- "In battle, we are all equal. The edge of a fine steel blade doesn't discriminate. Only skill separates us."
- ―Achilles
In Valmasian culture, five houses of combat have been refined over the years. Each is named after a rare creature found within the wilderness or a legendary beast. They're also based around the five elements, designed with the fundamentals of the respective element in mind. Just like the elements themselves, the styles have been defined as drastically different, each having their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to swordplay.
Five Forms
Ifrit Form (Fire)
| ATK: 4 | DEF: 2 | Speed: 5 | Mana Efficiency: 1 | Technique: 4 |
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Origin: The style was named after a great imperfect Yokai, a fiery beast that was said to have slept in a volcano off the shore of Valmasia. Ifrit's spree of terror lasted for roughly fifteen years (120AC - 135AC), and after two villages had been scorched by his flames, the hero Letholdus was able to defeat the creature with the help of his men. Letholdus was inspired by Ifrit's power and founded the sword style in honor of the fallen Yokai, who had proven himself a worthy opponent despite great evil.
Technique: A fighting style that focuses on fast-paced, powerful combinations, to keep the target at bay, true to the quote "The best defense is a good offense". While it is remarkably powerful in the right hands, masters of the form often favor a swift duel due to how much magical power the style requires.
Known Practitioners: Radolph Nevin, Uriel Melym, Kane Hirano, Lancelot Cart
Fomorian Form (Earth)
| ATK: 2 | DEF: 5 | Speed: 2 | Mana Efficiency: 5 | Technique: 2 |
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Origin: Nobody quite knows what lead to this style's prominence, and the Fomorians themselves are a mystery. Rumored to be giant men of stone that dwell beneath the surface, it's said that a nameless adventurer discovered the creatures and was accepted within their domain. After being taught how they synergize their greatswords with the earth below, he left to spread to the teachings onto others.
Technique: Connected with the earth, a Fomorian master's defense is said to be unworldly. They follow the subtle vibrations that flow through the ground and into their mana, adjusting their footwork and posture to match the strikes of their opponent. Skilled practitioners are sometimes thought to be mind readers because it's almost as if they predict their opponent's attack before it's made.
Known Practitioners: Sir Bors, Atalanta, Sishio
Garuda Form
| ATK: 3 | DEF: 2 | Speed: 4 | Mana Efficiency: 3 | Technique: 4 |
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Origin:
Technique:
Known Practitioners: Tulise Sakete, Claude Este, Ouriel Melym, Sir Tristan, Achilles
Vritra Form
| ATK: 3 | DEF: 3 | Speed: 5 | Mana Efficiency: 3 | Technique: 3 |
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Origin:
Technique:
Known Practitioners: Citali Sakete, Konaa Hirano
Cetus Form
| ATK: 3 | DEF: 3 | Speed: 3 | Mana Efficiency: 3 | Technique: 3 |
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Origin:
Technique:
Known Practitioners: Sir Percival, Adonael Melym