Aikikai Aikido (Exclusive)
By The Dark
Entrance Requirements: Minimum P.P.: 12. Alignment must be Principled (good), Scrupulous (good), or Aberrant (evil).
Skill Cost: 16 years
Aikido was founded in the 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba. When he taught his first students, now the masters of Aikido themselves, each was taught according to their personality and abilities. Some were more pacifistic than others; their style is covered in the original entry for Aikido. Others learned the weapons styles that had been learned by O Sensei (a title of respect for Ueshiba-san). This school, known as Aikikai, is headed by Chiba-sensei. Students of Aikikai are known as aikidoka.
Costume: Thickly padded Karate outfit (equivalent to Cloth armor) with additional Black or Blue Hakama.
Stance: The aikidoka's standard stance is a side stance. The feet are shoulder's width apart, with the front foot pointing forward and the rear foot pointing to the side. The forward arm is extended forward, with the rear arm held roughly two hand's widths away from the body, also extending forward. The weight is carried evenly on both feet. If a weapon is held, it is generally carried pointing downward.
CHARACTER BONUSES
Add 10 to CHI
Add 1 to P.S.
Add 2 to P.P.
Add 10 to S.D.C.
COMBAT SKILLS
Attacks per Melee: 2
Escape Moves: Roll With Punch/Fall/Impact, Breakfall
Basic Defense Moves: Dodge, Parry, Automatic Parry
Advanced Defensive Moves: Multiple Dodge, Disarm
Hand Attacks: Punch, Knife Hand
Basic Foot Attacks: Snap Kick, Tip Kick (SPECIAL! Does 1D6 damage and opponent is knocked prone. Can only be performed on someone already controlled with a Joint Lock. Requires a normal Strike roll with a +2 bonus)
Special Attacks: Critical Flip/Throw
Holds/Locks: Automatic Wrist Lock, Automatic Elbow Lock
Weapon Kata: W.P. Katana*, W.P. Jo (Long Staff)*, W.P. Tanto
SKILLS INCLUDED IN TRAINING
Martial Art Powers: You may select a total of 2 powers from Body Hardening or Martial Arts (excluding Tamashiwara). You may also select 1 power from either Atemi or Chi Mastery. If desired, any number of powers can be traded, one for one, for any one "Basic" skill program (excluding the physical program).
Language: Japanese
Cultural (Pick One): Ikebana, Bonsai, Ukio-e, or Go
Philosophical Training: Zen
If this is your Primary Martial Art then the following other styles can be learned in a shorter time: Jujutsu (4 years), Isshin-Ryu Karate (4 years), Sankukai (5 years), Zanji Shinjinken-Ryu (3 years)
LEVEL ADVANCEMENT BONUSES
1st: +1 to Strike, +1 to Parry/Dodge, +2 to Breakfall, +2 to Roll With Punch/Fall/Impact
2nd: +2 to Body Flip/Throw, +1 to Disarm
3rd: Select One (1) additional Atemi or Chi Mastery Power
4th: + 1 attack per melee
5th: +1 to Strike, +1 to Disarm
6th: Select One (1) additional power from Body Hardening or Martial Arts (excluding Tamashiwara), +1 to Body Flip/Throw
7th: +1 attack per melee, +1 to Parry/Dodge
8th: +2 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact, +1 to Strike
9th: Add One (1) Zenjorike Power
10th: Double Existing Chi
11th: +2 to Breakfall, +1 to Parry/Dodge
12th: Select One (1) additional power from Body Hardening or Martial Arts (excluding Tamashiwara), +1 to Disarm
13th: Select One (1) additional Atemi or Chi Mastery Power, +1 to Strike
14th: +2 to Body Flip/Throw, +2 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact
15th: Add One (1) Zenjorike Power, +1 to Parry/Dodge
Why Study Aikikai Aikido?
Aikikai Aikido is one of the more defensive arts, but with more balance than standard Aikido. It's good against multiple attackers, and can be strong offensively when paired with a katana or jo staff. It contains a good blend of physical and spiritual powers. Its main disadvantage lies in the fact that it does not specialize, and therefore can be overwhelmed unless you focus on your advantages.
*If the katana is used, you cannot use the Body Flip/Throw move. If you are using a jo staff, Joint Locks cannot be used.
(Creator's notes: I based this off both the Aikido entry in N&SS and my own experiences learning Aikikai from a sensei who learned at the Manhattan School. Aikikai is considered one of the "hard" forms of Aikido, whereas the form in N&SS is a "soft" form.)