>===== Original Message From Joshua Kronengold <mneme at io.com> ===== >Matt Jennings writes: >>Vlad uses the 'modern' side stance, which exposes little of his body. This >>means he can parry/attack with one hand while using his other to do >>his little tricks. (throw knives, shurikens, etc...) > >>Khaavren et al use a full-face stance, meaning they usually need a poinard to >>defend that side of their body. > >It actually goes the other way -- smallsword fencers tend to use a somewhat >more extreme stance, since the smallsword is fast enough that fencing >tends to get a bit linear (and in 18th century duels, off-hand weapons <big snip> I am really only referring to how the styles are described in the books (I don't have nearly the knowledge you have). But I always thought the general idea of 'modern' fencing (stance and all) is also based on having a good length to the sword in combination with the side stance, gives a excellent range to the attack. (Which is why Vlad does fine against the Dragerans larger swords.) >Hmm. I need to re-read 500 years after. I just read it again recently. It so rocks. MattJ "Forward in all directions." - 3m3