For some, fighting is a way of life, a philosophy even. For others, it is simply a way to survive, and those who do it best will come out on top. Both schools of thought have their merits and place on a planet like Eclipse. Over the years several notable fighting styles have arisen from various places and circumstances. You can see it in a warriors stance when they swing a blade, or in the deftness of their hand postures as they throw a needle-like dagger. Some are jealously guarded while others are actively encouraged. Entire nations in history have been known to fall before some of these skilled devotions, and schools of their teaching can be found among many of the planet’s settlements. You simply have to know who to ask (or impress).
Atar
Primarily an ancient Kshathran tradition, passed down from generation to generation. A predisposition for defense brought on by a long history of conflict has bred this Martial Discipline into the Kshathran’s very bones. They are said to be the ultimate defenders. You’ll know an Atar by her heavy plated armor, and the skill with which she maintains it for no novice of the school has ever been advanced or even accepted if they didn’t know the basic principals behind each of those skills. There are rumors that if a non-Kshathran can manage to impress the Atar elders well enough, they will permit the technique to be taught to one not of their Tribe.
Available at Settlement: Downings
Please Note: This Discipline is only available to Kshathra. Characters originating from Downings may also purchase this at Character Creation with plot approval. It may be learned after that only with appropriate in-play actions and plot approval.
For other requirements and details on this Discipline, please see the Rulebook.
Gunsel
Nearly every Imperial of House Huron (and many other Imperial Houses) was raised to the way of the gun whether they were nobility, military, or peonage. Those who make the way of the gun their life, be it shotgun, six-shooter or otherwise, are known as Gunsel. These gunslingers take the effectiveness of bullets to another level. Even if you think you’re a good gunner, you’ll never be as good as these marksmen.
I do not aim with my hand.
He who aims with his hand has forgotten the face of his father.
I aim with my eye.I do not shoot with my hand.
He who shoots with his hand has forgotten the face of his father.
I shoot with my mind.I do not kill with my gun.
He who kills with his gun has forgotten the face of his father.
I kill with my heart.– a Gunsel Mantra
Available at Settlement: Morgan’s Landing
Please Note: This Discipline is only available to Imperials. Characters originating from Morgan’s Landing may also purchase this at Character Creation with plot approval. It may be learned after that only with appropriate in-play actions and plot approval.
For other requirements and details on this Discipline, please see the Rulebook.
Kataya
Every suit of armor, no matter how heavy or impervious, has its chink. Kataya find that (or make it) and deal damage like a whirlwind of blades straight at the heart of whoever wears it. While not the most resilient of fighting styles, these warriors know that in the end the armor isn’t what wins the fight. They rely on the directness of their technique and the lightness of their step to end the fight quickly, be it with throwing daggers, a poison, or using their opponents own weapons against them.
Available at Settlement: Kree Archive & The Compound
Please Note: This Discipline is only available to Tribes and Fringers. Characters originating from the Kree Archive or The Compound may also purchase this at Character Creation with plot approval. It may be learned after that only with appropriate in-play actions and plot approval.
For other requirements and details on this Discipline, please see the Rulebook.
Liago
There are many who believe emphatically that while violence is at times a necessary part of survival, killing is not. This is the essence of Liago. The best way to ensure the least amount of fatality in any situation is to resolve conflict with the fewest number of actions. The more time that elapses in a fight, the greater the chance that someone will take a fatal blow that will end their life or the life of another. Thus Liago have developed a style of neutralization in the most direct delivery possible. These concise maneuvers are favored by people from all walks of life, and of all the Disciplines Liago is favored greatly by those Nasu who wish to be able to defend themselves in the wilds of Eclipse.
Available at Settlement: Elder’s Grove
For other requirements and details on this Discipline, please see the Rulebook.
Matara
Pit Fighting is a long and glorious tradition. Being so popular, it’s no wonder there’s been an entire fighting style developed around it. Being a gladiator of the pit ain’t about using no mamby-pamby pea shooters or wearing no clunky, tin can armor! This is about brutality. This is about showmanship. This is about taking the leg off a table (or your opponent) and beating someone to death with style! You want to go down in glory? You want to be someone who owns it in the arena? You want to be a Matara!
Available at Settlement: Downings
Please Note: This Discipline is only available to Tribes and Fringers. Characters originating from Downings may also purchase this at Character Creation with plot approval. It may be learned after that only with appropriate in-play actions and plot approval.
For other requirements and details on this Discipline, please see the Rulebook.
Mikaeta
This school of expert swordsmen has two sides to its coin. On one face you hold the philosophy that there is no honor in attacking a man who has his guard down and does not perceive your intention. To do so would bring dishonor upon your name and blade. On the opposing face you have the belief that no man may prove his mettle greater in battle than he who forgoes the element of surprise. Any fool may strike an opponent down who is unaware of your presence. True prowess of a warrior is proven when both swordsmen face off in shared awareness of what is to come.
Available at Settlement: White Falls & Morgan’s Landing
Please Note: This Discipline is only available to Imperials and Meurlain. Characters originating from White Falls or Morgan’s Landing may also purchase this at Character Creation with plot approval. It may be learned after that only with appropriate in-play actions and plot approval.
For other requirements and details on this Discipline, please see the Rulebook.