Ishtari School of Dueling

The Ishtari School of Dueling began during the Irillian Empire in Saxa Hildaria by renowned duelist Paeter Hildarii Ishtari. Saxa Hildaria was the seat of the Irillian consul of the Hildarii Province. Irillians and the conquered Hildari mixed within the expansive city. The Hildari ideal of first-blood combat to decide matters of honor or property began to take hold among wealthy young men. Soon dueling grounds became dueling schools, each one vying for rich patrons.

Master swordsman Janus Venvendi has a small school with no notable students, until he brought Ishtari to his school. Ishtari attempted to rob him and when Venvendi could not best him he knew he found a true raw talent. Ishtari learned quickly and adapted the teachings of Venvendi with his own natural instincts. Before the death of Venvendi the school had risen to one of the finest in the city. When Ishtari took over the school its prominence became known throughout the province.

Ishtari was an orphan from one of the many sickness that followed the wars as the Hildari were passivized. He fought for his daily food with a sharpened piece of iron when necessary. His ability to bait his opponents into attacking him where and when he wanted to was mesmerizing to watch. Like a mongoose baits a snake, Ishtari baited his opponents then draw the point on the counter-stroke. He retired from the mat having lost no matches and accepting only a four draws.