DOLCHFECHTEN
By Kuseru
Entrance Requirements: No Attribute or Alignment restrictions.
Skill Cost: 14 Years (12 Years as a Secondary Martial Art Style)
Dolchfechten "Dagger Fighting" is a German style developed in the 15th and 16th centuries by such masters as Achille Marrozo, Hans Talhoffer, and Solothurner. This is a close combat style of grappling and dagger typically used against armored opponents. The grappling moves in this style include counters, entangling, grabs, holds, joint locks, takedowns, and throws. The primary dagger fighting methods are stabs and thrusts, though cutting is occasionally seen. Of note in this style is that daggers are often grabbed and locked, as most daggers of the period didn't have sharp edges, only points with which to pierce armor (though some daggers had very sharp edges). The dagger was also used in a variety of grappling techniques including elbow and wrist locks, neck holds, and tripping takedowns.
Costume: None, though armor or heavy clothing was typically worn.
Stance: Stand with left side forward, dagger in forward grip, left arm forward shielding abdomen or blocking dagger from the opponent's view.
CHARACTER BONUSES
Add +2 to P.S.
Add +1 to P.P.
Add +2 to P.E.
COMBAT SKILLS
Attacks per Melee: 2
Escape Moves: Maintain Balance, Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact.
Attack Moves: None.
Basic Defense Moves: Automatic Parry, Dodge, Entangle, Parry.
Advanced Defense Moves: Combination Dodge/Grab (NEW!), Combination Parry/Attack, Disarm, Pivot Counter (NEW!), Power Block/Parry, Reverse Hold/Lock (NEW!).
Hand Attacks: Punch (Human Fist)
Basic Foot Attacks: Backward Tripping/Leg Hook (NEW!), Kick Attack, Snap Kick, Tripping/Leg Hook
Jumping Foot Attacks: None.
Special Attacks: Backhand Stab (NEW!), Body Block/Tackle, Combination Grab/Stab (NEW!), Combination Entangle/Thrust (NEW!), Hand Slice (NEW!), Hip Throw (NEW!), Overarm Descending Stab (NEW!), Rolling Throw (NEW!), Scooping Throw (NEW!), Tripping Knee Hook (NEW!), Underarm Thrust (NEW!).
Holds/Locks: Arm Hold, Blade Lock (NEW!), Elbow Lock, Neck Hold, Wrist Lock
Weapon Kata: W.P. Knife
Modifiers to Attacks: Critical Strike.
SKILLS INCLUDED IN TRAINING
Martial Art Powers: Automatically receives Concealed Stance Special Kata.
Concealed Stance: Stand with left side forward, dagger held in forward grip with both hands on hilt, BEHIND your back! This provides a +2 bonus to Initiative for the first round of combat.
Languages: German
Weapon Proficiencies: W.P. Knife
Philosophical Training: None.
If this is your Primary Martial Art then the following other styles can be learned in a shorter time: Arte della Daga (5 Years), Assassin (6 Years), Baratero (9 Years), El Cuchillo (1 Year), Jailhouse Rock (7 Years), Kampfringen (10 Years), Raks Al-Khanjar (2 Years), Ringen am Schwert (10 Years), Ritterliche Kunst (6 Years).
LEVEL ADVANCEMENT BONUSES
1st: +1 to Damage, +1 to Holds/Locks
2nd: +2 to Strike, +2 to Body Flip/Throw (all Throws)
3rd: +1 Attack per Melee
4th: +1 to Damage, +1 to Holds/Locks
5th: +2 to Parry/Dodge
6th: +1 to Damage, +1 to Holds/Locks
7th: +1 Attack per Melee
8th: Critical Strike on a Natural 19 or 20.
9th: +1 Attack per Melee
10th: +2 to Strike, +2 to Body Flip/Throw (all Throws)
11th: +1 to Damage, +1 to Holds/Locks
12th: +1 Attack per Melee
13th: +2 to Parry/Dodge
14th: +1 Attack per Melee
15th: +1 to Damage, +1 to Holds/Locks
Why Study Dolchfechten?
A well-rounded system, with powerful offensive and defensive techniques. Characters who enjoy the rough-and-tumble aspects of grappling and weapons combat will love the short-range, bashing-oriented techniques of this style. This is a very powerful martial art. Relatively few special skills. Since this form has a great number of new and unusual techniques, it is often baffling to students of other martial arts.