Commonwealth Styles

The Commonwealth is a very large nation composed of several city states and smaller groupings that occasionally fight among each other. However, things are pretty stable and most conflicts are with bandits and raiding monsters. The borders do need defending but rather than invading armies they are defended from small (though often powerful) groups. As a civilized nation few wear armor, with leather being the toughest armor for most civilians, especially in town. Weapons therefore tend to focus on speed, parrying ability, and light weight over the heavy damage needed to penetrate armor.

The Commonwealth has a varied mix of styles, with various schools as friendly or even fierce rivals. This is often represented by a Quirk: My School is the best!
Openly carrying a shield and wearing heavy armor is discouraged, especially within the inner city walls. Short swords and fencing weapons are standard.
The town watch when on duty and dwarves or bodyguards are the exception.
Nobles may be excused, especially in their own domains but rarely do so as heavy armor is uncomfortable and wearing it is a sign of weakness and lack of confidence in your skills and the loyalty of your citizens. Obviously formal events or military exercises are the exception.

Board and Blade

This is a practical style that focuses on Shield for defense and a Rapier or Sabre for offense. Its a common style for soldiers. The chosen shield is often a buckler, especially for those in cavalry units, though infantry often opts for a larger shield.

Dashing Fox

This is a flamboyant swashbuckling style that is known for its apparent recklessness and the overconfidence of its members. However it is backed by solid capability and cunning and tricks foes into underestimating the fox. Stylists try to keep foes at a distance to work with the rapiers reach and effective use of the cloak. Judo is used when opponents get to close and as a backup skill.

The Flynn School

This is a highly acrobatic and flashy style, favored by young nobles.

The Watch

This is a standardized style taught to the town watch. It focuses on effective and quick combat, typically against lightly armored foes. Training also incorporates peace keeping skills and even the ability to communicate with local spirits!

Three Swords School

This a practical hard hitting style that focuses on sword mastery. Its unusual in focusing on multiple sword skills, but stylists are well able to fight at different reaches and circumstances.