Elven Blade Dancing

This technique grew out of an earlier art form where elves would dance between flashing blades, while carrying one of their own. This was the highlight of many high festivals. However, as bloodthirsty armies hard pressed the elven nations — it became a fighting style.

As a fighting style this art is still very flashy and quick. The moves best suited for combat were those where the warrior was always in motion. This allowed them to move from under cover, strike several quick blows, and return to cover and escape. Advanced Techniques

The greatest dancers, many of whom refused to use their art for killing, developed these techniques. However, many times their students didn’t feel the same as friends and loved ones died under an enemy’s blade.

Lilith of the Whispering clan mastered all the three techniques below. She was still a child when the Blight war began, but quickly became a legendary scout. When she fell holding back a surprise attack on the western borders all of Ellendar mourned her loss. However, she was not a vain woman and freely taught her techniques to her students. Butterfly on the Petal XE “Elven Sword Dancing:Butterfly on the Petal”

This technique is one of the oldest and most well remembered techniques. When properly executed its practitioner is constantly dodging and weaving in a dizzying pattern. It is rare that any mortal can touch a true master of this art. Lilith of the Whispering clan perfected the form shown below.

Power: Desolidification

Modifiers: ½ END (+¼), Not vs. Area or Surprise attacks (-½), Full Phase startup (-¼), Gestures startup (-¼), Sword Dancing Skill Roll Required (-½)

Active Cost: 50 Active Points

Real Cost: 20 Real Points

Endurance: 4 END

Skill Modifier: -5 Wind in the Trees XE “Elven Sword Dancing:Wind in the Trees”

This is the second of Lilith’s techniques, and one she always taught to those scouts that were under her command. While she was lost holding back a surprise attack on the western borders, she had passed on many of her secrets to her students. This technique has been refined several times and gives the patrols the reputation of swift justice.

Power: 20” Flight

Modifiers: ½ END (+¼), Must be in forest for entire movement (-1), Full Phase startup (-¼), Gestures startup (-¼), Sword Dancing Skill Roll Required (-½)

Active Cost: 50 Active Points

Real Cost: 17 Real Points

Endurance: 4 END

Skill Modifier: -5 Whisper XE “Elven Sword Dancing:Whisper”

This is the last and most powerful of Lilith’s techniques. Only one of her students could master even the most basic of its principals. Through concentration, self-confidence, and true harmony with the environment the practitioner can seemingly disappear.

It is said that Lilith was so skilled that no spell, powers, or natural force could find her. It is this rumor that keeps stories of her still alive today, as her body was never found. Children are told that Lilith still lives and watches over Ellendar to this day.

Power: Invisibility to All Sight (+5), All Sound (+10)

Modifiers: ½ END (+¼), Must be in natural cover (-½), Full Phase startup (-¼), Sword Dancing Skill Roll Required (-½), Concealment Skill Roll Required (-¼)

Active Cost: 35 Active Points

Real Cost: 14 Real Points

Endurance: 3 END

Skill Modifier: -5