Class of the Week: Loring Panzerhand Fighter

We have encountered at least two different Loring Panzerhand Fighters in our many journeys; both of which were first met in Freiburg. Of course, one is the founder of the fighting style, the legendary Kelby Loring, a strong fighter who was instrumental in the victory of the Battle of Freiburg.

And naturally, the second was the devious ally of Sean O'Malley, the man known as Axel. How quickly we would like to forget him!

The Loring style uses two panzerhands; iron gauntlets that are highly resistant to damage, designed by the Eisen. The panzerhands are used, in this style of fighting, to disarm an opponent relatively easily. The armored fingers grasp the weapon, which is then pulled from the foe. The usual disadvantage of having a smaller weapon used in a disarm attempt is waived in this case: No weapon is too large for a Loring!

The most skilled Loring fighter can even snatch a weapon from a foe rushing past as an Attack of Opportunity. This is a very extraordinary ability as most opportunity attacks must be simple melee assaults.

Loring fighters prefer to stand their ground and often in the thick of the melee. By rooting to the spot, they can use Full Attack actions to attack with their off-hand. Any foe that does not carefully withdraw, or stumbles into the threatened area around the Loring fighter will find himself disarmed before he's aware of what's going on.

But beware this style of fighting as it is not entirely defensive. With the one-two punch and the extra damage dealt from the Hook ability, these iron gloves pack a whallop. Something to ponder as at least one Sea Dog Master-at-Arms looks forward to encountering one of the afforementioned Loring fighters.

And here's a hint: It's not Kelby Loring.