Schools of Combative Arts, The

The Schools of Combative Arts were first established in the Almighty Shift era, when current nations as we know them first began to coalesce and move to organized military systems. They were designed to give martial and philosophical instruction from novice to master level, and this tradition continues to the present day where they form some if not all of the backbone of Icalar's militaries of whatever size.
There are four distinct schools, though the School of the Body also features mildly in the others. Each school relies on a Book, which contains a collection of teachings related to certain martial disciplines, including stances and forms. Trainings are conducted either in a host military's own training grounds or in non-affiliated dojos known as a hahk-sebi -- 'Hall of the Book' in Klao.
The School of the Sword
and the Book of the Sword
Concerns itself with various types of swordsmanship: single-handed/double-handed, long/short, single-edged/double-edged, etc. This is given greater focus by the Nalir and Mulir of the Ustrarian Itoqir later on in their training.
The School of the Spear
and the Book of the Spear
Concerns itself with polearms: staves, spears, pikes, glaives, halberds, etc. This is given greater focus by the Qalir and Razakir of the Ustrarian Itoqir later on in their training.
The School of the Dagger
and the Book of the Dagger
Concerns itself with knives: daggers, throwing knives, etc. This is given greater focus by the Mulir of the Ustrarian Itoqir later on in their training.
The School of the Body
and the Book of the Body and the Book of the Mind
Concerns itself with martial arts, i.e., hand-to-hand combat and mental conditioning. For some militaries this also encompasses survival training and guerilla warfare.

Religion

The Schools are religiously tolerant, though they are typically adamant about maintaining a secular teaching environment.

Foreign Relations

Students/practitioners of a particular school often enjoy camaraderie across national borders in peacetime; it isn't unheard of for this to persist in times of conflict. This camaraderie appears to be especially true for those without host militaries.

Founding Date

Almighty Shift

Type

Military, Other

Training Level

Trained

Veterancy Level

Trained

Legislative Body

There is a loose code of conduct expected by all newcomers to the arts that they are subject to the jurisdiction of the host military where present, or otherwise that tutelage is given with the expectation that it not be used for nefarious purposes. Offenders outside of host militaries generally have their records struck, are outcast from their communities, or even hunted for imprisonment or worse.

Controlled Territories

• Hahk-Sebi