Country of Origin: Bryn Bresail (Sidhe and Sidhe-Blooded characters may learn this School for 25 HP)
Salon: None (the School is learned through self-study and introspection)
Founded: Unknown

Description: Little is known about the origins of Elfennau, though legends of its practice go back as far as even the immortal Sidhe can remember. Just as the Druids of the Triple Kingdoms learn to tap into the sacred power of the seasons to fuel their magic, some Sidhe learn to harness the raw elemental energies that comprise their very existence and channel it into swordplay. These taciturn warriors are stalwart defenders of Bryn Bresail, uncharacteristically grim and serious, and capable of great feats of skill with their chosen weapon: the rapier (though many of these Swordsmen possess a Sidhe Sword, making them even more awe-inspiring…and dangerous).

This elegant School keeps its practitioners in constant motion, using tumbles, spins, and slices over thrusts and advances. The philosophy of Elfennau is one of complete control, using these graceful movements as foci for one’s inner strength. An Elfennau Swordsman quickly learns to strike with instinct as well as with confidence.

Because the School relies on motion, it is relatively easy to trip up an Elfennau Swordsman. Forcing him onto uneven terrain (or worse, taking him off his feet) forces him to slow down, depriving him of the flowing energy which helps him focus his perceptions and actions.

Basic Curriculum: Acrobat, Fencing
Knacks: Exploit Weakness (Elfennau), Lunge (Fencing), Sidestep, Wall of Steel (Fencing), Whirl (Fencing)

Revised Swordsman Knack: Wall of Steel. Your weapon is an ever-present blocking device, and you use it like a tortoise uses its shell. If you have not attacked yet this Round, then each Rank of this Knack increases your TN to be hit by two. You cannot use your Parry Knack with the relevant weapon for Active Defenses in any Phase where you benefit from this Knack.

Apprentice: An Apprentice of Elfennau becomes attuned to the tides of combat. These Swordsmen can feel them ebb and flow, and respond quickly to opportunities created by them. The Apprentice may add his Rank in Finesse to his Initiative total at all times while using this Swordsman School.

The Sidhe, particularly the aloof students of Elfennau, have little use for the Swordsman’s Guild. Therefore, they receive a free Rank in one of their Swordsman Knacks in lieu of Guild Membership.

Journeyman: A Journeyman of Elfennau gains even greater insight into the tides of battle. This lends him enhanced senses to know when he is in danger. So long as the Journeyman may use Footwork or Balance as a Defense Knack (even if he chooses not to), Journeyman may add his Rank in Wits to his TN to be hit while using this Swordsman School. This bonus is cumulative with his Wall of Steel Knack.

Master: The Master of Elfennau has learned to strike with the burning in his heart and the strength of his very soul. The Master may add his Rank in Resolve to Attack Rolls and his Rank in Panache to Damage Rolls while using this Swordsman School. These bonuses only apply to single attacks (including the use of the Lunge Knack, but excluding the use of Whirl) made with a rapier or Sidhe Sword.