Knights Take Exams Too???

To My Dearest Ebbie,

The past week has been really scary and stressful as we have heard that the Order is downsizing some paladins that haven't been performing well, or have not been fighting up to its standards. In order to weed out all those who have deteriorated from lack of action, the top brass have devised a series of tests based on the several Knightly virtues for us knights and paladins. Those who pass get to stay in the Order, while those who get kicked out... might have to end up as mercenaries unfortunately.

There are eight Knightly Virtues. Humility, Compassion, Courtesy, Devotion, Mercy, Purity, Peace, and Endurance. We were all given a simple test for each. I really don't want to go into detail of what we've been through, so I'll just tell you the result of each test I went through.

Humility: Basically a test of humility. For some reason, I passed this one. It was a B.

Compassion: Who knew a swarm of beggars could be so annoying? I think I got a C+ here.

Courtesy: Being courteous to ladies is my thing but... did they really have to make us serve MEN? No, seriously sis. MEN. Not women. MEN. I got a B. (Seriously there is a lack of female paladins in the Order.)

Devotion: They made us recite the oath lots of times here. I got an A!

Mercy: We had to weaken as many enemies as we could without killing them. This was tough because I usually go all out. B- .

Purity: F as in FFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUU--- (I got an F!) I BLAME TEH PORNZZZZ AND I COULD NOT HELP BUT FAAAAAAAP *crai*

Peace: They were talking about inner peace here. But since I am quick to anger... (C+)

Endurance: HA! My specialty! I got an SSS here! (Um, that actually stands for Social Security Services Insurance because I got hit pretty badly after the test. I got an A for effort though.)

In the end, I actually passed despite my one failure being Purity. Argh. At least I got this nifty little badge in the end! Don't you think it looks cool?

I'll see you around Camp Steven soon.

Stay safe! Love ya!

From our Dear Brother,
Prawnt

Morale Boosting

To My Dearest Ebbie,

I just came back from a warrior's assembly. Over a thousand warriors gathered in the Warriors' Quarter in the Port of Winds. I'm not really sure why Commander Evan summoned only male fighters, but something was up. Many Warriors, Knights, Myrmidons, and Paladins were standing there idly before Commander Evan began his speech. He said that morale amongst warriors was at an all-time low and they are looking for solutions to boost the overall job class morale.


Within moments, many people began to submit their ideas and thoughts to the commander. This was until the commander told everyone to be silent as he brought out this music box. He said that this song would raise overall morale, encourage warriors to fight harder, and most of all, instill pride in all of us as MEN. As he pressed the button, this song began to play. The first part wasn't really much, but the chorus really got us going and suddenly everyone broke into dance.

EVEN I STARTED TO DANCE SUBCONSCIOUSLY. And so did the other warriors gathered. I began singing the chorus, "WITH ALL THE STRENGTH OF A COURSING RIVER~ dadadadada GREAT TYPHOON~ dadadadadada RAGING FIRE~ MYSTERIOUS AS~ THE DARK SIDE OF..."

And then I held my breath along with the rest.

"THE MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!".

I needed a glass of water after that. Then Commander Evan explained about some sort of job class dance competition, and he wanted a thousand warriors to dance simultaneously to the song. The other job classes were doing it as well, and he hopes this will not only raise morale, but he also hopes it would beat the annual champions, the Jesters. I guess around 90% of the warriors objected, but we were all immediately snapped back into obedience as we were told it was an order.

It's not fair that you women warriors don't get to participate. Heck, why are the top brass even coming up with these events? Oh well, at least our song isn't as horrifying as the Jester's song for this year. Yet they manage to win every time! (It must be their outfits...) Their song still gives me the chills, seriously.

Stay safe, and I'll see you at that event.

From Your Dear Brother,
Prawnt

OOC: Credits go to YouTube and Disney for songs used.

LAVALON!

To My Dearest Ebbie,

After many months of training, I have finally reached a point that my skills have been sharpened enough for gaining higher power. The Bronze Drake Captain told me that it was time for me to move on to the next level by attaining the rank of Paladin, a level higher than a Knight. Basically a Paladin is just a fancy term for a stronger Knight, although they have the authority to command other Knights because of their rank. Having proven myself with the Bronze Drakes, I set off for Magmus with some guildmates.

Looking at the daunting entrance that lay before us, we knew this was going to be a tough battle. Ceaz and Oracle Cailey wanted to help me with this fight, and we were able to find a wandering Trapper named Lucern who had some business to settle with Lavalon as well. We could tell how strong he is, as his weapon is forged from Lavalon's scales! Anyway, in we went and found out that this was no easy task. Falling into magma would spell only disaster and despair.

Inside Magmus, many of Sambaba's minions await, as well as his gate guards that block entry points. We literally carved though their blockades, and at the same time dodging falling magma rocks and jumping over molten lava. At one point, we lured one of the gate guards into a small pit where he got trapped and we were free to hit him mercilessly.

The poor guy never stood a chance against our combined strength. We pushed forward, dodging more falling rocks and hot spewing magma that threatened our path. We also jumped over more bridges and moving landscapes. Magma geysers were always in abundance in Magmus. We took a short break to regroup, as Oracle Cailey is a rather fragile woman. Her healing powers are strong, but if she dies, then we're all screwed. Lavalon has slain countless adventurers in the past, and we won't let that happen here!

Lavalon was a menacing sight indeed. It takes great courage to fight against such a monstrosity. I have sworn by my Knight's Oath, as a Warrior of Justice, I will avenge the countless adventurers Lavalon has slain! I focused all of my energy into my sword, to amplify my powers up a notch. Lavalon couldn't be hit from our range, he was simply too big. There is a mana cannon conveniently placed nearby which we could use to stun Lavalon and hit him when he falls.


Lavalon stuck with two attacks. His deadly fire breath, and his ground smashing attack that you could avoid by jumping. Many small drakes and skeletons emerged out of nowhere and started to attack us. We noticed they were carrying Mana Bullets used for the nearby Mana Cannon. After killing a red drake, I carried the bullet onto the mana cannon for loading. Loading took quite a bit so the others had to cover me as I did that. If I remember correctly, Commander Leongarde once said that when he ran out of mana bullets, he grabbed a nearby Warmage and launched him out of desperation using the Mana Cannon. I guess mages ARE full of mana, huh?


Anyway, as we fired the mana cannon, a large pillar of azure light was launched towards Lavalon's head, Lavalon let out a cry and it was stunned. As it fell to the ground, we began to unleash hell.

However, Lavalon could only be stunned for a few seconds, and after which, it rose again to unleash its fire breath immediately. When Lavalon finally recovered, it decided to take up things a notch. It summoned more minions, made more rocks fall, and the temperature rise. Things were literally starting to heat up! At one point, Ceaz almost had a heat stroke as Lavalon almost carbonized him with his fire breath. It was a good thing Cailey was around to cast that protective barrier on him, or he was a goner!

Trapper Lucern was a big help as well, severely damaging Lavalon's scales making them vulnerable enough for attack. We kept repeating the same series of attacks; gathering mana bullets, loading the mana cannon, stunning Lavalon, and unleashing hell on him. Rinse, and repeat. Eventually Lavalon had enough and gave way. We finally defeated the darn beast.


Lavalon screamed in agony as he fell to the ground, finally defeated. Taking a small scale from Lavalon as proof that I defeated him, we took a warp back to Valid Raeth. Looking at ourselves, we were almost blackened due to the heat. A good shower would fix that. From this point on, we bade farewell to Lucern, as he had other business to attend to. I thanked him as he left. As for me, Ceaz and Cailey, we walked back to Libra and they waited for my promotion. Going to Arcanist Pablo who was asking for the scale, he finally promoted me in his words:

And with that, I was now a Paladin. Commander Evan was there to salute me as I saluted him back and he presented me with my new set of armor. From here on in, I am now a Paladin.

Commander Evan designated me into the Navy Imperial Regiment, as the 24th Paladin. Aside from the normal Imperial Paladins, us Navy Imperials are special shock troopers who specialize in offense. I am honored to receive such a promotion. With that, I met up with my guildmates and showed off my new armor. Both Ceaz and Cailey were worn out. Ceaz was sent to the infirmary for his injuries, and Cailey had to sleep in early, as the bout with Lavalon has exhausted her. Me? I'm still full of energy! I feel like fighting a thousand more enemies!

Now listen Ebbie, when the time comes I want you to call me over when you finally decide to take on Lavalon. I know your guildmates are also strong warriors, but I want to be by your side when that happens. I don't want Lavalon to roast my dear sister alive now, wouldn't I? I will be your shield.

Stay safe Ebbie, and I wish you the best as well.

From Your Dear Brother,
Prawnt

P.S. Cailey wants to dye my hair yellow to match my new helm, although I stick with my cap. D:

Knight Combo-ing

To My Dearest Ebbie,

First of all, I'd like to thank you for those potions you sent me. Health potions have been in short supply lately and it has really been a great help. Anyway, in your previous letter you mentioned that your guild now finally has a knight within its ranks. However, he is still a novice and couldn't do much action, yes? I also remember being a novice knight, struggling to gain control of my skills, and trying to make the most out of it. While PVP is an entirely different story, fighting against monsters is still the easiest way to practice your skills. Now, I have attached a series of pictures showcasing some of a Knight's essential skills when fighting monsters. (Remember Ebbie, PVP is an entirely different story! You'd need reflective skills for that.)

Let's start off with something that I use as an opening move. If the enemy is within range, I use Sword Dance to lock them into place.


Next, I bring out my mighty Hammer and use Hammer Stun on them. Personally, I call this move the Tempura Tenderizer, but you get the point.


You use this move as well if I'm not mistaken. Us warriors do need to stun our enemies to gain an advantage. Anyway, close in quickly and then use the Broom Jab. It's a lethal weapon, yes?

Once they've been pummeled with the mighty broom, I would then perform a Shoulder Tackle followed by a Storm Blade. I call this the Tempura Combo.


I look flashy eh? Anyway, I usually perform a quick aerial combo after that and use Cutdown, or I would let the enemy fall to the ground first only to be crushed by Pressure.

Once they've been launched into the air again, I perform a quick aerial combo followed by Aerial Smackdown to finish them off.


Now I know it may look complicated, but it's actually a very effective chain of skills. There is no such thing as a canonical skill combo that we could live by. Us Warriors must be flexible enough in trying to determine what set of skills best suits our fighting style. I don't know if that novice knight of yours could practice these skills, but with you around, I'm sure he'll get stronger. So let me summarize the whole combo again:

Sword Dance -> Hammer Crush -> Broom Jab -> Shoulder Tackle -> Storm Blade

or

Pressure -> Aerial Combo -> Aerial Smackdown

You could also let him try:

Hammer Crush -> Shoulder Tackle -> Storm Blade -> Aerial Smackdown

And there are more combo chains you could figure out from there. That novice knight will shine, especially after I have given you this piece of advice!

So are we having a Tempura lunch later in Libra or what? I'm excited to meet you again!

Stay safe, and see you later!

From Your Dear Brother,
Prawnt

The Bronze Drake Knights

To My Dearest Ebbie,

In case you have been wondering what I've been up to lately, I recently joined the Free Bronze Drake Knights. They are a group of knights in uniformed armor, distinct because of its unique features. The Bronze Drake Knights also uphold the Knight's Code of Honor and are an affiliated organization of the Dragon Expedition. One thing's for certain, this is probably the coolest armor I've ever worn! Yes Ebbie, it doesn't make me look fat, it makes me look sexy for the ladies.


However, you might notice how tight my leggings are. Sometimes it feels kind of kinky in a very odd, yet titillating feeling. That excitement almost wants to make me-- no, Ebbie not THAT. I'm talking about eating tempura you dirty-minded woman! Anyway, I already have a feeling what you would do to me if we ever met again.

Now, regarding what you've written to me in the previous letter. You've finally found a date? I'm happy for you! If he makes you cry, you know where to find me in Libra, I'll be waiting for you in case that happens. Now let me share with you this short tenet I found in the Bronze Drake Knight's Codex:

A Bronze Drake is honourable, swift, and brave.
Never shall he fall at an enemy's deadly glaive.
A Bronze Drake Knight is a pillar of strength and warmth.
He shall protect his friends and family from danger's harm.

It's catchy if you ask me. I'd love to write more but I'm off to a mission soon. As usual, I've attached a little care package for you. Stay safe!

From Your Dear Brother,
Prawnt

A Picture of Me

To My Dearest Ebbie,

I received a myriad of letters in the mailbox today and I must tell you as your older brother to stop wasting paper if you are only going to write one sentence per letter. Not only is it harmful to the environment, but Woodies will get agitated too. (And I do know you have a soft spot for Woodies.) I also got your picture the other day and I must say you've matured quite a bit. Did you get a new haircut? It looks real different from back then.

Well then, this will be a rather brief letter, because all you've been asking me to do for you is mail you a picture or portrait of myself. I was hesitant at first because this armor I'm currently wearing makes me look fat... in a way.


Alright, there, you saw it. Laugh at me like you always do. Anyway, if you're curious, that's the uniform armor for us junior knights, although you could find other knights in ragtag armor that are probably mercenaries. Looks noble, eh? Very well then, I'll mail you another letter when I feel like it.

From Your Dear Brother,
Prawnt

P.S. Stop laughing. Yes, it makes me look fat.

To My Dearest Ebbie

To My Dearest Ebbie,

I received your letter when I passed by the Port of Winds post office the other day. I must say that though the idea sounds unorthodox to begin with, but coming from you I think it is a great idea. From now on, I will be writing letters to you as well, dear sister. I will write to you whenever I can, even in the middle of a fight. Ever since that day we went our separate ways, I believe this would makes us stronger not only as individuals, but as siblings as well. If you want to know how I am doing, I'm doing well so far. Although being a Knight is tough work.

As a sworn warrior of justice, I must uphold my core values, and stay true to my Knight's Code of Honor. Like you, I want to protect people. We may not defeat enemies or monsters as quickly as the other adventurers, but we can protect those who can. So how are things with your guild? I'm doing great so far with the people I've met. An odd bunch, I must say, but then again, those Odellia folk call me an odd person as well. (Tempura is not an addiction, Ebbie, it is a lifestyle.)


As for you, I want you to take good care of yourself. Gladiators like you don't have much vitality, but you guys sure pack a punch! Stick close with your guildmates and friends, and they will stick with you as well through and through. I have to stop writing now, as we are about to be dispatched to the Hero's Sanctuaries, (Belkan, Skypie, Mirinae and Parmir). Reports say walking skeletons and spectral knights have risen from their graves there! I'm off now, bye!

From your Dear Brother,
Prawnt

P.S. I won't turn my back on the enemy or my name isn't Prawnter Tartareus!