| "In most regions of the continent,
the sword is the weapon of nobility. It is the most efficient of
arms, and many sword mastery styles have arisen over the
centuries to reflect this." Micra, General of the Fourth
Legion of the Galloping Mugs, |
Learning how to use one's weapon is a highly respected trait, and depending on the style of mastery, can even bring considerable public recognition. The process of becoming proficient with a weapon style can take long periods of time, and continued study is required to keep one's skills honed.
Conduct while in the possession of ones weapons is considered a sensitive matter. For example, most cities will not allow an individual to carry one's weapon in public, while others may allow it, but prohibit it's use under any circumstances. Common penalties for brandishing one's weapon without cause include a week in prison, fines of up to three Tarells, and loss of one's weapon. Even when the offender is deemed to have brandished the weapon with cause, he is penalized for intervening, and not escaping.
Common etiquette also prohibits the carrying of any weapons to social gatherings, unless the individual is a miltiary officer or knight, or he/she is involved in any local military struggle. Even mercenaries and adventurers are expected attend to dinners and receptions with no more than a dagger. A noble may be greatly offended if this simple rule is not observed.
Following is a description of selected weapon (mostly swords) mastery styles on the Continent of Catalania.
| Kaj Miran
Origin: Port Cheetah, Loyalty of Myasicar The Kaj Miran style has existed for more time than most can remember. It is taught only to the richest members of northern society of Rahajad, as most masters swear to never reveal the secrets of the art, and only the greatest amounts of gold can change their resolve. The Kaj Miran is also taught to especially chosen individuals. Masters of this art spend much time in meditation, and learn how to judge the character of different beings by looking into their eyes. This is how they find their students. The use of two scimitars simultaneously is also taught within the Kaj Miran, and in Port Cheetah, the mere sight of a warrior with these weapons is enough to identify him as a practitioner of the art. Kaj Miran is a fancy style, full of unique moves to impress onlookers. Although few experienced swordsmen will be dazzled, the art itself relies on whirling technique for effectiveness. Only padded armor can be used with this style. Snarian Origin : Jaguari, Militocracy of the Snar With its roots in the same principles that created the Imperial style, the Snarian long sword style is respected for being unique in its use of a steel gauntlet for parrying. Training stresses direct combat and battlefield techniques. The Snarian style is simple to learn, and knowledge of its use is considered a sign of sophistication. The War School in Jaguari teaches this style to most of its students. The Snarian style is practiced with the gauntlet arm facing the opponent. The weapon can either be pointed at or concealed from the enemy. The practitioner keeps a defensive stance, attacking most ferociously when the best opportunity presents itself. Furthermore, the practitioner cannot be using armor heavier than plate mail while using this style. Forward Combat Origin: Jaguari, Militocracy of the Snar The Forward Combat style is one of the most ancient schools of combat on the continent. It is not difficult to learn, but requires great strength to master. This is one of the only known systems to focus on the use of the two handed sword. The basis of Forward Combat is brute force coupled with continuous movement. Attacks are never dealt from top to bottom, but always with a diagonally. No plate armors can be used with this style. Karelkov Origin: Hasthrass, Militocracy of the Snar The founder of this system, the famous Patresin Karelkov, was once a great Militocracy general. When he became older, he created a style that translated all his strategic knowledge to the sword. The Karelkov style is difficult to learn, but is known to be terribly efficient when mastered. It concentrates on a quick victory, leaving defenses at a minimum to hit the opponent fast, with accuracy, and in vital locations. Some believe this is sometimes a risky style for it's practitioner, for if he/she is unsuccessful during the first round of attacks, most defenses become ineffective. The Sadrovich bastard sword is the only weapon with which the technique for this style can be applied. It is a bit longer than the common bastard, and has a light blade. The hand guard is always round and straight, offering a modest amount of protection. The Karelkov style can be used with any armor, but not while using a helm. Classic Northern Origin: Lione, Sovereignity of Vaelar The Classic Northern style is considered a sign of pure sophistication. It is a courtly art, and virtually all nobles of Vaelar are adept in its use. The only duels that are legal in Lione, despite not being to the death, involve this style. The Classic Northern Style is taught at the Academy of Lione, and is the most popular among students there. It involves light movement and very fast attacks. This style does not allow the use of any armor at all. The short sword is 85cm long and there is a full, cup-shaped guard protecting the knuckles. Demasicus Origin : Lione, Sovereignity of Vaelar The Demasicus style was created by a family of sword masters that settled in the Northern Plains. They had come from Port Ocelot, and the father of the family had created his style from a diverse education is weapon mastery. The family has long since vanished, and the style is now taught in small schools in Lione. The Demasicus style uses a condensed version of the catalanian bastard sword, and the blade itself in but 90cm long. The guard is a round steel disk - about 7cm in diameter - that curves slightly toward the hand. It is a light weapon, and the Demasicus style is the only known style to use it efficiently. Furthermore, this style does not allow the use of the heavier plate armors. The style incorporates fluid motion and minimal physical effort to parry the enemy offensive. Its attacks are so swift that the opponent may not even know exactly how he was hit - unless, of course, he has been fatally wounded. Tirelian Origin: Lione, Sovereignity of Vaelar The Tirelian style is popular among the classes of professional warriors in the north. It is respected as the most dangerous art originating in these northern regions, and is practiced by Cavaliers and Paladins. The Tirelian style is taught to a select amount of students at the Academy of Lione. The style uses many techniques to reach its objectives, which comprise of the defeat of the enemy through learning his deficiencies in combat, and maintaining careful distance from the adversary until the best moment for an assault. These concepts are often practiced with battlefield warfare by those who use them successfully with the sword. The Tirelian style can be used with any armor. Palidrian Origin : Lione, Sovereignity of Vaelar The Palidrian style of Lione is originally from the Academy. It was created as a project by four instructors of different arts, and when they were satisfied with their creation, they challenged masters from throughout the north to a bout. From the seventeen weapon masters that were present, fourteen were defeated. The Palidrian style is based on the concept of extensive parrying, waiting for an opportune moment, and striking so as to debilitate the enemy and end combat. The weapon chosen by the creators of this style was the Tirelian Bastard Sword, which was already considered a sophisticated weapon. All forms of light armor can be used with this style, although all plate armors are not allowed. Giordenian Origin: Lione and Toufor, Sovereignity of
Vaelar The Giordenian style is used by gallant nobles, bards, and other adventurous individuals. It is seen as a showy, but thrilling way of fighting, and includes techniques for fighting on tables, chairs, staircases, ledges, carriages, while swinging on ropes or chandeliers, while eating something on a dagger, and even while talking to other people (or to the opponent). All across the continent, this style has made its mark as being versatile enough for a variety of situations. The Cotilan long sword's blade is 1m long, and the guard is rounded and efficiently protective. The blade of this weapon is very light, while the hilt is a bit heavier than those of most other light swords. The Giordenian style is impossible to use with any armor but leather. Malir Razet Origin: Rathani, Dark Elf Kingdom Malir Razet literally means "attack from nowhere", and this explains the Drow Style well. It is taught to the warrior class of Rathani from youth, and they are equally able employing it in low light or total darkness. Malir Razet focuses on exotic, unorthodox attacking technique to catch the opponent off guard. Some attacks are performed in conjunction with leaps or rolls, while others can appear to take place with incredible speed. However, movement is slow - until an attack is made - and the practitioner always keeps his body lowered, closer to the ground. The Drow invariably use wicked blades, and some of their weapons are of the Befiak type. Befiak was a great drow weaponsmith, and he created a remarkable sword, balanced so that it could be used with little practice, and, to some, even feeling like an extension of the arm when used. In the hands of a master, it could become even more dangerous. This type of weapon is used in bastard and short sword variants. Malir Razet cannot be practiced with any armor but leather, or, in the case of most Drow, elven chain mail. Kotsgar Origin: Kar Koroeth The Mountain Dwarves of Kar Koroeth have mastered the ax for more time than any other race has mastered a weapon. Their main style is known as Kotsgar, and is performed by taking a strong stance and moving only at critical moments, counter-attacking from various different angles and dodging blows in the process. When the great battle ax is used, defensive techniques with the flat side of the blade are common. While using the Kotsgar style, any armor can be worn. Vicious Origin : Tigris, Savage Plains The barbarians of the Savage Plains have used a philosophical weapon style for a thousand of years. It is the Vicious style, and is taught to all tribesmen alike. Only a few, however, master it fully. The Vicious style teaches the warrior to enter an animal-like state of mind, using his instincts as his primary focus. It is possible to use the Vicious philosophy with any style at all. The Vicious style cannot be used with plate armors. Imperial Origin: Yonmayer, Empire of Catalania The Imperial style is seen as the most practical weapon proficiency within the Empire, and it is used by nobles, mercenaries, and adventurers alike. Its technique stresses very little extravagant movement and the efficient use of a cloak ( or a cape ) as an instrument of parrying. Great mastery in this style is rare as it is practiced primarily as a means of self defense, and not as an art. The Cotilan sword is the same used in the Giordenian style of Lione. The basic stance of the Imperial style consists of keeping the sword pointed at the enemies weapon hand, and slowly, but constantly moving in a chosen circular direction. Forward movement such as the lunge are rare, since all attacks are made in sweeping movements to the flanks. Also, parrying techniques from this style are similar to those of the Snarian style. Legonezian Origin: Salfe Dorsa, Empire of Catalania
(Colony of Legonez, Continent of Colbet) The Legonezian Style is traditional on the continent of Colbet. This respectable style is totally based on aggressive attack and elusive evasion in which the specialist slips into a new offensive position. It is a style with many risks, and errors within this style can spell disaster. Basic training for the Legonezian style revolves around leaping, lunging, and dodging. Some more advanced technique involves deliberate movement towards the enemies weapon, so that with a last moment maneuver, the specialist can pass that weapon and all the enemies defenses. The Dajjemil sword is about 1.30 long with a single blade. Blue Sun Origin : Brandon, Empire of Catalania The Blue Sun style is an ancient art, well known as the sword style chosen by great paladins and warriors. It is a classic style, incorporating the users necessary dedication and incredible, merciless technique. Before the Oblivion, this style was taught only in the capital. But it was moved to Brandon so that it could be more valued by warriors. The Blue Sun style uses the same southern style bastard sword as the style of the same name uses. This is a traditional weapon throughout the southern lands, and has always been common throughout Catalania. The basic stance for this style is used by masters and novices alike. It consists of straight, perfect posture, and resting the weapon with its point towards the opponents legs. Parries are usually applied with the portion of the blade nearest to the specialists own hand guard. Attacks always are extensions of other maneuvers, such as distractions, parries, and circling movement. This style can be used with any armor. Cantorri Origin: Catalania City, Empire of Catalania The Cantorri style is a noble practice in Catalania. The use of the light Cantorri sword is an immediate sign of good taste and sophistication. The sword art itself is seen as a healthy activity, and mastery in its use is admired by most nobles. The Cantorri style uses lightning-fast attacks to surprise an opponent and display the determination of the practitioner. It uses fast lunges and sidestepping, and always relies on direct, relentless confrontation with the opponent. The open stance, facing the opponent and lowering the hips slightly, is this styles main stance. This style cannot be used with any type of plate armor, although the more accomplished masters of this art occasionally use a chest plate. Kershmede Origin: Catalania City, Empire of Catalania The Kershmede style was created by the legendary Ranthax Kershmede, said to have been the greatest warrior to have ever lived. During his lifetime, he strove to discover the greatest mysteries of life, and became an individual of great culture and knowledge. Among his many accomplishments are great books of strategy and poetry, politics and philosophy. But he is best remembered for his ability with his sword. The Kershmede style is only practiced by the elite of warriors in the Empire. Individuals like the Knights of the Empire become very proficient in its use, and pass on their knowledge only to those they find worthy of the responsibilities associated with learning this advanced style. Very few sword styles are as effective as the Kershmede style. It reflects a knowledge and encourages the study of battlefield strategy, physical balance, understandings of nature and anatomy, mental stability, determination, a uniquely profound concentration, and the understanding of humanoid behavior. The style uses dozens of stances and forms, but is above all else an objective art. It focuses on goals and accomplishes them without hesitation. Attacks are invariably lethal when such force is necessary, and defense in effortless, using the opponents momentum to keep his attacks away from the practitioner. The most well known stance in this style is the side stance, with sword pointed diagonally to the left of the opponent, and the back of the sword hand in evidence. The Catalanian Bastard sword has a round steel, cupped guard - about 8cm diameter - that curves slightly toward the hand. It is a lighter weapon than the average bastard sword, being forged by experts who create hollow sections within the long tempered steel blade. It is nonetheless a remarkably strong weapon, known to last for countless generations without signs of weakening. Because of the rarity of the Kershmede practice, it's existence has been transformed into legend by commoners. It can be used with any armor, and with a helmet. Sandstlye Lineage Origin: Port Ocelot, Calliak Bay It is said that, on the beaches of the Calliak Bay, elder wise men, known as Sand Men, live spiritual lives dedicated to the understanding of nature. They have mastered the scimitar to a degree most consider supernatural, using techique that defys explanation: attacks and movement that seem calm and delayed, but that strike with great accuracy. It is their understanding of the mind that allows them to see the intentions of their opponents. They spend their lives in solitude and self examination, and learn about all living beings in the process. This style uses sweeping movements and circling steps to keep the opponents attention. No armor can be used with this style, and only those the Sand Men deem to be destined to some greatness learn the style from them. Colderich Origin: Pallassi, Monarchy of Balton In Pallassi, the laws of assassin's guilds rule the streets, sewers, alleys, and palaces. Very few individuals are respected by the organized criminals of the night. One of the few exceptions to this is the existence of the practitioners of the Colderich sword style. To the masters in Pallassi, no other sword style combines the discipline, efficiency, and lack of compassion like the Colderich. And most importantly, it's attacks directly address ways for immediately ending the opponents life - quietly and quickly. Some have called it the "assassin's mastery", but since it is known to be mostly used by warrior masters, this is but rumor. The stances of the Colderich tend to hide the blade from the opponent (keeping the sword away from the opponents view). Dark clothes can help to hide the user's arms against his own shirt, and darks blades appear from nowhere and are usually the last thing the victim will see. The Colderich style can only be used with no or very light armor. It relies on mobility above all else, and uses classical technique and fast, acrobatic movement to catch the opponent off guard. The Colderich style is only taught within familes or to members of exclusive schools. Elenian Origin: Pallassi, Monarchy of Balton Developed by bards in Pallassi, the Elenian style was created ages ago. It was used as a means for survival in the City of Thieves, where a minstrel or bard was constantly in danger. The style focuses on fast attacks, to impress and possibly cause damage, and then on fast retreat into more defensive positions. Evasive technique is prevalent with the Elenian style. This art has become very uncommon, mostly because very few bards reside in Pallassi anymore. A certain myth surrounds it's history, and younger cutthroats believe this was some sort of "thief killer" style of the past. Only leather armor can be used with the Elenian style, and it is taught by only a few bards in the south. Nearet Origin: Pallassi, Monarchy of Balton One of the oldest styles on the continent is the Nearet style. It is an ancient noble practice in Pallassi, from a time when the city was known for it's just society. The Nearet is still considered a noble practice, although it is so rare that the great majority of the instructors are in the service of Royalty. Nearet very effectively addresses movement, so much that Ranthax Kershmede mentioned it's texts within his own style's manual. The heaviest armor useable by the practitioner is chain. It is still taught in Pallassi by members of the nobility, although they are very selective in choosing new students. Leminstor Origin: Felineo, Kingdom of Armington Once the art of the noble youth of Felineo, it has branched into many different styles. It's various forms vaguely resemble the original art. Still, some instructors have guarded it's secrets, based on chivalrous conduct, a sharp mind, and quick reflexes. No armor may be used with this style. Tournament Origin: Cellesse, Kingdom of Armington This style uses a very light short sword, and the flurries of movement in matches are stunning to watch. It is mostly seen in tournaments in the south. Tournament style is ineffective against heavier armor, so it is uncommon among warriors. It is, however, considered a noble art in Armington and many southern cities. No armor, and preferably light clothing, is used with this style. Southern Origin: Plaintlan, Union of Serval Southern style is used by warriors of all walks of life in the far south. It is incredibly effective, with a great amount of discipline associated with it's instruction. Much dedication is toward the development of parrying. Southern style can be used with any armor, and is quite effective even with heavier armors. Port Style Origin: Port Serval, Union of Serval Created on the vast docks of Port Serval, Port Style is a weapon study for sailors, thieves, and adventurers. It uses unorthodox technique to distract the opponents senses. Swift and merciless attacks are used to finish the victim. Only leather armor can be used with this style. Serpent Origin: Empire of Gar-Tse Serpent Style is a form that uses shadow, surprise, and seemingly supernatural awareness to establish decisive advantage over the opponent. No armor, except for leather and chain, can be used with this style. Dragon Origin: Empire of Gar-Tse This style is based entirely on the discipline of the practitioner. It involves intense concentration and focus, and draws on vast technique. There are so many sub-styles within Dragon, in fact, that only the greatest masters ever learn them all. No armor is allowed while using the Dragon Style. Arilkire Origin: Verqin, Elven Kingdom in
Whisperwoods The Arilkire sword style is said to be one of the most ancient known forms of Elven warfare. It focuses on continuous study of the enemy. Even while engaging the opponent in melee, the practitioner is attempting to perceive his attitude and behavior patterns. The Arilkire Bastard Sword is remarkably light for it's rather standard size and shape. It is used in one hand. Also, any armor can be used with this style. Melwith Origin: Hurkshire, Sylvan Elven Kingdom in
Northern Snar Mountains The Elves of Hurkshire are militant by nature, although they do not abide by the standard military regulations and practices of the Feline and Human societies. The Melwith style, for example, is based solely on effectively neutralizing the opponent, without care for honor or fairness. It is the objective of this style to make use of the forests and mountains to conceal one's position, and overtake an opponent before he can react to the offensive. It is not uncommon for these Elves to engage more than one foe simultaneously during the confusion of a surprise attack. Wide circular attacks with the long sword, and parries with the dagger, are most commonly associated with this style. Furthermore, only light armors can be used while in combat. |
