Training Manual: the Matare

Description:

A weapon developed for the Dracon race, which is a combination of spear, polearm and staff. The weapon is seven to eight feet long, dependent upon the height of the user. The haft of the weapon is fitted as just under (six-nine inches) less than the height of the user and the blade is added length. The weapon head is fourteen-eighteen inches long, and five-six inches wide. The blade is sharpened on one edge only. The non-cutting, or trail, edge is even with the haft of the weapon, which is one and a quarter to one and a half inches in diameter. The rest of the blade projects forward, in the direction of swing. This heel is usually sharpened for the first inch or two back from the heel point. The blade is fairly thick, one quarter to on third of an inch, and is usually made of tempered steel, although many variations in material exist. The blade drops to a 45 degree chisel point at the end, which greatly aids in piercing armor. This point sweeps back the entire width of the blade. From the front edge of the chisel point to the heel of the blade, the blade is ground into a slight crescent shape, curving inward to a width two thirds of the full blade. This curve is designed to aid in the chopping motion the blade is often used for.

The tang of the blade extends the full length of the weapon, and flares out from its normal dimensions to the full cylindrical shape of the haft for the last foot or so, to balance the weight of the blade. This part of the weapon is called the butt, and is often textured in some fashion, since some forms move the grip down that far. The butt is also often sharpened into a crude spike, for setting the weapon against a charge, or to secure it in the ground for drawing other weapons.

The rest of the haft is filled out with a strong, yet flexible wood, which is commonly riveted into place. Leather or linen cording are commonly used to additionally secure the wood haft, as well as to provide better grip. The steel that extends behind the blade of the weapon is often tempered slightly softer and more flexible than the blade or butt. This is because the haft is often used to substitute for a shield, and the flexibility absorbs blows better.

Each Matare is fitted individually to the user, and is also named by them. This name is engraved with a fine chisel on the tang of the weapon, underneath the wood haft. The weapon’s true name is seldom revealed to anyone outside of the Dracon’s inner circle of friends and family. They believe that knowledge of the weapon’s true name wards against it. The metal shavings that result from this process are then recycled into a peaceful implement, to ensure that none of the passive qualities of the metal remain in the weapon. Plowshares and children’s toys seem popular choices for this. Engraving of the blade is also a popular, but personal choice. If a Dracon loses their weapon, or believes that its true name has been discovered by an enemy, they will destroy the weapon, if in their possession, and will seek purification before manufacturing another.

History:

The Matare was developed by the very same Cyraxian that had created the Dracon. He wished to create a unique weapon for his new creations that would give them the advantages of the best of weapons. With this in mind, he tested the first Dracon with various weapons to experiment and to find out what the Dracon could naturally use. He soon found that the Dracon were able to use long distance melee weapons such as the spear, quarterstaff, and the halberd quite efficiently. He also found however, that the Dracon were able to use Axes quite well if the axe could reach. With this new information, he set of into his forge to create this “ultimate weapon” for his new creations. As he completed the first one, the Cyraxian could already feel the deep power within the blade. The Cyraxian was almost afraid of its incredible durability and strength as well as its amazing reach and flexibility. However, to devise a way to control his Dracon from rebelling and using his weapon against him, he inscribed a secret word of power within the metal that he and only he knew. With this, he would be able to draw the powers from the weapon of his and then contain the Dracon.

When the Dracon were finally liberated by the Goddess Diana, they chose to hold on to their weapons that felt so familiar in their hands. As they continued to practice their new weapons and create new forms, the Matare started to be used as a weapon of art instead of destruction for the Dracon were at a relatively peaceful time in their Hidden City. One day, one of the original Dracon accidentally broke his weapon upon a rock and discovered the name. Wondering if that was the source of the matare’s ultimate power, he began the tradition of inscribing a single word onto the blade that he kept secret to him to his death, only telling his direct descendants of this word. As time moved on, the matares of the future were all inscribed with a single word that represented the owner, which they kept a secret, remembering that if an opponent would figure out this word, the power of their weapon would be sapped. To date the practice of naming one’s weapons is still done, and the word is still guarded fiercely by the owner of the Matare in question.

Finding the Word of Power

A dracon looking to name his matare, is lead to a quiet spot. Preferably one with running water, a stream, or a river side. There they are purified with the water and a type of soap and scale oil with a strong odour and several ritual rinses with the water from the stream. Female dracons and male dracons lean towards different smells, some preferring flowers, while other prefer herbs. All the while, the dracon must keep his mind focused on his matare, forming the all important bond between weapon and user.

Once the cleansing is done, the dracon is left on their own, with their matare.

Given a few roots of dried datura, and instructions on how to unlock the plants special uses. The dracon must chew the roots to a mash themselves. The juice from the root mixes with his saliva. Swallowing any of the mixture is frowned upon, almost to the point of being forbidden. The mixture should be used at the time of the trance, and not before. It will also give the user a slight heady feeling.

Once the dracon has chewed the roots thoroughly, they are spit out into a bowel of water. A finger is than used to stir the contents around, until the fluid turns a milky white colour. When that happens, the drink is ready. The student, ready to take the plunge, places the matare across his knees, and drinks the liquid.

The datura has a narcotic effect, which is increased the longer they are dried. The student is taken to a dream like state, where he or she must search for something that has deep personal meaning. Once the quest is complete, and the dracon has received their particular vision, they are ready to name their matare.


Skill Tree

Basic:

At this level, the young apprentice must find a advanced user of the Matare. With this teacher, he will then chisel the Word of Power of his choice onto his blade. This Word will come to the apprentice while meditating under some ancient herbs. The master himself is there only to guide the student and should not interfere with the inscribing of the word. After this, the basic stances are taught to the student along with some basic forms of the Matare. Very commonly taught beginner skills include: The Herald’s Banner, Hidden Branch, Gathering Storm, as well as various others. A student will usually learn 5 skills, completing his Basic Training

Intermediate:

At this stage, the apprentice will be taught under a expert of the matare. The apprentice will through meditation and hard physical work understand more of the matare and the matare will begin to unite with the Dracon. A mantra, usually the Word of Power, is usually mentally repeated constantly to keep the apprentice focused on what he is to accomplish. Another 5-10 skills are learned during these sessions as well. The most commonly taught ability of this one which enables the Dracon apprentice to truly test his muscle skills is Diana’s Lance

Advanced:

While the apprentice is closely watched by a true master of the matare, he is shown the most powerful of the forms, though he himself will not attempt most of them. If an apprentice does, there is a large change that serious injuries could occur, however the example must be shown so that the apprentice can see the true power of his weapon. During this training, the large first part of it is spent in pure meditation. The matare will be set down in front of the apprentice, with his hands laid upon it. During meditation, he will continue to feel into his weapon and merge his soul into it. After this stage, if the matare is lost or destroyed, the Dracon must reconnect himself with his blade by undergoing continuous meditations that can tax the Dracon to his or her very limits. It also requires for them to attain the levels of expert and master again. Finally, once the link has been made, the apprentice will then be tested by his master in an all out fight. Only when the apprentice manages to draw blood or disarm his master does he continue.

Expert:

At this stage, a Dracon is given no more than a single set of instructions by a master, usually a cryptic message to guide them down the path. During this entire stage, the weapon is not used. Through meditation, the Dracon views the forms that he has been shown and taught in his mind, slowly examining their every detail. Once he is confident enough that he knows them, he will then step into a open area and blindfold himself. During this time, he will then go through the forms without his matare as the steps become second nature to him. After this, he must then develop his own unique skill. Through even more meditation, the Dracon must either develop a complex combination of forms or a single unique form to be presented to a council of masters, or a single one if a council is not available. In this meditation, the chain or forms or the single form will come to the Dracon as he finally becomes one with his blade.

Master:

Once a Dracon has reached the Expert stage, he can then pursue the path of master status. This status is not proclaimed by anyone except for the Dracon himself. He must reach this level of power by himself and with the guidance of nobody but his own mind and Diana herself. Through whatever means possible, the Dracon must pursue this rank. However, the only person that can pronounce the Dracon a master is the Dracon himself, when he feels that his powers have reached their pinnacle and he is able to show all that deny his abilities that he is truly a master.

Forms of the Matare

Form: The name for a move or series of moves using the matare. These names are often poetic in nature, descriptive of some aspect of the form. A new form was often named by its originator, or one who observed it first hand. The forms are also used in weapons practice.

The standard posture consists of feet shoulder width apart, body bladed toward the target, strong foot back and bearing most of the body’s weight. The weapon is presented in standard grip, blade high, forty-five degrees above horizontal. Standard or opposed grip is hands shoulder width apart, centered on the haft, hands grasping the haft from opposite sides. Parallel grip simply flips the left hand over, putting it in the same orientation as the right. All descriptions assume a right-handed wielder. Simply reverse position if left-handed. Above or below horizontal refers to the blade end of the weapon in relation to the butt end. Forward refers to the blade end of the weapon, and the blade edge is facing forward, in the direction of the target, unless specified.

The following are some of the infinite number of moves. The forms described are certainly not a complete listing of every move developed for use with the matare. It includes most of the standard forms, and some of the more widely used non-standard ones.


Avalanche of Stone: This is one of the more advanced forms. The form is used to manipulate the arena of battle by warding off or moving one’s opponent. The weapon grip varies greatly throughout the motion, but is generally of medium width near the center of the weapon. The strike itself is a rapid, repeated vertical twirling motion. This motion is carried from one side to the other at irregular intervals. The blade edge leads in this form, and serious blows can be delivered by it or the butt end of the weapon, due to the speed involved. However, any severe blow delivered will stop the form, possibly where the user would be at momentary disadvantage.

Bitter Harvest: A powerful sweeping attack used to gain distance from multiple opponents, or as a preliminary strike when closing distance. The weapon is gripped with either hand, just shy of the metal portion of the butt. The weapon’s butt is snapped rigidly into position against the forearm. The weapon is held just below horizontal, blade edge facing horizontally out from the body. The strike is a rapid, roundhouse turn of the body, bringing the weapon along with it. During this turn, the weapon will be brought to the horizontal position. The strike is delivered when the body has turned full circle, and the weapon head is angled down toward the thighs, calves or ankles at this time. The reacquisition of the target is difficult, due to the rapid motion, and if the position of the opponent has shifted significantly, the strike often fails. This strike can be stepped inside of as well, with similar but less-damaging results than Woodcutter’s Folly. This strike can also be jumped over, with lesser chance of success (See the Headsman’s Axe). This strike, when performed correctly, can often cripple an opponent with one blow, and has been known to sever limbs.

The Chameleon’s Tongue: A quick jab attack that uses deception. The grip and posture are both standard. The strike is performed by loosening the grip of the left hand, and rapidly sliding the weapon forward with the right, through the loose left hand’s grip. This strike ends with the right hand bringing the weapon back to its original position. This can also be changed into Woodcutter’s Toil, before the weapon is brought back, with only the left hand skipping back into position behind the right. This is done if the opponent has dodged or back stepped the attack, leaving the room needed for Toil to succeed. This attack carries little potential for damage, and nearly no risk.

Coiled Viper: An avoidance technique and preparatory stance for other attacks. The feet are spread slightly wider than shoulder width, and the weapon’s user will go into a crouch, the right leg bent at the knee and hip, the left foot still in place, leg straightened in front of the user, perpendicular to the right thigh. The grip is standard, with the addition of the right forearm being grafted to the butt of the weapon. The weapon is presented point down, edge forward, at a forty-five to sixty degree angle in front of the body. This is for defense as well as priming the weapon for several attack forms, including Horns of the Bull, The Headsman’s Axe and Bitter Harvest (both from the right side) and Scorpion’s Sting.

Coils of the Python: A close range reversal attack, should be used only when at extremely close range to an enemy. The grip is parallel, with the stance being roughly square to the target. The range involved is the same as Hidden Branch, where grappling attacks are the norm. Instead of pushing off with the haft of the weapon, the user executes a spin around one side of the target, and brings the weapon up in the process. The spin will end with the user facing the back of the target, if successful. The weapon is then brought up over the head of the opponent, and dropped over the front of the neck or upper torso. Pressure is then applied for a choke hold, robbing the target of breath after a time. This attack has the potential to disable a humanoid target, rendering them unconscious. The form has several drawbacks, however. Once applied, this hold matches the strength of the user against that of the target. Also, when maintaining the hold, the user is unable to dodge, parry or attack. It is even difficult to maintain position. Also, opponents with elbow spikes on their armor can make mincemeat of the user’s vulnerable abdomen.

Cutting of Sod: A combination attack that goes low, then high for maximum effect. The starting posture and grip are both standard. The first part of the attack is a quick low slashing jab to the feet. The blade is then brought around to the right, along with the body pivoting back on the right foot, turning the users back to the opponent, and gaining a small amount of distance. This is used with the second part of the strike, which is nearly identical to Parting the Wind, except that the body pivots back on the left foot, bringing it back into standard attack posture. A canny opponent can quickly step into the spin and attack for good effect, but only if they advance completely. A partial advance will place the opponent in perfect position for the overhand slash. The spin can also be stopped after the first step back and devolve into several other attack forms as well, including Parting the Wind, Hooves of the Mule, or even Spirit of the Desert.

Diana’s Hammer: A short range attack with the butt for gaining distance and deception. The stance is standard, and the weapon is in a standard grip. The blade and haft are brought horizontal, pointing back over the right shoulder. The weapon’s butt is brought straight forward, aiming for the face of the opponent. This smashing action can break noses and jaws, and can be especially nasty with a sharpened butt. This strike can be a standalone attack or flow from Raising the Earth, or Woodcutter’s Folly (with a last second grip change).

Diana’s Lance: Yet another risky, yet powerful attack. Stance and grip are standard. The blade is raised nearly vertical, and then the shoulders rotate, swinging the entire weapon in a downward vertical arc. The blade’s edge faces forward, and the point is aimed at the legs or feet of a standing opponent, or a prone opponent as a finishing blow. The strike ends with the blade tip in the dirt, haft upward at a sixty to seventy degree angle, to ward off counterstrikes, and the weapon user on one knee. This, again, is a very risky blow, as it is easy to avoid if the opponent is standing, and the haft of the weapon can do nothing against vertical counterattacks.

Falling Star: Similar in execution to Diana’s Lance. The weapon is aimed much higher, around the throat and torso. This is primarily designed to get over shields and low parries. The strike can deliver solid damage, if landed well. This also leads to vulnerability after the attack, especially if it is blocked high. A miss actually will return the weapon to a more tenable defensive position than a block will.

The Gathering Storm: Another defensive routine, mainly for parrying vertical attacks and gaining distance. The weapon is gripped in the center of the haft, both hands together. The weapon is lifted above the head, and twirled horizontally while stepping back, if necessary. The plane of motion can be dipped forward as much as thirty degrees, to prevent attacks from the front better. This form yields little damage if a hit is landed, but was the form was never intended to do so.

The Hangman’s Noose: Another close range grappling attack, almost identical to Coils of the Python. The grip and stance are identical. The strike uses a full spin, instead of a half. This results in the target and user ending up back to back. The weapon is then extended up above the head and back. The weapon is then brought in front of the target’s neck, and pressure is applied. Exceptionally strong dracons can even arch the back forward, lifting the opponent off the ground to aid in choking them. This can sometimes result in a broken neck on the target as well. This strike is harder to execute properly than Coils of the Python. It also puts the users back to the target. This is offset by the fact that the user has a better field of vision to all quarters, and has a larger degree of mobility.

The Headsman’s Axe: This strike is identical to Bitter Harvest, except the blade is brought upwards, attacking the arms, torso and head. This can be ducked, just like Harvest can be jumped over, however the initial portion of the strike is identical, which makes telling the two forms apart nearly impossible.

The Herald’s Banner: More of a salute than a combat technique, often used in gladiatorial or ritual combat. The blade of the weapon is faced directly forward, the weapon completely vertical and centered on the user’s body, butt a few inches above the ground. This is the first form taught in traditional instruction.

Hidden Branch: A close range strike to gain distance. This form usually is used when at extremely close range with an opponent. The grip is standard, or parallel can be used as well. Given the range, the stance will generally be square to the target. With the extreme close range, the user does the only thing with the weapon that they really can. The strike is a straight thrust with the haft of the weapon held across the body. This will be horizontal with a parallel grip, or at an angle with a standard grip. This strike does little, if any damage, and only if it is done with a little bit of room between the user and the target.

Hooves Of The Mule: This form is often used as an extension of Reaper’s Toil, or to fend off an attack in the rear quarter. The target is facing the right side of the body, in contrary to standard fighting posture. The weapon is held in the standard grip position, and rapidly brought across to the left side of the body, and then back right in a rapid jab, usually aimed at the head, gut or other nerve clusters. The steel butt of the weapon can deliver a strong blow, and can be enhanced if the butt is sharpened. The short range of this attack limit its usefulness primarily to the situations described above, but can also be used when space is cramped.

Horns of the Bull: A heavy, rising vertical strike that brings the blade from the ground to sixty degrees above horizontal. The grip is standard, as is the stance. The blade is reversed, into the direction of the slash. The strike is delivered in two stages. First, the user drops to a crouch, bringing the blade of the weapon down to the ground as well. This is used to add power, and can also dodge a high horizontal slash. The second part of the strike is delivered by rapidly bringing the blade upward vertically, and pushing off with the legs. This strike is very powerful, and not easily blocked. It can be avoided, and the ending position of the strike can be open to counterattacks. This attack can also flow from Seed Before Hens and Diana’s Lance.

Kingfisher‘s Dart: Another powerful but risky strike. The weapon is gripped with the strong hand only, at or near the very end of the butt. The strike starts with this hand at waist level, the weapon slightly forward of vertical. With one fluid motion, the weapon is snapped to the horizontal, grip hand slightly behind the hips. Then the whole body lunges forward, the left leg bending at the knee for maximum distance, the right foot staying put as an anchor point. The grip arm also goes into motion, delivering the weapon forward in a long, powerful spearing motion. This blow is capable of severe damage, and can pierce even heavy plate armor if performed correctly. It is often used against a charging opponent, or when closing distance to combat. It, like Woodcutter’s Folly, can be sidestepped, but not stepped into. This form needs precision timing for maximum effectiveness, as the target needs to be at the very end of the strike for maximum damage. Anything closer will result in much less damage, since the weapon has not reached full acceleration. Too far, and the user will be overextended, and ripe for a counterattack.

Lapse of Gravity: A very advanced, risky and powerful attack. The grip on the weapon is shifted to a very close spacing, almost at the end of the butt. The user then places the point of the weapon on the ground, and vaults into the air, becoming an extension of the now vertical weapon. This results in loss of the target momentarily, as the vault will turn the users back to the target. This position is held for a brief moment, and then the user falls forward, bending at the elbows and shoulders, to keep the weapon vertical until the moment of truth. At the last second, the weapon is brought into play in a rapid, powerful overhead smash. This attack is almost universally lethal, if it connects at all, and will cleave a shield or armor like butter. Like Woodcutter’s Folly, it can be stepped into, but the force of the resulting blow is still very serious. The end posture for the attack will have the user crouched, weapon on the ground straight out in front of them. This posture cedes all initiative to an alert opponent.

Parting the Wind: A strong rear strike also can be chained with Reaper’s Travail. The strike is nearly identical to Summer Lightning, with a few differences. The shift to standard posture is achieved with a step forward with the left foot, instead of back with the right. The grip also changes, the left hand dropping close above the right. This additional leverage also adds to the power of the strike, but incurs additional recovery time.

Peeling the Onion: Another probing and preparatory attack. The stance and grip are standard. The Blade is first turned horizontal, edge facing either right or left. The weapon is then pivoted using the left hand, the right hand keeping in place. The weapon will make small, fast circles with the blade. These circles are a foot to foot and a half in diameter, and usually are aimed for the torso and head. The slight curvature of the blade can catch shields and work them to the side with several strokes. This is similar in effect to Steel Woodpecker, in that it is used for opening combat and gauging defenses. There is little real risk associated with the routine, but some low attacks are hard to block from it.

Raising the Earth: A short range butt attack that can lead into other attack forms. The stance and grip on the weapon are standard. The strike is executed by bring the right hand and butt of the weapon up in a quick vertical motion. This is accompanied by a partial weight shift, bringing the body square to the target, and the blade end of the weapon will end up over the left shoulder. This is generally aimed at the head of an opponent, but can connect lower, for light damage. This is a fast attack, and useful at close range as well. However, it can leave the lower parts of the body vulnerable if dodged. This strike can be followed by a straight jab with the butt end of the weapon to the face (Diana’s Hammer) which does light damage, or a light forward kick to the midsection which drops the lead foot back into proper stance as well as creating distance (Dragon’s Spur) or Summer Lightning, which will also result in a standard fighting posture.

Reaper’s Travail: A combination strike, used to close range slightly. The weapon is gripped in the standard grip, standard posture. The weapon is carried 30-40 degrees above horizontal. The strike is a quick chop delivered from the left side, immediately followed by a horizontal butt strike from the right side. This butt strike is accompanied by the shifting of the body, bringing the right foot forward, pivoting on the left and rotating the torso to deliver added weight to the blow. This is also necessary from the shortened range of the butt end of the weapon with this grip. The rapid pair of blows is very difficult to block adequately, and the butt end will usually connect. This strike does moderate damage, mitigated by the lesser impact and leverage of the butt end of the weapon. This will also put the user inside what their normal preferred weapon range would be with the matare. This can be used to enter into unarmed or close range melee combat however

Rolling Thunder: Another distance closing technique. The stance and grip are standard. The user places the weapon on the ground, rolling into a somersault. At the end of this somersault, the blade is thrust forward and up, similar to Scorpion’s Sting. This can also be changed into a long strike, like Kingfisher’s Dart.

Scorpion’s Sting: Another short range attack, which is used once an opening is found in an opponent’s defenses. It starts with standard stance and grip, and is one of the first forms learned by a student. The blade of the weapon is jabbed forward and up forcefully in a slight curve, and a slight step forward of the right foot lends power to the move. This can lead to some overextension and vulnerability, but only if the attack does not connect with anything at all. This attack can also lead into Raising the Earth.

Seed Before Hens: This form is used to keep an opponent off balance and to try to move them to an area of ground that puts them at a tactical disadvantage. The grip on the weapon is slightly to the butt end of center. The right hand is lower on the weapon, but higher in actual position. This results in the blade of the weapon pointing down at a forty to sixty degree angle, about a foot from the ground. The grip also reverses the blade’s position, with the edge facing upward, towards the opponent. The actual strike is a rapid series of jabs, aimed at the opponent’s feet. These are capable of doing little real damage, but can be painful if they connect, especially if the target is not wearing armored boots. The opponent is often too distracted to counterattack, and any they do launch will be from an off-balance position. This form also carries in it the potential for a nasty strike. If an opponent attempts to circumvent the jabs by spreading their feet, the weapon can immediately be brought into Horns of the Bull.

Spirit of the Desert: A close range, spinning chain of strikes. The form starts with standard grip and posture. The weapon is then brought tight into the chest, and the blade rotated to the right or left, depending on the direction of attack. The user then spins quickly several times, slashing with the blade at differing heights and angles. If done to the right side, this attack can evolve into Bitter Harvest or The Headsman’s Axe, useful for reaching out to strike an opponent who is dodging the spin attacks. This attack carries many of the same hazards as those two, the greatest of which is the short time for target reacquisition.

Steel Woodpecker: Similar to Seed Before Hens, this is primarily an attack designed to keep an opponent off balance. The grip is standard, with both hands on the weapon, nearly shoulder width apart, and the grip itself centered on the haft. The weapon is presented left (blade) hand forward, slightly above horizontal. The strike is a series of jabs with the blade, probing for holes in an opponent’s defense, and for pushing them back or keeping them at bay when withdrawing. This form does not carry the potential for great damage, but can be used to wear down an opponent. This is a preferred opening attack routine, since it can easily be turned to defense, and is useful for gauging an opponent’s defenses.

Summer Lightning: This is another extension of Reaper’s Travail, also used for gaining distance from a rear quarter attacker. The starting posture is identical to Hooves of the Mule, right foot toward the opponent, left back, standard weapon grip. The strike is a quick downward slash, combined with the right foot taking a step back, and pivoting with the left. The slash will arrive at a forty-five degree angle, from the left side. This is not hard to block, and does not offer much in the way of damage potential. It does, however, make it difficult for an opponent to advance on the user’s position, and keeps the user‘s defenses and vision where they belong.

Wall of Briars: A large unit, anti-cavalry form. The grip is standard, but moved farther towards the butt end of the weapon. The stance is modified standard, with the left foot perpendicular to the charge, and the right leg straight, placing the weight of the body forward. The end of the weapon is thus placed against the ground and left foot, wedging it at a thirty to forty degree angle. This sets the point of the weapon against charge of horse. This tactic is not effective against riders with lances, as the matare is sorely outmatched in the range department. This can be used against riders armed only with swords or other similar melee range weaponry, however. It is also effective against a foot charge. In small unit or individual combat, this form has little use.

Wall of Stone: A blocking form that can be used to parry as well. The stance is standard, and a parallel grip is used. The user then rotates the shoulders square to the opponent, and uses the haft of the weapon to block and incoming slash. This can be to either side, as well as vertical strikes. If a vertical strike is stopped, and the attacker maintains his push on the weapon, the matare is rapidly spun to one side or the other, deflecting the sword or axe to the side, and opening the target’s defenses to counterattacks. This can be delivered by either end of the weapon, which side depending on the side of deflection. This can also lead into Hooves of the Mule, Summer Lightning, Scorpion’s Sting and Steel Woodpecker. A side block, when held by the opponent, can also lead into a body spin away from the weapon, around the opponent. This opens the opponent to any number of short range attacks against their back. Also, if the user’s tail is long enough, they can attempt a trip in the middle of the spin, but this can be disastrous for either combatants or the user only if not practiced enough.

Woodcutter’s Folly: This form is one of the most powerful blows that the weapon can deliver, however it is very easy to dodge. The weapon is gripped on or near the butt, with both hands together, right hand forward. The swing starts with the weapon behind the back, arms extended over the shoulders. The actual swing is a full overhand chopping motion, often accompanied by a jump to add the weight of the body to the blow. The strength of this blow has been known to cleave a standing opponent in two from the sheer power of it. However, the form is slow, easily readable, and hard to stop once started. It can be dodged by a simple sidestep, or by stepping forward, inside the arc of the blade, which will result in a painful strike from the wood and metal haft, but certainly not a lethal one.

Woodcutter’s Toil: A more aggressive strike, but not as risky as Woodcutter’s Folly. The weapon is gripped with hands only a short distance apart, two thirds of the way down the haft from the blade, right hand forward. The weapon is used in a medium sized chopping motion, which can be delivered from either side, or vertically. These strikes are much harder to block due to their power, and can inflict serious damage. These blows will usually land on the torso of a similarly-sized opponent.

Wind Over the Water: A complex dodge and attack routine which takes a high level of mastery to attempt. The starting posture is standard, as is the grip. The first part of the routine snaps the butt of the weapon tight to the right forearm. The dodge is intended for use against upwards vertical and horizontal attacks. In it, the user drops forward, onto their left side, breaking the grip of the left hand and dropping the blade to their feet in the process. The user then pivots clockwise on their left shoulder, while rolling onto their back. As this is done, the weapon is brought in a horizontal stroke scant inches off the ground, sweeping at the opponents feet. As the stroke is completed, the user finishes their roll, and ends up face down. Recovery from this position is best done rapidly, as anyone who has managed to dodge the sweep can easily dispatch the prone Dracon.