Group combat-1

[Rhaine]

Rhaine looked at the group. Her eyes held that calm iridescence that masked faceted blindness. She did manage to talk Saelbain into giving her enough free time, but the argument about the need for these classes was fierce. Vampiress inhaled deeply.

"In the sport of duelling magic, you may be used to individual combat. Group magical fights may be at the same time harder and simpler than these duels. In the end, in a duel you have only one opponent to take care of. Meanwhile, you need to have both defense and offense in mind. In a group fight, you don't just try to keep your rear safe. So, let's see what's - not only to survive, but to win with minimum losses".

"You teach fighting in packs 'cause you're nothing when you fight on your own?" a voice from the back of the class sounded mockingly. Rhaine smiled. Had she been four centuries younger, she could have exploded in some silly outburst of anger.

"Group fighting is more used in actual combat, not in sports dueling. You don't challenge enemy mage and expect no interference. War has little place for individual honor, for bragging some elaborate spell or artifact. You win or lose. If you win, you side needs to suffer minimum casualties. These are basics. You'll eventually learn them, like you can learn to survive in the wilderness."

She kept her voice calm. Somewhere in the back of her mind she heard the ironic lecturing of Lehroulinn, her shalafi. The students seemed a bit sceptical. Of course. All these ideals of individual valor. She considered it her task to teach them, that magic isn't about dumb standard spell-slinging. In so many situations it's life and death. Individual specialization could mean group versatility, with smart tactics. A couple of examples from the past in the Temple of Asmodeus were meant to sparkle some interest - she could hardly be sure about that, but examples were usually a good way to encourage learning. Rhaine hardly fought off the vivid memories. Tenebris... Piotr... Alexandra... Moridin... Drawing illusionary schemes helped her to keep ideally calm face and slightly ironic tone. She went on about different groups where a smart mage could make a huge difference.

"There are four things to remember. Keep an eye on opponent - both seeking weak points and expecting attacks. Keep the group in tune and adjusted to opponents' attack. Keep your group protected. And finally, don't forget to attack when there's an opening. That's the sequence! You don't forget about defense in a group combat, especially in small groups."

Ayep. At least it was this way when their small teams managed to hold off in a lengthy and straining battles. Seemingly young, she still remained an ex-Commander of Midnight Legion, someone who had experience and some time to share it. She told about one of Temple missions, when a small team of three - a healer, a necro-mage and a warrior - held off several attacks of unorganized packs and completed a mission that could be deadly without discipline and skill. Trying to make the students express their opinions, what would they do against such a group, or within it, took most of the time she had to spend in the Academy. Only deep inside the memory stirred in well-suppressed pain.

"Next time we will start practicing in basic groups, and see how you can handle tougher opponents."

Sure. And get a surprise.