Fencing

Fencing

The Skill of Fencing is still an accepted skill for a gentleman to know.  It is taught in most of the better schools and many Athletic Clubs also teach it.  Though no one walks around London with a rapier at their side, the sword cane, a common fashion item, is considered a ‘small sword’ for fencing and damage calculations.  Additionally, the ordinary walking stick can be used with the fencing skill to defend oneself from robbers and ruffians.  Women can also learn fencing, some upper class families encourage this for self defense.  There are also athletic clubs for women where fencing, (and other martial skills) can be learned.

Fencing is a proficiency that can be learned by any class. There are several limits attached to the proficiency. To learn fencing the character MUST have a Dexterity of 15 or better and MUST already have Swordsmanship as a proficiency.

The fencer may not wear armor, speed is of the essence!

The fencer is limited to Rapier, ‘Small word’ or Saber.  However, improvised weapons such as a walking stick or similar may be used Defensively with the Fencing Skill.  NOTE: Fencing with a Saber is a particular style of fencing and the Player choosing Fencing MUST indicate whether the character is trained with a saber or a rapier/small sword.

A fencer may make 2 attacks per round (like a Fighter) regardless  of their class. This benefit does not mean that a Fighter trained in fencing gains any extra attacks!

The Skill Level of a Fencer is equal to his/her class level.

Level of Fencer	AC bonus vs Melee Weapon	Combat bonus to Hit
1-3	+1	+1
4-6	+2	+1
7-9	+3	+2
10-12	+4	+2
13-15*	+5	+3

* Maximum Level possible.

When fighting opponents armed with weapons (other than missiles), the fencer gains bonuses to his armor class, simulating his superior skill in parrying blows. The fencer CANNOT PARRY bullets, bolts or arrows, rocks, etc. It DOES effect thrown knives, hatchets, spears, etc.   He also gains bonuses “to hit” when fighting an opponent who is using a hand-held weapon.

If forced to use an improvised weapon, ex: a baton, walking stick, poker or similar sized object that is about the same weight/heft of a saber or rapier, a fencer may use it to parry, gaining the AC bonus vs Melee Weapon while using it. The fencer DOES NOT gain any Combat Bonus to Hit or extra attacks.