18 Weapon Technique
AKA: Shih Ba Ban Wu Yi, 18 Martial Arts Weapon Techniques, Tian Fang, Palanos is My Fortress, 老天爷防卫
For most of Alcirya, Shih Ba Ban Wu Yi or"Eighteen Kinds of Martial Arts Weapon Techniques" pretty much sums up what this martial art is all about. These students train with every hand to hand weapon to the point where they can pick up a different weapon at random and use it with amazing prowess with no combat penalties. Initial practice is grueling, often taking ten to twelve hours a day for a full year. In the modern era, the School of 18 Weapons is known for their relentless support of the Templar tradition while, at the same time, acting as ‘holy’ mercenaries. Shih Ba has established training facilities in many large urban centers and they only accept missions that are ‘acceptable in the eyes of Palanos’ and, of course, that are supported by a heavy cash offering.
For those who know, however, Shih Ba Ban Wu Yi was once known as Tian Fang or “Palanos is my Fortress.” Tian Fang originated from the devotion of a Templar (High Templar Stronech). High Templar Stronech served as a field Commander during the Great Wars of Succession. After several successful, though costly, campaigns H.T. Stronech retired his commission. Despite retirement, Stronech was called into service again as a special trainer for Templar Squires. Years of teaching and study found H.T. Stronech desiring a further commitment to his faith; a statement of purity of purpose. With a small school of disciples, H.T. Stronech left his teaching position and started a small school in the Dragonspine Mountains with the intent of an unobstructed commitment to training and faith practice. Their objective: be ready in any situation to fight for the will of Palanos. Stronech’s requirement for his followers was a foreswearing of use of armor – he believed that a strong faith would bring Palanos’ blessing and protection. As such, wearing armor was a statement of a lack of faith in Palanos. H.T. Stronech’s school thrived and soon small sects of followers began to develop throughout Xanthios.
Years later, the discipline and organization of H.T. Stronech has persevered despite public allegations that Shih Ba is only interested in monetary concerns and has lost its spiritual roots. That question, however, can only be answered by the followers themselves and it is something they fervently deny.
1. Every weapon proficiency spent on a weapon is considered a Kata as well.
2. Students who train this martial art exclusively (as a Martial Artist Class with no secondary arts) lose their non-proficient penalty with any weapons.
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