So there's sword and shield, there's rapier (covering also rapier and cloak, rapier and dagger, rapier and arming glove, and probably rapier and bar wench and rapier and chicken as well), and there's case of rapier. What there isn't is rapier and shield (rotella), a technique taught by both Capo Ferro and Fabris.
In actual (non-TRoS practice) it severely limits the lunge, but it almost completely locks out the inside line, not giving one much of an attack. The reason for the inclusion of the cut maneuver is that the masters in question suggested harrying cuts to the legs when facing someone employing a like style because they would not be able to move them out of the way as quickly. The other activation costs and defaults were extrapolated out of Jake's original material. It also gives someone the advantage of the rapier with a better way of keeping themselves alive should they be facing off against someone with a larger weapon.

Offensive Maneuvers
Beat (0)
Bind and Strike (0)
Feint (1, may be performed from a thrust)
Simultaneous Block/Strike (0)
Stop Short (0)
Thrust (0)
Cut (0)
Evasive Attack (1)

Defensive Maneuvers
Block Open and Strike (2)
Block (0)
Counter (4, vs. thrusts and for thrusting only)
Expulsion (2)
Parry (1)

Defaults
Case of Rapiers: -1
Cut and Thrust: -2
Dagger: -4
Doppelhander: -4
Greatsword: -4
Mass Weapon and Shield: -3
Pole-arms: -3
Pole-axe: -4
Pugilism/Brawling: -4
Rapier: -1
Sword and Shield: -2
Wrestling: -4

Interesting idea. I haven't tried Rapier & Buckler yet (although my buckler is on order), so I don't really have any experience to agree, disagree, or offer an opinion (I'll get back to you when I do :) But it looks good to me.

On a related note, I think it would be neat for a Seneschal to figure out the different weapons masters and training schools in an area, along with their rivalries and the various idiosyncracies of their styles. It would take some knowledge of WMA, but it could be done (maybe good material for "The Flower of Battle"). Perhaps students of certain schools would get CP modifiers against specific maneuvers of other rival schools (and vis versa): "...All of Maestri Avili's students seem to like doing a bind like this...here's how to counter it..."

Steve Reich

What I'm suggesting is that rapier and buckler still be covered under the rapier proficiency, and that this would cover using a medium round shield in the non-dominant hand. There is a substantial enough difference (IMHO) to warrant the different proficiencies. For one, the buckler does not detract from the movement of a fighter whereas a more substantial shield does, therefore requiring different tactics.

I think what you are suggesting in terms of bonuses against different sword schools would be covered under the Style Analysis skill. Only after three successes would someone gain a bonus to their CP. Personally, if you are going to introduce different masters, I'd alter the Activation Costs slightly for different maneuvers. For example Maestri Avili's students have to pay an Activation Cost of 3 to Grapple (he didn't stress it as much), but only have to pay a cost of 2 to activate a counter (his style stresses the counterattack).
What I'd love to see in TFoB is new maneuvers that only certain schools teach. I am not talking kewl powers, but rather historic techniques that might not have seen widespread use and were of varying usefulness.

Ashton wrote: What I'm suggesting is that rapir and buckler still be covered under the rapier proficiency, and that this would cover using a medium round shield in the non-dominant hand. There is a substantial enough difference (IMHO) to warrant the different proficiencies. For one, the buckler does not detract from the movement of a fighter whereas a more substantial shield does, therefore requiring different tactics.

I think what you are suggesting in terms of bonuses against different sword schools would be covered under the Style Analysis skill. Only after three successes would someone gain a bonus to their CP. Personally, if you are going to introduce different masters, I'd alter the Activation Costs slightly for different maneuvers. For example Maestri Avili's students only have to pay an Activation Cost of 3 to Grapple (he didn't stress it as much), but only have to pay a cost of 2 to activate a counter (his style stresses the counterattack).
What I'd love to see in TFoB is new maneuvers that only certain schools teach. I am not talking kewl powers, but rather historic techniques that might not have seen widespread use and were of varying usefulness.

First off, Ashton, good idea, I like the Rapier and Shield proficiency, mind if I borrow it for my game? It sounds predominantly Italian, could be a good regional thing I could use for that part of the world in my game (Renaissance).

As for the schools, I was thinking I could leave them abstract, but you guys have got me tempted to change that now... As you have shown the potential for more adventures is alluring. I wonder how often such spying went on in those days.

First off, Ashton, good idea, I like the Rapier and Shield proficiency, mind if I borrow it for my game? It sounds predominantly Italian, could be a good regional thing I could use for that part of the world in my game (Renaissance).