Legends

History and Lore of the Blade Dancer - by T.A. Saunders revision v2.5 2013

Blade Dancer Weapons

This dance differs from Blade Dancer to Blade Dancer, though there are eight different forms that are instructed; all but one of which can be traced back to the twilight of the Tallis-Shei of Ishaela. There are variations on these styles of course, and it is possible for a Blade Dancer to know more than one, though it is quite rare to know more than two. These Grand Masters are both rare and do not openly reveal their knowledge to those who would seek it.

The Dance, regardless to which style the Dancer learns is more an expression of one's self and how they see themselves in the Natural Order, rather than a means to gain a tactical advantage of some kind. Blade Dancing is a form of religious expression, rather than a combat form.

Rajsho

The Rajsho is a two sword or two long knife fighting form that involves dizzying the enemy with a multitude of feints, dodges and fast maneuvers to keep them off balance. This is the favored Blade Dance amongst the Wood Elves of Tallis-Kah and considered one of the oldest styles. Rajsho is very hard to counter for slow moving opponents, as it does not rely on the weight of the strike, but the swarm of the whole. Those who dance the Rajsho form are also usually very nimble and hard to strike with a solid blow.

Noj-Vrah

The Blade Dance known as the Noj-Vrah relies on using a light, hand and a half sword called the Talii, a weapon of straight double-edged blade, save for the weightier, spaded tip to allow for devastating thrusts. While not as fast as Rajsho, a master of Noj-Vrah is quite capable of defending his or herself against the faster form, by using the length of the weapon to counter both blades. There is quite a bit of spinning involved in Noj-Vrah, to build momentum for many of the spaded point-related maneuvers. Noj-Vrah is known for its many ‘one shot, one kill' types of strikes. While one of the simpler forms to learn, it requires a great deal of skill to master.

Vesah

The Vesah Blade Dance isn't so much about what weapon is used, but how the weapon is used. Vesah is considered one of the most adaptable, hence most deadly of the Blade Dances, as it relies on using the attacker's own momentum, strength and footwork against them. This is a very defensive Dance, which can be a pro and a con, depending on the situation. Often, this is chosen as a second dance learned. Very little maneuvering or footwork is involved, but foot placement is crucial for this form. Any manner of weapon can be used in this form, giving it an adaptability that makes it difficult to defend against.

Kahrah

Kahrah is the only Blade Dance that specifically works in a shield or buckler into its form. Often a blade-ringed small shield, called a Koisu in Elvish, or scythe-shield to more human tongues, is employed to allow for extra attacks, in more advanced versions of this dance. The shield is often used as a distraction, or a means to either dazzle (with reflective surfaces on the outside of the shield) or stun with bash-type moves. Kahrah is considered one of the most adaptable Blade Dances, given both a blend of offensive and defensive capabilities.

Misurah

This is known also as the Dance of Death and the most difficult to learn of all the Blade Dances. Misurah places the Blade Dancer into a whirling frenzy that does not employ any measure of defensive parry or riposte, but rather seeks to devastate its opponent with an onslaught of unpredictable attacks. Vesah is considered the best counter for this dance, though one had best be a master of Vesah to hope to keep pace. The Misurah form is a favorite amongst Fallen Blade Dancers who have given themselves to the lust for death and Khazaar's will.

Amirysir

The Amirysir form is more recent Blade Dance form, developed by the Asyn-Shei Blade Dancer Ami Kir-Lynris. Formally a Nahara, Ami lost her standing when she took the life of a client using metallic fans she performed many of her exotic dances with. The idea of using fans as weapons appealed to her insomuch that she privately commissioned a new sort of weapon to be crafted for this unique Blade Dance. These weapons, called Najiro, resemble normal fans but have been drastically weaponized to suit the individual dancer. This is a fast and dazzling Blade Dance filled with both quick offensive strikes and powerful defensive blocks.

Matarys

This Blade Dance involves the use of two metal rods with long, thin blades meeting in an inverted V at the ends, connected by a long chain, called a Tura. The Matarys Blade Dance is very versatile, but also very difficult to learn in that the weapon can be as lethal to the attacker as it is to the opponent. Mastering this form gives the attacker the ability to spear their opponent with one end of the Tura, then dragging them in for a finishing shot with the other. This form involves a great deal of spinning with the Tura and can be quite beautiful to watch, but not recommended for an inexperienced Blade Dancer to even attempt.

Xifa

The Xifa Blade Dance is performed with an S-shaped weapon, called a Kiju, that consists of shaped wooden center, with two sweeping sickle blades on either end, facing opposite directions. While the weapon initially seems cumbersome, in the hands of a skilled Blade Dancer, the size and weight of the weapon become an asset rather than a burden. Made to mimic a whirlwind, the Xifa dance involves a great deal of spinning, weaving and turning with the large weapon, making it very hard to mount an offense against. Because the attacker is often put at a distance a bit longer than most swords can reach, the dancer of Xifa can often strike a fierce blow and never be touched. The hallmark move of the Xifa dance is most often decapitation.