Path of Steel

By Matthew Lahtinen

Inspired by The Path of Tempestuous Steel by Psychedelic Goblin, that can be found on Bryant Durrell's Site

This path relies on a blade weapon of some kind, be it sword or dagger.

Sudden Lightning---Razor Wave---Stone Cut---Flowing Steel---Void Strike

Flashing Blade---Cutting Wind---Steel Vengeance---Void Strike

Sudden Lightning

Chi Cost: 1/X

Shot Cost: 1

You draw your blade and strike in one fluid and blinding fast motion.

You add 1 Initiative for each Chi point spent if this ability is used at the 'start' of a conflict sequence, but only if your weapon is sheathed. If performed later in a sequence, the Chi cost is only 1 point and Initiative may not be modified.

Prerequisite: None

Path: Razor Wave

Razor Wave

Spinning your blade in an arc, you parry your opponent's blow with the edge of your blade, damaging your attacker. You make an 'active' Parry as normal, and if it succeeds your attacker receives damage as if you had hit her with a standard attack with your weapon. This only works against weapon attacks or unarmed attacks(i.e. kicks and punches), not ranged attacks.

Prerequisite: Sudden Lightning

Path: Stone Cut

Stone Cut

Make an Martial Art attack with a weapon against another weapon(Swords knives, staffs, etc. ; not guns or arcanowave devices). If the attack succeeds the weapon is destroyed. Does not work on Signature Weapons. Signature Weapons are knocked from the opponents grasp.

Prerequisite: Razor Wave

Path: Flowing Steel

Flowing Steel

The martial artist has learned to redirect attacks from weapons made against them. The Martial artist uses the energy of the opponents strike to send the weapon off in another direction attacking someone else. This will disarm the opponent if needed to strike the intended target. X= the distance to the target 2 meters per point of chi. This is a defensive move, active parry. If the parry does not work then Flowing Steel will not work. Fortune may be spent on this defensive maneuver. The success of the attack on the target of Flowing Steel is determined by the outcome of the active parry and fortune dice, if used, Vs the targets dodge value. Damage is figured as normal.

Prerequisite: Stone Cut

Path: Void Strike

Flashing Blade

Make a dramatic demonstration of your blade technique. Cut off a button or an eye brow, cut a candle into 5 pieces, etc. If the outcome is positive(Vs highest dodge) add that to your intimidation score for just one check.

Prerequisite: None

Path: Cutting Wind

Cutting Wind

You slash at the air between you and your target, your blade trailing a razor-keen arc of air, cutting anything it hits. You must spend a Chi point for every 2 meters of distance between you and your target. Make a normal Martial Arts check to see if you had hit your opponent with your blade as in normal hand-to-hand combat. It is possible to use this attack on multiple opponents as a stunt, and unlike 'Loyal Steel' there is no chance your opponents can intercept or catch your blade as you are still holding it.

Prerequisite: Flashing Blade

Path: Steel Vengeance

Steel Vengeance

If you are attack with a hand weapon,(swords, knives, sais, etc.), you may respond with a simultaneous Martial Arts attack. This has no effect on your current shot.

Prerequisite: Cutting Wind

Path: Void Strike

Void Strike

X is the amount of Chi you elect to spend. Add X to the Damage of a hand weapon strike you have just made.

Prerequisite: Steel Vengeance or Flowing Steel

Path: None