There are many combat styles across the Empire, and the Festival is a chance for individual schools (Dosha) to compete for the honour of being champion in their chosen style. It is also a chance for the teachers of individual dosha to meet, discuss new techniques and to consider whether changes in style have led to an off-shoot style or not. The rules of the bouts vary from style to style: some are knockout tournaments, others round-robin. Mixed style contests are unheard of except for exhibition bouts.

For those not fighting, the Festival also attracts many side-shows and other diversions. Since it is one of the few times foreigners are allowed into the heart of the Empire it is also a good excuse for spying.

Crane Style
A staff fighting style, noted for its whirling, showy moves. It originates from the Plains of Pesh and is named after the mating dances of the cranes found in that marshy region.

Butterfly Style
Legend has it that this style was taught by the deity Moon Jasmine Woman. It is a fighting style for women, mainly defensive involving flowing movements and dodges, but has garnered some offensive moves from the Skill of Raindrops (see below). Butterfly style is ubiquitous across the Empire, with most young women of a certain social standing having at least some training in its art. Individual dosha are named after species of butterfly, and all differ in their teachings slightly. The northern schools are considered more aggressive than the southern, who emphasize the meditative and mental control aspects of the art more.

Skill of Raindrops
This is a Salsham'ai style that has some human adherents. It is based upon pressure strikes, and blocking the energy flow through the target's body. As such it favours swiftness and precision over strength.