Iklwa Fighting

5 points

History credits Shaka, the early 19th-century Zulu king,
with turning the Zulus into a warrior nation. He forged war
bands into disciplined regiments, or impi, and trained his
troops to fight with the short-handled, long-bladed iklwa
instead of the assegai (javelin). They also used the knobbed
club. When not at war, Zulu warriors led a pastoral exis-
tence, and thus tended to be both fit and fleet of foot.
Iklwa Fighting is extremely direct. It uses the shield not
only to deflect attacks but also to hook the enemy’s shield
and drag him off-balance. After pulling his foe off-guard, the
warrior stabs his opponent in the vitals and disembowels
him (to release his spirit in death). Committed Attack
(Strong) is common.
Skills: Axe/Mace; Running; Shield; Spear.
Techniques: As Sojutsu (pp. 197-198), but replace
Disarming (Spear) and Sweep (Spear) with Armed Grapple
(Shield) and Feint (Shield).
Optional Traits
Advantages: Combat Reflexes; Fit.
Disadvantages: Bloodlust; Callous.
Skills: Guns.