Regional Fencing Styles

[subplotkudzu]

As I stated before, the city of Emirikol has several styles, and is something of a hotbed and breeding ground for new fencing techniques - that could well provide a character hook for why one or more of the PCs are heading there.

I'll detail those a little more in a later post, but here are a couple of other styles that are more readily practiced in other parts of the empires.


Provincial Style
"Stop gaping - do you want people to think you come from the provinces?" is a common comment to those new to the cities, but sword style can be as damning as an astonished expression. The provincial 'style', if one wants to dignify it with such praise, is one that favors a facing stance and welding a weapon in either hand. Defenses are, if not ignored, reduced in the desire to put as much muscle powered flashing steel as possible aimed in the general direction of your opponent in hopes of doing something. Often times the off-hand weapon won't be a blade at all, but an axe, hammer or anything else the Provincial can lay hands on, and throwing such a weapon is not uncommon as a desperation move.

Catching the dripping disdain? The Provincial style can be very effective, but no serious court fencer would stoop to using it, as it is seen as unstudied and lacking finesse. Cultures often make stupid decisions like that. You will note that this is the standard Ranger combat package...those bumpkins!
One note - I have removed Ambidexterity as a feat - the penalty for off hand use is just -4, less your Dex bonus. It doesn't come up that often, and the Ambidexterity feat was just a feat soak to 2 weapon fighters.

Feats - Core: Two Weapon Fighting, Quick Draw, Power Attack, Lighting Reflexes
Feats - Master: Improved 2 Weapon Fighting, Skill Focus (Pick Pockets and Intimidate), Cleave, Great Cleave.
Common Skills: Pick Pockets for the ability to easily throw the off hand weapon, Intimidate for attempts at weapon displays.

Greensward Style
This is the fashion that is currently all the rage at the court, especially amongst those nobles who are part of the Republican government. The style is focused on a strong defense backed with a desire to rapidly draw first blood, and if the duel goes beyond that to win by the infliction of shallow wounds and draw cuts. Buckler use is common with this style, though some go so far as a full shield. The advantages of this are obvious in a culture where dueling is still required to defend honor but no one really wants to die. Outside of the capitol this style can be seen as a cowardly hedging of bets - Bards satirize those who wear a full shield even within the capitol.

Feats - Core: Dodge, Precise Attack, Weapon Focus; Shield Proficiency for buckler use.
Feats - Master: Evasion, Expertise, Spring Attack, Shield Mastery.
Common Skills: Balance for the defensive stance, Sense Motive to avoid potentially high damaging feints.

Comments

[netcurmudgeon.livejournal.com]

You will note that this is the standard Ranger combat package...those bumpkins!

Yeah, yeah, you cultured Greensward types can mock my Ranger fighting techniques after the fight. Oh, but I forgot, you have to be alive to mock me! "Oh God! I have an axe in my head!"

This is so much more fun than paying bills.

[netcurmudgeon.livejournal.com]

Re: This is so much more fun than paying bills.

[brianrogers.livejournal.com]

I find it staggering that your devotion to your class extend to defending its fighting style in the culture of a game that, I must note, YOU AREN'T EVEN PLAYING IN!

Re: This is so much more fun than paying bills.

[netcurmudgeon.livejournal.com]

But Brian, it's so much more fun than paying bills! You should be honored -- this is the first time I've ever sketeched something just for the sake of an LJ comment!!

Who, me? Stressed? Why would you think that?