open network - video

[sneakery]

Who: K.P. Hob & various
Username: K.P.Hob
Warnings: None

[Standing beside and towering over a combat dummy is one K.P. Hob. As always he stands ramrod straight, though today he holds his well-used halberd in one hand. His attire is a crisply pressed peacoat worn over a knitted turtleneck.

No pants.

He clears his throat, yellow eyes briefly shifting to the person recording this video before, apparently reassured, focusing once more on the lens. When he speaks his voice is deep and refined, with the affectation of rolling the odd R here or there. Somehow, his mouthful of many sharp teeth fails to obstruct his speech even slightly.]

Ahem. Good evening. I come to you today with a request. You see, while these—[he pauses here to give the dummy a light swat with the flat of his blade for emphasis]—are adequate while drilling forms, I find myself sorely lacking in practical combat exercises. To this end, I would like to enquire if anyone is in need of a sparring partner?

Comments

Video, un: a.jaeger

[bloodalwaystells]

[Jaeger is used to a lot of things, and a lack of pants is kind of trivial at this point.

The teeth get a lot more of his interext, but Jaeger's not going to throw stones there, either. This is someone he likely has things in common with, and Hob presents himself more than well enough that Jaeger's interest is piqued.

When he speaks, his voice is a low, rough rasp, something speaking of an injury or other affliction. He's wearing a turtleneck as well, his short hair brushed and trimmed and his steely blue-gray eyes serious.]

I'd be interested in someone to train with. I'm mostly a swordsman, but I've worked with staves and do have some experience with unarmed combat as well.

[He pauses briefly. Okay, this might be a little tougher than he expected.]

Andrew Jaeger, by the way.

[sneakery]

[The action that follows his introduction is swift, incomprehensible, and perhaps startling. Hob slaps his right shoulder with his left hand, blows a raspberry, and, with grave solemnity, flicks his own ear. All of this is done with the crisp respect of a salute.]

K.P. Hob, at your service! It's an honor to make your acquaintance, Sir Jaeger. My dear Rue has nothing but praise for your good name.

[Settled back at parade rest, halberd in one hand and the other behind his back, Hob regards him with interest. His long tufted ears flick and swivel as he considers.]

Many offers have been made for unarmed combat. Perhaps blades, if you are amenable?

[bloodalwaystells]

[Okay, that gets a twitch of surprise out of Jaeger, but he quickly schools it into solemn respectful nod.

He doesn't have any real answering salute, but Hob is from Somewhere Else Entirely, and Jaeger isn't going to disrespect him.]

Rue is very kind, and it's good to meet a fellow professional.

[Jaeger might be human, but he's broad-shouldered and sharp-eyed, watching the screen with a quick and intent gaze. He...might be in for quite a challenge with the hobgoblin, but that might be good for him.]

Blades would be a welcome change for me, as well. I lost my previous partner, and...it's been a bit difficult to get back into the routine.

[He pauses for a second, teetering between fond recollection and the sting of a loss still a little too fresh.]

He favored reach weapons as well, which makes for an interesting challenge. Something I could do with more of...because you're absolutely right, drills are useful enough but not nearly the same as a good sparring match.

[sneakery]

Ah... I see. [His voice loses some of its jovial volume, taking on a soft and somber timbre as he inclines his head in understanding. Loss in an inevitability of war, and Hob has not been spared its weight. He also knows how hard it can be to speak of, how daunting it can be to look it in its face, and having marked Jaeger as something of a kindred spirit he makes no further comment.

Instead he allows the moment to pass with the silent respect it deserves, then carefully clears his throat.]

Yes, indeed! We are of one mind in that regard. Very well then. I shall look forward to meeting you on the sparring field. Pray do not hold back!

[bloodalwaystells]

[Jaeger appreciates it: he's not good at emotions at the best of times, never mind while dealing with a loss that's still raw (though commonly known, at least). And he's not one to burden a stranger with his pain, choosing to remain quietly matter of fact about the issue.

So the moment of respectful silence strikes just the right note, for the moment. In their own ways, they're both soldiers and that resonates.]

I might be the one at a disadvantage, but I'm looking forward to it either way.

[Hob looks bigger than Jaeger, which is...not something he often encounters. But to Jaeger, that just means a chance to practice for the possibility in the field.]

I'm usually around the gym or the pool in the evenings, but if there's a more convenient time I'm happy to meet you.