Teamwork Training and Combat Skills; Thursday, Second Period [10/03].

[chef_chocobro]

"Last week," said Ignis, as class got started, and they were still in the Danger Shop, but it looked far more like a war debriefing room than a training room that week, "we discussed communication and demonstrate the ease at which it could easily breakdown, and we certainly hope that the playful nature in which we approached the topic did not distract from the importance inherent in such breakdowns when they occur. But what if the meaning of a message was intentionally obfuscated with the attempt to keep the information therein clandestine and confidential while still clear and understandable to those intended to receive it?"

"Codes," Gladio translated helpfully with a grin. "Today, we're talking about codes."

"Now, clearly," Ignis continued, "written correspondence that follows a certain cipher is the most common form of coded message, as it can be easily created, easily understood, and easily discarded. Of course," he smile went a little tight here, "that might not always be an option, though I have certainly found a knowledge of Braille or similar tactile languages to be incredibly helpful, even when not dealing strictly with those who cannot read standard writing. Even creating your own version to throw off the chance that your enemy may be familiar enough to break your code can be quite helpful. Speaking in a variety of agree-upon phrases and the strategic use of coded words that bear significant meaning can also be helpful."

"Sometimes codes can even be other things not written or said in messages, too!" Prompto offered. "Like, for example, let's say a ribbon tied around a certain tree in a certain color could mean something like 'okay to proceed' or 'danger!' or 'proceed with caution'. Flags are also big on this, as well as gestures, or little marks and sigils. Again," his grin was a little rueful as he gestured toward Ignis, "there are issues with visual cues sometimes, but not always. Audio cues like certain sounds can be helpful, too, or just the placement of certain objects. Like, if the cat statue is in a certain position, that's bad news! Something like that."

"Needless to say," Ignis added, "coded messages can take on a wide variety of forms and shapes, from your classic scrambling of an alphabet, to a series of sounds, or even something as particular as, oh, I don't know," the faint grin suggested he did know, actually, "choosing to pair a certain wine with a certain food that, to those in the know, sends a very clear message indeed."

"And that," said Gladio, with an air of conclusion that would be a little misleading, "is the key to a good code: making sure everyone who needs to now knows it, and that no one who shouldn't know doesn't. So today, we're going to go over a little bit about different methods of codes and ciphers and some ideas for making some to sort of get your brain working, and then we're going to see about making your own secret messages and seeing who can decipher them."

Fun Animal Facts, Thursday - 1st Period

[needsacatchphrase]

For a change, Cara looked borderline enthusiastic today. "Today we'll be looking at one of this world's most deadly animals." Ah, that explained it.

"But it's so tiny," Jane said, frowning in confusion at the notes. And then at the photo she projected up to the front of the class.

"It's just a baby still," Cara pointed out. "But obviously full of rage." Look at the pose, Jane.

"This is Moo Deng, a pygmy hippo from Thailand who has captured the attention of the internet," Jane said with a sigh. "And yes, hippos are some of the most deadly animals on the planet. Apparently they're prone to capsizing small boats to protect their territory."

Which seemed pretty legit, honestly.

"Apparently, statistically they kill more people than sharks by a large margin." Unsurprisingly, Cara was also team shark. At least when a sharknado wasn't involved.

"But this little one is a pygmy hippo which is less likely to murder anyone." Not for lack of trying. "And is actually more closely related to an extinct species that was native to Asia than their more robust relatives."

Cara believed in Moo Deng's ability to murder.

Fandom Library, Thursday 10/3

[noonedecidesmyfate]

Belle was quite taken with the decorations that the gremlins and Arden had added to the library yesterday.

"We could make more," she mused, though the library seemed oddly empty today. Perhaps the gremlins were busy somewhere else in the school or on the island? Or they'd simply taken a day off.

For now, Belle was going to sit down and color at the desk. It seemed a good way to pass the time and there wasn't much shelving to do. And when she was finished she could add to the decorations!

Continued Earth Tourism, third period

[unusual_sith]

"Welcome back, everybody!" Lana said. "We're heading to Australia this week. It's a continent and a country." She led them onto a lovely beach. "As I mentioned in a previous class, over seventy percent of Earth is covered by water, so we really ought to spend some time under it. I wanted to take us to the depths, but apparently that's considered too risky, so there aren't many who do it, and unless I can get a submersible from Manaan, it's out of the question. Maybe later." She shrugged.

"So, for today we'll be walking on the sea floor. No swimming or diving experience needed! And the Great Barrier Reef is apparently truly spectacular. If you still don't want to, you can enjoy the beach, and I have plenty of sunscreen available. Also there is a dive shop. Otherwise, let's get going!"

They supplied wetsuits and giant helmets, so hopefully this meant everybody that wanted to would be able to participate. There was a brief safety lecture, and then you'd be heading down to the reef!