Fighting style
Many fighting styles and martial arts are taught and performed on Golarion. Many reflect their cultures in their forms and incorporate aspects of philosophy or are philosophies in their own right.1 The following lists some of these, grouped by their geographic association.
Avistan
Fighting styles of Avistan include:
- Adder's strike
- a Taldan sword strike used, for instance, in fencing2
- Aldori defender
- a defensively focused fighting style that uses the Aldori dueling sword3
- Aldori school of sword fighting
- perfect for duels or flashy combat, but can also be used for practical fighting45
- Andoren defense
- originates in Andoran, it involves a two-handed grasp of one's sword6
- Elliendo defense
- a defensive style for sword fighting7
- Hamatulatsu
- an exotic but deadly fighting form inspired by the varying attacks of the barbed devil8
- Melekatha
- an exotic fighting technique designed by the vanished-archon Melek Taus9
- Order of the Stalwart Fist
- a combination of Tian and Qadiran combat techniques taught at the Taldan Monastery of the Seven Forms10
- Rondelero
- a Taldan style using a falcata and buckler11
- Thunder and Fang
- a Shoanti combat style using an earth breaker and klar12
- The Vessel Between
- practiced by the Daggermark Assassins' Guild, relying on stealth, agility, and secrecy13
- Whirling dervish
- a Sarenrae-inspired style employs agile footwork to confound and evade enemies14
Garund
The diverse and ancient cultures of Garund developed many unique fighting styles of their own:
- Pahmet
- the sand dwarves of Osirion modeled their signature hammer-based fighting style around the resilient, immovable traits of sphinxes, creatures they particularly respect15
- Ouat
- monks of the Ouat adapted their unarmed style from the Pahmet's hammer mastery15
- Stick fighting
- Song'o halflings wield fighting sticks the length of longswords to stinging effect, in both combat and competition16
Tian Xia
Martial arts in Tian Xia often rise from fighting styles, combat techniques, and self-defense methods employed across classes since the dawn of civilization on the continent. The rich histories of its martial arts lend them to many uses beyond fighting, such as self-expression, competition, cultural heritage, spirituality, and philosophy.1 These myriad styles are innumerable; in Quain alone, a popular saying suggests "there are more martial techniques than stars in the sky—and they all think they shine the brightest.17
Among the fighting styles and martial arts of Tian Xia are:
- Adamantine Body
- Originated by the dwarven master Shan Gang, this martial art philosophy hardens its practitioners' bodies into unbreakable toughness believed to make them impervious to blades.1
- Condor Fist Style
- associated with the Condor Fist Society in Lingshen1819
- Crane Steps Forth2021
- Cyclone's Path
- Practitioners of qinggong among the remote peaks of the Wall of Heaven master leaping and flying fighting techniques through a spiritual lightness that translates to physical lightness.1
- Flowing Strikes22
- Forest Storm23
- Gathered the Sun24
- Horse Stance2125
- Lazy Serpent21
- Monkey Plucks the Peaches2126
- Phoenix Dance
- This performative martial art that combines dance, dramatic theater, and elaborate weaponry is often employed by traveling troupes of the Feng Wu Ke.27
- Quivering Palm
- a unarmed strike to the chest that incapacitates the victim28
- Scorpion Pincer29
- Tiger Prowl, Crane Dive30
- Tip the Leaf29
- Titanic Embodiment
- Favored among the largest and strongest combatants, this style leverages their weight and power to wield massive weapons and engage in inescapable grappling.31
- Twin White Palms
- the only unarmed blow capable of slaying an immortal32
- Ular Tangan
- a serpentine fighting style33
References
For additional as-yet unincorporated sources about this subject, see the Meta page.
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 “Martial arts” in Tian Xia Character Guide, 118. Paizo Inc., 2024 .
- ↑ The Fencing Master. Paizo Inc., 2013 .
- ↑ “Aldori Swordlords” in Adventurer's Guide, 22. Paizo Inc., 2017 .
- ↑ Paths of Prestige, 4. Paizo Inc., 2012 .
- ↑ “Aldori Swordlords” in Adventurer's Guide, 20–21. Paizo Inc., 2017 .
- ↑ Master of Devils, 53. Paizo Inc., 2011 .
- ↑ Master of Devils, 50. Paizo Inc., 2011 .
- ↑ “Chapter 2: The Inner Sea” in Campaign Setting, 83. Paizo Inc., 2008 .
- ↑ “Cheliax” in Cheliax, Empire of Devils, 13. Paizo Inc., 2009 .
- ↑ “Taldor, Empire in Decline” in Taldor, Echoes of Glory, 4. Paizo Inc., 2009 .
- ↑ “For Your Character” in Melee Tactics Toolbox, 2. Paizo Inc., 2015 .
- ↑ “A History of Ashes” in A History of Ashes, 28. Paizo Inc., 2008 .
- ↑ “Daggermark” in Guide to the River Kingdoms, 13. Paizo Inc., 2010 .
- ↑ “Swashbuckler” in Advanced Class Origins, 22–23. Paizo Inc., 2014 .
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 “Pahmet” in People of the Sands, 12–13. Paizo Inc., 2014 .
- ↑ “People of the Mwangi” in The Mwangi Expanse, 86. Paizo Inc., 2021 .
- ↑ “Martial arts” in Tian Xia Character Guide, 120. Paizo Inc., 2024 .
- ↑ Master of Devils, 81. Paizo Inc., 2011 .
- ↑ Master of Devils, 278. Paizo Inc., 2011 .
- ↑ Master of Devils, 51. Paizo Inc., 2011 .
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 Master of Devils, 67. Paizo Inc., 2011 .
- ↑ Master of Devils, 37. Paizo Inc., 2011 .
- ↑ Master of Devils, 247. Paizo Inc., 2011 .
- ↑ Queen of Thorns, 60. Paizo Inc., 2012 .
- ↑ Master of Devils, 210. Paizo Inc., 2011 .
- ↑ Master of Devils, 72. Paizo Inc., 2011 .
- ↑ “Martial arts” in Tian Xia Character Guide, 118–119. Paizo Inc., 2024 .
- ↑ Master of Devils, 17. Paizo Inc., 2011 .
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 Master of Devils, 71. Paizo Inc., 2011 .
- ↑ Master of Devils, 288. Paizo Inc., 2011 .
- ↑ “Martial arts” in Tian Xia Character Guide, 119. Paizo Inc., 2024 .
- ↑ Master of Devils, 326. Paizo Inc., 2011 .
- ↑ Master of Devils, 293. Paizo Inc., 2011 .