Yagyu Shinkage Ryu Kenjutsu (Exclusive)
By Kuseru
Entrance Requirements: Minimum Attributes include P.P.: 12, and Spd.: 12.
Skill Cost: 16 years.

The Yagyu Shinkage Ryu is one of several traditions of combative swordsmanship that originated in Japan's turbulent warring states period (c.1490 - c.1600).The Shinkage Ryu, which has been preserved down to the present day by the Yagyu family, was formulated during the latter part of this period by Kamiizumi Isenokami Nobutsuna, a warrior who had trained in several martial traditions. Consequently, Kamiizumi created an eclectic school of swordsmanship which contained elements of Kage-no Ryu, Nen Ryu, Shinto Ryu, and possibly Chujo Ryu. Some of these elements can be found, even today, within the preserved Yagyu line of the Shinkage Ryu. As mentioned previously, the Yagyu Shinkage Ryu preserves sword techniques from several periods of Japanese history.

Costume: Keikogi and Hakama
Stance: Facing opponent with one foot forward and the other back, arms extended forward holding the sword.
CHARACTER BONUSES
Add +5 to Chi
Add +4 to P.P.
Add +2 to Spd.
COMBAT SKILLS
Attacks per Melee: 3
Escape Moves: Back Flip, Maintain Balance, Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact, Somersault.
Attack Moves: None.
Basic Defensive Moves: Automatic Parry, Dodge, Parry.
Advanced Defenses: Automatic Roll, Breakfall, Circular Parry, Combination Parry/Attack, Disarm, Multiple Dodge.
Hand Attacks: Backhand, Palm Strike Punch, Rotary Palm Strike.
Basic Foot Attacks: Backward Sweep, Kick Attack, Snap Kick, Trip/Leg Hook.
Jumping Foot Attacks: Jump Kick
Special Attacks: Backward Thrust (New!), Combination Grab/Attack, Combination Strike/Parry, Death Strike (New!), Elbow, Forearm, Hilt Strike (New!), Knee, Leap Attack.
Holds/Locks: None.
Weapon Kata (Pick two): W.P. Bokken (Blunt), W.P. Daikyu (Bow), W.P. Katana (Large Sword), W.P. Naginata (Polearm), W.P. Wakizashi (Short Sword).
Modifiers to Attack: Critical Strike, Critical Strike from Behind, Knockout/Stun, Pull Punch.
SKILLS INCLUDED IN TRAINING
Martial Arts Powers: Automatically receives Battojutsu. Select a total of ONE (1) Martial Art Power from among Special Kata or Martial Art Techniques. Except for Battojutsu, any number of Martial Art Powers can be traded, on a one-for-one basis, for Basic Skill Programs (excluding Physical).
Language: Japanese.
Cultural Skills: Calligraphy, Strategy, Swimming.
Weapon Proficiencies: W.P. Bokken (Blunt), W.P. Daikyu (Bow), W.P. Katana (Large Sword), W.P. Naginata (Polearm), W.P. Wakizashi (Short Sword).
Philosophical Training: Zen.
If this is your Primary Martial Art Style then the following other styles can be learned in a shorter time: Heki Ryu (4 Years), Itto Ryu (3 Years), Jikishinkage Ryu (2 Years), Kashima Shinden Jikishinkage Ryu (3 Years), Kasumi Shinto Ryu (2 Years), Kendo (3 Years), Kobori Ryu Tosuijutsu (2 Years), Kurama Ryu (5 Years), Muso Shinden Ryu (5 Years), Muso Jukiden Eishin Ryu (5 Years), Shinmuso Hayashizaki Ryu (5 Years), Suio Ryu (4 Years), Tendo Ryu (5 Years), Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-Ryu (4 Years), Yamauchi Ryu (3 Years).
LEVEL ADVANCEMENT BONUSES
1^st: +1 to Strike, +1 to Initiative, +1 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact, Critical Strike from Behind.
2^nd: Add one die of damage to a sword for which the character has a weapon kata.
3^rd: Select One (1) Additional Martial Art Power from Special Kata or Martial Art Techniques.
4^th: +1 Attack per Melee, +1 to Initiative.
5^th: +2 to Maintain Balance, Somersault, and Back Flip.
6^th: +1 to Parry/Dodge, +1 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact, Knockout/Stun on a Natural 19 or 20.
7^th: +1 Attack per Melee, +1 to Initiative.
8^th: Select One (1) Additional Martial Art Power from Special Kata or Martial Art Techniques.
9^th: +2 to Strike, +1 to Maintain Balance, Somersault and Back Flip.
10^th: Add one die of damage to a sword for which the character has a weapon kata.
11^th: +1 Attack per Melee, +2 to Parry/Dodge.
12^th: Select One (1) Art of Invisibility.
13^th: Death Strike on a Natural 19 or 20.
14^th: +1 Attack per Melee, +1 to Strike.
15^th: Select One (1) Art of Invisibility.
WHY STUDY Yagyu Shinkage Ryu?
Another deadly sword style, this one was made famous by the Tokugawa Shogunate's head swordmaster Yagyu Jubei, who was widely suspected of being an agent of the Kogi Onmitsu and the Shogun's private troubleshooter.