Vademecum of Combative Crafts

“These are the first things you must learn about the sword: strike from all directions, and fight valiantly and justly, embracing Rondra’s spirit. If you hesitate before you strike, you will never become a skilled warrior. Be mindful of the enemy, but do not shy away from battle. When you advance, move with purpose, not with wild abandon, otherwise your strength will help the enemy pierce your shield. Do not waste time striking at the enemy’s blade. Aim for the enemy’s head and body, and put strength into your blows.”
—Excerpt from the Vademecum of Combat Arts, Gareth, 985 FB

The Adersin Vademecum, which later became known as the Vademecum of Combative Crafts, is the first known book on the art of fencing. The original edition was regarded as an important step in the founding of the warrior academies. Written in 985 FB by Krona Adersin, the late female Garethian swordmaster, it described various techniques of fighting with bastard sword, sword, sword and shield, and sword and parrying dagger, and compared their effectiveness. The temples of Rondra (and, ironically, the warrior academies) opposed this book, but its popularity spread quickly and about 200 copies are known to exist today. Work on a printed edition, written by Krona’s sons and including supplementary material on bastard sword techniques, was begun after Jost Adersin’s death. The style’s current swordmaster, Erlan Adersin, has not announced when this revised edition will be released for sale.