Augstene Fencing

Part of Culture of Otheia
In the highland realm of Otheia a distinct style of fencing has developed, along with weapons designed to suit it. Forged in the cramped and narrow alleyways of the City of Hihhil, Augstene fencing focuses entirely on the thrust. The weapons suited for the style are similarly focused on thrusting above all else, and no parallels are found throughout the rest of Otheia. 
=== Style ===
The Augstene style of fencing focuses on swords, daggers, and unarmed combat. The most famous is the sword style. 
==== Stance ====
The stance of combat prefers the lowering of the center of gravity, and the drawing of the lower torso behind the feet and head, for protection against lunges. The sword is held forward with the arm semi-extended, that the guard may act as a shield against incoming blows. The off-hand is held close to the face, where it may be used to bat away incoming attacks. 
==== Strikes ====
The primary strike of Augstene fencing is the lunge. Duels tend to last only a few seconds, with a single lunge deciding the victor. The lunge begins with the arm extending, leading the blade toward the target, before committing the body. The blade bats away the opponent’s strike before guiding into the opponent’s torso or face, killing them. 
==== Defenses ====
Augstene fencing is almost entirely focused on the attack, though there are some defensive measures, all to do with the off-hand. The first is the hand to ward away strikes. There is also use of a parrying dagger, and cloaks are used in both defending against strikes, and thrown to distract an opponent from one’s own incoming attack.
=== Operis Sword ===
The blade which developed to suit Highland Fencing is known as the Operis. It is a long, thin blade, with a circular disk guard to protect the hand. It is optimized for thrusting, and very few swords have a blade suited to cutting, most having a diamond cross-section. 
The Operis is considered by the nobility to be a peasant’s weapon, having developed for a martial style used by the lower classes. Despite this, due to its popularity in Hihhil, many outside the city have begun using the sword as well, associating the sleek sword with the trendy society in the capital of a Otheia. Thus, it has been increasingly found in large numbers outside of the Highland Realm, in cities such as Estya, Rasek, and others connected to the capital of the Augkarate.
Category:Culture of Otheia