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Chi Arts

These Disciplines allow a Kuei-jin to evoke mystical effects through redirection of his Chi (or, in some cases, others' Chi or the ambient Chi in the environment). Most Chi Arts allow the channeling of Chi (Yin or Yang) into various tangible effects or augmentations. Kuei-jin commonly study four Chi Arts: Equilibrium (balancing and imbalancing Chi in theirown bodies), Tapestry (manipulating ambient Chi), Yin Parana (manipulation of internal Yin), and Yang Prana (manipulation of internal Yang). Many Kuei-jin scholars consider the Shintai Disciplines of Bone and Flesh to be Chi Arts of Yin and Yang, respectively.

Kuei-jin using Chi Arts create mystical "eddies" and other disruptions in the Mirror Lands. Particularly potent uses of Chi might cause reverberations that affect the spirit world for days or even leave long-lasting "Tracks" marking the vampire's presence in the area. A botch on any Chi Discipline attracts hostile spirits, who are displeased with the vampire's rude disturbance of their surroundings.

It should be noted that most Kindred Disciplines are considered extremely "unnatural" by Kuei-jin. Kindred call on their Blood gracelessly and recklessly, with little concern for what they are trying to do; as such, Kindred warp and bend Chi flows whenever they practice their arts. Although these are no mechanical effects as such, Kindred Disciplines produce ripples and rents in the Middle Kingdom's ambient Chi, and these disruptions are uncomfortable and disturbing to spirits and sensitive Kuei-jin alike. As far as many Kuei-jin are concerned, unrestrained use of Kindred Disciplines speeds up the Great Cycle's deterioration, which is yet another reason these impudent foreigners should be ousted from the Middle Kingdom - or destroyed outright -- as soon as possible



Some Kuei-jin powers manifest as clouds, sprays, flame gouts or other projectile forms.



The Discipline of Equilibrium allows the vampire to regulate and redirect the flow of Chi in her body. Masters of Equilibrium commonly concern themselves with maintaining proper Chi balance in their systems; conversely, though, Equilibrium can be used to create grotesque Chi imbalances in individuals who displease the user. Most abilities require a touch, and this Discipline may not affect ghosts and spirits unless the vampire had other Disciplines enabling her to touch such beings.

- Master Flow: Vampires with Equilibrium quickly master the basic processes of regulating chi flows in their bodies.

- Adjust Balance: By touching a victim, a vampire may adjust the Chi levels in that victim's body. A target may be overwhelmed with Yin or Yang, or an imbalanced being may be restored.

- Shift the Balance: With this power, a vampire may regulate the levels of Chi in her own body. She may attune herself to Yin or Yang and become a conductor for positive or negative energy.

- Chi Interrupt: A vampire at this level of power may interrupt the flow of Chi through another being. This interruption causes spasms and, if the Chi points are hit properly, total paralysis.

- Chi Mastery: This power is one of the most feared Kuei-jin arts, for with it, a vampire becomes master of the Chi in others' bodies. With a touch, a vampire can bleed the Chi from a victim or can corrupt the Chi flow, rendering the victim deflied.


Just as mortal fang shih can manipulate the Middle Kingdom's Chi forces through geomancy, so can certain erudite Kuei-jin use the Discipline of Tapestry to manipulate dragon lines more directly. Through the practice of Tapestry, the vampire attunes himself to Yin and Yang forces in the wind, water and soil, then manipulates those forces for a variety of effects.

- Spirit Call: The vampire first learns to manipulate the threads of the spirit world. By weaving them in interesting (or annoying) fashion, the vampire can attempt to lure a nearby spirit. In this manner, the spirits of rocks and streams -- or the ghosts of the dead -- may awaken and answer the vampire's call.

- Chi Ward: The vampire may manipulate ambient dragon lines in the area, weakening or strengthening the area's Wall.

- Chi-Shaping: At this level, the vampire has become more adept in her control over Chi lines. She can weave local dragon lines into various shapes, creating invisible skeins, walls, nets, and even traps of spirit energy, which can have profound effects on the environment.

- Ride the Dragon: The vampire may tap into a local draong line and ride its Chi flow, effectively teleporting herself from place to place. Kuei-jin typically use this power to travel from one population center's dragon nest to another. In this manner, Kuei-jin courts can extend their influence over vast geographical areas.

- Chi Rift: This art allows the vampire to strengthen Yin and Yang lines to such a degree that he opens a portal between the Middle Kingdom and the Fabric of the Yin or Yang World. This portal causes devastating effects on the immediate environment, as raw spiritual energy torrents out of the spirit worlds into the Middle Kingdom. These "storms" of spirit force start out small, but most quickly blossom beyond the vampire's control to become devastating whirlwinds of elemental energy.

This power causes severe stress on both the Middle Kingdom and the spirit worlds. It is not undertaken lightly; reckless use of Chi Rift is clear grounds for severe punishment, by Kuei-jin and engraged spirits alike. Certain akuma are whispered to open rifts to the Yama Kings' Hells via this power, but such uses are inauspicious as we will not speak of them further here.



Kuei-jin are taught many exercise and rituals to calm, evoke and control their Chi. The most astute vampires study the ways of the Yin or Yang Prana. The Yang Prana is actually a series of increasingly more difficult forms and postures, which gradually allow a vampire to channel more and more of his Yang.

Study of the Yang Prana requires great vigor and flexibility. Additionally, use of any of these powers required relatively free and uninhibited motion; a bound vampire, for example, may use none of the Yang Prana powers.

- Principle of Motion: Yang is the basis of motion and activity. The vampire calls forth his internal Yang energy, allowing it to flow through him and augment his actions. Some vampiric combat masters routinely slay their foes with iajutsu strikes before the foe can even react, let alone defend.

- Yang Mantle: The vampire first learns how to evoke her animus, an aura of Chi that she can will about herself. This animus, or mantle, is invisible to mortals, but it feels to them like electricity in the air. Observers using Chi Sight, Aura Perception or similar powers can see it clearly. To such mystic perception, the animus often appears as a spiritual double of the vampire, although some vampires manifest anima in the shape of zodiacal beasts or objects of Dharmic significance. If the P'o is dominant, the animus typically resembles the character's Demon Shintai avatar, though the P'o can will the animus to appear as a shapeless mass of Chi energy.

- Dragon Dance: Through a series of wild leaps, acrobatic katas and yogic posturings, the vampire enters a battle trance. He is capable of impressive combat feats while in this state.

- Eightfold Yang Mantle: By whirling and twisting, the vampire refines her animus about her, then shapes it into whatever form she desires.

- Semblance of the Scarlet Queen: The vampire floods his entire body with Yang energy in one mighty pulse, transforming him into Yang-substance. In this form, the vampire essentially distills himself to his spirit nature; he may walk among the clouds and treat with the lords of the Yang word.



This Discipline, the counterpart to the Yang Prana, allows the vampire to tap into and manipulate her internal Yin energy. Like Yang Prana, Yin Prana relies on motions and postures to utilize the various powers, but these motions are a far cry from the frenzied katas of the Yang Prana. Yin Prana motions are slow, graceful and deliberate. Nonetheless, as with th eYang PRana, wielders of this Discipline must have relative freedom of movement.

For students of the Yin Prana, absolute control is essential. Disciples are well aware that, improperly channeled, Yin energy can generate chaos and death. Yin Prana students often spend entire weeks locked into painfully rigid postures. As with the Yang Prana, the Yin Prana is a complicated endeavor.

- Shrouded Moon: By concentrating on her Yin energy, then attuning it to the shadows around her, the vampire may become invisible and silent, like a shadow under a new moon. This art is exceedingly useful to Kuei-jin; who use it to sneak up on their prey like the ninja of old.

- Yin Mantle: The power is identical to the Yang Mantle power, save that the vampire conjures forth the essence of her Yin.

- Bone Dance: Through a series of slow, languorous mudras and postures, the vampire focuses her Yin energy into a series of concentrated waves that permeate the surrounding area. All within the area begin to grow lethargic, eventually becoming highly suggestible.

- Eightfold Yin Mantle: The vampire calls forth a crackling black aura of Yin energy, then shapes it into constructs of her desire. Objects created in this manner typically appear to be made of a black, icy substance. Clever vampires use this power to conjure all sorts of useful and deadly toys.

- Semblance of the Ebon Dragon: the vampire channels yin through her corpse to transform her entire body into a cloud of pure Yin energy. In this form, she is completely intangible, although she may travel the roads of the Dead and deal with the ghosts of the Dark Kingdom of Jade.

Shintai Disciplines

Shintai, a Japanese word meaning "god body," refers to those Disciplines in which vampires learn to focus Chi energy through their physical forms. The shintai are ancient arts that have disseminated throughout Kuei-jin society. Although similar in some respects to such Western arts as Protean and Vicissitude, the shintai are much more meticulous and systematically studied. Most vampires view mastery of a shintai as demonstrating a corresponding understanding of Chi principles, and thus a significant step toward mastery of self.

There are five commonly practiced shintai arts; each corresponds to one of the five elements of Chinese thought. Kuei-jin, being vampires, have adapted the five-element system into a schematic representative of their undead bodies; thus, for Cathayans, the five shintai are Blood (Water), Bone (Metal), Jade (Earth), Flesh (Wood), and Ghost-Flame (Fire).



The Blood Shintai Discipline, the Water element analog, concentrates on the ebb and flow of Chi through the character's circulatory system.

Blood Shintai disciples can be attuned to Yin, Yang, or Balance; in the view of a practitioner, Yin and Yang compos but one aspect of the cyclical flows that permeate eternity like blood through a body. As blood is in constant, yet regulated, motion, flowing from heart though veins to limbs, so Yin and Yang themselves are not rigid quantities, but ever-changing.

- Permeate: The disciple of the Blood Shintai first learns to manipulate gross quantities of blood within his body. The vampire may diffuse blood through his body, thereby swelling up in the manner of a puff adder; alternatively, he may concentrate his essence into his center, thereby appearing to shrivel. A vampire with sufficient control over his blood flow can squeeze through narrow cracks in the manner of an invertebrate, though such a process is arduous and time-consuming.

- Blood Atemi: By touching another creature, the vampire may move the blood in that being's body. This ability can cause all manner of detrimental effects, particularly to mortals.

- Flow Like Blood: The vampire instantly disperses Chi through her bloodstream into every molecule of her being. In so doing, she becomes as fluid as blood, and thus, preternaturally hard to strike. Although the vampire appears barely to move, perfectly aimed attacks simply miss her, bullets strike the wall behind her without touching her, etc.

- Bloodlash: With this power, the vampire uses Chi to coagulate his blood into a lethal weapon. The vampire extends a tendril of blood, then wields it like a liquid whip. The tendril is razor sharp, capable of slicing through flesh and metal with equal ease. Yin lashes are black and bubbling, while Yang lashes are bright red and hiss with roiling enery.

- Blood Awakening: At this level, the enlightened student can utilize his Chi-rich, blood for all manner of wondrous tasks. By sprinkling Yang-laden blood on an object, the vampire can awaken the spirit within the object, thus imbuing it with life. Alternatively, by spitting Yin-heavy blood on a spirit, the vampire can freeze the spirit in place, causing it to calcify and fall immediately out of the spirit world. Spirits snared in this manner resemble bizarre statues of pure white jade.



The Bone Shintai, the Metal element analog, is a frightening and forbidding art, the subject of speculation even among Kuei-jin. Closely tied to Yin, practitioners of the Bone Shintai use it to augment the corselike features of their bodies, to become awesome and terrible combatants.

Practitioners of the Bone Shintai commonly congregate in small wu of like-minded Kuei-jin, often honing their arts in sites of strong Yin, such a s burial grounds. Although not all practitioners are ch'ing shih, most grow heavily imbalanced to Yin over time. Certainly, Bond students are among the most frightening Kuei0jin to meet in combat.

- Corpse Skin: The student learns how to channel unwholesome Yin energies through his flesh, which becomes pallid and corpselike. While in this state, the vampire is preternaturally resistant to damage, much like a zombie.

- Whiter Tiger Corpse: The vampire forces Yin energy into her skin and bone marrow. By doing so, the vampire renders herself transparent and effectively invisible. This power does not affect clothing, weapons or other objects, though the vampire may "bleed" additionally Yin onto personal possessions to rend them invisible, too. Vampires using this power can occasionally be detected by the palpable chill they radiate.

- Bone Obedience: The Bone disciple, through selective manipulation of Chi, can cause his bone structure to calcify and grow like rock crystals. This power allows the diligent student to transform parts of his skeleton into all manner of useful tools.

- Five Poison Cloud: The vampire can exhale a breath or cloud of concentrated Yin. This cloud manifests as a mass of freezing black vapor. The cloud seethes with the destructive energies of raw Yin; within the cloud, metal corrodes, flesh rots and plants wither and die.

- Ch'ing Shih: The vampire may permeate her flesh and bones with Yin. This precipitates a grotesque transformation: The vampire's flesh turns a sickly gray, while her bones turn jet black. Her skin wrinkles and compresses around her bones. Her fangs grow long and drip venom, and black spikes jut from her back, joins and rib cage. Her entire body glows phosphorescently and sparks with Yin energy. This form is known as a ch'ing shih.



The Jade Shintai, the Earth element analog, teaches that all things, even vampires, are but temporary receptacles for the Chi that naturally flows from the Yin and Yang Worlds to the Middle Kingdom. The Jade Shintai bears similarities to the Equilibrium Discipline; rather than focusing her personal energies, however, the vampire becomes a conduit for the ambient Chi flows of the elements around her. In this state, the vampire gains properties similar to jade itself, which is reputed in legend to act as a "soul substance."

- Stand Upon the Dragon's Back: The vampire first learns to channel Chi from the Earth's natural flows into his body, and vice versa.

- Thread the thrashing Dragon's Tail: By polarizing her Chi in line with that of her surroundings, the vampire makes herself preternaturally deft and light. She may walk safely and steadily along the narrowest of ledges, the most unstable ground and even the surface of lakes or oceans. She may also jump long distances.

- Placate the Earth Dragon: By gently singing to the spirits of earth, stone and wood, the vampire may cast himself into their embrace. HE may sink into the protective earth, or he may walk through a wall or other impediment.

- Harnessing the Dragon's Breath: The vampire, by attuning his body to local streams of Chi, may actually fly along "updrafts" of energy. While in flight, the vampire may hold objects or even wield weapons.

- Jade Servant of the August Personage: The ultimate attuning of Chi to surroundings, this power draws upon the Five Element theory as well as great mastery of Chi. The vampire may channel spiritual energies of the classic Five Elements -- Water, Metal, Earth, Wood and Fire -- through his forum, thus gaining the properties of the element in the process. In so doing, the vampire's skin transforms, becoming hard and slick, as if the vampire were covered in liquid jade.

Vampires who attain this level of Jade Shintain often decorate their havens with artworks formed from the Five Elements in question, so that they might have access to them in times of trouble. The vampire must touch a sizable quantity of this element to be emulated.

* Black Tortoise - The vampire must touch a body of water at least the sieze of a large fish tank. The vampire's body is chilling to the touch.
*White Tiger - The vampire must touch a piece of metal at least as large as a human-size statue. The vampire's body crackles with static electricity.
*Yellow Emperor - The vampire must be in contact with the Earth. The vampire's body grows rock-hard. Anyone striking the vampire with bare fists, feet, etc, takes the damage inflicted upon the vampire.
*Azure Dragon - The vampire must touch a piece of wood at least the size of a door of sapling. Opponents striking the vampire with bare firsts, feet, etc, take the damage inflicted upon the vampire.
* Scarlet Phoenix - Tough -- the vampire must thrust his hand into a fire at least the size of a fireplace blaze. the vampire's bloods radiates heat.



The freakish Flesh Shintai is believed to have its roots in the jungles of the Golden Courts, although it has spread throughout the Middle Kingdom. As the Wood element analog, the Flesh Shintai allows a Kuei-jin to channel Yang energy through the medium of her corpse in order to augment and transform it.

Practitioners of this shintai typically group themselves into matriarchal covens. In some areas, vampires with great skill in the Discipline are referred to as penangallan. Penangallan typically attune themselves to Yang energy and, thus, appear to be relatively human -- until they demonstrate the powers inherent to the Discipline. Many penangallan adorn themselves with elaborate tattoos and jewelry, as they enjoy the feeling of metal or ink against the flesh.

- Long-Neck: The name of this power is somewhat misleading; the vampire can actually extend either her neck or limbs, sending them slithering over walls and around corners. The skin does not extend with the limbs, so onlookers experience the gruesome sight of the vampire's head or digit extending along a stringy thread of viscera and muscle tissue.

- Detach Limb: The power is one classically associated with the mythical penangallan. The vampire has mastered Chi to such an extend that she may separate a part of her life-force from the main reservoir. In this manner, she may actually detach a part of her body and allow it to act at range.

It is most commonly used to allow the head and guts to separate themselves from the vampire's trunk. Fold legends depict the resulting mass a capable of flight, although such a feat is possibly only in the Cathayan possesses the power of Harnessing the Dragon's Breath. Otherwise, the head-mass slithers/crawls along at the character's normal ground speed. It is capable of crawling up walls, ceilings, etc., though its passage leaves a bloody smear.

Limbs may likewise be detached. This function is most commonly reserved for hands; while a vampire is certainly capable of detaching its leg, imbuing it with life and allowing it to hop along under its own power, do so can prove somewhat useless and rather comical. Detached hands may prove quite useful, though, enabling the vampire to grab an out-of-reach item or strangle a victim at range. Again, unless the vampire has the power of Harnessing the Dragon's Breath, the hand is limited to scuttling along like a spider.

- Lotus Cloud: By combining internal chi with drawn breath, the vampire may exhale an opalescent cloud of euphoric Yang energy. All who breathe the vapors become dreamy, giggly and generally incoherent. This power does not affect vampires, spirits or other unliving things, but mortals and shapeshifters are susceptible.

- Pelesit: The vampire can construct small creatures from his body, detaching them and sending them out on various errands. These creatures are known as pelesit, and they prove exceedingly useful as spies. Pelesit typically appear as grotesque insects or deformed homunculi, though many vampires who master this power decorate their bodies in elaborate irezumi tattoos, then cause the tattoos themselves to animate at the Cathayan's bidding.

- Ten Thousand Forms: At this level of mastery, the vampire gains near-complete control over her shape. She can appear as nearly any type of person by changing skin, hair and body parameters, and can even sprout wings. She can also appear as an animal, so long as the animal is of roughly the same mass as the vampire.



The Ghost-Flame Shintai, the Fire element analog, allows its practitioners to evoke the "shade-time flame": raw Chi energy from the spirit worlds. This energy manifests as unearthly fire, which radiates from the vampires eyes, mouth, hands or entire body.

There are two types of Ghost-flae: the scorching Yang flame and the icy Yin flame. Yang flame burns red, blue, purple or other bright shades; Yin flame burns black, white, ice-blue or other lunar hues.

Masters of this shintai may utilize either, making this Discipline one of the most versatile and deadly.

Practitioners of Ghost-Flame are scattered throughout the Middle Kingdom, though there are relatively few in any given area. It is most prevalent in Japan; several Japanese vampire-warriors have mastered the hima form. To access the energy, a vampire learns to handle the searing pain involved in channeling the Chi energy through her body. Many practitioners bear permanent burn scars, testaments to mistakes made in training.

- Goblin Face: The vampire's eyes and mouth blaze with eeri Chi energy, which manifests as flame of the appropriate (Yin or Yang) color. When the vampire speaks, flames lick from her mouth. This power is exceedingly unnerving; most animals and many mortals flee when confronted by a vampire wielding Goblin Face.

- Goblin Spark: The vampire can conjure a piece of her Chi and send it forth from her body as Ghost-flame. At this level, the flame is not concentrated enough to burn, but it does sting or chill. All sorts of interesting effects are possible: lights, shapes, even pyrotechnic sparks. Skilled Ghost-Flame practitioners often entertain Kuei-jin courts during the vampires' few moments of levity.

- Goblin Shapes: The vampire develops more precise control over the flame emitted. He may emit larger quantities of flames and may configure the flame into all manner of complex shapes. These constructs are obviously of luminous spirit matter, but can comprise many colors; in the hands of an expert, Ghost-flame constructs can be useful illusions.

- Goblin Scorch: The vampire becomes a living (well, unead) flame-thrower, breathing a gout of Yin- or Yang-flame, like the dragons of early Ages.

- Goblin Lantern: With this spectacular power, the vampire can ignite her entire body, thus surrounding it in a corona of Chi dire. Keui0jin call this effect "the little sun," an apt name for what is surely one of the Cathayans' most deadly combat arts.

with sufficient Chi expenditure, the vampire can transform her entire body into Chi to become a round, glowing ball (Japanese Kuei-jin call it the hima). Such a display is terrifying, particularly for a P'o dominant vampire, who often manifests a leering, demonic face in the middle of the flame-ball.



This cluster of powers centers on Kuei-jin understanding of, and control over, the Hun and P'o souls. Kuei-jin who master the Soul Disciplines are truly formidable creatures, able to perform exceedingly difficult feats of will or to dominate other creatures' souls outright.

Vampires who study the Soul Disciplines take their calling very seriously. Perfection is thought and execution is demanded, for laxity allows the character's Demon to manifest itself.



The Soul Discipline is widely distrusted, even among the Kuei-jin. Practitioners of Cultivation learn various techniques for communing with and influencing the P'o -- their own and others'. To a master of Cultivation, the P'o is just another family member -- an unruly one that must occasionally be disciplined, but a useful member nonetheless. Indeed, many vampires skilled in Cultivation wear their P'o visage as often as their Hun Archetype.

Although disreputable, practitioners of Cultivation have become a necessary evil in the Fifth Age, particularly with the arrival of the Kin-jin. Given these newcomers' relative unfamiliarity with their Beasts, wielders of Cultivation are able to send them into howling frenzies with relative each. Unfortunately, give the unpredictable nature of the Cultivation Discipline, its users often suffer the same fate as their victims.

- Scrutinize: The student of Cultivation first learns to attune himself to the urges of the P'o, both in himself and in others. He becomes privy to the dark drives in mortals and shen alike.

- Cleave the Demon: The vampire learns how to separate her dual souls, thus clearly demarcating the Hun from the P'o. by doing so, she allows one soul to animate and control her body, while the other soul hovers nearby. Both souls can act in tandem, allowing the vampire to exercise a variety of useful options. However, the P'o remains its malevolent self and does everything in its power to cause harm and despair.

- Lash the Demon: A Cultivator at this level of erudition learns how to prod the good others' soul, to separate the Hun and P'o and force one of the other to the forefront of consciousness. This power resembles Cleave the Demon, above, but affects other creatures' souls.

- Yoke the Demon: The Cultivator may psychically reach into her dual soul, pluck the P'o from the Hun and subordinate the internal Demon. A Demon thus subordinated can be used to intimidate lesser creatures and watch for enemies.

Few things anger a P'o more than the use of this power. A Cathayan who routinely employs Yoke of the Demon may find herself in great peril the next time the P'o takes charge.

- Two Become One: A vampire who achieves this level of Cultivation can partly resolve the dual soul's dichotomy, as if he were mortal once more. This power can prove inspirational to Cathayans and provide a taste of the Golconda to come; unfortunately, the concomitant overconfidence can send them spiraling into depravity all the quick.



According to the sages, the dragons of the early Ages bore opalescent pearls in their foreheads. These pearls were the receptables and conduits of vast celestial power. Long ago, in happier Ages, the Kuei-jin developed this Discipline to emulate and pay homage to the dragons.

The Discipline received its name from the curious protuberance that develops on vampires who study ot. At the first and second levels, this organ appears to be a circular gemstone. At the third level, the stone becomes a third eye, similar in shape and colored to the vampire's original two. As the student advances in the Discipline, the eye develops and swells, so that by the time the student learns the fifth level of Chi'iu Muh, the eye is a great blazing orb in the center of the forehead. The eye always opens then the Discipline is activated; it is a permanent part of the vampire's physiology.

Even more so than Cultivation, Chi'iu Muh is greatly distrusted. Depending on which element of the soul is in control of the Kuei-jin, Chi'iu Muh can function as a Soul Discipline or a Demon Art. When the Hun is in control, this Discipline allows its wielder to repair wounded bodies and spirits. When the P'o dominates, Chi'iu Muh can be used to steal souls and ravage spirits.

Keui-jin ancestors whisper that a version of this art, alone among their secrets, has been stolen by the Kin-jin of the West. The First Disciple of Xue, the barbarian Zao-lat, learned the secrets of the third eye. Unfortunately, his understanding was imperfect, and his P;o quickly corrupted him. Banished from Xue's presence, Zao-lat crept back to the West, there to disseminate his evil knowledge among his childer.

- Rasa: The third eye, here, is in its most rudimentary stage of development. At this level, the vampire begins to experience visions of the Great Cycle, the spirit worlds and his possible future. The flashes can prove prophetic or even precognitive, enabling the vampire to predict impending events.

Vampires with this power have exceptionally rich dream lives. During daily slumber, they experience vivid nightmares of Yomi or rich visions of the spirit worlds. Often, these dreams provide clues to Dharmic understanding, or hints of the vampire's destiny. In the Fifth Age, these dreams have turned noticeably darker, creating a pall of gloom over many Cathayan courts.

- Chi Sight: At this level, the third eye's vision vastly enhances the vampire's normal powers of Ghostsight, Lifesight and Sharpened Sense. In essence, the entire invisible world of spirits and Chi opens to the vampire.

- Dragon Ward: The vampire widens the third eye and channels her Chi into a powerful ward of protection. Persons seeking to approach the vampire must engage her in a grueling psychic duel. This power also works similarly when used by Hun-and P'o-dominated vampires.

- Purification: The power, a legacy of nobler days, was used by the Wan Xian of old to cleanse their mortal subjects and domains of demonic taint. When a Cathayan uses this power, the third eye bathes the target in a luminous radiance, thus allowing the vampire to work healing magic on the target.

Of course, then the P'o is dominant, the third eye, instead, allows the injection of demonic energy into the target, with appropriately detrimental effects.

- Spirit-Eating: With this awesome power, the vampire may physically remove the soul from a victim's body. Hun-dominated vampires use this ability to work healing magic or set a tormented soul right, while P'o-dominated vampires use the art to devour souls outright. The vampire must be within 10 feet of the victim and must star into the victim's eyes with his third eye. The vampire, and anyone else using Chi sigh, can actually see the ghostly soul flow from the victim's body and enter the vampire's eye.



The dual soul can be a curse, but Kuei-jin who master Hun and P'o are capable of feats of will far surpassing anything their Kindred rivals can imagine. The Internalize Discipline centers on inner focus and control. Vampires who master it are rare, but capable of channeling their inner strength to perform seemingly impossible tasks. They are among the most controlled of all Kuei-jin.

The Internalize Discipline is as much a way of unlife as it is a simple set of powers. Over the centuries, it has influenced and been influenced by Zen and Taoist practices. Vampire who develop it must practice rigorous meditation, katas and exercises.

- No Mind: Through a series of meditative exercies, the vampire empties his Hun of all surface thoughts and gives himself over to direction by the All.

- Blood Yoga: Engaging in deep meditation, the vampire seeks to banish her ever-present nightmares and recharge her psychic reserves more quickly. Vampires with this power regain their mental focus far more readily than other creatures can.

- Distant Death Kata: The Kuei-jin forces herself to inhale while concentrating on a foe within line of sight. She must then hold the breath, focus and exhale while simultaneously executing a flawless strike to the empty air in front of her. If the attack is delivered properly, action and spirit become one, mystically delivering the force of the attack to the target.

- Iron Soul: The vampire at this level of mastery is a frightening opponent, for he has learned to channel his inner strength into the accomplishment of prodigious acts. Kuei-jin with Iron Soul can perform Herculean feats, make "impossible" shots and otherwise act heroically.

- Harmony with the All: At this level, the vampire can attune her consciousness to the cosmic cycle, temporarily casting back her mind to the unity of the First Age. While using this power, a vampire acts spontaneously and effortlessly, executing tasks perfectly without thought or planning.



In the early Ages, the ancestors of the Kuei-jin walked among mortals as emperors and gods. As divine emissaries, they received Heavenly blessing to command the lesser mortals of the Middle Kingdom. The power of dragons shone in their gaze, and when they spoke, thir voice was as thunder.

The Discipline of Obligation is a legacy of those days. Kuei-jin who study this Discipline learn to channel their Hun souls and use the sheer force of their spirits to inspire -- or overwhelm. Not all vampires of the Fifth Age use this power for noble proposes, and some Kuei-jin use it even on other shen.

Unlike the Kindred Discipline of Dominate, no generation restrition applies to the use of Obligation.

- Evaluate: The successful magistrate must first learn to look into the souls of his charges. The power of Evaluate allows a Kuei-jin to gauge the start of a target's Hun. By using this power, the vampire can discover a great deal of information, which can be used to an an advantage over the target.

- Soul Bridge: Gradually extending her mastery of the Hun, the vampire is able to establish a psychic link between her soul and someone else's. Through this channel, the vampire can use her own Hun to influence the workings of a lesser soul.

- Authority: The Cathayans once held a mandate over mortals. Although Heaven seems to have annulled this mandate, the Kuei-jin have not forgotten it. With this power, the Kuei-jin displays the strength of his Hun by using it to awe and overwhelm other souls. Souls thus subordinated are quick to obey the Cathayan's commands, as if he were an emperor of old.

- Thousand Hell Stare: Truly, this power is a terrible one, traditionally reserved for only the most honorable ancestors and mandarins. In the Fifth Age, knowledge of the art has spread among the unworthy, and so a few akuma and other riffraff can use the secrets of their elders. The power is also used on occasion as a torture.

In short, the power enables the wielder to channel all her guilt, frustration, anger and hunger into her Hun soul, then project this negative psychic energy like a knife into her victim's soul. The target of this power feels as if a demon is staring into his soul, judging him and finding him utterly unworthy of consideration or mercy. Prolonged use of the Thousand Hell Stare has been known to drive mortals to suicide or send Kindred into shrieking Rotschreck.

- Soul Shackles: Vampires at this level of Obligation learn the ultimate secrets of soul mastery. With this power, the vampire can form long-lasting or even permanent bonds between his soul and another's soul. Certain ancestors use the power to cement oaths between themselves and members of their court. This power does not affect a Kuei-jin of higher Hun or Dharma.