“Cary and the Spaniard stand for a moment quite upright, their sword-arms stretched straight before them, holding the long rapier horizontally, the left hand clutching the dagger close to their breasts. So they stand, eye to eye, with clenched teeth and pale crushed lips, while men might count a score . . . . Suddenly there is a quick turn of Cary’s wrist and a leap forward. The Spaniard’s dagger flashes, and the rapier is turned aside; Cary springs six feet back as the Spaniard rushes him in turn. Parry, thrust, parry – the steel rattles, the sparks fly, the men breathe fierce and loud; the devil’s game is begun in earnest.”

- from Westward Ho by Charles Kingsley

Le Ballet de l'Acier (The Dance of Steel) is a swashbuckling adventure campaign set in 17th century France for the Flashing Blades roleplaying game. This is the age of D'Artagnan and Diego Alatriste, Gil de Berault and Percy Blakeney, Cyrano de Bergerac and Capitaine Fracasse, Lady Clarick de Winter and Madeleine de Maupin, an age of honor and intrigue, where a stout heart, a strong wrist, and cold steel could bring fortune or death.

Swashbuckling 101 – A player’s guide to Le Ballet de l’Acier

This wiki is under construction. Please feel free to roam around!

• The Wiki includes pages on the geography of France, organizations ranging from gentlement’s clubs and religious orders to the royal army and secret societies, a chronology of events in the rule of Louis XIII from the death of his father Henri IV in 1610 to the start of the campaign in 1625, and a glossary of terms used throughout the site. The Wiki also features a description of Flashing Blades, the classic swashbuckling roleplaying game, plus house rules for the game, a sample duel (to get a feel for combat in the game) and some recommended reading and viewing for prospective players.
• The NPC Tracker includes a variety of French and other personalities from the period – who an adventurer knows can be as important as a strong sword-arm and a sharp wit, and with Advantages and Secrets like Contact, Favor, Double, Secret Loyalty, and Debt of Honor an adventurer may be well-connected indeed.
• The Maps page includes a period map of Paris, with important locations shown by markers linked to their respective wiki pages.

New content is added regularly. Your comments are appreciated!