Welcome to Gaia! :: View User's Journal | Gaia Journals

THE SANCTUARY
The last bastion of hope for the Alliance.

If it should fall... all is truly lost.

Imagine one of the most serene places on this ruined earth. The last bastion of sanity left in a place that had none. What would you call it? Heaven on Earth? Eden reborn? A delusion?

Whatever one would claim it to be, it exsists. Within the mountain ranges east of the City, hidden from all but those who know of its location, it is a valley that is defended by the natural barriers of the gale force, 70 MPH winds and the sheer cliff faces. For those that can brave them and find the entrance...

A sacred place of sheer beauty and magnificence stands before the travelers. Pure waters that flow from the surrounding mountains, the snow melting in the surprisingly bright and warm sunlight, travel in every sort of direction, culminating in a lake that would be roughly the size of Lake Michigan. The waters, in turn, provide the soil with enough fuel to bring forth flowers and trees that seemed to be non-existant during the last days of the so-called "end of the world".

There seems to be enough food here to last one for months on end, as if the entirety of the 500,000+ square foot area were blessed with some magical property. Though it is simply the extremely fertile soil that provides this... it would certainly seem as if it were true.

The Shrine- In the middle of the lake, on an islet of sorts, there is a shrine of unknown origin. The white marble sparkles in the sunlight, untouched by time and decay. There seem to be several chairs and comfortable couches spread about in the expansive, hich-ceilinged building. An uncanny aura of peace surrounds it...

The Proving Grounds- Located on the east side of the lake, is surrounded by a dense, redwood pine forest. Resembling the equivalent of a traditional Japanese training hall, it is literally the last known remnant of the martial arts in the known world. The reinforced, two story structure is sturdy enough to include three fourty-five pound suspended heavy bags, though most of them are free-standing (affixed to a stand). Whatever equipment needed for any sort of training or physical contact can be found here.

The Meeeting Place- In an area west of the lake, there is a space that happens to be cleared out for protection against a massive outbreak of a fire. The reason for this is simple- an intricate, six foot tall stack of logs is piled up in the middle of this area and lit aflame at the last night of the extended stay, if any more than twenty people are within the grounds at any time.

The Dorms- Located in a network of underground caverns within the Southern Expanse of the moutains. Carved into the very moutain face itself are a series of living quarters lit by fires and with enough fresh air to last a good while. Heavily reinforced and ironclad in construction, it makes an excellent spot for any number of people to head off to sleep in. Doubling as a sort of orphanage for the younger members of the Alliance, it serves as an excellent and comfortable retreat for the night. Comfy beds, warm fires, and plenty to keep one entertained, which is a surprise this far out.

Defenses- A series of lookout posts and flash towers are speckled among the upper edges of the mountain range. Heavily manned and heavily gunned, they are the first line of defense and warning. When someone approaches who is unknown, two flashes are given from the tower that has the approaching party within sight. The message is recieved by the current commanding officer, who will provide tactics as needed, be they diplomatic or defensive.

The D.A.R.K. may or may not find this location at any time, so a three-flash system had been developed before hand. The tower with the incoming force would flash three times. A state of caution would come over the grounds, prompting an evactuation towards the Dorms as soon as possible. Security forces will take their places and stand ready to defend the Santuary if indeed an attack is mounted. Drills are performed twice a day- once in the morning and once before bed, for the sake of learning by repetition.

If the attack breaches the first line, a state of emergency will be instantiated, and a "weapons free" will be called on the grounds, thus enabling combat within the area at any time. Safeties are off and offensive tactics are employed.

If this does not work, the final stage is implemented and a call is sent to the commanding officers and overall top warriors of the Alliance, requesting immediate aid. From there, it's do-or-die time...

A blade art of the highest caliber that is a mixture of kenjutsu and iaijutsu perfected and used by Evan White, in his days as HeavenSong.

Characterized by high-velocity footwork, as well as various energy control techniques to extend the user's will to the blade, it can be devastating, regardless of the weapon used.


-Techniques- Chudan no Kamae-

Tentsuki (Heaven Piercer)- Tsuki (forward stab to the throat, windpipe, or chest) that takes a bit of time to reel back. The blade is pulled back, and the practitioner begins to focus. When the desired point of focus has been reached, take one step forward and thrust forward. Along with the powerful stab, the gathered energy is projected, acting as a giant needle and an effective short or long range attack. Can be done while airborne for an air-to-ground attack, as a normal aerial manuver, or as an anti-air attack from the ground.

Issen Tentsuki (Thousand Heaven Piercer)- Similar to the above attack, save for the fact that it is done multiple times, and far faster than an average stab. Said technique becomes faster and more accurate with further training, until one can hit multiple vital targets at high velocity with little room for reprisal. Total of ten hits, twelve with added strength; can only be done on the ground.

Tenkatsu (Heaven Divide)- Temporarily leaves the practitioner in a back turned state, but reward outweighs risk. One turns their back and raises the sword, focusing the energy gathered into the weapon before taking one step forward while turning. The Makko Giri (heavy overhead cut, meant to cleave an opponent from head to toe) creats a wave of force that can be effectively used to push the opponent back. Can be done up to three times; third stroke can be delayed for added force.

Joushoukatsu (Rising Divide)- A heavy Gyakukesa (diagonal cut upwards, starting from the hip and ending at the shoulder) done while jumping in the air from a low forward crouch-step, using air pressure to further elevate the jump. An effective way to slide under an attack and counter. Can be done twice to keep the opponent airborne, and open up possibilites for mid-air tactics.

Teppeki (Iron Wall)- A forward shove with the edge of the blade. A wave of energy shoves forward along with the attack as force is applied to it. Excellent for a defensive manuver, or used as an attack in an aerial combination.

Kuruyaiba (Reeling Blade)- Best used in a mid-air situation. After a jump into the air, the practitioner does a forward flip with the blade extended, turning themselves into a living circular saw. Number of revolutions depends on height of the jump. While landing, one can opt for a Makko Giri while landing, prompting a downward wave of force to be applied to the attack.

Shippuu (Hurricane)- A forward spin in a clockwise direction with the blade extended in an Ichimonji (horizontal cut, targeted just below the opponent's rib cage) that causes a circular wave of energy as the blade passes through the air. Can be done up to three times for an added effect, and further forward motion. One of the "pressure moves" used to advance while attacking.

Kagenshippuu (Lower Limit Hurricane)- Can be used alone or during the above technique. It is a circular cut the the shins of an opponent, and used to knock them off of their feet with the wave of force.

Joushoushippuu (Rising Hurricane)- Best used after the Lower Hurricane. The practitioner reverses direction, jumping into the air and using a Gyakukesa in a counter clockwise direction. When properly executed with enough force, the opponent will be sent spinning, as if they were caught in a vortex of wind.

Gyakushippuu (Reverse Hurricane)- Unlike the normal Hurricane, this move can only be done once. A heavy Ichimonji while turning clockwise, effectively turning one's back. If done with enough force, the practitioner can recover from their temporary turned state, due to inertia.

Zankuu Daitou (Air-Cutting Long Sword)- After a leap into the air, the practitioner cuts downwards in a Makko Giri, creating a wave of force that is equal to a car travelling at 60 mph. Seven ft. high and 1 ft. wide, it is one of the most devastating attacks in the Chudan no Kamae.

Kuniku: Noba no Kuuteisakusen (Desperation Measure: Aerial Tactics Nova)- Combination of multiple techniques in one devastating manuver. Double Rising Divide sends the opponent skyward, as well as the practitioner, where a four revolution Reeling Blade can be used. As a final note, the opponent is sliced toward the ground, potentially crushed by the downwards force wave.

Kuniku: Chishioame no Kumiawase (Desperation Measure: Blood Rain Combination)- A seven-stroke Thousand Piercer into a Double Rising Divide. A Parting Air finish sends the opponent flying through the air.

Kuniku: Satsu no Buyou (Desperation Measure: Dance of Death)- A six revolution Hurricane, ending with a quite hard and fast Heaven Piercer. Direction of Hurricane slashes can be changed anytime before the Heaven Piercer.


-Techniques- Wakigatame-

The blade is sheathed, and the practitioner turns his opposite side to the opponent. This provides a sharp decrease in defensive potential, but the offensive capability has increased tenfold- the near-instantaneous attacks and counterattacks from this stance have made this into more of an assasination style than anything else.

Tenkuuhou (Ether Cannon)- Using the high-speed footwork to advance toward the opponent, a tsuka strike is performed, aimed directly at the opponent's face. Along with the attack, a wave of force equal to a sawed-off shotgun blast slams into the opponent. The move is more of a devensive technique than anything else, as it is designed to give the practitioner the space needed to perform the evasive manuvers and quick strikes.

Henzutsuu (Migrane)- With the blade still sheathed, the practitioner whacks the opponent upside the head with the saya. A simple technique, but with the proper amount of force, and the right timing, it can be quite effective in disrupting an agressor's attack flow.

Nijuuengetsutou (Two-Fold Scimitar)- The practitioner strikes at the draw of the blade in Ichimonji, moving his torso to add force to the attack. As the blade moves in a horizontal line, the saya is to follow. With enough training, it can be made to look like the sword struck twice instead of once.

Nagaisenpuu (Long Hurricane)- Taking a step backward with the leading leg, the practitioner twists clockwise toward the opponent, cutting at the horizontal draw in an Ichimonji before cutting in Men (cut aiming straight at their face). Best done as an active evasion.

Hayaisenpuu (Short Hurricane)- Opponent from beind. Turn clockwise and strike at a horizantal draw in Ichimonji, finishing with Men.

Nijuukarite (Two-Fold Reaper)- Upwards attack at the draw in Gyakukesa. The practitoner then assumes Kasumi no Kamae (a side stance that has the tsuka at the side of the practitioner's head and the blade pointed forward and slightly downwards, edge upwards instead of downwards) before finishing the pattern with a Kirioroshi (downwards cut to the head, stopping at the torso). Repeat last two motions for an opponent on the left or right side of your last attack.

Tenshin no Kage (Shifting Shadow)- Evasive manuver to the left or right that is so fast that an after-image is left, looking as if one were still waiting for an attack. An excellent displacement technique, making it seem like the opponent scored a hit.

Giman no Kage (Deceptive Shadow)- Performed during SS, the practitioner cuts in Makko Giri on the draw, lowering themselves on the left or right knee, depending on the direction of the movement.

Hofuku no Kage (Creeping Shadow)- Performed during SS, the practitioner makes a horizontal cut to the shins, slicing them off of their feet.

Juudoenjin (Heavy Circle)- Opponent to the left or right. Practitioner turns clockwise/counter-clockwise, cutting in a Kirioroshi at the draw, then cutting again in a quick Gyakukesa.

Taisaku: Konton no Kagami (Counter-Measure: Chaos Mirror)- Practitioner draws the blade from the saya in a vertical motion, upon the instant of a horizontal attack. If the attack is stopped sucessfully, the practitioner then attacks with six vertical revolutions- three Men with the blade, three Men with the saya, with one final downwards Makko Giri, turning their back to put added force behind the attack.

Taisaku: Konton no Serimochi (Counter-Measure: Chaos Arch- Practitioner draws the blade from the saya in a horizontal motion, above their head, upon the instant of a vertical attack. If sucessful, the practitioner then attacks with both the saya and the sword- swinging both to the right in Yoko Men (cut to the right side of the head), then the left in Ichimonji, before finishing with a right Ichimonji with the sword. Sides switch if the practitioner draws with the opposite hand.

Ougi: Tenchuu (Heaven's Punishment)- Draw, sheathe, draw again. A simple motion that would usually take much more time than usual, had it not been practiced to the point of a second nature. A high-velocity attack that aims for multiple vital targets on an opponent, with twelve strokes in total, this attack makes it seem as if the blade had been drawn once, and yet there are multiple weapon blurs in the opponent's range of vision.

Unarmed Combat: Bakuhatsu Zankuuken (Explosive Air-Cutting Fist)

The close-quarters combat style developed from his days when he learned how to command the wind for his own purposes. It is comprised of several high-pressure wind attacks in conjunction with kicks and punches from chinese boxing and kung fu. Highly effective and devastating at close range, it has gotten him out of multiple situations where he was without a weapon.

-Technique List-

Arm Attacks

Gale Bullet- A palm strike sends a blast of high-density air pressure at the opponent, causing damage and causing knockdown at close range. EX version counts for two hits- three at close range. As with all projectile moves, the more energy focused into the attack, the farther and faster the projectile will move.

Wind Scythe Fist- Evan executes an uppercut that forces a wave of air pressure to travel along the ground, heading towards the opponent. This manuver can be followed up three more times with another uppercut followed by a diagonal backhand sweep. EX version of each wave counts for two hits.

Pegasus Landmine- Evan pounds his fist into the ground, creating a blast of condensed air that expands outward in a five foot raidius. If the hit connects, the opponent is flung upwards with the blast, thus opening him/her to aerial tactics as well as causing damage.

Raven's Claw- An upwards claw sweep that causes a funnel of wind to head towards the opponent, traveling at a good 60 mph. If undefended upon contact, the opponent is swept into the air and brought down hard, causing damage to the upper back and shoulders.

Leg Attacks

Zephyr Feet- After ducking low and launching his foot upwards at the opponent, Evan rights himself with a forward flip, and while supported by a column of air, kicks the opponent multiple times, his feet snapping upwards into the opponent in order to keep him or her afloat. The final kick sends the target flying towards the ground, slamming hard into the pavement or what have you. Total of seven hits on full-strength.

Zephyr Sault- After crouching down for a few brief moments, Evan launches himself into the air, whipping both feet outwards towards his opponent's midsection. EX version will have a second hit connect, due to the air-cutting effect from the attack.

Crane Cannon- Chambering one of his legs before this move, Evan hops into the air and plants one of his feet on the ground upon landing before he lashes out with a side thrust kick, a blast of wind equal to a sawed-off shotgun shell fired at close range issuing from the knife edge of his foot. Severe damage move that causes two hits on an EX charge.

Phoenix Step- Evan launches into the air and riccochets off a nearby wall in order to perform this move. He comes down hard on his opponent with both feet, creating air pressure on his downward movement. EX version connects for up to four hits, due to the air-slice that comes with the manuver.

Gale Shift Stance

Gale Shift- Evan performs a senkuu (Air Flash) manuver, using the aid of the wind in order to move fast enough to evade attacks and projectiles while making it seem as if he vanished from sight. He is highly vulnerable on both start and finish due to the amount of focus required, and during the evasion as well if improperly timed.

Gale Shift Blast- Done after a Gale Shift in the forward direction, Evan unleashes a straight punch to the opponent's solar plexus, an explosion of air pressure following the attack. Knocks down the opponent as well as causing damage on contact.

Gale Shift Cannon- The Gale Shift version of the Crane Cannon, only this one comes out much faster upon the moment of attack due to the increased momentum. The blast of air from the foot is doubled in strength, and can be quite devastating if done while the opponent's attack is already underway.

Gale Shift Sault- GS version of the Zephyr Sault. The leg attack is pulled out faster than before, with increased momentum and height.

Explosive Wind Fist Combinations

Detonation Straight- Evan launches a full-on assault on the opponent in a chain of atttacks. The first of these is the Detonation Straight, a forward punch to the jaw of the opponent which is followed by a blast of condensed air pressure, increasing the damage of the strike.

D.Straight >> Wind Hook- Following a successful Detonation Straight, Evan comes forward with a left hook, a blade of air following the fist and cutting into the opponent upon impact.

Wind Hook >> Blue Sky Palm Following a successful Wind Hook, Evan rams the heel of his right hand into the gut of his opponent, sending them upwards with a gust of wind behind the attack.

Blue Sky Palm >> Gust Overhand (Finish)- Evan brings the opponent harshly back down to earth with an overhand punch, the air behind the manuver ramming the target into the ground with even more force.

Blue Sky Palm >> Dragon's Step (Finish)- Evan slams his right foot onto the ground, causing a wave of air pressure to expel from his body, knocking the opponent away for quite some distance and slamming them into a nearby wall or simply dumping them uncerimoniously onto the ground.

Blue Sky Palm >> Rage Upper (Finish) Evan unleahes an uppercut that causes a funnel of wind to rise from the ground. The cutting effect of this attack causes multiple hits, depending on the amount of energy that was focused into the attack. A total of seven hits at max strength can be attained before the whirlwind dies out.

Super Gauge Moves

Phoenix Flight- A technique that involves up to four Zephyr Saults, the first set of attacks issuing the full two hits before a final, more potent flip kicks into the opponent, the air distortion from the forceful kick damaging the opponent for four extra ticks of damage. Twelve hits total on max guage; deals moderate to heavy damage.

S.M.G.- A series of Gale Bullets are fired, one from each hand in rapid succession. Damage caused depends on how many attacks hit the opponent. For each strength level, two more shots can be fired, the lowest amount totaled at four. Eight hits total on max guage, deals light to moderate damage.

Gale Force- An aura of wind follows Evan and acts as a carbon copy, adding force to his manuvers. For a time period of up to one minute, standard attacks hit twice with one shot, and special moves count as EX where applicable, thus increased in power, range, damage, and hit count. Those that are not in the EX list are still increased in strength. Time limit varies with guage strength- first level at ten seconds, second at twenty, third at half a minute.

Finished 3-18-2006