Difference between revisions of "Rithmatics"

 

== Rithmatic Defenses ==

 

=== Four-Point Circles ===

{{anchor|Ballintain Defense}}

; Ballintain Defense: A basic and easy to set up defense, that however lacks much internal support.{{book ref|Rithmatist|1}} This defense features two Lines of Forbiddance, each connecting two adjacent bind points. There are also two circular Lines of Warding at two of the bindpoints opposite of each other. Finally there is a defensive chalkling bound to one of the remaining bindpoints. A popular defense based on the four-point circle, it is ideal for more offensive Rithmatists.{{ref|name=ballintain}}

{{anchor|Sumsion Defense}}

; Sumsion Defense: A defense characterized by a long Line of Forbiddance that lies tangent to its front bindpoint. A circle with a Mark's Cross is also bound to this bindpoint opposite of the main Line of Warding. Defensive chalklings can be bound to the two bindpoints on either side. The rear bindpoint has a line running across it, perpendicular to the curve, to help anchor it.{{ref|name=sumsion}}

 

=== Six-Point Circles ===

The six-point circle has bindpoints based on a regular hexagon whose vertices are equidistant around the circle's circumference. While it is difficult to determine where the bindpoints are without actually seeing the hexagon, Rithmatists are taught how to intuit their positions. Six-point circles have a greater inherent versatility and defensibility that two- and four-point circles lack.{{ref|name=6pt}}

{{anchor|Eskridge Defense}}

; Eskridge Defense: One of the most difficult of the defenses taught to Rithmatic students. It features three internal Lines of Forbiddance, each connecting two adjacent bindpoints, leaving three openings for the Rithmatist to draw. The top and bottom bindpoints have defensive chalklings bound to them while the remainder have circular Lines of Warding. Each of the outer circles have an interior Line of Forbiddance that points towards an opponent, to help defend against Lines of Vigor.{{ref|name=eskridge}}

{{anchor|Matson Defense}}

; Matson Defense: A defense that relies heavily on defensive chalklings.{{book ref|Rithmatist|9}} Features two parallel Lines of Forbiddance, each connecting two adjacent bindpoints. The remaining two bindpoints, opposite of each other, have circular Lines of Warding bound to them each with a Mark's Cross. Defensive chalklings are bound to every bind point of the three circles, except where the smaller circles are bound to the larger one, making ten in total.{{ref|name=matson}}

 

=== Nine-Point Circles ===

The nine-point circle has bindpoints based on a non-obtuse triangle. The bindpoints are located at the midpoint of each side and at the points where the triangle's [[Wikipedia: Altitude (triangle)|altitude]] lines intersect the circle. They require a great deal of practice in order to successfully determine where each of the bindpoints are located. Due to this difficulty many Rithmatists do not choose to spend the time required to master it.{{ref|name=9pt}}

{{anchor|Easton Defense}}

; Easton Defense: A defense that is suited for multiple opponents. It has circular Lines of Warding at each of its bindpoints and and Lines of Forbiddance that form a nine-sided figure with three lines missing which act as support for the mine circle. Drawbacks to the defense are the difficulty of nine-point circles and the restriction created by the Lines of Forbiddance. There are a number of variations on this defense, such as adding defensive chalklings to the outer circles.{{ref|name=eastonbasic}} A more advanced iteration of this defense adds a Mark's Cross to each of the outer circles and decreases the internal Lines of Forbiddance from six to three. Defensive chalklings are also bound to a number of the outer circles' bindpoints.{{ref|name=eastonadvanced}}

{{anchor|Hill Defense}}

; Hill Defense: A defense that uses Lines of Forbidding, though it can be modified to work without them.{{book ref|Rithmatist|9}}

{{anchor|Shoaff Defense}}

; Shoaff Defense: A defense characterized by its use of elliptical Lines of Warding at each of its bindpoints. A defensive chalkling is then bound at each of the ellipses opposite bindpoint. It only uses two, quite short, Lines of Forbiddance as anchors and is so quite susceptible to Lines of Vigor. It is however ideal against an offense of chalklings. This defense is best for those who specialize in Lines of Vigor{{ref|name=shoaff}}

{{anchor|Taylor Defense}}

; Taylor Defense: A defense characterized by a pair of concentric, circular Lines of Warding.{{book ref|Rithmatist|24}} Lines of Forbiddance radiate outward from the bindpoints of the innermost Line of Warding, though the bindpoints of the larger concentric circle, and then through two smaller circles. Each of the smaller circles have a Mark's Cross. There are Lines of Forbiddance that connect two outer circles that are adjacent to each other, lying parallel to one of the Lines radiating out which are used to reflect Lines of Vigor. Defensive Chalklings are bound to many of the remaining bindpoints. The Taylor Defense is commonly held to be the strongest Rithmatic Defense though it requires great speed and accuracy from its user. It's use is somewhat controversial in duels but if the outer concentric circle is breached then it counts as a defeat.{{ref|name=taylor}}

 

=== Ellipses ===

Lines of Warding in the shape of an ellipse only have two bindpoints.{{ref|name=osborn}} They are strong at the ends (near the bindpoints) but weak along the sides.

{{anchor|Jordan Defense}}

; Jordan Defense: A defense characterized by the large cage of Lines of Forbiddance drawn around it. Large numbers of offensive chalklings are drawn inside the cage and are released in waves by dismissing the front Line of Forbiddance, which is then redrawn after the chalklings have moved forward.{{book ref|Rithmatist|11}} At each of the two bindpoints have a line running through them to serve as an anchor. It requires a great deal of skill in making sure the chalklings wait until the Line is dismissed before moving forward. It is an unconventional defense and some teachers are reluctant to teach it.{{ref|name=jordan}}

{{anchor|Osborn Defense}}

; Osborn Defense: The only basic defense based off of an ellipse.{{book ref|Rithmatist|9}} A defensive chalkling is bound to the upper bindpoint. The rear bindpoint has a line running through it to serve as the only anchor for the defense. On either side the Rithmatist my choose to add two circular Lines of Warding with a Mark's Cross to aid in defense. It is important though that they do not touch the main ellipse as they would not be touching a bindpoint.{{ref|name=osborn}}

 

=== Unknown Configuration ===