Custom Combat Style Creation Contest! tab Hello, one and all, and welcome to the first of many Custom Content Creation Contests, or the 4C's, as it were, where we turn to the members with promises of riches and rewards to bring in your own content to Shattered Past! From Talent creation to Styles, to Evos, classes and races, the contests will stretch from now till the end of the year in sequence with a number of rewards along the way. Everyone is encouraged to enter as they can, for this guild is truly nothing without the input of its members and crew into a cohesive, dynamic world. tab To start with we will begin with the Custom Combat Style Creation Contest. What are these? Well, some of you may have seen the like in other guilds and role plays, but also in books, movies, and short stories from across the world. Styles are structured combat, with a number of talents, disciplines, and spells separated by five [5] Stages of Development, but where it's often seen as limited to physical fighting such as with martial arts here in Shattered Past we allow styles to run the entire gamut, from physical combat to magical combat, from supplementary styles to styles that deal with their own dedicated systems found nowhere else. Styles can be their own self-contained rule set, utilizing unusual energy sources that the style and the style alone uses. tab Before we go into the rules of entries and the rewards for winners, I would like to list the general timeline for the 4C event:
June 13th to July 1st → Combat Style Entries July 1st to July 7th → Voting for Combat Style Entries July 1st to July 16th → Evo Trait Creation Entries July 16th to July 23rd → Voting for Evo Trait Creation Entries July 16th to August 1st → Prestige Class Creation Entries August 1st to August 6th → Voting for Prestige Class Creation Entries August 1st to August 16th → Race Creation Entries August 16th to August 23rd → Voting for Race Creation Entries August 16th to September 1st → Class Creation Entries September 1st to September 7th → Voting for Class Creation Entries September 1st to September 16th → Demon/Spirit Creation Entries September 16th to September 23rd → Voting for Demon/Spirit Creation Entries September 23rd to October 1st → Artifact Creation Entries October 1st to October 7th → Voting for Artifact Creation Entries October 1st to October 16th → Event Creation Entries October 16th to October 23rd → Voting for Event Creation Entries October 16th to November 1st → Monster Creation Entries November 1st to November 7th → Voting for Monster Creation Entries November 1st to November 30th → System Alteration/Creation Entries December 1st to December 15th → Voting for System Alteration/Creation Entries December 16th to January 1st → No contests, just rewards for all of your hard work, and a singular event both In and Out of Character for the final holiday of the year!
tab And now, for the Entry Rules for the Contest!
• Every style must fit it's central theme. This theme should be evident in its name, or at the very least in its description. • A Style may utilize it's own core mechanics. An example is if you wish to develop Ki as a energy source needed to fuel the contents of your style, that's fine as long as it makes sense with the Theme. Please keep in mind that if you are going to use different energy sources there must be mechanics on how to generate this energy source, and a limit on its pools, the same way we have such mechanics for how much Mana or Stamina one has. • Styles may be replicated from existing sources. Meaning, if you'd like to have a spin from, say, a Bleach guild where you utilize Hollowfication, that's fine. Just keep in mind the lore doesn't exist here, our world of the dead is different, and as such you will need to make adjustments for it to work here. But the concept is sound. • If you need assistance in scope of what a style can do, please tag Tenshuyami or Lanfaer for assistance. • Please read the Battle Regulations for a better understanding of how combat works within this guild. • With 5 Stages, you need not worry on basics such as "you learn this to know how to swing a sword!" Learning to use your weapon or tool in the style is inherent in learning any of the abilities therein. The Stages need not correlate with a rank, either. I.e., if it's 3rd Stage, not everything in there need be C - rank. The norm is that the style gets more complex, powerful, and difficult the higher it goes, but if the culture of the style indicates that a C - rank wouldn't be unlocked until you're experienced and earned the 5th stage that's fine. It would be the equivalent of someone gaining levels or belts to get higher powered abilities. • Styles must always utilize a Stance within, at least, the first Stage of Learning. Stances dictate the breathing, the movements, the mentality and such necessary to use the style itself. These give passive benefits, but should also give passive negatives if the benefits are too onerous. If you wish to have a Style without a Stance, that is fine, but keep in mind that if one is not inside of a Stance your abilities are considered one [1] rank lower in effect compared to others of their same rank. • Proficiencies can most definitely effect how spells and talents work, if so desired. • Paragon Techniques are unlocked when one invests themselves to this style when higher number of Stages are unlocked. Please see the Styles of Combat first post in the Techniques forum for more information.
tab Now, for the rewards!
1. First Place: Receives $15 in "cash" from guild leadership, or 1 Personal Attribute, and 10 random scrolls/10 Slots of Choice from B to S - rank. 1 Bonus Discipline Point, can be used to purchase existing C - A rank disciplines, or make a custom one. Reward is per character. 2. Second Place: Receives $10 in "cash" from guild leadership, or 1 Personal Attribute and 1 Discipline Point per Character following above rules. Either of the above may be exchanged for 10 Random Scrolls/10 Slots of Choice from B - S rank. 3. Third Place: Received $5 in "cash" from guild leadership, or 1 Personal Attribute, or 1 Discipline Point with above rules, or 10 Random Scrolls/10 Slots of Choice per character.
tab At last, the entry form:
align=center][size=18][b][Main Name Here][/b][/size] [size=10][i][Bad-a** subtext][/i][/size] [img] [/img][/align]
[size=10]___________[b]Description:[/b] :tab: [This should give a history or culture to the style. It sets the theme, what it stands for, how it works. This is required and shouldn't be skimped out on, for if the Theme isn't clear the Entry doesn't count, as it cannot be judged fairly.
___________[b]Notes:[/b] • (Anything Important needed to know for this style. Includes Proficiencies needed to be used, armor needed, any bonuses or negatives associated with those, etc) • • • • [u]Proficiencies:[/u] [/size] ___________[size=11][i]S t a g e O n e [/i][/size] [size=10][b][Undiscovered]][/b] [b]Rank:[/b] [Undiscovered] [b]Description:[/b] [Undiscovered]
[/size]___________][size=11][i]S t a g e T w o [/i][/size][size=10] [b][Undiscovered]][/b] [b]Rank:[/b] [Undiscovered] [b]Description:[/b] [Undiscovered]
___________Description: tab Created by and for the people who believe the moon has it’s own source of power, it’s own unique source of Ki, is the Wujin Yang Fist. By internalizing and using positive and negative Ki, instead of Magic, to empower it’s users. It’s exclusively taught to people who believe the Moon to be their god. Users of this Combat Style have two tattoo-like marks in the center of their palms. A small white moon lies in their right hand, and a black crescent moon lies in their left hand. It is mainly split between Wujin (White), the offensive Stances, and Yang (Black), the defensive Stances. The Wujin Stances focuses on consecutive strikes in a short amount of time, with weaker attacks marking enemies, and stronger attacks gaining additional power due to the mark by ignoring armor. The Yang Stances focus on controlled breathing, parrying enemy attacks, and defensive throws. Yang Stance allows the user to gain temporary armor.The final Stance, the Fifth Stance, is a combination between the two, a synthesis.
___________Notes: • Wujin Yang Fist is powered by Ki, which is a life-force energy. Users passively gain 20 Ki per action, with 80 Ki being the maximum for a D-rank user. For each rank up, the user gains an additional 20 Ki towards their maximum. Ki is then expended by the Rank of techniques used by the practitioner. D = 5 Ki, C = 10 Ki, B = 20 Ki, A = 30 Ki, and S = 45 Ki. • Wujin Stance uses Quarter Marks to increase, or rather negate armor depending on the amount of Marks on the enemy. Quarter Marks last for [2] actions before dissapearing. If a technique specifies a number of Quarter Marks, activating that secondary ability expends all current Quarter Mark(s). • Wujin Yang Fist cannot be directly sensed by magic detecting sources, but the user's hands will glow depending on the Ki they use. White represents positive Ki, while black represents negative Ki. • Yang Stance increases the amount of damage the user is able to absorb while using it. Durability gained this way only lasts for that action. • Proficiencies: Unarmed Combat Proficiency, Heavy/Medium Armor Restriction, Cybernetics Restriction.
___________S t a g e O n e Half-White Galatea Rank: D Description: Positive Ki is focused in the palm or fist, and is then lashed out towards an enemy. The user’s Ki is then projected outwards towards the enemy for 5 inches past it’s stopping point. A technique that relies on speed. This technique delivers [1] Quarter Mark(s) on hit. If this technique is used while the enemy has [1] Quarter Mark, this attack negates an equivalent of E rank armor on hit.
Peaceful White Rank: C Description: Harnessing their Ki, the user uses it to stimulate their own body. Increases the amount of Quarter Mark(s) used in the Wujin Stance by 1 while in use. Cannot be used at the same time as Gibbous Breath.
Half-White Proteus Rank: D Description: Positive Ki is focused in the palm or fist, and is then placed upon the ground, spreading outwards in a shock-wave for at least 2 feet. This technique delivers [1] Quarter Mark(s) on hit. If this technique is used while the enemy has [1] Quarter Mark, this attack negates an equivalent of E rank armor on hit.
Half-White Halimede Rank: D Description: The user attacks with their palm instead of their fist, their hand charged with Ki. This increases the impact of the strike, meaning to knock the air out of an opponent if it connects. This techniques deliverers [1] Quarter Mark(s) on hit. If this technique is used while the enemy has [1] Quarter Mark, this attack negates an equivalent of E rank armor on hit.
Half-White Laomedeia Rank: C Description: A combination palm strike that aims for the throat of the enemy first, and then the chest afterwards in a smooth motion. If this technique is used while the enemy has [2] Quarter Mark(s), this attack negates an equivalent of D rank armor on hit.
Half-White Falling Naiad Rank: B Description: A combination attack that begins with two punches to the chest, and ending with a sweep using the user’s legs. If this technique is used while the enemy has [3] Quarter Mark(s), this attack negates an equivalent of C rank armor on hit.
___________]S t a g e T w o Full-White Charon Rank: D Description: By harnessing positive Ki, the user attacks with an axe kick that attacks the head of the enemy from above, or even the side. This technique deliverers [2] Quarter Marks on hit. If this technique is used while the enemy has [1] Quarter Mark, this attack negates an equivalent of D rank armor on hit.
Full-White Nix Rank: C Description: Harnessing positive Ki, the user strikes with a combination attack that uses two uppercuts, from both the left and right sides, both done at slightly different intervals. If this technique is used while the enemy has [2] Quarter Mark(s), this attack gives the user an equivalent of temporary D rank armor on hit for the duration of their Action.
Full-White Styx Rank: B Description: Harnessing positive Ki, the user begins with a flying knee, before the user follows up by grabbing their enemies arm, and tossing them up and over, slamming them into the ground succinctly. This technique deliverers [2] Quarter Marks on hit.
Full-White Grand Thalassa Rank: A Description: Harnessing positive Ki,the user attacks their enemy, delivering a sneaky strike at the ankle of the enemy to unbalance them. The user then follows up by following with a right straight. If this technique is used while the enemy has [3] Quarter Mark(s), this attack drain an additional 10 mana on hit.
___________S t a g e T h r e e Half-Black Triton Rank: D Description: Harnessing negative Ki, the user reacts to an enemy’s attack, using their palm to displace the attack and move it off-center. If the enemy has [1] Quarter Mark(s), the user gains [1] E-rank Durability Damage to their current armor.
Waning Gasp Rank: C Description: A transitory breathing technique from Peaceful White to Gibbous Breath. Converts any remaining temporary armor gained by Gibbous Breath into [1] additional Quarter Mark(s) for the next Wujin Technique.
Half-Black Psamathe Rank: C Description: Harnessing negative Ki, the user pivots with their dominant foot. Making a circular motion with both hands as a predictive parry before grabbing a hold of the enemy and throwing them forward. If the enemy has [1] Quarter Mark(s), the user gains [1] D-rank Durability Damage to their current armor.
Half-Black Grand Rhea Rank: B Description: By harnessing negative Ki, the user dashes forward, grabbing a hold of the enemy, lifting them by the legs. Carrying by sheer momentum, the user turns and throws their enemy in the opposite direction. If the enemy has [2] Quarter Mark(s), the user gains [2] D-rank Durability Damage to their current armor.
___________S t a g e F o u r Full-Black Deimos Rank: B Description: By harnessing negative Ki, the user creates a black, rectangular barrier table to repel C-rank physical attacks. Shatters after absorbing a single attack. Coming into physical contact with this barrier inflicts [2] Quarter Mark(s) onto who touched it.
Gibbous Breath Rank: C Description: A breath technique for Wujin Yang, to supplement the Yang Stances. It focuses on breathing fully, within a short amount of time. Breathing from the diaphragm instead of the throat, to help in a potentially long-time fight and improve the user of Ki. While using the Gibbous Breath, every 3 Actions the user gain [1] D-rank Durability for their current armor. Cannot be used at the same time as Peaceful White.
Full-Black Sao Rank: B Description: By harnessing negative Ki, the user charges forward to headbutt their enemy. Using this an opportunity, the user then follows up, grabbing the hips of the enemy. Finally, the user throws them end over end. If the enemy has [2] Quarter Mark(s), the user gains [1] C-rank Durability Damage for this action only.
Full-Black Kerberos Rank: A Description: By harnessing negative Ki, the user creates a circular aura around themselves, capable of deflecting B-rank physical attacks. Though stronger than Full-Black Tyrant, the user in unable to move.Coming into physical contact with this barrier inflicts [2] Quarter Mark(s) onto who touched it.
___________S t a g e F i v e Half-Crescent Hyperion Rank: B Description: Harnessing negative and positive Ki, the user clasps their hands together, sending a wave of Ki in front of them. This projected Ki can not only strike at an enemy like a contact punch, but also force them backwards. If this technique is used while the enemy has [2] Quarter Mark(s), this attack negates an equivalent of C rank armor on hit, and the user gains [1] C-rank Durability for this action only.
Full Phobos Twilight Rank: B Description: Harnessing negative and positive Ki, the user attacks their enemy, sending out an afterimage of themselves. The afterimage performs a specific action then expires in a flash of light. The user strikes with their palm before finishing with an elbow strike towards the head. Coming into contact with the afterimage gifts [2] Quarter Mark(s) to the enemy. If this technique is used while the enemy has [3] Quarter Mark(s), this attacks negates an equivalent of B-rank armor on hit.
Enceladus: Lunar Supremacy Rank: A Description: Harnessing negative and positive Ki, the user strikes simultaneously at their enemy eight separate times. If this technique is used while the enemy has [5] Quarter Mark(s), and this attack negates an equivalent of A-rank armor on hit, and the user gains [1] B-rank Durability for this action only. This attack inflicts [3] Quarter Mark(s) upon an enemy on hit.
Prometheus: Lunar Supremacy Rank: S Description: Harnessing negative and positive Ki, the user strikes at their enemy with a heavy uppercut, knocking them into the air. The user then grabs the enemy and slams their target back into the ground, and send a shock-wave for 5 feet. If this technique is used while the enemy has [4] Quarter Mark(s), and this attack negates an equivalent of A-rank armor on hit, and the user gains [1] A-rank Durability for this action only. This attack inflicts [2] Quarter Mark(s) upon an enemy on hit.
___________Paragon Techniques White Court Tethys Rank: S Description: The user overflows with positive Ki, the Ki spilling into their environment, creating a maelstrom 15 feet in every direction. Enemies/allies in this maelstrom immediately have their Quarter Marks removed, draining them 10 mana for every mark. Wujin techniques now turn into white fire while being used in this technique's area of effect, and this technique stays active for four separate actions.
Black Domain Surtur Rank: S Description: The user overflows with negative Ki, the Ki surrounding them in a maelstrom 15 feet in every direction. Instead of granting armor, this maelstrom reduces armor to E-rank for both the user and his allies/enemies. Yang techniques now turn into black blood while being used in this area of effect, and this technique stays active for four separate actions.
Edit Logs: It's not done by a long shot, but if anyone has suggestions while I trundle off to give them more concrete descriptions, be my guest.
Added in the Quarter Marks, based on the Moon's 3rd Quarter phase. Updated the Gibbous Breath, Peaceful White, and Waning Gasp to coincide with this. Updated the first 3 Stances to reflect this. Now all Stances reflect this change.
Improved the naming conventions of the techniques, making them sound more, authentic.If you're a fan of space, stars, planets and moons, you'll get these references.
Added in a details about Ki as an energy source, including a Cybernetics Restriction. Moved Peaceful White, Gibbous Breath, and Waning Gasp to different Stages. Redeveloping Paragon Techniques that fit more with what Paragon Techniques mean.
Tried my hand at the Paragon techniques, Tethys and Surtr.
___________Description: tabA style that arose during the endless search for a cure to the Plague during the Era of Regret. While its exact origins are unclear, it is commonly accepted that it was created by a group of nomads based in the mountains of the far northern lands. Exactly when the style died out is also uncertain, but it began propagating once more after scrolls containing its arts were uncovered in a ruined city north of the former Land of Lightning. tabThis style hinges upon the user's ability to tap into the vast stores of energy that flow through the planet. The nomads of old did this by following what they called "ley lines", or stretches of land that were considered powerful. Gradually they developed methods of detecting even the most minute of fluctuations in the ley lines and manipulating them to their advantage. More advanced practitioners can draw on the power running beneath their feet to augment their attack and defense, though this is considerably rarer than basic usage.
___________Notes: • Vein Motes are mana-esque balls of energy that are invisible to the untrained eye. They are detected weakly by mana-sensing abilities and can be seen normally by spiritual entities. Their uses are defined by the various stances in this style. One mote cannot be spent to gain more than one benefit at once (i.e. if a mote is spent to gain a bonus from a stance, another would have to be spent to gain a bonus from a technique). • New Vein Motes cannot be generated while any old ones remain. • Up to two Vein Motes per experience rank can be held at any given time. • Proficiencies: Any two-handed heavy weapon. Bonuses from Vein Motes only apply to modes of attack using these proficiencies.
___________S t a g e O n e Planting into a Vein Rank: E :: Stance Description: The user flattens their feet against the ground and stands tall, letting the power of the ley line beneath their feet flow through their body. While in this stance, burning a Vein Mote while using a technique will cause the technique to behave like it's Complex without changing its cost.
Drawing Out Power Rank: E :: Complex Description: The user draws out energy from the perturbations in the ley line. Grants one Vein Mote per person in the thread above E-Rank in experience. Cannot be used again until 2 posts after all motes have been used or returned to the ley line.
Subsiding into the Stream Rank: E :: Complex Description: The user relaxes. letting their gathered Vein Motes return to the ley line.
___________S t a g e T w o Sweeping Away Rank: X :: Simple Description: The user plants their feet and strikes. If a Vein Mote is expended, this technique causes 1 extra durability damage to armor.
Knocking Down Rank: X :: Simple Description: The user swings downward with their weapon. If a Vein Mote is expended, the target is knocked to their knees on a successsful hit, lowering the speed of their movement and evasive skills below this technique's rank by 1 rank for 1 post.
Deflect Rank: X :: Simple Description: A quick, sharp sweep to the side, designed to knock away incoming attacks and set the user up for a counterattack. If the speed of this technique is higher than the incoming attack's, the user's next attack is increased in strength by half a rank. If a Vein Mote is expended, the speed of any defensive techniques the target uses on their next post is reduced by 1 rank.
___________S t a g e T h r e e Riding a Vein Rank: C :: Stance Description: The user leans forward on their feet and holds their weapon to the side. Their connection to the ley line is more tenuous in this stance, but because of this they notice great changes in its flow even more. While in this stance, the user may expend a Vein Mote to apply any rank increases that affected a technique used by someone else within the last 2 posts to their next technique. Multiple increases to the same stat from different sources do not stack. (For example: Person A used a technique last post that had its strength increased by 1 rank. After expending a Vein Mote, the user's next technique also gets that boost.)
Marking the Target Rank: X :: Simple Description: A light but quick blow. Its speed is one rank higher, but its strength is one rank lower and damage is negligible against targets with at least medium armor. If a Vein Mote is expended, the mote is attached to the target if the attack lands, dispersing back into the ley line if the attack misses. This mote will remain attached to a target for up to 10 posts and can be removed via a targeted mana-disrupting technique such as Release.
Leaping Strike Rank: X :: Simple Description: The user charges forward and strikes an enemy. This counts as both a movement technique and an attack technique of one rank lower, but consumes only one activation. If the target has been marked by a Vein Mote, the user may expend a Vein Mote to increase the ranks of both the movement and attack to this technique's rank instead.
Postcognition Rank: C :: Training Description: By spending time acclimating to the feeling of a ley line and Vein Motes, the user gains the ability to see Vein Motes. In addition, through observing the energy emitted by a ley line, the user can visually follow the path taken by anybody who passed through the area in the last two posts. In less well-traveled areas, the path remains clear for up to 10 minutes.
___________S t a g e F o u r Harvesting a Large Disturbance Rank: B :: Spiritual Description: Sensing a large disturbance in the ley line beneath their feet, the user harvests some of the energy of that disturbance to create Vein Motes. Generates 1 mote per Experience Rank of the user, plus two additional motes per person in the thread whose Experience Rank is higher than the user's. Cannot be used again until 1 post after all motes have been used or returned to the ley line.
Pursuit Rank: B :: Spiritual Description: By sending out a pulse through the ley line, the user is able to tell the general direction and distance of anyone marked with a Vein Mote in the same thread. By expending a Vein Mote, this range can be increased to cover a subforum.
Drag Rank: B :: Spiritual Description: After detecting a marked target via Pursuit, the user expends a Vein Mote and sends out another pulse through the ley line. This time, the pulse starts orbiting around the chosen target, causing an endless string of minor inconveniences to slow them down. The target's overall movement speed is reduced by 1 rank, their tracks become significantly harder to hide, and the reward for any survival skills used is reduced by 1 step while this technique is active. Lasts 3 posts, after which it can be renewed by expending another Vein Mote.
___________S t a g e F i v e Warping a Vein Rank: X :: Stance Description: The user bends their knees and leans forward, resting their weapon on their shoulder. They then send a Vein Mote into the ley line to drag up some of its power and wrap themselves in it. While in this stance, the user may expend a Vein Mote to increase the range of a melee technique by 1 meter. If the melee technique is also at or below this stance's rank, it gains one rank in power and interacts with simple, complex, and spiritual techniques equally. One Vein Mote is consumed every post spent in this stance.
Mighty Hurl Rank: X :: Simple Description: The user hurls their weapon at a target. This technique's cost can be made complex; doing so causes the weapon to become lodged in whatever it hits, causing damage again when it is removed. By expending a Vein Mote, the user can increase the strength of the hurl such that they can hold onto the weapon and it will carry them to the target as well.
Iron Skin Rank: X :: Spiritual Description: The user expends a Vein Mote to wrap their weapon or one part of their body in the energy of the Ley Line. Attacks with the weapon or body part will knock the target back 1 meter even if blocked. When the weapon or body part is used as part of a defense, the simple part of the defensive technique is increased in strength by one rank. Lasts 1 post per rank above C-Rank (minimum B-Rank).
___________Paragon Techniques Draining the Vein Rank: S :: Complex Description: The user expends two Vein Motes to haul up a huge section of the ley line between them and incoming attacks. The energy from the ley line completely blocks the attack and disperses any secondary effects or hazards it might have. Afterward, the energy ruptures, knocking any attackers back 10 meters. Is also effective against attacks not classified as spiritual, complex, or simple. Can only be used at most once every 10 posts. No new Vein Motes can be created for 5 posts following this technique's usage. Both the cooldown for this technique's usage and the creation of new motes can be reduced by 1 post per additional Vein Mote expended.
Splitting the Vein Rank: X :: Simple Description: The user imbues their weapon with all Vein Motes they have, raises their weapon overhead, then swings down with all their might. The Vein Motes disperse throught whatever is struck, causing irreversible structural damage and rendering the terrain impassable by normal means. The ley line is disrupted by this attack, causing it to temporarily weaken to the point of being inaccessible. No new Vein Motes can be created can be used for 15 posts following this technique's usage.
Simple Restoration Rank: S :: Complex Description: The user exhales as they feed their energy into the ley line, then extracts 3 new Vein Motes per person on the battlefield above E-Rank. These motes disappear after 5 posts if unused. Can only be used once every 6 posts.
___________Description: tab The Katana, the samurai's choice weapon, the icon for almost all things of the east. Many forms exists to utilize the blades curved blade and decent reach. However Shinobi of old and Casters of today are able to wield the blade with more than just the two hands the gods gave them. More practiced Casters are able to utilize there elemental affinities to give this powerful blade even more devastating power. Once there was a old warrior by the name of Ōtomo Dosetsu, He took shelter from the rain with his famed blade, Chidori, However for what reason only the gods know a thunder god near him decided to strike Ōtomodown with a lightning bolt. Ōtomo didn't have much time to react other than what his instincts led him to accomplish. Using the chidori blade he cut the lightning bolt in half. From then on Ōtomo and his new blade Raikiri, moved on to teach a school of lightning fast blades to the hidden cloud village.
centuries would pass as the Raiha sword style moved from the hidden cloud to the hidden mist, the fabled land of the seven mist swordsman, said to be one of the few places where swordsman could achieve great heights. Raiha was relatively new in the mist and only had one grand master and a couple mentors acting as the lieutenants for the only school aloud to take residence there. Why do you ask is this prevalent? because the sword style I speak of harnessed lightning itself in a tame form. Using the bolts of there mana or the natural forces of a storm, Raiha gives the wielder a god like arsenal to use against foes of a much slower nature.
___________Notes: • Depending on the weapon the effects of the lightning or storm mana either weaken and shorten or grow stronger and lengthen. -Tanto: Numbing slashes paralyzes a target for [1] turn, extends blade reach by one feet
-Kodachi: Numbing slashes and stabs, has small arcs of lightning sparking from the blade, causes paralysis for [2] turns and causes [.5] extra lightning damage, extends the blade by another two feet.
-Wakisashi: Arcing burns from slashes and stabs due to intensity of electrical bolts arc off the blade, Extends the blade reach by two and a half feet.
-Katana [general]: generation of fast muscle movement due to electrical transfer granting [1] rank higher speed and arcing burns done by the swords slashes and stabs. The blade of a katana can reach foes with its meter long lightning extension or using the lightning or storm mana to condense a sword slash into a projectile of lightning. it produces a arc of lightning a meter long and can reach a area within 4 meters around the user.
-Odachi/Nodachi: The longest of oriental blades, While not as quick as the Katana it's power in its thrusts and slashes make up for it. This is why those who weild the nodachi have [2] rank higher speed in attacks but trades off with [1] rank less in attacks whether from the blade of general attacks of other weapons.
• Cannot be used without either being Stormborn or alternatively having a Lightning affinity in mana • Techniques used or created with this combat style are almost always complex in maneuvers and take almost more time to prepare depending on the rank. needing at the least [1] turn to build up the mana for this styles technique's increasing by [.5] turns per rank
Proficiencies:Learning this style requires a elemental affinity to the Lightning Element though it has been said that those with the power of storms are also able to use the ability with relative ease. Additionally Katana's are the prefered method of choice when using the Raiha sword skills, however any curved blade, tanto's, nodachi, and some kodachi's are also able to use the skill very well albeit with a shorter range to the attacks.
___________S t a g e O n e [落雷--- Rakurai] Rank: D-rank Complex Description: Much like any bolt of lightning being conducted and shot, Rakurai combines elements of The Lightning Bolt spell combined with quick sword movements. Although it maybe simple in appearance the equivalent charging of the blade via mana affinity requires time and pressure along the swords edge. arcing bolts of lightning are generated along the edge and takes [2] actions to activate it. When the spell is released the generated and pressurized lightning is released in small forward striking rays filled with the lightning. these rays, represented in meter long crescent shaped mana projectiles. Up to six can be launched with the swing of the blade. When done the Rakurai produces D rank level's of damage while retaining a C rank release of speed.
[Raikiri] Rank: C: Simple Description: Named after the fabled blade of Dotetsu, Raikiri's power while great, is one of the more simple forms and as it is the priority of the Raiha school of swordsmanship to prepare on Charging its Lightning or storm mana into the blade of your choice it is sheathed ready to be let loose. Taking [1] action to prepare the caster can then quickly draw the blade out at almost unheard of speeds in a fashion of Battōjutsu. When released in what most folks call 'the quick draw for the sword' a large form of lightning mana or physical Plasma dealing a C-Rank amount of damage while releasing a C-rank amounts of speed. The more actions that are held can also increase this up to [3] actions to increase to S rank Damage and Speed. The draw back to this Technique is the fact that it requires [x2] the amount of mana to use as the build up of mana needs to be quick and yet precise. The other draw back is that it can only either go in a circle, much like a whirlwind, or a forward strike in any direction.
[雷鳴剣--- Raimeiken] Rank: E-rank Description: Much like the Rakurai, the Raimeiken is a sword technique the builds lightning or storm mana along the blade. However instead of being generated along the edge the entire blade is engulfed all the way down to the guard. The pressure generated from the caster keeping the lightning contained just on the sword causes the sword to become [.5] slower until release Upon taking [1] action to use The lightning is not shot forward or transfered to the caster for buffing purposes. Instead the release of the pressurized lightning sparks and than explouds outward like a bomb, the sound of a thunderclap is then heard and can blind and deafen to [1] rank lower enemies towards the caster. The close range damage affects a field of less than a meter around the caster is small enough to damage both enemy and caster at D rank levels but delivery is slow and is there for E-ranked speed. The other detriment is that it damages the durability of the blade by [5] each time it is used as it creates a sudden explosion of both noise and physical damage. If used [3] consecutive times in a battle it breaks the weapon regardless.
[雷鬼-- Raiki] Rank: E-rank Simple- passive Description: The Raiki technique was developed more recently by those who remember the old school in combatace to the yokai threat. Raiki not only takes the basic form of Raikiri in both blade use and movement but has a underlining darkness to it. Smearing some of the casters blood onto the blade before hand the Lightning turns black in color While following the same rules and limitations of Raikiri the underlying damage towards the supernatural [things like spirits, demons, and other forms of Yokai] are increased by one rank towards those enemy types. Whenever the black lightning either hits or comes close to the Enemy in question they will start to feel a disturbing negative impact to there physical bodies and when struck are often either paralyzed for [1] turn or are electrocuted worth D-rank damage.
___________]S t a g e T w o [稲妻-- Inazuma] Rank: D-rank Passive Description: Using either mana type that is required for this combat style, a small field of lightning surrounds the caster in a 4 meter radial circle. The lightning's color is normally white but can change via the color of the casters mana color. INazuma allows the caster to feel and sense enemies that crosses the radial circle. When taught and learned the Inazuma spell can be activated for the cost of a D ranked spell. it doesn't need to be upkepted afterwards but does require a equal amount of mana to deactivate. Inazuma also helps the caster in combat if the user is standing still in preparation for a attack. outside of combat Inazuma can still generally sense whats inside the field. The amount of mana used to activate the spell can rise up to A rank, and thus also requires A-ranked mana cost to deactivate it, with each rank past D the field is stretched out by one more meter up to a maximum of Six meters around the caster.
[雷鳴-- Raimei] Rank: C-Rank Complex Description: Requiring that you know or have been taught the, Raimeiken, The initial Raimei derived from this spell still must be used via the blade. However unlike the Raimeiken the Raimei is a more complete version. Generated by the pressurized lightning along the blade raimei allows the caster to cast the Technique in either a slashing attack towards the enemy or pointed towards the enemy with the swords tip. Once released after taking [2] actions to do so The Raimei generates the same Thunder exploding sound its predecessor uses. This time the sound is generated forward in either a electrified arc a meter long with the mana taking the form a line with lightning bolts. The concussive force combined with the electrical heat can burn and impact the enemy, or anything else in its bath within 4 meters, at C-rank damage and speed. The Raimei can still damage the caster and weapon with the same amount of damage and twice the loss of durability [10].
二度落雷-- Nido rakurai] Rank: C-rank Complex Description: They say lightning never Strikes twice, this technique was made to prove them frighteningly wrong. This Technique is almost a exact copy of the Move, Rakurai with the exception of a increase of [1] rank higher Damage and speed as well as mana cost. Another difference is that The Nido version of the spell can be sustained for [2] turns after activation taking the same amount of actions each turn as Rakurai is able to do. After which on the [2nd] turn the Nido dissipates and retreats either within the blade or outside the air around the blade. Nido can't be called upon again for another [4] turns after the Nido ends.
[邪悪な稲妻--- Jaakuna inazuma] Rank: X Rank Complex Description: Jaakuna Inazuma, a sword technique that requires knowing the Raiki sword skill before hand. Using ones blood to make the black lightning emerge along the blade. Jaakuna takes this a step further by smearing blood on both the length of the entire blade and a pattern along the less dominant arm. The pattern is unique to the person using the skill.
Using the blood pattern and sword in conjunction with one another The caster can cast a black lightning bolt from either the patterned arm or the blade in either [1] single shots or up to [3] multiple bolts depending on the amount of blood and mana used upon casting the technique. This amount increases when casted above D rank increase the number of bolts able to use by [2] per rank. maximum limit is [11] bolts. However each rank used to cast this technique requires [2] actions each time.
The spell lasts for [3] turns at D rank plus [1] turn more depending the amount of mana rank used to a maximum of 6. Damage to playable races is set on D rank damage and [x] amount of speed depending on the rank used upon casting. However Upon use agaisnt monters, spirits, and yokai beings Damage is dealt along C rank levels and then amplified per rank used to cast.
Jaakuna can also internalize the black lightning inside the patterened arm to increase its muscle reaction and speed with a upkeep of [35] mana. Upkeeping the black lightning inside the arm can result in nerve damage.. If not dispelled from internal use by turn [3] it is possible to loose function in the arm.
___________S t a g e T h r e e [風笛-Kazebue (Whistling Wind)] Rank: B Rank Description: Kazebue is a complex Drawing technique requiring two separate techniques to be learned before hand (Raikiri and Inazuma) Using the inazuma Electrical Field to sense those that come within and Raikiri's quick Battōjutsu technique. The result is a single Strike move that has a higher rate of contact than either one could achieve on there own. Taking two separate actions to use, [1] to hold and stand still for the Inazuma. The other for when at least [1] combatant enters the radial field to strike at. When the enemy enters the field the Kazebue user will take its attack and attempt to slash in a quick slice forward.The speed of the technique reaches A-rank when striking but retains the B rank amount of power concerning damage. Though highly unlikely, a person can dodge or block the technique if the person in question has either witnessed the technique or is at least the same or above the rank of the caster.
[第六落雷-- Dairoku rakurai] Rank: B-rank Complex Description: You know how this school of swords the lightning can strike twice? Did you know you go further beyond that?? Well look no further! Dairoku Rakurai is the next extention of the Raikurai attacks. Using the same rulings as the Nido Rakurai, Dairoku is able to upkeep its time activated [20] Mana and Stamina per turn used for up to Six turns after activation. Dairoku is also able to reach farther than the other versions of Rakurai going forward in its strikes by up to 4 additional meters from the original and has B rank Damage and speed when first performed. Additionally this can be taken twice To increase rank of casting, power, and speed up to A-rank.
[悪意雷-- Akui kaminari] Rank: B Rank Complex Description: Continuing the tree of monster slaying techniques, Akui is much the same as it's predecessors. A blood amount is required to activate. This amount is standard to at least [65] points of stamina and [25] points of mana. Once the amount has been achieved A blood pattern is drawn using mana to direct it, almost like a psychic tattoo, along the spine, arms and legs as well as a coating all but to the blade's edge. Large amounts of Lightning is generated from these markings and envelop the limbs in a black lightning based field. This form of technique can last up to [5] turns and can dellver up to C rank amounts of damage while retaining B rank speed and delivering. However like its other forms, Akui can deal extra rank damage depending on the rank of the enemy types [spirit, fade, yokai] These start from C rank for those below C rank and then grows in rank from there. The black lightning field also allows you take [1] more action before the end of your turn. The field also can paralyze the enemy types listed for up to [4] turns depending on the enemy rank.
___________S t a g e F o u r [九頭竜の雷 --- Kuzuryū no kaminari] Rank: A-Rank Description: Much to the dismay of others there are techniques, spells, and other factors that play into attacking a enemy target. Kuzuryu was developed to either overwhelm or sneak past those defenses. Transfering the Lightning or storm mana generated from other techniques of Raiha into the users arms and legs, the caster is able to almost hit nine different targets or nine different points on a single enemy. Using the Lightning or storm mana to increase the casters speed by [2] points. Those techniques of equal or higher rank are able to block this incoming assault. When enacted The caster moves towards the enemy he wishes to use the technique on and begins to swing the blade as near lightning like movement, hoping the opposing force does not have ways around seeing faster moving targets, And tries to hit nine points on a person.
• Karatake (唐竹/幹竹, Tang Bamboo/Tree Trunk Bamboo) Aimed at the above head with the downward strike: 壱 (ichi, one) • Sakagesagiri (逆袈裟切り, Inverted Kasaya Cutter) Aimed at right shoulder diagonally: 弐 (ni, two) • Miginagi (右薙, Right Mower) Aimed at right arm's center from the side: 参 (san, three) • Migikiriage (右切上, Right Cutting Lift) Aimed at right arm's bottom/right wrist diagonally: 肆 (shi, four) • Sakakaze (逆風, Inverted Wind) Aimed at groin area from below via upward stroke, or straight from front: 伍 (go, five) • Hidarikiriage (左切上, Left Cutting Lift) Aimed at left arm's bottom/left wrist diagonally: 陸 (riku, six) • Hidarinagi (左薙, Left Mower) Aimed at left arm's center from the side: 漆 (shichi, seven) • Kesagiri (袈裟切り, Kasaya Cutter) Aimed at left shoulder diagonally: 捌 (hachi, eight) • Tsuki/Shitotsu (刺突, Thrusting/Thorn Thrust) Aimed at center of the chest, at breastbone: 玖 (kyū, nine)
Incidentally the attack can be avoided if the enemy is not in range of the attack, which combined with the speed of the storm mana helping to thrust the caster forward, is [3] meters in total.
[天竜の稲妻 --- Tenryū no inazuma] Rank: A- Rank Passive Description: More of a bonus to ones physical maneuverability than a sword technique Lightning mana, either generated from ones own lightning, natures, or previous raiha techniques used each requiring 95 mana to both activate and upkeep every turn its active. Lightning generated from this ability technique goes to the user's shoulders and helps create a magnetic field with a charge negative to the earth's gravity. These "Heavenly Wings" Allow some sky born attacks from above or for a lower cost of [75] mana for the upkeep, allows the caster to merely move more fluidly along the ground generating a magnetic propulsion when doing so. A draw back is over charging the magnetic field of ones own self and going higher than normal and then running out plummeting to the ground below like Icarus and his wax wings.
___________S t a g e F i v e [雷炎 --- Raien] Rank: S rank Complex Description: There is often various forces of nature that go along with the storms created. Tornado's, floods, But the most serious is the one that doesn't stop till everything is gone. A forest fire set off by the stroke of a lightning bolt is among the only forces where it does not stop till all things in the universe turn to ashes. The Technique is similiar in this case though it has a myriad of uses. Raien requires a massive among of Lightning affinity mana to be stored within either a person limb or weapon of choice. This is then released at A rank to dry the air up around the discharged bolt. From there, a person can use a different lightning based technique or fire technique not affiliated with Raien. Raien can also be applied to a blade discharging the bolt from the weapon deduces the durability by [10] but in exchange causes a spark after the discharge to the surrounding air of the blade. This lets the blade catch on fire the color of which becomes the casters mana color. The fire on the blade can be extinguish by a C-rank or higher water spell if needed. This Technique was created to provide a edge to those who wield wind, lightnings nemesis in the five great natures of magik, Lightning being naturally weak to wind while the flames from this technique provides cover and increase by a rank higher
[無限電光 --- Mugendenkō] Rank: S- rank passive Description: Known as the 'infinite cut' Mugendenko uses stored up lightning or storm mana and slowly disperses it along the finer edge of the sword they use. Though small a slight glow, in the color of the casters mana, starts to form. If a ocular spell was used to view what the glow is they would see a small lightning serrated sword edge. The pattern of the serrated delivers not only Lightning based damage to the opponent but also increases the damage by a rank Higher then when it was cast. With the fine lightning serration edge the sword in question is able to cleanly cut through most solid objects that are over a meter thick. The upkeep for this spells passive ability is a ratio of 1: 95 mana per turn used as the serrated lightning takes a fine amount of mana control and powerful lightning based attacks being generally more taxing than the other five elemental natures of mana
___________Paragon Techniques [二つの風笛-- Futatsu no kazebue] Rank: S rank- Complex Description: Futatsu is a extention of the Kazebue technique in that it has the same rules on both its process, power, speed, and limitations. The extensional method of this technique is that when using the Kazbue upon striking, whether hit or miss the person can then turn there body on the ball of there heel and with the same power and speed can draw the sheath of the sword in your less dominant and either club the chest or punch the sheath's end into the enemies jaw or neck. The same limitations on the this technique applies in that if the user is of equal or higher rank the person is able to block it.
[雷神怒り--- Raijin ikari] Rank: S-rank Complex Description: Taking all of the lessons of the Monster killing tree of the sword style. Sacrificing [100] Mana and Stamina to obtain the proper amount of Blood payment, Raijin ikari is the Ultimate move of the tree in question. Using the same process as akui to draw blood pattern all over the body and intricate symbols onto the sword the caster is currently holding. The detail of the pattern and symbols are always unique with each person who uses the technique. This is mainly for attacking specific enemy types as before [Spirit, Fade, and yokai based beings]
Upon activation a black lightning field surrounds the body of the caster much like the spell [Lightning Barrier] The caster allows the blood pattern to vent out Lightning or Storm mana around the caster. The Black lightning field can pentrate most Enemy armor, reducing there armor durability by [10] for however long they remain in a [2] meter radius of the caster. The caster is able to, as with the other techniques, spray lightning bolts and plasma arcs towards an enemy. The black lightning upon contact to a enemy or solid object [a tree, a rock etc] bursts and conducts heat enough to leave plasma based burns onto the target in question. if the target is combustible, black flames are ignited and last for [5] turns of combat. The flames themselves are harmless as long as you dont get them on yourself. these flames require C rank or higher water spells to extinguish.
Finally, the black lightning field increases a casters speed and power by [2] and allows for [2] extra actions per turn or round. These effects, abilities, and actions all end after [10] turns per combat. When the effect of the spell ends two actions for the next three turns are required to recuperate the body from the heavy blood and mana loss leaving you vulnerable to other enemies if encountered.
