Guardan
By Chris Gileppa

Due to extensive training blocking is done automatically (don't use an attack) and can be used against any number of attacks both high and low (high uses arms, low uses legs). A successful block means the character takes no damage, and a failed block means the character takes half damage. Maintaining balance is the other major focus of training, is done automatically, and halves the penalties suffered from knockdown. Additionally the character can do the splits or kick directly overhead and can jump half his height straight up or his height and a half lengthwise, double these amounts with a run up.

Alignment Restriction: Only good alignments can learn this art, as the techniques are based on the art of defence.
O.C.C. Restriction: Dedicated martial artists only
Skill Cost: Counts as an advanced Mystic Martial arts from Ninjas & Superspies. It is rarely taught to anyone, although there have been those who were able to learn the art due to their natural aptitude for HTH combat.

Costs four more 'other' skills than Hand to Hand: Martial Arts and four secondary skills. Counts as eight secondary skills, or two skills from the physical skills programs and four secondary skills. It cannot be learned as a secondary form and generic purposes takes 15 years to learn at base level and a lifetime to master. Can be used in Rifts, and Hero's Unlimited. Not suggested for a medieval type setting, or Nightbane.
Attribute Requirements: M.E. 12, P.S. 10, P.P. 12, P.E. 12, Spd. 12
Limitations: The only armour that can be worn are arm/leg guards and bracers, nothing else. The only weapons that can be used are ancient weapons. Large, bulky or overweight/sized characters are never taught this form of HTH combat. The character prefers to use light and maneuverable vehicles that are quick and responsive. You'll never see a practitioner of this art driving a heavily armour APC, tank, GB etc. However lighter vehicles, aircraft etc are acceptable.

Techniques known at 1st level: Guardan special mystic martial arts powers, Autoparry, block high/low, backflip, backhand, body flip/throw, breakfall, elbow/knee strike (1d6), forearm, headbutt, karate kick (2d4), maintain balance, palm strike (2d4), pull punch, roll with punch/fall/impact, trapping, escaping, and the usual strike/parry/dodge.
Weapon Bonuses and Techniques:Additional +2 to block/parry with arm/leg guards. Simultaneous striking and parrying with arm/leg guards.

Bonuses: +2d6 S.D.C., +1d4 M.E., +2 P.P., +2 P.E.

LEVEL ADVANCEMENT BONUSES
Level 1: +2 attacks, +1 to block/parry/dodge, +1 to maintain balance, +1 to roll with punch/fall/impact and +1 to trap/escape.
Level 2: Roundhouse kick (3d6), +1 to pull strike (palm strike, elbow/knee strike), +1 to strike.
Level 3: +1 attack, Backward Sweep Kick Only used on opponents behind character, does no damage, but cannot be parried (can be dodged but is -2 to do so). Penalties are the same as body flip/throw. Add +1 to block/parry/dodge.
Level 4: Autododge, +1 to maintain balance, +1 to roll with punch/fall/impact.
Level 5: Power elbow/knee (1d6 +PS bonuses, counts as 2 attacks), +1 to pull strike, +1 to strike, +1 to trap/escape.
Level 6: Counter movement, +1 to block/parry/dodge.
Level 7: +1 attack, Aerial Stomp, +1 to maintain balance, +1 to roll.
Level 8: Jump kick (critical strike, 3d6x2), +1 to breakfall.
Level 9: Wrist/ankle break, +1 to trap/escape.
Level 10: Double axel flip, +1 to maintain balance, +1 to roll with punch/fall/impact.
Level 11: +1 attack, air drop, +1 to breakfall.
Level 12: Air catch, +1 to block/parry/dodge.
Level 13: Air slam/tackle, +1 to trap/escape.
Level 14: Rising crescent, +1 to breakfall.
Level 15: +1 attack, Double existing Chi, +1 to initiative, +1 to save vs Horror, +1 to perception.