Dark Souls: Fighting Prowess
@astoran-exemplar this was supposed to be that headcanon you asked about Astora ages ago, but my mind likes to wander on different topics so this happened lol.
Warrior nation headcanons to pass the time.
Astora, the Noble, the Tactician
The epitome of class and nobility, not unlike heroic kingdoms as described in poems and fairy-tales. They are a people of noble blood, defined by chivalric concepts typical to the honors that come with knighthood, something I imagine to be quite important in their culture.
Astoran warriors are trained from childhood both academically and physically, becoming two equal parts thinkers and fighters. Historically, many of the greatest tacticians and generals have been Astoran in origin.
Astoran combat practices revolve primarily around the use of conventional arms and a relatively simple yet effective form of martial arts with little in terms of flair, at least outside of ceremony. But the true strength of an Astoran warrior comes not from the flourish of their steel, but from their keen adaptive mind. A single strike is as important as the control of their very breathing, as every action is a calculated motion, an important set piece to the larger strategy.
Balder, the Skillful, the Duelist
Known in canon as the brave men and women who stood beside the legendary King Rendal, he and the knights of Balder were known to be the most skillful swordsmen of their age, the lot of them legends in their own right.
I imagine them to be calculated fighters, but not exactly in the same way Astorans are. Their prowess comes from complete mastery over that craft -- the ability to read and counter any martial form. Put simply, they’re the greatest swordsmen of their time.
Berenike, the Powerful, the Conqueror
Said to be born of Giants and Men, the mighty Berenfolk of Berenike are warriors unlike their sister nation of Balder. They are born to a frigid land of relentless winds and endless winters, with frozen beasts as savage as the demons of izalith.
The Berenfolk are conquerors, and rightly feared by the world, for they have waged war with nearly every kingdom and country of their age. No land is left unscathed by their thundering march. Perhaps they would have taken this realm ages ago if not for Balder’s staying hand.
Fittingly, Berenike warriors wield only the heaviest of arms and armament: Heavy Plate Armor, Great Hammers, Greatswords. No tool is too big. As it stands, their preferred method of problem-solving involves crushing it under needlessly excessive amounts of weight.
Catarina, the Brave, the Adventurer
For every tale recounting both legend and hero, forever constant is the glory and name of Catarina. Though it may seem odd to see these cheerful folk as ones to live by the sword, never doubt the reality that those of Catarina are the bravest in this entire caliber.
I like to think of them as more bard-like -- they’ll sing of their own exploits as much as those of the company they keep. After all, no tale is worth telling without those to be merry with.
They might not be the strongest nor the most agile, but they are fighters through and through, and there is no prouder warrior than one of Catarina.
Forossa, the Fearless, the Mercenary
More mercenary than military; A motley bunch of brigands, brawlers, and fighters of all shapes and sizes, uniformed only by the steel on their hearts and the coats on their shoulders -- and unified by the most glorious of battle cries fit to beckon their very gods of war. And maybe a stiff round of drinks.
Their method of fighting is about as varied as their weaponry, maybe similar only by how reckless they are. Viking warriors would be the short description.
