Martial Arts: Dragon Magazine Styles
Aside from the Kara-Tur styles I converted in the other post, there's also an article about some other martial styles in the issue 309. Let's convert those too. Many of them are quite simple and can be used as a base to develop more complex styles.
Black Panda Style – 3 points
The Black Panda style is taught only in a few remote locales, although stories of its practitioners are told far and wide. Legend holds that Kurokuma, the first Black Panda master, learned the art when he slew a mighty forest spirit in panda form. For his cruel deed, Kurokuma was transformed
into a cursed immortal.
Black Panda is a circular style that emphasizes blocks and defensive forms. Its true strength, however, lies in a series of strange and fearful maneuvers called atemi, or "vital strike" attacks. Students of the Black Panda style typically fight unarmed, although most carry darts or shuriken for ranged attacks, and a few occasionally employ the sickle.
Each student must undergo a harsh, two-year regimen of mental and physical study before training can begin.
Skills: Karate; Thrown Weapon (Shuriken).
Optional Traits
Primary Characteristics: Increased DX.
Secondary Characteristics: Increased Basic Speed or Basic Move.
Advantages: Combat Reflexes; Enhanced Dodge; Trained by a Master.
Disadvantages: Callous; Overconfidence.
Blue Mountain Style – 4 points
Burukouzan, also called the Blue Mountain style, is a fierce and secretive fighting art practiced only in a few remote monasteries. Its secrets are closely guarded, and only rarely do the Burukouzan masters teach them to outsiders. Generations of warriors have sought out Burukouzan masters for training, but the monks turn away all except the very stoutest of heart.
The Blue Mountain fighting style stresses speed and dazzling kick attacks. Fighters who practice it disdain the use of weapons.
Blue Mountain masters are typically dedicated to the triumph of virtue over wrongdoing. The Burukouzan monks believe that noble deeds in this life are rewarded tenfold in the next.
Skills: Acrobatics, Karate, Karate Art.
Optional Traits
Primary Characteristics: Improved ST and DX.
Secondary Characteristics: Improved Basic Speed and Basic Move.
Advantages: Enhanced Dodge; Flexibility.
Disadvantages: Overconfidence; Vow (Always fight unarmed).
Broken Fist – 3 points
Broken Fist (a name given half in jest) is an upstart style perfected by halfling monks. Some say it has its roots in the graceful, unarmed movements of Temerad; others claim it is based on the fighting style of wild dogs. Broken Fist masters rarely agree on either the history or the traditions of the form, and they practice no orderly doctrine or philosophy aside from basic survival.
Like Temerad, Broken Fist is essentially a movement-based style. But instead of defense and artistry, Broken Fist masters teach their students to use their speed and agility to strike first and strike hard. Any weapons that can be adapted for easy use with the style are encouraged.
Most Broken Fist masters accept only halfling monks and warriors as students, although some gnome and dwarf practitioners of the style have appeared in recent years.
Skills: Judo; Karate.
Optional Traits
Primary Characteristics: Increased ST or DX.
Secondary Characteristics: Increased Basic Speed or Basic Move.
Advantages: Combat Reflexes; Enhanced Dodge; Striking ST.
Disadvantages: Overconfidence; Vow (Always fight unarmed).
Koumajutsu (Demon Wrestling) – 2 points
This powerful, violent style is practiced primarily among the korobokuru barbarian tribes. Many korobokuru legends describe the battles of their ancient war chieftains against demons from across the sea. The greatest of these warriors would grapple with the monsters hand-to-hand, often until both were destroyed.
The Koumajutsu style emphasizes strength training and makes effective use of locks and holds. Although most students of the style are korobokuru, human warriors occasionally seek out Koumajutsu masters as well. Demon wrestlers rarely carry weapons into battle, although they sometimes wear armor decorated with heavy spikes.
Koumajutsu masters teach the virtues of the clan warrior: courage, tenacity, and relentlessness in the pursuit of foes.
Skills: Wrestling.
Optional Traits
Primary Characteristics: Increased ST or HT.
Secondary Characteristics: Increased HP or FP.
Advantages: Fearlessness; Hard to Kill; Hard to Subdue; High Pain Threshold.
Disadvantages: Intolerance (Demons); Stubbornness; Overconfidence.
Temerad – 2 points
Possibly the oldest form of unarmed combat, the ancient art of Temerad was first practiced by elf pilgrims and seekers of wisdom. Although elves are the primary users of this style, Temerad masters do occasionally accept students of other races, provided that their hearts are pure and they truly seek enlightenment among the trees.
As suggested by its name (which means "from wind and water" in Elven), Temerad is based on the movements of natural forces. A practitioner of this style confounds her opponent by moving constantly, seemingly reacting to blows even before they are struck. Temerad fighters rarely use weapons, although some warriors combine this style with the sword-fighting techniques practiced by most elves.
Temerad emphasizes humility and harmony with nature. Temerad practitioners never strike first in battle.
Skills: Karate.
Optional Traits
Primary Characteristics: Increased ST or DX.
Secondary Characteristics: Increased Basic Speed or Basic Move.
Advantages: Combat Reflexes; Enhanced Dodge; Striking ST.
Disadvantages: Pacifism (Self-Defense Only); Sense of Duty (Nature); Vow (Always fight unarmed).
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