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Difference between revisions of "Stances"

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|related=[[Shardblade]]s, [[Ten Essences]]
  
|related=[[Shardblade]]s, [[Ten Essences]]
 
|world=Roshar
  
|world=Roshar
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|universe=[[Cosmere]]
 
|books=[[The Stormlight Archive]]
  
|books=[[The Stormlight Archive]]
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}}
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}}{{update|book=sa3}}
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{{update|sa4}}
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The ten [[Shardblade]] '''stances''' are used by the [[Shardbearer]]s in [[Vorin]] culture. However, it may also be used not with shardblades, but with ordinary weapons.{{book ref|sa1|19}} There are ten in all, each based on one of the [[Ten Essences]]. The stances are entirely different styles of sword fighting, however they're mostly based on a philosophy rather than specific sword styles.{{book ref|sa2|14}}
  
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{{quote
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|A stance is about more than just looking great on the battlefield. It’s about footing, center of balance, and control of the fight.
  +
|Adolin, to Shallan{{book ref|sa3|15}}
  +
}}
  +
The ten Vorin fighting '''stances''' are fighting styles used by soldiers in [[Vorin]] culture. They may be used with [[Shardwielding|Shards]] and with conventional weapons.{{book ref|sa1|19}}
   
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== Windstance ==
 +
== Overview ==
  +
There are ten stances in all, each based on one of the [[Ten Essences]]. A stance describes a general fighting style and tactics, rather than specific sword movements.{{book ref|sa2|14}}
⚫
Windstance utilizes sweeping, broad strokes that flow from one attack to the next. It is a two-handed stance with the body turned sideways, elbows bent and the tip pointed up and back over the head. The sweeps are majestic, and come from multiple sides. Sometimes they are small, quick blows that are meant to unnerve their opponent, other times the sweeps are wide.{{book ref|sa1|58}}{{book ref|sa1|19}} Windstance is the best stance to use against multiple opponents, and can cause mass amount of casualties on battle field with its wide sweeps, but is very poor at parrying.{{book ref|sa2|57}}{{book ref|sa1|68}}
  
   
  +
Many soldiers have preferred stances, though may switch to others in specific situations. The shape and length of a sword or Shardblade may affect this choice.{{book ref|sa2|14}} Other factors include the circumstances on the battlefield or the user's own personality and level of expertise. However, the best swordsmen are familiar with all stances in order to better anticipate and counter their opponent.{{book ref|sa2|44}} The stances require a great deal of practice; even though [[Kaladin]] has mastered fighting with a spear, he has some difficulty learning swordsmanship.{{book ref|sa2|44}}
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== Smokestance ==
  
⚫
Smokestance is a one-handed stance that has the blade forward, tip pointed at the heart of their opponent. The key in this stance is to stay in motion at all times. While the blade may move in a whirlwind, it focuses on thrusts rather than sweeps and slashes. One variant of Smokestance is a sword and dagger stance, which uses the dagger primarily as a second line of defense.{{book ref|sa1|19}}
  
   
  +
Apart from a purely practical standpoint, the stances are an important aspect of the Vorin fighting culture. When [[Adolin]] teaches [[Shallan]] how to fight with a Shardblade, he is insistent on proper use of the stances, and speaks to her at length about tradition and respect; for Adolin, the stances are integral to proper reverence of the Shardblade.{{book ref|sa3|15}}
−
== Flamestance ==
  
⚫
Flamestance is an aggressive one-handed stance. Unlike other stances, the posture of Flamestance involves squared off feet. The blade is held in one hand, with the other hand resting on the blade. The stance is favored by those with shorter Shardblades. It is defined by furious constant attacks, but is weak to disarming as a result of the one handed grip.{{book ref|sa2|14}}{{book ref|sa2|84}}
  
   
  +
An ancient [[Knight Radiant]] from one of [[Dalinar's visions]] remarks that [[Dalinar]]'s stances are unfamiliar to her, so the stances have likely evolved over time.{{book ref|sa1|19}}
⚫
== Vinestance ==
  
⚫
Vinestance is a defensive stance that focuses on defensive footwork and flexibility.{{book ref|sa2|57}} This is [[Relis Ruthar]]'s favored stance.{{cite}}
  
   
−
== Ironstance ==
 +
== The Stances ==
  +
=== Windstance ===
⚫
Ironstance is a strong stance with a two-handed grip, sword held next to the head, and utilizes strong overhead blows.{{book ref|sa2|14}}
  
  ⚫
Windstance uses sweeping, broad strokes that flow from one attack to the next. It is a two-handed stance with the body turned sideways, elbows bent and the tip pointed up and back over the head. The sweeps are majestic, and come from multiple sides. Sometimes they are small, quick blows that are meant to unnerve their opponent; other times, the sweeps are wide.{{book ref|sa1|58}}{{book ref|sa1|19}} Windstance is the best stance to use against multiple opponents{{book ref|sa2|56}} and can cause many casualties on battle field with its wide sweeps; it is very poor at parrying,{{book ref|sa1|68}} though it does have some defined sweeps for doing so.{{book ref|sa2|53}}{{book ref|sa2|57}} This is [[Adolin Kholin]]'s favored stance{{book ref|sa2|14}} and the most familiar one for Dalinar as well.{{book ref|sa1|19}} Since it relies on mobility more than strength, Adolin plans to teach it to [[Shallan]] early on when he is teaching her swordfighting.{{book ref|sa3|15}} It is very popular among the Alethi in general.{{wob ref|4358}}
   
−
== Stonestance ==
 +
=== Smokestance ===
  ⚫
Smokestance is a fluid, one-handed stance that has the blade forward, tip pointed at the heart of their opponent, and one foot placed ahead of the other. Smokestance is better than Windstance for fighting with an imperfect weapon. The key in this stance is to stay in motion at all times. While the blade may move in a whirlwind, it focuses on thrusts rather than sweeps and slashes. One variant of Smokestance is a sword and dagger stance, which uses the dagger primarily as a second line of defense.{{book ref|sa1|19}}
⚫
Stonestance is a form that relies on raw power. The stance involves holding the sword in front, arms fully extended, tip pointing straight up. On offense, the focus is on delivering the maximum amount of momentum in a single blow, jumping up, lifting the blade behind the head, and a diagonal downward cut. Since it doesn't require much strength to cut most things with shardblades, this stance is largely impracticle when not fighting a shard bearer. When on defense, the stance relies on staying immobile.{{book ref|sa1|58}}
  
   
−
== Bloodstance ==
 +
=== Flamestance ===
  ⚫
Flamestance is an aggressive, sometimes frantic one-handed stance. Unlike other stances, the posture of Flamestance involves squared-off feet. The blade is held in one hand, with the other hand resting on the blade. The stance is favored by those with shorter Shardblades. It is defined by furious constant attacks, but is weak to disarming as a result of the one-handed grip.{{book ref|sa2|14}}{{book ref|sa2|84}}
⚫
Bloodstance is a stance in which the wielder doesn't care about getting hit.{{book ref|sa3|26}}
  
  +
  ⚫
=== Vinestance ===
  ⚫
Vinestance is a defensive stance that focuses on defensive footwork and flexibility.{{book ref|sa2|57}} It is slow and steady, but has sudden, quick lunges.{{book ref|sa2|56}} [[Relis Ruthar]], the former Alethi dueling champion,{{book ref|sa2|37}} prefers this stance.{{book ref|sa2|56}}
  +
  +
=== Bloodstance ===
  ⚫
Bloodstance is a stance in which the wielder doesn't care about getting hit, mostly used in desperate circumstances.{{book ref|sa3|26}}
  +
  +
=== Ironstance ===
  ⚫
Ironstance is a strong stance with a two-handed grip, sword held next to the head, and uses strong overhead blows.{{book ref|sa2|14}}
  +
  +
=== Stonestance ===
  ⚫
Stonestance is a form that relies on raw power. The stance involves holding the sword in front, arms fully extended, tip pointing straight up. On offense, the focus is on delivering as much momentum as possible in each blow; a characteristic strike, for example, involves jumping up, lifting the blade behind the head, and making a diagonal downward cut. When on defense, the stance relies on staying immobile and is one of the few that uses parrying. Since it doesn't require much strength to cut most things with Shardblades, this stance is largely impractical when not fighting a Shardbearer.{{book ref|sa1|58}} Stonestance is considered the immovable stance and provides solid footing in combat.{{book ref|sa3|26}}{{book ref|sa3|120}}
  +
  +
=== Other stances ===
  +
There are three more stances, corresponding to the [[Ten Essences | Essences]] of Tallow, Lucentia and Sinew; however, they have not as of yet been featured in the books. In addition, [[Singer]]s may use stances unfamiliar to humans.{{book ref|sa2|84}}
   
 
== Notes ==
  
== Notes ==

Revision as of 07:41, 10 April 2024

Stances
Scroll of Stances.jpeg
by Isaac Stewart
Related to Shardblades, Ten Essences
World of Origin Roshar
Universe Cosmere
This page or section needs to be updated with new information for Rhythm of War!
Be aware that in its current state, it may not include all additional content yet.

“A stance is about more than just looking great on the battlefield. It’s about footing, center of balance, and control of the fight. ”

—Adolin, to Shallan[1]

The ten Vorin fighting stances are fighting styles used by soldiers in Vorin culture. They may be used with Shards and with conventional weapons.[2]

Overview

There are ten stances in all, each based on one of the Ten Essences. A stance describes a general fighting style and tactics, rather than specific sword movements.[3]

Many soldiers have preferred stances, though may switch to others in specific situations. The shape and length of a sword or Shardblade may affect this choice.[3] Other factors include the circumstances on the battlefield or the user's own personality and level of expertise. However, the best swordsmen are familiar with all stances in order to better anticipate and counter their opponent.[4] The stances require a great deal of practice; even though Kaladin has mastered fighting with a spear, he has some difficulty learning swordsmanship.[4]

Apart from a purely practical standpoint, the stances are an important aspect of the Vorin fighting culture. When Adolin teaches Shallan how to fight with a Shardblade, he is insistent on proper use of the stances, and speaks to her at length about tradition and respect; for Adolin, the stances are integral to proper reverence of the Shardblade.[1]

An ancient Knight Radiant from one of Dalinar's visions remarks that Dalinar's stances are unfamiliar to her, so the stances have likely evolved over time.[2]

The Stances

Windstance

Windstance uses sweeping, broad strokes that flow from one attack to the next. It is a two-handed stance with the body turned sideways, elbows bent and the tip pointed up and back over the head. The sweeps are majestic, and come from multiple sides. Sometimes they are small, quick blows that are meant to unnerve their opponent; other times, the sweeps are wide.[5][2] Windstance is the best stance to use against multiple opponents[6] and can cause many casualties on battle field with its wide sweeps; it is very poor at parrying,[7] though it does have some defined sweeps for doing so.[8][9] This is Adolin Kholin's favored stance[3] and the most familiar one for Dalinar as well.[2] Since it relies on mobility more than strength, Adolin plans to teach it to Shallan early on when he is teaching her swordfighting.[1] It is very popular among the Alethi in general.[10]

Smokestance

Smokestance is a fluid, one-handed stance that has the blade forward, tip pointed at the heart of their opponent, and one foot placed ahead of the other. Smokestance is better than Windstance for fighting with an imperfect weapon. The key in this stance is to stay in motion at all times. While the blade may move in a whirlwind, it focuses on thrusts rather than sweeps and slashes. One variant of Smokestance is a sword and dagger stance, which uses the dagger primarily as a second line of defense.[2]

Flamestance

Flamestance is an aggressive, sometimes frantic one-handed stance. Unlike other stances, the posture of Flamestance involves squared-off feet. The blade is held in one hand, with the other hand resting on the blade. The stance is favored by those with shorter Shardblades. It is defined by furious constant attacks, but is weak to disarming as a result of the one-handed grip.[3][11]

Vinestance

Vinestance is a defensive stance that focuses on defensive footwork and flexibility.[9] It is slow and steady, but has sudden, quick lunges.[6] Relis Ruthar, the former Alethi dueling champion,[12] prefers this stance.[6]

Bloodstance

Bloodstance is a stance in which the wielder doesn't care about getting hit, mostly used in desperate circumstances.[13]

Ironstance

Ironstance is a strong stance with a two-handed grip, sword held next to the head, and uses strong overhead blows.[3]

Stonestance

Stonestance is a form that relies on raw power. The stance involves holding the sword in front, arms fully extended, tip pointing straight up. On offense, the focus is on delivering as much momentum as possible in each blow; a characteristic strike, for example, involves jumping up, lifting the blade behind the head, and making a diagonal downward cut. When on defense, the stance relies on staying immobile and is one of the few that uses parrying. Since it doesn't require much strength to cut most things with Shardblades, this stance is largely impractical when not fighting a Shardbearer.[5] Stonestance is considered the immovable stance and provides solid footing in combat.[13][14]

Other stances

There are three more stances, corresponding to the Essences of Tallow, Lucentia and Sinew; however, they have not as of yet been featured in the books. In addition, Singers may use stances unfamiliar to humans.[11]

Notes

  1. ↑ a b c Oathbringer chapter 15#
  2. ↑ a b c d e The Way of Kings chapter 19#
  3. ↑ a b c d e Words of Radiance chapter 14#
  4. ↑ a b Words of Radiance chapter 44#
  5. ↑ a b The Way of Kings chapter 58#
  6. ↑ a b c Words of Radiance chapter 56#
  7. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 68#
  8. ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 53#
  9. ↑ a b Words of Radiance chapter 57#
  10. ↑ Shadows of Self Portland signing
    — Arcanum - 2015-10-10#
  11. ↑ a b Words of Radiance chapter 84#
  12. ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 37#
  13. ↑ a b Oathbringer chapter 26#
  14. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 120#
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