[Grik Doomhammer]

The training field soon filled, the ranks of Lughorns that were to be known as the 14th Fury shuffled around restless. The group should have learned by now how to use the Sapat, Shati. This class was just one more tool in the arsenal of the Horde's warriors. Grik was one of the few who had obtained battle grade weapons before the training. His Shati was sturdy, and well balanced, and went well with the crude yet solid shield. A few of the other orcs glanced at him, with no love in thier eyes, at the better equipment he wielded. The already dented training shields were banged in frustration as they waited for the class to begin.

Kruel's sinister eyes glared as he ordered them to pair up so he may start. To Grik's right was grunt, he turned to see a similar build orc motioning for them to pair up. In agreement he grunted back.

Shield Basics

"As I said you will learn how to use your shield as a weapon in this class. A few of you may have seen various types of shields, each has it's own use. Depending on the style of fighting, and the kind of protection you seek plus the level of agility you need." Kruel paused, he hoped he had not lost the orcs.

"You see there are small light shields held in one hand that are better for man-to-man combat with hand weapons. And then the tall shields that are used by mounted warriors, which are set on the ground offered more effective defense in large battles. Then there are specialist shields that are required for archers, who needed both hands to discharge their arrows. Shields could be made of wood, bark, basketry, leather, skins, shells, or metal" As an expienced trainer Kruel knew he would soon lose the attention of the recruits. He could see them beginning to shuffle about.

"Look at your shield,' He lifted his own practice shield. "You see that?

Round shields are of two classes: First is what we call "bucklers" and the there are "targets". . Which of you can tell me the differnce?" Stopping for a moment, he cast an amused glance at one of his assistants. When there was no answer, except the call of the multitude of bugs he continued. Just an amused cough from the assitant dark elf.

"It is simple, you can tell by the way they were held, bucklers having the handles in the middle which were grasped with the hand and held at arm's length. Conversly the target shields have two widely separated handles through one of which the arm was passed while the other was held in the hand. At times you can modify your shield so that it has three loops placed so that they could be used either as targets or bucklers. The inside of the shield is the Back and the side that faces the enemy swords is called the Face. The handles on the inside of the shield are called Enarmes, and the sling by which the shield could be hung from the neck the Guige.

The edges can be reinforced with decorated metal strips, and a wooden reinforcing spine can be ran through the face, broadening out to form a boss or UMBO in the center"

Grik nodded as the Vysstichi spoke, matching the parts as they were covered by the instructor. Around him various orcs had lost focus due to thier short attention span. Though there were many words, Grik paid attention he knew that he would have need of this defensive weapon.

Power & Distraction

In a loud commanding voice that brought everyone to attention, Kruel spoke"Look at the shield face!" He waited to be sure the orcs could tell which side the face was. Seeing that the majority looked at the correct side, he knew that they were learning. "The surface of a shield is an obvious area for embellishment. From my time here i know you orcs will get creative, decorate your own shield. I am not speaking to hear my own voice, on the battle field this is actually one of the ways that you can use the shield as a weapon!"

A murmer of intrest signaled Kruel had their attention. How could painting a shield help in battle. the orc is always looking for aides in battle and any little thing will be noted.

"As you know, the orc depends upon Orok to protect him in battle..."

The orcs roared at hearing the name of their old God Orok, Girk's own voice was nearly drowned out. But he felt energized at the thought of his god watching in battle.
"... and because the shield protects its bearer, many of the decorative designs also have protective properties. Consequently the shield is often regarded, not only as a weapon of defence, but also as a religious instrument ... it is full of magic power, and when it is painted in a particular way, Orok will allow his protections."


Once agian with Grik roared agian, with the other orcs joining his chorus. From being sleepy to being wide awake to impress thier god, the orc were a total 360.

"The shamen of the Great Horde will make sure that your shield first of all, gives you the power of the spirits of all the slain orc of the Great Horde. This power from your ancestors will fill the enemy with fear!"

The dark elf had gone form boring school teacher to an entrancing priest preaching to a full crowd. His gospel included how to kill the humans and thier allies, and to bring the favour of thier ancestors, and thier god. Kruel looked to be converting a large mob, which in effect is what he was doing. Turning raw recruits into battle ready grunts.

"The Shamen will paint upon your shields to give it powers causing the enemy to shoot at the shield rather than at the exposed parts of your body."

The orcs cheered again invigorated by the words of their teacher. Nobody cared that the real reasoning why the enemy would shoot at a wildly painted design on a shield is simply a natural occurence that attracts the opponent's eye. A simple trick of the eye, but the strongly superstitious orcs thought other wise.