ARTE DELLA DAGA
By Kuseru
Entrance Requirements: No Attribute or Alignment restrictions.
Skill Cost: 9 Years (7 Years as a Secondary Martial Art Style)
The Italian method of dagger combat and unarmed defense against the dagger is known as Arte della Daga. What is known about this style comes from the illustrated combat manuals of Filipo Vadi and Fiore dei Liberi. Arte della Daga is useful in battlefield, dueling, and self-defense conditions.
Arte della Daga was designed for use with the type of edgeless, thrusting dagger typically used in armored combat. The majority of attacks involved powerful, reverse-grip downward stabs and thrusting attacks to the abdominal cavity. Parrying, either by deflecting the opponent's forearm with one's own, or by using a dagger was the typical defense used in dagger vs dagger combat. Also used were trapping, joint lock and throwing actions, usually aided by grabbing the edgeless blade of the practitioner's dagger or the opponent's dagger.
When fighting unarmed against a dagger-wielding opponent, the Arte della Daga practitioner would typically deflect and control the attacking weapon then use sophisticated unbalancing techniques consisting of joint locks directed against the wrists, elbows, necks and knees as well as leverage throws to fell his enemy. There are many counter attacks, designed to flow according to the enemy's reaction. Typically this resulted in the opponent being disarmed and then dispatched with his own weapon.
Costume: Musketeer Outfit; Doublet worn with canions (close fitting breeches) over stockings. Sometimes a jerkin (jacket) was worn over the doublet. Other apparel includes cloaks, shoes, and a variety of brimmed hats.
Stance: A wide sideways stance with legs shoulder-width apart. Hand position varies according to weapon availability.
CHARACTER BONUSES
Add +1 to P.S.
Add +1 to P.P.
Add +2 to P.E.
Add +1 to Spd.
Add +15 to S.D.C.
COMBAT SKILLS
Attacks per Melee: 3
Escape Moves: Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact.
Attack Moves: None.
Basic Defense Moves: Automatic Parry, Dodge, Entangle, Parry.
Advanced Defense Moves: Combination Parry/Attack, Disarm.
Hand Attacks: Punch (Human Fist).
Basic Foot Attacks: Kick Attack, Tripping/Leg Hook.
Jumping Foot Attacks: None.
Special Attacks: Body Flip/Throw, Death Strike, Power Stab (NEW!).
Holds/Locks: Arm Lock, Elbow Lock, Wrist Lock.
Weapon Kata: W.P. Dagger, W.P. Thrown.
Modifiers to Attacks: Critical Strike, Critical Strike from Behind.
SKILLS INCLUDED IN TRAINING
Martial Art Powers: None.
Languages: Italian.
Cultural: Play Musical Instrument.
Weapon Proficiencies: W.P. Dagger, W.P. Thrown
Philosophical Training: Code Duello
If this is your Primary Martial Art then the following other styles can be learned in a shorter time: Arte dell'Abbracciare (7 Years), Baratero (9 Years), Dolchfechten (10 Years), El Cuchillo (1 Year).
LEVEL ADVANCEMENT BONUSES
1st: +1 to Strike, +1 to Entangle with Dagger, +1 to Parry.
2nd: +2 to Dodge.
3rd: +1 Attack per Melee.
4th: +1 to Strike, +1 to Entangle with Dagger, +1 to Parry.
5th: +1 to Damage.
6th: +1 Attack per Melee.
7th: Critical Strike from Behind.
8th: +1 to Strike, +1 to Entangle with Dagger, +1 to Parry.
9th: +1 Attack per Melee.
10th: Death Strike on a Natural 20.
11th: +1 to Damage.
12th: +1 Attack per Melee.
13th: +1 to Strike, +1 to Entangle with Dagger, +1 to Parry.
14th: +1 to Damage.
15th: +1 Attack per Melee.
Why Study ARTE DELLA DAGA?
It is not as effective against multiple attackers as some arts, but it can still hold its own. To learn weapon techniques, is to become a highly proficient fighter in all circumstances, not just with weapons. Relatively few special skills. A character with this training and the right weapons is a deadly threat.