Leveque

GM's Notes: I created this school because I felt Montaigne lacked a single-sword fencing school, and because I wanted a school to give to the Montaigne officers I expect to see as both antagonists and allies of the heores.

Taught at the Leveque War College, the Leveque school is taught to Montaigne officers - usually gentry from impoverished families - who haven't been exposed to court and the fashionable swordsman schools most War College students have already begun to learn before they start at the academy. It focuses on combat basics, with an emphasis on working with one's soldiers and getting through the inevitable personal combats in the heat of battle quickly and efficiently.

Because Leveque is taught in a such a regimented fashion, its Swordsman often lack imagination. Opponents can exploit that weakness by doing something untraditional and then taking advantage of the momentary confusion that results.

Country of Origin: Montaigne

Curriculum: Fencing, Commander

Swordsman Knacks: Charge, Lunge, Corps-a-Corps, Exploit Weakness (Leveque)

• Apprentice: Leveque teaches that a unit without an officer will not last long, and so its devotees are adept at staying alive in the heat of battle. Apprentices can take a Free Raise on Active Defenses when allies are fighting nearby.

• Journeyman: Fights are often decided in the opening moments, and the fury of men hitting men can have its own power. Leveque journeymen add one to their Charge knack, increasing its maximum of 6, and can add their Charge knack to damage in the first round of combat.

• Master: Sometimes, a battle can come down to a single fight between opposing champions. Leveque Masters have learned to gain strength from their men watching and counting on them. Even in single combat, you can gain the benefit of supporting Brutes for one Action a round if they are watching you fight.