Kenkujutsu

The strange bird-men known as Kenku have been known to teach kenjutsu to those willing to give them appropriate payment. There are those, however, who claim that those willing to delve into the moves taught by the Kenku can unlock certain secret techniques through imitation. Using a large cloak to mitigate the lack of wings, the rare practitioners of what they have come to call Kenkujutsu carry powerful techniques, but lack the discipline of following the regimen of a true bushi school.

If the GM allows it, True Ronin may spend 15 of their beginning character points to start with Rank 1 Kenkujutsu; otherwise, no character begins with this style. Because of the lack of context provided by a bushi school, it conveys no trait or skill bonuses. In addition, due to the Kenku's natural tendency to wander, gaining additional ranks could prove interesting...

Techniques

Rank 1: Wings of the Raven: The practitioner uses their cloak in imitation of the Kenku's use of its wings to distract and disorient their opponent. The practitioner's TN to be hit is raised by 5 under these circumstances, and the TN to hit their opponent is lowed by 5 (to a minimum TN 5). If the practitioner does not have something to serve as a cloak, they cannot use this ability.

Rank 2: Plumage of the Raven: By observing the Kenku's nature, the practitioner can raise or lower the target number of any shugenja spell targeting them by 5.

Rank 3: Beak of the Raven: Emulating the rapid snapping of the raven's beak, the practitioner may attack twice per turn.

Rank 4: Talons of the Raven: Gaining knowledge of natural weaponry, the practitioner may spend a Void point to make a Full Attack while keeping the TN to be hit of a standard attack for that turn. If they do this, it is the only attack the practitioner gets that turn.

Rank 5: Flight of the Raven: At this rank the practitioner may spend a Void point to leap into the air, bringing their sword crashing down on their target; they add and keep either their Fire or Earth rank (whichever is higher) in dice to their damage roll in such an attack. If they do this, it is the only attack the practitioner gets that turn.

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Mark Kinney / alberich@iglou.com