I try to select about four fighting styles for each of the main cultures.
Such has three purposes. First, I can construct a standard NPC pattern
(like the single one which the DMG provides for every class), regardless of
class. Second, players can get a sense of typical or probable fighting
styles of NPC`s they spot. Third, I can more easily select, customize, or
create prestige classes with some idea of how they fight.

The Rjurik fight with four primary weapons - sword, bow, axe, and spear.
Anyone might fight with any weapon, although swords are by far the least
common specialty weapon. Swords are expensive and don`t have the same kinds
of economic uses that bows or axes have. Swords are, therefore, the weapons
of a specialized warrior class. Spears are very common because they are
inexpensive, and used for hunting.

Swords are normally associated with the dryhten, or noble class. Nobles
might use any weapon, but few other than nobles use swords. The typical
sword style focuses on strength, intelligence, and strategy. Favored feats
include the Power Attack sequence, Weapon Focus, and Iron Will.

Axes are the favored weapon of traditional Rjurik. It can be thrown,
wielded in melee, and used as a tool. The typical axe style focuses on
strength and speed. Favored feats include Point Blank Shot and Far Shot for
throwing axes (often performed immediatly before closing) Weapon Focus, and
the Power Attack sequence for battle or great axes. Great Fortitude is also
common.

Bows are the favored weapon of a good number of Rjurik. Composite Long Bows
are an exotic weapon in Cerilia, but only a martial weapon in Rjurik. Long
Bows can be found in Anuire as well, but Short Bows are the universal bow.
Khinasi favor Composite Short Bows. Archers favor the Point Blank Short
sequence, Dodge, Quick Draw, Alertness, Improved Initiative, as well as
Dodge, Spring Attack, and Lighting Reflexes.

Spears are the most common weapon in Rjurik. The typical spear style
focuses on defense, agility, and patience. Weapon Focus, Dodge, Spring
Attack, Combat Reflexes, Hold the Line, Set Spear, and Close Order Fighting.
Every cnyht (squire) employs the long spear, because its reach allows the
cnyht to keep foes away, while having the ability to use the Aid Another
action to assist their dryht. Depending on their training, spear users
might be found in either pike or irregular units.

Kenneth Gauck
kgauck@mchsi.com

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