ARTE OF DEFENCE
by Lee Casebolt

Entrance Requirements:
Skill Cost:

Another bit of Western martial culture - the Arte of Defence. Primarily deals with rapier fencing, along with a few related weapons, and the basics of boxing and wrestling. All fencers encouraged to comment.

Costume:
Stance:
CHARACTER BONUSES
Add 1 to ME
Add 2 to PP
Add 1 to PE
Add 2 to Spd
Add 10 to SDC
COMBAT SKILLS
Attacks per Melee: 3
Escape Moves: Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact, Maintain Balance
Attack Moves:
Basic Defense Moves: Parry, Dodge, Automatic Parry
Advanced Defense Moves: Disarm, Combination Parry/Attack, Maintain Balance
Hand Attacks: Strike (punch)
Basic Foot Attacks: Kick Attack
Jumping Foot Attacks:
Special Attacks: Body Block/Tackle, Knee, Lunge (SPECIAL! A swift, deep attack with rapier or dagger. A successful Lunge does critical/double damage. Takes two attacks, and the character cannot parry or dodge during a Lunge. Character is -4 to Maintain Balance immediately following an unsuccessful lunge.)
Holds/Locks: Arm Hold, Body Hold
Weapon Kata: WP Sword -- Rapier, WP Dagger, WP Cloak*, WP Shield -- Buckler**, WP Sword -- Rapiers (PAIRED), WP Rapier and Dagger (PAIRED), WP Rapier and Cloak (PAIRED), WP Rapier and Buckler (PAIRED)
* A combat cloak does 1 point of damage, but may be used to parry, entangle, or disarm even bladed weapons. Use the WP Chain bonuses.
** WP Shield bonuses may be found in PFRPG.
Modifiers to Attacks:
SKILLS INCLUDED IN TRAINING
Martial Art Powers: Recieves the Wrist Hardening Body Hardening Exercise automatically. In addition, select two (2) Powers from Special Katas.
Languages: Italian
Cultural:
If this is your Primary Martial Art then the following other styles can be learned in a shorter time:
LEVEL ADVANCEMENT BONUSES
1st: +1 on Initiative, +1 to Strike, +1 to Parry/Dodge, Critical Strike from Behind
2nd: +2 to Damage, Critical Strike on Natural 19 or 20
3rd: +1 Attack per Melee
4th: Select one (1) Additional Martial Arts Power from Special Katas, +1 to Disarm
5th: +2 to Maintain Balance, Critical Strike on Natural 18, 19, or 20
6th: +1 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact, Death Blow on Natural 20
7th: +1 Attack per Melee
8th: +1 to Strike, +1 to Parry/Dodge
9th: Select one (1) Additional Martial Arts Power from Martial Arts Techniques or Special Katas
10th: +2 to Parry, +1 to Dodge
11th: +1 Attack per Melee
12th: +1 to Strike, +1 to Disarm
13th: +2 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact, +1 to Maintain Balance
14th: +1 Attack per Melee, Death Blow on Natural 19 or 20
15th: Select one (1) Additional Martial Arts Power from Martial Arts Techniques or Special Katas
Why Study ARTE OF DEFENCE?
For the sheer joy of sticking long, sharp, pointy objects in those who offend you. Fencing has a distinguished reputation, so it's good for your image, too.