The Talvia
The Deceptive Scarf of the Air'riela Gypsies
History
Protection for the Persecuted
Drifters persecuted for their beliefs and heritage, Air'riela Gypsy women developed the talvia as a method of discrete protection against those who might seek to do them harm. Gypsies have long been looked upon with malice, the belief that they bring theft and sin wherever they go a common prejudice. While not all gypsies mean the gaje--or strangers--harm, there are family groups that have acquired the gypsies a foul reputation, but to outsiders one gypsy can look or sound very much like the other, and thus the persecution.
Although many of the men are skilled in the arts of the sword, women are dissuaded from this path, but they are not excluded from the violence visited on their people. To protect themselves, the women developed the talvia, a swathe of clothe made to resemble the sashes and scarves common of their attire. As to not give the appearance of outward violence, and thus hoping to avoid unprovoked attacks, they disguised its function as a weapon by tucking the barbs out of sight. To the untrained eye, the glints of metal along the seams look little more than decorative pieces adding to the fancy patterns swirling throughout the woven piece.
With weaving a popular pastime of the Air'riela, the weapon spread from kumpania to kumpania until it became a commonplace fixture to those women and children who felt the protection necessary. The added history of dancers and hand-to-hand combat has lent itself to some of the more graceful movements of the talvia, although this came later. In the early stages of its development, many of the techniques were quick and sweeping, more slap-dash in appearance, due to its nature as a defensive weapon meant to give the women time to flee for safety. While many of the techniques developed since are not meant for an offensive attack, its use has become more fluid over time while still remaining effective.
Description
Appearance, Benefits, Problems
The talvia resembles a sash or scarf that can be worn about the waist or shoulders, with a suggested length of equal to or slightly longer than the person wielding it (for this reason talvias are typically made for the individual rather than made in quantity). They are weighted on both ends with strips of metal sewn into the seams. These metal bits are attached via flexing hinges to barbed hooks. The hooks are rolled slightly inward at the tips, the barbs fashioned so that strands of fabric can tuck the hooks up against the sash. This hides the barbs from view, making the talvia look like any other decorative piece of cloth. When the scarf is lashed in a whip-like motion these barbs loosen from the restraining strands. The barbs unfurl and may do significant damage if given the opportunity to latch on to an obstacle.
While talvias are highly mobile, not only easy to carry but easy to conceal, they require a good deal of maintenance. The seams where the barbs are anchored often need to be replaced or re-sewn and sometimes barbs go missing if they have been torn off the talvia. Talvias vary in how easy they are to rip depending on the quality of the fabric or the skill of the individual making the weapon. The most common fabric used is wool made from goats, sheep or llamas given that these animals are the usual traveling companions of the Air'riela gypsies. Silk talvias are rare. Because they resemble the garments of the Air'riela, they tend to be brightly colored and woven with brilliant designs.
Talvias are generally viewed as the weapon of women and children among the Air'riela given its appearance and weight. They were never meant to be offensive, but rather a defensive mechanism used to catch and tangle the weapons of attackers, giving the woman or child time to flee to safety. It is probable that talvias are sometimes lost in the process of these attacks if the individual wielding the weapon is incapable of untangling their scarf from their enemy.
Availability
It is rare to find an individual outside of the Air'riela Gypsies with a talvia. This is due to the tight-lipped nature of the Air'riela towards outsiders, revealing none of their secrets in fear of being misunderstood. Outsiders with talvias are likely to have had closer relations with the gypsy people, stolen one, or picked one off a dead gypsy. In rare cases they have been sold to outsiders.
Knowledge of the talvia would thus be hard to come by and not a well-known choice of weapon across the empire. Only areas familiar with the presence of the gypsies who have witnessed or heard of such weapons of defense would likely know what a talvia is.
Skill Tree
Basic
At this level the individual learns safe stances and movements that provide no suggestion of danger to the wielder. Beginners will often learn not only how to use their talvia in the most basic of manners, but also how to do basic repairs in the event that a barb loosens or comes off. Students will learn how to avoid snagging the barbs on their clothing and the best angles to use when faced with different attackers (ie: specific weapon types or unarmed individuals). Techniques will include those that provide the easiest way to defend and flee. The student also learns how to secure the talvia about their waist or shoulders in such a way that it is easily removed in action.
Techniques Learned: Basic Stance, Crouching Stance, Belt Blow, Cat's Claw, De-Tangle, The Snare, The Turn Out
Professional
At this level there is more fluidity to the movements and more risk in the techniques executed by the wielder. The student is taught how to handle attackers in more intimate proximities so that they may stick around a little longer and fight rather than immediately fleeing to safety.
Techniques Learned: The Hand Bind, The Whip, The Wrap, Can't See Me
Elite
To the observer, a wielder at this level may begin to look like something of a dancer in their movements, both offensively and defensively. The techniques have more of an ebb and flow, lacking a lot of the slapdash rigidity of the two lower levels. Those who reach this level often find themselves able of fending off attacks of various different natures for far longer while taking a somewhat more offensive approach to their techniques. The techniques learned at this level are a little more aggressive in nature. Students are strongly encouraged to improvise and rely on maneuvers of their own creation.
Techniques Learned: Free Swing, The Garrote, Handcuffs, Jump the Pit
Master
Talvia wielders are well versed enough in their craft that they also find themselves capable of manipulating the talvia's movement with their feet or legs. The wielder is taught more daring, risky moves that bring the barbs closer to the body and require agility and flexibility to pull off. At this level wielders are more than capable of adapting to their locality. No longer do they require to simply use their weapon from the open ground, but can adjust to the movement of the talvia from horseback or confined spaces
Techniques Learned: Razor Toes, Whipping the Stick, Skipping Stones, Star Snatcher
Grandmaster
At this level anything that the wielder is physically capable of is possible. Wielders are often gifted with a second talvia at this level during which they learn to wield a pair of the scarves at one time, a considerable feat given the difficulty of ensuring that neither snags on the other during the execution of the techniques. Creativity is well rewarded at this level as the Grandmaster is encouraged to explore the depths of their craft and go to extreme lengths to perfect it. Fleeing in combat is usually unnecessary at this stage - they can more than hold their own.
Techniques Learned: Yours is Mine, Windmill
Techniques
These techniques are mostly simple guidelines to any number of movements or feints that a wielder of the talvia can be taught at these levels. Variants of these forms vary from kumpania to kumpania and it is often likely that different people will teach different techniques, depending on what they feel has worked best for them over the eras. These are not the only techniques taught in this discipline.
Basic
Basic Stance - Most talvia techniques can be worked from this basic starting stance wherein the wielder stands their feet shoulder-width apart, the dominant foot* positioned a short step ahead of the body, with the other foot positioned slightly behind and inched a little outward. The trick is to not overbalance the body, but rather to anchor the body and keep the torso straight. If the positioning leaves the wielder feeling overbalanced to the front, side or back, they have overstepped to the front, side or back.
*Dominant footing is found by standing straight, feet together, and someone giving the person a light shove. Whichever foot moves forward to halt progression is the dominant foot.
Crouching Stance - This stance starts out the wielder with their body closer to the ground, knees bent, body bent at a slight angle forward. This is a defensive stance and taught in the situation where the talvia wielder may be trying to hide and is come upon when spotted. The legs are slightly spread to the sides, with the dominant foot shifted forward, not unlike the basic stance.
Belt Blow - The 'Belt Blow' is often taught and explained as the quickest way to drop or dissuade an (unarmored) opponent male or female. With this attack, the wielder holds the talvia a third of the way up from the barbs at one end and swings the talvia in a backward circular motion that brings the hand level with their shoulder. As the scarf reaches the down position, the wielder swings the talvia up and forward, bringing the barbs towards the crotch of their attacker. If struck correctly or without interference the barbs will sink into the fabric and, if lucky, snag the flesh below.
Cat's Claw - Holding the talvia nearly at the center, the wielder performs a diagonal swipe from left to right (or right to left) starting either at the top and moving downward or at the bottom moving upward. This maneuver will rarely result in the entanglement of a weapon, but is meant to score damage on the attacker.
De-Tangle - It is important for a wielder to know how to unsnag their talvia from their opponent, whether the material grabbed is cloth, flesh, or metal. Methods can vary depending on the material and how the barbs have latched themselves onto that material. In some situations it can be impossible to remove the talvia, in which case abandonment of the weapon should be chosen. More often than not it is suggested that tugging the talvia in the opposing direction of the snared barbs will loosen the talvia, but this can be dangerous depending on the positioning of the attacker. The preferred method is executed by adjusting the tension of the talvia and twisting the wrist to loosen the talvia so that its grip is released, allowing for retrieval.
The Snare - This maneuver is primarily used to tangle the attacker's weapon in the talvia. The wielder snaps the talvia across the length of their body and forward (right-handed wielders snap from the right-side across the body to the left with a forward movement) with a hard twist of the wrist as the talvia fully extends. This movement should give the talvia enough movement to wrap around a weapon. A hard jerk backwards tightens the talvia around the weapon. The barbs will either snag on the weapon or amidst the fabric of the rest of the scarf, anchoring the talvia in place until the attacker or wielder manages to pull the talvia or weapon free.
The Turn Out - A simple defensive maneuver to be used when an attacker has gotten into the danger zone. It is suggested to use this technique when facing an unarmed opponent at lower levels as it can be a risky maneuver against an individual with a weapon. With this attack, the wielder grasps the talvia with both hands, one on either end of the scarf. If the attacker thrusts forward towards the face, the wielder uses their dominant hand to wrap the scarf over the top of the arm, pulling the appendage downward while also pulling the scarf taunt so that there is no give to the fabric. The scarf can therefore either push the arm away or lock it into place. It is suggested to push the arm back at lower levels to give the wielder a chance to flee.
Professional
The Hand Bind - A variation of the 'Turn Out' technique, the Hand Bind is a defensive maneuver applied to the invading hand or wrist area either as a follow up to a block or offensive attack. This can also be a useful defense against someone who has grabbed the scarf with one or both hands. Once the scarf contacts the foe the wielder moves one hand in a circle, wrapping the hand, or hands, one or more times. This secure grip can now be used to apply various locks, pulls and pushes.
The Whip - Holding the talvia at one end, the wielder snaps the weapon forward in a manner similar to the whip. This can be done as an overhand or originating from the wielder's side, although it is recommended to snap the talvia from a side angle given the risks of bringing the talvia's ends close to the head. This maneuver is good mostly for unfurling the barbs from their restraining fabric strands, but can also be used to score damage against an attacker. It can cause weapon entanglement if executed well.
Can't See Me - Wielders wind up the talvia in this technique by rotating their arm and lash out at their attacker with a twist of the wielder's wrist, aiming for the attacker's head. Regardless of whether or not the attacker wears head protection, the talvia latches on and wraps around the head, hindering the sight of the attacker.
The Wrap - Similar to 'The Snare' in that this technique is used to capture, with 'The Wrap' the wielder lashes the scarf in a forward motion while holding the scarf at one end and allowing the other end to snap outward. The scarf furls around the opponent's neck and, if done correctly, the barbs latch into either the skin, clothing, or a section of the scarf. This technique can be tricky, especially if the barbs catch the middle of the scarf rather than closing around the throat. It is also best performed at an angle rather than head-on, otherwise there is a chance the scarf will latch onto the attacker's shoulder rather than wrap around their neck.
Elite
Free Swing - The wielder grasps the scarf in its center with both hands spread a hand-width apart from one another (this is to keep a measure of control as the scarf is maneuvered). This technique is often best executed by those with a dance background for it involves not only the careful movement of the hands, but also the correct positioning of the feet. The wielder rotates one hand after the other in small circles to pivot the long lengths of the scarf on either side, spinning them. As the hands put the talvia to spinning, the wielder steps forward and pivots in a half-circle, putting force through their arms to the talvia to give it an extra thrust as they swing it towards their opponent.
The Garrote - While the wielder needs no skill pertaining to the actual barbs of the talvia, this technique is taught later in the skill tree because it is risky and involves the wielder to be up-close to their opponent rather than heading for safety. With this technique, the wielder should be behind the attacker holding the talvia at either end, the material taut. The talvia should be brought over the attacker's head and pulled tightly backwards, relying on upper arm strength to either pull the attacker off balance to the ground or hold them in place. A frontal Garrote attack is more difficult, but not entirely impossible.
Handcuffs - This is a self-defense technique that allows one the ability to incapacitate an opponent in a way that prevents the use of their hands. With a sideways flick of the wrists and a forward swipe of the talvia, the wielder can use it to bind an opponent’s wrists together; forcing the opponent to drop any weapon they may be holding at the time. A follow-up to this is a quick jerk that throws an opponent off balance. A step above "The Hand Bind" in terms of incapacitation.
Jump the Pit - This technique can be done in two different ways to achieve the same result: an underhand swing or an overhand toss. Used to cross reasonably sized chasms or pits, the wielder swings their weapon either overhand or underhand to wrap around a sturdy branch, rock outcropping or jutting ledge to swing across the chasm. Once their feet have met safe ground, the wielder gives a shake of the wrist to free the weapon. At higher proficiencies, the wielder can shake their wrist to free the weapon before they touch the ground (however, it is recommended to be nearly across the chasm before attempting this for obvious reasons).
Master
Razor Toes - This technique is useful in the instance that a talvia has one end on the ground with one hand clasping the scarf near the other end. With their weaker foot, the wielder takes a step forward and follows through with a sweeping, forward kick of their dominant leg. The leg should move forward into the talvia and sweep it upwards towards the attacker. The closer the talvia wielder is to their attacker the better, although some space is needed to execute a forceful kick.
Whipping the Stick - This technique gets its name from a game often played by talvia masters. The master uses their talvia to snap out and entangle sticks from the ground, which they in turn fling forward in an attempt to gain distance over an opponent's throw. In combat, this technique is used to grasp light to medium weight objects and throw them in a desired location; be it at an opponent or other object.
Skipping Stones - Another technique finding its beginnings in games played by talvia masters, Skipping Stones historically involved using the talvia to snap at stones placed on the ground on a series of drawn circles. When the talvia snaps the right way at a stone, the stone is skipped several paces to land in another circle without going outside of it. This technique when used in combat in a similar way can cause anything from stones to dirt, sand, water, and other small items or fine substances to fly in a desired direction; such as an opponent's face for example. Care must be taken as to not damage the talvia in the use of such a technique.
Star Snatcher - In this technique, the wielder whips the talvia out and up to snag projectile weaponry out of the air via entanglement. This is executed somewhat like "Can't See Me" but requires a quicker reaction time and no wind up to the whip. The movement has a quicker snap to the wrist. As the talvia latches on to the projectile, the wielder snaps the weapon back and out to the side to dispose of the entangled projectile.
Grandmaster
Yours is Mine - A grandmaster may wield their talvia in ways unheard of by most. This technique is one of those ways. With careful practice, the wielder can use the barbs of the talvia to grasp weapons out of an opponent’s hands. The barbs slash the opponent's hands while entangling the weapon and disrupting the grip and balance the opponent has on it. This is followed by a flick of the wrist and a sharp tug by the grandmaster, which pulls and places the weapon in the off hand. Such a technique is done with such speed and precision that most opponents don't even know what happened until they are left weaponless and with sliced wrists and hands.
Windmill - Named not for the movement, but rather for the fact that the wielder uses two talvia for this technique, the four ends of the talvia reminiscent of a four-armed windmill. The wielder holds both talvia in the center, one talvia in each hand, and twists the wrists into a rotation that spins each talvia. This technique is reminiscent to "Free Swing" in that the wielder uses dance-like movements in both arms and feet, pivoting and twisting to keep the talvia from wrapping together.
Linear Mode
