Foil

“Step, step, stretch out your arm, thrust, and stab! Don’t neglect your defense! Mind your stance! You want to impress at the tournament! Now, once more: Step, step, stretch out your arm, thrust, and stab! And again!”
-Fencing master Metelessa Galora preparing her pupils for an exhibition fight in Punin

Among the fencing weapons, there is no weapon more delicate than the foil. Its blade is long and slender, and ends in a point that deals effective stabbing attacks. It is primarily used for fighting contests since it epitomizes fair and stylish combat.

When fighting heavily armored opponents, skilled users can strike unprotected areas, such as the neck, the temple, and the armpit. While feints are easier to perform, foils cannot parry most heavy weapons. The foil’s grip is like that of a saber, though the addition of a hemispherical shield called a bell guard protects the wielder’s sword hand.

“Do not underestimate the foil, especially when it is paired with a main gauche. Remember to avoid challenging fighters with heavier weapons—unless you are extremely quick and nimble.”

— Carolan Calavanti, Vinsaltan vagabond

“Do you Horasians have any weapons that I can take seriously?”

— Tjalva Garheltsdottir, Hetja of Prem

Technique	Damage	P+T	AT/PA	Reach	Weight	Length	Cost	Complexity
Fencing Weapons	d6+3	AGI 14	1/0	medium	0.5 stn 1 lbs	100 hf/cm 40 inches	300 S	complex (3 AP)

Weapon Advantage: The maneuver Feint receives a +1 bonus.

Weapon Disadvantage: Foils can parry only daggers, other fencing weapons, and unarmed attacks, even if the wielder has the special ability Cross-block (see Core Rules, page 247).