Sel Guardian

Outside the city, Wardens discard the club for a more practical weapon - the broadsword. The Guardians of the Peace in the realm of Sel are taught to be effective with it in conjunction with the shield. The Sel Guardians way of combat is also used by the Prince’s Guard.

• Abilities [1 point] - Broadsword [1];
• Talents - Shield Training I; Initiative I-III; Weapon Control I-II

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Nomari - “Barok Orhan” (To. “Fist of Orhan”)

The stocky Nomari of Ton-Bor use huge two-handed flails in battle. Wielding them with skill and strength, the Nomari are unmatched in their underground realm.

• Abilities [3 style points] - Flail melee attack [1]; All-Around Attack [2]
• Talents - Weapon Control I-III; Initiative I

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Evyni-Dhikatis (Iy. “Noble Judge”)

It was almost 100 years ago that the Laan Jav Tharl brought the morning star to Gydal-Tyl school as a weapon to teach. Jav was a Sel-kai Tribunal Judge listening to capital offenses, the penalty for most such offenses was death. Jav got the name “Noble Judge” because his reputation of being a fair judge and regal appearance. He was not always a Judge however and had traveled many parts of Emer. His weapon of choice was the unusual morning star combined with a small buckler.

• Abilities [2 Style Points] - Morning Star [1]; Shield Bash [1]
• Talents - Control I-II; Shield Training I

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Gydal-Throk (Er. “Hidden Guardian”)

A basic, defensive style, Gydal-Throk serves as the foundation upon which other styles are based.

• Abilities [5 Style Points] - Degree 2 Sweeps [1]; Greater Adrenal Defense [4]
• Talents - Initiative I

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Saren-Kur (Er. “Blade Breaker”)

The Blade Breaker Style is so called for obvious reasons. Saren-Kur uses a staff with a medium length chain on one end that ends in a metal weight (chigiriki). The chain and staff can be used to parry and block, while the weight and chain can be used to strike the opponent or the staff used to sweep the foe of his feet.

The Chigriki gives +15 to Disarm - so the total bonus available for Disarm manuevers is the Style bonus +15

• Abilities [5 points] - Chigiriki [1]; Disarm All [4]
• Talents - Control I-III

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Kurim-Eso (Er. “Broken Step”)

Broken Step Style is meant to immobolize or hold an opponent while maintaining a very defensive stance. Broken Step style also uses mental discipline to achieve attacks of incredible speed.

• Abilities [9 Style Points] - Degree 4 Sweeps, Degree 3 Locking Holds [3]; Kusari-Gama[1]; Disarm 1-H [1]; Greater Adrenal Defense [4];
• Talents - Initiative I-III; Gydal-Iku
• Gydal-Iku (”Hidden Fist”) [2] - While using Adrenal Speed with a Style that has this ability, the combatant may reduce his opponent’s DB by 10.

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Vurd-Varon (Er. “Secret Claws”)

Secret Claw style utilizes two weapons - small sharpened metal razors under the fingernail for close attacks and a metal claw on a chain for distance attacks. The Flying Claw is used to ensnare a foe and throw him off balance while the Secret Claw fighter closes in and attacks with his fingernail razors.

• Abilities [4 style points] - Fingernail Razor [1]; Additional Thrown (Flying Claw) Attack [3];
• Talents - Reloading I-III
• The Reloading option refers to the thrown weapon in this style (the Flying Claw) - reducing the reloading from 60%.

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Derum-Vurl (Er. “Slow Mist”)

The flowing movements of Derum-Vurl almost appear slow but the sophisticated defensive stance is very effective in attack avoidance. Punches are rarely used and instead fluid throws and kicks use the foes momentum to great effect.

• Abilities [7 Style Points] - Degree 4 Sweeps, Degree 2 Strikes, Degree 1 Locking Holds [3]; Greater Adrenal Defense [4]
• Talents - Greater Parry; Defensive Stance

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The Gydal-Tyl (Er. “Hidden Hall”) School was brought to Sel-kai by Erlini immigrants though it is unsure the true origins of the fighting styles. For many years, Gydal-Tyl was taught in secret, though gradually expanded and now occupies a modest sized hall in the Library District. The School teaches more of the soft, defensive martial arts and also utilizes a variety of exotic foreign chain weapons. It is a small school with enrollment mostly made up of elves or half-elves, though they also have Shay or Laan students (from the nearby University of Kalingen).

The Styles at Gydal-Tyl are an interesting mix of unusual weapons (including several chain weapons) and soft martial arts that focuses more on defense and speed. Some new Style Abilities are used here:

Gydal-Iku (”Hidden Fist”) [10 points] - While using Adrenal Speed with a Style that has this ability, the combatant may reduce his opponent’s DB by twice his rank in the style.

Gydal-Tyl is affiliated with University of Kalingen (most notably Ægon College, a school of Mentalism) where two small guilds have formed that combine the higher learning of the University with the martial studies at Gydal-Tyl. The guilds are very small, with 5-10 in each one at any given time.

Gydal-Tyl Monks

The Monks of the Hidden Hall are purely secular in nature and can be found studying in a few of the Colleges within Kalingen in addition to Ægon College where they learn the arts of Mentalism: the College of Aldai (literature), Nalander College (history), and Woldon College (hard sciences). Gydal-Tyl Monks are Zen Monks (from the Martial Arts Companion).

Gydal-Tyl Armsmasters

The Armsmasters (Odemira in Erlini) also study at Ægon College and Gydal-Tyl. However they also tend to be more varied then the Monks, often attending classes at Nalander (history), Woldon (sciences and engineering), and Malefuge (business and trade). Gydal-Tyl teaches separate classes on military history and tactics.

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Phaon’s Sword

Named after The God of the Sun and Summer, Phaon’s Sword Style uses the broadsword and is much less flashy then Sword Dancing Style instead utilizes control and speed to be a more serious style of swordplay.

• Abilities [3 pts] - Broadsword melee attack [1]; Feint [2]
• Talents - Control I-II; Initiative I-II

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Flying Son

With skill the Bola can be a bane to those who wish to avoid capture. It is difficult to avoid both the stone weights and the entangling ropes. Flying Son Style perfects weapon control and seeks to entangle and down opponents prior to closing to close range.

• Abilities [1 point] - Bola Thrown Attack [1]
• Talents - Movement I-II; Control I-II

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Youngest Son

The Youngest Son Style combines the common Broadsword with a small dagger for throwing in the off-hand.

• Abilities [4 points] - Long Straight Blades (longsword, broadsword) [1]; Additional Thrown Dagger Attack [3];
• Talents - None

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Eighth Son

The Eighth Son Style is a simpler style than Ninth Son but uses the knowledge of vital points. It is taught before Ninth Son Style would be taught.

• Abilities [5 points] - Degree 4 Strikes, Degree 3 Nerve Strikes [3]; Lesser Adrenal Defense [2]
• Talents - Strike of the Ninth Son I-II; Precision I

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Wooden Son

Incorporating some defensive manuevers with the use of the Quarterstaff, Wooden Son Style focuses on moves meant to trick and disarm opponents. With the heavy quarterstaff, Wooden Son adherents also heavily rely on strength and are able to easily attack opponents approaching from any side.

• Abilities [9 points] - Quarterstaff [1]; Lesser Adrenal Defense [2]; Feint [2]; Disarm 1-Handed [2]; All-Around Attack [2];
• Talents - Strength of Nine Sons; Fury I

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Strongest Son

A heavy mace can be a devestating weapon. Students of the Strongest Son Style use pure strength to smash down those who oppose them.

• Abilities [1 points] - Mace [1]
• Talents - Initiative I-II; Precision I-II; Fury I-III; Strength of Nine Sons

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Moon

The Mace can be a devestating weapon, especially in the hands of a competent fighter. Followers of Moon style wield their weapons with confidence and are taught careful control.

• Abilities [1 pt] - Mace [1]
• Talents - Initiative I-II; Control I-II

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Two Moons

Two-Moons is a very unusual style, it is unknown where it’s teaching origins lie in the Sky School of Defense. It most likely comes from southern Emer and is perhaps based on techniques there and brought to Sel-kay by merchants several hundred years ago. Using two maces (The “Moons”) it is the most dangerous style taught at the Sky School.

• Abilities [4 pts] - Mace [1]; Additional Mace attack [3]
• Talents - Control I-II; Initiative I-II

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Fist of Cay

Based on basic defensive moves and a mix of different unarmed techniques, Fist of Cay style serves as a good foundation for the martial arts.

• Fist of Cay [6 pts] - Degree 3 Sweeps, Degree 2 Strikes [2]; Lesser Adrenal Defense [2]; Additional Strike, Rank 1 [2]
• Talents -

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Tallest Son

The Tallest Son Style is so called because of it’s use of the Pole Arm - an inconvenient weapon in a city to be sure but the Ninth Son School utilizes many different kinds of Pole Arms.

• Abilities [6 points] - Pole Arms category [4]; Lesser Adrenal Defense [2]
• Talents - Strength of Nine Sons

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Son of Fury

The Son of Fury Style uses anger as a valuable weapon, though it also taught it should be rarely used. The Son of Fury can cause pure terror as the adherent is consumed by a fiery hatred and rains deadly blows upon his foes.

• Abilities [10 points] - Degree 4 Strikes, Degree 3 Sweeps [3]; Additional Strike, Degree 4 [5]; All-Around Attack [2]
• Talents - Fury I-III

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Ninth Son

The style of Ninth Son is taught to only the most gifted, and loyal, of students. It is different then the other Nine Son Styles in that it focuses on speed rather then strength. One skilled in Ninth Son Style can often incapicitate someone with a lightning strike of two fingers touched to the right spot.

• Abilities [6 points] - Degree 4 Strikes, Degree 4 Nerve Strikes, Degree 3 Sweeps [4]; Lesser Adrenal Defense [2]
• Talents - Initiative I-II; Strike of the Ninth Son; Precsision I-III

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Sword Dancing

Focused more on appearances and fancy looking swordplay, Sword Dancing is still notable for two reasons: it’s swashbuckling moves are good at fooling an opponent and being able to disarm them. Capable Sword Dancers can relieve novice foes of their weapons quite easily and as such it is a good defensive style for nobles to learn.

• Abilities [5 pts] - Longsword [1]; Swasbuckling [2]; Disarm 1-H Edged [2]
• Talents - Initiative I-II

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Steel Son

Steel Son Style uses quick attacks but seek to keep the strength behind it. Steel Son adherents can use virtually any type of sword in this very flexible style which seeks to trick opponents in order to get in a single fast and strong hit.

• Abilities [6 pts] - Long Straight Blades (longsword, broadsword) [2]; Lesser Adrenal Defense [2]; Feint [2]
• Talents - Initiative I-III

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The Nine Sons School in the Granite Knoll is almost as old as Sel-kai itself, formed by early Shay settlers. The school sat on the Nine Sons Canal much of that time but has since moved to a more spacious hall. While enrollment is open to anyone they must pass a series of tests to show decent athletic ability. The cost is kept affordable for the worker classes and the total size is small-medium (~100 students at any given time).

The Nine Sons School teaches a wide range of combat forms, both unarmed and with weapons. All types of styles taught here focus more on offense: less defense but very strong and powerful hits combined with a knowledge of vital points. There is another aspect of the Nine Sons School they are infamous for and that is the occasional use of pure rage to fuel these violent styles.

Some of the styles give access to the following talents:

• Strength of Nine Sons [10] - Adrenal Strength effects while using this style have an increase to their Strength of +10, instead of the normal +5. This amounts to a +20 OB while using Adrenal Strength rather then +10 OB. It also delivers 3x Hits instead of 2x.
• Strike of the Ninth Son I-III [5] - While under the effects of Adrenal Speed and using this style the combatant gains an additional initiative of +2 (+4 for II, +6 for III).
• Fury I-III [15] - This ability grants some immunity to stun while Frenzied. Stun effects are reduced by 1 round for Fury I, 2 rounds for Fury II, 3 rounds for Fury III.

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The Sky School of Self-Defense is a prestigious martial school that caters to the wealthiest of families. Situated in the floating city of Eidolon, Sky School teaches swordplay that is as much flashy as it is effective. Basics of armed and unarmed defense are taught.

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Shuaa-Dag (Ir. “Flaming Blade”)

The offensive Flaming Blade style was invented by the Lord of Teusilya. It combines knowledge of vital points with precise hit locations. It frequently uses the flat of the blade to try and subdue rather then kill. It is known to very few.

• Shuaa-Dag [6 Style Points] - Long Blades (Broadsword, Longsword, etc.) [3]; Subdual [1]; Swashbuckling [2]
• Available Talents - Greater Parry [20]; Precision I-II [20]; Initiative I-II [5]

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Redcape

The Sel-kai City Wardens have always been quite effective in subduing criminals and (mostly) maintaining control in what can be a rough city. While they carry shortswords they most often use small clubs, but are also armed with short swords. (note this style allows you to use Club or Short Sword - it is NOT a two-weapon style.)

• Abilities [6 points] - Club [1]; Short Sword [1]; Subdual [1]; Disarm 1-H Edged [1]; Additional Unarmed Attack, Degree 1 [2]
• Talents - Initiative I-II

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Nightblade

Primarily a group of burglars and spies, the Nightwing gang tend to use less violent methods of fighting but the dagger remains the favored weapon of many in the group. They will often use it to knock out or pummel foes when possible rather then using it for more violent attacks.

• Abilities [4 points] - Dagger melee attack [1]; Subdual [1]; Additional Unarmed Attack, Rank 1 [2]
• Talents - Initiative I-III

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Luim-Este (Er. “Burning Strike”)

The Burning Strike style is taught among assassins in the secret places of the city and generally passed from Master to Student. The Burning Strike is not just limited to Sel-kai, and is used by Magents, Nightblades, and Assassins across realms. Utilizing the dagger, adherents of the Burning Strike learn vital points and master the art of a single, silent killing strike.

• Abilities [2 points] - Daggers and Knives [2]
• Talents - Precision I-III; Silent Attack +10; Ambush +10

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Nightwing

When Tiery of Landars formed the Nightwing gang a few years ago he taught some gang members a unique style of fighting that he learned as a Monk of the Order of Cay. While not all members learn this fighting style enough members have to make the Nightwings be able to defend themselves in their sometimes violent surroundings.

Tiery named “his” style Nightwing and the gang name followed. It is a mostly defensive style, deliberate rather then aimed for a quick win. But quickly aimed elbow and knee hits often catch their opponent unaware.

• Abilities [7 points] - Degree 2 Striking [1]; Greater Adrenal Defense [4]; Feint [2]
• Talents - None

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Golden Hand

The young Talath men that make up the Golden Hand gang fight using brass knuckles. They use them very effectively, and readily. Tending towards muggings and more violent crimes then stealthy, the Golden Hand members provoke fear in many parts of Sel-kai. The Golden Hand style uses carefully aimed punches and low kicks that quickly render their opposition immobile. Gang members use their skill to often beat foes into unconsciousness.

The Brass Knuckles act as -5 Maces.

• Abilities [11 points] - Degree 4 Striking, Degree 3 Nerve Strikes [3]; Brass Knuckles Weapon [1]; Two-weapon Combo [3]; Greater Adrenal Defense [4]
• Talents - None

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Bis-Saren (Er. “Secret Blade”)

Several knife styles have developed in Sel-kai due to the wide use of the weapon. “Secret Blade” was originally a cult and this dagger throwing style was taught in secret but now there are several who will teach it for a fee. The origins and purpose of the original cult have been lost to all but the original Masters, if they still live…

• Abilities [2 Points] - Thrown Dagger (all types) [2]
• Talents - Ranging I-III, Movement I-III

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Sel-kai Knife Fighting

In urban areas the Knife is perhaps the most popular weapon and Sel-kai is no exception. Traditional Sel-kai Knife fighting is a dirty style. Sel-kai knife fighters can use 1 or 2 knives, or will often throw in some carefully times punches.

• Abilities [8 points] - Short blades (knife, dagger) [2]; Paired Weapon Attack [2]; Additional Unarmed Attack Degree 1 [2]; Feint [2]
• The Paired Weapon Attack is not another attack it just causes another critical (2 severities less, same roll). Either the paired weapon attack or the additional unarmed attack may be used in a given round. For the additional unarmed attack the user need not have a free hand (i.e. he can have two daggers), as he may use the back of his hand, knife hilt, or kicks, but he loses the Paired Weapon Attack ability for that round.
• Talents - None

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Lenov-Ogim (Er. “Canal Boxing”)

Canaler Boxing, now just called Canal Boxing, gained prominence around the Docks of Sel-kai. The offensive, mostly punching, style, was used by Canalers to be able to fend for themselves in a what can be a rough city at times. As the loose association of the League of Boatmen grew Canal Boxing become an almost formalized style of fighting and sometimes even a sport.

• Abilities [7 points] - Degree 3 Strikes, Degree 2 Sweeps [2]; Additional Strike, Degree 2 [3]; Canaler’s Resolve [2]
• Canaler’s Resolve [2] - This talent grants a bonus to maneuvers while stunned equal to twice the ranks in the style (i.e. 5 ranks would give +10 while stunned to help offset the stun penalty)
• Talents - Initiative I-III

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These are Martial Arts and Weapon Styles that are used and taught in the city of Sel-kai. As a large trading center, combat styles have been influenced by many cultures from Emer and Jaiman. Several unique styles have also developed in the city over the years favoring mostly unarmed or small weapons that would be common in an urban area.

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These are Martial Arts and Weapon Styles from cultures and regions across Emer.

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The Changramai are an elite group of monks in the Choak Mountains of Emer. While they are masters of unarmed combat they are often skilled with weapons as well. All the styles of fighting taught in the Changramai are tightly held and none are taught to outsiders, except for the simple and defensive Shya.

Spell using Changramai often learn either Renshya, made of up sweeps and throws, or Talshya, which is mostly striking. Non spell casting Changramai utilize Kenshya, a more advanced style drawing upon both Talshya and Renshya. They also often are taught A-Kenshya, which is a variation of Kenshya using weapon katas.

Some Changramai are trained in the use of the Jata, a unique boomarang weapon, with the style Jatshya.

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A-Kenshya

A-Kenshya is a variation and extension of Kenshya. A-Kenshya focuses on weapons rather then unarmed attacks. Several types of weapon katas are part of A-Kenshya, as is the skill of using two at once! This style is taught only to Changramai Warrior Monks.

• Abilities [12 points] - Greater Adrenal Defense [4]; Kusari-Gama weapon [1]; Jo-stick weapon [1]; Short Sword [1]; Two-weapon Combo [3]; All-around Attack [2]
• Kusari-Gama – This weapon is taken from MA Companion and is a historical Japanese weapon. Basically it is a 3-10’ metal chain with a weight and one end and a sickle at the other. There are rules and an attack chart for it in MA Companion.
• Jo-Stick – A short one handed staff, these are easily made and so is a standard kata taught to Changramai.
• Talents - None

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Jatshya

The Jata is a special Changramai weapon similar to the boomerang. The thrower may elect up to 4 targets (or 3 targets and the return of the Jata), within 120 degrees. If the Jata hits any of the targets and does a critical the Jata will be deflected too much and will not continue (thus it will only return if it does not do a critical to anyone). If the Jata hits and does hits but no critical then an attack roll is made against the next target using regular OB (for the style), modified by 10*hits done. This is cumulative. Thus if it does 5 hits, it is at –50 OB to next target. If it then hits that target and does 3 hits then the next target is at –80 OB.

For more info on the Jata see the Emer I: Hæstra sourcebook. The Jata is made by Changramai alchemists and is not available to those outside the order.

• Abilities [1 point] - Jata Thrown Attack [1]
• Talents - Movement I-III; Ranging I-III

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Renshya

Spell using Changrmai usually learn one of two styles, Talshya and Renshya. Warrior Monk often learn Kenshya, or both Renshya and Talshya. Rensyha utilizes mostly sweeping and throwing attacks as well as a stick weapon kata, usually a Jo-Stick.

• Abilities [11 points] - Degree 4 Sweeps, Degree 3 Locking Holds [3]; Lesser Adrenal Defense [2]; Degree 2 Additional Strike [3]; All-around Attack [2]; Jo-Stick weapon [1]
• Talents - None

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Talshya

Spell using Changrmai usually learn one of two styles, Talshya and Renshya. Talshya utilizes mostly striking and punching attacks as well as a blade weapon kata, usually a short sword or dagger.

• Talshya [11 points] - Degree 4 Strikes, Degree 3 Nerve Strikes [3]; Lesser Adrenal Defense [2]; Degree 2 additional strike [3]; Short Sword [1]; Reverse Strike [2];
• Talents - None

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Kenshya

Changramai Warrior Monks (those without magical training), mainly study Kensyha which utilizes both unbalancing and striking attacks. While it incorporates many defensive manuevers it is a highly offensive style utilizing fast strikes and deadly throws.

• Abilities [15 points] - Degree 4 Strikes, Degree 4 Sweeps, Degree 2 Nerve Strikes, Degree 1 Locking Holds [4]; Greater Adrenal Defense [4]; Degree 4 Additional Strike [5]; All-around Attack [2]
• Talents - None

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Rhiani - “Chegain”

The Chegain is a large bladed boomerang. The trained Rhiani can throw it with deadly accuracy for more then 100′. Special armored gloves are used to catch the dangerous return.

• Abilities [1 style points] - Chegain Thrown attack [1]
• Talents - Initiative I; Ranging I-II

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Nuyani - “Na-shaan”

The Nuyani are a small but resilient people. na-shaan is a simple but effective form of unarmed combat many of the populace knows to at least some degree. Na-shaan was developed by the small Nuyani to be effective against larger foes by using their opponents weight and momentum against them. The adherent is not only taught to be quick but also to recover quickly from getting hit.

• Abilities [4 style points] - Degree 3 Sweeps, Degree 2 Locking Holds [2]; Lesser Adrenal Defense [2]
• Talents - Initiative I-II

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Nuyani - “Yeneq”

The Nuyani are a small but resilient people. They have not only perfected the art of bow-making, they have also designed a deadly style of using it. Yeneq is a fast and accurate style of archery while mounted.

• Abilities [1 style points] - Composite Bow Attack [1]
• Talents - Reloading I-III; Ranging I-III; Mounted Combat +10; Initiative I

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Sarnak - “Shaitan”

The Shaitan of Sarnak are an elite group of assassin amazons that are skilled in many bladed weapons as well as the art of reconnaissance and sabotage.

• Abilities [4 Style Points] - All types of Swords [4]
• Talents - Precision I-II; Ambush+10

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Shya

Shya is a defensive style of soft martial arts utilizing very few aggresive moves and focuses more on attack avoidance and using a foe’s weight and momemtum against him. This style was initially developed by the famous Changramai and is a foundation for their more complex styles. Unlike their other styles however Shya is allowed to be taught to Outsiders and has thus become a widely taught and a popular method of self-defense.

• Abilities [3 points] - Degree 2 Sweeps [1]; Lesser Adrenal Defense [2]
• Talents - None

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