Kyudo (The Way of the Bow)
By Ray Bull

The bow has always been a highly respected and venerated part of Japanese culture. It is used in a ritual dance to open every Sumo tournament. The vibration of it's string is thought to drive away ghosts. It is also featured in many Shinto rituals. Kyudo was developed from Kyujutsu (The Art of the Bow) in the 16th century when firearms were introduced to Japan and the bow was made obsolete in warfare. Now the bow is the central part of a system of spiritual and physical development.

A student of Kyudo will always enter combat slowly and deliberately. Never rushing or hurrying, but always ready before the opponent arrives. Using slow and graceful movements the archer will prepare to shoot at the target. A whistle arrow (Kabura-ya) is always fired first to unnerve opponents and to scare any spirits that might be in the area. If the intent is to stun instead of wound then arrows with wooden balls on the tip instead of arrowheads (Hikime) can be used.

A person seeking to learn Kyudo must go to Japan, where there are a large number of schools.

Entrance Requirements: None
Skill Cost: 12 years (Primary), 6 years (Secondary)
Costume: Black Gi top with white Hakama
Stance: Weak side toward the target, feet slightly wider than shoulder width. Weak hand extended holding the bow toward the target. Strong hand holding the nocked arrow, with another arrow held between the ring and little fingers.

CHARACTER BONUSES

Add +5 to Chi

Add +1 to M.E.

Add +1 to P.P.

COMBAT SKILLS
Attacks per Melee: 1
Escape Moves: Maintain Balance
Basic Defense Moves: None
Advanced Defenses: None
Hand Attacks: None
Basic Foot Attacks: None
Special Attacks: String Pluck (New! Special! Any ghost, spirit, or demon within 10 feet of the bow holder must save against Horror Factor: 11 or flee in terror.)
Special Katas: W.P. Yumi (Japanese Longbow. The bow is 2.2 meters long and is held 1/3 of the way up from the bottom.)
Modifiers to Attacks: Knockout/Stun, Critical Strike

SKILLS INCLUDED IN TRAINING
Martial Art Powers: Automatically recieve Body Hardening Exercise: Wrist Hardening, and the Mudra of Tranquility and Collection.
Languages: Japanese
Cultural: Arrow Making (45% + 3%/level), Bow Making (35% + 3%/level)
Temple: Meditation
Weapon: W.P. Yumi (Japanese Longbow)
Philosophical Training: Zen Buddhism

If this is your Primary Martial Arts Style then the following other styles can be learned in a shorter time. Tai Chi Chuan (5 Years)

LEVEL ADVANCEMENT BONUSES
Level 1: +1 to Maintain Balance, Critical Strike or Knockout/Stun on a Natural 20 with W.P. Yumi
Level 2: Recieve Martial Arts Technique: Zanshin
Level 3: +1 to Strike with W.P. Yumi
Level 4: +1 Attack per Melee
Level 5: +2% to Meditation skill
Level 6: +1 to Strike with W.P. Yumi
Level 7: Critical Strike or Knockout/Stun on a Natural 19+ with W.P. Yumi
Level 8: Recieve Chi Mastery: Find Weakness
Level 9: +3% to Meditation skill
Level 10: +1 to Strike with W.P. Yumi
Level 11: +4% to Meditation skill
Level 12: +1 Attack per Melee
Level 13: Critical Strike or Knockout/Stun on a Natural 18+ with W.P. Yumi
Level 14: Recieve Zenjorike: Mindwalk
Level 15: +2 to Strike with W.P. Yumi, +5% to Meditation skill

Why Study Kyudo?

As a fighting style Kyudo doesn't have a lot to offer. But, if you are looking for a method of meditation and a path to self-realization then Kyudo could be the martial art for you.

Special Arrows
Kabura-ya (Whistle Arrow): Any person within 10 feet of this arrow after it is fired must save against Horror Factor: 7 or be at -2 on all combat rolls. Any ghost, spirit, or demon within 10 feet of this arrow must save against Horror Factor: 14 or flee the area.
Hikime (Blunt Arrow): When this arrow is used the number needed to achieve Knockout/Stun is lowered by 2.

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