Multiple Opponents
I decided to address this topic seperately as fighting multiple opponents is different than one on one combat and is very common in the life of an adventurer or solider. The most important point to remember when fighting multiple opponents is to remember not to focus your attention. Let the world around you become an ocean of movements.
Foot work for multiple opponents
As you are engaged with more than one opponent, more tricky distance judging comes into play. Instead of simply precariously perching just at the edge of your opponents reach you need to be constantly adjusting each of your opponents reach.
First, stance-
With multiple opponents a mobile stance is most important. Keeping in mind that if you are caught off balance then you could find yourself dead. Keep your weight in your hips and your legs ready to move. Your sword and shield should take a wider position more ready to deal with the many angles that now oppose you. Use movement to aid the guard of your center.
Second, movement-
Unlike with one on one movement is a weapon. By moving around you keep all of your opponents off balance, and their swing will be more ovbious and easier to block. If possible the best solution is to go through your opponents one at a time moving from your sword arm side to your shield arm side. If all else fails run. Running away will naturally seperate the faster from slower opponents leaving you more able to stop and deal with each in a one on one situation.
Sword work for Multiple opponents
Blocking-
When blocking multiple attacks remember; There are only so many targets, guard them. Move, an object in motion is harder to hit.
Swinging-
This is the most difficult section but can be the determining factor when fighting multiple opponents. There are only so many targets on you and there are only so many angles to reach them. You can exploit this. If an opponent on your shield arm side swings at your sword arm side. He is in essence blocking a center and sword side opponent from your entire upper area. This means that they will either swing low or not swing. Either way you can safely predict this and prepare for it allowing you a chance at an easy rebuttle. This will draw your next shot as you open your guard to swing, move to your sword side and attack the opponent there. If you can put your sword side opponent even partially between you and the other opponents you will be in an even better position to eliminate one of your opponents. Use your opponents to your advantage. They will naturally be less careful as they will feel less need to guard themselves carefully. Exploit this. If you can make the sword side press and eliminate one opponent quickly then the overall morale will drop and you can start to take more control of the flow of the fight.
Shield work for Multiple opponents
Keep your shield out wider than usual to get a better deflective angle against oncoming attack. Your shield side should be rather safe from attack except your leg. Let your sword worry about that.
