The parade ground is a cleared fifty yard by fifty yard (46 x 46m) area just outside the Academy wall.  It is close enough to flat so as to make no appreciable difference, although a few journeypersons claim that it can be made to magically mimic any territory.  The whole area is chalk marked into four equal sections, two are lined and set up as a single range for crossbow, bow, sling, and thrown weapon practice.  The other two are left apart for hand-to-hand practice/instruction.  No one is allowed to use the parade ground without the permission and oversight of the fighting teacher or someone he assigns as an overseer, for safety’s sake.