Dwarven Leg Breaking
By Mephisto
Entrance Requirements: None
Skill Cost: 8 Years (6 Years as a secondary)

This martial art gets its name largely from the fact that most of the attacks are aimed at the legs of the opponent that often tend to be taller than Dwarves. This martial art is definitely unorthodox by most surface dwellers standards; until they see it in action or much to their chagrin, are the victim of this particular fighting style. Dwarves usually focus their attacks on the legs and ankles of the opponent, using chains, whips, and nets to entangle their legs and once the opponent is on the ground, then the Dwarf will either twist the limb off, or simply beat the person with their hammers or axes. And if they get within grabbing distance of a surface dweller, they will usually try to break the ankles or go for groin shots. In a confined space the Dwarf is often a lethal opponent. For that is their environment and they often still within range that is too close for a larger opponent, such as an orc or troll to adequately strike at the smaller opponent.

Gnomes can learn this art although it's rare for them to do so. The same applies to kobolds.

Training is available from most skilled Dwarves, which number into the thousands. The Old Kingdom Mountains and the Western Empire house the most proficient and skilled Leg Breakers around.

O.C.C. Note: A Dwarf can learn this martial art by first upgrading to Hand to Hand: Martial Arts then sacrificing two O.C.C. related skills. There are no O.C.C. limitations. Gnomes and Kobolds must sacrifice three O.C.C. related skills and half the secondary skills. Plus it's not available to Gnome or Kobold men of magic.
Stance: There are no formal Stances in Dwarven Leg Breaking; rather they wait for the opponent to attack and then respond accordingly. For this reason they will usually spring to action only after they have utilized a trap of some sort to get their opponent on the ground or otherwise vulnerable.
Costume: None
Character Bonuses
+2 to P.S.
+2 to P.E.
+12 to S.D.C.
Combat Skills
Attacks Per Melee: 3
Escape Moves: Roll With Punch/Fall/Impact
Basic Defenses: Dodge, Parry, Auto Parry
Advanced Defenses: Disarm, Circular Parry, Combination Parry/Hold (Special! The character can on a successful parry latch onto a part of the victim and try to pull him to the ground. A successful strike using the Hold bonus is required to hold on, and another roll with the Body Flip bonus to pull the person to the ground. Ideal for group attacks).
Hand Attacks: Strike (Punch), Backhand, Power Punch, Duo-Fist Strike
Foot Attacks: Kick Attack, Snap Kick, Backward Sweep, Trip/Leg Hook
Special Attacks: Body Block/Tackle, Body Flip/Throw, Choke, Knee, Elbow
Holds/Locks: Automatic Neck Hold, Automatic Arm Hold, Automatic Leg Hold
Weapon Skills: W.P. Axe, W.P. Sword, W.P. Net, W.P. Bola
Special Katas: None
Modifiers to Attack: KO/Stun, Death Blow, Critical Strike
Skills Included in Training
Martial Art Powers: Select Two Body Hardening
Physical Skills: Prowl, Climb/Scale Walls, Wrestling
Training Skills: Camouflage
Languages: Dwarven
Level Advancement Bonuses
1st Critical Strike Natural 20 or from behind, +2 to Dodge
2nd +2 Holds
3rd +3 to Parry, +1 Body Flip
4th +1 attack, Select One Additional Body Hardening Technique
5th +2 strike, +1 Initiative
6th +2 Holds
7th Critical Strike Natural 19 or 20, +1 Parry and Dodge
8th +1 Attack, Select One Additional Body Hardening Technique
9th +2 damage
10th +2 Holds
11th +2 to Strike, +1 to Damage
12th Select One Additional Martial Art Power, +1 Attack
13th Critical Strike Natural 18-20, +2 Holds
14th +2 Body Flip, +1 Initiative
15th +1 Attack , Death Blow Natural 20
Why study Dwarven Leg Breaking?
Best suited for little people, who need to deal with big opponents, it has a common sense approach to dealing with larger foes and is highly effective. Not as effective in dealing with smaller foes, but is capable of handling most situations effectively.