RINGEN AM SCHWERT
By Kuseru
Entrance Requirements: No alignment or attribute restrictions.
Skill Cost: 14 Years (12 Years as a Secondary Martial Art Style)
Ringen am Schwert (Grappling and Sword) is a medieval German style developed around the same time as Arte Dello Spadone in Germany and the Eastern European portions of the Holy Roman Empire. Derived from the Old Style of medieval swordsmanship, Ringen am Schwert uses a vicious system of slashes and cuts aimed at the upper torso and head as well as a box-like system of parries. These are the types of attacks and defenses expected from a horseman. Training includes Halbschwert (half-sword) techniques such as pommel strikes, forearm trapping, holding the blade while entangling/striking/slicing.
The weapons taught in this style include the Langenschwert (long sword) and Messer (falchion), with a secondary sword or dagger sometimes used. In addition to weapons, Blossfechten (unarmored foot combat), Harnischfechten (combat in plate armor), Ringkunst/Ringen (grappling) and Rossfechten (mounted combat) are also taught. Grappling techniques include throws, Schwertnenmen (sword-taking) or disarms, Unterhalten "holding down" ground fighting techniques, Binden (entangling), and Winden (winding/entering techniques).
Costume: European Armor.
Stance: A wide sideways stance with legs almost twice shoulder-width apart. Hand position varies according to weapon availability.
CHARACTER BONUSES
Add +4 to P.S.
Add +1 to P.P.
Add +3 to P.E.
Add +4 to Spd.
Add +3D4 to S.D.C.
COMBAT SKILLS
Attacks per Melee: 4
Escape Moves: Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact
Attack Moves: None.
Basic Defense Moves: Automatic Parry, Dodge, Entangle, Parry.
Advanced Defense Moves: Disarm
Hand Attacks: Punch (Human Fist).
Basic Foot Attacks: Kick Attack, Tripping/Leg Hook, Snap Kick.
Jumping Foot Attacks: None.
Special Attacks: Body Block/Tackle, Body Flip/Throw, Death Strike (New!), Halbschwert (Half-Sword, NEW!), Hilt Strike (NEW!), Pin/Incapacitate.
Holds/Locks: Arm Hold, Leg Hold, Neck Hold, Arm Lock, Elbow Lock.
Weapon Kata: W.P. Langenschwert (Large Sword), W.P. Messer (Short Sword).
Modifiers to Attacks: Critical Strike.
SKILLS INCLUDED IN TRAINING
Martial Art Powers: None
Languages: German
Cultural: Horsemanship: Knight
Physical: Fencing, Wrestling
Weapon Proficiencies: W.P. Langenschwert (Large Sword), W.P. Messer (Short Sword), W.P. Dagger, W.P. Paired.
Philosophical Training: None.
If this is your Primary Martial Art then the following other styles can be learned in a shorter time: Arte Dello Spadone (8 Years), Destreza (10 Years), Escrime (7 Years), Hungarian Saber (7 Years), Kampfringen (10 Years), Paradox of Defence (9 Years), Ritterliche Kunst (6 Years).
LEVEL ADVANCEMENT BONUSES
1st: +1 to Strike, +2 to Entangle with Sword, +1 to Hold/Lock
2nd: +1 to Damage, +2 to Disarm with Sword, +1 to Body Flip/Throw
3rd: +1 to Strike with Sword, +1 to Damage with Sword, +2 to Parry or Dodge
4th: +1 Attack per Melee
5th: +1 to Strike, +1 to Entangle with Sword, +1 to Hold/Lock
6th: +1 to Damage, +1 to Disarm with Sword, +1 to Body Flip/Throw
7th: Critical Strike on a Natural 19 or 20
8th: +1 to Strike with Sword, +1 to Damage with Sword, +1to Dodge
9th: Death Blow on a Natural 20
10th: +1 Attack per Melee
11th: +2 to Strike with Sword, +1 to Hold/Lock
12th: +2 to Damage with Sword, +1 to Body Flip/Throw
13th: Critical Strike on a Natural 18, 19, or 20
14th: +1 Attack per Melee
15th: Death Blow on a Natural 19 or 20
Why Study RINGEN AM SCHWERT?
A student of this style will become faster and more powerful, and he will be able to fully defend himself in many situations (though for lower level students multiple attackers could be a problem). This style does not require the use of weapons, but it is greatly enhanced if wielding them. A sound body is the perfect weapon, why should this style offer any mind-oriented abilities? The purpose of this style is to kill, plain and simple.