[B] Bukijutsu :: Weapon Techniques

[GamerGoneSry]

Tanisoko
Bottom of the Valley

___Description:
___The death of a style of martial arts is a very sad, ugly thing, but occasionally something is born from the power vacuum. For one farming village in the Land of Lightning, this development came at the cost of their native style, one of staves. With the rise of the sword as a weapon, the staff users of the village found themselves continuing to lose fights when their staves were cleaved in two. For a while they specialized in unarmed combat, but that was much too dangerous when dealing with cold and unforgiving blades. Frustration and poverty eventually drove the village to compensate for this weakness and adapt a new style specifically suited to quickly and efficiently dealing with other weapons. Thus, they invented a style that combined the strength of a staff with the deadly power and precision of hand-to-hand combat, one which utilized simple weapons such as tonfa and twin sticks. They named the style after their village: Tanisoko.
___Relevant Training: Tonfas, twin sticks, Hard Physical.

___Notes:
• A specialization in the Formless Style for Hard Physical grants a passive slight power increase to all techniques in this style up to the learned rank of the Formless Style.
• Techniques cannot be used with weapons that are not blunt or are bigger than one of the user’s arms. However, stances and footwork of other styles may be used in this one, regardless of any restrictions placed on them.
• Bladed tonfas may be used with this style, but some techniques will function slightly differently as a result.
• Grants a Slight Increase to strength for every other stage mastered starting at the first stage. Additionally, gives a slight increase to speed for every other stage mastered starting at two. (Strength is granted at stages 1/3/5. Speed is granted at stages 2/4/6.)

___S t a g e O n e [ E ]
Fighting Stance
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: The user stands with the non-dominant side of the body toward the foe and the sticks raised at an angle at about shoulder height. Increases the limit for Strength descriptive increases mildly per rank. Upkeep of this technique’s rank is paid every post.

Block and Counter
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: The user performs a firm block with one of the sticks and strikes at the foe with the other. The counter can be any technique up to the rank of this technique that only requires one stick. This counter is executed for half the stamina cost, up to the maximum learned rank for tonfa, twin sticks, or heavy physical formless styles. The block is only effective against physical attacks one rank lower than the rank of the technique, with a minimum effectiveness of E-Rank.

Double Block
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: The user raises both sticks and crosses them to perform a very powerful block. The block is effective at stopping physical attacks up to a rank higher than the technique’s rank, but consumes one offensive and one supplementary activation for the post.

___S t a g e T w o [ D ]
Contact
Rank: D :: Complex
Description: The user sends a wave of Chakra through the muscles and weapon, granting the next strike a moderate increase in power and a mild knockback effect in a target should the target be hit directly. Due to the strain this technique puts on the user’s muscles, it can only be used once per post.

Parry
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: In a very fluid motion, the user redirects an incoming attack with one or both sticks, up to the rank of the technique. This is much less taxing than blocking, since it simply moves the target of an incoming attack. Never performed by hitting the sharp edge of a blade. Any technique-based enhancements of the parried weapon or limb—up to this technique’s rank—are put on hold until the end of the user’s next post, suspending their effects and pausing their durations until then.

___S t a g e T h r e e [ C ]
Dexterity: Two Halves
Rank: C :: Training
Description: Basic training in the style involves using the techniques one at a time, but this is slightly problematic when it comes to higher-level movements. To increase overall skill and proficiency with the weapons of this style, the user trains by using both sticks simultaneously instead of in the disjointed way that the early stages emphasized. After mastering this training, the user gains a slight boost to speed for all techniques in the style.

Cross Strike
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: The user quickly swings both sticks for a particular point on the target’s body in a scissor-like fashion. This combined attack strategy leaves heavy bruising and can break weaker bones. Both strikes land simultaneously. If used on a weapon, all Jutsu-based modifications to the weapon up to the technique’s rank are ended. Unreinforced weapons and armor will tend to break at the point of contact, as will weapons and armor with reinforcements at least two ranks lower than the strike’s power. If used with bladed tonfas, this technique gains a mild boost to strength per rank against unarmored targets but loses its bonuses against armor.

Grip Break
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: The user performs a Chakra-reinforced block with one stick to completely stop an incoming Bukijutsu attack. At the same time, the user also swings the other stick for the hand that is holding the weapon. This strike causes severe pain in the targeted area and usually breaks the opponent’s grip if it lands. If used on a Taijutsu technique, the strike is aimed for a joint. If used in conjunction with a blocking technique of an appropriate rank, this technique costs half as much.

Wheel Block
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: The user spins and uses one stick to knock an incoming attack down from the outside, up to the technique’s rank. The purpose of this block is not to stop the attack, but rather to propel it downward and place the enemy in an unfavorable position. If the opponent’s weapon strikes soft ground, it will become lodged in the ground; if it strikes wood or other hard but brittle floors, the weapon will become lodged in the floor. The block can be quickly followed by a one-handed strike from the unused hand; if the attack does not change the user’s direction of motion, then it gains a moderate boost in power. Should any unfortunate soul be struck by the redirected weapon, the strength of the strike is equal to one rank higher than this technique’s.

Parting Block
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: The user blocks two different attacks (up to the technique’s rank) simultaneously by raising both sticks in front of the torso, and then shoves the weapons away from his or her body while stepping forward. This technique almost always ends with the user too close for medium and longer weapons to be of any use. If used on a Shinobi of a lower body rank than the technique, that Shinobi loses an action for the next post.

___S t a g e F o u r [ B ]
Dexterity: Footwork
Rank: B :: Training
Description: The user practices all known techniques again, this time incorporating basic footwork to add to the fluidity and practicality of the style. After mastering this training, the user gains a moderate bonus to movement speed while using any technique from this style or tonfa, twin sticks, or hard physical Formless Style techniques.

Rush
Rank: B :: Complex
Description: A very quick step in a single direction. It is very difficult to follow this technique, but it leaves the user off-balance if a striking technique is not used at the end of it. Has a range of three meters and heavily increases the power of any offensive physical technique used at the end of it. If used simply to move without a follow-up strike, the user is left off-balance for the remainder of the post (or all of the next one, if used at the end of the post).

Trip Strike
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: The user slips one of the sticks behind a leg of the target and then sweeps that leg out using the stick. Immediately following the trip, the user thrusts the end of the free stick into the target’s jaw. The strike is powerful enough to break the neck through whiplash and is almost guaranteed to send the foe for a tumble. Can easily pierce a human skull if used with bladed tonfas, but removing the weapon from the opponent's skull takes an additional action afterward.

Water Spout
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: An attack usually preceded by a parry, block, or disarming technique, this technique consumes half as much stamina to execute if it follows one of the aforementioned types of techniques. Following the first strike, the user performs a similar strike with the other stick. The Chakra used during this movement is sent through the user’s muscles to increase the strength of the strikes enough that they will shatter most unreinforced bones, armors, and weapons upon contact.

Weapon Breaker
Rank: B :: Spiritual
Description: The user reinforces the weapons using Chakra and simultaneously wraps a portion of the Chakra around the hands. As a result, the durability of the weapons and the user’s grip strength are drastically increased, supremely increasing the fortitude of the user's hands and their weapons when defending against attacks. Lasts for four posts.

___S t a g e F i v e [ A ]
Dexterity: Striking
Rank: A :: Training
Description: Up until this stage, the style focuses mainly of reacting to incoming techniques, and is therefore very passive. This is not ideal for a method of combat specializing in destruction. Through quiet contemplation, the user employs image training to figure out ways to fully utilize the offensive possibilities of a two stick weapon combo. Tonfa Formless techniques are treated as complex when interacting with other Formless techniques.

Exhaustion
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: A quick chop to the point where the target’s neck meets the shoulder. If used with one stick to affect only one side, the target may lose consciousness and will be unable to properly move the shoulder without feeling significant pain. If used with both sticks, the neck is very likely to be crushed. Bladed tonfas make decapitation a near certainty.

Honor and Justice
Rank: A :: Spiritual
Description: Infuses the weapons with a cloud of Chakra that disperses the force of the user’s offensive techniques. This allows the user to cause nonlethal damage with all offensive techniques for three posts, thereby making it possible to go all out against an opponent and still take them alive, should that be necessary. If used with bladed tonfas, this makes them function as blunt tonfas for the duration, and using this technique a second time during that duration will allow them to deal nonlethal damage.

Sowing the Ground
Rank: A :: Complex
Description: A strike delivered to the opponent’s foot or ankle using the end of the stick. The concentrated power of the strike is enough to break bones and, if used several times consecutively on the same spot, can actually push through a foot and into the ground below. Grants a heavy increase in strength to all thrusting techniques for three of the user’s posts. If used with bladed tonfas, the strength bonus only applies against unarmored opponents.

Tortoise Shell
Rank: A :: Complex
Description: The user strikes at a weak point in the opponent’s armor, causing the area to crumble and thereby weakening the armor as a unit. Has very little effect on flesh other than causing bruising, but gains a supreme increase in power when interacting with non-technique armor.

Tortoise Shell Soup
Rank: A :: Complex
Description: After breaking through the opponent’s armor or facing an unarmored opponent, the user makes a very powerful jab to the opponent’s stomach using both sticks. The result of this combined offensive is the rupturing of nearby internal organs and shattering of any nearby bones, which causes the target to start vomiting up blood. Does not work on armored opponents.

___S t a g e S i x [ S ]
Swift like the River
Rank: S :: Training
Description: The user practices speeding and slowing the Chakra flow through his or her joints in order to get a better feel for how the flow should go. By doing so, the user optimizes the Chakra flow and moderately increases the speed of all offensive techniques in the style.

Bottom of the Valley
Rank: S :: Complex
Description: A single, all-or-nothing downward strike using both of the sticks. The strikes are generally aimed for the shoulders of the target, and can break through most armor and weapons and still drive the target into the ground, thereby creating a small “valley.” All of the target’s defensive enhancements and techniques are suppressed for three of the user’s posts following being struck by this technique, should the target survive.

Parting Waves
Rank: S :: Spiritual
Description: The user performs a block identical to the Parting Block, but uses the opening of the arms as a spring to send Chakra back into the body. This greatly increases hand speed and slightly increases movement speed for six [6] of the user’s posts.

Ploughing the Valley
Rank: X :: Complex :: Stance
Description: The user bends their knees, slides one foot back, and pulls their elbows close to their sides, weapons pointed forward. While this stance does concentrate the user’s attacking power, this bonus does little against unarmored foes. Defensive armor techniques are treated as simple when interacting with the user’s tonfa- or twin stick-based attacks, including spiritual and ninjutsu armor techniques. Upkeep of this technique’s rank is paid every post.

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© Ergo War, 2014-2019, permission of use to: Shinobi Nations

 

[Shinsua]

Kiss of Flesh and Steel
A swift and turbulent death

___Description:
___During a forgotten war between the restless and unruled samurai of a young Land of Iron, a radical mixture of swordsmanship and unarmed combat was developed to identify certain recluse sword slingers. Quick movements blended with unorthodox strikes and defenses best describes the common place of this style's techniques, but to an extent even this is incorrect. The Kiss of Flesh and Steal was not developed by a single man, school, or ideology; it is the fusion of thoughts and techniques that samurai had exchanged by crossing swords... and fists.
___Relevant Training: Any medium swords, Soft Physical.

___Notes:
• Versatile: This style can be learned as either Taijutsu or Bukijutsu. (Whatever section you put it under on your profile determines its reductions and other bonuses.)
• Reflex bonus: For each stage of this style learned, the practitioner's reflexes are slightly increased.

___S t a g e O n e [ E ]
Shikyuu Koushin [ Pressing Lips ]
Rank: E :: Simple
Description: The practitioner will draw their weapon from its sheath / rest, deliver two relaxed outward slashes and then assume a desired standing.

Iori Seppun [ Retreating Kiss ]
Rank: E :: Simple
Description: The practitioner will deliver a relaxed outward slash and then return their weapon to its sheath / resting position.

Seppun no Hoppeta [ Kiss on the Cheek ]
Rank: E :: Simple
Description: The practitioner fakes unsheathing / readying their weapon and instead delivers a quick loose-knuckle punch or swift jab with the blunt side of the weapon.

___S t a g e T w o [ D ]
Kowakuteki Nameru [ Alluring Lick ]
Rank: D :: Simple
Description: A full-momentum horizontal slash that is followed by a second rotational swing, a spin kick, or a roll into a sudden kick.

Ueito Seppun [ Waiting Kiss ]
Rank: D :: Simple
Description: The practitioner will assume an alert stance, weapon outward, awaiting an acceptable attack from the opponent. As the attack nears, a wide parry is delivered which offsets both parties; however, the practitioner makes use of the momentum to spin and finish with a backhand or spin kick.

Shita Seppun [ Tongue Kiss ]
Rank: D :: Complex
Description: While running, the practitioner performs a single chakra enhanced snap-slash to open the target's defenses, and then finishes by delivering a straightforward punch or kick to the torso.

___S t a g e T h r e e [ C ]
Furue Koushin [ Trembling Lips ]
Rank: C :: Simple
Description: The practitioner performs a few loose horizontal slashes before ending on an off-step in order to awkwardly close distance and deliver a sneaky punch.

Fuki Seppun [ Accidental Kiss ]
Rank: C :: Simple
Description: During a weapon deadlock, the practitioner performs a wide parry to offset footing, and then back flips in order to create distance and hopefully kick the opponent at the same time.

Kisumaku [ Hickey ]
Rank: C :: Simple
Description: The practitioner makes an exaggerated dodge, typically falling to their back, only to catch themselves as to perform a fluid full circle sweep kick or slash.

Boushi Shita [ Spinning Tongue ]
Rank: C :: Simple
Description: The practitioner performs an abrupt front flip while extending either their weapon or leg, as to smash or slice on contact with the target. Although not particularly viable, it can be a rather surprising maneuver, especially from a height.

___S t a g e F o u r [ B ]
Shitsuren no Seppun [ Broken Heart's Kiss ]
Rank: B :: Simple
Description: The practitioner grabs a hold of the opponent's arm, and then yanks them close while viciously kicking outward. If the opponent can't figure a way out, and the practitioner has enough physical strength, this swift gesture can easily separate limbs from their sockets. If a weapon with proper length is used, one can substitute the kick for a stab.

Kyuu Seppun [ Sudden Kiss ]
Rank: B :: Simple
Description: The practitioner falls to one knee, their weapon firmly in hand to their side. When the opportunity arises, they will kick off and roll in the needed direction while performing a very swift slash.

Iki-jisan Seppun [ Breath Taking Kiss ]
Rank: B :: Complex
Description: Silently bleeding chakra into their weapon for a short amount of unnoticeable time ( 1 post ), the practitioner prepares to partake in a gruesome impalement. After cutting into the target like a molten knife through liquid butter, the practitioner will give a hard straight kick to ruthlessly "clean" their blade. ( This technique is learned as and traditionally performed as Complex, but chakra is only required to pierce armor. )

Oritatami-shiki no Koushin [ Folding Lips ]
Rank: B :: Complex
Description: The practitioner places the blunt side of their weapon, or their foot or palm against a broad section on the target, surges chakra to the corresponding area, and then pushes it outward in the same motion. The pulse should be more than enough to offset other ninja, creating a decent opening for a quick melee strike.

___S t a g e F i v e [ A ]
Retsu Koushin [ Cold Lips ]
Rank: A :: Simple
Description: The practitioner adjusts their weapon to their side, takes a deep breath, and quietly focuses their mind. When they see it fit, the practitioner will perform a very powerful and heavy footed slash. Often used as a hasty counter, stopping an opponent's assault before they can even begin. Like a few others within the style, this technique is designed as a contradiction to the more fluid and wild attacks that may overcome certain opponents, but fall short against others.

Arai Seppun [ Rude Kiss ]
Rank: A :: Simple
Description: While deadlocked with an opponent, the practitioner will drop their grip while simultaneously kicking the back of their own blade in order to continue the clashing of weapons.

Nushi no Shita [ Lover's Tongue ]
Rank: A :: Simple
Description: The practitioner weaves their blade from its sheath / rest, performing a very powerful, instantaneous, full circle slash.

___S t a g e S i x [ S ]
Kudaketa Kaiwa [ Casual Chat ]
Rank: X :: Simple :: Stance
Description: The user slouches slightly but keeps on the balls of their feet, trying to appear casual while increasing their ability to react at a moment’s notice. Increases the limit for Reflex descriptive increases mildly per rank. Upkeep of this technique’s rank is paid every post.

Kuuso Seppun [ Futile Kiss ]
Rank: S :: Simple
Description: Awaiting an attack with their weapon in hand, the practitioner prepares to powerfully parry downward; completely offsetting or even causing the opponent to fall to the ground. If the opponent doesn't have a strong grip at the time, this could easily disarm them as well.

Wakare no Seppun [ Farewell Kiss ]
Rank: S :: Complex
Description: The practitioner, unable to penetrate the opponent's defenses, resorts to this final technique. Charging chakra around their arms, a twisting aura is developed which shortly after becomes a powerful rotational force; churning cloth and flesh until they're slowly being mutilated by each spinning strand of chakra.
Barehanded: By harshly pressing their palms against the target, the practitioner releases the rotational force in one large burst. This causes an abrupt "vortex" to fluctuate at the point of impact; shredding everything from flesh to steel.
Weapon: By thrusting their weapon forward, the practitioner releases the rotational force as a "tornado" projectile. Although it dissipates after roughly thirty [30] feet, it penetrates and shreds most anything in its way.

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© Shinobi Nations, 2016

 

[Shinsua]

Kougen no Nukimi
Naked Blade of the Wilderness

___Description:
___Very few people alive remember life before Shinobi dominated as they do now. It was harsh, unforgiving, and completely lawless. For anyone who wasn't a member of a Shinobi clan, every day was a gamble that could end in death. A few disgruntled commoners would occasionally attempt to fight back against the roving military forces, with very poor results; bodies would be left on the side of the road, shattered and broken like the weapons in their hands.
___One day, under unknown circumstances, an unknown figure was found half-dead in a meadow, surrounded by the corpses of his comrades and about a dozen Shinobi. In his hand was a massive blade coated in blood. Cracks ran along its length, but it looked like wood had been melted into them to hold the weapon together. That man disappeared into the wilderness shortly thereafter, and for many years there were tales of a vicious man-beast who would destroy anything and anyone it determined was hostile. In recent years, scholars have tried to recreate this man's technique based on stories from the time, giving birth to the school of the feral greatsword: Kougen no Nukimi.
___Relevant Training: Greatswords.

___Notes:
• Rigorous: This style consumes two [2] Bukijutsu slots, and cannot be learned if you possess another rigorous style.
• Certain techniques in this Style may break the practitioner's sword. This is not seen as a problem for practitioners of Kougen no Nukimi. Attacks using a broken or damaged greatsword must be healed by a medic or the afflicted will suffer permanent scarring and perhaps other permanent damage as well.
• This Style is fundamentally undisciplined in the traditional sense. Techniques in this Style cannot gain bonuses from Styles intended for anything more formalized than street fighting, and the user cannot benefit from techniques from those Styles in the same post they use a technique from this Style.
• This Style requires a specially made blade to be immune to some of the sword-shattering effects within it. This blade must be specially crafted with an S-Rank crafting mission, or can be a custom weapon. Even so, the user may find that using a less sturdily-built blade is preferable.

___S t a g e O n e [ E ]
Gyuutou [ Meat Cleaver ]
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: A sharp downward diagonal slash with the blade. Gains a slight bonus to strength per rank, or a mild bonus to strength per rank against unarmored foes.

Tsubusu [ To Smash ]
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: A two-handed downward swing with the blade using all of the user's might. Gains a moderate bonus to strength per rank against defenses intended to completely stop the blade. Suffers a slight detriment to speed per rank regardless of target. Breaks weapons not specifically designed to withstand the additional strain of this technique after the first six descriptives to strength are gained, including the user's own weapon.

Gekitai no Kamae [ Stance for Repelling the Enemy ]
Rank: X :: Simple :: Stance
Description: The user holds their blade at their side, waiting for an enemy to draw close. The user’s attacks are treated as spiritual against enemies within half a sword’s length and knock them back half a meter per the attack’s rank, if the user desires it. Upkeep of this technique’s rank is paid every post.

___S t a g e T w o [ D ]
Shiraku [ Bloodletting ]
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: A quick one-handed horizontal swing of the sword. Gains a mild bonus to speed per rank, but suffers a moderate detriment to strength per rank. A target hit with a broken or chipped blade suffer severe bleeding as a result of this technique, causing them to lose the Stamina cost of a simple technique two ranks below this one every post for three posts. If used below C-Rank, there is no Stamina loss due to bleeding.

Shiroutou Banare [ Professional Amateur ]
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: An upward diagonal swing with the greatsword. Typically done one-handed and at very close range, this technique catches most experienced Bukijutsu users off-guard. Denies any descriptive bonuses to Taijutsu and Bukijutsu techniques used to defend against it.

Kaitaku [ Reclamation ]
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: An attack directly against the terrain. While typically targeted at an enemy, the real merit of this attack comes if it hits the landscape, as it can tear up the ground. Roughens terrain within a meter of the strike per rank, often causing floor collapse if used in a building. Roughened terrain reduces the speed of anyone in the area by three descriptive ranks and prevents simple movement techniques from being treated as complex, as long as they are in contact with the ground.

___S t a g e T h r e e [ C ]
Nojuku [ Camping ]
Rank: C :: Training
Description: The user trains by retreating into the wilderness and training there for a week, thus acclimating themselves to a wild lifestyle. Following this training, the user gains a mild boost to strength and fortitude while in the wilderness and can temporarily apply any titles they have in wood smithing or botany to the surgery, emergency, or nursing medical fields to determine post reductions for medical missions. These bonuses disappear when the user leaves the wilderness. Requires 10 posts to complete this training, with no applicable reductions.

Tochikan [ Land Familiarity ]
Rank: C :: Complex
Description: The user pushes off of roughened terrain into a Chakra-enhanced long jump. Typically used to lead into a strike of some sort. During the jump, the user's speed is increased moderately. If Kaitaku [ Reclamation ] is used at the end of the jump as the user is landing, the range of the roughening effect increases by three meters.

Jijin [ Suicide by Blade ]
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: A technique typically used while airborne. The user swings down with all their might while letting an uncontrolled surge of Chakra burst through their blade. If used with a blade that is not designed to handle the strain of this Style, the blade shatters and explodes on impact. Otherwise, causes the target's defending weaponry and armor to suffer the same fate at the point of contact.

___S t a g e F o u r [ B ]
Funzen [ Wrath ]
Rank: B :: Complex
Description: A state of rage the user can enter if they have been interrupted while preparing or consuming a meal, or if their food source is threatened. While in this state, the user cannot use Ninjutsu above E-Rank or any Genjutsu. At the same time, all the user's simple Taijutsu and Bukijutsu is treated as complex, and any descriptive increases to the user's strength also apply to their fortitude. During the activation post, the user gains a moderate bonus to fortitude. Lasts three posts, after which the user loses all descriptive bonuses for three posts. Cannot be used again for eight posts after ending. Can be ended early with a rank-appropriate Kai [ Release ] performed by a non-Genjutsu Class Shinobi.

Shishigari [ Boar Hunting ]
Rank: B :: Complex
Description: A technique used mainly for hunting. The user stabs a target, then rips the greatsword out in the direction of the blade edge. Strength is heavily increased. Treated as complex and a rank higher in base strength against corporeal monsters and other strange creatures.

Shouka [ Digestion ]
Rank: B :: Complex
Description: A way of rapidly ingesting and digesting food. The user charges their mouth, throat, and stomach with Chakra and tears into their meal. Confers double any food-related effects. Regenerates twice its cost in Chakra and Stamina if used to consume non-special food, but takes up two activations. Can only be used three times per day.

___S t a g e F i v e [ A ]
Ishikiteki na Ukatsu [ Deliberate Stupidity ]
Rank: A :: Training
Description: The user trains by exposing themselves to danger and injury as a result of their own techniques, and as a result acclimates to them. The user no longer takes even incidental damage from their own attacks while using this Style.

Saikouji [ Reconstitution ]
Rank: A :: Spiritual
Description: The forced reconstruction of a sword using nearby materials. The user sends a blast of Chakra through the sword after it is broken. Moments later, the Chakra implodes, dragging in nearby materials to reconstruct the broken blade. Pieces of the blade are prioritized. Non-blade materials are seemingly melted into the cracks between the pieces of the blade. Effect is permanent, but the blade becomes brittle afterward and can be broken by any powerful attack.

Bakudantou [ Bomb Blade ]
Rank: A :: Complex
Description: The user detonates a mass of Chakra inside the blade, causing it to shatter and spray shrapnel at the enemy. If the greatsword is remade with Saikouji within a post, the blade returns to normal without having become brittle.

___S t a g e S i x [ S ]
Entou [ Long Throw ]
Rank: S :: Simple
Description: The user swings their greatsword horizontally, then lets go, letting both the blade and whatever it has struck fly off. For one post after this technique is used or until the blade is picked up again (whichever comes sooner), the user's speed is heavily increased.

Gaiyouyaku [ External Medicine ]
Rank: S :: Complex
Description: A natural, simple-minded extension of Saikouji [ Reconstitution ]. The user lets off a wave of Chakra, then forcibly reels it back in, patching up their wounds with nearby debris. Only used as a stopgap measure to allow the user to finish a fight before heading in for healing. Stops any bleeding and the negative effects of any damage they have taken for four posts. Can only be used once per month lest it lead to significant scarring and permanent damage.

Arakure no Kamae [ Stance of the Wild ]
Rank: X :: Simple :: Stance
Description: Less a traditional stance and more a way to maneuver the feet across unforgiving ground. The user employs all of their experience to navigate tricky terrain with ease, their instincts eventually letting them traverse the land even faster than normal. After 1 post, increases the limit for Speed descriptive increases slightly per rank. When moving across an area of broken ground, the user gains a moderate boost to Speed, and any reductions to Speed caused by that terrain are inverted for that user. Upkeep of this technique’s rank is paid every post.

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© Ergo War, 2016-2019, permission of use to: Shinobi Nations

 

[Yo-ko]

Basai Bagua
Breaking the Giant Enemy Circle

___Description:
___In the upper Iron Country, the Shiho Monks lived to better themselves in any way shape or form. However due to the instability of this region, there were many uprisings, battles, and small village slaughters. Due to their selective nature, the Monks were always out-numbered. So in order to make up for their lack of numbers, they made a style that was effective for a single blade against many opponents. The style relied heavily on footwork and body positioning, utilizing fluid and circular strikes and blocks while moving from weak to strong positions. They would never be still, always moving, keeping their opponent off balance.
___Relevant Training: Any medium swords, Soft Physical.

___Notes:
• This style typically uses Chinese Jade swords, but this is not required. The weapon does however have to be able to be utilized with both a single hand and two hands.
• User cannot be of a large frame or have movement restricted by heavy armor.
• When entering a stance, the user then retains the bonuses and reductions of that stance until they enter a different stance or the battle ends.
• Grants a Slight Increase to reflex for every other stage mastered starting at the first stage. Additionally, gives a slight increase to strength for every other stage mastered starting at two. (Reflex is granted at stages 1/3/5. Strength is granted at stages 2/4/6.)

___S t a g e O n e [ E ]
Weak Position Stance
Rank: X :: Simple :: Stance
Description: The user stands in a front stance, their weapon in one hand by their hip, tip pointing at the center of the enemy's chest. The user's knees are slightly bent while they stay light on their toes, making movement faster and dodging easier. However, their ability to block or deflect “strong” and brute force techniques in this stance is severely diminished. Evasive techniques up to this technique’s rank are considered complex and can be paid for with any combination of Chakra and Stamina, but defensive techniques suffer a mild reduction in Fortitude per this technique’s rank. Upkeep of this technique’s rank is paid every post.

Strong Position Stance
Rank: X :: Simple :: Stance
Description: The user stands in a front stance, their weapon held with two hands down by their hip. Their stance is more linear this time, with the blade held just off their body slightly to offer the opponent as little openings as possible. The blade crosses over the user’s midline, with the tip pointing at the enemies forehead. The user’s feet are firmly planted, making their strikes, blocks, and deflections have more power and effectiveness. However, when adding stability, the user’s mobility is decreased and forces the user to focus more on their blade work, requiring them to block more instead of simply avoiding and dodging. In this stance however, the user can readily deflect and block “strong” and brute force strikes. Defensive techniques up to this technique’s rank are considered complex and can be paid for with any combination of Chakra and Stamina, but evasive techniques suffer a mild reduction in Reflex per this technique’s rank. Upkeep of this technique’s rank is paid every post.

Crashing Wave
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: The user steps hard with their front leg, shoving the flat of the blade into the enemies midsection or defending weapon while placing their back hand onto the blade, adding power to the shove. This technique can knock an enemy away, or at least make them stumble, and is highly useful when outnumbered as the shove can knock enemies into each other. Per rank the user performs, it knocks the target 1 meter backward.

Smooth as Water
Rank: E :: Practice
Description: As per the training, the user is now able to move their feet independently while performing strikes. The first rule of combat is to move. The user gains a -5 Stamina cost reduction for Soft Formless evasion per stage completed.

___S t a g e T w o [ D ]
Twin Fang
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: The user takes a step forward and unleashes a quick same side upward vertical slash, then continues that momentum and performs a second slash on the opposite side. The first slash is usually used to make the enemy drop their blade to engage, and move their weapon away for the second strike. By pivoting slightly, the user can attack multiple opponents.

”S”-cut
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: The user extends their blade and utilizes a reverse horizontal cut (think tennis swing), then immediately drops low, continuing the momentum and aiming a horizontal slash for the opponent's legs or ankles, aiming to attack their base and footing. This is usually used when trying to engage a single attacker, or dodge another opponent's strike while continuing to engage multiple attacks. Gains a slight strength boost per rank against opponents in stances.

Descending Crash
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: The user vaults into the air while lifting their blade high over their head and comes crashing down with a powerful vertical slash. Gains a mild strength boost per rank against defensive techniques.

___S t a g e T h r e e [ C ]
Fluid Transition
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: The user, after successfully defending against a physical attack, immediately returns a strike to the attacker with a great deal of speed without the cost of an additional activation. In the Weak Stance, this strike must be at least the rank of the defensive technique, but can be any rank in the Strong Stance.

Flowing Circle
Rank: C :: Simple
Description: The user, usually when surrounded by multiple opponents, will extend their weapon as far as then can then rotate their torso, even arching and extending behind them, utilizing their whole body to generate force while making a full 360 degrees of coverage. This is used to not only attack and defend against a group of attackers, but is also used to survey how many and from what direction the other enemies are coming from. Loses any descriptive bonuses to strength, but gains a moderate boost to speed.

Circle Walking
Rank: C :: Training
Description: The user is now more adept at using circular footwork and can use it against multiple attackers, usually weaving between them, keeping them bumping into each other or simply getting in each others way, taking away any numerical advantage. In the Weak Stance, the user can evade up to one technique per learned rank of the Soft Physical Formless Style in a post using a single activation, though these evasions still consume the requisite amount of Stamina. In the Strong Stance, the user's defensive techniques gain any descriptive bonuses the opponent's attacks have for the moment that the two collide.

Incoming Tide
Rank: X :: Spiritual
Description: The user channels chakra into their weapon, making it swirl and ripple on their blade. The chakra in the blade will make a strike’s momentum increase at the moment of impact, making even a simple strike overpowering. This is generally used to smack defenses away, or cause enemies to bounce into each other. Techniques augmented with this chakra are treated as complex and can knock back opponents with body ranks up to this technique's rank 3 meters, plus an additional meter per difference in rank. Lasts for four posts.

___S t a g e F o u r [ B ]
Drilling Wave
Rank: B :: Simple
Description: The user jumps in the air and aims a powerful descending thrust for the center of his opponent. Pulling the blade back and away, the user makes a tight circle with his circle footwork while keeping his weapon extended to attack all surrounding opponents while aiming a powerful horizontal strike at anywhere on the opponent's body (high medium or low). Treated as complex against wooden, leather, and cloth defenses.

Disarming Wave
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: The user, at a pivotal moment during the opponent's attack, will add extra force to their defense to cause the opponent's grip to be disrupted. If used with Incoming Tide, the user can launch the weapon at another target with strength one rank lower than the original attack.

Sea Sprout
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: The user moves their blade rapidly about themselves, creating a defensive shield. The user is able to defend against any number if projectiles with this technique, matching the rank of the projectile. If used with Incoming Tide, the user is even able to defend against Ninjutsu, or deflect projectiles back to any number of targets. The Weak Stance can reflect up to B-Rank projectiles, whereas the Strong Stance can deflect up to S-Rank. Consumes two activations, and continually reflects any projectiles up to this technique's rank for the remainder of the post. Can be maintained.

___S t a g e F i v e [ A ]
Dance of Crashing Water
Rank: B/S :: Simple
Description: The user goes on an all out attack that is able to completely destroy one target and push back or injure multiple targets. The user unleashes a torrent of finely controlled stabs and slashes, designed to cut deep into the enemy or at the very least make defending difficult. In the Weak Stance, the user can perform 1 strike at B-Rank, or reduce the rank of the strike and double the number of strikes performed, down to E-Rank for 8 strikes. In the Strong Stance, the user can perform 1 S-Rank strike, or increase the number of strikes by 1 for each rank decrease, up to 5 E rank. This is only usable once per post.

Breaking the Fortress
Rank: A :: Complex
Description: The user channels chakra into their body, allowing their movements to be more free, fluid, and uninterrupted. In the Weak Stance, the user's movements become dynamic and almost erratic, doubling the amount of evasion they are allowed from "Circle Walking". In the strong stance, the user becomes an overpowering, immovable center of force increasing technique strength heavily. This technique is able to be sustained at one rank lower in cost per post for a maximum of 5 posts. This technique has a cool down equal to the length of time it was sustained.

Move as Water
Rank: A :: Training
Description: The user has dealt with so many situations being outnumbered that their ability to move in tight and confined spaces is greatly increased. The user’s blade work is tighter, relying on their body and footwork to generate force. The user’s footwork is so fluid that they are able to turn on a dime, making a combination of strikes go into multiple directions without interrupting the combination. Speed of Soft Physical Formless techniques used to maneuver is greatly increased.

___S t a g e S i x [ S ]
Tsunami Crash
Rank: S :: Simple
Description: The user deflects an oncoming strike, then presses forward into a fast and effective stab. Using tight circular footwork, the user continues the momentum and circles while jumping in the air, performing a powerful over the head vertical slash. This technique's speed is heavily increased in the Weak Stance, and in Strong Stance it counts as an attempt to disarm the opponent and throw them off-balance, requiring the opponent use an activation to resist these effects. Can only be used once every two posts.

Riptide
Rank: S :: Simple
Description: The user has learned that movement is life, and to stop moving is to die. By adding extra effort and urgency to their techniques, the user may perform more in a given motion than an untrained individual. In the Weak Stance, the user may perform 4 activations in a given post. In the Strong Stance, the user may perform an additional offensive activation each post. Each additional technique costs an extra 20 Chakra to perform and must be either Formless or come from this Style.

Maelstrom
Rank: S :: Training
Description: The user practices the Incoming Tide technique, solidifying their chakra in the blade, turning it into a turmoil of ripples, currents, and forces. When the user impacts anything with the chakra covered weapon, it will feel like it was fighting against the strongest of storms. Defenses in the way would be knocked away, sent flying, and most likely causing enemies to crash into each other. The duration of Incoming Tide is increased by one post, and the base knockback is increased by two meters.

Soft as Water
Rank: S :: Training
Description: The master of this style is so well practiced at striking smooth and relaxed, that their strikes feel faster, heavier, and stronger. Defending against techniques by a master in this style can become very taxing and difficult due to their ability to knock the enemy around, even if they are defending. In the Weak Stance, the user's strikes gain a supreme bonus to speed against evasive techniques. In the Strong Stance, this training offers a cost reduction for the user of 5 Stamina per technique rank for techniques in this style, to a minimum of 5 Stamina.

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© Yo-ko, 2013-2016, permission of use to: Shinobi Nations

 

[Yo-ko]

Kasai
They called me the Sword Saint

___Description:
___The mist village is known for its swordsman, making anyone training and attempting to live in the Land of Water very weary of a sword or weapon, especially if it comes from a ninja. A fisherman, known only by the name of Musashi, knew that the outside villages could not hire the Ninja for protection, and was tired of witnessing the great Water country being taken advantage of by the very thing they were known for. At that point forward, the fisherman was dedicated to his people, and forming an art they could utilize to defeat the bandits and ninja alike.
___During the years of Musashi’s swordsman life, he went undefeated in every battle. To his own people, and to his students, he was called “Kasai” or the sword saint. Dying of old age, and passing on his teachings, the Kasai art still remains with very few people, but those who have learned it are indeed dangerous.
___The style is characterized by its strong, decisive movements, and the complete lack of fear when engaging with the blade. The users typically keep the battle going with strong strikes and combinations, and when they find an opening enter in close to disarm, take down the enemy, then kill them. The true warrior keeps everyone off balance.
___Relevant Training: Any two-handed melee weapons.

___Notes:
• Cannot be small in stature or weak in body
• This style can be learned as either a normal or rigorous Style. If it is learned as a rigorous style, all descriptive increases and decreases from techniques in it are doubled. Additionally, the strength of related Bukijutsu techniques is increased slightly per stage of this Style learned and two-handed swords can be wielded with a single hand.
• For every stage learned, the strength of related Bukijutsu increases slightly.

___S t a g e O n e [ E ]
Simple Step
Rank: E :: Simple
Description: The user simple takes a step forward, or a few steps forward to close the distance as well as add power to offensive attacks. Confers a mild strength boost to an offensive technique used in conjunction with it.

Inside Footsweep
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: A simple, quick slide or dash, pushing the user into the opponent's personal bubble. The user sweeps their front leg low and smooth while aiming to take the opponents balance or make them stumble. A risky move against users of longer melee weapons, this sets up for most attacks in the style. Treated as complex against targets in stances.

Basic Stance
Rank: X :: Simple :: Stance
Description: The user holds their weapon at the belly button level, with the tip of the blade pointing at their opponent's throat. This is a simple but aggressive stance that confers a boost to strength in offensive techniques. Increases the limit for Strength descriptive increases slightly per rank. Also increases the Strength of offensive techniques moderately (not scaling based on rank). Upkeep of this technique’s rank is paid every post.

___S t a g e T w o [ D ]
Pivoting Block
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: The user pivots on the forward leg and deflects an incoming attack with their blade, setting them up for a highly effective counterattack, disarming technique, or even a throwing movement. Any techniques of the aforementioned type used immediately after this technique gain a mild boost to speed and strength.

Deflecting
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: Using the flat side of the weapon, one can parry an opponent's attack making it miss their target while creating an opening for the user to close the distance. The target loses any bonuses to speed against the next attack the user launches if this technique is successful.

Locking
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: The user raises their blade to block an oncoming strike, and attaches and redirects the oncoming blade to enter a weapon deadlock. From here, the user can utilize any of his other attacks to catch his enemy off guard.

Forward Stabbing Slash
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: Using a stabbing motion, the user either attacks the enemy's torso or dominates the space and moves the enemy's guarding weapon. Now in a dominant position, the user swings their blade for the enemy, either aiming for the body or to disarm the opponent. Gains a slight bonus to strength against flesh and when attempting a disarm.

___S t a g e T h r e e [ C ]
Shogun Slash
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: The user, from a weapon deadlock, performs a powerful front kick to the enemy to get them to an optimal, offensive distance. Reeling their blade back, the user performs a very powerful full body horizontal strike (like a baseball swing) aiming to cut the enemy in two, be it at the head, torso, legs, etc. Treated as complex when breaking out of a weapon deadlock.

Shogun Crash
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: The user lifts their blade high over their head, then brings it down with a massive vertical cleave, aiming to either split the enemy in two, or just knock their guard away. From here, the user presses forward and thrusts their blade for the target's possibly exposed midsection, but then releases one of the hands off the weapon and throws a fast elbow into the nose or chin of the enemy. This last shot is usually used to knock the enemy off-balance, or affect their other senses in case the combo attack did not work. Can be used in conjunction with a Taijutsu strike up to this technique's rank, replacing the fast elbow with whatever the user wants without consuming an extra activation.

Shogun’s Rise
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: The user drops their blade to their side, the tip pointing towards the ground behind them with the handle at their hip. In a bursting, fast motion, the user sends a wicked upward slash for the target, aiming to split him from hip to opposite shoulder. This technique is strong enough that even if the opponent defends against the technique, it can send them flying. This is an offensive and defensive technique. Gains a moderate boost to speed. Knocks defending targets away one meter per rank.

Solid Shogun Stance
Rank: X :: Simple :: Stance
Description: The user moves their hilt a little out from their center of mass to the back leg side, having their blade cross over their body from hip to shoulder. This is a very strong defensive stance. When the user is on the ground they become incredibly difficult to throw off of their footing. Increases the limit for Fortitude descriptive increases mildly per rank. If this Style is being learned in its rigorous form, this stance confers a moderate boost to Fortitude and a mild decrease to Strength. Upkeep of this technique’s rank is paid every post.

___S t a g e F o u r [ B ]
Strike Disarm
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: The user aims for a point just forwards or behind the attacking focal point. Attaching and redirecting, the user makes the strike meet the ground. Utilizing mechanics and strength, the user pins the weapon to the ground while taking their hand off the hilt to aim a quick strike to the enemies gripping hands, causing them to relax and let go of the weapon and giving the user an opening to attack. Can be used in conjunction with any Taijutsu strike up to this technique's rank without consuming an extra activation.

Deflection Flurry
Rank: B :: Simple
Description: The user performs a series of sword attacks, able to successfully parry away and defend against even A rank level attacks, but is unable to disarm the opponent or knock them off balance. It is perfect for when the user is stuck in a rut.

Bravery
Rank: B :: Simple
Description: The user pushes forward into a very quick forward movement that increases the strength of all offensive and defensive techniques heavily, making them very difficult to deal with.

Fluid Transition
Rank: B :: Training
Description: The user of this style is capable of smooth transitions from parrying an attack to counter-striking with multiple slashes limiting the time, if any, weaknesses are available for the enemy to act on. Entering a stance no longer consumes an activation.

___S t a g e F i v e [ A ]
Deflection Cut
Rank: A :: Simple
Description: The user aims a fast primary cut, but not for the opponent. When the enemy begins their attack, the user aims their first slash for the opponent's weapon, knocking it off course. With this small opening, the user redirects their blade toward the opponent's weapon arm, aiming to cut it to ribbons. The deflection gains a supreme bonus to strength. Consumes two activations.

Falling Shogun
Rank: A :: Simple
Description: An overhand power blow that crashes down upon an opponent with incredible force. This technique is one of the style's most aggressive attacks, causing enemies to simply lose grip of their weapon or have their own weapon come crashing down on them. Just to ensure overkill, this is usually followed up with 4-5 aggressive and strong slashes, meant to overwhelm the opponent. Treated as complex against defensive techniques.

Attacking Shogun Stance
Rank: X :: Simple :: Stance
Description: The user stands with their feet in line, blade raised and offering the smallest target to attacking enemies. They hold their weapon with the hilt by their back shoulder, parallel with the ground. Increases the limit for Strength descriptive increases mildly per rank. If this Style is being learned in its rigorous form, this stance moderately increases Strength and mildly decreases Fortitude. Upkeep of this technique’s rank is paid every post.

___S t a g e S i x [ S ]
Shogun's Fury
Rank: S :: Simple
Description: A very powerful combo that encompasses the true essence of the style. The user pushes hard forward, moving a good 5-6 extra feet, and unleashes a devastating stab that can pierce almost all armors. Even if this first attack is defended against, the user then lifts their blade straight up with such force that he can lift or move a defending blade while taking himself in the air. When descending, the user drops a powerful vertical cleave that can break most other swords in an attempt to cut the opponent down the center. Then retreating back, the user lets their blade trail behind them in a small cut for the enemies legs as he retreats back to Attacking Shogun stance. Technique has a 1 post cool down and consumes two activations. Treated as complex against Simple techniques.

Shogun’s Reign
Rank: S :: Simple
Description: The user now has an impressive amount of upper body strength, and can employ it in most situations. From a weapon deadlock, the user employs his strength to continue the lock with only a single hand on the weapon as the other one gets pulled back. The user then lets loose a powerful punch with the intent of knocking the opponent down, or at least knocking them back. Flipping their blade, the user takes a step and descends to one knee, dropping their blade attempting to impale their fallen foe on their sword. If the opponent is only knocked back, then the user can simply drop the sword tip aiming to impale the opponents foot, causing damage and loss of footing and mobility. Technique has a 1 post cool down.

Circle of 9
Rank: S :: Complex
Description: The user channels chakra into their body, eliminating all sense of remorse or regret. From here the user commands their great strength to do full body horizontal strikes, aiming for a low, medium, or high strike (think baseball bat swing). They continue this for 9 consecutive strikes, able to easily change and even hide the level (low, middle, high) that they are aiming for to the last minute. The strikes carry the great strength with them, and are also performed at a speed that would make most defenses crumble against having to continually defend against 9 consecutive powerful attacks as such, while the chakra insures that the last attack was just as strong as the first. If the opponents weapon tries to do too much defending, it has a very high possibility of breaking, along with their hand/wrist.

Shogun’s Castle
Rank: S :: Complex
Description: The user focuses inwardly, feeling the adrenaline and chakra coursing through their veins giving off a streaming aura of chakra. After many hours and years practicing with their weapon, they know how mentally create more power in the strikes. By entering this state, the user's physical fortitude stregnth and speed is increased supremely, adding to the damage and defense breaking capabilities that this style holds. State lasts for 5 posts.

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© Yo-ko, 2013-2016, permission of use to: Shinobi Nations

 

[Mana_ecl Zetsuya]

Kaze no Zougenotou
Ivory Tower of Wind

___Description:
___Originating in the lands East of Kirigakure, Kaze no Zougenotou is still considered by many a foreign art and is even denounced by many of the same men and women who pass on the style’s training scrolls. It utilizes a weapon not commonly considered by Shinobi, and as such it did not attain popularity or any sort of real relevance until very recently, when it was used to great effect by the military in its country of origin. The battle was a very steep uphill struggle, but it allowed the users of Zougenotou to showcase what the style was actually good for: instead of the styles born from the minds of vagabonds or those made for tournaments, Zougenotou was created by a small military for bloody struggles against larger nations. The few people who can still speak of the encounter speak of only one thing, the key trait that led to the fall of an army: the staff has two ends.
___Relevant Training: Staves, Soft Physical.

___Notes:
• Techniques cannot be used with weapons that are not polearms or are under four [4] feet in length.
• All stances can be retrained to higher ranks to increase the bonus they confer, provided the user has reached that level of training either in a related Formless Style or within this Style. Proof of training must be provided for each rank retrained, and the retraining must go in order without skipping ranks. For each rank retrained, the stance gains one "slightly" descriptive rank to its effect.
• Gains a slight increase to strength with every mastered stage for a total of a supreme increase upon mastery.

___S t a g e O n e [ E ]
Fighting Stance
Rank: E :: Simple :: Stance
Description: The user slides one foot forward and holds the staff firmly so that the front edge is even with his or her shoulders and the back is at roughly waist height. This is the basic stance of the style and offers a slight strength boost to techniques executed from this position. Upkeep of this technique’s rank is paid every post.

Basic Block
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: The user performs a firm, two-handed block that can stop most physical attacks of those untrained in Taijutsu or Bukijutsu. This block requires that the staff is held horizontally or vertically, and as such is not very effective against diagonal strikes. Treated as complex against Formless techniques.

___S t a g e T w o [ D ]
Forward Step
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: The user steps forward to lead into an attack, enhancing the strength of that attack. Does not consume an activation if used as a lead-in to an offensive Bukijutsu technique. Confers a slight strength bonus per rank to an offensive technique used immediately afterward.

Jab
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: The user thrusts the end of the staff at a target. Because all of the force of the thrust is focused on a small area, this attack is likely to at least leave some nasty bruises on the target while keeping the user out of striking distance.

Firm Stance
Rank: D :: Simple :: Stance
Description: A slightly augmented form of the Fighting Stance. The Firm Stance is entered by moving the feet farther apart and bending the knees slightly. Traditionally, this stance is not used for practicing techniques because it is designed to be defensive. While in this stance, the user’s speed is reduced moderately, but defensive techniques performed from this stance receive a mild boost to Fortitude. When retrained, only the Fortitude bonus increases. Upkeep of this technique’s rank is paid every post.

___S t a g e T h r e e [ C ]
Dexterity: Spinning the Staff
Rank: C :: Training
Description: The user, having grasped the very basics of the style, now practices fluidly spinning his or her staff and stopping it with a firm grip. This training allows the user to fluidly manipulate the movements of the staff while retaining full control of it. Mastering this training increases the speed of all staff techniques mildly.

Weak Stance
Rank: C :: Simple :: Stance
Description: The user stands with hands almost level and feet shoulder width apart. In this stance the user does not plant their feet firmly and is ready to flee if necessary. Staff techniques gain a slight Speed boost, but also a moderate Strength detriment. Upkeep of this technique’s rank is paid every post.

Spin Step
Rank: C :: Simple
Description: The user breaks out of his or her stance and steps forward by pivoting on the forward foot. If needed, the user can duck while stepping in order to avoid attacks aimed at the torso. This movement is very swift and can be combined with most of the style’s striking techniques. When finished stepping, the user must either land in a stance or use another stepping technique. During the step, any Bukijutsu attacks the user launches gain a moderate increase in speed.

Sweeping Block
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: The user blocks by swinging the staff in in an arc and hitting an incoming attack. This is especially effective against Taijutsu users, as it has enough force behind it to leave significant bruises on any flesh it hits. This technique can be used to knock projectiles from the air. Is treated as complex if the user has learned a related Formless Style up to the rank this technique is used at.

Whirlwind
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: The user ducks and spins the staff overhead to block incoming projectiles and strike any nearby attackers. Without pausing, the user then strikes at an enemy's knees, causing painful and debilitating bruising in the targeted area. Generally speaking, the strike causes the knee to buckle and the area will become more and more painful every post it goes without being healed. The pain caused by the strike acts as a local poison, accumulating a new dose every post until healed. Each dose decreases the speed and fortitude of the afflicted slightly, and after four doses plus one per the afflicted's body rank the afflicted falls unconscious.

Chakra Release
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: The user sends Chakra along the staff’s length just as a strike connects with an opponent. Gains a moderate boost to strength against solid objects and medium to heavy armor.

___S t a g e F o u r [ B ]
Dexterity: Footwork
Rank: B :: Training
Description: The user practices all known techniques again, this time using the legs as a way to stop and change the direction of techniques. In addition, the user incorporates heavy usage of all known footwork to get used to moving quickly and fluidly around the battlefield. After mastering this training, the user is less hindered by mobility restraints of stances, decreasing the cost of shifting from one to another by 10 Stamina, to a minimum of 5.

Step of the Desert
Rank: B :: Complex
Description: A very fast version of the spin step that moves the user forward a significant distance. The spinning of the staff during this movement has been known to deflect projectiles and injure anyone within the wielder’s range without hindering the movement at all. Additionally, this kicks up any loose dust, dirt and sand around the user. Costs one rank less if led into by the spin step.

Full Block
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: A very fast way of simultaneously repelling enemies and defending. The user spins the staff rapidly all around his or her body, easily deflecting weapons and knocking back any aggressors three meters. Is treated as complex if the user has learned a related Formless Style up to the rank this technique is used at.

Circle Step
Rank: B :: Simple
Description: The user angles the back end of the staff toward the ground and then spins in a manner similar to the Spin Step. In doing so, the user uses the lowered end to sweep an opponent’s feet and topple them. Confers a heavy boost to the strength of any offensive Bukijutsu technique that immediately follows this one. Is treated as complex if the user has learned a related Formless Style up to this rank.

Strength of Ivory
Rank: B :: Spiritual
Description: By sending Chakra through the staff’s length, the user more than quadruples its durability and hardness, making it impervious to most blades for eight [8] of his or her posts.

Launch
Rank: B :: Complex
Description: The user sends a wave of Chakra through the staff just as he or she drives one end of it into the ground. The Chakra bursts out the end and sends the user soaring through the air while simultaneously destroying the ground. Tends to kick up large plumes of dust when used. When used on people, it destroys armor and breaks bones where it connects, in addition to sending both parties flying in opposite directions.

___S t a g e F i v e [ A ]
Dexterity: Chakra
Rank: A :: Training
Description: The user meditates with staff in hand and practices sending Chakra through it. Doing so gives the user a better feel of the staff’s natural strength and pliability, and can even point out spots where the weapon may be weaker and need fortification. By mastering this training, all complex techniques cost five [5] Chakra less to perform.

Gentle Breeze
Rank: A :: Complex
Description: A series of strikes are delivered to an opponent so rapidly that they are almost invisible. This technique can only be performed from a stance. Launches three strikes.

Absolute Disarm
Rank: A :: Complex
Description: The user makes one powerful strike to an opponent’s limb and breaks the bones in the targeted area by discharging Chakra through it. This is almost always used to crush the weapon hand of an oncoming attacker, but has been known to break weapons and armor if used correctly. Flesh struck by this technique suffers pain as in Whirlwind, accumulating new doses until the weapon is dropped.

Stance of Wind
Rank: X :: Simple :: Stance
Description: The user assumes the Fighting Stance, but switches the positions of the hands along the staff. Doing so slightly increases the limit for increases to Strength while stationary. This raised limit switches to Speed while moving. Upkeep of this technique’s rank is paid every post.

Submission
Rank: A :: Complex
Description: A short, quick combo that leaves the target unconscious or dead. The user starts by thrusting the staff into the target’s stomach. Almost immediately, the user then brings the end of the staff upward and slams it into the person’s chin with enough force to break the jaw. The user follows the chin strike with a hit to one of the ears, and then sweeps the feet out from under the target before finishing the combo with a thrust to the neck. It is difficult to kill with this technique, but it is also very difficult to escape once the target has been hit by any of the strikes, and leaves the target either unconscious or nearly so.

___S t a g e S i x [ S ]
Ivory Light
Rank: S :: Training
Description: A passive technique that sharpens the practitioner’s senses and allows him or her to see incoming attacks that would otherwise be nearly impossible to perceive otherwise due to speed. Grants a heavy bonus to reflex.

Ivory Tower of Wind
Rank: S :: Complex
Description: The technique that lent its name to the style. When activated, this technique causes the practitioner’s staff to glow a bright white color as the user starts to circulate Chakra throughout his or her body and the staff. After activation, reaction time is decreased and the staff is incapable of being involuntarily removed from the user’s grasp. At the same time, the speed and strength of all staff techniques are greatly increased. This state lasts for five of the user’s posts.

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© Ergo War, 2014-2019, permission of use to: Shinobi Nations

 

[Mana_ecl Zetsuya]

Mori no Ichigeki
Strike of the Lance

___Description:
___While it is not customary for the Great Shinobi Nations to supply their heads of state, the Daimyou, with royal guardsmen, in lesser countries it is not only common but critical to do so. In the Great Nations it is common for the Daimyou to be accompanied by a few of the best Shinobi in the land to counteract threats by foreign mercenaries, but the lesser countries do not often do the same; their guardsmen are usually made up of lance-wielding knights that are able to keep the untrained assassins out of the way. However, recently it has become necessary to develop a method of fighting off the Shinobi mercenaries that were becoming increasingly common. As such, the knights incorporated Chakra into their weapons in much the same way that the Samurai of the Iron Country did with their swords. The result was a style of heavy damage but low mobility, which worked for the knights: it allowed them to carve through aggressors while defending a single location.
___Relevant Training: Any bladed polearms (Spears, lances, halberds, naginata, etc.), Hard Physical.

___Notes:
• Unless specially made, spears and lances tend to be heavy.
• Techniques cannot be used with weapons that are not polearms. In addition, techniques are difficult to use without starting from a stance, and will cost an extra 10 Stamina if used as such.
• Specialization in the Hard Physical Formless Style removes any extra Stamina costs of the techniques of the Style, including the above penalty for not being in a stance.
• Stances from other styles may be used in tandem with the spear, but none of the bonuses of those stances will be transferred unless they were originally meant for a long weapon such as a spear or staff or pertained to the practitioner’s lower body (such as increasing foot speed).
• Upper strength bonus: For each stage of this style learned, the practitioner's strength is slightly increased.

___S t a g e O n e [ E ]
Fighting Stance
Rank: E :: Simple :: Stance
Description: Also known as the "Spearman's Stance". The user slides one foot forward and holds the polearm firmly so that the blade edge is even with his or her shoulders and the back is at roughly knee height. This is the basic stance of the style, and arguably the only one. Slightly increases the limit for Strength descriptive increases per rank of the highest-ranked technique used in the previous post. Upkeep of this technique’s rank is paid every post.

Thrust
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: The user stabs a target with the blade at the end of the polearm. The force of this thrust is enough to create a small shockwave. Starting at C-Rank, the shockwave is strong enough to deflect incoming projectiles. Starting at B-Rank, it will also knock back the target by one meter per rank. Stamina cost is of a complex technique one rank higher than this technique.

___S t a g e T w o [ D ]
Forward Step
Rank: D :: Simple
Description: The user steps forward without breaking their stance. This can be used in conjunction with other techniques to enhance the functionality and power of simple movements. Confers a mild strength bonus to the next technique used.

Gouge
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: A simple stab charged with Chakra. The wound left by this attack is small, but will continue to bleed until healed. Stamina cost is of a complex technique one rank higher than this technique.

Parry
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: When faced with an incoming Taijutsu or Bukijutsu attack, the user gently pushes the attack to either side. This is typically followed by a powerful thrust to the attacker, but the movement can be exaggerated to push opponents into a more vulnerable position. Confers a slight strength bonus per rank to any offensive Bukijutsu technique that immediately follows it.

Not So Cool
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: A technique developed recently for use against all manner of “cool guy” upstarts who dodge an attack and immediately try to close distance. As soon as this happens, the user uses side of the spear to shove the incoming attacker to the ground. The strength of this technique greatly increases if the enemy has not completely evaded a strike. Can be used at any rank up to the highest trained rank of the Hard Physical Formless Style. If the Hard Physical Formless Style is not known, this technique is treated as D-Rank.

___S t a g e T h r e e [ C ]
Chakra: Shape
Rank: C :: Training
Description: The user sends Chakra through the polearm while using the earlier techniques in the style. Slight bends in the weapon are communicated to the user via the Chakra running through the weapon, teaching them how to distribute Chakra and use the muscles to manipulate how much the polearm bends during use. This training must be done while sparring or otherwise fighting, and reduces the Chakra cost of the techniques of this style by 5 Chakra, to a minimum of 5 Chakra. Does not refund Chakra if the technique does not consume any.

Mimicry
Rank: C :: Spiritual
Description: The user sends Chakra into the polearm to manipulate its stiffness. This allows flexible weapons to become stiff or stiff weapons to become flexible. Changes last for five of the user’s posts.

Wrap
Rank: C :: Spiritual
Description: When using a flexible polearm, the user guides its movements with Chakra to make the spear partially wrap around something. This change lasts a very brief time before the weapon returns to its original shape.

Splinter
Rank: C :: Spiritual
Description: When using a stiff polearm, the user sends Chakra into the blade. When this Chakra-laced edge comes into contact with a solid, the Chakra bursts outward and can cause objects to crack and splinter.

Snap
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: The user sends Chakra into the polearm to straighten it and at the same time yanks toward himself or herself. This movement is so forceful that a spear bent around an opponent’s arm will break the arm as the weapon straightens itself.

Stance of Striking
Rank: X :: Simple :: Stance
Description: The user stands with the feet slightly separated and the polearm held behind the back, blade end out. Slightly increases the limit for Strength descriptive increases per rank of this technique. Does not consume an activation to enter. Upkeep of this technique’s rank is paid every post.

___S t a g e F o u r [ B ]
Chakra: Form
Rank: B :: Training
Description: The user allows Chakra to flow seamlessly from his or her body to the polearm while practicing with the weapon. In doing so, the user becomes more deeply connected to the weapon, thereby making it an extension of the body. This training reduces the Chakra costs of the techniques of this style by a further 5 Chakra, to a minimum of 5 Chakra. Does not refund Chakra if the technique does not consume any.

Step of Attack
Rank: B :: Complex
Description: The user steps forward with the front leg, keeping the back leg still to use it to maintain balance. This step gives a mild boost to strength and speed of offensive techniques, but consumes two activations.

Sky Lunge
Rank: B :: Complex
Description: The user thrusts the bladed end of the polearm toward the fleshy area under the opponent’s chin, usually coming in under the enemy’s guard. The strength of this strike is dependent on the user’s body rank. Even when guarded against, this technique has enough force behind it to send the target flying upward. Stamina cost is of a complex technique one rank higher than this technique.

Dismember
Rank: B :: Complex
Description: The user aims for one of the opponent’s joints and slices along it. Although it typically cuts through the bone, even if it does not, this technique still does significant damage. This often causes permanent damage and will not heal until treated by a medic.

Avalanche
Rank: B :: Complex
Description: The user sends a great deal of Chakra to one end of the polearm and performs a straight thrust at the enemy. At the exact instant of impact, the Chakra explodes outward, sending the opponent flying and causing the user to slide backward several feet as well. While there is very little purpose to the technique in a battle, it is incredibly good for clearing a path, can be used to damage armor, and can cause significant damage to unarmored opponents. Stamina cost is of a complex technique one rank higher than this technique.

Dance
Rank: B :: Spiritual
Description: When using a flexible polearm, the user sends Chakra into it to increase its flexibility to the point that it appears to be made of rubber. This modification lasts for three of the user’s posts.

Turbulence
Rank: B :: Complex
Description: The user sends a wave of elemental Chakra through the spear and spins it overhead, creating an elemental whirlwind. For Katon, this whirlwind is a firestorm; for Doton, it is a dust storm; for Suiton, it is a water spout; for Raiton, it is a spinning wall of electricity; and for Fuuton it is a cyclone that picks up surrounding objects. When the user stops spinning the spear, the technique bursts outward with enough force to stop incoming Shinobi. For each post of continued activation, this technique consumes [ 40 ] Chakra.

___S t a g e F i v e [ A ]
Chakra: Solidification
Rank: A :: Training
Description: The user practices altering the distribution of Chakra through the spear and causing it to shoot out of the weapon, all while using known techniques. This training reduces the Chakra costs of the techniques of this style by a further 5 Chakra, to a minimum of 5 Chakra. Does not refund Chakra if the technique does not consume any.

Jousting
Rank: A :: Spiritual
Description: The user causes Chakra to flare out from the blade, creating a fan-like wall that serves to protect the user from frontal attacks. This wall functions as a physical barrier, and as such can guard against Ninjutsu as well as other modes of physical combat.

Twins
Rank: A :: Spiritual
Description: Creates up to two extra polearms out of Chakra. These weapons can either be wielded by the user or can float up to one meter away from the original, following its movements. These weapons last for five of the user’s posts.

Blade Form
Rank: A :: Complex
Description: By altering the flow of Chakra through the blade of the polearm, the user can create different shapes of blades for the head out of Chakra. Of course, this cannot reduce the size of the head, only add on to it with Chakra to create new shapes. Lasts for six of the user’s posts.

Halt
Rank: A :: Complex
Description: The user swings the polearm, sending a blade of Chakra out along the arc of the swing. This Chakra blade will travel up to twenty meters before disappearing. Stamina cost is of a complex technique one rank higher than this technique.

Vladimir
Rank: A :: Complex
Description: Named for the man who impaled thousands, this technique involves something almost as gruesome. The user rams the polearm through an opponent, then sends a surge of Chakra through it. The Chakra bursts outward around the polearm, effectively creating a centralized explosion that blows the enemy apart. Does not consume stamina if the user does not thrust, but also does not do as much damage.

Stance of Flight
Rank: X :: Simple :: Stance
Description: The user draws his or her feet together and holds the spear almost vertically, with its blade pointed toward the ground. In this stance, the user may move by leaping, and can jump 3 meters in any direction (including upward) per this technique’s rank once per post. Attacks made while coming up or down from a jump gain a slight bonus to Strength per this technique’s rank. This stance is not interrupted by movement involving a jump. Upkeep of this technique’s rank is paid every post that the user jumps.

___S t a g e S i x [ S ]
Chakra: Body
Rank: S :: Simple
Description: A technique that greatly sharpens the practitioner’s eyes and hones their muscles. While in this state, incoming attacks lose any descriptive bonuses to speed and the user's reflexes gain a heavy bonus. Lasts five posts.

Longinus
Rank: S :: Complex
Description: The user sharpens the blade with Chakra, increasing its piercing power tenfold. Armor is practically useless against the blade after it has been sharpened this way. Also called the “Raised Stake” because someone used the technique to skewer several people and pin them to a tree. Strikes ignore non-custom armor that hasn't been reinforced with a technique, and are treated as spiritual against armor techniques. Lasts for three posts.

Strike of the Lance
Rank: S :: Complex
Description: A technique that cloaks the user in a thick armor of Chakra very briefly. All of the Chakra is grounded out in the next attack that the user makes with the polearm, causing an enormous explosion that catches not only the target, but also anyone nearby in the blast.

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© Ergo War, 2014-2019, permission of use to: Shinobi Nations

 

[Yo-ko]

Jing Shen Jie Fang
The Spirit Which Cannot be Bound

___Description:
___Deep in swamp country, where the civilized world rarely, if at all, comes to interact, the villagers and ninja of the local area were faced with an unusual set of circumstances and problems. Because the area is swamp land, full of non-sturdy land, knee high water, mud, tall grass, and other random unhelpful traits to the area, combat became quite a hassle of unsuccessful chaotic motion, floundering, and flailing. It was because of this that the Ninja village called upon an unlikely set of hero's to turn this liability into an asset. They needed an art form that was always useful, despite conditions, terrain, and tools that were available.
___The ninja village looked to the local families and tribes that lived in small village gatherings in the area, families that had not only lived and survived, but had also managed to prosper in the area. They first asked the elder of one village, Florendo Visitacion, about where to start. He Explained that the style needed to versatile, encompassing simple movements that can be translated from their every day movements and tools to the battle field. The firs step was to take the local every day tool, the Machete, and apply it as a weapon. Taking this new found knowledge, they went to visit another family, the legendary Thours family that was known for their skilled and unforgiving blade work. A man solely known as "Uncle" explained one of the basic rules of combat: "make sure you have a weapon, and make sure they do not. If they have a weapon take it...now you have a weapon." Still not satisfied, they ventured further into the Jungle to find a simple nomad by the name of Pukish. From here, they watched a fantastic and almost unreal set of events, as the nomad defended himself against 5 tigers with only two blades...and came out without a scratch. Even when he lost a weapon, his hands kept moving, and attacking, ripping and tearing. "If i can kill an enemy with a single strike, then 70 makes me pretty much unstoppable." After taking and learning multiple lessons from multiple visits, it would be a warrior known as Rick Hernandez who was credited with the creation of Jing Shen Jie Fang. Allowing the form to be used with a one machete, two machetes, and even unarmed made the form very adaptable to any and all situations and circumstances. In those next few years, when the raids and war broke out, the style was put to the test. Those who survived could only explain one thing about these "new" swamp ninja, their form was a versatile as it was ferocious.
___The style is characterized by its ferociousness and versatility, utilizing strikes in combination rather than one overpowering strike. The user trains to utilize superior mobility to obtain a superior position, then defeat the opponent with overwhelming power and ferocity. When taking the opponent to the ground, the user seeks to make sure that they never get back up.
___Relevant Training: Any short swords, Hard Physical.

___Notes:
• This style uses a single short sword (usually a machete), two short swords, or is performed unarmed.
• Before one may progress to learn a stage, the user must perform additional training for 5 posts, according to the given principle of that stage. These principles, when trained, act as a passive bonus for the user.
• Intensive: This style costs [1] Bukijutsu slot and [1] Taijutsu slot.

___Lock/Disarm Defenses:
• Many of the Techniques in this style are labeled "Physical/Locks." These technique have special rules applying to them. If the victim does not have an official technique to defend against being locked/disarmed, then they must pay the combined stamina equivalent of the rank used, and +1 rank. For an example, the user performs a B rank Technique. The victim must then pay 120 stamina (B=40 A=80, 40+80=120) to successfully defend against the lock, and only the lock, while losing their weapon. If using An S rank technique, then S+ (320) is counted as +1 rank costing 480 to defend. If the opponent wishes to defend and keep their weapon, then they must pay the combined stamina equivalent of +2 ranks above the techniques utilized rank. Using the above example, this would cost 240 stamina. This counts as a defensive activation.
• For someone trained in the lock being used, they need to only pay the same cost of stamina to successfully defend and lose their weapon, and 1.5x the stamina to successfully escape the lock, and only the lock, with their weapon.

___Position Escapes:
• Many of the Techniques in this style are labeled "Physical/Positions." These technique have special rules applying to them. In order to escape the position, simply stopping the user from controlling the position, they must pay the combined stamina equivalent of +2 ranks above the techniques utilized rank. For an example, the user performs a B rank Technique. The victim must then pay 240 stamina (a=80 S=160, 80+160=220) to successfully defend against the position. This counts as a defensive activation.

___S t a g e O n e [ E ]
Principle: Move first then Block
Description: It doesn't take a medical ninja specializing in brain surgery to know that a moving target is more difficult to to hit then a still target. By practicing always moving, especially right before they block, the user allows their movements to become slightly more difficult to pin down. By moving with the direction of the attack, the user can even lessen the impact force, making their defenses easier to perform. When engaging a physical force that will defeat their same rank defense (i.e.: berserker discipline, weapon specialist discipline, sage mode) the user may expend the additional half-rank stamina to allow the defense, of this style, to work. If you possess one of the above disciplines, then you may only do this for the style you do not receive an increase for.

Rising Jungle
Rank: E :: Simple
Description: This is a basic rising movement for the style with a single hand, and is usable both armed and unarmed, offensive and defensive. While using a weapon, the attack can be a rising parry, slash, or stab. Unarmed, this can be a rising parry, back fist, uppercut, elbow, or forearm. Gains a slight strength boost for each trained rank in the Formless Style that corresponds to the user's weapon (Hard Physical if unarmed, etc.), up to one descriptive rank per this technique's rank.

Entering Jungle
Rank: E :: Simple
Description: This is a basic forward movement for the style with a single hand, and is usable both armed and unarmed, offensive and defensive. While using a weapon, the attack is stab or impalement. Unarmed, this can be a forward push, punch, spear hand, or elbow. Gains a slight speed boost for each trained rank in the Formless Style that corresponds to the user's weapon (Hard Physical if unarmed, etc.), up to one descriptive rank per this technique's rank.

Backward Jungle
Rank: E :: Simple
Description: This is a basic backward movement for the style with a single hand, and is usable both armed and unarmed, offensive and defensive. While using a weapon, the movement can be a stab, slash, or parry to something behind you. Unarmed, this can be a punch, elbow, sucker punch back fist, or hammer fist. Is treated as complex when interacting with Formless Techniques.

Inner Jungle
Rank: E :: Simple
Description: This is a basic inward movement for the style with a single hand, and is usable both armed and unarmed, offensive and defensive. While using a weapon, the attack can be an inward brush/slap parry, slash, or stab. Unarmed, this can be an inward parry, inverted back fist, hook punch, ridge hand/slap, elbow, or forearm. Gains a slight increase to strength per rank against unarmored opponents.

Outer Jungle
Rank: E :: Simple
Description: This is a basic outward movement for the style with a single hand, and is usable both armed and unarmed, offensive and defensive. While using a weapon, the attack can be an outward brush/cover parry, slash, or stab. Unarmed, this can be an outward parry, back fist, horizontal hammer fist, or elbow. Gains a slight increase to speed per rank if preceded by Inner Jungle technique.

Downward Jungle
Rank: E :: Simple
Description: This is a basic downward movement for the style with a single hand, and is usable both armed and unarmed, offensive and defensive. While using a weapon, the attack can be a downward crash/parry/trap, slash, or stab. Unarmed, this can be a downward parry, roll over back fist, open palm, vertical hammer fist, or elbow. Gains a mild increase to strength per rank against opponents smaller than the user.

Lower Jungle
Rank: E :: Simple
Description: The user lowers themselves in their stance, and uses their other movements (rising, inward, outward, downward) to attack either the legs/base of an opponent, or to engage an enemy on the ground. Bladed techniques used against an opponent on the ground gain a mild increase to strength per rank.

___S t a g e T w o [ D ]
Principle: Circles and Angles
Description: The user, through a little combative understanding and sheer combative need, begins to understand the idea of moving and attacking on circles and angles. This way, they are able to circularly avoid attacks and danger, or simply slip off the angle of attack their opponent uses. When faced with a taijutsu or non-projectile based bukijutsu technique of C-Rank or lower, the user can simply expend that rank of Stamina to augment a given technique of this style to perform a fast shift and dodge to avoid the technique. If used during a combination, this counts as one of the techniques.

Free Spirit Stance
Rank: X :: Simple :: Stance
Description: It's interesting enough to think that a style that sells itself as being free and without boundaries would have a stance associated with it. Although a method of standing, it is mainly a practice of allowing the user to go from standing to full alert quickly, able to quickly burst into action after assessing a threat. The user brings their arms close to their body, hands close to their chin and open with palms facing outward, their feet with one foot forward. Increases the limit for Reflex descriptive increases slightly per rank. Transitioning from this stance to any other does not consume an activation. Upkeep of this technique’s rank is paid every post.

Single Spirit Stance
Rank: X :: Simple :: Stance
Description: Taking the "Free Spirit" stance, the user now adds a single one-handed weapon to in their front hand, holding it slightly lower with the tip facing the enemy with their other hand close to the weapon. This way, the user's other hand can stay engaged in combat easier. Increases the limit for Reflex and Speed descriptive increases slightly per rank. Upkeep of this technique’s rank is paid every post.

Quick Draw
Rank: D :: Simple
Description: In the jungle, the need to be able to “show your claws” is paramount to a successful mission and coming home alive. The user must practice repeatedly to draw and replace their weapons in the blink of an eye. It costs an E-Rank for quickly drawing a single weapon, and a D-Rank to quickly draw both of them, counting as a single supplemental activation. It costs a D-Rank to quickly re-sheathe a single weapon and have hands back up, or a C-Rank to quickly re-sheathe both of them, counting as a single supplemental activation.

Double Claw
Rank: D/C :: Simple
Description: The uses performs 2 of their techniques as a seamless combination, either as purely offense, defense, or mix of the two. Combinations with the same limb moving in the same direction (Inward-inward) are the fastest. Combinations using one limb in opposite directions (In to out, up to down) open the defender the most to reveal targets. Combinations with two hands moving in the same direction can deal the most potential damage. This is only usable once a post. If an offensive technique is used, it counts as an offensive activation.

Snap Kick
Rank: D/C :: Simple
Description: In the jungle, due to unsure footing, kicks are not mainly used or performed due to the possibility of falling, being taken down, and being ganged up on. This kick, be it a round house kick or stomp kick, is done in a quick snapping motion, looking for more speed than crushing power. Although they can hurt and cause injury, the kicks are usually designed to interrupt the opponent's attack, or off balance them to allow the user to continue their ferocious attack. Gain a moderate increase to speed if used at C-Rank.

___S t a g e T h r e e [ C ]
Principle: Sticking and Tracking
Description: When in the jungle, gaining control of your opponent is crucial. The longer the battle continues, the longer it has the chance of continuing. If you can't see your opponent, then you cant fight your opponent. The user must train to utilize their body as a form of sensory unit, gaining a sensitivity to feeling pressure and movement as they attach to their opponent. By attempting to obtain constant contact with the opponent, with multiple points of attachment, the user is better able to combat a single opponent by transitioning from technique to technique while staying attached to the opponent. When attached to a given limb prior to the opponents attack using said limb, the user may use a single defensive technique and pay half the stamina cost to defend it/parry it/avoid it. This counts as a single offensive activation.

Binding Jungle
Rank: C/B :: Simple
Description: The user performs a two handed defensive parry in the desired direction, using sticking and tracking to stay connected and attached to their targets limb or weapon for just a moment. Extending the opponent along their projected path, the user will then shift them hard in another direction, effectively taking their balance and controlling their frame. While this is not an effective means of taking the enemy to the ground it is perfect for causing them to stumble, or be grounded and immobile in their stance/frame and leave them open for counter attacks. If fighting multiple opponents, this can force them to get in each other's way. Removes any boosts to strength or reflex the target has for one post if used at B-Rank.

Monkey Disarm Combo
Rank: C :: Simple
Description: This is performed when the user is close to the opponent, usually after defending against a strike. Taking their forearm and placing it above the elbow of the opponent, then applying quick pressure to the opponents wrist to extend the arm, the user performs a violent and fast hyper extension, usually causing the enemy to let got of their weapon. When performed with weaponry, the user can decide to allow the back of the blade track down the hilt of the enemies weapon, stripping it from their hand to ensure that the opponent is then disarmed. Stripping method only works against single handed weapons. Even if target is using a long arm, as long as the user is in the right position they can perform the hyper extension.

Jungle Roots
Rank: C :: Training
Description: To fall during combat is to die, and after countless bouts and sparring sessions the user has found this to be undoubtedly true. To minimize this, the user practices their stance, balance, and foot work to ensure that their feet stay on the ground. Any technique designed to throw the user off-balance loses any descriptive increases to its strength.

Two Spirit Stance
Rank: X :: Simple :: Stance
Description: The user practices and performs drawing his two weapons and entering a stance similar to the Free Spirit and One Spirit stances. With the two weapons, the user is now able to perform more ferocious attacks and combinations, utilizing their two weapons to slice and dice not just one attacker, but multiple. One-handed techniques used in this stance can be repeated/copied with the other hand without consuming an extra activation. Both attacks lose any descriptive increases. Upkeep of this technique’s rank is paid every post.

___S t a g e F o u r [ B ]
Principle: There is Never an Idle Limb
Description: In the jungle, combat is hectic, ferocious, and often brutal. To maximize their survivability, masters of Jing Shen Jie Fang utilize the principle of constant motion with all of their limbs, all the time and not get hung up in one action. By focusing on this principle, the user understands that by utilizing all their limbs during offense, as well as defense, that they can become an overwhelming force, like the roots of the jungle trees that smoothen the ground. The user can now use their legs instead of their hands or weapons to defend an attack and perform combinations by using the stage 1 directions to defend the torso and lower body, leaving their hands free to engage an attacker.

Rolling Thunder
Rank: B/A :: Simple
Description: The user performs 3 of their techniques as a seamless combination, either as purely offense, defense, or mix of the two. These combinations are free form to the users desire, and can consist of using one limb for all three techniques, or using a different limb for each technique. By allowing the mind and awareness to expand, the practitioner of Jing Shen Jie Fang knows there is no perfect technique or combination, only the right one for the situation. This is only usable once every two posts. If an offensive technique is used, it counts as an offensive activation.

Python Disarm
Rank: B :: Simple
Description: The user, when close to the opponent, throws a quick outward straight elbow to the opponent's head. From here, they wrap their arm over the opponents arm, placing their inside forearm underneath the opponents elbow. Applying pressure to the opponents wrist, adding a small twist, the user aims to lock up and hyper extend or break the target's arm, attempting to disarm and cause great pain.

The Spider's Web
Rank: B :: Simple/Position
Description: A moving opponent is a hard opponent, and a fighting opponent is one that can kill you. Thus, the user wraps their arms around the opponent in many different ways to take their balance and force them into the user's control, while they both remain standing. Most times this involves using one arm to immobilize one of the opponents while threading it through to wrap and control the opponent's neck. This position is great for sneaky stealth kills, taking hostages, or using another as a shield to fight multiple opponents. This position can be performed on the ground, but is treated as -1 rank.

Constrictor
Rank: B :: Simple/Lock
Description: The user, most times after entering “The Spiders Web” position, performs any strangle/choke hold that is open to immobilize and possibly kill the opponent. This may be a scissor choke, an arm triangle, rear naked choke, or any other variation that cuts blood off from the head. This technique puts the victim unconscious in the post they do not escape, and kills them if continued for 3 posts. This technique can be performed outside the “Spider's Web" Position, but counts as -1 Rank. If the target escapes this lock, but not the position, then this technique may be performed at half cost for the next time until the opponent escapes.

Stomping Kick
Rank: B :: Simple
Description: The user performs a kick with the idea of full commitment to following through with a technique, performing either a front kick or round house kick designed to crush the enemies mobility and render them unable to avoid the ferocious onslaught of attacks from the user. When performed against the knee, the kick has enough force to cause it to buckle or hyper extend. When performed to the upper body, usually square to the torso, they send the opponent staggering back, most times taking them off their feet and sending them to the ground, now at the mercy of the user.

___S t a g e F i v e [ A ]
Principle: Block off the back, Attack with the Front
Description: The ability to reach out and touch your enemy while not having them touch you has been the very defining thing of modern combat. By effective understanding of range, its variability, and constant flux, the user begins to change their offensive and defensive structure to block/parry with the rear weapon and attack with the front weapon. With no change in power, it can greatly increase the effectiveness of the user, allowing them to possibly land more strikes and attacks by distance alone. Confers a mild boost to reflex.

Panther's Pounce
Rank: A :: Training
Description: Thanks to the unforgiving and often sticky/gummy terrain of the jungle, the user has to develop a way of overcoming this situation. By focusing on the explosive power with the legs, the user has developed a much greater sense of control of movement and distance, allowing them to close the distance quicker as well as increase the power of their attacks. This is also a useful tactic to cover over and pounce on an opponent who is on the ground. User's mundane mobility increased. Techniques utilized when performing spring step will be treated as an A-Rank attack, as well as cost an A-Rank of stamina. Can only be used once a post.

Jungle Boogeyman
Rank: A :: Simple
Description: The user performs a powerful burst forward, using a single weapon to perform a brutal impaling, seeking to eliminate any distance as well as maintain maximal contact with the opponent. Using a free mind, the user can perform this technique from nearly any possible direction: right, left, in front, behind, above, and below. If performed in conjunction with “Panther’s pounce,” and stage 6 is mastered, this is treated as an S rank technique. If performed from behind the target while hiding/hidden, then the user may enter “The Spiders Web” position as an augmentation for half the cost. If “Hunter’s Instincts” is known, this can be a lethal or non lethal technique, using the impaled blade as a form of control and leverage. If performed unarmed, then the user can reach and use one of the opponents blades, so long as it is in a reachable spot. Technique is only usable once a post, and has a 1 post cool down. This technique is not capable of being used in conjunction with a combination.

Hunters instincts
Rank A :: Training
Description: You don’t have to be a combat expert to know that the longer you fight, the higher the chance you are not coming out alive. Therefore, the practitioner of Jing Shen Jie Fang recognizes that understanding your opponent is important. Through this training, the user may learn the vital points to 1 organism type (human, canine, feline, etc). This technique may be trained twice.

Fly Trap Takedown
Rank A :: Simple
Description: The user, when unarmed, grabs the opponent by the head or neck, and performs a brutal twisting motion. The force is so great that it will cause the opponent to fall off balance and be taken to the ground. This versatile and simple technique can be performed from almost any direction around the opponent, and can be used to move the opponent in almost any direction following the simply principle "where the head goes the body follows." Treated as +1 rank when performed from "The Spiders Web" position.

Spirit of the Animal
Rank A :: Training
Description: From a style born from the jungle, it couldn't possibly exist without some animal influence. Taking their hands and analyzing how animals move and fight, the creators managed to take the empty hand user and give them weapons, even when they are unarmed. These fists are easy to use and transition to, often allowing the user to use multiple during a combination:
Monkey Fist: The user keeps their hand relaxed cupping their palm just slightly with their fingers slightly extended. Any time the user aims to strike the opponent, they can choose to use this fist instead, allowing for a powerful and heavy cupped hand strike to occur. Due to the shape of the fist, after impact it would cause the fingers to want to close, allowing the user to instantly transition into a powerful grab on the opponent, usually allowing the user to control the given limb. This technique is particularly brutal when performed to the head, as it offers a great control point, with the strike making it feel like a grenade went off in the opponents head. This fist adds +5 Stamina to each strike the user uses this fist on.

Leopard Fist: The user takes their hand and curls their fingers in while keeping their palm open to strike with. However, unlike a simple palm strike, this attack has the spirit of the leopard in it. Designed for ripping and tearing the opponent, the user, after palm striking the target, closes their fist and clamps down with the finger tips while pulling back. The pulling against the body is exceptionally painful, and can sometimes causing muscle and skin to actually be pulled or ripped off. This fist adds +10 stamina to each technique the user uses this fist on.

Coconut Fist: Although not a animal, this fist is not just named for a food. The user takes their fist and squeezes it tightly, rolling their wrist in slightly, and throws a punch as they normally would. Just at the moment of impact, the user adds a small downward angle cut to the attack. This adds a distinct addition of power, dubbed a "stinger," to the strike. When the user attacks a limb, usually when holding a weapon, this can be enough to cause the weapon to be sent flying from the opponents hand due to the extreme pain this strike can cause. This fist adds +15 stamina to each strike the user performs with this fist.

Tree Limb Disarm
Rank A :: Simple
Description: This is a powerful and effective technique designed to take a weapon away from the opponent, from the simplest of knives to the greatest of pole arms. The user finds themselves in front of or to the side of the opponent, and attaches to the limb holding the weapon that needs to be gone. Getting below the opponents elbow, the user makes their shoulder like a fulcrum and drives upward, attempting to break the opponent's arm and disarm them. Inflicts equal damage to armored opponents.

___S t a g e S i x [ S ]
Principle: Whipping and Swimming the Arms
Description: When in close quarters, the user needs to be able to move themselves effectively to make sure they are not surrounded or flanked by multiple opponents or a single opponent getting a lucky shot. By whipping and swimming their arms and limbs, the user can transition from outside to inside of the opponent, offering different angles and attacking opportunities while limiting the opponent's options. This can also allow the user to slightly manipulate their opponent with defensive and parry techniques to make multiple opponents block each other, or risk hitting each other instead of the user.

Tatau
Rank S :: Training
Description: From a style that prides itself of the freeness and versatility for the warrior, there have been some archetypes that appear as a general rule. In training this technique, the user may pick ONE of the below bonuses as a benefit to their character. Once selected, this may not be switched out.
Mark of the Monkey: The user is bursting with combative energy, and thus combination techniques are allowed to be used 2 times a post. Additionally, Monkey Fist is free to perform when doing unarmed techniques.
Mark of the Shark: The shark's teeth care not what it bites into, nor do the hands of the user. The user is capable of using the technique “Hunter’s Blade” on unarmed techniques, acting as if the armor isn’t even there for the various ranks.
Mark of the Spider: The user is as crafty as he is quiet and is thus able to perform the techniques in this style from any position, as well as use any set of one-handed weapons in conjunction with this style. Additionally, any techniques performed while hidden are treated as a rank higher.
Mark of the Python: The python, to defeat, larger, faster, stronger, meaner opponents must use precision and vital strikes to eliminate its foes. Thus he is capable learning 4 organisms' vital points for the technique “Hunter’s Instincts.” Additionally, the technique “Constrictor” Counts as +1 ranks.
Mark of the Tiger: The tiger is the king of the jungle, using powerful claws and mass to dominate and control anything in its way. The basic techniques from stage 1 can now be retrained for use up to S-Rank, and can be used as takedowns (usually when using opposite direction combinations) if the user so desires.

The Spirit That Cannot Be Bound
Rank S :: Custom
Description: The user has found their own way. With all of their training, the user is capable of making one unique custom technique of this style for themselves. It can be of any rank, and must be submitted to the Custom Jutsu approval area.

Hunter’s Blade
Rank S :: Spiritual
Description: The user recognizes that in the jungle you will be faced with many tough and durable warriors, and sometimes a simple weapon is not going to get the job done. By lacing their blade with chakra, they can effectively increase its sharpness to cut through various levels of armor as if it was not there at all. At the cost of 40 chakra, the weapon can punch through light armor, if this is not possible already. For 80 Chakra, the weapon can punch through medium armor, if this is not possible already. For 160 Chakra, the weapon can punch through almost any armor. The increase lasts for all techniques used in a post, and if the techniques are unsuccessful, the increases stays around until they are, or the user exits combat.

Into the Wild
Rank S :: Simple
Description: The uses performs 4 of their techniques as a seamless combination, either as purely offense, defense, or mix of the two. These combinations are free form to the users desire, and can consist of using one limb for all the techniques, or using a different limb for each technique. By allowing the mind and awareness to expand, the practitioner of Jing Shen Jie Fang knows there is no perfect technique or combination, only the right one for the situation. Only usable once per post.

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© Yo-ko, 2013-2016, permission of use to: Shinobi Nations

 

[Ergo War]

Madoukishi
Mage Knight

___Description:
___Much of the Shinobi world has an obsession with a powerful offense, often at the neglect of an adaptable defense. However, in recent years, the proliferation of Samurai and the foreign ideals they carry across the world has taken on a life of its own, resulting in the recent creation of a new weapon style. This new style unifies the sword with the traditionally forgotten shield to create a powerful balance of offense and defense. The practitioners of this young art are known as “Mage Knights” for their seemingly supernatural strength.
___Relevant Training: Any shields, any one-handed swords.

___Notes:
• If the user has trained both a shield and a sword’s Formless Styles to within a rank of each other, in combat they can be used up to the higher rank and all simple attacks executed with them are treated as complex.
• The user may use any applicable sword techniques from other Styles freely, provided the sword can be effectively manipulated with one hand.
• Practitioners of this Style can use their ranks in any shield Formless Style to use other kinds of shields at no penalty.
• A shield wielded by a practitioner of this Style cannot be broken by a simple Taijutsu or Bukijutsu technique lower than the practitioner’s maximum trained rank in this Style, but can be broken by complex Taijutsu or Bukijutsu.
• There are two major types of shields: tower and target. Target shields are the typical small shields used in parrying, whereas tower shields are typically taller and much, much heavier. When using techniques from this style with a tower shield, one activation is lost every post if it needs to be moved to a different position relative to the user, every time it needs to be moved.
• Grants a Slight Increase to fortitude for every other stage mastered starting at the first stage. Additionally, gives a slight increase to strength for every other stage mastered starting at two. (Fortitude is granted at stages 1/3/5. Strength is granted at stages 2/4/6.)

___S t a g e O n e [ E ]
Reinforcement
Rank: X :: Spiritual
Description: The user pumps Chakra into the shield to boost its durability far beyond the norm, enhancing its fortitude mildly per rank. In doing so, complex Taijutsu and Bukijutsu attacks lower than this technique’s rank are treated as simple. If Faith is known, Ninjutsu is also treated as simple. Lasts for three posts and can be automatically renewed on the last post without consuming another activation.

Recoil
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: When blocking with the shield, the user can choose to push back against a strike, causing it to recoil slightly. Can only be used against the final technique in a combo, and reduces the opponent’s activations next post by one if used to counter a Taijutsu or Bukijutsu user. Gains a mild bonus to fortitude per rank.

Front Line
Rank: X :: Simple :: Stance
Description: The user raises their shield such that the top of it sits just below eye-height in front of them and plants their feet. Increases the limit for Fortitude descriptive increases slightly per rank. Attacks with a weapon in the user’s back hand gain a slight increases to Strength per rank of protection the shield confers. Upkeep of this technique’s rank is paid every post.

___S t a g e T w o [ D ]
Block Counter
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: A Chakra-reinforced block-and-counter that transfers half of the strength of the blocked attack to the user’s sword. Can be used up to the user’s maximum trained rank in a sword or shield Formless Style; if only one is known, this technique will only work against simple techniques. The strength bonuses of the blocked technique are added to the strength of this technique for the counterattack, but beware: a block weaker than an incoming attack will still be ineffective.

Shield Bash
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: A smack with the shield. The momentum from this attack is easily transferred to a sword technique used immediately after it, providing a slight strength boost per rank.

Lunge
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: A powerful thrust with the sword. At the user’s choice, any effects active on the shield can be transferred to the sword for no additional cost to increase its strength, thereby turning this technique into a complex technique of strength one rank higher per technique transferred. All techniques transferred end after the strike.

___S t a g e T h r e e [ C ]
Bull Rush
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: The user hunkers down behind the shield and dashes forward with enough force to disrupt incoming attacks or bowl over enemies while closing distance. Confers a slight bonus to fortitude per rank.

Stalwart Offense
Rank: X :: Spiritual
Description: Creates a second shield identical to the held one, this time centered around the hilt of the user’s sword. The created shield lasts for four posts and can be used with any shield-based defensive techniques. The created shield has no weight and is primarily used to allow the user to attack without compromising defense.

___S t a g e F o u r [ B ]
Banishing Blade
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: The user swings his or her sword toward an incoming attack. Should the two collide, all Chakra behind the incoming attack—up to this technique’s rank—is expelled from it. This is particularly devastating against Ninjutsu-based assaults. Can only be used once per two posts.

Shield Wall
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: Creates a wall of Chakra around the user’s shield to increase its area of protection. For each rank, a circular region of Chakra half a meter in radius surrounds the user’s shield. Lasts for three posts and can be automatically renewed on the last post without consuming another activation. Shield gains a mild bonus to fortitude against complex techniques.

Immovable Mountain
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: When attacked with a simple technique that would otherwise cause the user to stagger or move, the user can immediately exert stamina to maintain his or her footing without consuming an extra activation and gain a mild bonus to fortitude per rank. Can be used twice in the same post. Stamina consumed is equal to half the cost of the incoming technique.

___S t a g e F i v e [ A ]
Training: Shield Rotation
Rank: A :: Training
Description: Instead of taking all hits head-on, the user practices blocking while rotating the shield. This follows the principles of defense and redirection, allowing the user to defend against attacks at the same rank regardless of any boosts the attack has.

Duck and Counter
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: The user ducks while blocking and allows an incoming attack to glance off harmlessly overhead. At the same time, the user sweeps the sword under the opponent’s guard at a very close range, almost guaranteeing a hit. Block gains a mild increase to fortitude per rank.

Last Bastion
Rank: X :: Simple :: Stance
Description: The user throws all their weight behind their shield, both raising it and bracing it with their other arm. Increases the limit for Fortitude descriptive increases slightly per rank. While in this stance, the user can transfer up to 1 descriptive rank per this technique’s rank between their Fortitude and Reflexes when defending. If used with a tower shield, the user can gain the benefits of the Armor Formless Style with their shield, should they know it.

___S t a g e S i x [ S ]
Equalization
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: A strike with either the sword or shield that does no visible damage, but instead sends the target’s Chakra system for a loop. The target will be unable to form either Chakra OR Stamina (not both) at any rank below this technique’s own for two posts afterward. The person afflicted can only be affected by this once per 5 posts, starting from when the effect ends. Only works on a direct hit.

Training: Unity
Rank: S :: Training
Description: Allows the user to quickly move a shield of any size toward any area on their body. Once per post, a tower shield may be repositioned without consuming an activation.

Training: Faith
Rank: S :: Training
Description: Must be trained during battle. Having blocked countless attacks, the user starts seeing weaknesses in Ninjutsu as well as the physical arts and gains the ability to block Ninjutsu with the shield as he or she would block Taijutsu or Bukijutsu. Affects any shield techniques that increase fortitude.

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© Ergo War, 2014-2019, permission of use to: Shinobi Nations

 

[Ergo War]

Denkakushi no Ha
Tooth of the Palace Comb

___Description:
___A favorite of infiltrators everywhere, the weapon known as a Palace Comb largely fell out of use due to the skill that handling it required. The comb was dropped and forgotten in favor of the sword, but recently scrolls have been uncovered detailing their proper use. New masters of the Palace Comb have risen, and the arts of the comb have been proliferated across the world. These new techniques—which focus solely on stealth and offense at the cost of defense—stand poised to revolutionize assassinations and battlefield conduct.
___Relevant Training: Palace Combs or other combs.

___Notes:
• Relevant training post reductions are doubled for this Style.
• Grants a Slight Increase to strength for every other stage mastered starting at the first stage. Additionally, gives a slight increase to speed for every other stage mastered starting at two. (Strength is granted at stages 1/3/5. Speed is granted at stages 2/4/6.)

___S t a g e O n e [ E ]
Toku [ Hair Untangling ]
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: A quick, stealthy removal of the comb from the hair. Is functionally silent and can only be noticed by sensory techniques of this technique’s rank or higher.

Wareme [ Interstice ]
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: A slash with the teeth of the comb or any other sharp part it has. Creates a very fine cut that disrupts Chakra flow along the path it takes, eliminating Chakra cost reductions for techniques up to its rank in the target. Can only be healed by healing techniques of its rank or higher, but is completely healed almost instantly in those cases.

___S t a g e T w o [ D ]
Nukege [ Hair Left on the Comb ]
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: The user runs the comb through a target’s hair and then twists, locking the comb in, allowing the user to easily grapple and maneuver the opponent. Removing the comb ends the technique. Gains a moderate bonus to strength if the opponent has curly or thick hair, or a supreme bonus if both.

Kamisori [ Razor Cut ]
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: A slice with the sharpened back of the comb, used to peel away defensive coverings. Reduces the fortitude of a defensive technique mildly per this technique’s rank, or ends it if this technique’s rank is greater. Deals damage to items and body parts used in defense. Causes no sound and cannot be felt if it does not hit flesh. Causes no changes to the defensive technique noticeable to sensory techniques less than this technique’s rank, unless the defense is ended this way.

___S t a g e T h r e e [ C ]
Shiramitsubushi [ Fine-Toothed Search ]
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: Severely reduces the effectiveness of any technique-based boosts to weapons. If the teeth of the comb are run over a weapon or body part that’s been boosted with a technique, the technique’s strength decreases mildly per this technique’s rank, or ends if this technique’s rank is higher. If it hits something not boosted by a technique, it flays that thing.

Tsuuka [ Pass Through ]
Rank: X :: Spiritual
Description: By running a Chakra-infused comb across a technique designed to impede the user’s movement, that technique can be rewritten to specifically exclude the user from its effects, allowing them to pass through it as though it were not active. Only affects techniques up to this technique’s rank.

___S t a g e F o u r [ B ]
Rihatsushikou [ Barber-ism ]
Rank: X :: Spiritual
Description: Coats the user’s comb hand in Chakra, increasing the speed of comb techniques mildly per this technique’s rank. Additionally, the comb cannot be separated from the user’s hand unless deliberately relinquished and cannot hurt the user. Technique lasts for one post per rank.

Gishi [ Fake Tooth ]
Rank: B :: Spiritual
Description: Doubles the number of comb’s teeth using Chakra, turning it into a fine-tooth comb for two posts. While active, any offensive comb techniques gain a heavy bonus to strength.

___S t a g e F i v e [ A ]
Kushi Zendan [ Comb Shearing ]
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: The user swipes the comb through the Chakra of a Ninjutsu technique, applying any elemental properties of the technique to the comb for three posts at the technique’s rank in strength. Is only effective on techniques at or below this technique’s rank. If the effects of Ninjutsu are boosted, so are the effects of this technique.

Uragiri [ Betrayal ]
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: A swipe attack with the teeth of the comb used to bypass armor and armor techniques. The user extends the teeth of the comb with Chakra, allowing them to pass through armor mostly unchanged and strike at the flesh underneath. The difference between this technique’s rank and the strength of the armor is used to determine damage to the flesh, with a one rank difference corresponding with a D-Rank amount of damage, a two rank difference with a C-Rank amount, etc. Does not interfere with the armor. Ignores fortitude bonuses on armor techniques.

___S t a g e S i x [ S ]
Denkakukushi no Tanou [ Versatility of the Palace Comb ]
Rank: X :: Spiritual
Description: Imbues the comb with a special blend of Chakra that reacts to how the user moves to optimize the comb’s compatibility with those movements. For six posts, this technique allows the comb to be used with any other Bukijutsu technique up to this technique’s rank, so long as it comes from a style requiring a blade. If used with a Style compatible with short blades and knives, any complex techniques of that style cost only Stamina for use with the comb affected by this technique.

Suijaku [ Debility ]
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: The user holds the head of their comb in their hand, teeth pointed outward, and brings that hand up to their chest. The teeth of the comb are not charged with Chakra immediately, but whenever they come into contact with someone, a small burst of Chakra is sent into them, dealing lasting but almost imperceptible damage to them. For 3 posts after activation, every time the teeth of the user’s comb comes into contact with someone, that person suffers a slight reduction to one of their stats (chosen by the user) for 3 posts. While that stat is reduced this way, it does not gain any benefits from stances.

Tagei no Shitanarashi [ Versatility Training ]
Rank: S :: Training
Description: The user practices any knife-wielding techniques known with the comb. After this training, the user’s combs can be used with knife or dagger Bukijutsu, but only if the comb has a sharpened handle. This training is completely optional.

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© Ergo War, 2015-2019, permission of use to: Shinobi Nations

 

[Ergo War]

Kanboku
Brush and Ink

___Description:
___Among the many scrolls and books recovered from abandoned temples were manuals of calligraphy. Initially, they appeared to be nothing important, but further study revealed that they were actually manuals of self-defense designed for court scribes, and it has been speculated that the scrolls found their way to temples during transitions between old regimes, when new feudal lords would oust everyone from the old regime. Scribes who were unable to find employment elsewhere would occasionally wind up in monasteries, where the scrolls were presumably turned over. Designed for those who lack the strength to defend themselves with sheer force, this Style focuses on finesse and manipulation of inner energies, and time will tell if the attempts to adapt it to combat have succeeded.
___Relevant Training: Brushes, Soft Mental, Hard Mental.

___Notes:
• Requires a calligraphy brush or any kind of paint brush.
• Techniques in this Style can be learned (in order) as Formless Techniques by characters who do not otherwise gain a Taijutsu or Bukijutsu Style (excluding by Personal Attribute).
• If used with ink-based Jutsu, any Chakra costs of techniques in this Style are reduced by half to a minimum of 5 Chakra.
• Practitioners of this Style can use both the Hard and Soft Mental Formless Styles simultaneously, with the effects stacking up to the rank of the highest learned technique in this Style. Concentration posts must still be done separately.

___S t a g e O n e [ E ]
Naderu [ Brush Gently ]
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: A simple stroke of the brush, designed to deflect an incoming attack. Each different technique interacted with this way counts as a full post of concentration for either the Hard or the Soft Mental Formless Style, but not both at the same time.

Kaimon [ Channel ]
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: Allows the user to leave trails along the path of the brush stroke in whatever element the user imbues it with. Trails will affect all brush strokes for one post per rank, and will make any offensive or defensive brush-based techniques up to this technique’s rank the chosen element. If used with ink, the ink becomes imbued with the element and will retain it if used with ink-based techniques for the duration of this technique.

___S t a g e T w o [ D ]
Oshinokeru [ Brush Aside ]
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: The fundamental disarming technique of the style. By pressing the brush against the side of the opponent’s weapon, the opponent will find their weapon slipping from their grasp. The rank of this technique must be higher than any weapon anchoring techniques in use by the opponent to work. For each rank over any anchoring techniques active on the opponent’s weapon, this technique confers the user one post’s worth of concentration for either the Hard or Soft Mental Formless Style, but not both at the same time.

Fude Kyouka [ Brush Reinforcement ]
Rank: X :: Spiritual
Description: The user reinforces their brush with Chakra, allowing the brush to withstand attacks up to the rank of this technique. Additionally, the brush is anchored to the user’s hand and cannot be forcibly removed by a technique less than this technique’s rank. Lasts for 4 posts per rank.

Geibun [ Art and Literature ]
Rank: X :: Spiritual :: Stance
Description: The user holds their brush in front of themselves as though they were about to begin writing or painting with it. While in this position, the user can turn their concentration into inspiration, allowing them to make all simple brush techniques executed from this position treated as spiritual for the post. Costs its rank in upkeep every post this benefit is gained and prevents the user from gaining any posts of concentration toward a Mental Formless style during that post. Only affects techniques below this technique’s rank.

___S t a g e T h r e e [ C ]
Efude [ Paint Brush ]
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: Coats anything stroked with the tip of the brush in a heavy ink. Anyone trying to use a weapon or other item with this ink on it loses any descriptive bonuses to all physical stats. Requires ink to be on the brush. Ink can be washed away with alcohol, but is spread by water.

Fudearai [ Brush Washing ]
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: The user swings the brush, launching any ink on it toward the enemy in the path of the brush. Has a range of half a meter per rank. Requires ink to be on the brush. Ink can be washed away with alcohol, but is spread by water.

Sumi ni Hitasu [ Dip in Ink ]
Rank: X :: Spiritual
Description: Coats the brush tip in ink that automatically replenishes for three uses per rank. If the brush is small (i.e. standard brush size, not giant), the number of uses per rank increases to four.

___S t a g e F o u r [ B ]
Bosabosa [ Brush Bristles ]
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: When faced with an incoming projectile attack, whether Ninjutsu or otherwise, the user points the tip of the brush at the attack and rolls the brush in their hand. The hairs of the brush part and form a shield that redirects the attack around the user. Only effective against techniques its rank or lower. For each rank over the blocked technique, this technique confers the user one post’s worth of concentration for either the Hard and/or Soft Mental Formless Styles.

Harainokerukoto [ Brushing Away ]
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: The user draws a single stroke on a Chakra form of some kind, be it armor or an incoming attack. Techniques without a listed duration are dispersed immediately, and those with a duration greater than one post disperse on the target’s next turn. Can only affect techniques of the same rank or lower. Requires ink to be on the brush.

Gyounen [ Mental Concentration ]
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: The user employs all of the info they have gathered over the battle to increase their odds of survival. The user may reduce their number of accumulated posts toward the Hard and/or Soft Mental Formless Styles to channel a Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, or Fuuinjutsu they know through the brush, additionally imbuing it with that technique's properties for three posts similar to [Kaimon: Channeling]. Up to one accumulated post can be used this way per this technique's rank. Any costs associated with the Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, or Fuuinjutsu activated this way must be paid if they exceed the cost of this technique (treat Chakra and Stamina as the same when determining costs). Additional posts of concentration cannot be gained until the end of the user's next post. {Clarification: This technique essentially allows Nin/Gen/Fuuin to instead use Stamina and a post of concentration instead of chakra to cast. A pool of the equivalent rank is made upon use i.e 80 Stamina becomes a pool of 80 Chakra. Techniques can then be used drawing from said pool until the pool runs out, when it runs out if the duration is still active Stamina may still continue to be used to use the techniques}

___S t a g e F i v e [ A ]
Sumi no Hasaki [ Ink Blade Edge ]
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: The user draws a figure in the air, leaving behind a trail of ink. The ink will hang in the air for one post per the technique’s rank, and will cut anything that comes into contact with it with a sharpness equal to one rank below this technique's rank.

Nouhitsu [ Skilled Calligrapher ]
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: Burns Stamina to give a boost to the user’s mental faculties. Grants the user one post’s worth of concentration per rank of this technique, with the sum total distributed as the user desires between the Hard and Soft Mental Formless Styles. Can only be used once per post.

Ryoukibungaku [ Literature of the Bizarre ]
Rank: X :: Spiritual :: Stance
Description: The user stands with their arms and legs close together, seemingly shrinking away from any physical engagement. Increases the limit for Reflex slightly per rank. Techniques designed around evading or fleeing are treated as spiritual while in an area coated by ink and can be paid for with any combination of Chakra and Stamina. Upkeep of this technique’s rank is paid every post.

___S t a g e S i x [ S ]
Bungou [ Literary Master ]
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: Allows for ink-based techniques up to this technique’s rank to be activated without hand signs, so long as ink is on the brush. Lasts for three posts.

Seichi na Tonton [ Sound of Subtle Tapping ]
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: A sharp tap with the back end of the brush on an incoming physical technique or a hard surface. Can be used to deflect techniques, but is intended for use with Ninjutsu and Genjutsu; sound-based Ninjutsu and Genjutsu can be activated at the same time as this technique without consuming an additional activation.

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© Ergo War, 2015-2019, permission of use to: Shinobi Nations

 

[Ergo War]

Kanadzuchi no Ryuusei
Iron Hammer, the Falling Star

___Description:
___Long ago, a great philosopher said: “If you have a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.” That person was correct. The Seven Swordsmen of the Mist took the idea of a hammer a step further, chaining a hammer to an axe to create the Kabutowari [ Helmet Splitter ]. Some denizens of Iwagakure found this to be a rather ham-handed way to address the problem of not having enough nails to go around, and in response tried to create a weapon school that treated everything as a nail, taking literally the saying of the great philosopher. This is that Style.
___Relevant Training: Any hammers, any warhammers.

___Notes:
• On many techniques in this Style, a maximum speed is indicated. This is the maximum speed the technique can function at if the practitioner has not completed the Kikkyo [ Diligence ] training, and does not account for speed modifications through Hashu [ Grip ]
• Gains a slight increase to strength with every mastered stage for a total of a supreme increase upon mastery..

___S t a g e O n e [ E ]
Manriki Burabura [ Weighted Swing ]
Rank: E :: Training
Description: The user practices basic swings with their hammer of choice, shifting the location of their grip to get used to swinging the hammer at different lengths. Following this training, all Simple techniques in this Style and related Formless techniques are treated as Complex.

Hashu [ Grip ]
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: The user changes where they’re holding the hammer mid-swing to give a strike some extra speed or power. Holding the handle closer to the head of the hammer reduces the power of the swing but increases the speed; holding near the end of the handle increases power at the cost of speed. For every rank of this technique, the swing gains one rank in either power or speed and loses a rank in the other. Does not consume any activations, and cannot be used at a rank that would decrease either the strength or speed of a technique below E-Rank or increase it above S-Rank.

Kyouji [ Pride ]
Rank: X :: Simple :: Stance
Description: The user rests the handle of their hammer on their shoulder and stands up tall, seemingly exuding pride and self-confidence. Whether it’s a purely psychological effect or if it’s based n some quirk of the body, no one quite knows, but this seems to bring out some of the user’s latent strength. Increases the limit for Strength descriptive increases mildly per rank. Upkeep of this technique’s rank is paid every post.

___S t a g e T w o [ D ]
Tonderu Kougeki [ Jumping Strike ]
Rank: D :: Complex
Description: The user swings down with the hammer using a burst of Chakra to increase the force behind the strike, launching the user into the air upon impact. Affords a “supremely” bonus to any hammer-based technique used in conjunction with it, but propels the user upward two meters for every rank in power the accompanying technique has.
Max Speed: D-Rank.

Komawari [ Tight Turn ]
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: Allows the user to change the direction of one of his or her strikes up to ninety degrees without any loss in power, but only once per strike. Does not require the user be in contact with the ground. This technique’s rank matches the rank of the strike that is being redirected, minus one.

___S t a g e T h r e e [ C ]
Ooishitsubushi [ Boulder Crush ]
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: A sharp, Chakra-infused downward smash with the hammer. Upon impact, Chakra diffuses through the struck object, causing deep fissures to appear in a wide area around the strike. The area affected starts as a circle 1 meter across and extends a meter down, increasing by a meter in both directions for every rank above E-Rank. When used on a surface of stone or hardened earth, the surface is blown apart into loose pebbles or dirt, respectively. This technique is treated as being a rank higher for dealing with Doton techniques that use those materials.
Max Speed: C-Rank.

Hiun [ Flying Cloud ]
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: An upward swing designed to break through an opponent’s guard and send them flying. For each rank of strength, this technique sends an opponent upward two meters upon contact.
Max Speed: B-Rank.

Kanadzuchi Nobeokuri [ Iron Hammer Burial ]
Rank: C :: Complex
Description: A downward strike intended to be used on the ground. By swinging downward with great force, the user buries the head of the hammer in the ground and sends up a dust cloud 5 meters across. If it comes into contact with organic matter, this strike will cause the organism to rupture radially outward at the point of impact.
Max Speed: C-Rank.

___S t a g e F o u r [ B ]
Uchikonda Kugi [ Driven Nail ]
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: Upon striking a person, other creature, or object, the user sends a shockwave of Chakra around the surface of whatever was struck and directly into whatever surface is below, making that surface crumble away. Typically buries something by moving it two meters straight downward on soft ground, though different surface hardness will cause changes in this amount. Rank varies based on the size of the thing being buried, with B-Rank being most effective on people and S-Rank most effective on large summons. Has no effect if the target is not touching the ground.
Max Speed: B-Rank.

Chuuseishisei [ Neutron Star ]
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: A spinning strike that is hardly slowed by most defenses. Negates any descriptive bonuses to fortitude in any technique it strikes. If used at a higher rank than the opponent’s defenses, this technique will simply continue without slowing or weakening for up to two full posts afterward, or until the user stops it.
Max Speed: C-Rank.

Gekitsui [ Shooting Down ]
Rank: B :: Spiritual
Description: A technique used to launch a target not touching the ground. When used alongside a strike, this technique converts the destructive force of the strike to a display of overwhelming strength by sending the target flying. Launches the enemy 3 meters in any direction per rank of the paired strike, inflicting the damage of the strike to the target should anything interrupt the movement.
Max Speed: B-Rank.

___S t a g e F i v e [ A ]
Kabutowari Aratame [ Helmet Splitter, mk. II ]
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: An armor removal technique named mockingly after the Kabutowari, one of the swords used by the Seven Swordsman of the Mist. This technique is a Chakra-infused strike designed to disrupt the connections holding armor together. Against physical armor, this technique causes the armor’s joints to shatter and the set to fall apart; against Chakra-based armor techniques, however, it causes the technique to be disrupted and disperse outward in a 1 meter radius burst.
Max Speed: D-Rank.

Kikkyo [ Diligence ]
Rank: A :: Training
Description: A particularly grueling form of training used only with hammers weighing more than 50kg, wherein the practitioner uses the hammer to perform techniques as quickly as possible and for as long as possible. Doing so sets the maximum speed for all techniques in this Style at one rank lower than the highest trained rank of the practitioner’s Hard Physical Formless Style.

___S t a g e S i x [ S ]
Waisei [ Dwarf Star ]
Rank: S :: Spiritual
Description: Coats the user in invisible Chakra threads that conduct the shock and recoil of the hammer’s impacts to the ground, negating recoil damage both to the user and to the weapon, if it is brittle. As a result, the ground around the user’s feet suffers damage as though hit by an attack two ranks lower than any impacts made by the hammer. As a side effect, the momentum of any hammer techniques the user employs does not disappear immediately, adding half the speed ranking of the user’s previous hammer technique to the next one. Lasts for six of the user’s posts. Functions only on the ground.

Ryuusei [ Falling Star ]
Rank: Complex :: S-Rank
Description: A technique designed around treating entire problem areas as nails. After launching into the sky, the user becomes cloaked in a bright, shining Chakra and starts to rapidly plummet toward the ground, hammer outstretched. After falling for two posts, the user slams into the ground (or any other suitably durable surface) hammer-first, sending out a shockwave that tears up the earth in a massive area. Devastates an entire thread, as well as any adjacent threads and any locations contained within the areas affected (e.g. shops, homes, etc.). Drains half of the user’s Chakra and Stamina; for each 1000 total Chakra and Stamina drained this way, one extra thread above and below the area of impact is affected. Can only be used once per month without killing the user.

Suisei [ Comet ]
Rank: S :: Simple :: Stance
Description: The user bends their knees to drop their center of mass and grips the handle of their hammer with both hands, their dominant at its center of gravity and their off-hand at the end of the handle. Whether the head of the hammer points toward or away from the opponent is largely dependent on the user (and may be referred to as “forward” and “reverse” variants, respectively, by martial arts snobs), but the effect remains the same: increased speed, as much as such a heavy weapon can afford. Raises the limit to the speed of techniques in this style by one rank. Simple techniques used under the maximum trained ranks of both the user’s Hard Physical and Hammer Formless styles are treated as complex. Upkeep of this technique’s rank is paid every post.

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© Ergo War, 2015-2019, permission of use to: Shinobi Nations

 

[Ergo War]

Kamakiri no Tsume
Claw of the Mantis

___Description:
___The Kamakiri no Tsume [ Claw of the Mantis ] weapon school originates in the Land of Rivers, where it was begun as a way to teach farming youth discipline and control with a scythe and rose to prominence during a particularly bloody conflict between the farmers and miners over land rights. It employs the scythe as a tool of war and emphasizes quick, sharp movements and precise footwork. Purists of the school view the Style as a tool to explore the relationships between people, nature, and conflict, and many historians look to the history of the Style to learn more about the climate in the Land of Rivers. Following a recent shift in the policy of the grandmasters, documents of teachings from the school have been made available to Shinobi and Samurai alike in the hope of fostering peace.
___Relevant Training: Any scythes, Soft Physical.

___Notes:
• Grants a Slight Increase to speed for every other stage mastered starting at the first stage. Additionally, gives a slight increase to strength for every other stage mastered starting at two. (Speed is granted at stages 1/3/5. Strength is granted at stages 2/4/6.)

___S t a g e O n e [ E ]
Nouka no Kamae [ Stance of the Farmer ]
Rank: X :: Simple :: Stance
Description: The most basic of stances. The practitioner stands with their feet about shoulder-width apart, with the non-dominant foot placed slightly in front of the dominant one. The blade end of the scythe should be toward the ground, with the opposite end of the handle held with the end at about the practitioner’s eye level. Increases the limit of Strength descriptive increases slightly per rank. Increases the Strength of scythe techniques slightly for every two ranks of this technique, starting at D-Rank (slightly at D, mildly at B, etc.). Upkeep of this technique’s rank is paid every post.

Kari [ Trim ]
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: A very short-term, low-durability sharpening technique that has been applied to a single swing of the scythe. When used against unarmored entities, this technique gains a mild strength bonus per rank.

Sotogake [ Outside Trip ]
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: The user hooks the scythe blade behind the enemy’s legs and pulls to trip them. This technique causes no damage unless the target tries to forcibly resist the movement; in that case, it inflicts damage as a technique of one rank higher. Causes no damage to opponents who succumb to, move with, or evade the technique.

___S t a g e T w o [ D ]
Karekusa no Kamae [ Stance of the Dry Grass ]
Rank: X :: Simple :: Stance
Description: A stance similar to the Nouka no Kamae [ Stance of the Farmer ], except that the user bends their knees and rests the hilt of their scythe against their collar bone, blade side by the head. While in this stance, all Soft Physical movements made with the scythe in hand up to this technique’s rank are treated as complex for interactions with other techniques. Upkeep of this technique’s rank is paid every post.

Tsujikaze [ Whirlwind ]
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: A simple spinning motion with the scythe, intended to blend in with the user’s movements. It is a combination defensive and offensive technique designed to deflect and counter attacks and other offensive movements. Is counted as a rank lower than its cost both offensively and defensively. If used in conjunction with a Soft Physical Formless movement, this penalty is negated and this technique consumes no activations during the movement.

Toppuu [ Squall ]
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: The user thrusts the blunt end of the scythe at the enemy or a surface with enough force to launch the user and the enemy back one meter per rank. When used against a solid surface, causes equivalent damage to the surface. If paired with an attack that hooks into the enemy, the attack gains a full rank in power but is no more difficult to evade.

___S t a g e T h r e e [ C ]
Kan no Kamae [ Stance of the Hollow Stem ]
Rank: X :: Simple :: Stance
Description: A wide stance with the blade end of the scythe held outward, the blade pointed toward the enemy. This stance is typically recognized as the “war” stance by non-practitioners, as it places heavy emphasis on offense. While in this stance, the practitioner’s scythe-based attacks up to this technique’s rank are not affected by passive descriptive bonuses to an opponent’s defensive techniques. Upkeep of this technique’s rank is paid every post.

Satsushobun [ Culling ]
Rank: X :: Spiritual
Description: A flooding of the limbs and scythe with Chakra, allowing the user to use either the Scythe or Soft Physical Formless Style to perform any techniques under either heading. Lasts for one post per rank of the technique and only affects Soft Physical or Scythe Formless techniques up to its rank.

Katsuramuki [ Rotary Cutting ]
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: A swing infused with Chakra that has been contained inside the blade of the scythe. Upon contact with an object or person, the Chakra immediately discharges and wraps around the target’s form, inflicting damage in a closed loop that begins and ends at the point of impact. Can be used in conjunction with other strikes without consuming an extra activation if the accompanying strike is at or below the user’s highest trained rank in the Scythe Formless Style. Cannot be detected by sensory techniques and sensors below this technique’s rank before the Chakra’s release.

___S t a g e F o u r [ B ]
Nogusa no Kamae [ Stance of the Wild Grass ]
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: A stance that is more dangerous for an unskilled practitioner than any other stance in this Style. The practitioner assumes a very wide, deep stance with the non-dominant leg forward, the blade end of the scythe resting between the legs, the non-dominant hand lower and closer to the body on the handle than the dominant hand. While in this stance, the reach of the practitioner’s scythe is half its normal reach, but the practitioner gains an extra supplementary activation per post. The extra activation can only be used with techniques below this stance’s rank. Upkeep of this technique’s rank is paid every post.

Housaku [ Abundant Harvest ]
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: A rapid upward slash with the scythe blade that sends out a wave of shearing Chakra along the scythe’s path for up to 3 meters. The Chakra wave can be treated as the user’s primary element if doing so would be beneficial. The user is not immune to this Chakra wave, so caution is advised.

Kyousaku [ Poor Harvest ]
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: A sharp downward slash with the scythe. Upon impact with anything solid, a wave of Chakra is released from the scythe’s blade in the direction of its edge with a range of 1 meter per rank. The Chakra wave can be treated as the user’s secondary element (if any) if doing so would be beneficial. The user is not immune to this Chakra wave, so caution is advised.

___S t a g e F i v e [ A ]
Kareobana no Kamae [ Stance of the Withered Silver Grass ]
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: The practitioner stands with their feet even and shoulder-width apart, the scythe held vertically at their side. While maintaining this stance, the practitioner’s movements become difficult to read, preventing the opponent’s accumulation of posts for the Hard and Soft Mental Formless Styles and preventing the copying of the practitioner’s movements by any means. Doujutsu used by characters of Body Ranks lower than this technique’s rank cannot predict the user’s movements. Only effective against opponents with body ranks at or lower than this stance’s rank. Upkeep of this technique’s rank is paid every post.

Mondori [ Somersault ]
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: The user jumps, spinning so as to bring the scythe blade down on the opponent from overhead. Shatters solid defenses—like medium and heavy armors—on impact if used at or above B-Rank and gains two descriptive ranks in strength per rank of the user’s trained Soft Physical Formless Style when used against defensive techniques.

Tengukaze [ Sudden Gust ]
Rank: X :: Simple
Description: If the blade of the user’s scythe is buried or stuck in something, the user can use leverage to dislodge it and roll right into another technique. Confers two descriptive ranks of speed per rank to the next technique used after it and can launch the user up to one meter away per rank. Considered a full rank higher in strength against techniques designed to immobilize the weapon.

___S t a g e S i x [ S ]
Kamakiri no Hishou [ Flight of the Mantis ]
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: An exceptionally quick, linear slash. The user leaps forward with scythe in hand, flooding their legs and arms with Chakra for a short boost to speed and strength for offensive techniques. This technique has a range of up to ten meters and gains a mild boost to speed and strength per rank.

Kamakiri no Tsume [ Claw of the Mantis ]
Rank: X :: Complex
Description: A swing of the scythe that simultaneously launches a flurry of strikes formed out of Chakra. These additional strikes follow the shape of the scythe swing and retain all bonuses that the original has, but are one rank lower and can be rotated up to 180 degrees from the original swing’s orientation. Gains one additional strike per rank.

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© Ergo War, 2015-2019, permission of use to: Shinobi Nations