MASSAI
By Kuseru
Entrance Requirements: No Attribute or Alignment restrictions.
Skill Cost: 12 Years (8 Years as a Secondary Martial Art Style)
The Massai (also known as Masai, Maasai, Maasaï, and Masi) are one of the best known tribes of Africa, inhabiting the Great Rift Valley of East Africa, particularly western and central Kenya, and northern Tanzania. They are semi-nomadic pastoralists, rearing cattle, which sometimes requires them to find new pastures. Massai belive that Ngai, their rain god, granted them all cattle, which they use to justify raiding cattle from other tribes.
The warriors of the Massai are known as Moran, and they are chosen as a group every six to ten years by the clan elders. This age-related group then lives together, apart from the tribe, in a Manyatta from eight to twelve years, learning and developing the skills of survivors and warriors. All boys in the group are circumcised then dress in black while painting their faces with white chalk. Eight to twelve months later, they undergo the Eunoto, a sacred ritual which begins their status as veteran warriors, shaving their head and coloring their hair ochre. There are three classes of warriors among the Massai: the young, untried warriors; the veteran Moran; and the Lion Hunters. The Lion Hunters earn this privilege by killing a lion armed with nothing more than a spear.
Massai warriors are renowned for their agility, arrogance, fierce bravery, grace, speed, strength, and stubbornness, as well as a "jumping" dance in which they leap into the air from a standing position. Tight social organization, as well as their cattle raids and offensive warfare, combined with the mobility of cattle herding allows the Massai to go where the please and take what they want. A Moran protects his village and cattle, from other tribes as well as predators. He is also responsible for finding new pastures as well as possible cattle raids against other tribes.
Costume: Massai wear the shuka, a blood-red shoulder cloak, sandals, and may wear an elaborate pelt or head-dress, particularly from a lion. Massai wear earrings and take pride in creating large holes in their ear lobes.
Stance: Facing opponent, with one foot forward and the other back, arms extended forward and holding the spear in the right hand and shield on the left arm.
CHARACTER BONUSES
Add +1 to M.E.
Add +2 to P.S.
Add +2 to P.P.
Add +1 to P.E.
Add +4 to Spd.
COMBAT SKILLS
Attacks per Melee: 3
Escape Moves: Leap, Maintain Balance, Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact
Attack Moves: Leap
Basic Defense Moves: Automatic Parry, Dodge, Parry.
Advanced Defense Moves: Combination Parry/Attack
Hand Attacks: Punch (Human Fist)
Basic Foot Attacks: Kick Attack
Jumping Foot Attacks: Jump Kick
Special Attacks: Backward Thrust, Death Strike, Death Blow, Death Blow from Behind, Leap Attack, Trip/Leg Hook - Weapon (NEW!)
Holds/Locks: None.
Weapon Kata: W.P. Spear, W.P. Shield
Modifiers to Attacks: Critical Strike, Critical Strike from Behind, Weapon Tap
SKILLS INCLUDED IN TRAINING
Martial Art Powers: None.
Languages: Maa (Ol Maa, Kimaa, or simply Massai).
Cultural: Herding Cattle, Play Musical Instrument: Kudu Horn
Survival: Camouflage, Prowl, Wilderness Survival
Weapon Proficiencies: W.P. Bow, W.P. Spear, W.P. Shield, W.P. Blunt
Philosophical Training: None.
If this is your Primary Martial Art then the following other styles can be learned in a shorter time: Peul (6 Years), Zulu Stick Fighting (8 Years).
LEVEL ADVANCEMENT BONUSES
1st: +1 to Strike, +1 to Damage, +2 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact, Critical Strike from Behind.
2nd: +1 to Dodge/Parry, +1 to Leap (add 6 feet to Leap Distance).
3rd: +1 to Initiative, +1 to Leap (add 6 feet to Leap Distance).
4th: +1 Attack per Melee.
5th: Death Strike on a Natural 20.
6th: +1 to Strike, +1 to Damage, +1 to Maintain Balance.
7th: +1 to Dodge/Parry, +1 to Leap (add 6 feet to Leap Distance).
8th: +1 Attack per Melee.
9th: Death Blow (Can be used whenever desired (i.e. No Natural Number required), however, character must announce intentions to use the Attack per Melee, costs two melee attacks).
10th: +1 to Strike, +1 to Damage, +1 to Maintain Balance.
11th: +1 to Dodge/Parry, +1 to Leap (add 6 feet to Leap Distance).
12th: +1 Attack per Melee.
13th: Critical Strike on a Natural 19 or 20.
14th: +1 Attack per Melee.
15th: Death Blow from Behind.
Why Study Massai?
The purpose of this style is to kill, plain and simple. A solid, combat effective form that stresses quickness and power. The perfect outdoor martial art. Like most weapon styles, this style can be used without weapons but it loses a great deal of its effectiveness.