, and all aspects of the Outlands, until a mere year-and-a-half ago. It seems that those in charge of protecting the mundane world from the supernatural have done an excellent job, as one would be counted insane if they began spouting stories of draconic creatures breathing something other than fire or spewing orange flowers.

Tell me, were you also born under the influence of the Veil, or were you brought up in an environment that embraced the paranormal? [Emille's still learning a lot about things that have apparently existed for millennia that she didn't know about until just recently, so any perspectives on the matter are quite appreciated.]

[nevernoaction]

[That's honestly a good question. Ren frowns and tries to focus.]

I...don't remember. I know where I grew up but I've never been able to remember from that time.

I traveled with Hunters as a child, so that I do remember. Even they told me stories about fire and dragons. I guess even the popular untruths were seen as truth by the people I knew.

[hatesdragons]

Ah, I see. The Murakumo Organization I mentioned at the beginning of the lesson specializes in training Dragon Hunters. Perhaps that is part of the reason why Murakumo exists at all -- to do away with the Draconic threats that others do not know about. I am sure that most, if not all, Hunter groups have their own specific quarry to eliminate.

Are you associated with a Hunter clan now, perchance? [Beware, Emille's always looking to recruit warriors for a Dragon-Hunting Unit...]

B2

[spelleton]

[Ekkehardt is making his own preparations for a little class trip this month (barely a class, really), but that doesn't mean he's not going to look into what his colleagues are up to, especially his newer ones.

So he stops by the labs to see how Professor Emille is settling in. He knocks politely on the door, in case she's doing something sensitive and needs a controlled environment.]

[hatesdragons]

[Emille's busy observing and comparing data on the growth of her precious last Bloom flower sample when she hears a knock on the glass doors leading outside of the labs. Turning from her computer, she sees a familiar face peeking in at her. Emille is quickly on her feet and opens the door wide for Ekkehardt.]

Sir Gehring, what a pleasant surprise. Please, come in. [She motions him inside.] Take a seat, if you wish, if you are not merely passing through. What brings you to the labs today?

[The room has a soft and constant mechanical hum saturating the still air, and is filled with a slightly medical sterile smell, similar to a light rubbing alcohol odor. It may remind Ekkehardt of the infirmary a bit.]

[spelleton]

[ It's interesting, seeing how the sterile conditions of the lab reminds him of the infirmary. He supposes in some cases, all sterile environments are treated much the same. ]

Just seeing if there's anything you need assistance for, and if there's anything else I can do to help you settle in. Though I believe my worries were unfounded. [ He gives her a slight bow as she opens the door for him. ] You look comfortably hard at work.

May I ask what these experiments are for?

[hatesdragons]

I appreciate your continued kindness, Sir Gehring. I have settled in nicely, and you are indeed worthy of gratitude for your assistance. [Was that the faintest trace of a smile just now?]

Ah, yes, my experiment. [Emille motions to a glass-covered pot that is housing an orange lily-like flower with its purple-colored stem soaking in water.] I am merely monitoring if this flower is showing signs of growth. Unfortunately it is impossible to retrieve seeds from it, but if I can keep it alive, then it should be sufficient for now. Otherwise, I would need to obtain another sample from the Outlands.

[She moves closer to the glass.] This flower is one of the many Bloom flowers that are expelled by Dragon daemons when they attack. Normally it would be unhealthy to approach one, but since this one is under glass, it is fine. [She points to the middle of the flower, which is more yellow than orange.] That yellow powder is the Bloom's toxic pollen, and I look to extract it and combine it with a substance your assistant Rex provided for me to possibly create an antidote that would specifically counteract the pollen's damaging effects.

[Emille takes a moment to breathe after that sentence, also aware that she's spewing a lot of information. But when it's all that's on her mind for hours at a time, it just kind of simmers and then explodes. And she certainly could keep going on about all of it...]

[spelleton]

Fascinating. [ If Ekkehardt is at all bothered by the sudden influx of information, he doesn't show it; it's quite the opposite. He leans forward a little, politely, what little can be seen of his expression one of interest. It's a toxin he hasn't seen before, and something he might be one day called to apply his skills for - whether as a healer or a killer. He should learn all he can, especially from an expert. ]

Would you mind educating me on what, exactly, this pollen does to those afflicted by it? I've never seen the like of it before, and I have no experience with the daemons you speak of.

[hatesdragons]

[Oh boy. Ekkehardt's interest is evident to Emille as she sees him lean in. She tries to keep composure to hide her excitement that she has someone interested in her life's work.]

Yes, I would be honored to explain the Bloom pollen. As you may have heard, the Dragon daemons are extremely dangerous predators that sustain themselves by feeding on creatures weaker than they, including those of us on Earth, human or not. One of the tactics they employ to weaken their prey is the spreading of these flowers in an area they plan to invade. At high levels of concentration, the pollen has been proven to cause damaging burns to human tissue, similar to acid burns. They are quite painful, but they are not life-threatening -- the Dragons want to consume their prey alive, after all, so they can absorb their life force. [Her gaze is piercing, as if it is also trying to communicate just how dangerous Dragons are.]

However, if the pollen is allowed to spread through the air, it can cause respiratory problems for those with weaker immune systems, such as children, the elderly, and those whose systems are already compromised. The infection may come off as a common cold at first, but it actively weakens the body and therefore could easily develop into a life-threatening case of pneumonia. This phenomenon is known as Dragon Sickness. The only way to know if it is Dragon Sickness over a cold is to test for Bloom pollen in the patient's airways -- it is surprisingly not a viral nor bacterial illness.

[After a quick pause, Emille points to a grey goop also in a glass tube nearby.] As the Bloom toxins are so dangerous for all of us, I truly hope that I can use the substance over there to create an antidote. That would be an incredible boon, but testing it may be a bit of a problem. [It's not like she wants to get anyone sick...]

C

[bluespearmanofthewind]

[Legionnaire's Quarters has been one of Lancer's favorite place to just get himself relaxed and psyched up at the same time. He hasn't activate Gae Bolg to anything / anyone, and these dummies are the closest thing he has been punching for quite a while. Talk about boring. Her time with Scathach might be even more fun than this.

However...He hears sounds of someone practicing as well. The voice seems a bit... frustrated. Lancer decides to take a look. And isn't he surprised. It's none other than Emille. He still remembers how she is trying to get her combat skills - but is definitely intrigued that she follows up on that. Her determination is amazing. However, it seems her body cannot yet keep up with the amount of pressure she's trying to give. This might not be good for her...]

Good try, professor. Seems ya are workin' hard. But a piece of advice: unless you do the fundamental training, slashing that dummy over and over again wouldn't change anythin'.

Like the proverbs say y'know, "if you give me 8 hours to chop a tree, i will spend the first 6 hours sharpening my axe." Ya should do the same.

[hatesdragons]

[While in the middle of going full-out against a training dummy, Emille hears a familiar voice and stops her assault, breathing a bit heavily for just a moment.]

Oh, Lancer. Good to see you. Yes, I thought I would take some time to work on strength training, as well as brushing up on my skills.

[Her eyebrow raises at Lancer's suggestion.] Fundamental training, you say? In fact, I do know some of the basics -- Murakumo would not allow me to keep a rapier without learning them -- but if you have any other suggestions, I am here to learn.

[bluespearmanofthewind]

[Yes, by her moves Lancer can tell that she has combat and fundamental training before, but maybe it is not yet enough to get her body moving as she pleases.]

Figures. Fundamental training is always boring, frustrating, and tiring as hell though. I’ve always hated every seconds of fundamental training I had. Excruciatingly painful. But once you got the muscles and joints strengthened you will sure be able to punch more than what you can right now.

Training includes lifting, running, hiking, and some other sorts. If ya down we can start somewhere.

[hatesdragons]

Oh, yes, I agree that fundamental training is an absolute chore. I have no desire to waste time doing repetitive exercises. At least striking this training dummy is somewhat entertaining. [She likes to imagine it's a Dragon that she's beating the stuffing out of. Not very successfully, though, as is obvious.]

Would you suggest I work on strengthening my arm muscles, then? Ah, but there is also value in working the leg muscles for stamina and increased quickness. [A pause, as she tries to think about the decision.] Does that leave my choice between lifting weights or hiking? What are you feeling up to, Lancer?

[bluespearmanofthewind]

[She's probably going to be a bit tough to deal with. But everyone hates fundamental training, Lancer understands that. However, in order to help her become stronger as soon as possible so that she can fight whatever dragons or monsters - he needs to be persistent with her. Sorry, Emille. But hopefully she will thank Lancer in the future. Like how he thanked Scathach for her crazy training.]

The answer is both. We will start easy but ya are not gonna get any progress if we do this inconsistently. See the small hill right there? It's our first objective for the day.

The progress of your combat training will depend on ya, and I ain't gonna hold back in order to see clear results. Sounds good?

[Apparently the professor-student role has been reversed????]

[hatesdragons]

[She should have expected that answer, really. After hearing about the intense training he went through, Lancer knows what will bring results. Yet Emille does have a secret weapon that Lancer doesn't know about, and she debates whether or not to tell him. No, she decides against it for now. This training should help her in regular situations just as much or probably more than it can. Besides, she doesn't really like it anyway.

Emille's not too bothered by their role reversal -- she's actually more bothered by what she's gotten herself into. If this can be a once weekly kind of training, then that might be okay? But there's so much to be done to prepare for a possible Dragon invasion... No, this is part of her preparations as well. She cannot take it lightly.]

Hmph. Fortunately, I did put today aside to work on myself, so your challenge has been accepted. I trust you know what you are doing moreso than I do within the realm of strength training. [She looks over at the hill. It's not too daunting.] And what exactly is the first objective?