Way of the Six Blades

In Thelesia, there are particular traditions that exist in different regions of the world. In years long past, soldiers, heroes, and adventurers alike used to travel far across the world to learn from masters of each of these fighting styles and eventually become a Master of the Six Blades.

History

The Way of the Six Blades was born when six martial masters came together in Djeda to exchange ideas and train. They started a kind of monastic order, frequently meditating and resting together after bouts of intense training. The representatives from each of the Blades were as follows:

• Bolgrath of Asstone
• Diarnin of the Twins
• Remorrhaz of the Khesian Isles
• Scar of Yapmoor
• Yolnik of Ursfalls
• Papouri of Egion

Each of these individuals was the master of one of the six Blades, which all were focused on one particular blade and one particular fighting style or stance. The following correspond to the masters in order:

• Way of Lightning Strikes (katana)
• Way of the Deep Wound (rapier)
• Way of the Cleave (khopesh)
• Way of the Swordbreaker (parrying dagger)
• Way of Overwhelming Blows (greatsword)
• Way of Centeredness (shortsword)

Individuals that are trained in these martial crafts gain the following abilities that correspond to the Way they have just received training in:

• The ability to take an additional Attack action in their first round of combat.
• The ability to impose the Bleeding condition on opponents.
• The ability to target multiple opponents with one strike.
• The ability to disarm opponents and attempt to break their weapon. 
• The ability to perform heightened critical attacks. 
• The ability to improve both offensive and defensive capabilities. 

Those who aim to attain title Master of Six Blades must travel to each of these cities and find a master in each of the city's respective arts. They then take part in a rigorous year-long training process as an apprentice underneath their chosen master, after which time they are put through a series of trials in order to guarantee proficiency in the Way.