The World of Darkness Martial Arts

1
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2004
Table of
Contents
Features
The Empty Hand Martial Arts in the new World of Darkness

By Eloy Lasanta Art by Christopher Lee Simmons
15 Spotlight On: The NecroCyberz A new online Guild for Wraith: The Oblivion
17
By J. Edward Tremlett
Art by Joshua Gabriel Timbrook
Of Floating Spirits Tips for playing Yulan-Jin in Kindred of the East

By Eloy Lasanta Art by Melissa Uran
20 Justication Vampire: The Requiem ction

By Tony Murlin
22 The Broken Mirror A secret sect and a broken mirror. Fiction for Kindred of the East
By Daniel Acaba
Columns & Departments

Letter from the Editor
By Christopher Lee Simmons
On The
CoVeR
A charcoal study of a
vampires victim, by
Kat Burress.
3
Letter from the
Editor
Credits
Editorial
Its been an eventful year for White Wolf fans. Weve watched
a world end. For many of us, that world has been something of a
home for the last thirteen years. Characters weve grown quite
attached to inhabit its cities and wilderness, they travel its highways and byways. The grimy streets of the old World of Darkness
are, by now, as familiar as those of our own homes.
So it should come as no surprise that many fans didnt listen as
the bell tolled. They continue as they always did, despite the red
star in the sky or the pounding tattoo of the war drums calling for
the nal battle.
That is why Ex Libris Nocturnis is dedicated to continuing
support of the old World of Darkness lines for as long as there is
demand for it. If you have an idea for the old World of Darkness,
wed love to hear from you!
Ofcially, that world is gone, but a new world has been born,
rising from the ashes of the old one. We have seen the World
of Darkness core book, detailing the rules of the Storytelling
system, as well as the gorgeous new Vampire: The Requiem
hardcover. The new World of Darkness isnt a completely new
setting. Many of the things we loved about the old game can be
found skulking in the dark alleys of this new setting. But many
things are different. The setting has been updated, the rules have
changed, and the stiing weight of the old World of Darkness
has been lifted.
The possibilities are endless. I am excited about the new World
of Darkness in a way that I havent been excited about gaming
in a very long time. I eagerly look forward to Werewolf: the Forsaken, thanks to the tantalizing hints given about the nature of
the shifters throughout the available material. Im ecstatic about
the new Mage: the Awakening, even though it is months away. I
cant wait to see what White Wolf will do with this new world.
But more importantly, I cant wait to see what you will do.
Editor-in-Chief
Christopher Lee Simmons
Vampire Editor
Ted Pertzborn
Werewolf Editor
Perry Hamilton
Mage Editor
Steve J. Larson II
Wraith/Orpheus Editor
J. Tuomas Harvainen
Changeling/Lotus Editor
Eloy Lasanta
Hunter Editor
Michael Caneva
Demon Editor
Daniel Guilkey
editor@nocturnis.net
vampire@nocturnis.net
werewolf@nocturnis.net
mage@nocturnis.net
wraith@nocturnis.net
changeling@nocturnis.net
hunter@nocturnis.net
demon@nocturnis.net
Art
Art Director
Kat Burress
art@nocturnis.net
Submissions
All article submissions should be addressed to the approrpriate editor. Art submissions should be sent to art@nocturnis.
net. Please read the submissions guidelines and follow them.
Current Submissions Guidelines can always be found at:
http://www.nocturnis.net/pages/submissions.html
Be Well,
Christopher Lee Simmons
Shadowmancer
Ex Libris Nocturnis Volume 1, Issue 1, October 2004. Please
direct all inquiries concerning editorial information to the appropriate editor. Any statements made, expressed or implied in
Ex Libris Nocturnis are solely those of columnists or persons being interviewed and do not represent the editorial position of
the publisher, who does not accept responsibility for such statements. Artwork and content are their respective owners, and its
inclusion herein should not be considered a challenge to those
copyrights.
THE EMPTY HAND

By Eloy Lasanta
were developed as entertainment and dancing rst and a

combat method second. There is a quality in every martial art that is ritual, ceremonial and pleasant to behold and
these skills are often coupled with traditional dancing and
other art forms.
Likewise, many of the different styles have been turned into
sport. While this dees the traditions of many of the more passive forms, it ts right in with the more aggressive styles like
Muay Thai, Tae Kwon Do, or Tiger Kung Fu. The sport style and
traditional style of the martial art will often differ in execution
as the sport style will have accompanying rules and regulations
to follow. Many more conventional practitioners stay away from
sports as it waters down the arts awesome power and spirituality.
The World of Darkness The World of Secrets The World

of Things That Go Bump in the Night There are many names
for the world our characters exist in and everyone uses something
different. Everyone has demons to ght, personal or otherwise
and it is best to always be equipped to do so. There are those in
this world that perfect their minds and bodies to the point where
they are safe from almost any threat out there. Well, safer than
normal anyway.
This article will take a look at the role of Martial Artists in
the World of Darkness. Their role is important to the history
of so many areas of the world, but has most of its inuence coming from China. There are many forms as well, ranging from the
Brazilian style, Capoeira, which focuses on seemingly wild ips
ad kicks, to Tiger Style Kung Fu which emphasizes strong claw
attacks to cause the most pain possible to your opponent. While
many of the styles have common aspects with the Fighting Style:
Kung Fu presented in the World of Darkness Corebook, there
are important differences that must be presented.
USE OF WEAPONS
While we are talking about hand-to-hand ghting in this article, we cannot forget about weapons all together. Most schools
will teach their students the basics of ghting with weapons, be
it a knife, sword, staff, or less obvious implements. There are
just too many situations when a weapon would be better than
your hand. Each school will teach a different style, often coming
together with the hand-to-hand style, but keep in mind that your
Fighting Styles Merit does not count when wielding a weapon.
However, your character should still have a descent rating in
Weaponry to reect his training.
HISTORY
It would be impossible to compile all of the different martial

art styles into one comprehensive history. They come from different cultures and different points in time. But there are a few
things that stand true for just about every martial art style out
there.
SELF DEFENSE
SPIRITUALITY
ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORT
SCHOOLS
Martial arts teach that the artist should focus his body and his
mind together, allowing him to go beyond himself and let the
soul take over. The principles of Yin and Yang are taught in Asia,
of course, but meditation is a universal lesson that runs parallel to
the concept. Through meditation, they can clear their minds of
everything except their intended purpose, whether it be to defeat
their opponent or nish their school exam, it is a truly useful skill
and one that is at the heart of all martial art forms.
This training in the mystical arts puts some masters of martial
arts into a whole other realm of power. They have gone past the
pinnacle of martial arts training and have become truly magical beings, capable of fantastic techniques. This also puts them
closer on the radar of supernatural beings and usually makes them
targets. Vampires hate the competition, especially when food
ghts back.
While many of styles are truly deadly to opponents, most martial arts were created as a way to defend ones self from attackers.
Whether it was to defeat the rival tribe in the jungles of Africa
or to make sure the emperor was kept safe in China, it is all about
protection. The institution of martial arts training leaked from
militaries into the schools that taught the average person on the
instruction of self defense, until most everyone, from soldier to
shopkeepers to farmers, knew some sort of martial art and could
defend themselves and their families from harm.
There are many stories of self-discovery around this principal.
The rogue martial artist ghting against his urges to take the ght
to the enemy, only to die in the end for such heroic, yet stupid,
actions. There are, of course, other stories which contradict the
rst. Every student is taught to use his or her own judgment and
see what comes from it.
There is a reason why they are called the martial arts. For
centuries, masters of the various forms would perform before their
betters in exhibitions against equally talented ghters or simply
execute katas that showed how focused they had become through
their practice. There are even some forms, like Capoeira, that
While martial arts styles are generally the same from place to
place, there are some schools that place specic focus on certain
aspects of the style above others. For example, there are recognizable differences between Northern Black Tiger Kung Fu and
Southern Black Tiger Kung Fu, as well between White Crane
Kung Fu and Tiger Crane Kung Fu. While the styles themselves
are similar enough to have the same name (or close to the same
name), they are taught in different areas by different masters in
different schools, which makes them different.
Students keep their school in high regard and most become
as family. Your teacher is you father and the other students your
siblings. It becomes the cornerstone of the students lifestyle, especially if they started young. This is how rivalries begin.
If some grievous disrespect is shown to a school, its students
and master will usually strike enmity against the aggressive school.
Some of these rivalries have lasted for centuries, the true reason
behind them lost to history, while others are settled quickly, usually by ritual combat. The grievance must be considerable to warrant something of this magnitude, but it does happen.
temperament. While some masters focus on training the mind

and so are very gentle in their approach, there are others who
teach with a stick at the back of the students head. Students
must do everything the teacher asks without question or suffer
grave consequences.
Some students are tasked with carrying water up and down
stairs all day or punching a wall for hours on end. The list of
potential training tasks goes on and on. Most of the time, the student doesnt realize that they are even being trained (the Karate
Kid is a good example of this principle). No matter the training
style, the way the student turns out later on in life has a direct
bearing on the way they were trained. Those students trained
with compassionate discipline go on to be benevolent to their
villages, while those taught through self mortication and torture
tend to lose their morality and become villains in the eyes of the
people.
MASTERS
The teachers, the sensei, the sifu, are expected to be masters in

their elds. There are stories of imposters, pretending to be the
foremost in their eld, only to be beaten by their little-learned
students. They live the rest of their lives as jokes in their communities.
True masters, of course, have nothing to fear of their reputations. They are usually either hermits, totally withdrawn from
civilization (these men are commonly called hsien, which means
men of the mountain) or are the pillars of their villages and
towns, being role models for the young. They usually stray from
large cities, as the environment lends itself to more aggressive
behavior. Most have given their lives to the study of their art,
believing totally in the forces of the universe and their place in it,
totally content to exist in any way the universe sees t.
It is tradition to pass along your gifts to the next generation,
so no knowledge is lost. You are not a teacher without a student
and you can rarely be as great as you claim if you cannot duplicate
your techniques through training another. Masters are known to
take up to 3 students at a time, trying their hardest to stay within
this limit, except for extraordinary circumstances. While there
are schools with larger classes, they dont tend to give as detailed
and personal an experience and are avoided by Masters.
The question stands, then: What makes a True Master. Many
would think that it comes from simply knowing a martial art form
to its fullest. This is true. Some say that it comes from intense
spirituality. This is true. Others speak of masters being so simply
from knowing many different styles. This is true, as well. All
of these ring true, because masters are expected to match these
characteristics. A True Master is one that knows the secrets of
the universe and teaches them only to worthy. A sinister sifu,
teaching death techniques to beggars on the street, is not a true
master, but an enlightened master who teaches only to students
who have gone through the trials he has set forth can be called
as such.
In addition, martial arts masters, while being a popular staple
to attach to Asia and that Far East, exist all around the world.
There are masters of every style, everywhere, capable of teaching
their students in the ways of their art. So while Zheng Xia of
China could teach you the intricacies of White Crane Kung Fu,
you could also nd Nisa Amando, master of Capoeira, in Brazil.
DUELING AND HONOR
It has been tradition for centuries upon centuries for great warriors to compete to be the best. In the martial arts community,
though, there is more to the process than beating your opponent
to a bloody pulp. It is a matter of honor.
There are times when group combat is acceptable, but the vast
majority of battles are composed of only two combatants, usually from rival schools and usually with a score to settle with one
another. It is important for these martial artists to remember the
rules of combat.
Rules like Never strike your opponent in the back or Never
strike an opponent when hes down are two important ones. Doing one of the two above will lose the artist a mass of reputation.
If no one is watching, he will usually look down upon himself,
knowing the wrong he has made. The actual rules of combat do
vary from region to region, however. The Storyteller should take
this into consideration when running his game.
MILITARY TRAINING
In todays increasingly modern world, many of the old secrets

have been lost. Many of the worlds great martial artists have
started to come from intense training from the numerous military
academies, not from a martial arts school or from the instruction
of a True Master. While this is just as viable an option, access to
Master Techniques are virtually null.
CHOOSING YOUR STYLE
WHICH STYLE IS BEST FOR ME?
It is important to think about the personality of your character

when deciding which martial arts form he chooses to be his eld
of study. Tall, burly men are not prone to practicing White Crane
Kung Fu as it lends itself more to petite persons. The same say
that a pacist wouldnt choose Tiger Kung Fu as his style, as it is
very aggressively violent. Choose wisely.
Another tip to Storytellers would be to not do work thats not
needed. After careful consideration, many martial arts styles were
skipped in the following write-ups. This is because many styles
can simply use the existing rules for other ghting styles. Savate,
a kick boxing style from France, would fall under Fighting Style:
Boxing. Karate or Tae Kwon Do would simply fall under simple
TUTELAGE
Every master is different in their tutalege, depending on their
Fighting Style: Kung Fu. You should really do your homework before determining if that style really needs its own write up. Most
will either use the two in the World of Darkness Corebook or can
be duplicated by any of the write-ups in this article.
teach these to some students, who deem themselves worthy.

Meditative Mind: This is denitely suggested for any martial
artist who wants to learn the more meditative Master Techniques.
It helps them focus their mind, allowing them to execute their
techniques much more steadier.
Unseen Sense: Many martial artist, using meditation to wake
up their mind, become open to things theyve never seen before.
This merit is the reason why only those who are loyal to their
studies should embark on the road of becoming a Martial Arts
master.
MULTIPLE STYLES
After mastering a style of martial arts, many students go on

to learn other forms. This is encouraged by most teachers, as
it shows the students commitment to their martial studies. But
there are a few things that need to be remembered when practicing two separate styles.
Experience costs: The cost for the learning any style after
your rst is x3, instead of x2. Only the style that the character
has deemed his Primary style is x2. The Experience cost for levels that duplicate a skill from the style you already know, are reduced by 1 Experience point. The reason behind this is that they
have to relearn another complete style, with its own movements
and teachings, trying to forget most of what they learned before.
Teachers keep the students in line, though, saying things like
This is Tiger Kung Fu, not that whiny Praying Mantis, stop going to that! So, if you already know Iron Skin from one martial
art form, you will still need to learn it with the other, but with a
slightly reduced cost since you know the foundations of it already.
For example: Learning Iron Skin in your second form would normally cost 6 Experience points. But if the character already knew
it from their primary style, it would only cost 5 Experience points.
This rule ows into #2.
You cannot use two styles at once: A master of Tiger Kung
Fu and Hapkido cannot use the two styles simultaneously. At the
beginning of combat, the character must choose which style he
wishes to use. If the character wishes to change styles mid-combat, they can. However, they cannot switch back to their original
style for at least 2 rounds. Any bonuses gained from Tiger Style
would be lost when the character switches to Hapkido and vice
versa (this includes bonuses gained from Iron Skin).
PHYSICAL MERITS
Fast Reexes or Fleet of Foot: Either of these two merits can

be useful in portraying quickness training that a character may
have been put through.
Quick Healing: Learning the proper breathing and meditation exercises can help a character heal much quicker than normal. While many are simply born with this or develop it on their
own, most need to be taught by a master.
Strong Back: usually the result of intense strength training.
Strong Lungs: while not typical in most schools, many secluded masters teach their students through submersion to help them
with their breathing exercises and to protect them from toxins
in the air.
Toxin Resistant: Many schools, particularly those of Snake
Kung Fu, help their students build up a resistance, and sometimes
immunity, to venoms of all kinds.
SOCIAL MERITS
Fame: For the purposes of a martial arts game, Fame can be

replaced with Reputation. Word travels fast of rebellious students using forbidden death moves or of the bravest warriors ever
to grace the village. This can work for you and against you, of
course. If youve made up a reputation for yourself to be a slayer
of demons, there may just be a village in need of such services.
Mentor: In the martial arts community, this merit is your best
friend. Most students can recite, and are trained to recite on
command, their entire lineage of teachers and pupils. It usually
comes out as, I am Zheng Xia, the student of Choo Xue-Xue,
the student of Li Xi-Xao, the student of, until it gets to the
founder of either that martial arts style or the founder of that
particular school. You represent yourself as well as your master
in all of your actions. All martial artists must have at least 2 dots
in Mentor before learning any Master Techniques, as the student
always needs someone to teach them. Storytellers keep in mind
that a Level 2 Mentor may only have one Master Technique to
teach, where a Level 5 Mentor may have plenty more.
MERITS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS
While interpreting the use of each merit is quite elementary,

listed here are a few that are recommended above others. They
are listed along with suggestions to how the character could have
learned them, as well as ways they can affect a martial artist directly.
There arent any newly created merits below, simply explanation on how to use existing ones. In my own humble opinion,
there isnt any need to create new martial arts merits, beyond the
increased variety of styles presented below. However, Storytellers
could always make up a few more to reect useful merits for their
martial artists. For example: a Merit which duplicates Fighting
Finesse, could also work for those martial artist who use their
speed instead of strength to strike at their opponents.
STORY HOOKS AND IDEAS
There are so many possibilities for playing a martial arts game.

Below, are some story ideas and plot hooks that may make it easy
when starting out.
Quest for the master: Not every master lives within a simple
town or village and is easy to nd. This type of quest begins
with the students present master letting him know that he cannot teach him any more. The character must then, with precious
clues and koans from his now former master, seek out this new
master to continue their training.
MENTAL MERITS
Danger Sense: Through their situational training, martial artists learn to work more off of instinct than anything, which makes
them very prone to having this merit. They just feel that something just isnt right.
Holistic Awareness: Many martial artists know ancient holistic remedies that have been lost throughout history. They will
Quest for the artifact: Done to death in many games, yes.

But in a martial arts game, it can be most gratifying. Say that a
master swordsmans blade turns up missing and he has been slain.
This blade has the blood of many on it and anyone who wields
it becomes nigh invincible. How can the characters defeat an
enemy that wields a legendary blade? This scenario can work with
non-weaponry too.
Quest for the spirit: The character may be faced with many
trials throughout his training. The characters own mind it not
the least dangerous of them all. The martial artist may be called
upon by his ancestors for a quest or he may simply travel into his
own (or someone elses) consciousness in search of answers to
questions of the universe.
Quest for Revenge: What if someone important to the character has been slain? This can be a true testament to the character of the martial artist. Does he simply calm himself, keeping
to his normal routine, mourning in silence? Does he take to the
streets, ready to bring the culprit to justice? Does he go on a blood
rampage, waiting for his chance to strike and kill his enemy to
avenge the wrong? The choice belongs to the character.
Quest for Rivalry: True acts of atrocity happen in the wars between rival schools. There are several cases in history that these
feuds have survived to the present day, especially prevalent in
Asian countries, as they hold honor and family above all else.
What school do the characters belong to and what are they willing to do for the honor of their school.
Quest for a Role: The other scenarios play heavily on the
thought that your entire group is composed of martial artists. But,
what if your martial artist is the only one in the group? Many
would think he would be just the muscle, but this could not be
farther from the truth. Most martial artists excel in stealth and
investigation, as well as being a mediator for disputes. It is important to emphasize, once again, that martial arts is about toning
the body and mind, not just the body.
does count for their action and their opponents action. Meaning the results of any grapples need to be settled in the following
round.
Duck and Weave ()
Deceptive Form (): Being hard to read is important to
the Praying Mantis. Per Defensive Action, except that it is +3
Defense and 3 penalty to their attack.
Whirlwind Assault (): per Whirlwind Strike, but can
make an extra attack for every dot of Dexterity above 1 (instead
of 2).
MONKEY KUNG FU (CHINESE)
Prerequisites: Strength , Dexterity , Stamina ,

Brawl , Athletics
Monkey Kung Fu was created by Wang Lang, who also created
Praying Mantis Kung Fu. The way the monkeys advanced, retreated, dashed, jumped and turned, proved to be more alive than
all the big steps and broad stances used in all the other martial arts
of that time. From these observations, he designed the Monkey
steps which are characterized by narrow paces and quick legs.
This would enable better speed and spirit in moving. It emphasizes jumps, ips, quick attacks, and lots of acrobatic dodging.
Quick Recovery (): if ever the victim of a Knock-down action, the martial artist can get back up without it costing him his
next action, but he receives a -3 penalty to initiative for the next
3 rounds of combat.
Acrobatic Dodge (): Due to their tumbling training, the
character can add his Athletics dots to his Defense for the use of
Dodging, instead of doubling their Defense.
Defensive Attack ()
Flipping Attack (): the martial artist can make a forward ipping attack, adding +1 to his dice pool or can make a
backwards ipping attack with 1 dice pool, but makes a gap between the two combatants. The Character cannot make two ipping attacks in consecutive turns.
Knock Down Attacks (): most of the Monkey Kung
Fu attacks are low strikes at the legs and lower region of the opponents body. If an attack roll comes up with at least 3 successes
on a strike, the opponent is must resist a Knock down effect at a
-3 dice penalty.
STYLES LIST
Now that you are ready to play, here are the breakdowns of the
different styles of martial arts. Once again, some styles may not
need their own rules, being represented just ne by those in the
World of Darkness Corebook or on the following list. But whatever you choose to do, have fun with it.
SNAKE KUNG FU (CHINESE)
PRAYING MANTIS KUNG FU (CHINESE)

Brawl
The Praying Mantis Style was developed by Master Wang
Lang. He lived during the Ming Dynasty 1368-1644 AD. One day
the Wang Lang observed a battle between a praying mantis and
a larger insect. The monk was amazed at the skill of the smaller
insect, using its long limbs and small body to defeat a much larger
enemy. He incorporated the moves of the praying mantis into his
style of Shaolin Kung Fu and the Praying Mantis style was born.
This style uses the hands and feet to develop great speed and agility to defeat an opponent.
Focused Attack ()
Defensive Grapple (): Instead of using their Defense score
to lower the attackers dice pool, the martial artist can opt to also
roll their Strength + Brawl to grapple as a defensive action. They
must make equal to or more successes than their attack. This

Brawl
There is no ONE style of Snake Kung Fu. Instead there are
several versions of it, adapting to different species of snake, such
as cobra, python or rattlesnake. While these styles may differ
slightly, they are condensed into one style below, for convenience.
Emphasizing light, fast, highly mobile movements and quick
penetrating strikes to vital points can take out an attacker regardless of his size. Snake style does not directly oppose his adversarys
strength. Instead he relies on deception and indirection to get
the upper hand, utilizing numerous feints against his opponents.
You need to go in with a uid manner. Many students also build
up a tolerance to poisons during their training.
Focused Attack ()
Duck and Weave ()
Coil and Strike (): the methods of the snake are to wait
for just the right time to strike. The martial artist may hold his
action for one round to gain a +4 dice bonus to their strike in
the following round. The character cannot make a Dodge action
while he is coiled, but gains a +1 bonus to his natural Defense
score for that round. Likewise, during the round of the Strike, he
suffers a 2 to his defense score.
Pressure Points (): Through intense training in pressure points, the character can increase the amount of damage
dealt with a single attack. All brawl attacks the martial artist
makes, except for grappling, gains a +1 bonus to their dice pool.
Multiple Fang Attack (): per Whirlwind Strike, but
each strike can be directed to a different opponent if within close
range.
Dodging, instead of doubling their Defense.

Pressure Points (): Through intense training in pressure
points, the character can increase the amount of damage dealt
with a single attack. All brawl attacks the martial artist makes,
except for grappling, gains a +1 bonus to their dice pool.
Focused Fury (): intense attention to pressure points
is needed to be a master of White Crane. The penalty to strike
Specic Targets is reduced by 2. This bonus replaces Focused
Attack.
Whirlwind Strike ()
JUJITSU (JAPANESE)
Prerequisites: Strength , Dexterity , Stamina , Brawl
Jujitsu, or gentle technique, includes not only limb twisting

and joint locking, but also a vast arsenal of techniques including
attacking vital points, choking, and kicking. American schools
such as Danzan Ryu, based out of the Hawaiian islands, teach
variations of this style. Jujitsu is considered to have originated in
the 15th century as a grappling martial art for samourai.
The most obvious aspect of Jujitsu is that it is not reliant on
muscular skill and strength. Rather, it relies on balance, speed
and leverage. It is because these factors are so important, that
Jujitsu tends to level the playing eld regardless of opponent
size. Jujitsu is open equally to men and women and is a far
more devastating art than
its modern sporting form
known as Judo.
Throw (): As
Grapple-Damage
Opponent, but also
throws opponent 2
yards per success.
Hands-On ():
The
character
learns early on how
to best grapple their
opponent, as well
as getting free from
grappling, and gains a
+1 dice bonus for any
and all Grapple related
rolls.
Whirlwind Strike ()
Soto Makikomi (): Masters of Jujitsu learn to subdue
their opponent quickly. After spending a Willpower Point, the
character may automatically use an Overpowering Maneuver on
his opponent upon a successful Grapple attack. Drawback: character cannot use his defense against any attack in the same round
he used this technique.
TIGER KUNG FU (CHINESE)

Brawl , Strong Back
Also known as The Emperors Art, White Tiger Kung Fu has
been passed down through the Doo family for nearly 400 years.
The Doo family served as the right hand to Chinese emperors,
and their security force protected the emperor during feudal times.
They were responsible for both the emperors physical safety as
well as his health and well-being. This style is an offensive style
that focuses on claw attacks and palm strike above all else.
Sharpened Claws (): Through intense training in conditioning their hands, the Tiger can increase the amount of damage death with a single blow. All brawl attacks the martial artist
makes, except for Grappling, gain a +1 bonus to their dice pool.
Iron Skin ()
Double Claw (): As per Combination Blows.
Lethal Strike ()
Painful Strikes (): For each successful strike the Tiger
strikes his target with, the opponent suffers a 1 penalty to all
combat dice pools from the sheer pain of the attacks. These attacks are responsible for many of the more prominent scars gained
in battle. This effect is cumulative with wound penalties and last
for the next full day.
WHITE CRANE KUNG FU (CHINESE)

Brawl
White Crane Kung Fu is a rare system of self-defense which
combines foot techniques, hand techniques and chin na (seizing
and controlling). Although rare in the western world, the art is
a famous ghting style in Southeast Asia. The style is renowned
for its rapid hand techniques; its strikes executed in conjunction
with grabs and its devastatingly effective pressure point attacks.
The founder of the style, Fang Chi-Niang, was a petite woman
who lived in violent times. Most men were comparatively larger
and more physically powerful than her. Fang Chi-Niang reasoned
that certain vulnerable areas of the body could not be hardened
or conditioned to resist injury. Powerful strikes to the temples,
eyes, throat, solar plexus, oating ribs, kidneys, groin, knees, etc.,
could successfully debilitate even the most determined attacker.
Consequently, attacking pressure point targets with specialized
hand strikes became a trademark of White Crane.
Focused Attack ()
Acrobatic Dodge (): Due to their tumbling training, the
character can add his Athletics dots to his Defense for the use of
NINJITSU (JAPANESE)

Brawl
Ninjitsu is known by many as the art of stealth or the art of
the shadow. Much of the training in the Ninjitsu school centers

on close range combat and the art of invisibility and espionage.
Some of the special skills learned by Ninjitsu practitioners have
historically given the ninja a reputation of possessing magical
powers. Climbing walls and swimming while clad in armor are
two skills that have earned this reputation. Other skills taught to
the ninja included map making, disguise, silent entry and escape,
leaping, high endurance, sabotage, and the use of available surroundings as weapons.
The history of the ninja is shrouded in secrecy. Ninja often
hold the incorrect reputation of having all been assassins. This
was not the case. Though no single origin can be proven, most
common beliefs surrounding the origins of Ninjitsu attribute it
as a ghting method taught within mountain families as a means
for self-defense during feudal Japan against territory claimants.
In order to defend themselves against powerful foes such as the
samourai class of warriors who had strength in numbers, the ninja
developed stealth capabilities and unorthodox combat techniques. The ghting tactics employed by the ninja were often
seen as cowardly by the samourai. However, they were often very
effective.
Focused Attack ()
Adaptive (): Adds +1 to Defense Score; The character is
able to adapt to any surroundings and use this to defeat his foes.
Master of Stealth (): Ninja receive +1 die bonus to all
Stealth rolls. Additionally, victims of a Surprise attack from a
practitioner of Ninjitsu suffer a 2 penalty to their Wits + Composure roll.
Whirlwind Strike ()
Lethal Strike ()
SUMO (JAPANESE)

Brawl
Sumo is one of the most popular professional sports in Japan
and the image of two of these huge wrestlers grappling is one of
the most famous images of Japan abroad. The colorful traditional costumes worn by the rikishi (wrestlers) and gyoji (referees),
the distinctive oichomage (gingko leaf knot) hairstyle and the
various rituals give the sport the exotic air that appeals to many
foreigners. Over the years, several foreign hopefuls have tried to
break into the ranks of sumo but few have succeeded.
There are 70 ways of beating an opponent listed by the Sumo
Association, including such common ones as uwatenage (over
arm throw) and shitatenage (underarm throw), but few methods
of attack are banned. Wrestlers may trip or slap with an open
hand, but eye gouging, hair pulling, and hitting with a closed st
are not permitted and will result in forfeiting the bout.
Out of the Ring (): The Sumo tradition teaches wrestling as
its rst skill. Sumo get a +2 dice bonus for any and all offensive
Grapple related rolls.
Iron Skin ()
Big Chop (): as per Body Blow. But, the forceful attack
of the Sumo warrior can be used to stun their opponent as long
as he rolls at least 4 successes. If the rikishi took Merit: Giant at
character creation, then they need only 3 successes. Drawback:
character cannot use his defense against any attack in the same
round he used this technique.
Invincible Skin (): adds +2 armor against bashing dam-
10
age only. This bonus replaces Iron Skin.

Lethal Strike ()
AIKIDO (JAPANESE)

Brawl
Primarily a defensive style, Aikido focuses on subduing their
opponents by using their own momentum against them. A character with this style has been trained in various throws and grapples, making him very adept at using his opponents strength to
benet his attacks, as well as using the surrounding area to aid
him in combat. These are erce warriors, yet their focus is on
self-defense as opposed to outright offense.
Throw (): As Grapple-Damage Opponent, but also throws
opponent 2 yards per success.
round.
Defensive Attack ()
Adaptive (): Adds +1 to Defense Score; the character is
able to adapt to any surroundings and use this to defeat his foes.
Whirlwind Defense (): The master of Aikido can
utilize his gifts to take on multiple opponents, using their own
strength against them. The character takes a defensive stance
and rolls his Strength + Brawl. Any Brawl or Weaponry attack
toward the character that does not exceed the characters successes on his roll, is ipped, tripped or thrown 2 yards for each
success the attacker rolled. They also take their own successes in
damage, minus 2.
HAPKIDO (KOREA)
Prerequisites: Strength , Dexterity , Stamina , Brawl
Hapkido Martial Arts is a complete art of self-defense. It combines aspects of Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Ju-Jitsu and Aikido. Hapkido has a powerful arsenal of spinning kicks, thrusts and sweeps
combined with hard and soft st attacks and defenses. As well as
the use of kicks and punches, Hapkido uses nerve and pressure
point attacks, wrist and joint locks, and many twisting and throwing techniques.
Focused Attack ()
Combination Blows ()
Joint Lock (): The character may automatically make
another roll to Grapple: Immobilize upon getting equal to or
exceeding the targets size on a Grapple attack.
Lethal Strike ()
MUAY THAI (THAILAND)

Brawl
Thai boxing, or Muay Thai, is a traditional art of self-defense
of the Thais. It is different from international boxing in that in

the Thai style of unarmed ghting, feet, elbows and knees are
used as well as sts. Thus, it resembles more to a real free-for-all
ght. A Thai boxing match lasts only ve rounds of three minutes
each, with a two-minute rest between rounds.
Body Blow ()
round.
Extra Weapons (): Through intense training in conditioning their legs and hands, as well as their knees and elbows,
the character can increase the amount of damage death with a
single attack. All brawl attacks the martial artist makes, except
for Grappling, gain a +1 bonus to their dice pool.
Whirlwind Strike ()
Brutal Blow ()
KRAV MAGA (ISRAEL)

Brawl
Krav Maga is the ofcial self-defense system of the Israeli Defense Forces, and has been taught to hundreds of law enforcement
agencies and thousands of civilians in the United States. Krav
Maga is a simple, effective self-defense system that emphasizes
instinctive movements, practical techniques, and realistic training scenarios.
Armor Training (): They have had extension training on
combat wearing all armor types. The Defense penalty for wearing
different types of armor is reduced for students of Krav Maga.
Hands-On (): The character learns early on about the human body and how to best grapple their opponent, as well as getting free from grappling, and gains a +1 dice bonus for any and all
Grapple related rolls.
Combination Blows ()
Quick Disarm (): The character may automatically
Disarm his opponent upon getting equal to or exceeding the
targets size on a Grapple attack.
Lethal Strike ()
CAPOEIRA (BRAZIL)

Brawl , Athletics
Capoeira was created by various slaves brought over from Africa, and its a part of their culture. It is half a ghting style and
half a dance - most of its moves are uid, many rely on acrobatic
stunts. It depends more of agility than of raw strength - the stereotypical Capoeira ghter is small and fast, being able to hit and
ow away from the opponents reach. This style uses only kicking
attacks, while the arms are used only as supports for their swift
maneuvers. Its usually fought to music, using a special instrument
called a berimbau that is played by the watchers, who also sing
while two ghters battle each other.
Defense of the Little Man (): when ghting against someone with Dexterity equal or less than the ghters own, he gets a
+1 modier to his Defense. If attacked by more than one oppo-
nent in the same turn, this benet is lost.

Acrobatic Dodge (): Due to their intense acrobatic training, the character can add his Athletics dots to his Defense for
the use of Dodging, instead of doubling their Defense.
Trips and Sweeps (): by utilizing low attacks, the character can cause a knock down effect. If the character scores equal
to or exceeds the targets size, the opponent must resist a knock
down effect.
Flipping Attack (): the martial artist can make a forward ipping attack, adding +1 to his dice pool or can make a
backwards ipping attack with 1 dice pool, but makes a gap between the two combatants. The Character cannot make two ipping attacks in consecutive turns.
Spinning Kick Strikes (): per Whirlwind Attack, but
each strike can be directed to a different opponent if within close
enough range.
JEET KUN DO (UNITED STATES)

Brawl
The rst truly American martial art form, Jeet Kun Do is the
style founded by the legendary Bruce Lee. Through the combining of several different art forms and theory on the body and its
connection to the ancient elements, Jeet Kun Do has become
one of the most controversial, yet effective styles in existence. It
teaches that martial arts doesnt need katas and stances, you just
need to be able to defend yourself to the best of your abilities.
Bruces Strength (): Through intense training and conditioning on weak points, the character can increase the amount of
damage death with a single blow. All brawl attacks the martial
artist makes, except for Grappling, gain a +1 bonus to their dice
pool.
Like Water (): per Duck and Weave. The uid movements
of Jeet Kun Do are much adaptive to and harder to hit.
One-Inch Punch (): When at close range, the character
can strike a target so hard that he will be propelled backward. For
every point of damage done, the target is knocked back 3 yards.
If more than the opponents size, they are also knocked down. If
used against objects, it subtracts one from the items durability.
Drawback: character cannot use his defense against any attack
in the same round he used this technique.
Lethal Strike ()
Multiple Opponent Combat (): per Whirlwind Strike,
but each strike can be directed to a different opponent if within
close range.
MASTER TECHNIQUES
So, after you have mastered a martial art, what else is there to
do? Many students of combat simply try their hand at another
style, but there are those that go beyond this point of body and
mind. There are many lost secrets and ancient techniques that
are not taught to the average student. Below are a few of those
techniques.
However, these are not abilities that can be taught without
the proper teacher. Some students work diligently for a master
for years to learn a single one. They are not cheap either conceptually or when referring to the cost of Experience points. Storytellers should make it hard to learn lost techniques, since only
a precious few really wield their awesome power in this modern
11
and cynical world.

These Techniques sometimes mimic powers that supernatural
beings already possess. Although, even with years upon years of
training, a martial artist still cannot replicate their level of power.
As such, they cannot replicate any level 5 effects and techniques
that would duplicate Level 4 effects would cost an arm and a leg
in Experience points.
Note on Prerequisites: The character must have mastered at
least 1 style of martial art and at least 4 dots in Brawl before even
considering achieving this level of comprehension. Storytellers
may want to consider making some techniques require a particular style as well, so not everyone can learn everything. A Tiger
Style martial artist isnt going to learn the same types of Master
Techniques as a master of Capoeira, after all.
then also do 2 levels of Bashing with the other 2. He could not

lower the Dexterity to 0 unless he had 6 successes (2 to bring it
to 1, then 4 to bring it to 0), but would do no damage. The loss
of Dexterity from his attack heals back as if it was lethal damage,
meaning it would take a mortal 2 days to gain back each dot lost,
but a vampire would only need to expend a Blood Point per point
lost. ST NOTE: Other techniques exist that can take away the
Strength or Stamina of the target as well. They are harder to
come by, costing 40 experience points, but would work with the
same mechanics.
ART OF INVISIBILITY
Cost: 15 experience points, 20 experience points for rebuy

Effect: With a quick motion, the martial art can remove
object from hands, pockets, etc. It gets its name from its most
sinister use. A master can even use this lighting fast action to
remove someones eye before they even have a chance to counter.
After spending a Willpower point, penalties to actions involving
Specied Targets is reduced by 2 (in addition to any reductions
gained from Fighting Styles) and adds +5 Initiative allowing for
the very quick motion of snatching the object. Martial artists
with a stake are a force to be reckoned with. This technique can
be bought a second time, which reduces the penalty by 3, instead
of by 2 and gives an additional +3 initiative bonus.
Cost: 35 experience points

Effect: This ability is similar to uses of Obfuscate, clouding the
minds of those they wish not to see them. The martial artist must
spend a Willpower point and make a Contested Wits + Stealth
roll against the targets Wits + Composure. The target number is
generally double the targets Willpower, but the Storyteller can
apply penalties or bonuses based on the situation. If effecting a
group, use the highest Wits + Composure of the group. If the roll
succeeds, the martial artist cannot be seen by the target(s). The
martial artist cannot act in any aggressive way toward anything
(not even the wall or a door) while using this technique or it instantly broken. Auspex can see through this normally and vampires receive a +2 dice bonus to resist the Art of Invisibility.
CHI STRIKE

Effect: Masters of the Chi Strike often hold life and death
their hands. They have the power to force their yang chi into
their limb to deliver startling and deadly blows to their opponents. By spending one willpower point, the character can add 6
dice instead of 3 to their next attack. An extra bonus to this ability: for every 2 points of Bashing damage, the martial artist may
instead do one Lethal point of damage to the target. For example:
For example: the artial artist has Strength 3 and Brawl 4 and so
has 13 dice to roll with the additional 6 dice. He rolls 1, 2, 4, 4,
5, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 8, 9, 9 8 successes. He can then opt to do 8 levels
of bashing or 4 levels of Lethal or 4 levels of Bashing and 2 Lethal
or any combination; the players choice.
CRIPPLING STRIKE AMENTI

Effect: A skilled combatant along the right path will come
across a master that knows this lost art. It is a punch that debilitates the target, making it hard for them to even move. After
spending one Willpower point, the martial artist will make a normal Strength + Brawl roll at a 3 penalty. Upon hitting, every 2
success can subtract one of the targets points of Dexterity instead
of doing damage to a minimum of one. The dexterity can be
lowered to 0, but requires 4 successes.
Example: the martial artist has Strength 4 and Brawl 5 and so
has 6 dice to roll, after applying the 3 penalty. He rolls 1, 2, 5, 7,
8, 8, 9 4 successes on a target with 2 Dexterity. The character
could lower the targets Dexterity to 1 for two of the successes and
12
SWIFT EYE GOUGE TECHNIQUE
FLAME AND ICE TRAINING

Effect: From intense training, the martial artist becomes very
resistant to the effects of adverse weather. The character can
survive for a number of hours per dot of Stamina before feeling
any adverse effects. As an extra note, when exposed to re or
cold damage, they can resist one point of damage on a successful
Stamina roll. Character must have Iron Skin. Characters that are
embraced into the Requiem after already knowing this technique
cannot benet from the reduced re damage, since the weakness
is supernatural in origin.
FLEXIBLE MASTER
Cost: 12 experience points, 18 experrience points for rebuy

Effect: Some martial artists are masters of exibility, using this
to their advantage during battle, for escaping, etc. The character
can dislocate bones and contort in impossible ways. His adds 3
dice to any action that being exible would be benecial, without
the use of a Willpower point. This technique can be bought a
second time to double the dice bonus.
Examples: getting freed from cuffs, rope or getting free from
a grapple.
FORGETFUL MIND PRANA

Effect: There are very few masters in the world who know this
lost technique, even those that use to know it, have forgotten it
after confrontations with their enemies. Using this ability on a
victim, the martial artist can remove the thoughts and memeories
from his mind or create new ones through the use pressure points
to the brain. For all intents and purposes, this duplicates level
3 Dominate, Forgetful Mind, including the rules for remember-
ing lost memories. A Extended Wits + Persuasion victims Resolve. Bonuses can be gained if the victim is fully restrained. An
Exceptional success means the victim accepts the new memories
without thought.
penalty (for a total 5 penalty). This technique can be bought a

second time, which removes the dice penalty.
GRACEFUL SWAN TECHNIQUE

Effect: The characters body becomes stronger and it is easier
to resist damage. The character gets one extra health point and
can resist 1 additional point of bashing damage. Character must
have Iron Skin. This technique can only be bought twice.
Cost: 15 experience points, 20 experience points for rebuys

Effect: After spending 1 Willpower point to activate this techinue for the scene, the character becomes light as a feather,
being able to walk on walls and jump incredible lengths. This
ability adds 2 dice to all athletics actions, such as climbing, jumping, etc and lets the character ignore 1 point of damage from falling. It can be purchased up to 3 times, for a total of 6 additional
dice and 3 avoided levels of damage from falling. Masters of this
technique can even appear to be in ight, even though its just really long jumps with enough successes. Gravity still effects them,
however. Walking on walls or balancing on tree branches are
done by rolling Dexterity + Athletics at a 2 penalty, while walking on the ceiling is a 5. They can only stay on the surface unmoving for up to a number turns equal to their dots in Dexterity,
before falling again. If the successes accumulate an Exceptional
Success, the amount of turns is doubled.
INTANGIBLE STRIKE MEDITATION

Effect: The martial artist, with enough training, can learn to
strike through even the toughest armor. If the character spends a
Willpower point before attacking, he can make a strike that passes through a number of points of Armor as he has dots in Wits.
For example: a martial artist with 3 Wits can ignore 3 points of
armor protection.
Note: this even ignores levels of armor gained from martial art
training (such as Iron Skin or Ox-Body Technique).
KILLING STRIKE

Effect: Whether called the Five-Finger-Method Strike or the
Vemon-Heart Technique or the Double-Temple Kick or whatever, this is an ultimate attack that a martial artist can learn: the
ability to kill someone with only a single strike. The character
must spend a Willpower dot, then make a successful strike that
equals or exceeds the targets size. If the character succeeds in
this attack, the opponent dies as if all by lethal damage, killing
a mortal. A vampire subject to this attack, goes into torpor. If
the attack does not accumulate the characters size in successes,
the attack deals damage per normal and the character still loses
their Willpower dot. This reects how killing strikes require exact precision that must be done exactly right. Regaining their
lost Willpower dot costs 12 experience points.
Note: This attack ignores any additional health points earned
from supernatural powers or any gained from enhanced stamina.
LONG DISTANCE PUNCH

Effect: This ability allows the character to attack a target from
a distance. The character must spend a Willpower point and roll
Dexterity + Brawl with a 3 dice penalty. The strike can be performed from a max distance of the characters Strength + Brawl
in yards, but can double this distance by taking an additional 2
OX-BODY TECHNIQUE
PARALYZING STRIKE

Effect: There are certain ways of defeating your opponent;
the least of them is incapaciting them. By spending a Willpower
point and making a successful Strength + Brawl roll at a 3 penalty, the martial artist can paralyze their target for a number of
turns equal to their dots in Strength, along with dealing 1 point of
Lethal damage. An Exceptional success doubles the duration and
raises the damage to 2 lethal. Vampires only suffer half of the effects (rounded down), so if the attacker had 3 Strength, a vampire
would only be paralyzed for 1 turn, instead of 3. Damage done to
a vampire with is technique deals bashing not lethal.
POISON HAND TECHNIQUE

Effect: Often seen as the opposite of Chi Strike, as it is forcing
Yin Chi into your strike. The character must spend 1 Willpower
on this attack. If the attack misses, then the Willpower is wasted.
If hit, the victim then feels the poison course through his body,
taking 1 Lethal damage in addition to any bashing done on the
attack. They will continue receiving 1 automatic lethal damage
each hour each dot of Strength the attack has from the mystic
poison coursing through their veins. For example: the artial artist
has Strength 3 and Brawl 4 and so has 7 dice to roll. He rolls 1,
2, 5, 7, 8, 8, 9 4 successes. The target would receive 4 Bashing damage and 1 lethal damage at this time, then would take
1 additional Lethal damage per hour for the next 3 hours (the
attackers Strength). This technique can be purchased up to 3
times, but only adds +1 to the lethal damage taken each hour.
The attackers strength would need to be raised for the effect to
last longer. Vampires will feel only half the effects of this technique (rounded down), but take full damage. Character must
have Focused Attack.
SILENCE OF WIND

Effect: This technique is used in styles that promote skill and
stealth above brute strength and power. By spending one Willpower point and making a successful Dexterity + Stealth roll, the
sounds of the characters movements are totally cloaked. Not
only this, but any inanimate objects he may come in contact with
will feel the effects as well. If he jumps into water, his splash is
totally silent. If he knocks over a picture, it falls to the ground
without a sound. Any animate being or creature that he touches
during this effect, is able to hear him without a problem. Hence,
if he goes into combat, his opponent will have no problem hearing him. If the successes accumulate an Exceptional Success, the
martial artist receives +3 dice to any Stealth rolls for the rest of
the scene. Vampires with Auspex can make a Contest Wits +
13
Composure roll to hear through their mystic protection.
SPLIT ESSENCE MEDITATION

Effect: Asian myths and legends teach that the human spirit
is composed of the Hun, the intelligent and spiritual side, and
the Po, the beastial and physical side. Practitioners of this techinque have also found this to be true. The character must
spend 2 Willpower points and make a successful Meditation roll,
at a 3 dice penalty. If the roll succeeds, his entire being is split
into two different beings. One of these beings is the characters
Hun, which holds all his intelligence and wisdom. The Hun receives +2 dice all mental actions, but cannot enter physical combat, only mental. The Po, the bestial side, gains +2 dice to all
physcial actions (including combat). His Defense also gains a
+1 bonus, but he loses his ability to think logically, even how to
speak. They can stay separated for a number of hours as the initial
roll garnered and can be any distance away from each other. This
ability is used to multitasking. Think of a scene where you are
trying to pick a lock and a gang of guards come and try to stop
you. If you could do both, wouldnt you? Both sides have the
character split its health points, but the Hun will always have 2.
So, if your character had 6 health points, then your Hun would
have 2 and your Po would have 4. If your character had 8 helth
points, then your Hun would have 2 and your Po would have 6.
But if one of the side dies, the ability ends as the two halves are
thrown back together; the character loses one Willpower dot and
is knocked unconscious. The character must make an Extended
Stamina roll with a target number of 30, each roll constituting
an hour of being unconscious. If the character is ever embraced,
the Po becomes the beast and will attack anyone around it, even
the Hun. So Kindred usually stay away from this ability for fear
of their own unlives. Regaining their lost Willpower dot costs12
experience points.
Note: this technique may be a little too much for some Storytellers, but it depends on just how fantastic you want your story
to be. Also notice that it is the most expensive of the Master
Techniques, which reects how powerful it really is.
STABLE MIND PRANA

Effect: The mind is a fragile thing and many martial artists
experience things they never wanted to. With a successful Meditation roll, the character can stablize their thoughts. For each
success, they are free from nightmares for one night. Also, the
character has one Willpower point (2 on an Exceptional success)
14
replenished with a successful roll; This can only be attempted

once a week. They are also able to fend off degeneration easier
with this specialized meditation, gaining a +3 to their roll (this
bonus replaces the normal +1 bonus for meditation). This is espcially good for assassins and accidental killers, helping to put all
their thoughts into perspective, making it easier to get through
life.
SURGE OF LIFE MEDIATION

Effect: This technique allows some martial art masters to defeat their worst enemy: mortality. Through this meditation, their
life can be slowed down, explaining how some masters are over
100 years old. On a successful Mediation roll at a 2 dice penalty,
the character can slow one year of his aging to the number of
years per success gained. The character must also spend a Willpower dot for the effects to work. For Example: Sifu Zheng rolls
5 successes on his Surge of Life Mediation roll, which means that
it will take him 5 years to age one year, but he will have to spend
a Willpower dot. At the end of the 5 years, he may roll again.
The rst 5 times the character performs this technique, it counts
for one year of his life, as above. Then for 2 years for the next
5 times. Then 3 years for the next 5 times. Until the magic has
no more effect, as the number of years outweighs the characters
dice pool. Regaining their lost Willpower dot costs12 experience
points.
VIBRATION STRIKE

Effect: This attack is often unexpected and very much feared
among the martial arts community. After one round of contemplation (meaning one round of no attacking, but also no Dodge),
the martial artist can launch a critical strike at his target, one
that will knock him out for sure. The strike hits certain pressure
points, but does no damage on the rst hit (the character must
still roll to hit). The strike will do 1 point the second round,
then 2 points of damage the third round and 3 points the fourth
and so on, until the target collapses. This is all bashing damage.
This damage is continual, not stopping until the victim falls unconscious. So any supernatural beings are still susceptible, but do
not fall unconscious after only Bashing damage. If left unhealed,
this strike will upgrade all the bashing to lethal and can force a
vampire into torpor. If the Vampire has the Blood Potency to
spend enough blood to avoid falling unconscious for 6 rounds,
then the effect wears off.
Spotlight
on:
The
NecroCyberz
Guildmaster: Jose Julio, aka Cybergod, has proclaimed himself the leader of this new Clique by right of organizing the
strike that led to it. No ones challenged him on this, yet, and if
he keeps making the right decisions it may yet be a while before
anyone does.
Center of Power: The Cliques leadership is currently hiding
out in the National Security Agencys own mainframe, all but
daring the Guild they left to come and get them. At least, thats
what they want the Articers to think: in reality, theyre
hiding in Las Cruces, and watching with glee as what few
house servant web-savants the Guild has left all but fry
themselves trying to hack the NSA.
Specialty Arcanos: While what they practice is,
technically, Inhabit, the Clique is pushing to have
their computer-heavy Arcanos - and all related electronic arts thereof - renamed Necrocybernetics.
ORGANIZATION
Theres Jose, up at the top, calling himself

the Leader due to his having thought of it
rst, and being the loudmouth around
whom the others have congealed.
Below him is everyone else, and although he has a few trusted people in his
inner circle (which he calls his Tiger Team)
he doesnt want to have a huge, sprawling bureaucracy. He feels that the era of entrenched
specialization is a relic of the past, and only leads
to inghting and stupid power games. If something needs doing, hell nd the best person for it,
ask them to get a team together and then let him
know whats going on. And when its done, they can
disband simple as that.
To facilitate this, those wraiths entitled to call themselves NecroCyberz are given a Relic eCard that proclaims
them as a member. This eCard also has their primary skills
listed and rated, just like G.I.Joe lecards. This information
- which is public knowledge - is used by Jose to pick team leaders, and the team leaders also use that information to pick their
teams. And thats all the organization the Clique really wants.
NOTABLE GROUPS
None. (See above)
CURRENT HISTORY
Since the invention of electronics, and the new worlds this

opened up to the Articers Guild, a rift within the Guild has
15
slowly developed. On one end are the traditionalists who remember the days before computers, and when they called their Arcanos Kinesis. On the other end are the new wave kids, who only
ever knew it as Inhabit, and have taken to the new, digital world
like ducks to water.
The old-timers want to bang hammer to forge and make Artifacts, while the new breed want to dive into Virtuality and make
it sing for them. Older hands in the Guild knew that the difference in outlook would probably come to a head one day, but
they trusted in Lord Nhudris presence to keep order. They
also trusted in people like Lord Ember - not to mention the
zealots in the Cult of Nhudri - to enforce it.
But then the 6th Great Maelstrom saw Lord Nhudri
vanish from his workshop, and Lord Ember disappear
into a nal Harrowing. And its aftermath saw the
once-venerated Guild have to take it on the lam
from angry mobs, and get absolutely no respect
from the other Guilds. In the face of those harsh
realities that order all but crumbled, and a
schism was inevitable.
So it was that, one day, a massively talented Journeyman by the name of Jose Julio got sick and tired of being told to eat
shit and call it manna from Heaven. Hed
been building towards this for some time, and
had cultivated enough friends and allies to call
for a general strike - one that was too large for
the Cult of Nhudri to quell, and much too loud
to ignore.
Bolstered by the huge response, Jose went to the
Guilds leadership and gave them a list of requests - all
part of a plan to bring the Guild into the 21st Century,
as he put it. However, the leaders were rather contemptuous of these notions, and threw them all back in his
face as impossible, too much or too presumptuous.
Who was he to tell them anything...?
Then he was told to submit himself for judgment for widescale disruption of the Guilds business in this time of emergency,
and that was the signal the others were waiting for. With a nal ourish - two ngers on both hands - Jose leaped into the
Tempest, daring his would-be captors to follow him. And as word
went down the chain, his followers all tossed their hammers and
necklaces aside, and left as one.
In the short time since then, the Clique has gained new members, and made a lot of headway in their plans. Theyve also
fought off assaults on their group by Articers sent to bring them
back to the fold, and have suffered only minor casualties. Put
simply, no one knows the virtual battleground better than they
do, and the old folks just cant compete.
CURRENT ACTIVITIES
Right now, the NecroCyberz are engaged in the attempt to

hollow out online Haunts. This is being done for their own benet three times over: it not only provides them with a place to
wait out the Storm, and a place to hide from the Guild, but also a
possible peace offering to give the other Guilds.
Theyre savvy enough to realize that all the other, recognized
Guilds have to be providing some kind of free service to the Underworld, as a whole, in order to be recognized. And being able
to shunt wraiths from the Storm-tossed Shadowlands into virtual
reality - without making them lose contact with their Fetters would be a major step in that direction.
CURRENT POLITICAL SITUATION
The Clique has almost no real friends, but a major enemy, at

the current time. The Articers are not happy to have lost so
16
many promising members to Jose and his rebellion, and are in

the process of hunting him down. They gure that if they can cut
off the head of the revolt, the rest of the rabble will fall back into
line, and before long it will be as though it never happened.
The only problem with this plan is that the Articers simply
do not have the people, resources or time to devote to the problem. The revolt came at the worst possible moment in the Guilds
history, and was not only one more thing they didnt need, but
one more thing they really couldnt do anything about. The best
they can do, now, is send a few Masters in bad standing out to
nd weaknesses in their defenses, and maybe slip a few of their
own converts towards the faction, just to gnaw at them from
within.
But these are only tactics of irritation; The Guild will get its
people back, in time, but that time might wind up being a ways
away.
Of floating Spirits
By Eloy Lasanta
THE RETURN
The nature of the human spirit is fragile, indeed. Even the

most virtuous spirit can be deled by temptation. The most noble of spirits can be crushed under the foot of defeat. Too many
things in a humans life can affect their spirit. This, too, is true
about their deaths.
In this article, I will be going over the basic concept of the
Yulan-jin, as well as some of my own colorful adages that may
make integrating them into your campaigns or playing much
easier on everyone involved. In other words, this is my rundown.
Not everything here is canon, but its the way I run it. Shall we
begin? Ok.
Those Yulan-jin lucky enough to escape hell and not

vanish due to sheer weakness return from Yomi the same way
other Kuei-jin do. They inhabit their own body and become
chih-mei, ravenous creatures bent on devouring the precious chi
of any around them. But capturing them is a chore in itself.
To pin a chih-mei in a corner is to call its Demon Chi into the
situation, making it faster and meaner then before. In these sort
of situations, putting down the beast is safer than trying to take
it unharmed. For a normal Kuei-jin, this simply knocks him out
temporarily until he can be trained correctly. For a Yulan-jin,
however, meeting the Little Death means moving his predatory
spirit to another dead body to inhabit and begin their rampage
again. This can go on for weeks, and in many cases does just
that. Until they are able to bring it in safely, it travels all around
the Middle Kingdom massacring everything in sight. Whenever
the chih-mei wranglers realize what they face, they get out the
bats and its clobbering time (since your spirit does not leave your
body if youre just knocked out).
WHAT IS A YULAN-JIN?
A Yulan-jin is a member of the hungry dead, just as any of the

others. However, their spirits are so weak that they cannot hold
on to their physical form for long. If they are suffer the Little
Death at any time they will leave their body, an experience they
call the Ripping, and end up in a new one with a bit of amnesia.
It sucks and Im sure youre asking yourself...
HOW DOES ONE BECOME YULAN-JIN?
CHOOSING A DHARMA
These poor, unfortunate souls (to steal a line from Disney)

take the brunt of their disadvantages from the Kuei-jin state.
Yulan-jin usually die in the most horrifying ways imaginable, in
situations that would break a normal persons spirit to nothing.
Having discovered the terrifying knowledge that you were the
cause of the ultimate shame or death of your own family is one
good one. Many Yulan-jin were also the victims of the powerful
Disciplines of the Kuei-jin in their mortal days, some of which
have the ability to ay a persons soul. It could happen after they
arrive in hell as well, if they are especially affected by the torture
the 1000 Hells can put a soul through.
No matter the numerous reasons there are behind this condition, those aficted feel everything stronger. The winds of Yomi
cut them much deeper, the sting of the demon guards whip sheds
a bit more blood, their spirit is weak and everyone in Hell knows
it. They often become the favorite playthings for the demons
and servants of the Yama Kings, who amuse themselves with their
torture like burning an ant with a magnifying glass.
The soul just doesnt have the power to ght back.
Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on how you look at
it), they dont have the power to stay for long either. The scars
that Yomi carves into the soul leaves its very being unstable in
the eyes of Heaven. This, not because of the Pos cunning or
strength, is the common reason why Yulan-jin return to the Middle Kingdom at all; because they are too weak to stay anywhere
for too long, even Hell. Although, there are still other souls, just
like a Yulan-jins, that simply wither and fade.
Teaching a Yulan-jin is not that different than another Kueijin student. They choose their own path and follow it to the
best of their abilities. However, the things teachers must do to
instruct their pupils in their Dharma can go beyond simple koans and onto physical and mental torture in some cases. This is
where things get messy.
The Path of 1000 Whispers is the most common among the
Yulan-jin. However, their lives dont only end with the gaining
of enlightenment, but also if fatal mishaps occur. Often times,
when they return to the Middle Kingdom in their new body, they
must start a new life, since the amnesia has set in deeply. The
Rootless Trees have a tendency to be very sporadic in their lives,
but the Yulan-jin make it an art form. So much, as a matter of
fact, that they are often referred to as the Floating Trees; not only
do they have no roots, but they do not even have gravity holding
them in their place.
Followers of the Way of the Resplendent Crane can nd a
feeling of peace within the connes of the laws they are provided.
They learn their place in the world and their history and can use
special rites to structure themselves in the Way. If a Yulan-jin
forgets these laws after the Ripping, he would bring much shame
on his mentor, incurring the wrath of many. The path of the
Shining Ice Guardian brings its good and bad points, but is the
second best choice.
The Thrashing Dragons, likewise, are a good choice for those
who have suffered the curse of the Yulan-jin. Striving to live as
much as possible is already a goal for so many of them, holding on
17
to their bodies by a thread. There are many Yulan-jin who stay

indoors all the time, scared to go into the world for fear of losing
their life yet again. The Laughing Rainbows, however, are those
Yulan-jin who grab life by the balls and squeeze as hard as they
can, daring it to come for them.
The Quiet Song also calls to some Yulan-jin, urging them to stay in the shadows and speak only when
asked something they can answer with a koan. However, the Song of the Shadow teaches to be devoid of
Emotion as well. This is one of the hardest things possible for the Yulan-jin. Imagine what it would feel
like, physically, spiritually and mentally, to have your
spirit ripped from your body, then clawing into another body. Is this something that can be easily ignored
with the Cold Mind? Hell no! Hence, some Yulan-jin
attempt this path, usually nding out that it is not the
way for those with no real control of themselves.
And possibly the worst and most traumatizing
Dharma for a Yulan-jin to take is the Howl of the
Devil-Tiger. Yes, it is the worst thing imaginable for a
Yulan-jin to subject himself to constant ghts, where
he meets the little death in regular intervals. Most
cant even make it through their koa without changing their minds and choosing another Dharma. The
ones that do try to achieve some sort of power within the Devil-Tigers will usually end up meeting Final Death and returning to Yomi, permanently.
The Yulan-jin are also drawn to the Spirit
of the Living Earth Dharma and, as a Veil,
can serve the spirits as well as any other
Kuei-jin. But the other heretical Dharmas can only hold onto a Yulan-jin for
so long. They will be crushed as Rising
Phoenix the moment they lose their original body
and try to convince their family that the stranger
in front of them is really daddy. Not remembering your worshippers really effects a Godlings
control.
Tempests and Scorpion Eaters, likewise, are
just as excitable as Devil-Tigers making it an unwise choice in Dharma.
in spirit form away from his body or to those who use Obligation.
Your afliation cannot be changed, so choose well, but these Soul
Circles are purely optional. A Yulan-jin can deny them all, but
will be subject to normal rules. Below are examples, but each
Storyteller is encouraged to create others to compliment his own personal world.
WU LING LUAN - THE FAMILY OF CHAOS
This circle of Yulan-jin have made peace with their

condition and seek to unravel it. They realize that their
state is a result of chaos in their past-life, of a weakness
they still carry with them from their living days and that
must be erased. This is the youngest sect of Yulan-jin, yet it
has gathered quite a following since its founding in 1928
in Shanghai.
From research in the great libraries of Chongqing to Spirit Journeys lasting decades at a time, the
Wu Ling Luan have found that Chaos is the answer to Chaos. They have found that they can
quench their spirits thirst for stability by causing
madness around themselves. Obviously, there
are few Whispers or followers of the Quiet Song
who align themselves with these crazy men.
Protection: As long as the Yulan-jin is temporarily imbalanced, they may spend chi
to resist the Ripping. For every chi spent,
they receive one die on a roll Difculty
9. If the Yulan-jin scores 2 or more successes, they are able to hold onto their
body. Only chi exceeding their chi virtues can be spent in this way.
Weakness: The Character will seek
to throw things out of balance and must
spend a Willpower point to resist for a
scene.
WU BEI - THE FAMILY OF LIFE
SOUL CIRCLES
No matter the choice in Dharma, the Yulanjin are never truly accepted by their peers. They
are different, they are weak and, as such, they
are not respected by most other Kuei-jin. They
consider themselves family, linked by their
spiritual condition, placing the Yulan- in
their name to signify their personality (ex:
Yulan-Li Rong, Yulan-Anjing, etc).
The Yulan-jin have also developed their own sects, called Soul
Circles. Each circle also provides
one additional way for the Yulan-jin to keep his body.
Joining a Soul Circle is quite easy, yet it will last for the rest of
their existence. The process of a Yulan-jins induction involves
the branding of his soul with a rite. This character, written in the
oldest Kuei-jin language, Kaja, is visible only if the Yulan-jin is
18
The Family of Life prides itself on experiencing

life. They can then use this infusion of life to keep
their spirits from coming apart. They attempt to
ll their un-lives with so much life that it mirrors the
worst binges by the Thrashing Dragons (who they are
a favorite amongst). This infusion of life into their
bodies lls the cracks in their souls, helping them
resist the Ripping. They meet twice a month in
depraved orgies and inspired gatherings, debating
on the causes of their condition, as well as the
nature of life itself.
Protection: As long as the Yulan-jin is Yang
Imbalanced, they may resist the Ripping. They
receive one die for every dot of permanent Yang
chi to resist at a Difculty of 9. If the Yulan-jin
scores 1 or more successes, they are able to hold
onto their body.
Weakness: The Yulan-jin becomes Yin decient. They are
never able to hold more Yin than their permanent rating and
must spend double the Yin needed in any use, even to raise your
corpse each night (ex: Ghost Sight would cost 2 Yin to use).
WU SI WANG - THE FAMILY OF DEATH
This Soul Circle seek to ll themselves with the forces of Yin

to achieve their balanced spirit. This can be done by protecting ghosts or their families, but also by devouring them. Yulanjin Bone Flowers revel in this circle, as it helps them along their
chosen path quite well with little need to stray from either their
dharma or their family. This circle however can turn others into
corpse eating lunatics. But look at the bright side. They wont
leave their death-ridden body behind, will they?
Protection: As long as the Yulan-jin is Yin Imbalanced, they
can resist the Ripping. They receive one die for every dot of permanent Yin chi to resist at a Difculty of 9. If the Yulan-jin scores
1 or more successes, they are able to hold onto their body.
Weakness: The Yulan-jin becomes Yang decient. They are
never able to hold more Yang than their permanent rating and
must spend double the Yang needed in any use, even to raise your
corpse each night (ex: Life Sight would cost 2 Yin to use).
A FEW TIPS FOR SURVIVAL

ARMOR OF SOME SORT
To make sure you arent ripped from your body, you need to be
well protected. A Kevlar jacket is a good way to do it, because
you can still die if there are enough bullets shot at you, right? If
you cant get a hold of any physical armor, nd yourself a wise man
and get some spiritual protection. There are many applications of
jade, as well as special rites, to improve your ability to resist being
fatally wounded. Of course, if all else fails, you can invest in the
teachings of Iron Mountain; however, giving into your demon is
never a good idea. Make sure you have a handle on your Po with
Cultivation or a really high Hun before taking this route.
OBLIGATION
A good way to nd out who you are when you reawaken in

your new body is to invest some time into learning the discipline
Obligation. It allows you to look into others souls nding out
their deepest darkest secrets, but the most importantly, it allows
you to do the same to yourself. It is only nding out about yourself second hand, but its better than nothing.
KEEP A DATABASE
Another way to keep tabs on your business, no matter what

body youre on, is to create an online identity. Make sure you
commit it to memory as much as possible, since you only take the
most important memories with you to your next body. Remembering your user name and password above all else, you can create a database that will have all your important knowledge about
yourself in it. Bank accounts (yes, you can get rich going through
a few lives in a short time) and names of friends and family members (that you would want to help console) are examples of some
information you can store and save for a later time.
THE TRUTH
Now, I know that I have made it seem like the Yulan-jin probably switches bodies every other day. But quite the opposite is
true. Depending on your lifestyle, you can survive years without
having to worry about the Ripping. However, to be useful in any
group, youll have to take chances and one of those chances could
lead you to the Little Death.
CONCLUSION
I hope that you all enjoyed my take on the Yulan-jin. They

had all of a few paragraphs devoted to them in Canon and I just
though they needed more. As always, hit me up on my e-mail
with any comments, suggests, complaints, etc. Peace out!
19
Justification
By Tony Murlin
Most people who worry about morality ought to.

Richard Hugo
On the day of my rebirth, for one perfect moment, there was

no line between the Beast inside me and myself. Through dulled
senses and deadened skin I felt the rain drop in torrents over my
body. There was once a time when the cold meant something,
when I grasped for warmth as a matter of instinct. But now there
exists only the purely physical knowledge that what I once was is
no more, and what I am now is something more and something
less, then what I used to be.
Feeling slowly cascaded over my prone form, my weight slowly
dragging me into the mud. A silent scream passed from my lips
and attempted freedom, but my jaw, clenched in a swirling discord
of new emotions that were muted, yet at the same time exited to
an insane degree, refused to grant it leave. As the world came
steadily into focus, I knew more and more about hatred and
hunger than I have ever felt before in my life. What was once
a dull, low ache rapidly became a re that burned at the very core
of my being. Anger and hunger mixed and became one blinding,
indescribable emotion. As I began to rise I felt that the tremors
wracking my body were no longer from the icy coldness of the
unforgiving rain, but from the hell that erupted behind my eyes.
A seething red haze came over my eyes, enveloping the entire
world. Distinguishable patterns became blurring movement in an
indecipherable environment. The sounds of rain gave way to a
deafening silence as I lost control of my very being. There was a
thing inside me that required satiation, and it would not rest until it received its due. My last vestiges of human thought lost its
lingering hold on the precipice of my existence once I perceived
more movement. After that, all became nothing.
There is very little in life to assure one who walks its myriad
of paths. The only assurances are those that the collective you
know for absolute certain. You will, at some point in your life, get
sick. You will, barring misadventure, eventually wither and die.
At least most of you will. Of course, this does, for the most part,
leave exception for us.
Who is us, you ask? I dont think youre ready to know yet.
Give you and I some time to become acquainted, and then I might
ll you in on my little secret. But you must indulge me, lest I feel
20
the urge to discontinue the conversation.

Ah blessed silence. You learn quickly, a trait that I like
very much keep it up. In the days ahead it will almost certainly ensure the continuation of your existence. In the spirit of
friendly conversation, let me ask you a question. Is it a sin for a
being greater than a man to kill him? Be careful how you answer
this question, because the answer you give will be loaded with assumptions you never meant to make. How do I know? Well, take
the answer yes, for example. If it is, indeed, a sin for a greater
being to kill a man, then what does that say of God? He is a greater being, is he not? But, how can he, who is the nal arbiter of
that which is sin, be sinful? Doesnt his existence as a murderer
make him bias, seeing as how his will has brought thousands, if
not millions, to their deaths since the birth of the religions of the
book? Even if you rule that only one death was Gods will, does
that not make him a murderer? If not, maybe he is guilty of the
sin of suicide. If we are taught our entire lives that two wrongs
do not make a right, then how does a murder/sacrice truly undo
the sin of the world. We could always say, because God is perfect
and can do anything, but that would be too easy.
If God were perfect in every way, shape, and form, then the
blight that is this existence would not be as such. The idea that
God created evil in order to test man shows that man is a awed
creation. If God is perfect, then how could he create a awed creation? Either he is awed (and thus not perfect), or mankind was
awed from the very beginning. Taking the latter into account,
would it then serve that there are ways for mankind to transcend
his awed state and become something more something greater? And if, on the path of this continued transcendence to a less
awed state, the greater being had to kill a more awed lesser being, one could come to the conclusion that it is not a sin, due to
the fact that the death of the lesser being was part of Gods will.
Hmmm youre either rapt in fascination or attempting to
cower in fear. Either way, I like that I have your attention.
The sensation was akin to the combination of good sex, a good

cigarette, a world shattering epiphany, and the excitement of a
near life experience. Its as if every life afrming experience Ive
ever known before this night were added together and multiplied
by some ludicrous number that exists only in space and national
economies.
My violent euphoria was taken from me by a sorrowful whimper, the kind that engenders people to buy those unwanted puppies inside cardboard boxes on wayward street corners. My vision
reawakened into a world of brown. At rst I thought I still had
mud in my eyes, but I quickly realized that it was a cascade of
long, wavy locks blocking my vision. My mortication came and
went like a New York taxi cab, until my senses returned enough
for me to realize that I not only had someone in my arms, but that
I was sucking on them. I forced myself to ignore the connotations
behind the copper taste in my mouth, and at rst became resolute
to allow my reverie to continue. I felt truly at peace, clasped
onto this person like a lamprey. It was like a womb for my mind,
the monster coiled throughout, placating my every desire in one
perfect moment. This was love. This was Heaven. This is what
I was meant to do with my life.
A sharp burst of lightning cracked hard behind me. Something
deep inside spoke to me, warning me that someone, or something,
was going to take my Heaven away from me. I was resolute in my
need for this feeling, so what I did was squeeze a little harder. At
the time I was too enveloped in what I was doing to realize that
I was constricting harder and harder every time my Heaven pulsated, or I heard the strange whimper, or the lightning exploded.
Eventually, after a twig snapped, the whimpering stopped.
Have you ever contemplated Hell, my friend? What is Hell, if

but the absence of Gods sight? Would God need to watch over a
perfect creation? No, I doubt that. What would a perfect being
need with voyeuristic tendencies? Thats right, my gagged friend,
he wouldnt need to watch at all. A perfect being does everything
perfectly and thus does not require Gods constant vigil.
But if being consigned to Hell is being taken from Gods sight,
doesnt that make one perfect in Gods eyes? Being Damned is
transcendence, my friend, or, at the very least, transcendent. If
a being becomes Damned, that being is forever taken from the
eyes of God, which, in turn, one may surmise that it also frees
one from Gods plan. Therefore, Damnation is the ultimate freedom freedom from mortality, freedom from limitation, freedom
from the world of man and God.
There is a price for this freedom, as hypocritical as it may seem;
the thought that one would be a slave to debt in payment for
ultimate freedom is a paradoxical juxtaposition at best. Once
set free, you are alone forever. Your freedom is such an affront
to God that his presence tears at your very being. As a being set
aside from the God-Created world, the res of Creation and the
light of his loving oppression seek to bring you back into the fold
via the Mortal Coil. Fortunately, we have our own Coils. And
with each further Coil we transcend, we come closer to our imminent goal
Upon regaining consciousness, I discovered that there was

blood on my hands now, a viscous glove of spilt life that, like Midas, brings ruination to everything it touches. The rain danced
around my statuesque form as I watched water attempt to clean

the sin from my hands.
The form at my feet was now nothing more than a thing, an
object once imbued with life that now surged like frozen liquid
re through my veins. Once there was bliss, now there is only the
mocking laughter of the Serpent, who brought ruination to my
own personal innocence. The red fruit of Eden was taken from
the Eve at my feet, her body ravished, crushed, and laid disdainfully at my feet. I now knew evil; I now knew that I had become
like the Eve sinking into the mud at my feet. I remember the precious feeling of her heartbeat as I held her body close to mine, the
warmth of her skin as my cold mouth rested open and hollow on
her supple esh, and the feeling of her life, as the years left in hers
came to rest in me to fuel one more day of my blasphemy.
The percussion of thunder rang loudly in my ears as the wind
caused the trees to play a subtle melody. Nature itself roared in
applause of this silent song, a requiem for Eve, and her new Adam.
There was no doubt within my mind after this point that I was indeed damned. Through vicious wrath I had sated my gluttonous
thirst. I had become sin incarnate, a monster so abhorrent that
life itself had left me, and now I stand, cold, dead, and hollow.
In my rush to learn what it was to live, to stare intently into
the abyss, but I had completely ignored the eyes staring at me
back. Now I know exactly what must be done to live others
must die. The men and women in the world must now become
my Eucharist, for their blood shall give me life. The prospect
was too much to bear, the idea that a higher power would allow
these things to happen. I made one last promise before I initiated
myself into a race of liars: I promised that I would become like
unto God himself, if only to prove that transcendence lies in the
realms beyond his sight
I bet youre asking what its like to be Damned. What its like
to know, for a fact, that God does not like you, and, if anything,
would like to see you obliterated. Its quite liberating, I assure
you. As a man, before my Embrace some seventy-ve years ago,
I was quite concerned about my place in Gods plan and what he
thought of me. Every day I took it on faith that he truly loved me
like the good book said he did, and I followed all the little rules
and regulations required of me like all good Christians. Oh,
sure, I slipped every now and then. I enjoyed the drink a little too
much one night (despite its illegality), and on the next I would
enjoy a bad woman. Heh. But a quick trip to the confessional
and the requisite renunciation of my acts was enough to get me
in, right?
Deep inside I felt that the answer was not one Id like to hear,
but I held hope that, despite my faults, I was the type of man that
would get to sit next to the throne of the Lord when my day nally came. That I would be forgiven. But then the nagging questions began: What if my religion isnt the correct one or What
if my religion is correct, but I am ultimately a failure in the eyes
of God? For a man as concerned over religious matters as I was,
these were questions to which I lost sleep. Then, one day I met
my un-Maker, and became free.
Hmmm. You arent going anywhere let me tell you a
story
21
The
Broken
A shrill scream of co-mingled pain and pleasure breaks
the placid country night, piercing the silence that looms over the
darkened temple. Running his hand over his baldhead, the young
man walks for the doors to the temple. Feeling the darkened, sturdy wooden door, he sighs heavily before shoving it open. Making
his way over some debris, he slowly heads for the back of the main
area of the temple. A soft hissing sound is heard from behind him
but he barely reacts to it, making his way straight for the doors
ahead of him and shoving them wide open, stopping suddenly to
look over the sight before him. All around the room are mortal
men and women in the throes of pain, pleasure and ecstasy as
they writhe and groan under bakemono of both sexes. Sitting on
a large chair made of stone and decorated with bits of bone and
jade, is a man, slight of stature but with a force of will that can be
felt from across the expansive room. Master Whangbo . . . I hope
he doesnt react too harshly to my failings . . .
The slight man looks up at the young Devil Tigers entry.
Shen Jin, what brings you back here so soon after leaving? The
man asks. The annoyed tone of his voice brings a slight shudder to Shen as he bows to the elder. Most wise and honored
elder, I have come to deliver news of the mission you sent us
on. Spoken nervously. The elderly man sighs heavily and waves
a hand idly then. Speak then, boy. And make it quick. I have
more important matters to attend to than sitting here listening
to you all night. Nodding at his words, Shen rises to his feet
and looks at the man. You sent us out to meet with members of
the Green Court to obtain the package you asked for. However
when we arrived at the small village, there was naught there. It
was a ghost town, devoid of any mortals much less Wan Kuei. We
proceeded to investigate as per Saimdangs orders . . . the Bone
Flower leader of our wu. As we split up, I was made aware of the
fact I was being watched and I proceeded to assume the Demons
form, just in case of a Green Court ambush . . . Shen trails off,
clearly bothered by what he is thinking. What is it boy? What
happened? Do not waste my time with this drivel unless it is important. Taken aback at the outburst from the elder, Shen nods
and licks his lips before continuing.
I heard a scream from one of my wu mates . . . one of
the women. Not sure which one though because almost as soon
as that happened I noticed something my senses hadnt caught
before. There were scents in the air that made my Po go wild;
the scent of Yomi was in that place. Realizing something bad was
going on here, I ran to the scream but was stopped by demons
that suddenly blocked my path. They looked like vulture men or
something. Distorted beings . . . Regardless, I managed to ght
them off, but the sight of them had my Po in a whirl. Memories
of time in Yomi and tortures that were suffered came rushing back
. . . Taking a breath he continues. By the time I found them,
22
Mirror
By Daniel Acaba
only my leader Saimdang was left. She demanded I leave her to

hold them off and report back to you. So I fought my way out of
the city and returned here. It is at this point that Shen moves
his hand that was clutched to his ribs, revealing a gaping wound
that would have disemboweled any mortal that had taken the
wound. For the Devil Tiger however, it is merely something to be
overcome.
I see. Sister Bone Flower was wise to send you back
here. This is troubling news. The elder says softly, rubbing his
white stubble on his chin. Did you see or notice anything else?
Was there anything that stood out? Shen thinks for a moment
before shaking his head negatively. No elder, I did not. Everything was rather cut and dry there. The horde of creatures going
through my combat wu like a hot knife through butter was all
that really stands out to me . . . Its clear that the thought of having lost his wu is troubling him greatly. Shen. Go home to your
wife. Rest. You have dealt with much trouble this night. I think
you for bringing me this message and I will take this information
to those who will put it to best use. Nodding, Shen bows again,
but is interrupted by Whangbo speaking again. However. If I
should nd out that you were a coward there and deserted your
wu to die, you would be lucky to get off by only greeting the Eye
of Heaven. Shen tenses a bit at the threat, knowing full well
that the elders words ring true. Bowing once again, Shen makes
a hasty retreat from the temple, knocking over a bakemono in his
rush. The frightened creature skitters away from the Devil Tiger,
not wishing to upset its superiors.
Whangbo sits in his chair for a long while, thinking over
Shen Jins words before slowly rising from his chair. His bones
crack and twist as the old man moves for the rst time in decades.
The gathered creatures around him stop their fornication and
look to him, curious what has brought this man from his chair.
Making his way down the steps, he moves toward a room in the
corner, throwing the door wide as he enters. Inside, two snakelike bakemono are lying on the oor next to a dresser where a jade
bowl rests. Move. Said sharply in Korean as the creatures both
slither out of the way rapidly. Walking over to the bowl, he concentrates on his inner Yang before pricking his nger on a sharp
edge of the bowl, letting drops of his Yang-charged blood mingle
with the water in the bowl. Letting the blood ow cease, he leans
over the bowl and watches the water for a moment before he begins to speak in low tones. Emerald River of Fire, appear before
me. We must talk.
The mixture of Chi and water shimmers and ows, turning into an image of a savage, but beautiful female face. Whangbo. I hope this is important. I will not be pleased if it is not . . .
The man licks his lips before speaking. It has been found. The
Broken Mirror has been found and it is not more than two hours
travel away from here. They took over a small village and have
stripped it of human life and killed at least seven Wan Kuei. Only
one has survived the attack, one of my dharma. He explains.
The womans face gets interested suddenly at the mention of the
Broken Mirror. Really now? Have you? And what do you think
of the area? How populated is it? She asks looking away as she
says something softly in Korean, presumably to one of her aides.
It is in a now deserted area due to them taking the humans.
Theyre likely food and hosts for bakemono now. Whangbo adds.
The woman nods to that.
And if we were to bring out the weapons, how much
danger would there be to other humans? He thinks for a moment and reaches for a piece of paper. Looking over it closely, he
analyzes the writing on it before speaking. If we make a thorough
assault on the area as our elders have dictated, we will likely destroy four small villages and destroy part of a larger city. Said easily as if he were discussing the weather. I see. Send a messenger
with all the relevant information and let us gather our troops to
be mobilized. We will set up a perimeter before we devastate the
area with missiles. Once we have attened the demons we will
send in our forces to nish it off and seal the Broken Mirror. He
nods to her words and grins. As you wish. I look forward to this
momentous event. The Thousand Embers Righteousness Society
will no longer have to hide away from the masses. We will seize
our destiny and annihilate all that oppose us. He grins and the
woman laughs a girlish laugh.
The sound of rapid movement suddenly distracts him.
Whirling around Whangbo looks at the bakemono. Why were
you listening in on my conversation? The two serpent creatures
look over to him. It was not us, master. It was Shen Jin. He was
just here. Whangbos eyes widen at that. He heard . . . Get
him! With a hiss, the bakemono slithers out of the room calling
for others to come with them. Walking out to watch the small
horde of bakemono race out the temple, Whangbo makes a st.
He can ruin everything. He must not be allowed to live to pass on what
he has seen and heard.
Breathing heavily, Whangbo runs as hard as he can. The
cries and screeches of the bakemono behind him, he moves as fast
as his demon powers and Yang Prana will allow him to move. He
has to warn someone . . . has to nd help. I cant let them do this. I
cannot . . . those innocents . . .
23

The World of Darkness Martial Arts

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1

The Empty Hand Martial Arts in the new World of Darkness

Art by Joshua Gabriel Timbrook

Of Floating Spirits Tips for playing Yulan-Jin in Kindred of the East

20 Justication Vampire: The Requiem ction

Columns & Departments

Letter from the

THE EMPTY HAND

were developed as entertainment and dancing rst and a

The World of Darkness The World of Secrets The World

It would be impossible to compile all of the different martial

ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORT

temperament. While some masters focus on training the mind

The teachers, the sensei, the sifu, are expected to be masters in

DUELING AND HONOR

In todays increasingly modern world, many of the old secrets

CHOOSING YOUR STYLE

WHICH STYLE IS BEST FOR ME?

It is important to think about the personality of your character

Every master is different in their tutalege, depending on their

teach these to some students, who deem themselves worthy.

After mastering a style of martial arts, many students go on

Fast Reexes or Fleet of Foot: Either of these two merits can

Fame: For the purposes of a martial arts game, Fame can be

MERITS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS

While interpreting the use of each merit is quite elementary,

STORY HOOKS AND IDEAS

There are so many possibilities for playing a martial arts game.

Quest for the artifact: Done to death in many games, yes.

MONKEY KUNG FU (CHINESE)

Prerequisites: Strength , Dexterity , Stamina ,

SNAKE KUNG FU (CHINESE)

PRAYING MANTIS KUNG FU (CHINESE)

Prerequisites: Strength , Dexterity , Stamina ,

Prerequisites: Strength , Dexterity , Stamina ,

Dodging, instead of doubling their Defense.

Prerequisites: Strength , Dexterity , Stamina , Brawl

Jujitsu, or gentle technique, includes not only limb twisting

TIGER KUNG FU (CHINESE)

Prerequisites: Strength , Dexterity , Stamina ,

WHITE CRANE KUNG FU (CHINESE)

Prerequisites: Strength , Dexterity , Stamina ,

Prerequisites: Strength , Dexterity , Stamina ,

the shadow. Much of the training in the Ninjitsu school centers

Prerequisites: Strength , Dexterity , Stamina ,

age only. This bonus replaces Iron Skin.

Prerequisites: Strength , Dexterity , Stamina ,

Prerequisites: Strength , Dexterity , Stamina , Brawl

MUAY THAI (THAILAND)

Prerequisites: Strength , Dexterity , Stamina ,

of the Thais. It is different from international boxing in that in

KRAV MAGA (ISRAEL)

Prerequisites: Strength , Dexterity , Stamina ,

Prerequisites: Strength , Dexterity , Stamina ,

nent in the same turn, this benet is lost.

JEET KUN DO (UNITED STATES)

Prerequisites: Strength , Dexterity , Stamina ,

and cynical world.

then also do 2 levels of Bashing with the other 2. He could not

Cost: 15 experience points, 20 experience points for rebuy

Cost: 35 experience points

Cost: 30 experience points

CRIPPLING STRIKE AMENTI