Thoda
By Kuseru
Entrance Requirements: No Attribute or Alignment Restrictions.
Skill Cost: 4 Years (2 Years as a Secondary Martial Art Style).
Thoda is an impressive form of archery from the Himachal Pradesh in India. This style dates back to the days of Mahabharata, where bows were used in the epic battles between the Kauravas and Pandavas.
Training consists of two groups, primarily dancers, competing against each other with teams of archers shooting arrows at each other's legs. Defense is limited to lightning kicks and agility used to thwart the aim of their opponents.
This style is typically studied only in the Theog Division (Shimla district), Narkanda block, Chopal Division, district Sirmaur and Solan Thoda of the Himachal Pradesh.
Costume: White cloth dhoti (loose trousers wrapped between the legs). If a shirt is worn, it is long and hangs outside the lower garment. Footwear is sandals. A turban is worn on the head.
Stance: None.
CHARACTER BONUSES
Add +1 to P.S.
Add +1 to P.E.
Add +2 to P.P.
Add +4 to Spd.
Add +10 to S.D.C.
COMBAT SKILLS
Attacks per Melee: 3
Escape Moves: Maintain Balance, Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact
Attack Moves: None.
Basic Defense Moves: Automatic Parry, Dodge, Parry
Advanced Defense Moves: Automatic Dodge, Multiple Dodge.
Hand Attacks: None.
Basic Foot Attacks: None.
Jumping Foot Attacks: None.
Special Attacks: Tripping Shot (NEW!).
Holds/Locks: None.
Weapon Kata: W.P. Bow, W.P. Sharpshooting: Bow
Modifiers to Attacks: Critical Strike, Knockdown, Knockout/Stun, Pull Punch
SKILLS INCLUDED IN TRAINING
Martial Art Powers: Automatically receives Yadomejutsu Kata.
Languages: Eastern Hindi.
Cultural: Dance.
Weapon Proficiencies: W.P. Bow, W.P. Sharpshooting: Bow
Philosophical Training: Hinduism
If this is your Primary Martial Art then the following other styles can be learned in a shorter time: Bandesh (2 Years), Gatka (9 Years), Kalari Payit (7 Years), Muki (12 Years), Silambam (5 Years), Thang-Ta (2 Years), Vajra-Musti (8 Years).
LEVEL ADVANCEMENT BONUSES
1st: +1 to Strike with Bow, +1 to Dodge, +1 to Maintain Balance
2nd: +1 to Damage with Bow, +1 to Pull Punch
3rd: +1 to Strike with Bow, +1 to Dodge
4th: +1 to Parry, +1 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact
5th: Add +1 Attack per Melee.
6th: Accurately shoot while dodging (normally a wild shot), but strike bonuses are halved and a called shot is impossible, Knockout/Stun on a Natural 20
7th: +1 to Strike with Bow, +1 to Dodge, +1 to Maintain Balance
8th: Add +1 Attack per Melee.
9th: +1 to Pull Punch, Knockout/Stun on a Natural 19, or 20
10th: +1 to Strike with Bow, +1 to Dodge
11^th: +1 to Damage with Bow, +1 to Tripping Shot
12th: Add +1 Attack per Melee.
13th: +1 to Strike with Bow, Knockout/Stun on a Natural 18, 19, or 20
14th: Add +1 Attack per Melee.
15th: +1 to Strike with Bow, +1 to Tripping Shot
Why Study Thoda?
In exchange for giving up the ability to injure one receives an ability that's almost totally defensive. It also provides good defenses against multiple attackers in addition to good offensive capabilities. On the other hand, there are few/no special powers or abilities, so it's pretty limiting in any other circumstances. With the long reach and power of a weapon, this style allows a student to take on multiple attackers as easily as single ones but has the single disadvantage of being dependent on a weapon for effective combat.