Combat
Historical Sources
The combat system in Mirror Sword is based on Historical European Martial Arts of the late middle ages and early renaissance period. The German longsword tradition of Grand Master Johannes Liechtenauer is the primary source. However there is also influence drawn from the Italitan Master Fiore dei Liberi.
The Three Stances
High Guard
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Middle Guard
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Low Guard
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In Mirror Sword there are 3 stances available to the player. Each stance has it's own unique move-set.
High Guard
High Guard is based on the German guard named Vom tag, meaning "from the roof".
Offensive: Strong Vertical Cut, Horizontal Cut
Defensive: Hanging Parry, followed by Weak Vertical Cut
Offensive: Strong Vertical Cut, Horizontal Cut
Defensive: Hanging Parry, followed by Weak Vertical Cut
Middle Guard
Middle Guard is based on the German guard named Pflug, meaning "plow".
Offensive: Strong Thrust, Quick Thrust
Defensive: Block
Offensive: Strong Thrust, Quick Thrust
Defensive: Block
low Guard
Low Guard is based on the Italian guard named Porta di ferro mezana, meaning "middle iron door".
Offensive: Strong Thrust
Defensive: Strong Parry, followed by Strong Vertical Cut
Offensive: Strong Thrust
Defensive: Strong Parry, followed by Strong Vertical Cut
The Bind
In Mirror Sword, a bind occurs when 2 strong attacks intersect. The bind is an important aspect of the Liechtenauer tradition. It is taught that through "fuhlen" a swordsman can feel soft or hard pressure. With fuhlen a swordsman can respond with the appropriate technique.
Soft Bind
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Hard Bind
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Grapple
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The Master Cuts
The Master Cuts are a unique aspect to the Liechtenauer tradition. In most fight books of the tradition there are 5 Master Cuts, each with unique tactical abilities. In Mirror Sword there are 4 Master Cuts: Zwerchhau, Schielhau, Krumphau and Schietelhau.
Zwerchhau
The Zwerchhau is a horizontal cut which strikes with the back edge of the sword. This attack strikes twice in quick succession. This cut also blocks incoming cuts.
Schielhau
The Schielhau is a vertical cut which strikes with the back edge of the sword. This strike blocks incoming cuts and thrusts. If blocked this strike becomes a thrust and hits past the enemies defenses.
Krumphau
The Krumphau is a strange cut. This cut strikes to the side of the enemy while the swordsman leaps diagonally. In Mirror Sword, The Krumphau does not block any attacks, the attack is also unblockable. This is the only strike which bypasses shields.
Schietelhau
the Schietelhau is a simple yet powerful cut. This strike is a high cut which strikes to the enemies head with great speed. Any enemy wearing a helmet is instantly knocked unconscious. Enemies not wearing helmets are instantly defeated.