Student of Tunasi (Exculsive)
BY Travis S. Guerrero (Prysus)
Entrance Requirements: Restricted to those of an Honorable Alignment. Both women and men can study this art. Minimum Attributes include: P.P.: 11, Spd.: 8 (High I.Q. and M.E. recommended, but not required).
Skill Cost: 14 Years.

During the celebration of the first anniversary of the "Combing," a powerful dragon swooped down from the sky and began to cause havoc. The dragon was unmatched in power. All who opposed him were crushed by his awesome strength. Not even other dragons were a match for this creature. It seemed the world was doomed.

One day, a lone warrior approached the dragon. The man was dressed in the garb of a samurai and the only weapon he carried was the katana at his side. The dragon seemed intrigued. What was this man doing? Was he so confident in his sword technique, or was he just crazy?

The man spoke, "Honorable dragon, I bear you no ill will. Yet, I cannot allow you to continue on your present course."

"And how do you plan to stop me little one?" asked the dragon. "Do you plan to fight me with that sword?"

"I am only a humble warrior, but I am no fool. I know Mamoru and I are no match for your power. If we were to fight you like this, we would surely be defeated. However, what honor would there be in using all that power to crush such an insignificant creature as myself?"

"Then what do you propose?"

"I believe that on a level playing field, I could defeat you. Of course, you believe you are invincible. I propose we test both of our theories."

"'A level playing field,'" repeated the dragon. With that having been said, the dragon morphed into humanoid shape. The form he chose was that of the warrior before him, duplicating him down to the last whisker. The dragon drew a blade that greatly resembled Mamoru. "Is this even enough for you? I will fight you using nothing except for Osou."

"It is still not even. Now I have the advantage. I have more experience in human form and have studied the art of the blade for many years."

"Foolish human! I have lived for thousands of years. Do you really think I've never taken human form nor practiced with a sword?"

The man bowed and stepped into his fighting stance. His hand rested lightly on Mamoru, but did not yet draw it. The two stare deeply at each other for a long while. Finally, the samurai stands back at ease and takes his sword off of Mamoru. He speaks, "It is over. You have already lost."

"What?! We haven't even started yet. Now stop being such a coward or I'll strike you down where you stand."

"I have looked at your stance, seen the way you tightly grip your sword, the way you let your emotions control you. I have looked into your eyes and know you stand no chance of winning. But, if you need proof, so be it." He steps back into his fighting stance and lightly holds Mamoru. "To make it more fair, I will not draw my blade until after you attack."

The dragon smiles. "You are too confident samurai. That will be your death. But I plan to take full advantage."

With that said, the dragon leaps into battle. The warrior moved effortlessly back and Osou flew past the bridge of his nose. With one swift motion, the warrior drew Mamoru and parried the next attack. The third attack was parried into the air. Then, while the opening was still there, the warrior brought down the blade of Mamoru and slashed deeply into the chest of the dragon. The warrior sheathed Mamoru at his side and relaxed. The dragon pulled back Osou and prepared to strike him down where he stood.

The samurai spoke, "If you were human, you would already be dead. Honor the terms of our agreement dragon."

The dragon grunted. "Very well samurai. You win." The dragon returned to his true form. "Now leave me samurai."

"I feel I must tell you that you are mistaken dragon. I am no samurai. Though I am dressed in the clothing and have studied their ways, I do not follow their beliefs. I believe that a sword can be used for more than simply killing. My art is of my own creation. However, since you request my departure, I shall leave. But before I leave, I humbly request to know your name so that I may honor you properly venerable dragon."

"My name - my name is Tunasi."

"Then it is truly fate we meet, for I too am named Tunasi."

-An excerpt from the Ten Chronicles

After the warrior Tunasi defeated the dragon, several people wanted to learn his art and philosophy. Tunasi wandered the lands of the Uniworld with a companion who also wanted to learn from him. Those who were truly dedicated to learning his ways were forced to abandon everything they had and follow him on his travels. Only those who were willing to give up all they had to learn were the ones he would teach. This was his way of finding those who were serious about learning. After studying under the Tunasi for several years, his pupils went off and taught others (only those that proved they were serious). The art began to spread as well as did his philosophy. As the art spread, Tunasi and his companion seemed to disappear. Many rumors spread about what had happened to him. Some say that he traveled to another dimension to continue spreading his art. Others say he befell some horrible accident or is battling some horrible evil in some forgotten land. To this day, no one knows what really happened to him.

Currently, there are three schools set up around the world that will teach worthy students in this art. Though pupils are no longer taught by Tunasi himself, the term Student of Tunasi has remained. To prove he is serious, a student must continually ask a master to be trained. The master will reject the student continually, often embarrassing him. After no less than one year of rejection, if the student continues to show dedication, he will be accepted and trained. While in training, the student goes through intense mental and physical training. The student is taught how to use a sword and bring out its full potential. Each sword is believed to be a living thing. If the sword was not created by a master swordsman with some living chi, then it is up to the wielder of the sword to breath life into it.

During training, a student is taught the importance of honor. He is taught that fights should be avoided because fighting needlessly brings great dishonor. The student learns how to solve problems while saving honor. One of the most notable methods is by using the Maksuna (from the Elven word meaning "warriors stance"). A student also learns that it is okay to accept the appearance of dishonor as long as honor is held within one's heart (e.g. the character receives public humiliation such as being slapped and having drinks thrown in his face while still refusing to fight. Many may find dishonor in such an act. Yet, in truth, he only allowed such transgressions to save another's life. Another reason to allow such things, although much more controversial, is to avoid taking his opponents life in a duel to the death. Saving a life is considered honorable).

After many years of training, either in a school or by a wandering master, the student is expected to begin his Ilksharu (from the Elven word meaning "journey of knowledge"). The student heads off on his own in an attempt to understand the world around him and his place in it. A player character should begin as a student starting his Ilksharu.

Note: This is a martial art designed for a specialized world. With only some minor changes, it should be able to be adapted to any other world.

O.C.C. Skills: See the Worldly Martial Artist in Ninjas & Superspies. A Student of Tunasi is taught to learn about the world around him as well. For this reason, a student is given breaks during training. During these breaks, the student is encouraged to explore the outside world. The Dedicated Martial Artist focuses too much on form and not enough on experience. All other O.C.C. programs would conflict with the characters Ilksharu.

Special Modifiers: The only difference a Student of Tunasi has between the normal Worldly Martial Artist is money and income. Since a character is expected to enter on his quest for knowledge, he usually doesn't have time to get a job and earn a standard income. Therefore, he begins slightly better equipped.

The character begins with a katana of superior quality (3D6), $1,000 that has to be spent before starting (usually spent on extra weapons and camping supplies), and an additional $1,000 for spending cash at a later time. Note: The superior quality katana will not be sold under any circumstances. A Student of Tunasi views his sword as a living thing (as stated above). Therefore getting rid of the sword would be getting rid of a part of himself or herself.

Costume: Keikogi (quilted, navy-blue jacket) and Hakama.
Stance: A student of Tunasi stands differently depending on his intentions toward his opponent. If the student intends on killing his opponent, he will stand in an attacking stance. However, if the student does not wish to fight or merely intends on subduing an opponent, then he will stand in a defensive stance.
CHARACTER BONUSES
Add +5 to Chi
Add +1 to M.E.
Add +2 to P.P.
Add +1 to P.E.
Add +10 to S.D.C.
COMBAT SKILLS
Attacks per Melee: 3
Escape Moves: Back Flip, Maintain Balance, Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact.
Attack Moves: None.
Basic Defense Moves: Automatic Parry, Dodge, Parry.
Advanced Defense Moves: Automatic Roll, Combination Parry/Attack, Multiple Dodge, Power Block/Parry.
Hand Attacks: Knife Hand, Punch (Human Fist).
Basic Foot Attacks: Backward Sweep, Kick Attack, Snap Kick.
Jumping Foot Attacks: Jump Kick.
Special Attacks: Combination Grab/Slash, Death Blow, Leap Attack.
Holds/Locks: None.
Weapon Kata: W.P. Sword (katana), 2 levels higher than the character's current level (1st level characters would start at level 3).
Modifiers to Attacks: Critical Strike, Knockout/Stun, Pull Punch

Martial Art Technique: Maksuna ("warrior's stance" translated from Elven)
Two warriors meet on a battle field to settle a dispute. The two both get into their fighting stances. Neither opponent draws. Instead, they stare intensely at each other. After a period of studying each other, the two stand at ease. The loser abides to the terms of the winner. No blood is spilled, yet their dispute has been solved. Although neither opponent ever drew their weapons, a battle had just taken place. They studied each others fighting stance. Both know who would have won if they fought. In game terms, both players add their W.P. bonuses (strike, parry, and any other bonuses) for that weapon and their level. Then each rolls 1D20 and adds the previous number to it. The one with the higher total number wins (best 2 out of 3 if desired).
An example of this is a Mutant Rabbit at 3rd level with W.P. Sword (from After the Bomb) gives the character +2 to Strike and +1 to Parry. The total so far is 6 (+3 for level and +3 from W.P. bonuses). He rolls an 8 for a total of 14. He is facing a Human at 1st level who has no W.P. for the weapon he is using. His total so far is only +1 (level bonus only). He rolls a 15 for a total of 16. The Human wins because his total was higher. In case the two totals tie, both continue to roll until one wins. Each roll takes up one melee round (15 seconds).
The rules for this contest are simply a suggestion. A G.M. could easily change them to suit his game. Some suggestions are including Chi into the bonuses or making a tie a draw on the battle field (both leave acknowledging that had they fought, they would both be dead. Both honors satisfied).
A One Person Maksuna is also possible. This is what it is called when a martial artist uses the Maksuna on an opponent who does not know the technique. The warrior using the technique stands still for the same amount of time and studies his opponent. When finished the warrior knows the outcome same as usual. However, the opponent is unable to determine the outcome. The fighter using the technique will normally mention the outcome, or if losing simply stand aside or abide by the wishes of the winner. A true martial artist (as believed by Students of Tunasi and most users of this technique) will never lie about the outcome because it would lack honor.
Some users of this technique often use it to practice their form. They take their stance in a mirror and study their own form and posture. This helps the martial artist to recognize the mistakes that he/she is making. Though this provides no actual bonuses, it can be good role playing. Also, depending on the GM, experience points may be awarded.

SKILLS INCLUDED IN TRAINING
Martial Art Powers: Select a total of ONE (1) Martial Art Power from among Martial Art Techniques and Zenjorike. The character automatically receives Maksuna (new!) and Sword Chi Technique (Mystic China) from Martial Art Techniques.
Languages: Japanese or Elven.
Cultural: Calligraphy, Go.
Physical: Acrobatics, Fencing.
Survival: Fasting, Wilderness Survival.
Weapon Proficiencies: W.P. Sword.
Philosophical Training: The Way of Tunasi.
If this is your Primary Martial Art then the following other styles can be learned in a shorter time: None.
LEVEL ADVANCEMENT BONUSES
1st: +2 to Strike, +1 to Dodge, +1 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact, Critical Strike on Natural 20.
2nd: +1D6 to Damage with any type of Sword.
3rd: Select One (1) Additional Martial Art Power from Martial Art Techniques or Chi Mastery.
4th: +1 to Parry, +1 attack per melee.
5th: Critical Strike on Natural 18, 19, or 20.
6th: +1 to Strike, +1 to Parry, +1 to Dodge, +1 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact.
7th: +1 attack per melee, +1 to Back Flip.
8th: Select One (1) Additional Martial Art Power from Martial Art Techniques, or Zenjorike, or Chi Mastery.
9th: +1 to Strike, +2 to Parry.
10th: Double Existing Chi.
11th: +1 attack per melee, Death Blow on a Natural 20.
12th: Select One (1) Additional Martial Art Power from Martial Art Techniques, or Zenjorike, or Chi Mastery.
13th: +1D6 to Damage with any type of Sword.
14th: +1 attack per melee.
15th: +2 to Dodge, Select One (1) Additional Martial Art Power from Martial Art Techniques, or Zenjorike, or Chi Mastery.
Why Study Student of Tunasi?
It focuses not only on offense, but also defense. In addition, it has ways to settle honor without ever needing to draw a weapon. It is a good form for those not always wanting to get into a fight.