Zentrial
By Mephisto
Entrance Requirements: I.Q. 9, M.A. 8, M.E. 9
Skill Cost: 25 Years

Zentrial (Elven for Regality) is an ancient Elven martial art believed to have existed since the Elf-Dwarf war. It is a fast, decisive martial art stressing etiquette and manners as well as using swords and staffs. There are many protocols of the courts and palaces incorporated into this martial art, so the practitioner of this art will not only learn how to fight, but how to properly conduct themselves. This martial art is rare even for elves, and those Elven nobles who know this art tend to be very secretive although they occasionally take on apprentices, first teaching the manners of the court before teaching the practical fighting arts. Since elves are so long-lived, there is no rush in learning everything at once, so Zentrial is often an art that cannot be mastered by shorter-lived races.

This martial art is unheard of except in a few palaces and noble houses of the Western Empire and some of the few remaining Elven cities in the Old Kingdom. Elves will never teach this martial art to anyone but another elf; not even humans will get the luxury to learn this partial fighting art.

Zentrial uses a variety of fast hand and feet strikes, similar to our Tae Kwon Do and many Karate forms, as well as teaching the use of ornate scepters and ornamental swords. These weapons are often are more for show than practical use, but in the hands of the Zentrial master they can be instruments of destruction and death. In combat situations, Zentrial masters will often wait for the opponent to attack first, before blocking and countering with a fist or kick attack, while trying to retain their regal air of nobility. They will often back flip to avoid any grappling situation, then respond with a kick or punch strike if the person rushes in for an attack. Very little grappling is taught in Zentrial, which is its major weakness.

O.C.C. Notes: It's possible for an Elven noble to be a practitioner of this martial art; but a recommendation is to reduce the number of secondary skills by two and "other" skills by three if this art is chosen for the noble as well as reducing the "other" skill bonuses by half. This just shows how much time and effort must be taken into mastering Zentrial.
Stance: Typically a Courtly Stance, with arms loosely up and feet slightly apart, but standing nearly perfectly upright, ready to intercept any attack or read a scroll, whichever seems more appropriate. If the practitioner is using this martial art away from "civilized" people, they will take a stance where they are hunched slightly, feet a bit more spread apart and hands up towards the face like a boxer.
Costume: Ideally, expensive silks and suits, or ornate armor.
Character Bonuses
Add +2 to M.A.
Add +2 to P.P.
Add +2 to Spd.
Add +5 to S.D.C.
Combat Skills
Attacks Per Melee: 3
Escape Moves: Back Flip, Roll With Punch/Fall/Impact
Basic Defenses: Dodge, Parry, Auto Parry
Advanced Defenses: Combination Parry/Attack, Circular Parry, Disarm, Multiple Dodge
Hand Attacks: Strike (Punch), Palm Strike, Backhand, Knife Hand
Foot Attacks: Kick Attack, Snap Kick, Roundhouse, Crescent Kick, Trip/Hook, Backward Sweep, Drop Kick, Reverse Turning Kick
Jumping Foot Attacks: Jump Kick, Flying Jump Kick
Special Attacks: Back Flip Kick (Special: This is done in place of a dodge, and the Zentrial master tries to back flip and have their foot catch the opponent in the jaw. The back flip must be successful (use only back flip bonus) then roll a strike at +4 to strike. A failed back flip means taking full damage without the benefit of a Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact. The kick does 3D6 damage and the opponent loses initiative and one melee attack. The victim of the attack needs to make a successful maintain balance roll to avoid being knocked off his or her feet. If the roll is successful then no melee action is lost)
Holds/Locks: None
Weapon Skills: W.P. Staff, W.P. Sword
Special Katas: None
Modifiers to Attack: Pull Punch, Jump/Leap Attack, KO/Stun
Skills Included in Training
Martial Art Powers: Select Two from among Martial Art Techniques and Specialty Katas
Physical Skills: Gymnastics, Athletics (General), plus one of choice.
Training Skills: Dance, Sing, Public Speaking, Courtly Etiquette (See below for details), History, Three Lore's of choice, Basic Math, Advanced Math.
Languages: Speaks and Literate in Dragonese/Elven.
Level Advancement Bonuses
1st Critical Strike Natural 20, +2 to parry and dodge.
2nd +2 initiative, +1 to strike
3rd +5% to Cultural Skills, +1 to Back Flip
4th +1 attack
5th +1 to parry and dodge, +2 to disarm
6th Critical Strike Natural 19/20, +1 initiative
7th +1 to Back Flip, +1 to strike
8th KO/Stun Natural 20, +1 initiative
9th +1 attack, select one additional Martial Art Ability.
10th +5% Cultural Skills, +1 disarm
11th +2 damage, +1 initiative
12th +1 to parry and dodge, +1 Back Flip
13th +1 attack
14th KO/Stun Natural 19/20, Critical Strike Natural 18-20
15th Select one additional Martial Art ability, +5% Cultural Skills
Why study Zentrial?
To learn an ancient Elven combat art is one reason. To learn how to conduct oneself in court is another. Plus the art has a rich tradition and a very formal presentation, which would prove useful in certain situations. Plus the combat techniques are decent.