Varlum nodded at the explanation of a tower shield, as surprised as he was to hear it was used to close the distance. Typically, he imagined someone hiding behind it for other various reasons, though it just demonstrated how little he really knew about shields in general. Perhaps if he'd followed the military structure in Ivorian he'd have had an easier time with the whole thing, though nowadays he would certainly fit the typical military structure less than he had prior. Giant, flesh-eating Ithecal didn't usually do so well when it came to military lines and organized attacks, or so he imagined. Truth be told, there likely hadn't ever been someone with the same abilities he had that was willing to fight in an army.
At Prae's request, Varlum swung down and watched as his attack was blocked and countered seamlessly, the quarterstaff lightly hitting the stone scales on Varlum's chest. With a small chuckle, the Ithecal nodded in understanding, not hiding his amazement at how well the man used a shield. From the limited time he had spent with Prae he had seen a decent bit of his combat ability, though he'd never hesitate to go on new missions and see more. Perhaps it felt like being in Ivorian again, or perhaps it was just nice to see strong warriors on his side. Truthfully, Varlum knew it was both. With how the world was changing he wanted as many good fighters on his side as he humanly could.
Once he had swung he listened to the explanation from Prae, unable to give much input other than nods for the most part. Prae was right about all of it. "Part one, yeah. I don't really wear armor anymore, it gets too hot and uncomfortable. But the stone alone, the Defiance with it, makes protecting myself a lot easier. As for the third option," he explained, wondering for a moment what to say for the third point. "Well, typically I'm big enough that I can take the hits. So yeah. Keeping an eye on where everyone is becomes a little difficult when you're fist to fist with a Flameborn."
"And the advantage...I'm not sure. Thing is, I like the power I have. Enhancing my height gives me an edge. Which makes using a shield harder, especially with how frequently I use the power. But when I'm shorter, I suppose the better option might be to keep my two-hander" he confessed, chuckling as he looked to Prae's shield. "Varlum Onarmus, can grow to twice his height but can't use a shield. Think that has a good ring to it?" he grinned, playfully putting himself down.
"Thank you, though" he nodded, offering a hand to the fellow Ithecal. "I appreciate the time training and the help at the Stormwastes. I don't know if we'd have taken those things down so easily without your help" the Thiussum said sincerely, grateful to have more people to fight alongside, especially one that was as well-trained with a shield as Prae. With how dangerous things were becoming the shield-bearers would need to defend people frequently, Varlum had no doubt about it. While their strategies were different, both clearly had that same goal in mind.
At Prae's request, Varlum swung down and watched as his attack was blocked and countered seamlessly, the quarterstaff lightly hitting the stone scales on Varlum's chest. With a small chuckle, the Ithecal nodded in understanding, not hiding his amazement at how well the man used a shield. From the limited time he had spent with Prae he had seen a decent bit of his combat ability, though he'd never hesitate to go on new missions and see more. Perhaps it felt like being in Ivorian again, or perhaps it was just nice to see strong warriors on his side. Truthfully, Varlum knew it was both. With how the world was changing he wanted as many good fighters on his side as he humanly could.
Once he had swung he listened to the explanation from Prae, unable to give much input other than nods for the most part. Prae was right about all of it. "Part one, yeah. I don't really wear armor anymore, it gets too hot and uncomfortable. But the stone alone, the Defiance with it, makes protecting myself a lot easier. As for the third option," he explained, wondering for a moment what to say for the third point. "Well, typically I'm big enough that I can take the hits. So yeah. Keeping an eye on where everyone is becomes a little difficult when you're fist to fist with a Flameborn."
"And the advantage...I'm not sure. Thing is, I like the power I have. Enhancing my height gives me an edge. Which makes using a shield harder, especially with how frequently I use the power. But when I'm shorter, I suppose the better option might be to keep my two-hander" he confessed, chuckling as he looked to Prae's shield. "Varlum Onarmus, can grow to twice his height but can't use a shield. Think that has a good ring to it?" he grinned, playfully putting himself down.
"Thank you, though" he nodded, offering a hand to the fellow Ithecal. "I appreciate the time training and the help at the Stormwastes. I don't know if we'd have taken those things down so easily without your help" the Thiussum said sincerely, grateful to have more people to fight alongside, especially one that was as well-trained with a shield as Prae. With how dangerous things were becoming the shield-bearers would need to defend people frequently, Varlum had no doubt about it. While their strategies were different, both clearly had that same goal in mind.
