Florentine

Florentine is a term used, somewhat inaccurately given its historical basis, to describe the two-weapon fighting style.

History

Florentine was a weapon style utilizing a long sword as the primary weapon while wielding a dagger or short sword in the off-hand. Florentine is so named after the city of its birth, Florence, Italy. A dagger often used in the Florentine style was the "main gauche" which means "left hand". On occasion, the off-hand weapon would have additional tines or notches cut into the blade to assist in fouling or trapping an opponent's blades.

Florentine in Belegarth

Florentine fighting in Belegarth is distinct from historical Florentine, in that two full-length swords are used together, rather than a sword and a dagger. A fighter weilding two flails may also sometimes be described as "fighting Florentine", or even flailentine, though this is significantly different from any historical fighting style.

Though it requires more coordination that most other fighting styles, particularly with the off-hand, when practiced well, Florentine can be a devastating technique. It combines a versatile defense with furious offense, but like all styles of fighting without a shield, it is particularly vulnerable to archery. For this reason, some Florentine fighters choose to wear a buckler or a back shield.

On a large field, Florentine fighters typically serve as skirmishers and flankers, as they are quickly shot down by archers when in a line.