Post by code on Jan 20, 2011 17:38:17 GMT -5
The forms are seperated into three levels of difficulty, each requires more skill to preform, level 1 being the lowest, and 3 the highest, in order to become full Gaidin, your character must know 80% of the forms by heart.
Level 1
Lion on the Hill: A basic guard stance, with the sword held calmly in one hand at shoulder level, the blade pointed upright, and shoulders steady.
Leopard in the Tree: A simple guard position begun with both hands on the hilt of the sword, knees slightly bent, and leaning forward in a ready stance. This form is used after performing 'Unfolding the Fan', or another such drawing technique.
Grapevine Twines: Spiral around at close range, blades locked in attempt to disarm an opponent.
Moon Rises Over the Water: A horizontal, tentative slash moving straight into a vertical arc. The blade should begin and end near the waist.
Level 2
Arc of the Moon: A simple, but effective slash. Begins at mid body level and arcs to the neck, then ends back at guard stance with both hands on the hilt of the sword. This form is best suited when your opponent has been fully tested. The final blow.
Boar Rushes Down the Mountain: A vertical slash with both hands on the hilt of the sword. Using the power in the shoulders, alter the course of the slash in mid swing to bring the sword down low. Works well with Tower of the Morning.
Courtier Taps His Fan: A quick and powerful two handed vertical blow, meant to split the head.
The Creeper Embraces the Oak: A slow, circling approach. Keeping the blade locked in a series of strikes from high to low and back to constantly offer a new threat and to guard against others. Works well with The Falling Leaf or Lightning of Three Prongs.
The Falcon Stoops: A quick overhead thrust, returning to a guard position just as quickly with the sword in a reverse grip. Good for buying time.
Falling Leaf: Starting high, the blade sweeps back and forth before reaching it's lowest point. Also effective against multiple opponents. You can move into The River Undercuts the Bank or The Wind Blows over the Wall with this one.
Heron Wading in the Rushes: A horizontal, pivoting slash done on one foot. Begun at shoulder or head height. This form is used for practicing balance only.
Heron Spreads Its Wings: Like Heron Wading in the Rushes, except a tighter cut begun with the blade at chest level.
Hummingbird Kisses the Honeyrose: A quick flick of the wrist to thrust the blade in the face of a charging opponent. Begun with the blade in a horizontal position at eye level, knees slightly bent, and chest facing at an angle of 45 degrees away from the opponent.
The Kingfisher takes a Silverback: A downward stab for the abdomen, begun while the sword is at shoulder height or higher. Can use when the sword is lower than shoulder height to cripple a leg or the groin. May also be used to parry a mid level strike.
Leaf Floating on the Breeze: A horizontal guard position, knees slightly bent, and leaning forward. Keeping the blade in vertical motion according to the threat while moving horizontally to offer new threats. Attacks from this position should include Lightning of Three Prongs and Lizard in the Thornbush.
Lightning of Three Prongs: From any basic stance, moving into a thrust begun at the chest that can either continue as a thrust or slash to either side of the body. Can also be used to parry.
Low Wind Rising: Can be done from almost any stance. A powerful diagonal slash, beginning low and rising cleanly. May be used to return to a guard stance after a form such as The Grapevine Twines or Lightning of Three Prongs. This is a good form to use when in a sitting position, but by ending with the sword in a guarded reverse grip.
Parting the Silk: A very controlled slash directed at the abdomen, can be used as an opening or closing attack.
Ribbon in the Air: A forward kick at the abdomen, followed by a horizontal slash begun just below chest height, followed by another kick.
The River Undercuts the Bank: A backward horizontal slash, used to disembowel or behead an opponent. Can be done from a kneeling or standing position.
The Swallow Takes Flight: A powerful diagonal slash, beginning low and rising cleanly, followed by a short thrust. The short thrust is intended to do the damage, the slash a well concealed feinting attack to hide the thrust.
The Swallow Rides the Air: This form uses a simple guard stance like Leopard on the Hill, except slightly mobile, moving toward an opponent with short swipes. Usually performed after The Swallow Takes Flight.
Tower of Morning: A well timed vertical slash, starting low and ending high in a wide arc. Performed at the peak of balance. Works well with Boar Rushes Down the Mountain.
Level 3
Apple Blossoms in the Wind: A versatile technique, intended for use against an attack by multiple opponents. The blade is held low, with shoulders relaxed ready for use in a number of strike forms. Move slowly and calmly... then begin a series of offensive attacks.
Bundling Straw: Several quick chest level thrusts, followed by an arc slashing at the chest area and another arc back again that should return the blade to a guard stance. Best used against a quarterstaff opponent.
Cat Dances on the Wall: A feinting, tentative series of short slashes, thrusts, and parries. Good wrists and quick feet are essential for this to be effective maintaining balance is very important. The form is intended to distract your opponent.
Cat on Hot Sand: Used against multiple opponents. A faster paced version of Cat Dances on the Wall. Feinting a variety of slashes, thrusts and parries while constantly changing position. More effort is directed at the feet for quick positioning and mobility.
Lizard in the Thornbush: An attack against two opponents. One thrust to the chest at the first opponent, then drop to pivot on one knee with either a thrust or a slash to the abdomen of the second opponent.
Stones Falling from the Cliff: Like Boar Rushes Down the Mountain, except used to parry. The sword should begin no lower than shoulder height and come down using all power of the shoulders. Parting the Silk will pair off well with this form.
Striking the Spark: A rapid series of powerful and successive overhead blows, best begun on the return swing of a slash like Low Wind Rising or The Heron Spreads Its Wings. Only the fittest can practice this form correctly, let alone, use it in battle.
Thistledown Floats on the Whirlwind: A short range jumping spin swipe of the blade, used for beheading. The sword should not move more than a foot or so; the main force is provided by the spin of the body. The blade should not extend too far out from the body, and be approximately chest high. An opening move in most cases, best if done by surprise.
Twisting the Wind: A quick, continual rotation of the body, while using slashes and short thrusts to counter attack or attack according to the situation. Blade rising high for slashes and low for thrusts. For use one is outnumbered.
Water Flows Downhill: A more complicated form of The Boar Rushes Down the Mountain. This form can and will change direction in mid stroke. Like its name, it takes the easiest route from high to low, avoiding contact with the other weapon while seeking its target.
Whirlwind on the Mountain: A spinning swipe of the blade at the head. The sword should not move more than a foot or so; the main force is provided by the spin of the body. The blade should not extend too far out from the body, and be approximately chest high. Can be modified for use for striking up or down simply by changing the angle of the spin.
Wind and Rain: Begun with either Low Wind Rising or Parting the Silk, this form follows through with multiple short thrusts or quick overhead blows.
The Wood Grouse Dances: Like the Cat Dances on the Wall, but performed stationary. A feinting, tentative series of short slashes, thrusts, and parries. Mainly to feel out an enemy, rather than to do serious harm.
Additional Forms
Folding the Fan: The sword sheathing technique. The blade is smoothly swung around from guard stance and sheathed, all in one motion.
Unfolding the Fan: The exact opposite of Folding the Fan. Can be used as an opener to catch an opponent off guard, since this form can unsheathe the sword and strike all in one motion.
Sheathing the Sword: More of a concept than a sword form, this is used when what you can gain is greater than or equal to what you may lose in the process of gaining it.
If anyone has and additional forms that aren't on either list, PM me the name, and a fairly good description.
Level 1
Lion on the Hill: A basic guard stance, with the sword held calmly in one hand at shoulder level, the blade pointed upright, and shoulders steady.
Leopard in the Tree: A simple guard position begun with both hands on the hilt of the sword, knees slightly bent, and leaning forward in a ready stance. This form is used after performing 'Unfolding the Fan', or another such drawing technique.
Grapevine Twines: Spiral around at close range, blades locked in attempt to disarm an opponent.
Moon Rises Over the Water: A horizontal, tentative slash moving straight into a vertical arc. The blade should begin and end near the waist.
Level 2
Arc of the Moon: A simple, but effective slash. Begins at mid body level and arcs to the neck, then ends back at guard stance with both hands on the hilt of the sword. This form is best suited when your opponent has been fully tested. The final blow.
Boar Rushes Down the Mountain: A vertical slash with both hands on the hilt of the sword. Using the power in the shoulders, alter the course of the slash in mid swing to bring the sword down low. Works well with Tower of the Morning.
Courtier Taps His Fan: A quick and powerful two handed vertical blow, meant to split the head.
The Creeper Embraces the Oak: A slow, circling approach. Keeping the blade locked in a series of strikes from high to low and back to constantly offer a new threat and to guard against others. Works well with The Falling Leaf or Lightning of Three Prongs.
The Falcon Stoops: A quick overhead thrust, returning to a guard position just as quickly with the sword in a reverse grip. Good for buying time.
Falling Leaf: Starting high, the blade sweeps back and forth before reaching it's lowest point. Also effective against multiple opponents. You can move into The River Undercuts the Bank or The Wind Blows over the Wall with this one.
Heron Wading in the Rushes: A horizontal, pivoting slash done on one foot. Begun at shoulder or head height. This form is used for practicing balance only.
Heron Spreads Its Wings: Like Heron Wading in the Rushes, except a tighter cut begun with the blade at chest level.
Hummingbird Kisses the Honeyrose: A quick flick of the wrist to thrust the blade in the face of a charging opponent. Begun with the blade in a horizontal position at eye level, knees slightly bent, and chest facing at an angle of 45 degrees away from the opponent.
The Kingfisher takes a Silverback: A downward stab for the abdomen, begun while the sword is at shoulder height or higher. Can use when the sword is lower than shoulder height to cripple a leg or the groin. May also be used to parry a mid level strike.
Leaf Floating on the Breeze: A horizontal guard position, knees slightly bent, and leaning forward. Keeping the blade in vertical motion according to the threat while moving horizontally to offer new threats. Attacks from this position should include Lightning of Three Prongs and Lizard in the Thornbush.
Lightning of Three Prongs: From any basic stance, moving into a thrust begun at the chest that can either continue as a thrust or slash to either side of the body. Can also be used to parry.
Low Wind Rising: Can be done from almost any stance. A powerful diagonal slash, beginning low and rising cleanly. May be used to return to a guard stance after a form such as The Grapevine Twines or Lightning of Three Prongs. This is a good form to use when in a sitting position, but by ending with the sword in a guarded reverse grip.
Parting the Silk: A very controlled slash directed at the abdomen, can be used as an opening or closing attack.
Ribbon in the Air: A forward kick at the abdomen, followed by a horizontal slash begun just below chest height, followed by another kick.
The River Undercuts the Bank: A backward horizontal slash, used to disembowel or behead an opponent. Can be done from a kneeling or standing position.
The Swallow Takes Flight: A powerful diagonal slash, beginning low and rising cleanly, followed by a short thrust. The short thrust is intended to do the damage, the slash a well concealed feinting attack to hide the thrust.
The Swallow Rides the Air: This form uses a simple guard stance like Leopard on the Hill, except slightly mobile, moving toward an opponent with short swipes. Usually performed after The Swallow Takes Flight.
Tower of Morning: A well timed vertical slash, starting low and ending high in a wide arc. Performed at the peak of balance. Works well with Boar Rushes Down the Mountain.
Level 3
Apple Blossoms in the Wind: A versatile technique, intended for use against an attack by multiple opponents. The blade is held low, with shoulders relaxed ready for use in a number of strike forms. Move slowly and calmly... then begin a series of offensive attacks.
Bundling Straw: Several quick chest level thrusts, followed by an arc slashing at the chest area and another arc back again that should return the blade to a guard stance. Best used against a quarterstaff opponent.
Cat Dances on the Wall: A feinting, tentative series of short slashes, thrusts, and parries. Good wrists and quick feet are essential for this to be effective maintaining balance is very important. The form is intended to distract your opponent.
Cat on Hot Sand: Used against multiple opponents. A faster paced version of Cat Dances on the Wall. Feinting a variety of slashes, thrusts and parries while constantly changing position. More effort is directed at the feet for quick positioning and mobility.
Lizard in the Thornbush: An attack against two opponents. One thrust to the chest at the first opponent, then drop to pivot on one knee with either a thrust or a slash to the abdomen of the second opponent.
Stones Falling from the Cliff: Like Boar Rushes Down the Mountain, except used to parry. The sword should begin no lower than shoulder height and come down using all power of the shoulders. Parting the Silk will pair off well with this form.
Striking the Spark: A rapid series of powerful and successive overhead blows, best begun on the return swing of a slash like Low Wind Rising or The Heron Spreads Its Wings. Only the fittest can practice this form correctly, let alone, use it in battle.
Thistledown Floats on the Whirlwind: A short range jumping spin swipe of the blade, used for beheading. The sword should not move more than a foot or so; the main force is provided by the spin of the body. The blade should not extend too far out from the body, and be approximately chest high. An opening move in most cases, best if done by surprise.
Twisting the Wind: A quick, continual rotation of the body, while using slashes and short thrusts to counter attack or attack according to the situation. Blade rising high for slashes and low for thrusts. For use one is outnumbered.
Water Flows Downhill: A more complicated form of The Boar Rushes Down the Mountain. This form can and will change direction in mid stroke. Like its name, it takes the easiest route from high to low, avoiding contact with the other weapon while seeking its target.
Whirlwind on the Mountain: A spinning swipe of the blade at the head. The sword should not move more than a foot or so; the main force is provided by the spin of the body. The blade should not extend too far out from the body, and be approximately chest high. Can be modified for use for striking up or down simply by changing the angle of the spin.
Wind and Rain: Begun with either Low Wind Rising or Parting the Silk, this form follows through with multiple short thrusts or quick overhead blows.
The Wood Grouse Dances: Like the Cat Dances on the Wall, but performed stationary. A feinting, tentative series of short slashes, thrusts, and parries. Mainly to feel out an enemy, rather than to do serious harm.
Additional Forms
Folding the Fan: The sword sheathing technique. The blade is smoothly swung around from guard stance and sheathed, all in one motion.
Unfolding the Fan: The exact opposite of Folding the Fan. Can be used as an opener to catch an opponent off guard, since this form can unsheathe the sword and strike all in one motion.
Sheathing the Sword: More of a concept than a sword form, this is used when what you can gain is greater than or equal to what you may lose in the process of gaining it.
If anyone has and additional forms that aren't on either list, PM me the name, and a fairly good description.
