- Cover Art by Jason Pedersen
- Cover Art by Jason Pedersen
Well, you knew the other two champions had to be here. At least you would if you read the other posts. Now, Delvin can fall into the strength style in some ways just as Dariana can fit into the speed or strength style. Yet, they are more defensive at times. This is definitely more Delvin than Dariana, but I tend to see her being a bit more countering than the other heroes. What do I mean by countering? Well, it’s all about reactions, strategy, and patience.
- Physical appearance and training are not as uniform as the other styles. Since a lot of this style depends on the mind and reacting, a less in shape person can use it. Being all flab or winded when they get out of bed might not be the way to go, but they don’t always have to be chiseled. In fact, a strategy could be to look weaker in order to draw an enemy into attacking.
- Counter-fighters typically don’t attack first unless they see an opening. Yes, there is a strategy to getting the first blow because you can deliver an injury, end the fight, or throw an enemy’s plan into disarray by doing this. A character who depends on the reactions of others will do this, but typically only if they think it is worth the risk. They don’t function off as much aggression as the other styles. It’s very much about caution and patience.
- For those that use weapons in combat, they might need one of two things. A weapon that fits their countering style is very important. Most commonly this is something sturdy enough to block another weapon and not designed to get trapped on contact. You need something that can return an attack before the enemy has a chance to try again. This is where the other option comes into play. Shields are very useful in fantasy combat. Sadly, they don’t get as much love as their stabby counterparts.
- For those that fight without weapons, you might want to look at some hand-to-hand combat videos. This is where you can learn how to counter various blows and the best way to take advantage of a block. You do need to keep things somewhat realistic here. For example, don’t try to block an overhead blow with your knee. Pretty sure most human bodies can’t bend that way. Now, you can block with a leg and strike with a fist, but you usually have to keep the body parts in natural positions. If not then you have a fighter who just exposed themselves to an attack. Counter fighters are hard to find openings on because they knew the tricks.
- It isn’t easy to find an opening, so these fighters have to work for it. I don’t mean to rapidly attack or dance around to create an opening. They have to remain patience and demonstrate an awareness. It’s a challenge because if you make the character focus entirely on one enemy then they’re exposed to others. You also need them to remain on the defensive until they see an opportunity. This is a fight scene where the enemy needs to think they’re winning and the audience might start believing that until the counter-fighter spots an opening.
- In regards to injuries, these characters can get hurt fairly easily. While they aren’t always as big as a strength-fighter or wearing lightweight like speed-fighters, they do require that their enemy attacks. Blocking with a limb can still cause pain and a bruise just like weapons clashing can jar the arms. The big difference here is that a a counter-fighter can adjust their style quicker and last longer. They might not have the same strength or speed as they started, but they depend on delivering precision shots and they are used to falling back and baiting.
- A secondary role for these characters in a group is strategist. Since they are prone to examining the strengths and weaknesses of others, they can create tactics that suit the rest of the group. This requires a certain mentality. Dariana can’t do this because of her low confidence and fear of losing her friends. Delvin does this because of his sense of responsibility and being sure of his own decisions. It helps that while he is blocking and defending, he can create openings for others and call orders if he sees that something has changed.
I liked getting to know the different “styles” of combat. Thanks, Charles.
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Glad you liked it. Odd posts to kick off the release with, but it works.
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Yes it does.
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This is an interesting method. The person who employs this method would probably be great at chess.
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Never thought of it that way. They’re definitely more adept at strategy and thinking ahead.
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I really enjoy all the thought you put into these.
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Thanks. I had fun analyzing the champions’ fighting styles. Never put a lot of thought into them beyond what worked for weapon and body type. Surprised myself with a few of the tips.
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It’s those moments of discovery that make writing so much fun.
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I do love a good shield. You should do a post about shields, the different styles, round, tapered, full, and so on.
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I’ll have to do some research. I’ve only used tower, round, buckler, and a bizarre arm sleeve so far. Probably have to wait until after July too because of Bedlam coming and then Ichabod needing that as a promo month. Sorry about that.
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Sounds like you’ve got things scheduled pretty well for the next few months, that’s great! Just keep the idea for when you need something, I just like to offer ideas when they come to me.
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I’ll put it on the August list. 😁
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Reblogged this on Don Massenzio's Blog and commented:
Some great tips from Charles Yallowitz
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Thanks for the reblog.
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My pleasure
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