DESTREZA
By Kuseru
Entrance Requirements: No alignment restrictions. Requires a minimum I.Q. of 14, minimum P.P. of 16 and a minimum Spd. of 14.
Skill Cost: 14 Years (12 Years as a Secondary Martial Art Style)
Destreza, the "Mysterious Circle School" of Spanish swordsmanship was first described by Hieronimo de Caranca in his 1569 book, De la Philosphia de las Armas (On the Philosophy of Arms). This style was believed to be derived from the famous gladitorial schools of Spain from Roman times, which taught the lethal effectiveness of the cut and thrust nature of the Gladius. One of the first styles to develop from the Old Style of medieval sword combat, the Spanish style was also heavily influenced by the teachings of alchemy which stressed the perfection of the human form in all things. However, due to the highly choreographed moves based upon the "Mysterious Circle" and it's myriad chords and diameters, this style was incredibly complex and intellectual, calling upon knowledge of geometry and metaphysics for true mastery, making it very difficult to master.
Based primarily on medieval sword fighting techniques, footwork and an almost full arm extension were used to keep the opponent at a set distance. Depending on quick movements of the thrust and slash, which kept the distance between opponents, this style utilized the long sword and rapier. The cut was also kept, but since the thrust allowed the swordsman to maintain accurate control, it was not used as much. To counteract the tendency of the thrust to close the distance between opponents, attacks were typically made on a pass, that is, an oblique step towards the opponent.
No defensive tools were used in the style, the single blade was used for both defense and offense. Since footwork and movement were based upon an imaginary "Mystic Circle" which encompassed both the swordsman and his foe, the swordsman would use precise angles to move at his opponent in an attempt to gain advantage. Defense was primarily accomplished by striking and then removing one's self from the opponent's distance, so an attack was made along a chord of the circle and then counter-stepping along another chord to define a new circle.
Because of the dance-like nature of this style, Spanish fencers move with grace and steadiness. Cool, calm and graceful, swordsman paced elegantly through their duels as through treading a solemn measure of the Dance of Death. This elegance resulted in the Spanish being considered the greatest swordsmen of the world in the 16th century. However, due to the difficulty in mastering this style, with it's rigid customs and laws, meant that fencing did not become as popular in Spain as it did in the rest of Europe.
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: The point of the sword is held as low as possible at an acute angle, with the hilt and arm in a straight line so that the hilt is at the height of the right eye. The feet are placed roughly three and a half feet apart.
CHARACTER BONUSES
Add +1 to P.S.
Add +4 to P.P.
Add +2 to P.E.
Add +2D4 to S.D.C.
COMBAT SKILLS
Attacks per Melee: 5
Escape Moves: Maintain Balance, Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact.
Attack Moves: Forward Spin, Pass (NEW!)
Basic Defense Moves: Automatic Parry, Backward Turn, Dodge, Parry.
Advanced Defense Moves: Circular Parry, Combination Dodge/Slash(NEW!), Combination Parry/Attack, Disarm, Spinning Evasion.
Hand Attacks: Punch (Human Fist).
Basic Foot Attacks: Kick Attack.
Jumping Foot Attacks: None.
Special Attacks: Death Strike.

Holds/Locks: None.
Weapon Kata: W.P. Long Sword (Large Sword), W.P. Rapier (Large Sword).
Modifiers to Attacks: Critical Strike.
SKILLS INCLUDED IN TRAINING
Martial Art Powers: None.
Languages: Spanish
Cultural: Basic Math, Advanced Math
Physical: Moving Blind, Acrobatics, Dancing, Fencing
Weapon Proficiencies: W.P. Long Sword (Large Sword), W.P. Rapier (Large Sword).
Philosophical Training: Code Duello
If this is your Primary Martial Art then the following other styles can be learned in a shorter time: Arte Dello Spadone (8 Years), Baratero (9 Years), Escrime (7 Years), Hungarian Saber (7 Years), Paradox of Defence (9 Years), Ringen am Schwert (10 Years), Ritterliche Kunst (6 Years).
LEVEL ADVANCEMENT BONUSES
1st: +1 to Spin, +1 to Turn, +1 to Parry/Dodge
2nd: +1 to Strike with Sword, +1 to Damage with Sword
3rd: +1 to Strike, +1 to Damage, +1 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact
4th: +1 Attack per Melee
5th: Critical Strike on a Natural 19 or 20
6th: +1 to Spin, +1 to Turn, +1 to Parry/Dodge
7th: +1 to Strike with Sword, +1 to Damage with Sword
8th: +1 to Strike, +1 to Damage, +1 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact
9th: +1 Attack per Melee
10th: Critical Strike on a Natural 18, 19, or 20
11th: Death Strike on a Natural 20
12th: +1 to Spin, +1 to Turn, +1 to Parry/Dodge
13th: +1 Attack per Melee
14th: +1 to Strike with Sword, +1 to Damage with Sword
15th: Critical Strike on a Natural 17, 18, 19, or 20
Why Study DESTREZA?
Highly mobile and damaging, but the art is short on defensive maneuvers. A deadly martial art that has the single disadvantage of being dependent on a weapon for effective combat. Excellent combat bonuses are offset by a lack of attention to Chi and other esoteric studies. Capable of dealing with multiple attacks or multiple attackers with equal ease.