| Kai was introduced by White Wolf's sourcebook Dark Alliance: Vancouver. It was designed as the special Discipline of Clan Bushi, a Japanese race of vampires who had just started to come to America. WW also introduced the Chinese Gaki clan in another supplement (one I haven't seen yet). However, when White Wolf began producing it's Kindred of the East series, all of this information went out the window. Officially, there is no Clan Bushi or Clan Gaki. Big deal. The original descriptions were for table-top play. I have converted them to LARP use and fleshed them out a little more, based on commentary in the original descriptions.. Kai is the Discipline of the spirit, developed by the Bushi Clan of Japan (the Children of Susanoo). This is considered a Mixed-Skill discipline for later training purposes, but the first level cannot be learned without a teacher, and justification is required. Some disciplines (such as Focused Strike) allow an increasing degree of mastery at higher ranks. These are not separate levels that must be purchased. They are merely the effects of an increase in personal mastery. First Basic Inner Focus - Honor is foremost in a Bushi's mind and soul. It is this overwhelming sene of duty that allows the Bushi to gather his inner strength and resist outbursts of emotion. Instead of using Willpower to resist Frenzy, the Bushi spends two blood points to regain control for the scene. Once done, nothing will cause the Bushi to be overcome by any emotion.In order for this to work, the situation must be such that a loss of control would hinder the Bushi's ability to carry out his Master's orders or is damaging to his personal honor. Focused Strike - By using the total discipline of the mind and body, the Bushi can deliver devastating blows, smashing walls of stone and iron or sending opponents flying with but a touch. The amount of damage done to the target by an unarmed strike is increased by one per blood point spent. Because of the spiritual focus required to fuel this attack, damage is aggravated. Blood may spent over a series of turns, saving up for the big effect, but no more than five points can be built up in this manner. Second Basic Honorable Elixir - The Bushi may turn his blood into a potion that, when drunk by another, will cause that person to walk the path of honor. Anyone who drinks it, mortal, vampire, even those of lower generation, is compelled to treat the Bushi in a completely honorable manner. The effect lasts for one scene but, if drunk three times, a Blood Bond develops and the effect is permanent. The Bushi often use this as part of a "simple ritual from olden times" by sharing a symbolic toast before talking business. The target will not be aware of this effect if the blood is disguised in wine or sake. Focused Strike - At this level of mastery, Focused Strike may now be focused through melee weapons. Intermediate Shield from the Fire - Fire is the ally of the sun and thus the enemy of Susanoo. By spending blood points, the Bushi may surround himself with a red hazy aura around himself that will ward off all effects of flame. The effect lasts for one scene per point spent. It will not work against sunlight. Focused Strike - At this level of mastery, Focused Strike may be used with projectile weapons. Advanced Daimyo's Law - This forces a single being to pursue an obligation to the Bushi. This obligation is specific and usually involves a task. The task must be verbally delivered by the Bushi himself, and lasts until the obligation has been met. Should the target ignore the obligation, he loses one Willpower per week until he resumed his duty. To make this effect, the Bushi must win a Manipulation or Leadership test against the target's Willpower. If the target is also under the effect of Honorable Elixir, Willpower is effectively halved. Focused Strike - At this level of mastery, the Bushi may make ranged attacked powered by pure spirit energy. The Bushi may attack up to one hundred feet away, and the damage is one point per Blood spent (no additional brawl or weapon damage). |
| The Kai Discipline |