La Verdadera Destreza

4 points

La Verdadera Destreza (“The True Skill”) was the Spanish
school of swordsmanship. It was a civilian art. In fact, the
Spanish were among the first to recognize that military and
civilian swordfighting were distinctly different. It developed
as a method of dueling and satisfying the demands of honor
– a testament to the Spanish sensitivity to honor.
What noise is this? Give me my
long sword, ho!
– Capulet, Romeo and Juliet
The stances and techniques of La Verdadera Destreza
drew heavily from mathematics and science, and stylists –
diestro – studied Classical geometry and natural philosophy
in addition to the sword. The ideal diestro remained cool
and detached, projecting dignity and grace. He avoided
excessive motion and “vulgarity” in form or technique in
favor of efficient, geometry-based movements. He learned to
watch his opponent and “read” his stance in order to
respond at the best moment. The diestro also maintained
blade-to-blade contact as much as possible in order to sense
his adversary’s intent from his blade. Masters were said to
be able to use these methods to fight effectively even in the
dark!
La Verdadera Destreza emphasizes reaction to the oppo-
nent’s opening. The diestro stands erect, point toward the
enemy, awaiting the perfect moment to strike. He attacks
only when he achieves desvio: redirection of (or possibly
indifference to) his foe’s weapon. Thus, the style’s signature
moves are the Evaluate and Wait maneuvers. When the
adversary launches an attack that leaves him vulnerable, the
diestro parries and then follows up with a Counterattack to
a vital location. He eschews the similar but riskier Riposte
(pp. 124-125).
The style also teaches disarms and counters to disarms,
and how to fight with either hand – indeed, some stylists
learn to fight with two rapiers simultaneously. Unarmed
techniques aren’t part of the style. The diestro defeats his
foes using his blade, not by wrestling.
In a cinematic game, the sensitivity and poise of the die-
stro suggest several special abilities. The style is also well-
suited to Weapon Master (Rapier). Cinematic stylists won’t
be flashy fencers like those in the movies. Instead, they’ll be
extremely composed, unflappable, and imperturbable in the
face of the enemy.
Skills:
Expert
Skill
(Natural
Philosophy);
Mathematics/TL2 (Pure); Rapier.
Techniques: Bind Weapon (Rapier); Counterattack
(Rapier); Disarming (Rapier); Feint (Rapier); Retain
Weapon (Rapier); Targeted Attack (Rapier Thrust/Face);
Targeted Attack (Rapier Thrust/Neck); Targeted Attack
(Rapier Thrust/Vitals).
Cinematic Skills: Blind Fighting; Light Walk; Mental
Strength; Precognitive Parry.
Cinematic Techniques: Dual-Weapon Attack (Rapier);
Dual-Weapon Defense (Rapier); Initial Carving (Rapier).
Perks: Chi Resistance (Kiai); Off-Hand Weapon Training
(Rapier); Sure-Footed (Uneven).
Optional Traits
Advantages: Combat Reflexes; Danger Sense; Enhanced
Parry (Rapier); Unfazeable; Weapon Master (Rapier).
Disadvantages:
Code
of
Honor
(Spanish);
Overconfidence.
Skills: Body Language; Cloak; Main-Gauche; Philosophy
(Hermetic); Rapier Art or Sport; Savoir-Faire.
Perks: Weapon Bond.