brummagem
adjective
noun
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Two men entered the Guild. One was young, barely into his teenage years. The other, much older. Both were well dressed, and the older man carried himself with the poise of one who had seen and done more than most even thought possible. The people in the room gave the two a quick glance, then returned to whatever they had been doing.
“Trill.” The man said.
“Yes, Master?”
“Today I give you one of the most important lessons of your life. If you forget all my other teachings, remember this one.”
“Yes, Master.” The boy, Trill, said. He looked at his teacher with an intensity few his age could muster.
“You know why we’re here, yes?”
“Yes. It’s to hire some adventurers to guard us.” The youth cocked his head to one side. He had been expecting a lesson, not a question.
“Look around. Tell me who you think we should hire.”
Trill did as he was told. Most of the adventurers in the Guild wore low quality armor, and bore weapons that hardly seemed impressive. Most of them were men, but a few women lounged around as well. Trill’s eyes passed over most of them, landing on one man who stood out like a gold coin among a heap of slag.
This man was tall, handsome, and wore armor that gleamed. This was someone who looked like he belonged in a story book. A valiant knight who always saved the day. This was someone who Trill thought he could count on to see him and his Master to their destination.
“That one.” He said, pointing to the impressive fellow.
“Hm, yes, he does look the sort, doesn’t he?” The older man said. “But, he is also the worst choice. The best choice would be him.”
Trill’s teacher pointed to a man who looked to be in his 30s. The warrior wore armor that had seen better days. Small dents and scratches could be seen along his armor, and the sword resting at his side had no ornamentation on the hilt. Faint scars dotted what little skin could be seen, and he did not seem to care at all about his personal appearance. To Trill, this man seemed better suited to banditry than guard duty.
“Do you know why I chose that man over your pick?”
“No, Master.”
Trill was guided over to a less occupied corner of the Guild’s large common room. The two sat at a corner table, where it was less likely anyone would hear them.
“The man you chose looks impressive, yes. His arms and armor are pristine and beautifully made. Do you know what that tells me?”
“That he’s the best, because he can get the best gear?”
The teacher smiled and laughed at his student’s answer. “No, Trill. That’s not what that means at all. It means all he’s good for is looking impressive. That man has more money than sense, and I very much doubt he’s fought a day in his life. See how he carries his sword on his right hip? Now, look how he stands. How he leans against the bar. He favors his right side. No warrior with more than a month’s training will carry his weapon on his dominant side. He is a showpiece. A pretty thing to be admired, but with little real function. Now, look at the man I chose.”
Trill did so. The lad thought the man met his gaze, even from across the room. But that was probably just his imagination. His teacher continued.
“That man has been in a fight. More fights than you have days of life, if my guess is correct. He found a good set of arms and armor, and he has taken care of them well. See the dents in his armor? Each one is where the metal saved his life, and where he worked to repair it. His sword is simple, but it works. A blade needs no jewels or gold to cut through an enemy. And the scars on his skin tell tales of fights that he survived. How he was hurt but kept on fighting until his opponent could not. That is a man who knows how to protect. That is a man who I would trust my life to. Do you understand?”
“I…think so?”
“What is the lesson then?”
“When choosing a guard, go for the one with the most worn out gear and the most scars?”
“No, Trill, that is not the lesson. The lesson is to not be blinded by what looks impressive. Instead, look for what will work best in any situation, regardless of what it may look like. Look beyond the surface, and see what a person or object is really made of, and choose the sturdiest, not the flashiest. That is the lesson. And it is the most important thing you will ever learn.
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When two knights fight, don't bet on the one in shining armor. Bet on the one whose armor is dinged and dented. That's the one who actually knows how to fight. That's the one you should fear.
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