#swordplay

Specifically, left-handed fencers perform better on average than their right-handed counterparts.

This is because righties rarely have to fence lefties, while lefties are constantly fencing righties. There's a clear discrepancy of experience. And if a lefty fences a lefty, they'll both feel that they're up against an inverted opponent, so the disadvantage cancels out.

Left-handed people make up about ten percent of the population. Left-handed fencers make up about half of all high level competitors. The inequality is clear as day.

So, should fencing tournaments be divided by dominant hand? As a right-handed fencer, I say no. Sure, it bugs me that I rarely win against a left-handed opponent, but that's just how it goes. Any reasonable person does not begin an endeavor if they can't accept each outcome. And frankly, any outcome in sports should ideally be just doing your best and having fun.

Should fencing be divided by other physical and neurological traits? There are certainly others that make a difference. I've won matches thanks solely due to my height. I've lost plenty of matches due to my slow reflexes. I've lost a handful of matches due to not being very strong.

Some of the traits relevant to fencing have more of an impact than others. Some are correlated with different aspects of biological sex, though there isn't a strict causal relationship. Ultimately no physical trait is as relevant to the outcome of a match as hand dominance is, and while we can have our own opinions on the fairness of a cross-dominant matchup, the fact of the matter is it would be ridiculous to recategorize fencing by any of these traits--including sex--without first taking into consideration the discrepancy between right- and left-handed fencers.

Josephine (to PC): “If we won't take her at her word, I'm afraid Seeker Pentaghast must challenge him to a duel.”

DuRellion: “What?”

Josephine (to DuRellion): “It is a matter of honor among the Nevarrans. Shall I arrange the bout for tonight?”

EMMRICH 100000000% KNOWS HOW TO FENCE

Can yall imagine him with one of those long skinny rapiers just, like, using it to effortlessly keep some enemy on their heels but in a slutty way

Him dueling that Venatori who has a crush on rook for their favor

Emmrich dueling someone to restore Rooks honor and absolutely obliterating them

It will be so satisfying watching you begin so clueless, I'd even let you get a few good hits in (while you can) before turning it around. You're clearly no match for me, fair fight or not, but to your surprise it doesn't end with ending up having to beg for mercy in the mud with my boot on your face. Seeing your blood on the leather, ordering you to lick it all up with your own sword at your throat, even tho we're not alone at all, but after the first slow thrust of my blade between the plates of your armor you don't resist anymore.