Brevoy is a land of swordsmen, a land where physical combat is seen as honourable and a mark of social status. Many of the Northern Issians are followers of Gorum, whose noble families have grown from the warlords who first came to dominate the region. In the south, once part of the Taldan Empire, retains an affinity for the Rondolero style, while Restov is home to many of the descendants of Sirian Aldori, famous duellist and First Sword Baron. The mixing of people and cultures leads to a range of styles and competition between the best of each style. Consequently, while all sword schools teach a comprehensive range of weapon skills, the better schools also run specialist classes for their more able (or wealthier) students. There is always kudos for the school when one of their students does well, either in competition or in battle. However, there are some specialisations …

Aldori – A delicate and acrobatic style based on the use of a specialist ‘duelling’ sword. Mainly found in Restov and amongst the Khavortorov, although there are a few schools in New Stetven. It is also found in the rival city-state of Mivon, who base their whole government system on Aldori Duels. The Aldori style of fighting is equally effective on the battle field and in the duelling arena. One of the most respected, Traditional Styles.

Rondolero – A fast and furious fighting and duelling style from Taldan that is based on the Falcata and Buckler. There are schools in Silverhall, Restov and New Stetven. Rondolero fighting is equally effective on the battle field and in the duelling arena. One of the most respected, Traditional Styles.

Light Blade - Also Known as 'The Modern Style' in Restov. A very common style of fighting (and therefore seen as lower status amongst traditional duelists) this style is particular favoured in areas that depend on the water. Schools are found in Silverhall, Port Ice, Winter Break and New Stetven – with lesser presence in Restov. Some duellists from this tradition use two weapon techniques such as Two (short) Swords or Rapier and Dagger. Many Light Blade fighters do not train in Duelling techniques - but those who do can be fairly effective in the duelling arena.

Spell-Hand – a highly specialised fighting style used primarily by magi – although a few bards, wizards and sorcerers practice the art as well. It is always viewed suspiciously in the duelling arena, and spell-hand duellists are generally restricted to fighting other spell-hand duellists as a demonstration bout. There is one specialist Spell-hand training school in New Stetven - and one of the schools in Restov provides training in spell-hand.

Basic – The fighting style of the common soldier, and rarely used for duelling. Most commonly used with shield and armour, it is the default training specialisation. You find these schools everywhere, but the style is not well suited to the Duelling Arena.

The Sword Schools are represented on the Council of Restov by:

• First Sword Lord, Lady Jamandi Aldori (All Sword Lords - Aldori)
• Senior Sword Lord Aldori-Porter (Aldori Academy – Aldori)
• Senior Sword Lord Lebeda-Berain (Northern Schools - Rodolero)
• Senior Sword Lord Goffin (Southern Schools – Modern)

The single largest and most impressive Sword School in the whole of the region, its extended training and classes makes it count as a full blown Military Academy in its own right. It is overseen by First Sword Lord, Lady Jamandi Aldori, a half-elf, who is not only the best duellist in the city but also claims to be descended directly from Sirian Aldori, the original Sword Baron. Day to Day management is provided by her deputy, Sword Lord Aldori-Porter They still pay lip service to the original Sword Pact, and all senior students who achieve Sword Lord status are expected to add Aldori as part of their name. Mind you, that is seen as an honour students and alumni of the academy.

The Academy actually consists of a number of smaller schools all operating in the same area, led by their own (more junior) sword lord teacher. Some are formal, with live in students who enrol for a yearlong package of training. Others are more casual, with live out students and shorter courses. However, all of them recognise the First Sword Lord as their ‘master’. Lady Jamandi gives occasional master classes to the whole academy.

The Northern Schools are organised around an open courtyard, and are represented on the Council by Senior Sword Lord Horatio Lebeda-Berain of Rondolero Court, who is the best Rondolero Duellist in Restov. Description As you arrive at the Northern Sword Schools, you realise that it is set in two distinct buildings on opposite sides of a courtyard. Rondolero House contains Lord Berain-lebeda's school, while Haldane House, across the courtyard, houses a number of other smaller schools. There are half-a-dozen aspiring duellists practising their forms in the courtyard.

Rondolero House specialises in the Taldan Buckler and Falcata style of duelling. Lord Horatio owns and manages Rondolero House.

Haldane House, which houses the second group of the Northern Schools, is managed by a businessman who leases training dojos to individual masters. Currently there is a Rondolero school, an Aldori school and a general military training school in residence.

They all look to look to Lord Lebda-Berain for leadership and representation.

The Southern Schools are scattered all over Riverside – they don’t have a formal court, college or academy. However, Senior Sword Lord Ambu Goffin is seen as their leader and represents them on the Council of Restov. While the other schools are more popular among Nobles, the southern schools cater to those with less money to spend.

Many of the schools here are very informal and specialize in part time students and less common styles. Lord Goffin, for example is a brilliant Modern Duellist and uses a rapier most effectively. Other masters teach two weapon fighting, general weapons skills or even blade and spell styles. However, they all teach basic duelling etiquette, with many focusing on the ‘Modern’ style that uses Rapiers, Short Swords and Daggers. Two of the best known are: Goffin’s School (takes both residential and casual students, capable of advanced training) and Gibb’s School of Duelling, a very casual school that is able to teach Bards and Magi how to blend weapon and magical skills.

Terms:

Sword Lord: Think of a Black Belt Martial Artist – they have completed years of training and practice, internalised the main skills and are seen as masters of their art. However, there is still advanced training available that will allow them to excel at battle and competition. To be considered worthy of the title an aspirant must qualify for the Sword Lord or Duellist prestige classes or similar(*), and perform creditably against a recognised Sword Lord in a duel.

(*) At the very least - BAB:6 and skill with a Light Blade, Duelling Sword or Falcata.

Styles:

• Aldori: The Aldori Academy teaches the Swordlord fighter archetype, the Swordlord prestige class and the various Aldori specialist feats, the other schools only teach the archetype.
• Rodolero: Rondolero Court teaches the Buckler Duellist fighter archetype and the Duellist feat, the other schools just teach the archetype.
• Modern: The Goffin School teaches the Learned Duellist fighter archetype, the Swashbuckler rogue archetype and the Duellist prestige class. Gibb’s school is the only school in Restov that teaches the Arcane Strike feat that is key to the Arcane Duellist bard archetype.