"Ah yes, our tournaments. Every young Sangheli's dream. I believe we have a short document on the history behind them if you'd be so inclined to read it. Our tournaments use various methods to determine which of the challengers has the most intelligence, honor, etc. But none of this matters in the eyes of the populace if one cannot defend themselves. As such, we allow the challenger to duel the previous minister. It's a cultural thing more then anything." Arbiter Dar'sahkar explained to the
Hammerstarians from the Regal Condottieri. "We have an excerpt from a book done on the subject if you'd like to see it. You might find it an interesting read. Thom'dar has copies if you wish to see one."
"As for our skills in combat? Well, our culture inherited many traits from our previous warring city-state system, and those shine through even today; albeit as modernized versions. For example, we have the Ruskarahk, a fighting style which we developed in the past which is still taught to Sangheli today. It's been discovered to help develop strong muscles, increase reaction time, and can be used to help rehabilitate those who have lost a limb. We're very fortunate to not have lost such an art with such benefits."
Sangheli of days gone by were a very divided culture. We had four city-states which were often at war with each other. As evidenced by the fact that they're still standing today, they were very evenly matched and unable to conquer the others. It was during this time that Sangheli had developed their masterful ability with the blade, and unarmed. They created a type of fighting known as Ruskarahk, which focused on redirecting your opponents momentum to open them up for attacks, wether via a fist or a sword."
The Sangheli fought and fought until a plague swept through the area, decimating the population. The survivors, the strongest of the Sangheli, were weak and spread out. Most of them united together under one banner to protect themselves from the wild animals, who had grown vicious since the near extinction of the Sangheli. Since all those Sangheli had known was war, they fought each other to determine their leader. This tradition continued on into modern times, although it was refined as an actual nation-wide government was formed.
That warrior culture of the past stuck with us, and we have many facets of it which we've modernized. Such as how we not only practice fighting with a blade, but with a combat knife as well. All Sangheli have a very profound sense of honor, and will take up the blade to defend it. As such, it's in the interests of many to master the blade. We also teach Ruskarahk to all Sangheli as soon as they are able to walk. There are a few other reasons as well, but those two are the most prominent reasons why our citizens are adept fighters.
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Abridged History of the Sanghelios Legion Excerpt