Techniques are martial abilities that channel the vital energies of the user into miraculous effects. Though they often appear magical, they have very little to do with true magic, being an application of martial arts and combat training more than anything else. The Warrior ability is required to learn and use Techniques, and every Technique consumes Valor, a pool of mystical stamina that every Warrior has.
You learn one Technique when you take the Warrior ability, and one additional Technique each time you take the Battlemaster Ability. You cannot use a Technique you have not learned, whether via one of these Abilities or an item or ritual that grants you that knowledge temporarily.
Note: You cannot use the Cleaving Blow, Impaling Blow, or Crushing Blow Techniques through an implement; you must use the appropriate weapon type to perform those Techniques.