Blademaster Training

Apple Blossoms in the Wind

A versatile technique, intended for use against an ambush by multiple opponents. The blade is held low, but ready for use in a number of strike forms. Keep loose and move slowly.

Lightning of Three Prongs

A parry, then bind with your strong blade to your opponents weak blade, then a step around your opponent, sliding your blade off the cross along his neck, and simultaneously tripping your opponent with your back hand, finished with a downward stab

Soft Rain at Sunset

A forehand blow where the on-hand knuckles catch an opponent's blow on the flat then rolls counterclockwise to drag the point across the face or to deliver a false edge strike

Striking the Spark

A rapid series of powerful overhand blows, best begun on the return swing of a slash like Low Wind Rising or The Heron Spreads Its Wings. If you've got stamina this can win a battle for you.

Tower of Morning

A vertical slash, starting low and ending high. I'd pair this one with Boar Rushes Down the Mountain or The Courtier Taps His Fan.

The Heron-marked sword of a true blademaster strikes fear into even the most battle-weathered veteran. In times past, individual blademasters were known far and wide, their exploits the stuff of legend. These men often carried blades wrought by the One Power during the Age of Legends, symbols of their martial prowess. In the Third Age, fewer Blademasters walk the land, but their unique talents make them no less deadly than their forebearers.
Blademasters train for many long years to perfect their swordwork, although anyone who has actually earned one of the rare remaining heron-marks can tell you that none ever truly master the forms. Rather, blademasters consider themselves to be artists, moving through their forms in an unending, darkly beautiful dance of death. Their training represents a path toward inner calm and self-reflection, not a lifeless collection of martial skills. A blademaster worthy of the title knows that he cannot master his blade unless he has first mastered himself. In fact, most pursue centering techniques similar to Rand al'Thor's "flame and the void" method.
Blademasters usually embark on their careers as armsmen, nobles, or wanderers. Many begin their training at a young age and continue to hone their skills throughout their lives.

Rank I Sword Forms (Brawler)

Cat Crosses the Courtyard		Not a sword-form or stance, but a method of movement, which maximizes alertness and reaction potential. Weight should be on the balls of the feet, with head held high and eyes constantly shifting, watching for threats. Arms and hands should freely move, not in pockets or holding items. Each step should be taken confidently, but not hurriedly.
	The Cat Dances on the Wall		A feinting, tentative series of short slashes, thrusts, and parries. The swordsman must have good wrists and quick feet for this to be effective. Useful for buying time.
	Cutting the Clouds		A downward slice at the opponents wrist.
	Heron Wading in the Rushes		IMPORTANT: This form should only be used for practicing balance. It is possible to use this form in combat, but it is highly likely you will receive your opponent's weapon in your chest before you take his head. A horizontal, pivoting slash done on one foot. Begun at shoulder or head height.
	Leopard in the Grass		A threatening stance, one of constant vigilance when you expect attack from multiple sides
	Leopard in the Tree		A preliminary form, begun with both hands on the hilt of the sword, knees bent, and leaning forward in a ready position. This form is used to prepare for Unfolding the Fan or another such drawing technique.
	Lion on the Hill		A Stance where you stand firmly upright, back straight, blade horizontally resting on or just above the right shoulder. Best used for heading into or coming out of horizontal strikes
	Low Wind Rising		Can be done from almost any stance - even sitting. A diagonal slash, beginning low and rising cleanly.
	Parting the Silk		A more controlled slash, probably used as a precision block or strike. Directed at the abdomen, a good move to draw first blood or inflict non-lethal damage on an opponent.
	The Ox Lowers His Horns		A stance where the sword hilt is held with both hands at or above eye level, point hanging down. This is grouped as a guard stance.

Rank II Sword Forms (Street Thug)

Arc of the Moon		A simple slash, meant to take off an opponent's head. Probably begins at mid-body level, arcs to neck, and ends back at a guard stance.
	Boar Rushes Down the Mountain		A vertical slash, but one that can alter course in mid-swing quickly. Starts high and ends low.
	Cutting the Wind		Against a charging opponent to sidestep and twist your wrists so as to thrust from an unexpected direction
	Hummingbird Kisses the Honeyrose		A quick thrust in the face. Will at least deter an opponent, and will usually kill a charging opponent outright. Blade should start from shoulder height, though it may be performed from any level less quickly.
	Leaf on the Breeze		A horizontal or "cross-cut" slice beginning high, dipping low, and ending high
	Moon on the Water		This form is executed from the stance The Ox Lowers His Horns. The sword is then thrust downward into your opponent's chest.
	Stone Falls From the Mountain		A step to the side with your weak foot, pulling the other foot in close and twisting at the waist while delivering a downward slash from overhead
	The Courtier Taps His Fan		A quick, powerful overhand blow, meant to split the head. A good move for anyone to have in his repertoire.
	The Creeper Embraces the Oak		A slow, circling stance. The blade goes from high to low and back to constantly offer a new threat and to guard against others
	The Dove Takes Flight		From a low stance, knees strongly bent, sword held at hip, to thrust upwards towards the chest
	The Falcon Stoops		A more exaggerated and slower version of The Boar Rushes Down the Mountain. Starting high, the blade sweeps back and forth before reaching its lowest point. Can be used to parry effectively against multiple opponents, or just one.
	The Heron Spreads Its Wings		An upward circular slash to one of your flanks. Used against an opponent who is approaching and does not expect attack
	The Moon Rises Over the Lakes		An upward vertical circular strike with the highest point of the arc aimed at the throat
	The River Undercuts the Bank		Dodging the opponents attacks by dropping down and followed by a wide full arm slash across the abdomen
	Unfolding the Fan		Can be used as an opener, since this form can unsheathe the sword and stroke at the same time. Can also be used if caught off guard or in an awkward position.

Rank III Sword Forms (Fencer)

Black Pebbles on Snow		A countering technique where the false edge is used to smack or deflect an opponent's blade then make an immediate downward cut directed at the abdomen with the true edge
	Bundling Straw		Several quick chest-level thrusts, followed by an arc and a paired return arc that should return the blade to a guard stance. Try this against a quarterstaff opponent.
	Folding the Fan		The sword sheathing technique. The blade is smoothly swung around from guard stance and sheathed, all in one motion.
	The Falling Leaf		A more exaggerated and slower version of The Boar Rushes Down the Mountain. Starting high, the blade sweeps back and forth before reaching its lowest point. Can be used to parry effectively against multiple opponents, or just one.
	The Grapevine Twines		A circular motion when blades are locked, used to disarm an opponent, or to simply disengage.
	The Rose Unfolds		An advanced concept of inviting the opponent to attack, then to move in to slice an opponent's extended arms at the completion of his attack
	The Swallow Rides the Air		The guard stance assumed after performing The Swallow Takes Flight. More of an on-the-run stance, made for attacking or defending while mobile.
	The Swallow Takes Flight		Basically, Low Wind Rising followed by a short thrust. The form is angled more toward the opponent, though, so that the opening slash is more a guard for the thrust.
	The Wood Grouse Dances		Similar to the Cat Dances on the Wall, but from a more stationary point. Mainly to feel out an enemy, more than to do serious harm.
	Thistledown Floats on the Whirlwind		A short-range jumping spin-swipe, used for beheading. Best if done by surprise. An opening move in most cases. The sword should not move more than a foot or so; the main force is provided by the spin of the body. The blade should not extend too far out from the body, and be approximately chest high.
	Watered Silk		A lift of the blade held horizontally over the head to stifle and catch a downward blow between the guard and hands can be followed by a thrust to the face

Rank IV Sword Forms (Diciple)

Dandelion in the Wind		A horizontal blow aimed at the opponent's throat.
	Kissing the Adder		A thrust against the opponent's heart.
	Lizard in the Thornbush		Used expressly against two opponents. One thrust to the chest, then pivots and kneel with either a thrust or a slash, usually a thrust. Good mid-level technique; most veteran-level soldiers have mastered this form.
	Ribbon in the Air		A horizontal slash that may change direction up or down at the tail end. Should be begun just below chest height. Both feet should be used in this form, unlike the Heron forms.
	Cat on Hot Sand		A faster, less tentative version of The Cat Dances on the Wall. Better for multiple opponents.
	The Kingfisher Takes a Silverback		Begun while the sword is at shoulder height or higher, a downward stab for the abdomen. Begun when the sword is lower than shoulder height, a downward stab meant to cripple a leg or the groin. May also be used to parry a midlevel strike.
	The Wind Blows Over the Wall		Pivot and strike at the opponents wrist before thrusting at his chest. Useful against knives/one-handed sword, as you can unarm the opponent, leaving him open to you.
	Water Flows Downhill		A more complicated form of The Boar Rushes Down the Mountain. This form can and will change direction in mid-stroke; only the more advanced swordsmen use this form. Like its name, it takes the easiest route from high to low, avoiding contact with the other weapon while seeking its target.
	Whirlwind on the Mountain		A form of Thistledown Floats on the Whirlwind, except done while remaining on the ground. Can be modified for use for striking uphill or downhill simply by changing the angle of the spin. The sword also is extended further than with Thistledown Floats on the Whirlwind.
	Wind and Rain		Another complicated form. Begun with either Low Wind Rising or Parting the Silk, this form follows through with multiple short thrusts or quick overhand blows.

Rank V Sword Forms (Guardian)

After you have gone through the last trial and gained the title Blademaster all other forms that is not listed, or that youve made up will become available.