Grey Tower Library:Weapon Skills

Rules Monitor

This rules page is considered accurate as of the last vote in the Hall of Sitters on 23 December 2018.

Weapon Skills Overview - Blademastery - Weapon Skill Form

Weapon Skills

Weapons are not intuitive tools. No-one can simply pick up a sword or bow and know how to use it to its best effect; training is necessary. And with training, the character's level of skill improves. Below are the twelve weapon categories that can be trained:

• Swords
• Maces
• Bows
• Polearms
• Warhammers
• Crossbows
• Flails
• Throwing Daggers
• Axes
• Slings
• Dagger
• Unarmed

Earning Points with a Weapon

In order to obtain points in a Weapon Skill, a character must complete any of the following:

• A roleplaying thread, specifically:
  • Someone can train your character. Trainers can train up to their own level of skill.
  • You can train another character up to the skill level of you possess.
  • You can spar with another character.
• A fanfic, specifically one showing your character in an actual combat scenario.
• A class

Weapon Skills are approved by the Non-Channeller Representative. (Note: the Non-Channeller Representative cannot approve themselves; a different member of the Triumvirate must approve the Weapon Skill request).

Prior Knowledge

There are some characters who come to the Grey Tower with previous weapons training and/or combat experience. If this is the case, you can apply for a number of Weapon Skill points during your character's time at their first rank. These points are subject to weapon caps, and require justification in the form of an OOC explanation using the character's biography, or a separate fanfic or thread that demonstrates the skill.

A new Drin character has seven (7) points available to them, but can claim no more than three (3) per weapon. New channellers have five (5) points available, but with weapon caps at two (2).

Skill with Weapons

• 1 point (600 words): An individual with one point has devoted some time learning to use their weapon for combat purposes. Consider them comparable to your garden-variety soldier.
• 2 points (800 words): An individual with two points has now mastered the basics of their weapon and has begun to learn advanced techniques. Consider them comparable to the Andoran Queen's Guard.
• 3 points (1,100 words): An individual with three points can now attack and defend fluidly and without hesitation. Consider them comparable to your average Aiel warrior/Maiden of the Spear.
• 4 points (1,500 words): An individual with four points excels in most uses of their chosen weapon and have perfected most advanced techniques to a reflex level. Consider them comparable to your highly-trained, battle-hardened Whitecloak commander.
• 5 points (2,000 words): An individual with five points are an elite fighter capable of outmatching more than one opponent of any skill level. Consider them comparable to your Crown Prince who's been training since he was a boy, and has fought in several wars in defence of their country.
• 7 points (special): An individual with seven points is a Blademaster. They now have the right to mark their weapon with the herons and are among the elite wielders of their weapon. Blademasters have learned everything there is to know about their weapon, but they often sacrifice versatility for this specialisation. Note that two points are required to make the transition to Blademaster; this represents the amount of study and dedication required.

Cumulative Weapon Skill Point Limits by Rank

• Novices, Soldiers, and Rank One Westlanders: Five (5).
• Accepted, Dedicated, and Rank Two Westlanders: Seven (7).
• Drin: Seven (7).
• Ji'val: Ten (10).
• Rank Three and above: No limit.

If you earn more points than you are currently qualified for (e.g. you are a novice with five points, and then earn two more), the additional point(s) will be put on hold until you are raised and qualify again. You may need to email Admin to remind them.

Point Limits per Weapon Category by Rank

• Novices, Soldiers, and Rank One Westlanders: Two (2).
• Accepted, Dedicated, and Rank Two Westlanders: Four (4).
• Drin: Three (3).
• Ji'val, and Rank Threes and above: No limit, but the Non-Channeller Representative will consider current Weapon Skills against future requests.