Ways of the Blade

 The following is a quick reference for terminology and methods of dueling, sparring, or arena combat participation. These are especially useful when the battle rests on your typing skills more than your actual sword, use them well.

Warriors, Firstly and probably most importantly, because you wear the tunic of scarlet and call yourself a warrior, do not go looking for fights. If you do, it will not be long before you grace the City of Dust with your presence. By all means spar with your friends, for that is good and arguably the only way to learn, but remember that Goreans value life, and when in a combat situation, your life may be spared by a generous victor, however it may not!.

A warrior is not one that draws his sword on the first sign of trouble, but often will negotiate, using his steel as a final last resort. Remember, as a warrior you have a keen mind, one that is able to look at situations objectively and calmly. You will often be able to win a given situation without ever drawing a weapon.

Sword Play and Combat

There are few rules that can be defined for this, it is up to each individual to develop their own styles of attack and defense. There are a number of "standard" moves, attack and defensive strokes, but the mark of a true warrior is one that improvises and has his own style which is varied and fluid. Depending on whether you are in a one to one, or in a major battle depends on what you do and how you fight, but the important thing is to be alert. It is often best to take the fight to the enemy, be the aggressor, forcing them to be defensive, but be alert for a skilled fighter that easily blocks your attacks and as you tire starts to force his will upon you.

Attacking Strokes - Remember that for every attacking stroke there is a defensive one, and some of these strokes will leave you open for an attack from a good swordsman.

Thrust - Here the sword is literally thrust point first at the opponent.

Forehand Cut - The sword is used to slice at the opponent from right to left, assuming you are right handed. This stroke has many variations including a diagonal top right to bottom left cut and a bottom right to top left stroke.

Backhand Cut - As the Forehand but stroking from left to right.

Chop - Here the sword is bought from top to bottom as if chopping at something.

Defensive Strokes - Defensive strokes may be used as a prelude to an attacking one and should not be underestimated.

Parry - here the opponents sword is diverted from its target by your sword.

Block - here you attempt to block the opponent from using a particular stroke by using your sword such that he cannot get into the correct position.

All of these matter not if you are unable to move, for it is by moving that you are able to gain positional advantage and then close for the kill. Remember that if you follow a given pattern, a skilled warrior will quickly detect this and before you realize it you will be defeated. Vary your attacks, feign, watch for weakness in attack from your opponent and be prepared to attack the minute an opening is left following an attack on you.

Be unorthodox in your moves, and gain skill. If you find a sword move that works for you in attack, but does not fall into one of the above attacking strokes, use it, do not be limited.

Remember, a sword fight is rarely over quickly, and two skilled warriors will attack and counter, planning moves two or three in advance.

If you can goad your opponent into anger then do so, providing that doing so does not inhibit your attack, for severe emotion like anger clouds judgment and causes poor timing of strokes. Remain as calm and focused as you can, for your life may depend on this.

Finally, remember, use everything at your disposal, fists, earth if desperate but remember, you are of the Scarlet Caste and you are an honourable man. Learn from your defeats, Learn from your victories and above all remember that no two opponents are the same. If you remember a small part of the above then you may survive on Gor, if not, then the City of Dust awaits you.

 Provided Courtesy of the Tarl Cabot Educational Library located at the Central Fire.