Sword Forms by Difficulty

You can also see Sword Forms in alphabetical order
== Basic Forms ==
Arc of the Moon A simple slash, meant to take off an opponent's head. Probably begins at mid-body level, arcs to neck, and ends back at a guard stance.
The Courtier Taps His Fan A quick, powerful overhand blow, meant to split the head. A good move for anyone to have in his repertoire.
The Falcon Stoops An abbreviated version of The Kingfisher Takes a Silverback. A quick overhand thrust, returning to a guard position just as quickly.
Folding the Fan The sword sheathing technique. The blade is smoothly swung around from guard stance and sheathed, all in one motion.
The Grapevine Twines A circular motion when blades are locked, used to disarm an opponent.
Heron Wading in the Rushes IMPORTANT: This form should only be used for practicing balance. It is possible to use this form in combat, but it is highly likely you will receive your opponent's weapon in your chest before you take his head. A horizontal, pivoting slash done on one foot. Begun at shoulder or head height.
Hummingbird Kisses the Honeyrose A quick thrust in the face. Will at least deter an opponent, and will usually kill a charging opponent outright. Blade should start from shoulder height, though it may be performed from any level less quickly.
The Kingfisher takes a Silverback Begun while the sword is at shoulder height or higher, a downward stab for the abdomen. Begun when the sword is lower than shoulder height, a downward stab meant to cripple a leg or the groin. May also be used to parry a midlevel strike.
Leopard in the Tree A preliminary form, begun with both hands on the hilt of the sword, knees bent, and leaning forward in a ready position. This form is used to prepare for Unfolding the Fan or another such drawing technique.
Lion on the Hill A basic guard stance, with the sword held at shoulder height ready to move into a variety of other forms. Looks kind of like Crono's basic battle stance - see a Chrono Trigger page for more info.
Parting the Silk A more controlled slash, probably used as a precision block or strike. Directed at the abdomen, a good move to draw first blood or inflict non-lethal damage on an opponent
Unfolding the Fan The exact opposite of Folding the Fan. Can be used as an opener, since this form can unsheathe the sword and stroke at the same time. Can also be used if caught off guard or in an awkward position.
== Intermediate Forms ==
The Boar Rushes Down the Mountain A vertical slash, but one that can alter course in mid-swing quickly. Starts high and ends low. Try this with Tower of Morning.
The Creeper Embraces the Oak A slow, circling stance. The blade goes from high to low and back to constantly offer a new threat and to guard against others. Forms to use out of this: The Falling Leaf, Lightning of Three Prongs.
The Falling Leaf A more exaggerated and slower version of The Boar Rushes Down the Mountain. Starting high, the blade sweeps back and forth before reaching its lowest point. Can be used to parry effectively against multiple opponents, or just one. Move from this straight into The River Undercuts the Bank or The Wind Blows over the Wall, and you've got an effective pair.
The Heron Spreads Its Wings The operational version of Heron Wading in the Rushes. A tighter cut, concentrated in one sector of the arc of the sword.
Leaf Floating on the Breeze A horizontal guard position with a form similar to The Falling Leaf. The blade will move up and down according to the threat while moving horizontally to offer new threats. A good basic form. Attacks from this position should include Lightning of Three Prongs and Lizard in the Thornbush.
Lightning of Three Prongs Beginning from a basic stance like Lion on the Hill, a thrust that can either continue as a thrust or slash to either side. Can also be used to parry.
Low Wind Rising Can be done from almost any stance - even sitting. A diagonal slash, beginning low and rising cleanly. May be used to return to a guard stance after a form such as The Grapevine Twines or Lightning of Three Prongs
Moon Rises Over the Water A vertical arc after a horizontal, tentative slash. The blade should begin and end in the same position - near the waist.
Ribbon in the Air A horizontal slash that may change direction up or down at the tail end. Should be begun just below chest height. Both feet should be used in this form, unlike the Heron forms.
The River Undercuts the Bank Can be done from a kneeling or standing position. A horizontal slash, used to disembowel or behead.
The Swallow Rides the Air The guard stance assumed after performing The Swallow Takes Flight. More of an on-the-run stance, made for attacking or defending while mobile.
The Swallow Takes Flight Basically, Low Wind Rising followed by a short thrust. The form is angled more toward the opponent, though, so that the opening slash is more a guard for the thrust.
Tower of Morning A vertical slash, starting low and ending high. I'd pair this one with Boar Rushes Down the Mountain or The Courtier Taps His Fan.
== Advanced Forms ==
Apple Blossoms in the Wind A versatile technique, intended for use against an ambush by multiple opponents. The blade is held low, but ready for use in a number of strike forms. Keep loose and move slowly.
Bundling Straw Several quick chest-level thrusts, followed by an arc and a paired return arc that should return the blade to a guard stance. Try this against a quarterstaff opponent.
The Cat Dances on the Wall A feinting, tentative series of short slashes, thrusts, and parries. The swordsman must have good wrists and quick feet for this to be effective. Useful for buying time.
Cat on Hot Sand A faster, less tentative version of The Cat Dances on the Wall. Better for multiple opponents.
Lizard in the Thornbush Used expressly against two opponents. One thrust to the chest, then pivots and kneel with either a thrust or a slash, usually a thrust. Good mid-level technique; most veteran-level soldiers have mastered this form.
Sheathing the Sword More of a concept than a sword-form, this is used when what you can gain is greater than or equal to what you may lose in the process of gaining it. This might be using Heron Wading in the Rushes like Rand al'Thor, or it might be using Lizard in the Thornbush to take down two major opponents when you know a third, less important one is coming up behind you.
Stones Falling from the Cliff The medium difficulty version of Boar Rushes Down the Mountain. A good mainstay of a battle, this form is useful for both parrying and attacking. The sword should begin at least at shoulder height and come down.
Striking the Spark A rapid series of powerful overhand blows, best begun on the return swing of a slash like Low Wind Rising or The Heron Spreads Its Wings. If you've got stamina this can win a battle for you.
Thistledown Floats on the Whirlwind A short-range jumping spin-swipe, used for beheading. Best if done by surprise. An opening move in most cases. The sword should not move more than a foot or so; the main force is provided by the spin of the body. The blade should not extend too far out from the body, and be approximately chest high.
Twisting the Wind For use in a tight situation, when one is outnumbered. A quick, continual rotation of the body, using slashes and short thrusts to counter or attack as the situation dictates.
Water Flows Downhill A more complicated form of The Boar Rushes Down the Mountain. This form can and will change direction in mid-stroke; only the more advanced swordsmen use this form. Like its name, it takes the easiest route from high to low, avoiding contact with the other weapon while seeking its target.
Whirlwind on the Mountain A form of Thistledown Floats on the Whirlwind, except done while remaining on the ground. Can be modified for use for striking uphill or downhill simply by changing the angle of the spin. The sword also is extended further than with Thistledown Floats on the Whirlwind.
Wind and Rain Another complicated form. Begun with either Low Wind Rising or Parting the Silk, this form follows through with multiple short thrusts or quick overhand blows.
The Wood Grouse Dances Similar to the Cat Dances on the Wall, but from a more stationary point. Mainly to feel out an enemy, more than to do serious harm.
== Un-Categorized Forms ==
Note: These forms were taken from TarValon.net to finalize the list of known sword forms from the books. They have been categorized as Advanced Forms in terms of where a Warder would learn them.
Black Pebbles on Snow A strike at the opponent's ribs (added from TarValon.net's listing)
The Boar Rushes Downhill Probably pretty similar to The Boar Rushes Down the Mountain, only with a more diagonal cut instead of a vertical. Counters Cat Dances on the Wall. (added from TarValon.net's listing)
Cat Crossing the Courtyard Not a sword-form or stance, but a method of movement, which maximizes alertness and reaction potential. Weight should be on the balls of the feet, with head held high and eyes constantly shifting, watching for threats. Arms and hands should freely move, not in pockets or holding items. Each step should be taken confidently, but not hurriedly. (added from TarValon.net's listing)
Cutting the Clouds A strike at the opponent's wrist. (added from TarValon.net's listing)
Cutting the Wind Can be followed by Unfolding the Fan. (added from TarValon.net's listing)
Dandelion in the Wind A horizontal blow aimed at the opponent's throat. (added from TarValon.net's listing)
The Dove Takes Flight Starts from a low stance with the knees at around 90 degrees. The sword is held at the hip. When the attacker comes at you, you are able to thrust the sword at the enemies chest with good punch and power. (added from TarValon.net's listing)
Kissing the Adder A thrust against the opponent's heart. (added from TarValon.net's listing)
The Rose Unfolds A vertical cut aimed at the opponent's arm, going downward. (added from TarValon.net's listing)
Soft Rain at Sunset A strike at the opponent's face. (added from TarValon.net's listing)
Stones Falling Down the Mountain Same as the Stone Falling Down the Cliff, only with multiple cuts instead of one. (added from TarValon.net's listing)
Watered Silk Counters The Falling leaf. (added from TarValon.net's listing)
The Wind Blows Over the Wall Pivot and strike at the opponents wrist before thrusting at his chest. Useful against knives/one-handed sword, as you can unarm the opponent, leaving him open to you. (added from TarValon.net's listing)
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