The Big Problem with Sword Fighting...
Like any skill, martial arts require lots of practice, and making all kinds of mistakes to learn from. Which sometimes make for rather painful lessons.
But what if making mistakes in order to progress brings a risk of the progress ending right there? Because you took a sharp sword blade to the face? That's the problem when people point out the limitations of sparring with protective gear and whatnot... it's not the real thing. They aren't wrong. No matter how realistic the training is (either in modern HEMA or back in medieval / renaissance times), it's not entirely the same. But what's the alternative?
The more realistic training is, the more dangerous it is. Let alone the real-life experience of fighting to the death in a duel between swordsmen. Whatever valuable lessons could be learned from it might be taken to the grave.
Sword fighters in a fantasy world where potions, healing magic, and even resurrection exist could be so much more skilled. Imagine the kinds of experience they could gather from perilous situations that mundane humans could not hope to come back from...
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Outro:
"Highland Storm" by The Slanted Room Records
Used with artist's permission
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