Poisoned Shadows - Swordsman Schools

Country of Origin: Vendel (the style may be learned for only 20 HP if the character already knows the Urostifter School)

Description: Just as Boli Kollson commissioned the development of a modern fencing style derived from Kjemper, Master Allen Trell turned to a well-traveled connection in the Vendel Merchant Marines to create an evolved double-weapon style rooted in the traditions of the Urostifter School. The marine in question, a seasoned duelist named Theo Brahe had studied science (and swordplay) in Castille and theatre (and swordplay) in Montaigne, as well as the historical traditions (and swordplay) of his Vestenmannavnjar ancestors. Brahe seized upon the challenge eagerly, combining elements of the Soldano and Valroux fencing Schools with the techniques of Urostifter into a style intended for use with two rapiers, but easily adapted to use with a single blade (though, obviously, with some limitations).

Like an Urostifter Swordsman, the Brahe duelist attempts to befuddle his opponents with a steady stream of dialogue. Rather than the coarse insults of Urostifter (or, for that matter, the witty degradation of Valroux), Brahe relies upon the dramatic training a student receives alongside the blade. Some swordsmen prefer to improvise a song praising his own ability and ridiculing his opponent’s, some act out scenes from famous plays or operas (generally casting the opponent in the role of a particularly foolish character), and some recite poems written line by line on the spot as the duel progresses. All the while, the duelist studies his opponent’s reactions to see which barbs strike home and provide a suitable distraction. Once the enemy is reeling from the dramatic assault, a Brahe duelist will strike with deceptive attacks that seem to change direction so quickly, an opponent cannot help but stumble as he attempts to keep up.

On the other hand, an opponent who is able to keep a level head and ignore the taunting verses or fancy tricks of the blade inherent in the style will quickly undermine a Brahe duelist’s plan of attack. This weakness is even more pronounced in Brahe than in Urostifter, as the more modern style lacks the powerful strikes of paired longswords to overcome any deficiencies in the verbal elements of the assault.

Basic Curriculum: Fencing, Performer

Swordsman Knacks: Double Parry (Fencing/Fencing), Exploit Weakness (Brahe), Feint (Fencing), Whirl (Fencing/Fencing)

Apprentice: Like its source style, Brahe teaches its practitioners to use a sword in each hand. An Apprentice suffers no off hand penalty when fighting with a rapier in each hand. (It may also be used with a single rapier, though such a technique denies the opportunity to use the Double Parry and Whirl Knacks.) Furthermore, he receives a Free Raise on Active Defenses using either the Parry or Double Parry Knack.

Brahe has not been endorsed by the Swordsman’s Guild, though it is probably just a matter of time before it is put through the paces and sanctioned. Until then, a student of Brahe receives a free Rank in the Cold Read Knack of the Performer Skill instead of Guild membership.

Journeyman: While a rapier is not as effective as a longsword at overpowering an opponent’s defenses, it is well suited for nimble attacks into openings that have been perceived (or, for that matter, created). The Journeyman may multiply his Mastery Level in Brahe by his Rank in the Cold Read Knack, and add the result to any rolls using the Feint Knack. In addition, the Journeyman may now use his Exploit Weakness (Brahe) Knack as Exploit Weakness (Urostifter) when fighting against someone using that style.

Master: By the time he has reached Master status, a Brahe swordsman has perfected his rhetoric and satirical technique alongside his swordplay, and can integrate them seamlessly. The Master may add his Rank in Acting, Oratory, or Singing (he may only choose one) as Unkept Dice to any Taunt Actions he attempts. Furthermore, once per Round the Master may use one Action to perform a regular Action (generally an Attack or Active Defense) and a Taunt simultaneously, delivering a particularly scathing verbal barb or belittling verse alongside a keen strike or brilliant parry.