I was browsing through some Word documents, and found something I'd saved awhile ago from the WoW Off-Topic forums. I thought it was quite good and interesting back then, and I still do, so I figured I'd share it. A lot of these terms are taken directly from WoW, so for anyone who has ever played the game, you will be able to pick up on the references to the game, whether large or small. Still, even if you have never touched WoW, this is a good way of using a sword fight as a metaphor for an argument.

I'm thinking that these are some very helpful guidelines for arguing

If you are going to argue...

...Make sure you are properly geared for it.

1. The Sword of Speech: Sharpen the mind into a fierce blade and carve out a cutting edge argument.
2. The Shield of Serenity: Guard yourself against obvious couterattacks to your argument by negating them.
3. The Helmet of Humility: Remember to be humble. We're not perfect so don't take it too seriously. Know when to strike and when to back down.
4. The Chain of Courtesy: Be polite and politically correct whenever possible. It makes your argument more professional and appealing.
5. The Shoulders of Severity: If you have direct experience or authority, let it be known and benefit you.
6. The Cloak of Clarity: Simplify and polish your argument throughly to captivate the reader. Be direct and to the point.
7. The Armor of Ambition: When you attack, the affirmations that cover the heart as armor are revealed, so choose thy crest wisely.
8. The Wristguards of Waiting: Guard your sword arm by knowing your current argument's strength and time allowed to do so.
9. The Guiding Gauntlets: If the hand is cut, the sword will fall. Make sure your intentions are presented and guarded.
10. The Belt of Benevolence: Let there be no confusion regarding the principles that hold your armor together, so that it does not fall off.
11. The Lingering Leggings: Be aware of your deeds, past arguments, and what others know about you in case they strike beneath the belt.
12. The Bureaucratic Boots: Be aware of the ground you stand on, when you have the floor, and make sure you don't trip over obvious obstacles.
13. The Ring of Retribution: Speak in a manner that reveals your effort and conveys what you went through.
14. The Ring of Rememberance: Whenever possible use words and phrases that are memorable.
15. The Sphere of Spelling: This trinket endows protection from people who criticize spelling mistakes.
16. The Trinket of Testimony: Use when possible. There is, however, a limit to how many uses or how much information you can present before the effect is negated.

The Swordsmanship of an Argument:

1. Learn how to parry a point, and when possible, use your opponent's words against them.
2. Resilience: Present yourself in a manner that weakens the damage most points against you would make.
3. Defense Rating: The more points you can negate the higher your defense. But keep in mind your argument's length.
4. Crit Rating: Increase your vocabulary and usage of words to viciously slice through your opponent's argument.
5. Hit Rating: Analyze the situation. Be aware of your opponent and environment so that your point will be well received.
6. Haste Rating: Learn to respond quickly, but never sacrifice efficiency. Strike while the iron is hot!
7. Weapon Skill: Nothing short of experience and willpower is going to increase your ability to argue.
8. Movement: Shifting points of view is a movement that will often confuse the enemy.
9. Range: Be aware that all attacks are subject to point of view. You could be out of range or facing the wrong way.
10. Damage: If the shoe fits, wear it. Don't be afraid to take damage where it is due, if the point cannot be contended.
11. Riposte: Occassionaly you can dodge a point so well that your counterattack will disarm the enemy for quite a bit.

Variations of Vindication:

1. Fatality: Do not acknowledge posts of anger. This means you have pierced your opponent's heart and the battle is over.
2. Compassion: Try to see where your opponent is coming from and relate a peaceful solution.
3. Death Match: Goes on until someone concedes and accepts defeat. Only for experts able to make any and all possible points.

I've never plaied WoW but i'm familiar with that kind of gaming so i couldn't but like these pointers. They're very cleverly laid out Now, follow them all is impossible, but remembering a few is always helpful.