"It was foolish of me to think I was of any use. Fighting against darkness and infection is one thing, and yes, I know I am important for protecting the Forest from Iugulare. But when it comes to fighting with antlers...with being normal...who am I kidding? I'm pathetic.

I thought a close friend was in danger today when really he was just having fun with another deer. I tried so hard to stop them from what I thought was a fight to the death, and when nothing seemed to work, I ran away. I'm no hero, I have no strength. I'm nothing but a coward with big stupid antlers that are useless on my head. It would have been better if Michael had given these antlers to someone else.

My only other alternative is to seek help...to seek out someone who would be willing to teach me how to be strong and brave. Maybe then I wouldn't be so afraid when I see other deer fighting. Maybe then the does might actually find me to be attractive...sigh...

I miss my Mazey...the only doe that has ever really loved me. And yet...I never did have to fight for her love..."


Before Toukan and Ourania, Quad hits his antlers on a tree until they snap off, the heavy antlers hitting the ground with a thud. He feels his head being lighter, and turning, he speaks to them:

"I want to learn how to fight, and not run away. This which is left will be enough to work with (I hope). See...I didn't deserve those antlers, they're for strong deer, and I'm nothing of the sort. That's why I want them to regrow...I want to earn them back. I want to prove to this Forest that I'm not a coward"

He spreads the word, asking anyone who would be willing to teach him what they know of fighting. He wants to learn from anyone and everyone, and eventually wants to adapt the lessons he's learned into his own fighting style.

Unfortunately, his antlers are only remnants of their former glory, but he can still practice with them (he currently has the beluga antlers on to represent his broken zombie antlers).

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So what I'd like is one of the following from whoever feels up for it:

- Your deer interacting with Quad in-forest, teaching him their fighting technique
- Roleplay either on this blog or through MSN of your deer interacting with Quad
- A story about your deer teaching Quad how to fight

I'm happy with any of these really, but I suppose the RP would be most effective for me.

Quad's ultimate goal is to have a unique fighting style by the Rut. By that time his antlers should have grown back to what they were. He wants to learn any kind of way of fighting, even if it's verbal instead of physical. Anything to help his confidence.

In addition, Quad really could use a dietitian, because his eating habits are pretty bad. He would mostly need suggestions on healthier foods and amounts of food to eat at a time.

Would anyone like to help Quad in this endeavor? I'd really appreciate any response, interaction, or feedback.

Also please let me know what method you prefer from the choices above - teaching him in-game, doing a roleplay, or writing me a story.


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Completed regiments:

Sianna

Taught Quad a great running attack. Her strategy is to run and find weaknesses in the opponent, hitting them in the side (rear + lower antlers attack), then running away. Quad had a difficult time keeping up with her at first due to his weight but eventually got a good rhythm and was able to perform the techniques she taught him. If he was able to lower his body mass, he could be very effective with this fighting style.

Leviathann

Taught Quad a strong technique for fighting (shock + taunt + rear). The strategy he learned from her was to be relentless but to be smart when attacking, and not to let his guard down. She gave him some pointers (see below in the comments), and with some more physical activity, he was able to strengthen his muscles. In addition, Quad watched an example fight from Leviathann and Crucio, and was able to see the techniques in action. She may continue to train with him.

Darkweaver

Gave Quad some experienced techniques, approving of the fighting styles he learned from Sianna and Leviathann. He stressed the importance of using momentum to his advantage, and also explains how Quad can use his weight to overpower his enemy as well as prevent himself from being pushed back. He gives Quad many tips (see below in the comments) including using a spell as a distraction during a fight.

Dag

Showed Quad how to 'flower spar' (putting flowers in your antlers while rearing/taunting/lowering antlers/bowing). He showed Quad that this is a fun and effective means of practicing how to fight with an opponent who is having just as much fun as you are. The technique shows to be relentless and to keep your guard up, but to laugh and be funny when you or the other deer makes a mistake. Quad accidentally let his guard down by turning, and Dag was able to strike the winning blow. A mistake he will learn from.

Later Quad watched as Dag and Ephire flower sparred as well, and was able to learn their techniques as well. He ultimately took from this that despite the violent nature of sparring, it really is for fun and for practice. Quad now understands the difference between sparring and fighting.

The Blue Stag

In his lessons he taught Quad the importance of endurance, balance, and focus. He trained Quad through the river, showing that distractions will be a factor during a fight, and that one wrong step or loss of focus will be fatal. Quad learned to watch his surroundings, to observe the movements of his opponent, and to never stop moving during a fight. Coupled with Sianna's lesson, Quad could be very effective with this knowledge.

Walter

Explained the importance of maneuvering around your opponent and attacking their sides (running + rear or running + lower antlers). He showed Quad a few other techniques such as head-on attacks (rear + lower antlers + taunt) and charging the opponent. He shows Quad that charging head on at them can instill fear and possibly make them run away. He stresses protecting from all sides and being vigilant against your opponent, keeping their antlers from hitting the sides and back. This has been stressed before by others, making it well known that your organs can get punctured by the opponent's antlers if you are careless. Walter stresses that Quad works on his reflexes and makes sure he understands that his opponent will not show mercy.

Spade

Stumbling upon his training regiment on a stump, Quad asks Spade to teach him a powerful attack. Spade shows Quad that using his hind legs gives strength to the attack, and mentions the importance of running to build up the muscles in the legs. Quad attempts the attack but manages to hurt his head in the process, so he takes Spade's advice not to perform the attack until his legs are stronger and his antlers have grown out.

Wesker

Showed Quad some basic techniques, including an attack to the head (rear + scratch the ground). Wesker also helped Quad consider refining his own idea of utilizing defensive blocks followed by shoving the opponent back and attacking them when they're disoriented. Wesker explains a method Quad could use in performing this system of fighting (lower antlers, step forward, lower antlers, step forward, ect), and says he is admirable that he wants to have an honor system when fighting.

Amadahy

Explains the importance of knowing your strengths and weaknesses, and stresses to be determined and to never give in, especially in dire situations.

Queze

Gives Quad some lessons on technique, especially regarding protecting his sides, throat, and other vital areas during a fight. He explains how Quad can use his antlers to knock an opponent off their hooves, and possibly dislocate their limbs. In addition, Quad shows Queze his Grand Talux abilities, and asks if they can be used during a fight. Although Queze believes that no morals should ever affect surviving in a battle, he does explain the benefits of Quad's powers. Quad ultimately decides that he will use the Grand Talux abilities only in emergencies, or if he is outmatched.

Mr. Sanguine

In a particularly frightening encounter, Mr. Sanguine shows Quad the importance of instilling fear into the opponent. "Things that show fear in the face of the enemy die faster." Mr. Sanguine explains how being cruel to the opponent's mind can make a fight easier. Being different and unexpected can win a fight.

Lastly, he says to be merciful to the opponent, and treat them as an equal if they were brave.

Kahlan

((Roleplay going on here))

Ravenflight

((Roleplaying with me on this blog))

Pierce

Through training, Quad was able to develop a fighting technique he can use well. He has practiced with Pierce on how to block, shove an opponent back, and then hit them while they're recovering. In addition, Pierce showed Quad how anger can influence a fight, but warned him that it can be dangerous if misused or if he loses control.

Goddess

Taught Quad a skill called 'Warp-Sparring', which made him faster in his attacks. In addition, his muscles are stronger and he lost some weight during the training.

Nightmare

Showed Quad various techniques that can help in his attacks (Bow + Rear) (Bow + Rear + Nod) (Shock + Rear + Lower Antlers) (Bow + Rear + Lower Antlers) (Bow + Rear + Nod + Lower Antlers), and taught Quad to be relentless in attacking. Also approved of his 'Spartan' style attack system, and pointed out that he could rear up and strike similarly to Spade's attack in addition. Through various lessons, Nightmare taught Quad other things he needed to know, especially emphasizing targeting the opponent's legs, as well as targeting their throat, chest, or stomach when they rear up. Quad in return gave him some of the lessons he learned from the others before.

Auburn

Helped Quad with his diet. She stressed eating the various flowers in the Forest, as well as smashing pinecones up and eating the seeds only instead of the entire thing like Quad has been. She warned him against eating mushrooms (which has been a huge part of Quad's diet), and showed him the blueberries that he had never tried. Using this knowledge, Quad will try to change his eating habits, losing some of the weight he has packed on over the years.