The title of Blademaster is aspired to by many, but achieved by few. The process of becoming a Blademaster requires you to learn Sword Forms passed down in training from the Age of Legends. Any who feel they possess the skills and knowledge of a Blademaster will travel the nations to test themselves against accepted Blademasters. The approval of twelve Blademasters is needed to rightfully claim the title of Blademaster. Their symbol is a Heron, which is typically part of the ornament of a Blademaster’s sword. The Broadsword is, by far, the most frequent weapon employed by Blademasters. A few over the years have achieved the rank with a Bastard Sword, but none have ever achieved the rank with a Great Sword. Only those who are Blademasters, or have the approval of at least one Blademaster may wear a Heron marked sword. Of course, there are no rolls of Blademasters, and common people won’t check up to see if you really are. Other Blademasters, and swordsman who think well of themselves, will be very likely to test you though.

Rank I Sword Forms consist of the basic strikes as well as all the stances used by Blademasters.

Cat Crosses the Courtyard		A relaxed stance with your back straight, causes movement like an arrogant saunter		Makes you look arrogant, You wanted more?
	Cat Dances on Hot Sand		Rather than being a true form, refers to using footwork to evade a blow or strike you believe you are unable to parry		When you choose to dodge instead of parry
	Cutting the Clouds		A downward slice		Normal attack/parry in the indicated direction
	Heron Wading in the Rushes		A stance where you balance on the ball of one foot, holding your sword overhead in a reverse grip		Used to practice balance. Try it in combat
	Leopard in the Grass		A threatening stance, one of constant vigilance when you expect attack from multiple sides		This stance gives -1 difficulty to Alertness, Awareness checks, and it's more than you deserve
	Leopard in the Tree		A stance that puts you on the verge of drawing.		No initiative penalty if sword is sheathed.
	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		If in the stance at the beginning of combat (not a round) you get to add 1 to you initiative results if you intend to make an appropriate attack. Be thankful I'm letting it be useful at all
	Low Wind Rising		An upward slice		Normal attack/parry in the indicated direction
	Parting the Silk		A horizontal or "cross-cut" slice oftentimes used to displace high vertical slashes		Can be done with any sword. -1 difficulty to parry any vertical attacks
	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.		Opening stance for such forms as Moon on the Water and The Falcon Stoops. Parries can be performed from this stance at -1 difficulty

Rank II Sword Forms are Single Attack Routines that involve elements of timing, movement, and selective targeting. They also include simpler strikes performed from Stances.

Arc of the Moon		A downward vertical circular strike with the lowest point of the arc aimed at the thigh		Can be done with any sword, +2 difficulty to parry and +2 difficulty to damage, due to the fact that it is not targeted at a vital part of the body, and as such is not often an expected attack.
	Boar Rushes Down the Mountain		A powerful diagonal cut, starting behind the right shoulder and smoothing out to a horizontal slash		Can be done with any sword. Causes an additional die of damage. -1 difficulty to opponent's parry, +2 difficulty to all your parries for the round
	Cutting the Wind		Against a charging opponent to sidestep and twist your wrists so as to thrust from an unexpected direction		Can be done with any sword. Cannot be performed if your attack is not before or simultaneous with charger's. Dice pool must be split between dodge and melee if attacks are simultaneous. If you have the initiative in the round, you may make an unopposed attack, meaning your attack cannot be parried by your target
	Hummingbird Kisses the Honeyrose		A basic thrust to the face from a low position, the teaching of this form invokes the image of the attacker leaving his blade behind when he executes this.		Can be done with any sword, +3 difficulty to hit, -2 difficulty to damage.
	Leaf on the Breeze		A horizontal or "cross-cut" slice beginning high, dipping low, and ending high		Can be done with any sword. Your opponent cannot bind your weapon when you perform this form
	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.		Cannot be done with the Great Sword. The opening stance may be resumed immediately following the strike, imparting the parrying bonuses. This allows you to make an offensive maneuver from a defensive position. The normal thrust adjustments are used.
	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		Can be done with any sword. Against a charging opponent, if you beat them in initiative you may make an unopposed attack. Your dice pool must be split between the dodge and melee. The dodge must be performed one segment prior to the attack, regardless of whether you are being attacked in that segment. In the segment the attack is performed any forward thrust or vertical attack except "The Heron Spreads Its Wings" automatically misses
	The Courtier Taps His Fan		A quick, high horizontal blow at an opponent's forehead as you disengage		Can be done with any sword, +2 difficulty to hit, if opponent's attack is in the following segment, he makes it at a +1 difficulty. Damage rolls are at –1 difficulty.
	The Creeper Embraces the Oak		A quick step inward, closing tightly with your opponent, keeping your sword arm bent back to deliver a thrust.		Cannot be done with the Great Sword. Opponent receives +2 to his attack difficulty in the segment of your attack. Normal thrust modifiers apply.
	The Dove Takes Flight		From a low stance, knees strongly bent, sword held at hip, to thrust upwards towards the chest		Can be done with any sword. On the segments preceding the attack, parrying is at +1 difficulty. –1 difficulty to damage.
	The Falcon Stoops		From the Ox Lowers His Horns, to feint a straight thrust, as with Moon on the Water, then flipping the false edge up into the opponent's chin		Can be done with any sword. Dice pool must be split between feint and attack. Even if feint is detected, parrying difficulty is +1
	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		Can be done with any sword. +1 difficulty to attack, +2 difficulty to parry, if the element of surprise is yours.
	The Moon Rises Over the Lakes		An upward vertical circular strike with the highest point of the arc aimed at the throat		This strike is executed at +2 difficulty since it is aimed, the final position may be held on completion of the form, limiting an opponent's movement options in combat. Can be done from sheath.
	The River Undercuts the Bank		Dodging the opponents attacks by dropping down and followed by a wide full arm slash across the abdomen		May be done with any sword. Dice pool must be split between dodge and attack, though the dodge dice pool may be used only once that round.
	Unfolding of the Fan		Holding the sword with outstretched arms and execute a swift circular motion of the blade in front		Can be done with any sword. Difficulties to parry thrusts are at -1. Can be done from sheath.

Rank III Sword Forms involve Single Attack Routines that involve advanced timing and movement concepts, disarm techniques, and several Parry & Attack combinations

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 with the true edge		Can be done with any sword. Requires split dice pool, if the opponent's attack is in the segment immediately preceding yours then he parries at a +3 difficulty, if one segment spaces the attacks he parries at a +1.
	Bundling Straw		To evade an opponent's attacks by making quick steps, circling him, and thrusting out as you can		Cannot be done with Great Sword. Requires split dice pool between Melee and Dodge. Attacks are dodged, not parried, if you acquire three or more successes on your dodge beyond what is needed to dodge the attack, you may make an attack that can only be parried at a +3 difficulty. This form takes a full round to perform and you may only attack once.
	Folding the Air		Similar to "Unfolding of the Fan" except that the arms are kept close to the body and the off hand is used to grip the blade for more power and control		Can be done with any sword, parrying difficulties for defending against thrusts is reduced by 2 and against all others by 1. This is a defensive form, meaning it can only be used for parrying.
	The Falling Leaf		A downwards cut with the false edge and wrists twisted or crossed so as to twist the blade from a parry or hold to slice with the true edge		Cannot be done with the Great Sword. Initial strike can be either parry or attack, but it must connect, i.e. a parry must parry and an attack must be parried. The parry must then be held (Resisted Strength + Melee rolls) until your next attack, which is at +2 difficulty to parry
	The Grapevine Twines		A feinting action by a circling motion along the opposing sword to disengage from one opening and stab into another		Cannot be done with the Great Sword. Dice pool must be split between a feint and an attack. Opponent is at a +2 difficulty on his perception check. An attempt to Disarm your opponent is at -1 difficulty
	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		Can be done with any sword. Attack must be executed simultaneously with opponent's. Attack is made at +2 difficulty. If successful opponent suffers a +1 difficulty to all sword maneuvers until Healed. This form can only be executed to its maximum effect twice in any combat, once to each arm.
	The Swallow Rides the Air		An attack aimed at disrupting an opponent's attack by making one of your own. When an opponent attacks a lower target, shift your body so the top portion of your body comes closer, and attack high on your opponent so your attack reaches first		Can be done with any sword. When you and your opponent will attack simultaneously this attack delays your opponents attack by 1 segment and increases the difficulty of his attack by 1
	The Swallow Takes Flight		From a low stance, knees strongly bent, sword held at hip, point up and blade tilted forward, executed by thrusting upward, either as an attack at the face or an attack at the opponents weapon		Can be done with any sword. On the segments preceding the attack, parrying is at +1 difficulty. An attempt to disarm your opponent is at -1 difficulty. Damage difficulty is at –1.
	The Wood Grouse Dances		From a vulnerable posture with the sword point down behind your back, lift your hilt over your head to catch a blow or deflect a thrust then immediately wind in and slice		Cannot be done with the Great Sword. Dice pool must be split between attack and parry. Parry is at +1 difficulty; attack is at +2 difficulty to parry if in the segment immediately after the parry.
	Thistledown Floats on the Whirlwind		A short spinning leap into the air using your body to bring the true edge to your opponent's neck		Can be done with any sword. You cannot parry in the two segments immediately prior to the attack. Attack is at +2 difficulty; difficulty to parry the attack is +2. Damage difficulties are at –2.
	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		Can be done with any sword. Dice pool must be split between parry and attack. Can only be executed against a downward blow. If parry is successful and a bind is made, attack is made unopposed.

Rank IV Sword Forms consist of Basic Multiple Attack Routines and advanced Feinting Techniques.

Dandelion in the Wind		Refers to making wild swings in an attempt to confuse your opponent		Can be done with any sword, although Bastard or Broadsword is preferred to allow multiple attacks. Attacks are parried at a +2 difficulty, the difficulty of your parries are also increased by 2
	Kissing the Adder		A fast series of thrusts are begun over the opponent's hilt but not executed until the opponent is overwhelmed and leaves an opening		Can only be done with the Broadsword, you must be 3 segments ahead of your opponent's attack. Both feints are made with the full dice pool, Your attack is made at half your dice pool. One feint is made on each of the segments leading up to your opponent’s attack.
	Lizard in the Thornbush		Two quick thrusts, each aimed at a different opponent		Each thrust is made at a +2 difficulty, Recovery time is at +2. Use your normal dice pool less three for each attack. Normal thrust adjustments are used. Cannot be performed with the Great Sword.
	Ribbon in the Air		Any wide swing, finishing with the sword behind you, then lifting to thrust over your head		Cannot be done with the Great Sword. Initial wide swing may be a normal attack/parry, a movement, or a horizontal form maneuver brought wide. In the first and third cases dice pool must be split. In the second, dice pool may be split to feint with the movement. Overhead thrust is made the segment after the first swing.
	The Cat Dances on the Wall		A low sweep with the sword meant to take your opponent's legs out from under him, followed with a low slash		Cannot be done with the Great Sword. Executed with a normal sweep, though the dice pool used is two dice less than your maximum dice pool. A downward attack follows made at +2 difficulty and also made with two less dice than your maximum dice pool.
	The Kingfisher Takes a Silverback		Performed from a low guard stance, right leg leading, sword held forward and down at 45 degrees, executed with a lifting thrust, then a falling thrust		Cannot be done with the Great Sword. +1 recovery between strikes. Your first attack is made at +1 difficulty to hit, Your second is made at +1 difficulty to parry. You must split your dice pool for this form.
	The Wind Blows Over the Wall		An upward slash with the blade held parallel to the body, followed by a downward slash with the blade held the same		Cannot be done with the Great Sword. -1 to parrying difficulties against thrusts and appropriate vertical attacks (you do not get the bonus parrying a downward slash with the downward slash of the form) You must split your dice pool for this form.
	Water Flows Downhill		A swift sequence of vertical blows directed either high or low		Cannot be done with the Great Sword. Recovery modifiers are at +1
	Whirlwind on the Mountain		Left to right horizontal strike from the elbow usually to deflect a blade, then a quick spin and a second more powerful left to right horizontal strike with the full arm		You receive your normal dice pool less three dice for each attack. The second attack will occur 2 segments later at +2 difficulty to parry. Parries may not be attempted in the segments between strikes
	Wind and Rain		A quick full body spin to deliver a horizontal strike, then a lift of the sword arm up, to thrust downward.		Cannot be done with Great Sword, dice pool must be split between horizontal strike and thrust. Parries may not be attempted in the segment preceding the horizontal strike. Normal thrust modifiers apply.

Rank V Sword Forms consist of Advanced Multiple Attack Routines and rarely used, difficult Forms.

Apple Blossoms in the Wind		A strike from above the waist diagonally down and to the right, a pivot far left, followed by a strike up and left, a short pivot right followed by a strong vertical downward blow		Can only be done with the Broadsword, Each attack is made at a +1 recovery modifier, making you go faster. Each attack is made at +2 difficulty and with a dice pool equal to your maximum dice pool -2. This form takes a full round to execute.
	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		Cannot be done with Great Sword. This form takes a full round to perform. Parry is done at 2 less dice than your Melee + Dexterity Pool and at a +3 difficulty. The successful execution of the form requires you to bind an opponent's sword. If his sword is parried, but not bound, the form fails there and you lose your next attack. If the sword is bound, the next phase is executed which requires you to close in (no roll required but spatial considerations apply) and trip your opponent (Dexterity + Brawl less two dice, difficulty 7). If at least three successes are scored your opponent is on the ground prone, if less than three successes, the form fails and no more attacks may be made that round. If opponent is tripped, a final thrust is made at +2 difficulty with your Dexterity + Melee dice pool, less two dice.
	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		Parry is made with one less die than your maximum Dexterity + Brawl dice pool; the difficulty to parry is 8 and inflicts the opponent's Strength roll in bashing damage. If successful an unopposed attack can be made with your Dexterity + Melee less one die at +2 difficulty for a false edge blow or at +4 for a face slash. In the latter case the opponent has a 25% chance of losing an eye. If unsuccessful, you've failed to parry the opponent's attack and will most likely take damage.
	Striking the Spark		Reversing your grip on your sword, so you hold the blade instead of the hilt, and slamming the pommel or guard into your opponent's face		Can be done with any sword. Increases your recovery by -1. Attack is made at +2 difficulty, You may not parry in the segments immediately proceeding and immediately after this attack. Victim may not act for one segment for every 3 levels of gross damage inflicted, round down
	Tower of Morning		A thrust to the groin with knees bent, afterwards using all the force of arms and legs to slice upward through the height of the opponent		Can be done with any sword. Dice pool must be split between a Dexterity + Melee and a Strength + Melee. Initial attack is at +3 difficulty, causes normal damage. If attack inflicts at least 3 levels net damage, Strength + Melee is rolled opponent takes these successes as additional damage. They may be soaked