Blade Dancers are masters of wielding edged weapons. They specialize in ritualized combat movements that are lightning fast. Blade Dancers can overwhelm even an accomplished opponent's defenses, setting them up for a devastating coup de grace.
Lithe and agile, a Blade Dancer cherishes unimpeded movement over heavier protection, so they wear only light armors (such as leather) into combat. Extremely competent and aware, a Blade Dancer's weapons tend to be the only defensive protection they need. Unfortunately for their enemies, these blades aren't just used for defense, but offense as well.
The Blade Dancer's mastery of edged weapons allows them to unleash devastating close combat attacks in quick succession. Their honed skills and supernatural agility allow them to avoid incoming attacks for short periods of time and launch lethal sneak attacks on the unwary.
Once a Blade Dancer's fury is spent, their light armor offers scant protection. They must quickly overcome their opponent's defenses or face defeat themselves.
Blade Dancers are more than gifted combatants in the art of war; they are followers of the illustrious High Elf heroine Estrael, the Edge Dancer who perished in the Blood Storm War. Estrael became a legendary figure in Telara after defending a High Elven village for ten days from a major Orcri assault.
Incorporating amazingly fluid and nimble movements in her combat, Estrael's unique fighting style frustrated and dazzled the Orcri tribes, holding them fast at the village. For ten days the Edge Dancer battled the horde, aided only by her disciple Loalai Tresair, until reinforcements arrived and drove the assault back.
Although Estrael died from her many wounds soon after the assault, she became a hero of the Blood Storm War, with the races of Telara rallying in her memory to fight against the horde together. Her disciple, Loalai, continued teaching Estrael's innovative fighting style as part of an all-female Elven order. But as the years passed and the threat of rifts grew throughout Telara, Loalai opened the order to men and women of many races to help defend the world.
Today, Loalai and the Blade Dancer Order are headquartered in Cliffside Vale. Many smaller schools also exist, recruiting novice Blade Dancers from all corners of.Telara.
