Di Stenand
The Wall
The Wakenlyan’s first duty was to stand against the Crescent Empire. As such, their armies are taught to defend, to become a wall against the invaders. This is the standard fighting school of all the Wakenlyan armies, and any Wakenlyan military Henchmen should have it, even if only at Apprentice level. It does not provide membership in the Swordsman's Guild, and therefore receives one extra level in any of the Swordsman Knacks.
Basic Curriculum: Heavy Weapons, Shield
Swordsman Knacks: Beat (Shield), Corps-A-Corps, Lunge (Heavy Weapons), Exploit Weakness (Di Stenand)
Apprentice
Students of Di Stenand First learn to fight with a heavy sword and shield. They receive a free raise with Parry (shield) and use may use Heavy Weapon in one hand. They receive no Off Hand penalty when using a sheild.
Journeyman
The Primary purpose of the Wakenlyan armies, at least according to legend, was to defend. And while it may be noble to give your life in defense of your country, it's harder to defend that country once you are dead. Therefore, once the Di Stenand warrior has achieved Journyman level, a Parry (Shield) active defense only requires a single Action or Drama die to use as an interrupt action.
Master
Masters of Di Stenand have learned to knock their opponents weapons out of the way with the shield, usually with such force as to stun the opponent. Therefore they may make a Beat (Shield) attack and if successful, make a Lunge (Heavy Weapons) attack in the same action.
Updated: Friday, April 06, 2001