History
The Draconian Empire's military forces are trained in a standardized fighting system emphasizing a combination of disciplined spear and sword work, grappling, and defensive shield fighting.
Fighting Style
The core of the Draconian fighting system is built around the use of the shield. Most techniques are in response to blocking a strike, or off of a shield bash to send an opponent off-balance.
All combat begins with the tower shield, advancing, blocking, and pressuring with the shield. The spear is held over or beside the shield to thrust and counter attacks, while the short sword is used when the shield wall is under too much pressure to maintain a phalanx.
In extreme close combat, the fighter will employ wrestling takedown techniques or a shield bash to rapidly ground an opponent, and finish them with a thrust to the gut or chest.
Weapons
The Draconian Military uses a tower shield, spear/halberd, and a short sword of the user's choice (typically a spatha or gladius) as standard issue equipment, and as such has built their system around them. On occasion javelins may also be used, but they are not fought with beyond skirmishing typically.
Advanced Techniques
The majority of Legion Pugnae Ratio relies on singular motions and techniques, but some more advanced techniques have been passed around the more elite troops.
Spear Leg Hook
This technique is usually employed with a halberd in open combat rather than in formation, the fighter either feints a body thrust to force an opponent to change their posture, or strikes the opponent with the butt of the weapon, and then hooks the curve in their spear behind the lead leg and pulls inward to trip. The tripped opponent is then dispatched with a thrust to the gut or chest.
Shield Crush Riposte
A sword and shield technique developed by Julian Tyras. In response to an overly aggressive opponent, the fighter thrusts the base of their shield down on the opponent's lead leg foot and performs a side thrust into the opponent's liver.
Shield Overhead Throw
A sweep is made at the opponent's legs with the polearm while stepping in with the shield, while the opponent is off balance, force the lower portion of the shield into the opponent's ankles and lift them over the fighter. The opponent is then forcefully thrown down followed swiftly with a thrust into the gut or chest in one motion.
Notable Practitioners
When it comes to masterful swordwork, no other soldier can compare to Julian Tyras. After retiring from the military, he would go on to become the
Circle of Magic's Grandmaster of the sword.
The Draconian Empire's most iconic military leader rose through the ranks in his youth through a more aggressive spear style that put a heavier focus on guard pressure than defensive posture. The foundation of his techniques are grounded firmly in the Legion Pugnae Ratio.
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