[@Rilla] can I get an opinion on the cutting a musket-ball in half defence, I'm pretty sure it's only just physically possible to move your body in that fashion, but more importantly I don't think cutting the musket-ball in half is plausible (or would even help, as presumably the ball would carry its momentum forward in two equally dangerous fragments.)

Deflecting the ball would probably be possible from front on (although with an ordinary steel sword I feel like the effects would be unpredictable) but the circumstances are a little dubious, as you can read. 

Just thought I'd let you have a gander before I continue on.

If you would like to reconsider your defence before Rilla can be bothered to look over it in his official judging capacity go ahead Rush, I don't much care for gaining an advantage from my opening attack, I'd just prefer a plausible defence.