#combat tactics

scene in question

You don't have to be an expert Martial artist or incredible gunfighter to take this lesson to heart. This simple self defense tactic, when put to good use, could save your life and others should the time arise and I love that it was demonstrated to some extent at least, in TBB. This was the first lesson I was taught when I got my first knife. More protection since I walked everywhere as an angsty teen(now angsty adult).

The Twenty-One Foot Rule means that it takes only 1.7 seconds for someone armed with a knife to cover 21 feet from a dead stop. This leaves the person with the gun only about two seconds to unholster their gun, raise it, find a line of sight and finally fire on their assailant who has the knife. Typically, at that range, it's nearly impossible,no matter the skill, rank and expertise, for the gunman(Fennec) to land a definite shot on the knife wielder. Making the person with the knife(Hunter) have the advantage.

Not sure if anyone asked this already, but I’m going forwards anyways.

I don’t mean to insult your culture, so if I do, I’m sorry, but have your hair and horns ever been a combat liability? When I look at them as a fighter, I can help but imagine an opponent, or even a sparring partner, deliberately grabbing onto your horns or hair to control the fight. Like, say, grabbing your horns and slamming your head down into their knee.

Also, quick follow-up, have you ever considered ramming an opponent with your horns in a desperate situation or even just to throw them off? From what I know, it does sound like a Sunfire elf would do that.

Thanks for answering!

Do not worry, little shadow. I'm far from insulted. Please, do continue to assume that my hair and horns are a liability in combat. Should we ever cross swords, the look on your face will be truly entertaining. *Moonshadow grin*

I've spent my life training to protect the body I have, as you have done. Certain moves protect certain weak spots. My spins protect my hair when I fight up close. No one touches my hair without my permission when I'm fighting. They simply cannot get close enough without losing a hand... or whatever appendage they might be using.

Horns are a valid weapon when things get desperate. But surely you understand this: when things are desperate, everything should be considered a valid weapon. I haven't needed to use my horns in combat since they were barely grown in. It's another thing I train to avoid. But if I simply must get messy to survive, of course I will. My people's safety relies on my survival and my success, and I am hard enough to do whatever it takes to assure that for them.

Any Xadian elf trained in combat would use their horns in a desperate situation if they felt it would help, Sunfires included. They are brave and determined fighters, and perhaps they would resort to horns earlier than, say, Moonshadow elves would.

Some advice? If you're looking to avoid Sunfire horns in combat, try never to stand in front of a Sunfire elf.

Yes, I know this makes it very difficult to fight them. One of the many reasons I prefer arrows to swords.

As Stephen Maturin asked : What is the Weather gage?

In most accounts of anval battles during the age of sail, a lot of emphasis seems to be placed on one side or other having the weather gage (or gauge). It was crucial importance, as the ship or fleet with the weather gage had the ability to break off the fight, or to dictate the pace of the action.

Essentially, a ship or a fleet which is to windward of the enemy is deemed to have “ the weather gage”. Windward, of course, is the side from which the wind blows; the other ship or fleet- without is deemed to be leeward. The ship or fleet to leeward is sometimes described as having “ the leeward gage”. During an engagement, the side without the weather gage would find it far harder to come to grips with the enemy than the fleet to windward of them. They would have to tack slowly towards the enemy, all the time exposing themselves to gunfire. The fleet with the weather gage could also move further to windward, and so keep its distance, and thereby avoid battle. It would also find it relatively easy to close with the enemy, as all it had to do was to sail downwind.

24) have you ever become an expert on something you previously knew nothing about, in order to better a scene or a story?

oh if i had a nickel....

I can't tell you how many times I've done this. 🙈

Falling For You 🌠

Stripping wires and redirecting conduit.

What Makes A Man?🔺

Kinrath species found in The Crystal Cave on the planet Dantooine. Eggs sometimes calcify, resulting in ruby red crystals to form.

Libraries And Love📖

The Outbound Flight Catastrophe

And most recently...

Bloodstream🩸

Describing combat tactics, the Bounty Hunter's Guild as well as their specialized syndicates.

Thank you so much for listening to me blabble on. 🙈 I love your writing and it really makes my heart sore that you like mine too 😊@megafrost4☺️

Get to know the author

It depends. Taller fighters usually have more reach, but a longer weapon can compensate for that. Shorter fighters are often lighter and easier to maneuver, but if you’re fighting the elven equivalent of a fireplug (think a short Ethari), you’ll have a much harder time getting results.

One thing is universal in a height-disparate fight, however: the shorter person is always closer to all of the taller one’s vital bits. Bounding up and over their head is a very important strategy. 

It’s easier, too. Because they’re short.