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In the village of Hillscythe, found nestled in the northern highlands, The Claidheamh Beag Art is a style of highland-broadsword combat practiced and taught by Caeren warriors.
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Equipment |The Signature Claidheamh Beag
Wielded in the dominant hand - often the rear - the Highland Basket-hilted Broadsword acts as the centre-piece of the system. With blade lengths typically around 30 inches, and the wielding hand protected by a sturdy metal cage, this sword is easy to begin with, and is well suited for expansion into intricate systems in which your skill and athleticism combine with your individual approach to style.
The Highland Targe Shield
Secured to the lead forearm, The Targe is a relatively simple round-shield with a face oft covered in Caeren patterns of brass or other metals for strength and decoration. In the centre of The Targe is 'The Shield Boss', or 'umbo', which is a convex mound of metal designed to deflect blows. The variants used in The Claidheamh Beag Art have a screw-slot for a thin metal spike, which is kept on the back-side of the shield.
The Long Dirk
Also known as The Skean-Dubh, this vicious dagger measures at 12 inches in length and is wielded in the lead hand. The Dagger's length allows its point to extend past the rim of the Targe, and whilst the weapon is incapable of dealing maximum damage, the threat of well-placed puncture wounds make it a staple and valued weapon in the system.
Fighting |Wielded in the dominant hand - often the rear - the Highland Basket-hilted Broadsword acts as the centre-piece of the system. With blade lengths typically around 30 inches, and the wielding hand protected by a sturdy metal cage, this sword is easy to begin with, and is well suited for expansion into intricate systems in which your skill and athleticism combine with your individual approach to style.
The Highland Targe Shield
Secured to the lead forearm, The Targe is a relatively simple round-shield with a face oft covered in Caeren patterns of brass or other metals for strength and decoration. In the centre of The Targe is 'The Shield Boss', or 'umbo', which is a convex mound of metal designed to deflect blows. The variants used in The Claidheamh Beag Art have a screw-slot for a thin metal spike, which is kept on the back-side of the shield.
The Long Dirk
Also known as The Skean-Dubh, this vicious dagger measures at 12 inches in length and is wielded in the lead hand. The Dagger's length allows its point to extend past the rim of the Targe, and whilst the weapon is incapable of dealing maximum damage, the threat of well-placed puncture wounds make it a staple and valued weapon in the system.
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Including all the typical techniques of one-handed swordplay, the Claidheamh have a small set of specific rules which act as the foundation for the style.
Cleaving strikes are favoured, with overhead attacks focused on the collar intended to crack down through the bone and bite into the heart. With every strike the sword-arm is protected by the Targe, which moves in unison with the opposite arm.
The lip / forward guard of the Broadsword can be used to reap an opponent's shield temporarily out of the way to clear the path for the blade - which, once placed upon the opponent, is pulled back sharply to slash. Draw-cuts like these are used often in the close-ranged style where larger cleaves aren't possible.
The Targe itself also serves as a hammer- not just for striking the opponent, but for striking one's own weapon. When an opponent manages to block the blade, the Highlander can use the Targe to generate extra leverage and force to break through by driving it into the rear of their own weapon.
Amplifying these principles is a capacity for Highland Wrestling, which every Claidheamh fighter is expected to become adept at. In one-on-ones, Claidheamh fighters will seek to create binds whenever possible and will even discard their sword if the opportunity for a takedown presents itself. Once an opponent is taken down, the highlander will typically attempt to mount them and - if armoured - force their Dirk through the visor of the helm.
Cleaving strikes are favoured, with overhead attacks focused on the collar intended to crack down through the bone and bite into the heart. With every strike the sword-arm is protected by the Targe, which moves in unison with the opposite arm.
The lip / forward guard of the Broadsword can be used to reap an opponent's shield temporarily out of the way to clear the path for the blade - which, once placed upon the opponent, is pulled back sharply to slash. Draw-cuts like these are used often in the close-ranged style where larger cleaves aren't possible.
The Targe itself also serves as a hammer- not just for striking the opponent, but for striking one's own weapon. When an opponent manages to block the blade, the Highlander can use the Targe to generate extra leverage and force to break through by driving it into the rear of their own weapon.
Amplifying these principles is a capacity for Highland Wrestling, which every Claidheamh fighter is expected to become adept at. In one-on-ones, Claidheamh fighters will seek to create binds whenever possible and will even discard their sword if the opportunity for a takedown presents itself. Once an opponent is taken down, the highlander will typically attempt to mount them and - if armoured - force their Dirk through the visor of the helm.
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Basic Principles |
1 | Defence is built into offence: The Targe moves with the sword-arm whilst attacking. The basket-hilt defends the hand and wrist, whilst the Targe defends the forearm.
2 | Each limb guards itself. The lead leg is drawn back to slip out of the way of low attacks, and distance is maintained.
3 | Do not defend your face with the Targe. Covering your vision will get you killed.
History | 2 | Each limb guards itself. The lead leg is drawn back to slip out of the way of low attacks, and distance is maintained.
3 | Do not defend your face with the Targe. Covering your vision will get you killed.
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To be added.
Written by Mórrígan Máedóc MacAllister
