Main-gauche (sage ability)
.jpg)
Main-gauche is an authority-status sage ability in the study of Puissance that enables the character to use a dagger as both a weapon and a substitute for the defensive shield. As the dagger is used to parry or block the opponent's attacks, with this ability it also gives a +1 bonus to the character's armour class (AC). This is true whether or not the character uses the dagger to attack.
The dagger was historically paired with a rapier or other one-handed sword, and it was held in the non-dominant hand. However, the second weapon need not be a dagger, so long as it weighs no more than 3½ lbs. Note also that the ability applies whether or not the character is employing a second weapon.
More than One Attack
Attacking with two weapons is acceptable in combat if the combatant has a dexterity of 13 or more. Thus some characters may also gain the benefit of a second attack with the dagger, as well as using it as a sword.
Additionally, should the character have multiple attacks, the dagger could be used in lieu of the main weapon for the second attack that round, regardless of the character's dexterity. This is sound logic if the dagger is magical in some manner.
Historical Context
The use of the main-gauche was prevalent during the Renaissance and Baroque periods in Europe, particularly in countries like France and Italy. Fencing manuals and treatises from this era provided detailed instructions on the techniques and strategies for using the main-gauche in conjunction with other weapons. For some who would be running a setting based on an earlier time period, it would be reasonable to suspend the use of this sage ability.
Primary Weapon as Main-Gauche
By the rules here, it's presumed that the defensive capability of a weapon heavier than 3½ lbs. is already accounted for in the combat system. The benefit of the lighter weapon in this context is that it's lighter and swifter than the main weapon, and thus able to sufficiently parry attacks so that the character's AC with a shield is duplicated.
See also,
Hereditary Weapon I (sage ability)
Improve Dual-wielding (sage ability)
Off-handed Cast (sage ability)
