tabStyles of Combat are a list of spells, talents, and abilities that fit a structured theme, spread out across five [5] stage of development that represent the development of one's mind, body, and spirit to greater heights. While traditionally a warrior-centric method of learning, Styles in Shattered Past are being expanded to include a mixture of physical and magical, or a specialization in one or the other, in the following list of Styles. From such things as the physical style Sundered Equinox, a style focused on damage and destruction with a weapon in hand, to the whispered incantations and creations of the Illusionist style Dream Weaver, these styles run the gamut of categories to offer a singular function: structure. To use spells and tactics outside of Styles is a form of "proficiency" combat, utilizing one's own enginuity and creativity to do battle or overcome a trial. With Styles the focus is on a structure that one adheres to, from the basics of breathing and movement to the manipulation of mana and stamina within one's body. tab Every style has a theme, and every theme a requirement or focus, which is to be respected in order for the Style to be used effectively. The rules as generally summarized are written below.
______________Stages of Learning tab Unlike typical Spells and Talents, Style techniques are separated by [ Stages of Learning ]. tab Simply put, a Stage is a limitation placed on one or more techniques to prevent someone from learning high-end movements before the lower ones. Those who wish to learn a Style start at the very first stage (stage one) and proceed by learning all techniques within that set stage. tab After doing so, they are able to move up to the next stage, which- as one would think -contains stronger abilities to learn. tab Learning a Stage is simple: buy it with one slot [1] from the Stages of Learning your class provides. To gain access to Stage One [1] of a Style a single [1] Stage of Learning must be spent, and to learn the second [2nd] stage requires a second [2nd] expenditure. These must be done sequentially, as one cannot learn Stage Two [2] when Stage One [1] has yet to be learned.
______________Learning X - ranked Abilities • X-Rank abilities, unless otherwise stated, only require training paragraphs of that base rank. Use of that technique at higher ranks does not require it to be learned as that rank.
______________Stance Bonuses and Rules tab Stances represent the physical movements, the breathing, the mental state and the spiritual state necessary to utilize each Style. Every single Style has at least one, found within the First Stage, that must be utilized before beginning the use of abilities within the Style lest they be considered weaker. Whenever such abilities are used outside of the Stance they are associated with, the Strength and Speed ranks of that ability are decreased by one [1] rank, while cost remains static and thus unchanged. However, Stances come with their own positives and negatives, which augment the rest of the abilities from the style they are tied to in some fashion, or provide some other bonus, such as regeneration effects or defenses. tab It takes one [1] Action to enter into a new Stance. tab Stances can, for the most part, only interact and affect the abilities within the Style they call their home. However, should a sufficient number of Stages be learned the character gains access to new abilities dealing with Stances, as indicated below:
• |10 Stages| → Gain the ability to use any Stance learned with any Style known. • |20 Stages| → Gain one [1] Passive Stance slot that can be filled with any Stance currently known. This Stance is maintained until chosen not to, and while in affect all Styles used are automatically considered in Stance. In Character, this is referred to as the "First Dawn" of Style Use. • |30 Stages| → Stances no longer take an Action to utilize. They can be swapped up to one [1] time per Post without an Action being used. Switching a second [2nd] time will require an Action being used. • |45 Stages| → Gain the ability to have a Second Passive Stance active at one time, following same rules as above. This is referred to as the Second Dawn in character. • |60 Stages| → Select one [1] Style of choice that has been completely learned. This unlocks the Paragon Abilities of that Style, as well as grants one [1] Lesser Personal Attribute that takes effect only when using this style. This is referred to as the Third Dawn in character, and from this point on there is no limit to switching Stances. • |85 Stages| → Select one [1] additional Style to gain Paragon Abilities within. If selecting the same Style as from the Third Dawn gain one [1] additional Lesser Personal Attribute that is active while using the Style of choice. Otherwise gains a Lesser Personal Attribute for the new style chosen. This is referred to as the Fourth Dawn in character. • |110 Stages| → Select one [1] additional Style to gain Paragon Abilities within. If selecting the same Style as from the Third or Fourth Dawn gain one [1] additional Lesser Personal Attribute that is active while using the Style of choice. Otherwise gains a Lesser Personal Attribute for the new style chosen. Furthermore, the character is granted one [1] Custom Style, allowing them to create their own Style that solely belongs to them that can be taught to others or kept to themselves. This is referred to as the Last Dawning in character, and is considered the pinnacle of Styles of Combat use.
______________Important Notes tab Aside from Simple and Complex, some Styles have other types which have particular effects and learning guides. More commonly, these additional types will be explained in the style itself, however there are a few that may not: tabtab • Practice techniques are learned as if Simple techniques of the same rank. tabtab • Training techniques are learned as if Complex techniques of the same rank. tabtab • Once a Practice or Training technique has been learned, it becomes a passive bonus for the practitioner. tabtab • Additionally, there is a section in each Style labeled Proficiencies, which showcases how the Style relates to the Proficiencies. A Style with relevant training in Greatswords would be a Style using great swords that prioritizes power. If the user has trained any of the relevant Proficiencies they are able to learn one [1] more Ability from this Style per Paragraph written. i.e. C - Rank abilities only receives the bonus if the practitioner has learned up to C - rank in their Proficiency
Ability Cost
[ Physical Techniques: ] Stamina is needed to perform physical abilities such as swinging a weapon or Dashing out of harm's way. Below is a simple chart that displays the stamina cost of such techniques. tab Rank E → 005 Stamina. tab Rank D → 010 Stamina. tab Rank C → 020 Stamina. tab Rank B → 040 Stamina. tab Rank A → 080 Stamina. tab Rank S → 160 Stamina. tab Rank S+ → 320 Stamina.
[ Complex Techniques: ] Complex techniques cost both stamina and mana to perform. Below is a simple chart that displays the costs. tab Rank E → 005 Stamina or Mana. tab Rank D → 005 Stamina and Mana. tab Rank C → 010 Stamina and Mana. tab Rank B → 020 Stamina and Mana. tab Rank A → 040 Stamina and Mana. tab Rank S → 080 Stamina and Mana. tab Rank S+ → 160 Stamina and Mana.
[ Magical Techniques: ] Mana is needed to perform Magical attacks, which rely on the mana within one's body. Below is a simple chart that displays the Mana cost of such abilities . tab Rank E → 005 Mana. tab Rank D → 010 Mana. tab Rank C → 020 Mana. tab Rank B → 040 Mana. tab Rank A → 080 Mana. tab Rank S → 160 Mana. tab Rank S+ → 320 Mana.
[ Training ] Please see the individual Path you've chosen for your character for learning bonuses. All Sorcerous Styles receive bonuses from Spellslinger Paths, while Martial Styles gain benefit from Martial Paths and Spiritual Styles gain benefits from Support Paths.
Royal Taorito
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Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2020 2:10 pm
One Thousand Falling Stars Death by Perforation
___________Description: tabOne Thousand Falling Stars is a style created by a small clan of females that branched off from the samurai of olden times. The style itself, created by a woman named Akarui a very long time ago focuses on precise and quick strikes, working to overwhelm the enemy with insane speed, agility, and accuracy. While users of this style often use a Rapier; a thin and long sword used for trusting and piercing attacks and put not only speed but strength behind their attacks, it is not the only weapon that may be used as such. Any weapon that is one handed, carries a point, and can be used for piercing maneuvers may be used. Please see Notes for more information.
___________Notes: • All techniques may be switched from Simple to Complex at a whim, without the need for additional actions. If a Personal Attribute or Class Discipline already grants this then the user is able to switch it additionally to pure Magical. If this, too, is granted the user instead gains the ability to do both Magical and Simple damage at the same time, counting fully as Magical and Simple, and thus stronger than Complex. • Cannot be used by those unable to use elemental Mana. • Mana elements' effects are as such: - Lightning: Shock, numbness, and stiffness - Fire: Burns and localized dehydration - Wind: Conical magical apparition around weapon, causes tons of small cuts upon impact - Water: Larger cuts, contusions - Earth: Causes bludgeoning damage. • Proficiencies: Learning of this style allows the user to fight with any one handed weapon that's main method of attack involves thrusting strikes as if they had Proficiency, whether they do or do not. If a weapon may be utilized to stab effectively with, but is not built for that purpose, Proficiency is required to use that weapon with this style.
___________S t a g e O n e Burst Strike Rank: E :: Stance The user takes on a wide stance, legs bent and shoulder width apart, facing to the side with rapier toward the opponent. The weapon is held low and the user keeps to the balls of their feet to move at a moment's notice. The other hand is typically either held ready to brace against attacks, or kept behind the user's back. This stance, and the nature of the weapon, provide a full rank [1] increase to the speed of strikes, but lower the strength of them by a half rank [.5], for the duration. Originator: Ansem Black [malavaes]
Sudden Thrust Rank: X :: Simple Description: The user thrusts their weapon forward with one hand, moving their dominant foot in front of them to keep balance. The movement blurs the body as they move rapidly, and augments the next attack to be made. If used as part of another technique in this Style no additional Action is required. The next technique used gains a half rank [.5] in speed per two [2] ranks, starting at E, of energy cost paid in using this. If no technique is used along with this the attack instead gains one half [.5] rank in Strength and Speed rank, no matter the rank paid. Originator: Ansem Black [malavaes]
Reverse Thrust Rank: X :: Simple Description: Taking a step back with the dominant foot, the user uses both hands to thrust the rapier backwards into a foe approaching from behind. Deals double the normal Durability damage to Armor, and reduces the Duration of an armor spell by one [1] post per rank of the attack. Originator: Ansem Black [malavaes]
Fly Swatter Rank: X :: Simple Description: In a quick movement with one hand, the user brings up the blunt point of the rapier in an arc like motion. This technique will not cut, but will sting like hell upon contact, cancelling out one [1] spell or ability either held or about to be used if equal to or less than the cost paid for this talent's use. Originator: Ansem Black [malavaes]
Sideward Parry Rank: X :: Simple Description: Taking a small step to the side and bringing the side of the weapon up, the user deflects the attack by letting it slide down the offered side. Can be used to redirect the attack in any direction, including "forward", if cost is equal to or greater than the attacking ability. Originator: Ansem Black [malavaes]
Elemental Charge Rank: D :: Training Description: The user channels one of their Mana elements into their weapon for stronger and more interesting attacks. These channeled elements are clearly visible, forming an aura around the rapier's blade. Once this spell is learned, the user can charge and discharge their weapon as easily as breathing, requiring no Actions. Only one element can be used at a time, and once an element is applied to a weapon all of the techniques used become complex unless overridden, as described in Notes above. The strength of the effects are considered to be the rank of the accompanying technique.
___________]S t a g e T w o Dual Pierce Rank: X :: Simple Description: The user quickly thrusts forward twice, putting their weight behind the strikes. The thrusts are so fast that they leave the opponent next to no time to react. However this opens the user for balance issues, as most of their weight is focused on one foot. This attack is considered one full rank [1] higher in speed and Strength, but until their next post the user is considered one full rank [1] lower in Speed when targeted by a technique that affects balance.
"i" Strike Rank: X :: Simple Description: The initial strike is a thrust, which is then followed by the user pulling out the weapon just enough to make a deep slash in one long swipe to add insult to injury. The blade will cut fairly deep, and the resulting wound will look like a lowercase I. If the first strike hits, so does the second one. Loses one full rank [1] in strength if used against an armored foe. Causes severe bleeding, resulting in the removal of two [2] full ranks in strength from all of the opponent’s physical techniques up to this technique’s rank. This effect stacks. Loss of strength lasts one [1] post per rank paid or bleeding is stopped, whichever happens first..
Deflection Rank: X :: Simple Description: Bringing up their weapon, the user deflects a projectile heading towards them with blinding speed. This talent acts as a temporary Defense equal to the Speed Rank of the movement, and can negate attacks. Used in this manner the weapon will take damage to its Durability, but at half the normal rate.
First Falling Star Rank: X :: Complex Description: The user first channels Mana into their legs, then launches themselves a good distance into the air. Then, as they fall, they channel mana in to their weapon, bringing about a bright glow to it that wreathes the user in its brilliance. It's said that this technique's appearance can be likened to that of a shooting star. Before impact with the enemy, the user thrusts forward, sending out a mana shockwave before the thrust lands that expands at five [5] meters per rank of the cost paid. This damage is considered concussive, much like dropping a massive item from a large height, but will erupt in any prescribed Element that is upon the weapon on impact. Grants one [1] Status Effect associated to the element chosen to those impacted by this ability.
Charged Star's Fury Rank: X :: Complex Description: Much like Dual Strike, the user rushes forward, thrusting forward twice. However these thrusts are much faster thanks to charging the weapon with mana, and all that can be seen from these strikes are glowing spears of light; an afterimage. Treated as two separate attacks when interacting with enemy defenses, with the second attack being a full rank [1] lower in strength but a full rank [1] higher in speed. Different Augments can be used on either attack.
Star's Exploding Anger Rank: X :: Complex Description: The user charges up their Mana into their weapon and slams it point first into the earth. Upon impact with the ground the weapon discharges its element into it, creating a circular tsunami of Mana. The area of effect is ten [10] meters in diameter in all directions, the effects of which depend on what mana is used, granting up to two [2] status effects from those listed above to all struck by the technique.
Fade Step Rank: X :: Complex Description: An advanced form of movement from the original two techniques, Fade Step allows the user to flash around the field of battle, to select one [1] location within five meters [5] of themselves and flashing to it, leaving small particles of the weapons' element to fall where the user once stood. Flashing to the location, creating more sparks, the user may make one [1] attack before their body either moves back to the original location they were at or a different location within the same range for an additional five [5] mana. This step may be in any direction, including upwards if desired, and is an instant movement that moves nearly as fast as the dodge talents. This does not count towards those dodge mechanics' limits as it is not considered on part with those speeds.
___________S t a g e T h r e e [Undiscovered]] Rank: [Undiscovered] Description: [Undiscovered]
___________Description: tab Once a style taught by archers upon the plains and mountains to better utilize their natural scenery in their warring, Water on the Countryside became in later Eras a style of combat that could be expanded to all manner of ranged combat. Surviving in such countryside often required the use of movement, with storms that battered the plains to rainfall that decimated mountain communities teaching one that remaining still is simply asking for death. When war came pounding upon the walls and lands of their forebears these people knew they were no match for the war-bred soldiers that came to lay claim to what was never theirs, and so instead they took up the fine art of guerrilla warfare. Using hit and run tactics was difficult at first, with many archers required to take aim and fire as was traditional, which led to their number remaining easy targets throughout the conflict. tab It is said one man changed that. One woman, say others. tab No matter the gender this long figure fought with ferocity using bow, crossbow, knife and javelin to strike again and again, seeming to be in all places at once as they fought off ten times their number before retreating unseen to new fronts of war. The knowledge and teaching spread among the ranks, and soon those so few in number fought like demons equal to twenty times their current force. In the end the aggressors backed off, and the history of the Water on the Countryside spread so that those who took up ranged combat would not be stuck as targets by traditional standards.
___________Notes: • This style is known for maneuvering more than outright damage, focusing on using trainings, talents, and spells to allow for various methods of repositioning and maneuvering across the field of battle. If the goal is a style with flashy, theatrical attacks, this is not the style for you. • This can also be used effectively with ranged spell attacks, if desired. • If an attack is used while the character is not in motion it will not receive any bonuses associated with Stances. • Proficiencies: Use of Bows, Crossbows, and Guns are the three major weapon types of this style, and as such face no negative. However, if an additional paragraph is utilized when learning a talent in this list a different weapon may be used, such as a dagger or atlatl.
___________S t a g e O n e Strafe Rank: X - ranked || Magical Speed Rank: X + 1 Description: Allows instant movement in all directions, leaving behind particles of glowing light that match the color of one's Mana. Acts as the Dodge Talent, but if used to reposition instead of dodging an attack the cost is reduce by one [1] rank. tab → Can move six [6] Meters per Rank of cost paid.
Rotate Rank: E - rank || Magical Description: When used the current ammunition for the weapon held can be switched with another ammunition type that the user carries. This is a one to one [1 to 1] ratio, and acts as an instantaneous transportation leaving tiny particles of light for a moment to indicate the transposition.
Agile Movements Rank: E - ranked || Stance Description: Breathing evenly, short, with limbs left both coiled by relaxed to allow for sudden, but flexible movements. Requires constant motion at all times for the benefits to be made. Unlike other Stances, Agile Movements takes one [1] action to enter, but three [3] actions of remaining still before the character is considered "out" of their stance./ While in this stance all movement spells and talents are made at one [1] rank less in cost, and the speed of all ranged attacks are increased by one-half rank [1/2].
___________]S t a g e T w o Transitional Matrix Rank: C - rank || Magical Base Duration // Upkeep: 5 Posts || 5 Mana Description: If the ranged attack utilized has an elemental effect applied by any means this transition forces that element to become the next element on the element tree, even if that element is not usable by the character normally.
Sudden Shot Rank: D - rank || Simple Description: Attack from an unready or sheathed position. A sudden attack that increases the next attack's Speed by one [1] rank. While normally this is only one [1] attack, the following one, at a cost of five [5] Mana or Stamina per additional shot this can be spread across more actions, to a max of three [3] in a row. Activation of Sudden Shot must be before the first Action is used, and is considered a part of the first attack, thus not taking an Action on its own.
Rapid Shot Rank: C - ranked || Simple Base Duration // Upkeep: 2 Posts || 10 Stamina Description: Once activated the physical speed of the user is increased, allowing them to fire faster than ever before. This allows the user for each post in the duration to gain a one [1] Action increase to the number given each post, to a maximum of four [4], though this must be for a ranged attack. During this time the damage rank for all ranged attacks is reduced by one and a half [1.5] ranks for any round that the extra Action is utilized.
Burst Step Rank: X - ranked || Magical Description: Used as part of another attack, Burst Step allows the character to make a short range Strafe for up to five [5] meters per rank paid in this cost. This can only be used as part of an attack, and will fulfill the requirement for the Agile Movements stance.
___________S t a g e T h r e e [Undiscovered]] Rank: [Undiscovered] Description: [Undiscovered]
___________Description: tab The might of the barbarian isn't measured by what he can lift or drag but by the notches on their blade and the scars on their skin. This recklessness is the hallmark of a warrior who values devastation and damage over their own wellbeing, and the Sundered Equinox serves as the structured form of combat for those who follow this philosophy. It is so named for the tendency to using overhead strikes. A wild Style that deals little with discipline but more on dealing as much damage as possible, and surviving it, this style is marked by the damage inflicted upon the weapon of choice and the overwhelming size of those same weapons. While there are those who learn to use their bodies in place of weapons it is those who are most often killed, or at least damaged. Building on the principle of using scarred flesh as an indication of experience, the more damage one takes over time provides a natural bonus to defense as their flesh begins to toughen from repeated abuse. tab While not a style meant for the faint of heart Sundered Equinox can be summarized as a style of reckless violence and a lack of concern for one's safety.
___________Notes: • While armor can be used with this style it isn't recommended, as one cannot gain an increased in Scarification if wearing armor. • Destruction of one's weapon is key to some of these talents. As such, be aware that buying/finding weapons will be a near-constant need when using this. • Sundered Equinox doesn't just break their own stuff. Damage is often increased at the cost of speed, leaving them to deal massive damage to inanimate objects as a bonus. • Proficiencies: Larger weapons are seen as the primary weapon type of this style, but truly almost any weapon can be used. Weapons smaller than medium cannot be used for this style unless it is an unarmed strike, as they simply cannot withstand the force of strikes.
___________S t a g e O n e Test of Time Rank: D - ranked || Training Description: One of three foundations for the Sundered Equinox, the Test of Time deals with the belief that scars are a fundamental part of battle and should not be avoided but bore as a badge of honor! As such after deciding to take on this discipline the character begins to keep track of a counter somewhere that increases from zero [0] based on the number of physical or complex strikes that land a blow and harm them. Every one hundred [100] "points" of contact the user gains a one half rank [1/2] Simple Defense bonus that is passive, and cannot be worn down. The point earned per strike is equal to one [1] point per two [2] ranks of the Damage rank of the attack of effect, meaning at most an S - rank attack would bestow three [3] points on this counter. The drawback is that healing done that would remove scarring would heal back twice [2x] as many points as was earned from a wound.
Brutality Rank: E - ranked || Stance Description: The second foundation of the Sundered Equinox is the stance, Brutality. The Stance encompasses a level of breathing and muscular control that causes the muscles to grow as blood flow circulates to the muscular system exponentially, giving them more power while the methodical swings made with more force cost somewhat in speed. When taking on this stance the user swings mightier, ensuring each strike carries the utmost strength, making it difficult to redirect mid swing, or to cut off the attack. Simply put when you swing there is no holding back. Once activated Brutality grants a one[1] rank increase to the Strength rank of the attack used, dealing half again [50%] as much durability damage to defenses than would be normal. In exchange the speed rank is reduced by one [1] rank as the strikes take longer to wind up and unleash.
Devastation Intimidation Rank: X - ranked || Training - Augment Description: The third foundation of the Sundered Equinox is more about personality and reactions while fighting. Destroying object, killing targets, if done in the right way can demoralize or inspire rage in the hardiest of targets. When an enemy is slain, or an object destroyed, using this style the user may decide to "showboat" the victory in any manner of ways. This can be done as part of the attack, such as using a particularly savage method of removing a target's limbs to kill them, or can be a display, such as laughing while windmilling the target over one's head. Either way the user may pay a cost in Mana and/or Stamina to produce an Aggro effect, with every rank paid changing the Aggro level by one [1] point per rank of cost paid. The energy paid, while of that rank, is at two ranks [2] lower in cost. At time of use the user may decide if the point is to demoralize a foe, giving a reduction to the Aggro meter, or enrage them, increasing the meter.
___________S t a g e T w o The Sound of Thunder Rank: C - rank Description: Hefting back to unleash a devastating blow, the art of the Sound of Thunder requires two Actions to utilize with the first used to ready themselves to strike. Upon unleashing the attack on the second Action the user strikes an object with titanic force, dealing two [2] ranks higher in damage and dealing triple [3x] the normal durability damage to whatever is struck. The drawback is that this can cause the weapon used to take half [1/2] of the total durability damage in return.
Rend Rank: D - ranked Augment Description: This Talent does not require the use of an Action, instead acting as a cost additionally paid to any physical attack made by the user. If paid, the strike is made in such a way as to tear the wound open larger, causing the victim to take D - ranked damage at the beginning of every post for a total of five [5] posts. If Rend is used on a bleeding target it will reset the Bleeding counter to the beginning. Doing this will deal the normal Durability damage provided to the opponents defense to the weapon used as well. If this causes the weapon's durability to reduce to zero [0] or below, the weapon will shatter. This will cause damage equal to the attack used along with this Talent in Bleeding damage, overwriting the D - ranked damage above.
Sudden Movement Rank: B - ranked Description: A technique developed by warriors in order to remove the weight burden of their weapon for a brief moment. By placing a hefty amount of mana to their lower half, the user fortifies and strengthens their muscles; no longer will it feel as though they are lugging around a weapon that could easily be the same weight as they are. However, because of its mechanics, this technique is not meant to be used for long durations. The strengthening of the muscles allows the user to make a quick dash or leap in order to close great distances, nothing more. Allows the user to travel up to 50 meters at the speed of Dash. Has a cooldown of one post.
Steelheart Fury Rank: B - ranked || State of Mind // Passive Description: To rage and to devastate is the hallmark of a barbarian. The Steelheart Fury is a state of mind that can only be triggered as battle grows into a frenzy. After three [3] rounds of combat, one [1] post on either side of the conflict, the drums of war will thunder through their blood. The singing of metal, of flesh and blood and bone, will sing a symphony of violence that carries the listener into a haze of violence. Under the Fury the practitioner of the Sundered Equinox will reduce their Intelligence to one [1], their Mana to two [2], and instantly double their Power and Agility [2x]. Additionally all strikes made are at one [1] rank higher in Speed and two [2] ranks higher in Damage. All Durability damage is tripled [3x], but the damage to the user's weapons are equal to that done to others. If the weapon breaks follow the bleeding rules of Rend. Pain means nothing during the Fury, and many will push past the bounds of death while within it. But upon the tenth post [10] the Fury ends, and with it all positives are instead reversed into negatives. This could well mean the user's death. tab For every two [2] Experience Ranks the post requirement to enter the fury reduces by one [1]. Once learned the user must pay D - ranked Stamina every post to avoid slipping into the fury, though this cost is negated if battle ends.
___________S t a g e T h r e e [Undiscovered]] Rank: [Undiscovered] Description: [Undiscovered]
___________Description: tab Born from the dreams of one man wanting to put the wrath of a hurricane into fighting style and hoping for that sort of fluidity and power, Everstream was formed. Mixing tumbling, parkour, tricking, and martial arts into an ultimate fighting style, Everstream was born. Practitioners of this style are born with a natural sense of flow and momentum, and through this style learn how to use that flow to their advantage to chain techniques to overwhelm enemies. Once chains have been established this style is great for crowd control and maneuvering, allowing one to flow across the field of battle and be all places at the drop of a hat.
___________Notes: • This style relies heavily on "Training" and "Supplemental" techniques and as such has no stances. It does still receive the same negative as if it were used outside of a stance, but the Training/Supplemental eliminates this negative once learned. Each stage receives the out-of-stance negative until the Training/Supplemental associated with the stage is complete. • Certain techniques in this Style are labeled "Supplemental". These techniques are learned as though they are Complex techniques but consume no Mana or Stamina to activate and grant an effect that lasts for a single post. Unless otherwise stated, these techniques only affect techniques within this Style. Only one "Supplemental" technique can be activated per post. • Any speed boosts granted by the techniques in this Style vanish as soon as the user comes to a stop, as they have lost their momentum. • Proficiencies: While primarily used with Unarmed combat styles Everstream has no specific proficiency associated with it, as any weapon, whether hand to hand or anything else, is able to work with it.
___________S t a g e O n e Whirlwind Training Rank: E - rank || Training Description: The user trains to be better suited to dealing with the shock of landing and training the muscles of their legs and arms. This makes for faster movement and stronger kicks as well as reduces the damage felt from falling or landing by one [1] rank. Likewise, this allows the user to jump half-again as high or as far as the average person.
Somersault Rank: X - rank || Simple Description: A simple move almost all people are capable of: a somersault. The user trains their body to be able to somersault when landing after a long fall to mitigate any damage taken and then immediately act. Consumes no Actions and confers one [1] rank increase to the speed rank of any physical ability used directly after the fall. If used in combat, it takes the form of a roll designed to get around an enemy and is treated as a rank higher than paid for purposes of evading physical techniques.
Power Slide Rank: X - rank || Simple Description: The user uses an obstacle of some sort about waist-height and propels themselves over it. As they propel over an obstacle if the intention is to strike someone instantly on the other side apply any Speed Rank increases to the Damage rank of the attack. If there is no opponent or target instead the user is granted a one [1] rank increase to the Speed rank of movement-based attacks.
___________]S t a g e T w o Switchblade Rank: D - rank || Training Description: This is a training that teaches the user how to switch directions when landing a flip, allowing for one to flip backward and then forward and vice versa without a moment's hesitation. After this training is complete, the user may use up to one ability per post that would lower their speed without suffering that reduction. If the user has learned Unarmed Defensive proficiency the user gains the ability to use Somersault to evade once [1x] per post without it consuming an Action, but only against opponents whose body rank is at or lower than the rank the user has trained their proficiency to. This Somersault cannot be immediately followed by an attack.
Kickflip Rank: X - rank || Supplemental Description: The user is able to kick off of a surface, rotate vertically and bring down one or both legs in a heel dropkick. This can be completed either backward or forwards. If used after a movement ability, talent or spell, the user may apply all current Speed Rank bonuses to the Damage rank. However completion of this Talent will cause all temporary increases to speed from any source to be immediately stopped, even if being upkeeped or still in the Base Duration.
Roundabout Rank: C - rank || Simple Base Duration // Upkeep: 2 Posts || 10 Stamina Description: When following the same steps as a Power Slide the user may take hold of a hard corner or some other object and pivot up to ninety [90] degrees up to one [1] time per experience rank. Each time they pivot their Speed rank will increase by one-half [1/2] rank. If Roundabout is in use and the character pivots into a strike all of their stored Speed Rank increases are dispersed as bonuses in Damage Rank. Anything that causes the momentum to slow will cause a reduction in the number of bonuses applied from consecutive Roundabouts.
___________S t a g e T h r e e [Undiscovered]] Rank: [Undiscovered] Description: [Undiscovered]
The Path of the Samurai: Tetsu no Ryu The heart and steel of a true samurai
___________Description: ___Meaning "Iron Dragon," Tetsu no Ryu is an ancient form of swordsmanship closely tied with Feudal warplay. ___Born from the Land of Iron are the feared samurai who live there; training countless days and nights to develop a form of swordplay that mirrored their own ferocity. This style has it roots deepened in tradition, discipline, and hard work. It is geared for war, not stealth, and its vast amount of straightforward attacks are self-evident of this. Many of its techniques shine during duels, though they can be applicable most anywhere. Those who practice Tetsu no Ryu are bound to follow the code of Bushido. ___The virtues of a Bushi are: Rectitude (義, gi) ○ Courage (勇, yuu) ○ Benevolence (仁, jin) ○ Respect (礼, rei) ○ Honesty (誠, makoto) ○ Honor (誉, yo) ○ Loyalty (忠, chuu)
___________Notes: • Proficiencies → Medium bladed weapons. Particularly, Katana. • Origin → Tetsu no Kuni • Students of this style are honor bound to follow the tenets of Bushido (listed above.) If a student of this style breaks the tenets of Bushido while actively utilizing this style, their attacks will lack conviction. Every attack hits as if it were one [1] rank lower, and complex attacks consume [25] additional mana. This does not count against your other styles/abilities.
___________S t a g e O n e Iaijutsu Rank: E :: Stance Description: While easy to learn, masters of Iaijutsu are swift and unpredictable. Rather than the repeated assaults of Meiyo no Shi's Battoujutsu stance, practitioners of Tetsu focus on the one-shot kill made through accuracy, speed, and the element of surprise. It's the quick-draw technique that the samurai are renowned for, the quick brandishing of the blade from an unknown angle making it simple but terrifying. The user holds the scabbard with their offhand, and grips the hilt with the dominant. Depending on the intention with the stance, the user might stand with their feet shoulder width apart or crouched slightly, the majority of their weight on the rear leg for ease in evading, or with the weight on the forward foot for added weight behind their strikes.
There are three branches to this stance: Opportunity, dueling and countering. Due to the nature of the stance as a whole it gains two ranks [2] in speed to the next use of Iaijutsu, Iai Parry, or Iai Feint for a single post after entering the stance. • Opportunity takes effect when the opponent is under a debilitating effect (stunned, frozen, etc) or is unaware of the user's presence (or intent). In those circumstances, the user's strike is increased in strength by one [1] rank. • If the opponent is also versed in Iaijutsu and both agree to the terms of a duel, the outcome of their Iaido strikes will be determined by both Agility stat and a dice roll. The Agility stat is added to the roll. Whoever rolls higher will strike first, likely cutting off the strike of the opponent. Rolling the same number will always result in deflected strikes on both sides. • Counter is the normal use of the technique which occurs when the opponent is aware and not willing to duel. If the speed stat of the user is equal or higher than that of the opponent, the Iaido technique will always land first, making it the perfect move for a counterattack or parry. • Due to the potential strength of Iaijutsu and the focus required to use it, triggering one of the branches' benefits knocks the user out of the stance, and it takes three [3] Actions in a single post to enter the stance again. • This stance requires five [5] posts of training and does not interact with learning reductions or free training posts. • A moderator must be present for Iaijutsu duels in order to give the dice roll and benefit info.
Iaidō Rank: X :: Simple Description: With a single unhindered and swift motion, a true samurai can unsheathe his weapon and strike at the exact same time. This can provide an elegant, yet effective way to catch your opponent off guard, or as a means to interrupt hand-signs or other casting methods. Note that this ability only shows true effectiveness upon the drawing of a weapon from its sheathe, losing some of its element of surprise after being used once and then re-sheathed. • This attack can be used up to the rank of the stage learned in Tetsu no Ryu. In other words, if you have learned stage three, it can be used at C rank.
A Decade of Peace Rank: X :: Simple Description: A Decade of Peace is at its core a defensive technique, envisioned in the mind that a true master of the sword need not use his prowess to find peace. This technique allows the user to find, through concentration, the point of their enemy’s own attack, diverting it with a quick stab of their blade below their weapon or limbs, then utilizing the flat of the blade diverts the attack overhead, while their free palm presses against the opponents chest, shoving them away, before sheathing your own blade in the gap provided. This technique can be easily paired with a number of jutsu to escape battle, or as bait to enrage your opponent. • Successful use of the technique allows the user to enter the Iaijutsu stance without the extra Action cost in their next post.
Iaikawasu Rank: X :: Simple Description: The defensive version of Iaidō, Iaikawasu is to draw one's weapon swiftly in response to an enemy attack in order to parry the technique through the speed and weight of the draw. The true strength of the technique lies in the fact that a successful Iaidō or Iaikawasu is dependent on a millisecond in terms of timing. It forces the opponent to consider whether or not it'll be a counterattack or a deflection. Much like Iaidō, it has more than one type of use. There are the full parry and the moving deflection. • Full Parry - Plays in with the Counter tree of Iaijutsu. This technique will do as the description reads, leading to an opponent being stunned for one [1] post. • Moving Deflection - A more mobile technique meant to be used outside of the rather stiff Iaijutsu stance. The user will slide towards an opposing strike as it's made while paying the required amount of stamina to dodge. Bringing the user's blade up to slide along the opposing weapon or limb results in a nudge on the users part, disrupting momentum and focus. The technique grants a brief half rank [.5] loss in speed for the opponent while the user gains one half rank [.5] in said stat for the purpose of an immediate attack on the next post. If an offensive action isn't taken first on the following post, the stat changes for both sides are nullified.
___________]S t a g e T w o Kenjutsu - Low Stance Rank: D :: Stance Description: A stance based on speed and complex strikes that make use of an enemy's lowered eyes. The user keeps their blade's edge lowered in a seemingly lax stance with the dominant leg forward. The hilt is positioned to rest in front of the lap horizontally with the backhand near to the crotch while the front is closer to the thigh of the leading leg. The stance favors upwards vertical strikes as starters to combinations, the momentum from such an attack leading to various striking opportunities. The strength of attacks from the lower position into upwards vertical attacks gain [.5], capping out at [1] if two are performed in a row. • Requires four [4] posts to learn, and receives no reductions.
Ryūtsuisen [Dragon Hammer Strike] Rank: D :: Simple Description: The user approaches the enemy with their blade rising as if they are going to make an overhead strike. When close, practitioners of the style use the opponents knee as a foothold, jumping off it and forcing them into a kneel while turning and bringing the blade down, typically on an opponent's neck. Should the initial jump work, the opponent must pay one [1] rank higher in stamina to dodge the following strike. • The opponent must be within two sizes of the user unless they are affected by alternate means (IE heavy armor, mana weight augments, etc.) • If performed after a capped one [1] rank speed from the [Kenjutsu - Low Stance], the strike will come down with an additional [1] in strength, nullifying both the speed and strength increases after the attack.
Magic Scabbard Rank: D :: Complex Description: After mastering two techniques, Iaido and any one other, a student is capable of awakening the true signature of the Tetsu no Ryu. A Samurai's blade becomes rife with pure mana that crackles and dances around the blade. In this state, it can take an additional three [3] durability from equipment it comes in contact with. • The user begins with a duration of three [3] posts at E-rank and gains an additional post duration per rank, maxing at [9] for S-rank • Increases to Rank C after learning [Form Manipulation] and gains the ability to cut [4] durability. • Increases to Rank B after learning [Two As One] and gains the ability to cut [5] durability. • Mana cost does increase as rank increases.
Twin Dragon Strike Rank: D :: Simple Description: Utilizing Iaido, the student of Tetsu no Ryu then follows up with a strike from his scabbard, utilizing the whole of his weapon, instead of just a single piece. This technique is generally utilized to catch an opponent unaware if they dodge the first stroke of the bladed weapon. • Making direct contact with this technique allows the use of Twin Dragon Strike: Lightning following this technique without using an Action. • Training in the Improvised Weaponry proficiency up to the rank of this technique will shock/surprise the opponent, resulting in them losing one [1] Action on their next post. Cannot chain stun with this technique repeatedly.
Twin Dragon Strike: Lightning Rank: D :: Simple Description: This technique does not rely on the utilization of Iaido, as it first strikes with the scabbard of the weapon, using the shock effect of being attacked with an improvised weapon, or the opening that follows an opponent’s dodge to follow the initial strike up with the actual bladed weapon.
___________S t a g e T h r e e [Undiscovered]] Rank: [Undiscovered] Description: [Undiscovered]
