Poisoned Shadows - Swordsman Schools

Description: The Marchenko style is a product of the continuing machinations of Aleksi Pavtlow Markov v’Novgorov. After General Montegue’s withdrawal from Ussuran soil, essentially closing one window of opportunity for his cause, the scheming Knias was quick to open another. He brought together a group of Fhideli acrobats and Montaigne deserters (promising them amnesty and safe passage home in exchange for their assistance and a vow not to open their own academies), and commissioned the development of a unique fighting style suitable for Swordsman Guild sanction. He pointed to the success of the Montaigne invasion, in spite of Matushka’s wrath, as a sign that the “proud and loyal people of Rurik” needed to be able to compete with modern soldiers on equal footing. While ostensibly working in the best interests of Ussura, Aleksi’s true goal is to open up his province to more foreign interest, expose his people to the convenience and wonder offered by other cultures, and ultimately weaken their reliance on the “old ways” of Matushka. Aleksi placed a trusted (i.e., easily controlled) cousin in charge of the newly-developed fencing style, which bears his name as a reward for loyal service. Aleksi also hopes that disassociating himself from the style will make those who are suspicious of his motives (particularly in other Ussuran provinces) more receptive to the training or willing to sponsor a school.

A Marchenko duelist favors flashy, bold attacks that often incorporate a somersault, leap, or dive. Acrobatic maneuvers (the legacy of the Fhideli who helped develop the style) are such an integral part of the Marchenko philosophy that students spend fully half their training time on balance beams, tumbling mats, or obstacle courses. As a result, they are just as likely to somersault beneath a rapier thrust as they are to parry it with a rapier. Because they keep their bodies in almost constant motion, students must also draw upon the exceptional blade control instilled in the style by the Montaigne, so that their weapons strike where intended. Otherwise, a student’s tumbling would reduce his attacks to wild, random thrusts in the vicinity of an opponent.

While lending a degree of flair and flexibility to the style, its acrobatic nature also provides a weakness for opponents to exploit. Not only is there a noticeable tensing of certain muscles before a duelist springs into action (warning an observant opponent that an attack is forthcoming), there is also an inherent predictability to his actions. Presented with the opportunity to strike with a simple thrust against an exposed flank, or make a somersaulting attack directly into an opponent’s guard, the Marchenko duelist is much more likely to attempt the flashier, more difficult maneuver. Seasoned opponents take advantage of this, either luring an opponent into a disadvantageous position, or limiting his options by constantly presenting difficult targets that are “just too tempting to pass up.”

Basic Curriculum: Acrobat, Fencing

Swordsman Knacks: Exploit Weakness (Marchenko), Rasoir (Fencing), Riposte (Fencing), Tagging (Fencing)

New Swordsman Knack: Rasoir. You have studied basic anatomy, and mastered the art of blade control to take full advantage of your studies. As a result, when you strike with a fencing weapon, you inflict precise, extremely painful wounds. For every Rank you have in this Knack, you may add 1 to your Fencing weapon damage rolls.

Apprentice: Basic instruction in Marchenko encompasses flexibility and self-determination of the defense best suited to the individual student. Each Apprentice selects one Knack in the Acrobat Skill, and receives a Free Raise on all Active Defense rolls using that Knack. A Marchenko duelist may select an additional Knack to receive the Free Raise at each Mastery Level. (The duelist may not select the same Knack twice to receive two Free Raises on the same Knack.)

Journeyman: A Journeyman in the Marchenko style has learned that a skilled duelist’s defense and offense flow seamlessly together. After he successfully makes an Active Defense roll using any Knack from the Acrobat Skill, he may add his rank in that Knack to an Attack Roll if it is made in the same phase. Furthermore, as an extension of his focus on blade control, a Journeyman has learned to use his rapier in inventive ways. He may use his Tagging (Fencing) Knack in the midst of combat to cut ropes, candles, and similar items. The base TN is 15, though it may be higher or lower at the GM’s discretion, especially if the Journeyman is being opposed in some way. He may also substitute his Rank in the Tagging Knack for any Civil Knack where his sword is used as a direct component of the act. For example, Tagging may be used in place of Pickpocket to fish a set of keys off a guard’s belt, instead of Throw to flip a dropped weapon to an ally, or in lieu of Traps if the blade is used to cut the tripwire on a Syrneth death trap.

Master: The Master of Marchenko has learned to use his athletic abilities to create openings for attacks where a lesser Swordsman can only hope to defend himself. Regardless of the Knack used for his Passive Defense in a Round, the Master may use any Knack in the Acrobat Skill for an Active Defense as long as it is feasible to do so (e.g., a duelist cannot use Swinging if there is nothing on which he can swing). Furthermore, he may substitute any defensive Knack in the Acrobat Skill for Parry when performing a Riposte.