SWISS GUARD
By Kuseru
Entrance Requirements: Limited to those of Honorable Alignment. Minimum Attributes include: I.Q. 9, P.S. 13, and P.E. 12.
Skill Cost: 15 Years (13 Years as a Secondary Martial Art Style)
The Swiss Guard style originated with the many Swiss military victories of 1386-1499 which resulted in all the nations of Europe employing mercenaries from Switzerland. Originally derived from defensive peasant levies from Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden, Swiss troops could be levied within two to four days, armed and carrying a few days supplies.
There are three main weapons used by Swiss troops: halberds, pikes and the crossbow. The Swiss Halberd had a broad axe blade as its main weapon, with a long point for thrusting and a hook to pull riders from their horses, in the hands of the brawny Swiss mountaineer, it cleaved through the finest armor of Europe as easily as flesh or bone. However, the halberd eventually gave way to the pike as the preferred weapon of Swiss troops. The Swiss pike was 21 feet long with 3 feet of steel protecting the tip from being slashed by swords or axes. Swiss skill with the crossbow is illustrated by the classic legend of William Tell. The ability of the crossbow to puncture heavy armor made it an ideal ranged weapon for the lightly armed Swiss infantry. Other weapons used, though less so than the primary three, were lucern hammers, morning stars and two-handed swords.
Swiss guards are still seen today, guarding Vatican City and the Pope. Due to changing times, a much stronger emphasis has been placed on the Swiss Guards' military function and their training has been upgraded to include unarmed combat as well as issue of pistols and submachine-guns.
Costume: Swiss Infantry were lightly armored with metal helmets and metal or leather cuirasses and possibly light greaves for the halberdiers while the pikemen typically wore felt hats or metal helmets in addition to padded or leather cuirasses. Gaudy uniforms didn't become the norm until the early 16th century and typically consisted of orange and blue stripes.
The official dress uniform of the Swiss Guard is a Renaissance-styled jumpsuit of blue, red, orange and yellow whereas the working uniform consists of blue coveralls and a black beret.
Stance: Feet shoulder's width apart with knees bent about halfway down, back and shoulders straight upright. The hands and arms holding the pike or halberd away from the body and vertical to the ground; the top hand holding the wood at the top and the bottom hand holding it at the bottom.
CHARACTER BONUSES
Add +2 to P.S.
Add +2 to P.E.
COMBAT SKILLS
Attacks per Melee: 3
Escape Moves: Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact.
Attack Moves: None.
Basic Defense Moves: Automatic Parry, Dodge, Parry.
Advanced Defense Moves: Combination Parry/Attack, Disarm.
Hand Attacks: Punch (Human Fist).
Basic Foot Attacks: Kick Attack.
Jumping Foot Attacks: None.
Special Attacks: Backward Thrust, Combination Strike/Parry, Combination Weapon Attack/Kick (NEW!), Death Strike (NEW!), Power Weapon Attack (NEW!), Trip/Leg Hook - Weapon (NEW!)
Holds/Locks: Neck Grapple with Weapon.
Weapon Kata: W.P. Halberd (Polearm), W.P. Reverse Stroke, W.P. Pike (Spear), W.P. Crossbow
Modifiers to Attacks: Critical Strike.
SKILLS INCLUDED IN TRAINING
Martial Art Powers: None
Languages: Swiss, English, French, Italian, Latin.
Cultural: Military Etiquette
Physical: Boxing, Forced March, Wrestling
Weapon Proficiencies: W.P. Halberd (Polearm), W.P. Reverse Stroke, W.P. Pike (Spear), W.P. Crossbow, W.P. Lucern Hammer (Polearm), W.P. Morningstar (Chain), W.P. Two Handed Sword (Large Sword).
Philosophical Training: None.
If this is your Primary Martial Art then the following other styles can be learned in a shorter time: Schwingen (5 Years).
LEVEL ADVANCEMENT BONUSES
1st: +1 to Strike, +1 to Parry, +1 to Disarm, +1 to Dodge, +1 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact
2nd: +1 to Strike with Polearm, +1 to Damage with Polearm
3rd: +1 Attack per Melee
4th: +1 to Strike, +1 to Parry, +1 to Disarm
5th: Add 3 levels to one Weapon Kata
6th: Death Strike on a Natural 20
7th: +1 Attack per Melee
8th: Critical Strike on a Natural 19 or 20
9th: +1 to Strike with Polearm, +1 to Damage with Polearm
10th: +1 to Dodge, +1 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact
11th: +1 to Strike, +1 to Parry, +1 to Disarm
12th: Critical Strike on a Natural 18, 19, or 20
13th: +1 to Strike with Polearm, +1 to Damage with Polearm
14th: +1 to Dodge, +1 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact
15th: +1 Attack per Melee
Why Study SWISS GUARD?
Not as flashy as some arts, but meant to handle a large variety of combat situations. In combat situations, it teaches the essential skills needed for defeating an opponent. With the long reach and power of a weapon, this style allows a student to take on multiple attackers as easily as single ones and dispatch them quickly. On the other hand, there are few/no special powers or abilities, so it's pretty limiting in any other circumstances.