kill the buddha rpg

Kill The BuddhaKill The BuddhaDystopian Kung Fu RoleplayingDystopian Kung Fu Roleplaying

By Joshua Kubli, Imperfekt GammesBy Joshua Kubli, Imperfekt Gammes

Kill The BuddhaKill The BuddhaDystopian Kung Fu RoleplayingDystopian Kung Fu Roleplaying

Joshua Kubli, Imperfekt GammesJoshua Kubli, Imperfekt Gammes

Cover image modified from:

<imagespublicdomain.wordpress.com>

Contact the author:

<[email protected]>

Imperfekt Gammes website:

<http://imperfekt-industrees.com>

Many thanks to the Imperfekt Krue:

Kevin-Lynn Kubli, Keith Schneider, Aaron Connor, and Joe Piatt.

http://imagespublicdomain.wordpress.com/

http://imperfekt-industrees.com/

mailto:[email protected]

"If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him!"If you meet the patriarchs or the arhats on your way,

kill them too ..."Bodhidharma was an old bearded barbarian ...

"Nirvana and Bodhi are dead stumps to tie your donkey to."The sacred teachings are only lists of ghosts, sheets

of paper fit for wiping the pus from your boils."-- Linji

"We really shook the pillars of Heaven, didn't we, Wang?""No horseshit, Jack."-- Jack Burton and Wang Chi, Big Trouble in Little China.

"It's too bad she won't live!"But in the end, who does?"

-- Gaff, Blade Runner

Table of ContentsTable of Contents Datapoint 1.0: A Disciple Reborn..........................1

A Little History Lesson........................................................1

About this Game...................................................................1

Inspirations...........................................................................2

Terminology.........................................................................2

Destiny and the Stars............................................................4

Heavenly Conjunctions........................................................5

Intepreting the Will of Heaven.............................................7

Rebirth of the Disciple.........................................................8

Random Name Tables..........................................................9

Gaining a School Rank.......................................................14

Optional: Non-Disciples.....................................................14

Transcendance....................................................................15

Sample Characters..............................................................16

Datapoint 2.0: The Journey Begins.....................18 Professions.........................................................................18

Actor...................................................................................18

Bandit.................................................................................19

Bureaucrat..........................................................................19

Cook...................................................................................19

Cop.....................................................................................19

Gambler..............................................................................20

Gangster.............................................................................20

Mercenary...........................................................................20

Mystic.................................................................................20

Physician............................................................................21

Techie.................................................................................21

Thief...................................................................................21

Trader.................................................................................21

Wanderer............................................................................22

Datapoint 3.0: The Temple of Shen Xia..............23 School Levels.....................................................................23

The Brazen Saint, the School of Thunder..........................26

The Drunken Fool, the School of Wastrels........................26

The Ebullient Dragon, the School of Swords.....................27

The Graceful Phoenix, the School of Transition................28

The Heavenly Brazier, the School of Alchemy..................29

The Leaping Tiger, the School of Monks..........................30

The Phantom Wolf, the School of Assassins.....................31

The Resplendent Trigram, the School of Spirits................32

The Rising Wind, the School of Storms.............................33

Datapoint 4.0: The Path to Enlightenment.........34 The Virtues.........................................................................34

Attachments........................................................................35

Truths.................................................................................37

Datapoint 5.0: A Disciple's Attributes.................40 Attribute Levels and Bonuses............................................40

Attributes............................................................................40

Resources...........................................................................41

Datapoint 6.0: The Way of the Warrior...............42 Athletics.............................................................................42

Cybernetics.........................................................................42

Education............................................................................42

Influence.............................................................................42

Medicine.............................................................................43

Meditation..........................................................................43

Melee Wushu......................................................................43

Notice.................................................................................43

Ranged Wushu...................................................................43

Stealth.................................................................................43

Tech....................................................................................44

Unarmed Wushu.................................................................44

Datapoint 7.0: Armory of Enlightenment............45 Weapons.............................................................................45

Armor.................................................................................47

Trifles.................................................................................47

Legendary Items.................................................................48

Datapoint 8.0: The War for Peace.......................49 Beginning the Fight............................................................49

Combat Actions..................................................................49

Damage and Health............................................................50

War of the Minds................................................................51

War of the Bazaar and the Courts......................................52

Datapoint 9.0: The Demon Forces Unite.............53 The Folk of New Hong Kong.............................................53

Dreaded Foes......................................................................56

Creatures.............................................................................59

Creature Powers.................................................................59

Creatures of the Three Realms...........................................61

Datapoint 10.0: New Hong Kong.......................67 The City of New Hong Kong.............................................67

The Canyon of Ten Thousand Hells..................................69

The Temple of Shen Xia....................................................70

Datapoint 11.0: Encounters Along the Journey. .71 The Role of Destiny...........................................................71

Creating Encounters...........................................................71

The Buddhas and Destiny..................................................73

Karma and Rebirth.............................................................73

Datapoint 1.0: A Disciple Reborn Datapoint 1.0: A Disciple Reborn

New Hong Kong is in trouble. Demon gangs rove the streets. The corporate overlords don't care, and the police are powerless to stop them. Rebuffed and persecuted time and again, the masters of the Temple of Shen Xia have decided to do nothing, to leave this world to its karma.

But you've decided to act. It's time to save the city from the scum and bring back the ways of peace and harmony. It's time to kick ass and take names.

And even if the Buddha stands in the way, you're going to kill him, and save the world.

A Little History A Little History LessonLesson

According to the tales, our ancestors traveled long to reach these lands. The Terran Hegemony, formed after the Fourth World War, turned against itself, and the bombs started flying once again. The Dawn Lotus Group funded an ark-ship, and carried its top shareholders away to find a new world.

Most of the 220 colonists were in deep-freeze for most of the trip, but the command crew still fought. Old jealousies from the war surfaced, and new ones arose. Finally, one group was exiled to the barren wastes of the north, while a second voluntatily left, for a mountainous region to the east of the projected landing site. The ark-ship itself, the Kwannon, landed on a coastal region of the beautiful new world they found, and soon, the city of New Hong Kong was built.

Their new home was hostile, though, and the only safe places to live were the three new colony centers. New Hong Kong was ostensibly ruled by a city council, but the DLG corporate board holds all the real power. They run the city's reactors and all the utilities, mines for resources, grows the food, and runs the clinics. Most of the city languishes in poverty, while the wealthiest live opulently in pearly sky-towers, rising above the heavens.

On Mount Meru, the Shen Xia Temple's renegade philosophers and historians lived a calmer, simpler life, cultivating both mind and body in pursuit of peace and enlightenment. From time to time, they sent missionaries to the city, to trade and teach them how to seek enlightenment, but time and time again, they were turned away, or captured and tortured by the corporate overlords. The ways of harmony, it was made clear, were not welcome in their dim, doomed city.

In the wastelands to the north, the exiles built a hellish, anarchic mess they called the City of Travail. The outcasts were unethical scientists, gangsters, political radicals, and madmen. In the complex of lava tunnels they called the Thousand Hells beneath their city, they found evidence of an alien presence on this world long ago. These ancient ones sought enlightenment also, but most had failed the final test, remaining behind in torment. They remained, bodiless, aware ... and hungry for the qi of the living. The demons, and the sorcerors that learned their ways, and renegade Shen Xia students, became the Crimson Gate Triad.

The Crimson Gate invaded New Hong Kong's underworld, and now, the city is overrun by evil. Techno-magical horrors stalk the streets, and the idiot bureaucrats are useless to protect the people. The rich cower in their cloud-stroked towers, useless, hiring mercenaries to protect them and sacrificing the peasants to the hunger of the beasts in order to be spared.

Officially, the Shen Xia Temple maintains its stance of separation and non-involvement. But many Disciples have decided it's time to return to the city, to help the common folk. The time of waiting is over.

It's time to act.

About this GameAbout this Game

Kill The Buddha is inspired by Hong Kong action movies, wuxia fantasy films, and to a lesser extent, action and fantasy films of all other varieties. It's a mashup of genres high-flying gun-toting kung fu in a; world with cyborgs and demons and stranger things. A colony far away in space where ancient traditions and modern tech struggle for control.

Ultimately, though, the game is based on Taoist and Buddhist beliefs. Characters are Disciples, heroes reincarnated throughout the ages, and it is the will of Heaven that they should champion the common man, warring against evil and bringing enlightenment to a new Middle Kingdom.

It's a dramatic science fantasy action game with an Asian flair. There's something here for everybody.

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Kill The Buddha – Dystopian Kung Fu RoleplayingKill The Buddha – Dystopian Kung Fu Roleplaying

InspirationsInspirations

MoviesMovies

A Better Tomorrow (1986)

Arahan (2004)

Big Trouble in Little China (1986)

Blade Runner (1982)

Bunraku (2010)

Chinese Ghost Story I-III (1987-1991)

Equilibrium (2002)

Hero (2002)

Kung Fu Hustle (2004)

Star Wars (1977-2005)

The Swordsman II (1992)

Zu: Warriors of the Magic Mountain (2001)

TV SeriesTV Series

Avatar: The Legend of Korra (2012)

NovelsNovels

Journey to the West (Wu Cheng'en)

Lord of Light (Roger Zelazny)

Roleplaying GamesRoleplaying Games

Cyberpunk 2.0.2.0 (R. Talsorian Games)

Feng Shui (Atlas Games)

Ninjas and Superspies and Mystic China (Palladium Games)

WebsitesWebsites

Dresden Codak (webcomic, esp. the Hob storyline)

<http://dresdencodak.com/>

Holy Books, sections on Buddhism and Taoism

<http://www.holybooks.com/ >

Illuminated Lantern (website about Hong Kong films)

<http://www.illuminatedlantern.com/?page_id=40>

Shi Long Pang (webcomic)

<http://www.moderntales.com/comics/shilongpang.php >

Wuxiapedia

<http://wuxiapedia.com/ >

TerminologyTerminology

Attachments: Each Disciple has forces within their mind and body that resist following the Path of Freedom. The Disciple must overcome these Struggles in order to gain Merit and follow the Path.

Attribute: One of the five signs of a valuable Disciple. The Attributes that Masters look for in a Disciple are Agility, Cunning, Power, Speed, and Spirit.

Bonus: A Bonus reduces the Difficulty of a roll, letting you roll a smaller die type.

Conjunction: Matched dice, indicating that the Heavens have made a decision. The Mansions of the skyrule all in the Middle Kingdom. When the constellations come into conjunction, fate becomes clear. When they are not in conjunction, confusion reigns.

Constellation: The dice rolled by Destiny, 1 of each side. The Disciples may choose one die from the Constellation to complete their Conjunction, and decide the fate of their action.

Contest: When two Disciples face one another, it's not always clear whose destiny will prevail. A Contest is a situation in which two individuals match Attributes or Skills. Outside of a Dramatic Moment, the Disciple with the lowest die will automatically succeed. During a Dramatic Moment, both Disciples roll, and the character with the lowest Match, their destiny prevails. This doesn't mean that they succeed, necessarily, just that the Heavens make clear what their will is for the Contest. For example, Dark Lily rolls Matched 6s in a Contest with Vicious Shen, who rolled Matched 4s she now rolled Matched 2s.;

Creature: An alien animal or "demon," robot, or other non-human entity found on New Hong Kong. Just as Disciples have School Levels that grant them Special Techniques, Creatures have Creature Levels that grant them Creature Powers.

Destiny: The Game Master, a player who teaches the other players the rules, and works with them to tell a story about their Disciples.

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http://wuxiapedia.com/

http://www.moderntales.com/comics/shilongpang.php



http://www.illuminatedlantern.com/?page_id=40

http://www.holybooks.com/

http://dresdencodak.com/

Die Type: A die with a specific number of sides. The standard format for die notation is "XdY," which means "roll a number of dice equal to X, each of which has a number of sides equal to Y." A ten-sided die is one die type (called a 1d10), and a six-sided die is another die type (called a 1d6). Dice of different types are commonly combined in one roll, as in "roll 2d6+1d10." If the rules tell you to roll 1d2, roll any die and count odd as 1, even as 2. Modifiers such as Bonuses or Penalties may increase or decrease the die type.

Difficulty: How easy or hard a roll is. Easier rolls use lower die types, while harder rolls use larger die types.

Disciple: A student at the Shen Xia Temple, that studies the ways of wisdom, peace, and the martial arts. The Disciple is a character that the player will portray in the Journey.

Doctrine: Most of the Schools at the Shen Xia Temple dwell more on a few Truths than the others. These Truths are referred to as their School's Doctrine, and Disciples are more knowledgable about the Truths that are part of their Doctrine.

Dramatic: An eventful Moment. Destiny declares which Moments are Dramatic and any Disciple can spend 1 Qi to declare a Dramatic Moment.

Enlightenment: Enlightenment is many things, and nothing at all. When a Disciple gains enough Merit, they learn new Truths, gain Enlightenment, and approach total Transcendance.

Journey: A group of Disciples embark on a Journey together, to fight evil and spread wisdom; their adventures are part of their Journey. In other games, a Journey may be called a "campaign."

Kung Fu: Literally, "well done." Westerners believe "kung fu" refers only to the martial arts, but this belief is mistaken a Disciple may be "kung fu" in; any skill or ability. In the game, Disciples collect Kung Fu points for performing difficult feats of skill and daring, defending the weak and the innocent, and defeating the evil and corrupt.

Merit: The Disciple's unity with the cosmos and the world around them. Disciples collect Merit points for advancing the cause of the Shen Xia Temple, spreading Enlightenment, and overcoming their Attachments.

Measurements:

• Distance: A Disciple need only concern himself with three measurements of distance: Adjacent, Near, Far, and Very Far. An Adjacent opponent can be struck with fists, feet, and short weapons. A Near opponent can be struck with longer weapons. A Far opponent can only be struck with thrown weapons or bows, and can be reached in one Action. A Very Far opponent is at the limit of weapon range, and can only be reached with two Actions.

• Time: For the warrior, there is only the Battle and the Moment. Each Battle is broken up into many discrete Moments. Each Disciple may take two Actions each Moment.

Modifier: A Bonus or Penalty.

Path of Freedom: Philosophies, religious beliefs, and spiritual disciplines that free one from the chains of mortality and grant them true, total Enlightenment.

Penalty: A Penalty makes a roll harder, forcing you to roll a larger die type.

Qi: The invisible life's-blood of the universe Qi; underlies all that is. Disciples learn to harness Qi through their martial arts prowess to activate Special Techniques, or to use a dice from the Constellation to make a Match.

Rebirth: Character creation.

Roll: An action may succeed or fail only the; Heavens know for sure. Disciples roll their Attribute die, plus their Skill die, and look for matches.

Siddhis: Powers granted by knowledge of Truths.

Skills: The essential areas of training of the Disciple. Schools tend to focus on three Skills more than others.

Special Technique: An ability gained through training and discipline. Disciples gain Special Techniques from their School and their Professions.

Spirit: An intangible soul, that may or may not inhabit a body. All living beings have spirits, but the undead (like hopping vampires) don't.

Transcendance: In the final stage of Enlightenment, a Disciple moves beyond space and time. The Disciple is no longer trapped in the cycle of reincarnation, and an "echo" of their former self can assist others on their Journey.

Truths: Cosmic knowledge taught and embraced by the masters of the Shen Xia Temple. Enlightenment leads to Truths, which teach one siddhis, which lead to Transcendance.

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Wuxia: "Wandering Knight" is one, very poor translation of this term. A traditional Chinese sort of folk here, a wuxia is a hero of the people like Robin Hood, a warrior that uses wushu in the service of justice. The Disciples of Shen Xia live like monks at Mount Meru, but the renegades that leave to protect the citizens embrace the ideals of the wuxia. Some wuxia aren't known for their sterling discipline or virtue, however!

Image courtesy Lavoview, Freedigitalphotos.net

Rare is a World-Honored ONe,

Hard it is to meet him,Perfect in Infinite Merit,Able to save all.Great Teacher of Gods and

Men,He has compassion for the

world.-- Parable of the Magic

city, The Lotus Sutra

Destiny and the Destiny and the StarsStars

The Jade Emperor rules over the Celestial Bureaucracy, the vast heavenly government. It, in turn, arranges the fates of all mankind, according to their karma. The fates of all beings may be read in the alignment of the stars. Where they align, the will of Heaven is for success, and where they fail to, disaster is sure to result. In this game, players will roll dice to see if it's the Will of Heaven that they succeed or fail.

The Will of Heaven -The Will of Heaven - ProcedureProcedure

(1). Destiny will roll one die of each type at the beginning of the battle, and set them aside. This is the Constellation.

(2). When a Disciple attempts something difficult, Destiny will declare an Attribute and a Skill that the Disciple needs to roll (sometimes this is two Attributes). If the Disciple is rolling a Focus Skill, they may also roll their School die as well.

(3). The Disciple rolls the indicated Attribute and Skill, and tries to find Matches.

(4). The Disciple may spend 1 Qi to pull a die from the Constellation to form Matches. That die is now gone from the Constellation for the rest of the Battle.

(5). The more Matches the Disciple makes, the better they succeed. The more times the Disciple fails, the less likely they will ever succeed.

If the player can make matches among these dice, the Heavens have decided if the Disciple will succeed, and under what circumstances. If there are no matches, the Heavens do not make their will known, and the action falters. If one after another of the stars fails to align, then the Heavens have denied the Disciple's efforts, and a change in tactics is in order.

Certain Special Techniques from Professions or Schools may allow them to claim dice in other ways, as well.

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The Will of Heaven -The Will of Heaven - ResultsResults

Roll Result Effects

Four Dice in MatchThe Jade Emperor's Favor

Combat Benefit, plus Action cannot fail for rest of Battle

Three Dice in MatchThe Houses of the Heavens Align

Success, Combat Benefit

Two Dice in MatchApproval of the Celestial Bureaucracy

One Time Success

One FailureThe Stars Mis-Aligned

One Time Failure

Two FailuresThe Anger of the Heavens

Failure, Combat Hindrance

Three FailuresThe Mouth of Hell Yawns Wide

Combat Hindrance, Action cannot succeed until circumstances change

Heavenly Heavenly ConjunctionsConjunctions

When your roll dice and find matches, consult this section to see what the Heavens have decreed will be the result of your actions.

Four Matched DiceFour Matched Dice: The Jade : The Jade Emperor's FavorEmperor's Favor

This action gains a Combat Benefit. Further attempts at this same action cannot fail until the end of the current Battle. In subsequent rounds, though, you may roll to perform this action to see if The Houses of the Heavens Align.

Example: Vicious Shen rolls to punch a demon. He rolls Agility Attribute 1d8 + Unarmed Wushu Skill 1d6 + School Rank 1d12 (since this is a School Focus Skill). He rolls a 2 on each of these dice seeing this,; he also sees a 2 on one of the dice in the Constellation, so he spends a point of Qi and pulls that die into his die pool for this action.

Since he has 4 Matches, it's apparent that the Heavens smile upon him. He throws a powerful punch at the demon, and in subsequent Moments, his punches continue to rain down on the vile Creature like the life-giving rains.

Three Matched Dice: The HousesThree Matched Dice: The Houses of the Heavens Alignof the Heavens Align

Heaven grants you remarkable success. Describe an awesome action or move that your Disciple performs. Furthermore, the Disciple gains a Combat Benefit, or the enemy suffers a Combat Hindrance.

Example: Dark Lily rolls to walk across a narrow ledge to escape a Cyber-Legalist that despises Shen Xia Disciples. She rolls Agility Attribute 1d10 + Athletics Skill 1d6 + School Rank 1d12 (since this is a School Focus Skill). She rolls a 3 on each of these dice. Instead of merely walking across, the player decides that Dark Lily cartwheels across the ledge, with astonishing grace. The player also declares that the Cyber-Legalist suffers a Hindrance, and loses an Action as he goggles at her amazing feat.

Two Matched Dice: Approval of Two Matched Dice: Approval of the Celestial Bureaucracythe Celestial Bureaucracy

Heaven vouchsafes you success, this once. The action succeeds, but the action may not be destined to succeed again.

Example: Li the Mysterious silently follows a bunch of bandits as they return to an abandoned building with their stolen loot. To remain silent and unseen, he rolls Agility Attribute 1d10 + Stealth Skill 1d12. He can't gain a School Rank Die, though, since Stealth isn't a School Focus Skill for him. He rolls a

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pair of 3s his action is a success, and he remains ;undetected, but gains no special benefit from his sneakiness.

No Matches, One Failure: The No Matches, One Failure: The Stars Mis-AlignedStars Mis-Aligned

The Disciple's action fails. Maybe next time it'll succeed, who knows? But for now, at least things didn't go worse.

No Matches, Two Failures: No Matches, Two Failures: The The Anger of the HeavensAnger of the Heavens

This action fails, and the enemy gains a Combat Benefit, or the Disciple suffers a Combat Hindrance. The player to this player's right describes how the Disciple fails, and what the game mechanical results are.

No Matches, Two Failures: The No Matches, Two Failures: The Mouth of Hell Yawns WideMouth of Hell Yawns Wide

The Disciple suffers a Combat Hindrance the; player to this player's left describes the sad failure that results, and chooses the Hindrance. In addition, the action cannot succeed at this specific action for the rest of the Battle to have a chance for success, the; Disciple must try something else. Perhaps the Disciple should try another weapon, or maybe they need to take the fight somewhere else.

Action Difficulty, Bonuses andAction Difficulty, Bonuses and PenaltiesPenalties

The Heavens love a courageous man, but aren't afraid to discipline a fool.

Action Difficulty Action DifficultyVirtually Action fails unless DiscipleImpossible uses a Special Technique or

Truth Very Difficult Reduce all dice by one type

Difficult Reduce one die by one type Average No change to roll.

Easy Reduce one die by one typeVery Easy Increase all dice by one typeExtremely Action automatically succeedsEasy with no Benefit.

Bonuses: A +X Bonus reduces the Difficulty by X Levels. For example, an Average roll with a +1 Bonus becomes Easy, and a Very Difficult roll with a +4 Bonus becomes Very Easy.

Penalties: A -X Bonus increases the Difficulty by X Levels. For example, an Average roll with a -1 Penalty becomes Hard, and a Very Easy roll with a -4 Penalty becomes Very Difficult.

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Why “The Will ofWhy “The Will of Heaven”?Heaven”?

Most games proceed from a thoroughly Most games proceed from a thoroughly modern, scientific mindset. When your modern, scientific mindset. When your character tries to achieve something, there is a character tries to achieve something, there is a set chance that you'll either succeed or fail. set chance that you'll either succeed or fail. You roll some dice on what are basically You roll some dice on what are basically actuarial tables, and blind chance dictates the actuarial tables, and blind chance dictates the result.result.

This is a good way to make games. But the This is a good way to make games. But the ancients believed that everything succeeded, or ancients believed that everything succeeded, or failed, according to the Will of Heaven. The failed, according to the Will of Heaven. The universe was run by an indifferent Celestial universe was run by an indifferent Celestial Bureaucracy, that had dominion over Bureaucracy, that had dominion over everything. Every action is essentially a prayer everything. Every action is essentially a prayer to the gods for success. You can try to to the gods for success. You can try to propitiate the gods, but there's no guarantee propitiate the gods, but there's no guarantee that they'll be swayed. They have jobs to do, that they'll be swayed. They have jobs to do, and billions of beings to look after.and billions of beings to look after.

Wait, you might say. My Disciple is quick and Wait, you might say. My Disciple is quick and agile! Doesn't that mean that the Will of agile! Doesn't that mean that the Will of Heaven is meaningless, and she or he will Heaven is meaningless, and she or he will usually succeed because of her or his innate usually succeed because of her or his innate Attributes? Many young Disciples believe this Attributes? Many young Disciples believe this very thing, but the ancient Masters know very thing, but the ancient Masters know better; it is usually the Will of Heaven that you better; it is usually the Will of Heaven that you will succeed, and that is why you are strong, or will succeed, and that is why you are strong, or fast, or agile, or skilled with a sword.fast, or agile, or skilled with a sword.

What this means in game is that Disciples pay What this means in game is that Disciples pay close attention to what works and what close attention to what works and what doesn't. Even if they embrace a more scientific doesn't. Even if they embrace a more scientific view of the world, the Shen Xia Temple trains view of the world, the Shen Xia Temple trains them to be adaptable and flexible, ready to them to be adaptable and flexible, ready to change tactics and strategies at a moment's change tactics and strategies at a moment's notice to seek victory. What this means in notice to seek victory. What this means in terms of the game's story is dynamic battles. terms of the game's story is dynamic battles. Disciples constantly switch weapons, change Disciples constantly switch weapons, change battlefields, use words as well as weapons, and battlefields, use words as well as weapons, and probe for an enemy's vulnerabilities. Battles probe for an enemy's vulnerabilities. Battles become whirlwinds of action, not staid become whirlwinds of action, not staid exchanges of "I roll to hit again. You hit. I miss. exchanges of "I roll to hit again. You hit. I miss. Roll again for initiative."Roll again for initiative."

Bonuses and Penalties don't alter dice pulled from the Constellation, but they may change Attribute dice, Skill dice, and dice from a Legendary Item's Spirit.

ContestsContests

Sometimes, Disciples face opponents in an even competition. Instead of the back-and-forth exchange of hand-to-hand fighting, the two struggle simultaneously, as in a drinking match with an Ogre, or a gambling challenge with a bunch of gangsters.

The Disciple and the opponent both make Attribute/Skill rolls. Whoever rolls the higher number of Matches wins. If the two roll the same, the character with the lower Attribute die succeeds. If they're the same, compare Skill dice and if they're the; same, this roll is a draw.

Intepreting the Intepreting the Will of HeavenWill of Heaven

A big part of the system is tied up with how you interpret Matches, and what exactly the Will of Heaven is. Even when you have an answer, the prophecies aren't always clear. It's really up to Destiny, and the Disciples, to decide what would be the most fun.

There are a couple of important concepts to grasp when interpreting the Will of Heaven.

Action Succeeds/Fails for the Action Succeeds/Fails for the Rest of the BattleRest of the Battle

An Action is a sentence with a subject, verb, and direct object. If Heaven's Will is for the Action to succeed for the rest of the Battle, then the Success refers specifically to one object. For this purpose, an unnamed type of opponent can be referred to a single subject.

Good Interpretation: Dark Lily slashes at a Gangster with butterfly knives, and the Houses of the Heaven Align. She gains a Combat Benefit. In the next Moment, Lily slashes at Gangster #2 with her knives Heaven's Will is for her continued success, so; she hits him without the need for a roll. When she goes on to fight their boss, the Laughing Bandit Jin Mao, though, she'll need to roll to hit as normal.

Circumstances Must ChangeCircumstances Must Change

So,what is a "circumstance?" It's a combination of the combatants, their Equipment, and their surroundings. Changing targets doesn't really change the circumstances, neither does an ally leaving or entering the Battle.

Good Interpretation: Vicious Shen slashes at a gangster with his Scholar Sword, but fails twice. He misses completely, and he senses that this battle will go poorly for him if he doesn't change his tactics. Shen sheathes his sword and boasts that, even though he's a renowned swordsman, he doesn't even need his blade to lay these ruffians low. The Heavens smile on his bravery, and the battle continues.

Combat Benefits Combat Benefits

When the Jade Emperor and the Buddhas grant their blessing to the Disciple, when they act in the dharma, their actions are particularly successful. Combat Benefits reflect unusually successful actions that the Disciple performs.

There are so many possibilities here, it's hard to know where to even start, but here are some examples.

Example Benefits:

• Betrayed Intentions. The enemy declares what they will do next Moment they cannot change; their action, and the Disciple may plan accordingly.

• Bloody Strike. The Disciple's weapon hits a vital spot, inflicting an additional point of Damage for a number of Rounds equal to the Disciple's School Rank.

• Called Strike. The Disciple specifies a body part, and the target suffers a wound there. Even if the target's Protection stops all damage, the target still suffers a wound.

• Lightening Fast. If the roll involved an Attack, the Disciple may immediately launch another attack on another target with no penalty.

• Satori. The Disciple sees, in the enemy's faults and failings, a poignant metaphor for the universe and the Path. The Disciple may convert 1 Qi to 2 Merit, and if they have enough Merit, may purchase a Truth.

• See The Soul's Scars. In a verbal duel, the Disciple gains uncanny insight into their opponent, and learns one of the enemy's Attachments.

• Tendon Strike. The strike hampers the opponent, increasing their Power, Agility, or Speed by one die type for the rest of the Battle.

• Training Montage. The Disciple suddenly remembers something their master taught them; the Disciple may convert 1 Qi to 2 Kung Fu, as long as they spend it immediately.

• Turn the Tables. Enemy suffers a Hindrance (see below).

• Unbalancing Strike. The Disciple knocks the enemy to the ground.

• Weakness Confirmed. The Disciple learns the target's lowest Attribute, and when the Disciple Takes A Breath, the target suffers a Minor [1] Penalty to the initiative roll.

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Combat Hindrances Combat Hindrances Disciples may suffer the karma of their past

actions, and in failure atone for previous sins. Characters can experience Hindrances, if the persist in actions contrary to the Will of Heaven. Each temporarily penalizes the Disciple, or grants a Combat Benefit to their enemy.

As with Benefits, it's impossible to codify all of the possible Hindrances, but here are a few examples.Example Hindrances:• Drops their Weapon. The Disciple must stoop

to regain the weapon, and all attacks against them gain +1 Bonus next Moment.

• Forgetful. The Disciple forgets an important fact that would aid their argument, suffering a penalty, suffering a Major [1] Penalty to Influence/Spirit rolls.

• Gets Distracted. The Disciple loses one Action next Moment.

• Own Worst Enemy. Enemy suffers a Benefit (see above).

• Reveals their Hidden Intentions. All Deception rolls by that Disciple suffer a -3 Penalty for the remainder of the Battle.

• Stumbles Over their Words. The Disciple looks foolish. All Influence rolls by that Disciple

suffer a -1 Penalty for the remainder of the Battle.

• Stunned. The Disciple falters or blacks out from pain or exertion. While Stunned, the Disciple is aware but cannot take Actions or speak. This lasts for one Moment.

• Trips. The Disciple must spend one Action getting back up again, on their turn.

• Untimely Flashback. Attacks against that Disciple gain a +1 Bonus next Moment.

Rebirth of the Rebirth of the DiscipleDisciple

To generate a Disciple:(1). Background. Describe who your character was

before they came to the Shen Xia Temple. Were they a cop, an actor, or a noodle shop cook? What were their parents like? Did they have any interesting incidents in childhood? A few details are important to establish the Disciple's personality.

Mechanics: Choose a Profession. All Attributes start at 1d10, and the Disciple's Profession reduces the Attribute dice. Record the Profession's Special Technique.

(2). Meeting. Describe how you came to the Shen Xia Temple. Did you escape to the Temple to save your life from the Crimson Gate Triad, or did you flee because you were a bad person and wanted to make amends?

Mechanics: Choose one Attachment and one of your school's two Truths. If you choose to suffer another Attachment, you may choose an additional Truth this may be any Truth, not just; a Doctrine Truth.

(3). School. Describe your time at the Temple of Shen Xia. Did you take to the

Mechanics: Choose a School you start off as a; Novice in that school. You gain all Focus Skills for that School at 1d12.

(4). Training:

Mechanics: Spend 10 Kung Fu.

Attributes: 3 points to decrease by a die type.

Skills: 1 point to decrease by a die.

(5). Equipment. Each Disciple gains 5 Equipment Slots. Weapons and Armor cost 2 slots, and Trifles cost one.

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Describing ActionsDescribing Actions

When the Houses of the Heavens Align, the When the Houses of the Heavens Align, the players get a chance to show off their players get a chance to show off their Disciple's skill in battle, and come up with cool, Disciple's skill in battle, and come up with cool, creative moves.creative moves.

There's only one really important rule here: There's only one really important rule here: Don't be boring. Destiny doesn't accord success Don't be boring. Destiny doesn't accord success to boring to boring wuxiawuxia, if there even is such a thing. , if there even is such a thing. When you describe what you had for lunch When you describe what you had for lunch yesterday, don't just say, "rice and some tea," yesterday, don't just say, "rice and some tea," and leave it at that. You stole some tea from and leave it at that. You stole some tea from the governor's palace, and sipped it with his the governor's palace, and sipped it with his wife while nibbling on almond cookies in his wife while nibbling on almond cookies in his own bed! Or you went to the local tea-house own bed! Or you went to the local tea-house and fought six ruffians, before you drank and fought six ruffians, before you drank yourself into unconsciousness! You didn't eat yourself into unconsciousness! You didn't eat lunch, you meditated standing on one foot on lunch, you meditated standing on one foot on top of a tree, until you attained a measure of top of a tree, until you attained a measure of peace, long-sought after your entire family peace, long-sought after your entire family were slaughtered by Ravenous Demons!were slaughtered by Ravenous Demons!

The life of a Disciple is extraordinary, after all. The life of a Disciple is extraordinary, after all. Go crazy.Go crazy.

Disciple Point Costs Disciple Point CostsReduce Attribute die type -3 Kung Fu

Reduce Skill die type -1 Kung FuPurchase 1d12 in new Skill -2 Kung Fu

Learn a new Truth -10 Merit;

-8 Merit for a School's two Doctrine Truths

Random Name TablesRandom Name Tables

If you can't think of a name for your Kill The Buddha Disciple, you can roll on the following tables. First, roll 1d100 the Name Format Table, to find out how the name is laid out. Then roll 1d4 to see which table you roll on for each name element. Finally, roll 1d100 to get your name element from the appropriate column on each table.

To roll 1d100, pick out two ten-sided dice. Designate one the 'tens' die and roll them. Multiply the 'tens' die by ten, and add them. Treat a roll of '00' as'100.'

Name FormatName FormatRoll 1d100 Combination of Terms in Name

01 to 11 (Chinese Word)

12 to 22 (Adjective) + (Chinese)

23 to 33 (Adjective) + (Noun)

34 to 43 (Chinese Word) + 'the' (Adjective).

44 to 53 (Noun) + (Noun)

54 to 63 (Chinese Word) + (Chinese Word)

64 to 68 (Adjective) + (Noun) + (Chinese Word)

69 to 73 (Noun) + (Noun) + (Chinese Word)

74 to 78(Chinese Word) + (Chinese Word) + (Chinese Word)

79 to 83 (Noun) + (Chinese Word) + (Chinese Word)

84 to 95 (Noun)

96 to 00(Adjective) + (Chinese) (Chinese) + 'the' (Noun)

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Random Name Terms (Roll 1 on 1d4)Random Name Terms (Roll 1 on 1d4)Roll 1d100 Chinese Word Adjective Noun

01 to 03 A Pretentious Dawn

04 to 06 An Dreaded Stream

07 to 09 Ba Foolish Valley

10 to 11 Bak Ancient Star

12 to 14 Bao Bright-Eyed Dullard

15 to 17 Bei Drunken Mist

18 to 20 Bo Unrighteous Mountain

21 to 22 Bu Peaceful Wind

23 to 25 Cao Fiery Hammer

26 to 28 Chan Lucky Snake

29 to 31 Chen Obstinate Fire

32 to 33 Chin Worthless Ox

34 to 36 Chu Lazy Storm

37 to 39 Chun Laughing Eye

40 to 42 Chung Explosive Tiger

43 to 44 Ci Youthful Cat

45 to 47 Da Black Duck

48 to 50 De Skilled Cook

51 to 53 Dao Unlucky Bear

54 to 55 Do Pious Orphan

56 to 58 En Cold-Blooded Bat

59 to 61 Er Crimson Fox

62 to 64 Fa Lustful Drunkard

65 to 66 Fan Stone Peasant

67 to 69 Fen Golden Rabbit

70 to 72 Fao Aggressive Rat

73 to 75 Ga Blasphemous Dog

76 to 77 Gai Humble Wolf

78 to 80 Gan Hard-Working Scholar

81 to 83 Gao Poison-Tongued Whirlwind

84 to 86 Ger Jade Jade

87 to 88 Hai Beautiful/Handsome Sun

89 to 91 Han Marble Autumn

92 to 94 Hei First/Only/One Nomad

95 to 97 Ho Second Sword

98 to 100 Hu Third Sky

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01 to 03 Hun Victorious Dragon

04 to 06 Hung Bright Spear

07 to 09 Ja Dark Spring

10 to 11 Ji Virtuous Ax

12 to 14 Jiao Mighty Lion

15 to 17 Jo Skilled Pig

18 to 20 Jun Sickly Summer

21 to 22 Ka Golden-Tongued Winter

23 to 25 Kan Big Brother/Sister

26 to 28 Kao Small Eagle

29 to 31 Ki Scrawny Spirit

32 to 33 Kia Husky Fist

34 to 36 Kiao Crafty Shadow

37 to 39 King Thieving River

40 to 42 Kun Wise Snow

43 to 44 Kung Doomed Rain

45 to 47 Kwan Chosen Bison/Bull

48 to 50 La Creative Horse

51 to 53 Lar Twisted Falcon

54 to 55 Li Flying Goat

56 to 58 Lo Carefree Hawk

59 to 61 Mai Gracious Gem

62 to 64 Mao Worrying Diamond

65 to 66 Men Flattering Jewel

67 to 69 Mi Silk Poppy

70 to 72 Na Rich Flower

73 to 75 Nai Ragged Lotus

76 to 77 Ni Tough Lily

78 to 80 Nan Poor Forest

81 to 83 Nu Thoughtful Hummingbird

84 to 86 Oe Cunning Nightingale

87 to 88 On Large Raven

89 to 91 Ong Tiny Water

92 to 94 Ou Needy Demon

95 to 97 Po Shining Philosopher

98 to 100 Qen Serene Mouse

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01 to 03 Qi Placid Carp

04 to 06 Qia Roaring Lizard

07 to 09 Qiao Disheveled Pond

10 to 11 Sai Secretive Gambler

12 to 14 Sao Lecherous Qi-Lin

15 to 17 Shai Pale Phoenix

18 to 20 Shei Hardy Monkey

21 to 22 Shan Wicked Willow

23 to 25 Shi Confusing Swan

26 to 28 Shia Befuddled Sapphire

29 to 31 Shiao Grieving Warrior

32 to 33 Shin Exalted Sorcerer

34 to 36 Shou Thoughtless Priest

37 to 39 Shun Vengeful Vagabond

40 to 42 Si Broken Sand

43 to 44 Tai Hidden Light

45 to 47 Tei Silver Twilight

48 to 50 Chao Bronze Lantern

51 to 53 Then Copper Lover

54 to 55 Tia Iron Dancer

56 to 58 Tiao Obsidian Cloud

59 to 61 Tong Mercurial Moon

62 to 64 Tsao Singing Swordsman

65 to 66 Tzu Sinister Archer

67 to 69 Wa Trustworthy Arrow

70 to 72 Wang Upright Wall

73 to 75 Wen Clumsy Leopard

76 to 77 Wi Blind Cobra

78 to 80 Wing Deaf Waif

81 to 83 Wu Mute Champion

84 to 86 Xi One-Arm Shark

87 to 88 Xia One-Hand Silkworm

89 to 91 Xiao One-Leg Fish

92 to 94 Xian One-Eye Bird

95 to 97 Yen Mysterious Peacock

98 to 100 Yang Crippled Mongoose

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01 to 03 Yuo Bloody Boar

04 to 06 Yi Dusty Trader

07 to 09 Yia Filthy Haggler

10 to 11 Yiao Good-Hearted Pirate

12 to 14 Yin Obsessive Praying Mantis

15 to 17 Ying Faithful Bandit

18 to 20 Yun Crazed Pillar

21 to 22 Yung Sweet Prince

23 to 25 Za Bitter Knight

26 to 28 Zang Lost Frog

29 to 31 Zen Noble Toad

32 to 33 Zeng Wandering Dragonfly

34 to 36 Zi Light-Hearted Wasp

37 to 39 Zia Exacting Lake

40 to 42 Ziao Accomplished Bell

43 to 44 Zu Notorious Tower

45 to 47 Zun Decadent Reed

48 to 50 Zung Flowing Pagoda

51 to 53 Erh Studious Swallow

54 to 55 Te Ferocious Owl

56 to 58 Yu Grim Spider

59 to 61 Kou Brilliant Evening

62 to 64 Tsong Dazzling Night

65 to 66 Qu Sharp-Tongued Song

67 to 69 Ang Burning Scroll

70 to 72 Ao Focused Torch

73 to 75 Ai Wary Knife

76 to 77 Tha Complaining Beggar

78 to 80 Chuang Golden Outcast

81 to 83 Buo Foreign Artist

84 to 86 Ku Talented Engineer

87 to 88 La Hellish Smith

89 to 91 Len Celestial Sage

92 to 94 Lang Kindly Rogue

95 to 97 Gar Cold-Hearted Shield

98 to 100 Luo Poisonous Beauty

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Gaining a School Gaining a School RankRank

To gain a Rank in one's School, the Disciple must reduce one of their School Attributes by one die, reduce one of their School Skills by one die, and must learn one Truth.

Optional: Non-Optional: Non-DisciplesDisciples

Kill The Buddha assumes that you're playing a Disciple of the Shen Xia Temple, but that isn't necessarily the case. Disciples travel with other heroes, maybe not as skilled or virtuous, but kick-ass warriors nonetheless.

The Courageous The Courageous

The Courageous are ordinary women and men with no special martial arts training, but brave (or dumb) enough to follow and aid Disciples in their Journey. Many believe in Shen Xia and wish to earn a better rebirth, but some just want to set the world right, or talk the powerful Disciples into serving their own goals.

(1). Background. Mechanics: Choose a Profession. Record the starting Attributes and the Profession's Special Technique.

(2). Meeting. Mechanics: Choose one Attachment. The Courageous doesn't have or gain Merit for game mechanical purposes, and therefore cannot learn Truths. When the Courageous fails to serve their Attachment, they lose Kung Fu, not Merit.

(3). Courage. Mechanics: Instead of a School Rank, the Courageous have a Courage Rank that serves a similar purpose. The Courageous' Courage Rank starts at 1d12. It costs 15 Kung Fu to decrease one's Courage Rank die type.

In addition, choose four Personal Focus Skills these Focus Skills gain the benefit from; the Courageous' Courage Rank just like a Disciple's School Focus Skills gain a benefit from the Disciple's School Rank die, and start at 1d12.

(4). Training: Mechanics: Spend 15 Kung Fu on Attributes and Skills.

(5). Equipment. Each Disciple gains 7 Equipment Slots. Weapons and Armor cost 2 slots, and Trifles cost one.

Be aware that their additional Attribute Levels, Skills, and Gear make the Courageous roughly as powerful as a starting Disciple. However, they lack a School's Special Techniques, and cannot learn Truths, so they will fall farther and farther behind as the Journey continues.

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RebellionRebellion

Buddhism, wuxia stories, and cyberpunk might Buddhism, wuxia stories, and cyberpunk might seem like a strange combination, but they have seem like a strange combination, but they have much in common. Many cyberpunk futures much in common. Many cyberpunk futures posit a world where Asian countries take over posit a world where Asian countries take over the world, drawing on the economic world the world, drawing on the economic world events of the '80s when cyberpunk began, but events of the '80s when cyberpunk began, but that's not all.that's not all.

CyberpunkCyberpunk is about a soiled, disposable future, is about a soiled, disposable future, where human augmentation is cheap, where human augmentation is cheap, corporations rule the world, and heroes are corporations rule the world, and heroes are rogues and rebels against a stifling social rogues and rebels against a stifling social order. Punk demands spontaneity and honesty order. Punk demands spontaneity and honesty and calls “bullshit” on consumerism, pretension, and calls “bullshit” on consumerism, pretension, celebrities, and fads.celebrities, and fads.

WuxiaWuxia stories are also about rebellion against stories are also about rebellion against a terrible social order. Again and again China a terrible social order. Again and again China was conquered by outsiders, or mis-ruled from was conquered by outsiders, or mis-ruled from within. Chinese tradition holds that the within. Chinese tradition holds that the destined rulers hold the “Mandate of Heaven,” destined rulers hold the “Mandate of Heaven,” but unjust rulers cannot stand against but unjust rulers cannot stand against righteous freedom fighters. It's the duty of the righteous freedom fighters. It's the duty of the just to stand against the unjust.just to stand against the unjust.

BuddhismBuddhism goes even farther, rejecting goes even farther, rejecting materialism, ego, and physical lusts, in its quest materialism, ego, and physical lusts, in its quest for ultimate liberation. This rejection is often for ultimate liberation. This rejection is often visualized as a true battle, against actual visualized as a true battle, against actual demons; in the context of this game, Disciples demons; in the context of this game, Disciples often battle spirits devoted to these negative often battle spirits devoted to these negative emotions.emotions.

So, if Buddhists are pacifists, how can they So, if Buddhists are pacifists, how can they rebel? The classic film “36rebel? The classic film “36thth Chamber of Chamber of Shaolin” addresses this issue. The common Shaolin” addresses this issue. The common people lack the spiritual advancement to people lack the spiritual advancement to withstand injustice with equanimity. Without withstand injustice with equanimity. Without peace and freedom, they cannot seek the Way peace and freedom, they cannot seek the Way of Enlightenment. of Enlightenment.

The masters of the Temple of Shen Xia are The masters of the Temple of Shen Xia are content to meditate. They say that Disciples content to meditate. They say that Disciples that rebel are no better than the egotistical that rebel are no better than the egotistical Brazen Saint, or the vile and heretical Crimson Brazen Saint, or the vile and heretical Crimson Gate School. But this world Gate School. But this world suckssucks. And things . And things are are not getting betternot getting better. Isn't it a failure of . Isn't it a failure of compassion to do just sit on our asses and do compassion to do just sit on our asses and do nothing? It's time to nothing? It's time to actact!!

Creatures Creatures

Creatures are nonhuman characters, who gain special powers because of their form and origin isntead of learning martial arts techniques. Creatures may be alien spirit creatures native to New Hong Kong, cybernetic constructs, or new lifeforms created by the Dawn Lotus Group's genetic engineering. Most are bad news, but some come to appreciate the Shen Xia Temple's teachings.

(1). Background. Mechanics: Creatures don't choose a Profession. All Attributes start at 1d10 the; Creature may divide 12 Kung Fu to decrease the die type for an Attribute. Creatures may also increase an Attribute's die type to 1d12 for +3 Kung Fu.

(2). Meeting. Mechanics: Choose one Attachment. The Creature doesn't start off knowing any Truths, but may gain Merit and learn Truths later on.

(3). Creature Powers. Mechanics: Instead of a School Rank, the Creature has a Creature Rank that serves a similar purpose. The Creature's Creature Rank starts at 1d12. It costs 15 Kung Fu to decrease one's Creature Rank die type.

The Creature gains three Creature Powers. Each time the Creature decreases their Creature Rank Die, they learn an additional Creature Power.

Robots and spirits usually have the Unliving Power. Spirits usually have the Phantom Power as well. Fox and monkey spirits occasionally join up with Disciples, and they have the Shapeshifting Power.

In addition, choose four Personal Focus Skills these Focus Skills gain the benefit from; the Creature Rank just like a Disciple's School

Focus Skills gain a benefit from the Disciple's School Rank die, and start at 1d12.

(4). Training:

Mechanics: Spend 10 Kung Fu.

Attributes: 3 points to decrease by a die type.

Skills: 1 point to decrease by a die.

Additional Creature Powers: 3 points.

(5). Equipment. Each Creature gains 2 Equipment Slots. Weapons and Armor cost 2 slots, and Trifles cost one.

TranscendanceTranscendance

When a Disciple learns Ten Truths, they know enough to figure out all of the others on their own.

They transcend the physical plane of existence, and no longer take an active part in the Journey, for their personal Journey is complete.

The Disciple's body disappears, and their soul moves beyond space and time. An echo of what the Disciple once was remains behind, and from time to time, a mirror-like image of the Disciple may appear to their former companions, urging them towards Enlightenment.

If a Disciple gains Enlightenment, the Disciples that they Journeyed with all gain 1d6 Merit. The player may design a new Disciple they begin play at; School Rank 1 (unless Destiny says otherwise), but they know one additional Truth, for free.

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Sample Characters Sample Characters

Dark Lily Dark Lily

Raised among the skytowers of New Hong Kong, Lily's family have ancient ties to the Phantom Wolf style. When her studies faltered, Lily was sent to learn the way of the ancient demon-hunters, to help rid the city of evil. Her manners and grace are impeccable, but she's bitter for all that she's lost.

Li the Mysterious Li the Mysterious

Li the Mysterious wandered the forests outside the Shen Xia School with his brothers, communing with the spirits and learning their ways. He's learned that there's a great imbalance in the spirit world recently, and he seeks to rectify it. His brothers worry, though, over his curiosity about the secrets of dark magic, concerned that he might fall prey to the same forces that created the demons.

Dark LilyDark Lily Profession Bureaucrat. Attachments Wealth. Truths All Minds Are One Mind. Attributes• Agility: (1d8) [+3].• Cunning: (1d6) [+4].• Power: (1d10) [+2]. • Speed: (1d8) [+3]. • Spirit: (1d10) [+2]. Resources• Health: 5.• Kung Fu: 0.• Merit: 0.• Qi: 4. Equipment Makeup, Short Bow with Retractable Oprtion, Sunglasses.

School Rank Novice of the Phantom Wolf (1d12). Special Techniques• Pull Strings

(Bureaucrat).• Qi Sense (Shen Xia).• Shadow Strike

(Phantom Wolf). Skills (+Focus)+ Athletics: (1d12) [+1].• Cybernetics: (—) [+0].• Education: (1d12) [+1].• Influence: (1d12) [+1].• Medicine: (1d12) [+1].• Meditation: (—) [+0].• Melee Wushu: (—) [+0].+ Notice: (1d12) [+1].+ Ranged Wushu: (1d8)

[+2].+ Stealth: (1d8) [+2]. • Tech: (—) [+0].• Unarmed Wushu: (—)

[+0].

Li the MysteriousLi the Mysterious Profession Mystic. Attachments Secrets. Truths Time Is An Illusion. Attributes• Agility: (1d10) [+2].• Cunning: (1d10) [+2].• Power: (1d10) [+2]. • Speed: (1d8) [+3]. • Spirit: (1d4) [+5]. Resources• Health: 4.• Kung Fu: —.• Merit: —.• Qi: 7. Equipment Flashlight, Rations, Rope, Scholar Sword.

School Rank Novice of the Resplendent Trigram (1d12). Special Techniques• Divination (Mystic).• Qi Sense (Shen Xia).• Sense Spirits

(Resplendent Trigram).

Skills (+Focus)• Athletics: (—) [+0].• Cybernetics: (—) [+0].+ Education: (1d8) [+3].• Influence: (—) [+0].+ Medicine: (1d8) [+3].+ Meditation: (1d8) [+3].• Melee Wushu: (1d12)

[+1].+ Notice: (1d12) [+1].• Ranged Wushu: (—) [+0].• Stealth: (1d12) [+1]. • Tech: (—) [+0].• Unarmed Wushu: (—)

[+0].

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Unsteady Tien Mai Unsteady Tien Mai

Tien Mai was a bastard, raised in the slums of New Hong Kong and fending for himself from an early age. Tien Mai is a middle-aged brother of the school now, and loves wine, women, song, and a good fight far more than tales of virtue, but the extra chores he's earned with his raucous behavior have made him strong.

Vicious ShenVicious Shen

Shen was a cop, until the incident. His partner was killed, and Shen took it out on the wrong people. Fleeing from the city to the Temple, he's learned to control his temper a little, but at times, he still remembers seeing his friend in a pool of cooling crimson, and hasn't forgotten his vows to see that justice is served.

Unsteady Tien MaiUnsteady Tien Mai Profession Wanderer. Attachments Foolishness. Truths The World Always

Changes. Attributes• Agility: (1d10) [+2].• Cunning: (1d8) [+3].• Power: (1d12) [+1]. • Speed: (1d8) [+3]. • Spirit: (1d8) [+3]. Resources• Health: 4.• Kung Fu: 0.• Merit: 0.• Qi: 4. Equipment Rice Wine (5).

School Rank Novice of the Drunken Fool (1d12). Special Techniques• Jack of all Trades

(Wanderer).• Qi Sense (Shen Xia).• Rolling Stance (Drunken

Fool). Skills (*Focus)+ Athletics: (1d6) [+4].• Cybernetics: (—) [+0].• Education: (—) [+0].+ Influence: (1d12) [+1].• Medicine: (—) [+0].• Meditation: (—) [+0].• Melee Wushu: (1d10)

[+2].+ Notice: (1d12) [+1].• Ranged Wushu: (1d12)

[+1].• Stealth: (—) [+0]. • Tech: (—) [+0].+ Unarmed Wushu: (1d8)

[+3].

Vicious ShenVicious Shen Profession Cop. Attachments Vengeance. Truths Life Is Suffering. Attributes• Agility: (1d8) [+3].• Cunning: (1d10) [+2].• Power: (1d8) [+3]. • Speed: (1d10) [+2]. • Spirit: (1d10) [+2]. Resources• Health: 6.• Kung Fu: 0.• Merit: 0.• Qi: 5. Equipment Handcuffs, Bulletproof Vest, Semi-Automatic Pistol.

School Rank Novice of the Ebullient Dragon (1d12). Special Techniques• Authority (Cop).• Qi Sense (Shen Xia).• Sundering Strike (Shen

Xia). Skills (*Focus)+ Athletics: (1d12) [+0].• Cybernetics: (—) [+0].• Education: (—) [+0].• Influence: (1d12) [+1].• Medicine: (—) [+0].• Meditation: (—) [+0].+ Melee Wushu: (1d12)

[+1].• Notice: (—) [+0].+ Ranged Wushu: (1d6)

[+4].• Stealth: (—) [+0]. • Tech: (1d12) [+1].+ Unarmed Wushu: (1d6)

[+4].

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Datapoint 2.0: The Journey Datapoint 2.0: The Journey BeginsBegins

Image courtesy Freeimageslive.co.uk

Disciples come to the Temple of the Shen Xia from a variety of families and former careers. Some come to the Temple in youth, and their Background is a memory of their family profession. Some come later in life, driven by a need to retreat from the world, or to learn to fight.

ProfessionsProfessions

All Attributes start out at Average (1d10) [+2]. The Disciple's Profession provides a permanent Bonus or Penalty to two or more Attributes.

New Backgrounds will mean new Special Techniques, so think carefully about what you want your new Background to do, and make sure it isn't too powerful, or too boring.

ActorActor

You've been in a number of big budget holovids, won some awards. Your doting fans never forgot you, but as hectic as that life was, you never thought you'd be living one of your action movies!

AttributesAttributes

+1Cunning, +1 Spirit.

Special Technique: Special Technique: ImpersonationImpersonation

Impersonation. The Disciple may treat Influence as a Focus Skill when using it to look and act like someone else. If successful with this roll, the Disciple gains +1 Qi.

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ProfessionsProfessions Profession Attribute Special Techniques

Actor +1 Cunning, +1 Spirit Impersonation

Bandit +1 Power, +1 Speed Survival

Bureaucrat +2 Cunning Pull Strings

Cook +1 Agility, +1 Spirit Nutrition

Cop +1 Agility, +1 Power Authority

Gambler +1 Agility, +1 Cunning Lucky Stars

Gangster+1 Agility, +2 Power, -1 Cunning

Tough Enough

Mercenary+1 Agility, +2 Power, -1 Spirit

Gun Crazy

Mystic +2 Spirit Divination

Physician +2 Cunning Paramedic

Techie+1 Agility, +2 Cunning, -1 Power

Jury Rig

Thief +1 Agility, +1 Speed Larceny

Trader+2 Cunning, +1 Spirit, -1 Power

Best Bargain

Wanderer+1 Cunning, +1 Speed, +1 Spirit, -1 Power

Jack of All Trades

BanditBandit

Exiled to the lands outside New Hong Kong for trumped-up crimes, you live off the land, and steal what little you need. You steal from corporates, pilgrims, anyone that looks like they have plenty. Sometimes you give a little back to the dirty peasant farmers trapped out here for you, but some you keep for yourself. Some bandits like you develop a taste for murder and pillaging, but that's not you. At least, not anymore.

AttributesAttributes+1 die type to Power and Speed.

Special Technique: SurvivalSpecial Technique: Survival

Survival. Most people need to make Education/Cunning rolls to know what berries and mushrooms are safe to eat, Notice/Cunning rolls to know where is safe to build a shelter, Tech/Agility rolls to builda shelter, Stealth/Agility rolls to hunt for

game, and so on. But not this Disciple. You can live off of the land forever without needing to make a single roll. It's a life devoid of comfort, but it's better than the alternative.

BureaucratBureaucrat

Your family, part of the Dawn Lotus Group, helps run New Hong Kong. Now you're here in the filthy streets, away from your heavenly home among the skytowers, because of business of disgrace.


+2 die types to Cunning.

Special Technique: Pull Special Technique: Pull StringsStrings

Pull Strings. The Disciple may treat Influence as a Focus Skill when using it on someone with power in the city's government. If successful with this roll, the Disciple gains +1 Qi.

Cook Cook

No matter how bad things get, people still have to eat. And you hear things, cooking food for people. If no one else is going to lift a finger, then the noodle shop man will pack up his knives and go take care of things himself!

AttributesAttributes+1 die type to Agility and Spirit.

Special Technique: NutritionSpecial Technique: Nutrition

Authority. You know the value of good nutrition, and the effect that certain spices can have on the flow of Qi. Once per Encounter, you can cook a meal that restores 2 Qi to all of your fellow Disciples. In addition, any cooking implement, like chopsticks or a frying pan, have a minimum Accuracy of 1d6 for you.

Cop Cop

Once, you helped keep peace and order in New Hong Kong, but those days are long since past. The streets just keep getting uglier and dirtier but now,; you've got some extra skills and help to clean things up.

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AttributesAttributes+1 die type to Agility and Power.

Special Technique: AuthoritySpecial Technique: AuthorityAuthority. The Disciple may treat Influence as a

Focus Skill when using it to intimidate a suspect. If successful with this roll, the Disciple gains +1 Qi.

GamblerGambler

You're fast and smart and know how to play the odds. People with power always hate someone that always wins, though, but that's okay. Your new life as a Disciple has taught you the larger game, and the greater stakes.


+1 die type to Agility and Cunning.

Special Technique: Lucky StarsSpecial Technique: Lucky Stars

Lucky Stars. Once per Encounter, when the Gambler spends 1 Qi to pull a die from the Constellation, the die is returned to the Constellation afterward.

GangsterGangster

The Triads and Tongs always provide well for their loyal members, but you just couldn't serve when the Crimson Gate took over. Now, they hunt you as a traitor, and you hunt them right back.


+1 die type to Agility, +2 die types to Power, -1 die type to Cunning.

Special Technique: Tough Special Technique: Tough EnoughEnough

Tough Enough. The Gangster gains an additional 3 Health. When the Gangster drops a Dreaded Foe, they gain +1 Qi.

MercenaryMercenary

Killing people isn't easy work, but toting a gun and making the blood flow is your trade. Despite your grim profession, you have a shred of your soul left, and the Crimson Gate Triad is too dirty and corrupt for you to ignore.

AttributesAttributes+1 die type to Agility, +2 die types to Power, -1

die type to Spirit.

Special Technique: Gun CrazySpecial Technique: Gun Crazy

Gun Crazy. The Disciple may treat Ranged Wushu as a Focus Skill when using it to wield guns. When the Mercenary uses an Autofire weapon and makes 3 attacks in a single Moment, they get an additional Attack.

MysticMystic

You know the meridians of the body, the houses of the sky, and the names of the immortals. What you don't know is how the Middle Kingdom got so screwed up! But it's time to kick ass and restore balance, and you're up to the challenge.

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Right LivelihoodRight Livelihood

More than a few people come to the Temple of More than a few people come to the Temple of Shen Xia after lives of crime, sin, and death.Shen Xia after lives of crime, sin, and death.

Gamblers, mercenaries, thieves, bandits, and Gamblers, mercenaries, thieves, bandits, and the like can learn to clear their minds of guilt the like can learn to clear their minds of guilt and shame, and find peace and truth in the and shame, and find peace and truth in the teachings of Shen Xia. But they still hold teachings of Shen Xia. But they still hold talents and skills from their old life. talents and skills from their old life.

The old masters believe that it's the karma of The old masters believe that it's the karma of their old lives, their regrets and failings, that their old lives, their regrets and failings, that cause many Disciples rebel against the cause many Disciples rebel against the masters, and leave the temple to stand against masters, and leave the temple to stand against the Crimson Gate Triad. But many of these the Crimson Gate Triad. But many of these Disciples argue that for all their weaknesses, Disciples argue that for all their weaknesses, it's their compassion for the suffering of the it's their compassion for the suffering of the common folk that leads them back into the common folk that leads them back into the world, a most noble goal.world, a most noble goal.

AttributesAttributes+2 die type to Spirit.

Special Technique: DivinationSpecial Technique: Divination

Divination. You can see the future, and prepare for it ahead of time. Once per Encounter, you may spend 1 Qi and declare some preparation that the Disciple made, retroactively. For example, the Mystic may have foreseen to carry an extra cell phone, knowing that they were destined to lose one, or they may have hidden a shotgun behind a dumpster in a sleazy alley for one of their companions to use.

Image courtesy Kyauw, Photovaco.com.

Physician Physician

It was the gunshot wounds that were the worst. Your little clinic in New Hong Kong cared for the sick and injured, but when the Crimson Gate Triad moved in, they knew one brand of persuasion. You needed a break from the bloodshed, so you went to the Temple of Shen Xia but even now, you know your patients; still need you.

AttributesAttributes+2 die types to Cunning.

Special Technique: ParamedicSpecial Technique: Paramedic

Paramedic. You can roll Medicine/Cunning to restore Health in 3 Moments, instead of 1 hour. In addition, your experience with sharp medical instruments like scalpels means that once per Encounter you may spend 1 Qi to inflict +2 Precise damage with knives.

TechieTechie

Shiny gadgets, computers, electronics, and machines are your province. While you embrace the wonders of the modern world, you aren't blind to its horrors, or the greatness of ancient ways, either.


+1 die type to Agility, +2 die types to Cunning, -1 die type to Power.

Special Technique: Jury RigSpecial Technique: Jury Rig

Jury Rig. If any machine in the Techie's presence suffers a malfunction, the Techie can restore it to working order by spending an Action and 1 Qi. Alternatively, the Techie may add +2 to a weapon's Damage, an Armor's protection, or modify a Trifle in some useful way. When the Techie is done with the item, it's broken.

Thief Thief

You're a professional burglar, and nothing is safe from you for long. You know how to get past defenses and get the valuables before anyone even knows you're present.

AttributesAttributes+2 die types to Agility.

Special Technique: LarcenySpecial Technique: Larceny

Larceny. The Disciple may treat Tech as a School Focus Skill for the purposes of opening locks. Once per Encounter, when the Thief spends 1 Qi to pull a die from the Constellation for the Stealth Skill, the die is returned to the Constellation afterward.

TraderTrader

People accuse you of greed, but New Hong Kong would grind to a halt without trade. But now it's difficult to make a living, with the Crimson Gate Triad's soldiers taking whatever they want, and giving back nothing. Aya! The only answer is the sword!


+2 die types to Cunning, +1 die type to Spirit, -1 die type to Power.

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Special Technique: Best Special Technique: Best BargainBargain

Best Bargain. The Disciple may treat Influence as a School Focus Skill when using it to strike a deal. The Trader also gains 2 more Equipment slots.

WandererWanderer

The grimy streets of New Hong Kong are your home, and you know how to survive under the harsh glare of neon. When the Crimson Gate Triad began taking over the city's underworld, you knew, and sought out help from the Shen Xia Temple.


+1 die type to Cunning, +1 die type to Speed and Spirit, -1 die type to Power.

Special Technique: Jack of allSpecial Technique: Jack of all TradesTrades

Jack of all Trades. Once per Encounter, the Disciple may treat any non-Focus Skill as a School Focus Skill.

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Datapoint 3.0: The Datapoint 3.0: The Temple of Shen XiaTemple of Shen Xia

Image courtesy Rodrigo, Freeimageslive.co.uk

Located in the mist-shrouded mountains, the Temple of Shen Xia taught many forms of wushu, and took in refugees from every prefecture and province. People of all walks of life lived, learned, and fought here, as sisters and brothers, only leaving to wander the land, bringing peace and justice with them.

Many different paths are represented at Mount Meru. The ascetic Leaping Tiger School and the warrior Ebullient Dragon School, the spiritual Resplendent Trigram School and the wine-soaked Drunken Fool School. The one thing that all the schools have in common is a commitment to a search for enlightenment.

There was once another school, too the Crimson; Gate School focused on healing and control of the body. Their arts took a dark and evil turn, and they were exiled to the canyon of Ten Thousand Hells; they became the root of the Crimson Gate Triad. The attempt to save New Hong Kong from the Crimson Gate Trias is an attempt to redeem Shen Xia from its own sins.

School LevelsSchool Levels

All Disciples start off as mere Novices. To gain in School Level, the Disciple must reduce one of their Attributes by one die, reduce one of their School Focus Skills by one die, and learn one Truth.

School Special TechniquesSchool Special TechniquesRank Die Special Technique

Grand Master 1d4 Immortality

Master 1d6 Iron Shirt

Favored Pupil 1d8 Dark Sight

Student 1d10 Leap of the Winds

Novice 1d12 Qi Sense

Grand Master (1d4)Grand Master (1d4)

Immortality. The Disciple cannot be affected in any way by diseases, poisons, or old age. The Grand Master still needs to breathe, and can die of injuries.

Master (1d6)Master (1d6)

Iron Shirt. The Disciple may spend 1 Qi to gain +3 Armor for the rest of the Battle. The benefit is reduced to +1 Armor if the Disciple wears physical Armor.

Favored Pupil (1d8)Favored Pupil (1d8)

Dark Sight. The Disciple may spend 1 Qi to negate all penalties from darkness or mist for the rest of the Battle.

Student (1d10)Student (1d10)

Leap of the Winds. By spending 1 Qi, the Disciple may reach a Very Far opponent with one Action, for the rest of the Battle.

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Novice (1d12)Novice (1d12)

Qi Sense. The Disciple can detect any use of Qi, including School Techniques, up to several li away. The Novice can sense living beings, and tell whether they're humans or animals.

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SchoolsSchools

Profession Doctrines Attributes Focus Skills Novice Student Favored Pupil Master Grand-

master

Brazen

Saint

Life is Suffering, Time is an Illusion

+1 Cunning and Speed

Athletics, Influence, Notice, Ranged Wushu

Rapid Reload

Gun Fu Lead RainBullet Time

Blood Opera

Drunken

Fool

Time is an Illusion, The Wheel Always Turns

+1 Agility and Speed

Athletics, Influence, Notice, Unarmed Wushu

Rolling Stance

Tipsy

Fist

Here's to your Health

Poison Immunity

Clumsy Grace

Ebullient Dragon

All Minds are One Mind, Ripples in the Pond

+1 Power and Speed

Athletics, Melee Wushu, Ranged Wushu, Unarmed Wushu

Sundering Strike

Sweeping Strike

Storm of Arrows Denied

Whirlwind of Des-truction

Blazing Sword Energy

Graceful

Phoenix

Death is an Illusion, the World Always Changes

+1 Agility and Cunning

Athletics, Influence, Melee Wushu, Unarmed Wushu

Sun In Their Eyes

Myriad Rays

Un-stoppable Glory

Skies Filled with Ashes

Celestial Spirit Burns All

Heavenly Brazier

Everything is Spirit, the World Always Changes

+1 Cunning and Spirit

Education, Medicine, Ranged Wushu, Tech

Minor Artificer

Studied Craftsman

Mystic Pyro-mancer

Forge of the Gods

Golden Flower Elixir

Leaping

Tiger

Death is an Illusion, Life is Suffering

+1 Power and Spirit

Athletics, Meditation, Melee Wushu, Unarmed Wushu

Rapid

Strike

Disci-plined Body

Ten Thunders Kick

Red Sand Palm

Diamond Soul

Phantom

Wolf

Ripples in the Pond, the Wheel Always Turns

+1 Agility and Speed

Athletics, Notice, Ranged Wushu, Stealth

Demon Sense

Shadow Strike

Demon-Slaying Strike

Unerring Accuracy

Phantom Form

Resplendent Trigram

Death is an Illusion, Everything Is Spirit

+1 Speed and Spirit

Education, Medicine, Meditation, Notice

Spirit Sense

Exorcist's Touch

Prayer of Banish-ment

Summon Spirits

Spirit Gate

Rising

Wind

All Minds are One Mind, the Wheel Always Turns

+1 Agility and Power

Athletics, Meditation, Notice, Stealth

Sense the Winds

Gust of Wind

Dark Winds and Darker Rain

Shield of the Tempest

Anger of the Heavens

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The Brazen Saint, The Brazen Saint, the School of the School of ThunderThunder

About twenty years ago, a prominent Master left the Shen Xia Temple, founding his own school in New Hong Kong's Starport District. His school embraced firearms as tools of wushu, and his students helped clean up the city, for a time. Eventually, the Cyber-Legalists destroyed the temple and drove his students into hiding. A few of the Brazen Saint students went to work for local neighborhood triads brotherhoods, keeping their homes and businesses safe, while a few others fled to Shen Xia.

The masters of the Temple disapprove of the style, and discourage its spread and use, but the School of Thunder claims that its founder was Enlightened. They say he achieved Nirvana in the final battle against the combat cyborgs, disappearing in a slow-motion halo of bullets as he sacrificed his life for a hostage.

AppearanceAppearance

The students of the Brazen Saint prefer regular, modern clothing, such as casual business wear, although they wear simpler clothing at the temple itself.

Doctrines Doctrines

It costs only 8 Merit for the Brazen Saints to learn that Death and Time are both Illusions.

Attribute BonusesAttribute Bonuses

+1 die type to Cunning and Speed.

Focus SkillsFocus Skills

Athletics, Influence, Notice, Ranged Wushu.

TechniquesTechniques

Grand Master (1d4): Blood Opera. The Disciple may spend 1 Qi to add the Decapitation Quality to any firearm. In addition, the Disciple may choose to do Magic damage with Firearms, and may Block an enemy's bullets with their own.

Master (1d6): Bullet Time. The Disciple may take 3 Actions in a Moment, if those Actions are to Attack, Dodge, and Shoot. When rolling to Dodge Ranged Attacks, the Disciple may pull 2 dice from the Constellation for 1 Qi.

Favored Pupil (1d8): Lead Rain. The Disciple may spend 1 Qi any firearms they currently hold; don't run out of shots until the end of the battle. In

addition, if doing Crushing, Fast, or Precise Damage with a firearm, the Disciple may use their Spirit Modifier instead of the normal damage Attribute Modifier.

Student (1d10): Gun Fu. The Disciple may spend 1 Qi to add the Dual Fire Quality to a Revolver or Semi-Automatic Pistol. When rolling to Intimidate while armed with a firearm, the Disciple may pull 2 dice from the Constellation for 1 Qi.

Novice (1d12): Rapid Reload. It doesn't take an Action to reload any weapon with the Shots Quality. In addition, when armed with a firearm, the Disciple can make one free Melee attack with the firearm against any Adjacent opponent once per Moment.

The Drunken Fool, The Drunken Fool, the School of the School of WastrelsWastrels

The masters of Mount Meru, sometimes austere and single-minded, are faintly embarrassed by the Drunken Fool School. The Drunken Fool style bends all the rules of the Shen Xia Temple almost to the breaking point, but there are no Disciples more loyal to the Temple or the Journey.

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Multiple SchoolsMultiple Schools

The wushu Schools at the Shen Xia Temple are The wushu Schools at the Shen Xia Temple are all united in the study of Enlightenment, and all united in the study of Enlightenment, and allegiance to the masters of the Temple. allegiance to the masters of the Temple. Nonetheless, they're all distinctly different, and Nonetheless, they're all distinctly different, and most Disciples never study multiple styles.most Disciples never study multiple styles.

That said, it does happen occasionally. It costs That said, it does happen occasionally. It costs 15 Kung Fu to learn the first Special Technique 15 Kung Fu to learn the first Special Technique of a new School, and each subsequent Special of a new School, and each subsequent Special Technique. The Disciple's School Rank doesn't Technique. The Disciple's School Rank doesn't increase, though, and the Disciple can't learn increase, though, and the Disciple can't learn more Special Techniques in their second more Special Techniques in their second School than they know in their first School.School than they know in their first School.

Each additional School costs +5 Kung Fu per Each additional School costs +5 Kung Fu per Special Technique. So a third School's first Special Technique. So a third School's first Special Technique would cost 20 Kung Fu, and Special Technique would cost 20 Kung Fu, and the fourth would cost 25 Kung Fu.the fourth would cost 25 Kung Fu.

If Destiny allows players to play Creatures, they If Destiny allows players to play Creatures, they may join a School by treating it as a second may join a School by treating it as a second school, and the same goes for the Courageous.school, and the same goes for the Courageous.


Drunken Fools are the most slovenly of all Schools. They typically wear brown, rough-spun robes, almost always stained with spilled wine.

Doctrines Doctrines

It costs only 8 Merit for the Drunken Fools to learn that Time Is An Illusion and that the Wheel Always Turns.


+1 die type to Agility and Speed.


Athletics, Influence, Notice, Unarmed Wushu.


Grand Master (1d4): Clumsy Grace. The Drunken Fool may spend 2 Qi to apply their Evade Defense against either Crushing or Precise Attacks. In addition, if the Wastrel takes a Dodge Action, they may Dodge any number of incoming attacks.

Master (1d6): Poison Immunity. The Disciple cannot be harmed by poison of any kind. The Disciple also permanently gains 3 Health.

Favored Pupil (1d8): Here's To Your Health. Each time the Wastrel imbibes an alcoholic drink, they gain 1d4 Health. It takes 1 Action to take a drink, and a wine bottle has 1d4+4 drinks in it (depending on how much the Wastrel spills as they gulp it down).

Student (1d10): Tipsy Fist. The Wastrel never suffers any penalties due to drunkenness instead,; when inebriated their Power, Speed, and Agility are all reduced by one die type, and they inflict +2 Damage with Unarmed Wushu attacks.

Novice (1d12): Rolling Stance. If the Drunken Fool has had an alcoholic drink in the last hour, and they're rendered prone, they instantly return to their feet. In addition, if the Wastrel takes a Dodge Action, they may Dodge two attacks, not just one.

The Ebullient The Ebullient Dragon, the Dragon, the School of SwordsSchool of Swords

The Ebullient Dragon swordmasters are renowned for their skill and courage throughout New Hong Kong. Of all the schools at the Shen Xia Temple, the Ebullient Dragon is the most warlike, intense, and focused, but the masters are well aware that meditation, not the sword, brings peace.

Image courtesy CGTextures.com.

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Strange WaysStrange Ways

The Temple of Shen Xia usually advocates self-The Temple of Shen Xia usually advocates self-control and restraint. How did the Drunken control and restraint. How did the Drunken Fool style come to be taught there?Fool style come to be taught there?

Most of the philosophy and wushu styles of Most of the philosophy and wushu styles of Shen Xia have their roots in Buddhism, but the Shen Xia have their roots in Buddhism, but the Drunken Fool is based firmly in Taoism. Most Drunken Fool is based firmly in Taoism. Most teachings of Shen Xia seek liberation from the teachings of Shen Xia seek liberation from the meaningless rituals of the world, but the meaningless rituals of the world, but the Drunken Fool openly mocks them. The Wastrels Drunken Fool openly mocks them. The Wastrels use wine to open the mind, and then forge the use wine to open the mind, and then forge the body to withstand punishment and obey, even body to withstand punishment and obey, even when filled with strong drink.when filled with strong drink.

The other Disciples, especially the Leaping The other Disciples, especially the Leaping Tigers, sometimes look Schools like the Tigers, sometimes look Schools like the Drunken Fools with self-righteous disdain. The Drunken Fools with self-righteous disdain. The Drunken Fools don't care. They lurch unevenly Drunken Fools don't care. They lurch unevenly towards enlightenment in their own way, towards enlightenment in their own way, laughing raucously as they go.laughing raucously as they go.


The Ebullient Dragons dress for war. Their robes cover their entire bodies, tightly wrapped at forearms and lower legs, and they typically fight with special soft-soled sandals. Their robes are designed to be comfortable to wear under most armor, as the Ebullient Dragons are generally considered to be Temple's first line of defense if it were ever attacked.

Doctrines Doctrines

It costs only 8 Merit for the Ebullient Dragons to learn that All Minds Are One Mind and about the Ripples In The Pond.

Attribute Bonuses Attribute Bonuses

+1 die type to Power and Speed.


Athletics, Melee Wushu, Ranged Wushu, Unarmed Wushu.


Grand Master (1d4): Blazing Sword Energy. The Master may spend 2 Qi to make an Agility/Ranged Wushu Attack roll with a sword, and inflict Magic damage against every target in a line, out to Very Far Range.

Master (1d6): Furious Assault. Ebullient Dragons fight with furious energy, that wears out the strongest opponents. The Ebullient Dragon may spend 1 Qi and one Action each enemy that they attack, or that; attacks them, loses 2 Qi. In addition, the Ebullient Dragon can make Fast or Precise Sweeping Strikes as well.

Favored Pupil (1d8): The Storm of Arrows, Denied. The Master can spend 1 Qi and one Action; no Ranged Wushu Attack can harm the Master during that Moment. A dozen archers hold no terrors for the Ebullient Dragon Master.

Student (1d10): Sweeping Strike. The Student can make one Crushing Attack roll with any Melee Wushu, that applies equally to all Adjacent enemies.

Novice (1d12): Sundering Strike. When the Disciple inflicts damage on an armored opponent with a Precise Attack, they may reduce any of that Armor's Protection ratings by 1.

An act carelessly per-formed, a broken vow, and hesitating obed-ience to discipline, all this brings no great reward.

Is anything is to be done, let a man do it, let him attack it vigorously! A careless pilgrim only scatters the dust of his passions more widely.

-- The Downward Course, the Dhammapada

The Graceful The Graceful Phoenix, the Phoenix, the School of School of TransitionTransition

When the School of Shen Xia sent out missionaries among the common folk, they taught some basic fighting arts as well. One nun of the School stayed among the peasants, and developed her own fighting style, designed to help the women of farms and villages defend themselves and their communities. The Graceful Phoenix School eventually returned to Shen Xia, where they pass on their uniquely tricky style of combat. Many Phoenixes strongly support the battle against the Crimson Gate Triad, not for the sake of bloodshed, but in defense of the common people.

Note: The Graceful Phoenix School only admits women. Males may learn the style, of course, but they would be unsanctioned students, taught away from the Shen Xia Temple.

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The Graceful Phoenixes change their appearance on a semi-regular basis. One week, they may work with the peasants in the fields, the next, they may dress as tea shop girls, and the next, as haughty corporates. They learn what life is like for everyone, and not to judge others.

Doctrines Doctrines

It costs only 8 Merit for the Graceful Phoenix to learn that Death is an Illusion and the World Always Changes.




Athletics, Influence, Melee Wushu, Unarmed Wushu.


Grand Master (1d4): Celestial Spirit Burns All. The Disciple may spend 1 Qi to transform any Improvised Weapon into a Legendary Weapon with 1d6 Spirit until the end of the Battle.

Master (1d6): Skies Filled With Ashes. When an enemy rolls a successful Attack against the Disciple, the Phoenix may spend a number of Qi equal to a target's Cunning Modifier to redirect their attack so that it hits one of the attacker's allies, or something else handy. If this isn't possible, the Phoenix gains +2 to all Defenses against the attack.

Favored Pupil (1d8): Unstoppable Glory. The Disciple may spend 1 Qi to add any Weapon Quality to an Improvised Weapon. The Accuracy for all Kick Attacks is reduced to 1d6.

Student (1d10): Myriad Rays. The Accuracy of all Improvised Weapons is reduced by one for this Disciple. Any Unarmed Attack that follows a successful Influence Attack against that same target gains +2 to all Damage Types.

Novice (1d12): Sun In Their Eyes. For 1 Qi, the Phoenix may replace any die in an Unarmed Wushu attack, or in a Melee Wushu Attack with Improvised weapons, with the Disciple's Influence die. The Accuracy for Kick Attacks is improved to 1d8.

The Heavenly The Heavenly Brazier, the Brazier, the School of School of AlchemyAlchemy

The Heavenly Brazier School teaches that the universe is constantly refining and transforming itself. Animals evolve, minerals are refined in the crucible of nature, and souls return to the universe that generated them. The Alchemists look to heavens and earth, to human bodies and inanimate chemicals, to learn how to transform themselves into Buddhas through enlightened practice. An outsider might imagine they're mad scientists, but these Alchemists are focused students of nature, who see analogies for spiritual realities everywhere in the mortal world.


The Heavenly Braziers wear dark robes that more closely resemble a scholar's than a priest's. The main difference is the many pouches at their belt, and their tightly-bound sleeves. After all, it won't do for long sleeves to knock over vials of explosive chemicals in the lab.

Doctrines Doctrines

It costs only 8 Merit for the Heavenly Braziers to learn that Everything Is Spirit and that the World Always Changes.



Image courtesy Saw Htoo, Photovaco.com.

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Education, Medicine, Ranged Wushu, Tech.


Each Potion costs the Alchemist 1 Qi, which they may not regain until the potion has been consumed, used, or spilled.

Grand Master (1d4): Golden Flower Elixir. The Grand Master is not only Immortal, but can permanently sacrifice 1 Qi to grant someone else Immortality as well. Nations have been lost in wars over the Golden Blossom Elixir.

Master (1d6): Forge of the Gods. The Alchemist can take ordinary Items and make them into Items of Quality. The item has ten uses before the magic that powers it lapses and the item breaks however, the; Alchemist may spend 3 Qi to permanently enchant the item. One item may be enchanted per adventure.

Favored Pupil (1d8): Mystic Pyromancer. The Favored Pupil formulates a potion that burns on contact with the air, doing Magic damage. The potion can be hurled at an opponent, using Agility/Ranged Wushu to hit.

Student (1d10): Studied Craftsman. The Student formulates a potion that grants a -2 die type Bonus to the target's Power, at a cost of +1 die type to their Speed, for the duration of the Battle. In addition, the Disciple may Intimidation rolls against inanimate objects roll Power/Influence, and if successful, the; item either ceases to function, or a broken item begins functioning, for one Moment.

Novice (1d12): Minor Artificer. The Novice can formulate a healing potion, which restores 1d6 Health to the imbiber. In addition, the Disciple may substitute Spirit for Speed when rolling initiative.

The Leaping Tiger, The Leaping Tiger, the School of the School of MonksMonks

The oldest school at Shen Xia, the Leaping Tigers balance ascetic practices with martial arts training. The Leaping Tigers are fierce in everything they do; they meditate for days at a time, fight until they're broken, and ruthlessly exterminate delusions of the mind with riddles and debates. Half of the Grand Masters of the Temple have been Leaping Tigers, and besides the Ebullient Dragons, they are the greatest fighters the Temple has to offer.

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Rare TechniquesRare Techniques

Every School has a certain set of techniques Every School has a certain set of techniques that are commonly taught, but there are lost that are commonly taught, but there are lost styles and secret moves that Disciples can styles and secret moves that Disciples can learn as well.learn as well.

Disciples can learn Rare Techniques from Disciples can learn Rare Techniques from ancient masters and coveted kung fu manuals. ancient masters and coveted kung fu manuals. Disciples travel far and wide, facing all kinds of Disciples travel far and wide, facing all kinds of grueling hardships and difficult tests, to proved grueling hardships and difficult tests, to proved themselves worthy of learning a Rare themselves worthy of learning a Rare Technique.Technique.

Each Rare Technique has a minimum School Each Rare Technique has a minimum School Rank to learn, and may have other Rank to learn, and may have other prerequisites as well. Disciples must pay 5 prerequisites as well. Disciples must pay 5 Kung Fu to learn a Rare Technique.Kung Fu to learn a Rare Technique.

Sword Riding Method.Sword Riding Method. Requirements: 10 Kung Fu, School Rank Requirements: 10 Kung Fu, School Rank

Master, Spirit 1d6.Master, Spirit 1d6.The Disciple can spend an Action and 1 Qi The Disciple can spend an Action and 1 Qi

to throw any melee weapon into the air, and to throw any melee weapon into the air, and then jump on top, riding it through the air like then jump on top, riding it through the air like a surfboard. For the rest of the Battle, the a surfboard. For the rest of the Battle, the Disciple can travel to any enemy out to Far Disciple can travel to any enemy out to Far Range without taking an Action. In addition, Range without taking an Action. In addition, once per Battle, the Disciple can return a die to once per Battle, the Disciple can return a die to the Constellation after pulling it for a Dodge the Constellation after pulling it for a Dodge Action.Action.

To learn the Sword Riding Method, To learn the Sword Riding Method, Disciples must travel to tiny Peacock Feather Disciples must travel to tiny Peacock Feather Village, southwest of New Hong Kong. They Village, southwest of New Hong Kong. They must appeal to Grand Master Feng Lai, a blind must appeal to Grand Master Feng Lai, a blind and surly old woman, who's very hard to and surly old woman, who's very hard to impress.impress.

Lei Kung Palm.Lei Kung Palm. Requirements: 10 Kung Fu, Student of the Requirements: 10 Kung Fu, Student of the

Rising Wind or Favored Pupil of any other Rising Wind or Favored Pupil of any other School, Agility 1d6.School, Agility 1d6.

The Disciple can spend 2 Qi to summon a The Disciple can spend 2 Qi to summon a bolt of lightening. The lightening can hit any bolt of lightening. The lightening can hit any target out to Very Far Range and inflicts Magic target out to Very Far Range and inflicts Magic damage with a +2 Bonus.damage with a +2 Bonus.

To learn the Lei Kung Palm, Disciples must To learn the Lei Kung Palm, Disciples must find Master Iron Desert, currently imprisoned find Master Iron Desert, currently imprisoned in the Ten Thousand Hells.in the Ten Thousand Hells.

Appearance Appearance

Stern traditionalists, the Leaping Tigers wear the traditional Shaolin kung fu uniform: red-orange robes with one sleeve, with wrapped lower legs. Men and women of the school both shave their heads.

Doctrine Doctrine

It costs only 8 Merit for the Leaping Tigers to learn that Death Is An Illusion and that Life Is Suffering.


+1 die type to Power and Spirit.


Athletics, Meditation, Melee Wushu, Unarmed Wushu.


Grand Master (1d4): Diamond Soul. The Monk is impervious to mental and social attacks, including all uses of the Influence Skill. Such attempts simply fail any rolls to influence the Disciple become; Matched 12s.

Master (1d6): Red Sand Palm. The Disciple sees the hidden flaws of all "solid" objects. When the Disciple strikes any object other than an Item of Legend, it is utterly destroyed. If the object is larger than the Disciple's body, they merely punch a hole in the object. The Disciple inflicts +2 Crushing damage with punches.

Favored Pupil (1d8): Ten Thunders Kick. When the Disciple takes a Leap Action and then a Kick Action, they inflict an additional amount of damage equal to their Speed Modifier.

Student (1d10): Disciplined Body. The Disciple can never be knocked prone against their will. Even if falling from a great height, the Disciple will land on their feet. The Disciple can sleep standing up, on tiptoe on the edge of a pole, if they wish. In addition, the Disciple inflicts an additional +2 Damage with Unarmed attacks, and an additional +1 per School Rank after this one.

Novice (1d12): Rapid Strike. The Disciple may spend 1 Qi to add the Autofire Quality to their Unarmed Wushu attacks.

The Phantom Wolf, The Phantom Wolf, the School of the School of AssassinsAssassins

The Phantom Wolf School was founded shortly after the Leaping Tiger School, and is the most outward-focused School at Shen Xia. They focus on hunting down demons impersonating mortals, and ending their threat with assassination, if necessary. Some claim that the Phantom Wolves have long meddled in New Hong Kong politics, attempting to prevent anything like the current crisis, with the Crimson Gate Triad gaining power. If asked, the Phantom Wolves shrug wordlessly, for they know the power of silence is greater than the power of mis-heard words.


The Phantom Wolves dress simple in the Temple, in robes like those of the Leaping Tiger, but deepest black. Outside the Temple, the Phantom Wolves typically wear the clothes of peasant traders or pilgrims, the better to blend in and be forgotten.

Doctrine Doctrine

It costs only 8 Merit for the Phantom Wolves to learn about the Ripples In The Pond and that the Wheel Always Turns.


+1 die type to Agility and Speed.


Athletics, Notice, Ranged Wushu, Stealth.


Grand Master (1d4): Phantom Form. The Phantom Wolf can spend 1 Qi to gain the Phantom Form Creature Power for 1 Moment.

Master (1d6): Unerring Accuracy. The Phantom Wolf can spend 1 Qi and 1 Action to take aim. Their next attack unerringly hits without the need for a roll, as if the Disciple rolled 2 dice in a Match. The only way to avoid the Attack is for the target to take a Dodge Action and roll three Matches, or for a Master or Grand Master to use The Storm of Arrows, Denied.

Favored Pupil (1d8): Demon-Slaying Strike. The Phantom Wolf may add their Spirit Modifier to the Damage on any Dark Creature of the Underworld.

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Student (1d10): Shadow Strike. When attacking an unaware opponent, the Phantom Wolf inflicts an additional amount of damage equal to their Cunning Modifier. The Phantom Wolf can always harm a Phantom Creature, even if they're intangible.

Novice (1d12): Demon Sense. Phantom Wolves can sense when demons are nearby. Any time a demon or undead is within a few li of the Phantom Wolf, they know. The sense grows stronger with proximity, but the Wolf can't know if a specific person is possessed by a Creature, or is a shapeshifted Creature. The Phantom Wolf also inflicts +1 Damage with Precise Attacks.

The Resplendent The Resplendent Trigram, the Trigram, the School of SpiritsSchool of Spirits

Wandering the countryside and teaching the people, the Resplendent Trigram priests are exorcists, healers, and diviners. Beloved of the common people, the Trigram Disciples help defend the people from demons and unwelcome spirits.

Appearance Appearance The priests of the Trigram wear scholar's robes,

typically festooned with dozens of amulets, wards, carved bones, and mystical symbols, any of which may be an efficacious spirit word, an enchanted reservoir for Qi, or a simple decoration to reassure superstitious, ignorant peasants.

Doctrine Doctrine

It costs only 8 Merit for the Resplendent Trigram to learn that Death Is An Illusion and that Everything Is Spirit.


+1 Level to Speed and Spirit.


Education, Medicine, Meditation, Notice.


Grand Master (1d4): Spirit Gate. The Disciple can spend 1 Qi to open a gateway into the Spirit world. The Gateway is big enough to ride a cart through, and remains for 1d4 +(Spirit Modifier) Moments. The Gateway leads to any forested location the Grand Master has been before, up to several hundred li away. In addition, the Shaman may spend 1 Qi to extend Exorcist's Touch to any allies.

Master (1d6): Summon Spirits. The Disciple may spend 1 Qi to summon a Nature Spirit, that appears Adjacent to them. The Nature Spirit obeys the Disciple's verbal commands, and remains until the end of the Battle.

Favored Pupil (1d8): Prayer of Banishment. The Disciple may spend 1 Qi to intone a prayer to the Jade Emperor. The Disciple causes Magic damage to all spirit or undead entities in Far radius. These prayers may be inscribed on talismans, which cause 1 damage per Moment to any spiritual or undead entity in Near Range. If the talisman touches an undead creature, and its Creature Level die is higher than the Disciple's School Level die, the Creature is Stunned until the talisman is removed.

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A Rich Tapestry of A Rich Tapestry of BeliefsBeliefs

In the West, religious systems and In the West, religious systems and philosophical systems are usually pretty philosophical systems are usually pretty distinct from one another. The practitioners of distinct from one another. The practitioners of each like pointing out differences in belief each like pointing out differences in belief systems, often taking pride in their way's systems, often taking pride in their way's distinctiveness.distinctiveness.

This is less the case in the East. Buddhism This is less the case in the East. Buddhism arose from Hinduism, but retained many of its arose from Hinduism, but retained many of its terms and trappings. When Bodhidharma terms and trappings. When Bodhidharma carried it to China, it was compared with carried it to China, it was compared with Taoism, and the two ways shared with one Taoism, and the two ways shared with one another again. And Taoism is hard to separate another again. And Taoism is hard to separate from Confucianism, which is linked with from Confucianism, which is linked with Mohism and Legalism. Buddhism gave rise to Mohism and Legalism. Buddhism gave rise to Chan, the predecessor of Zen.Chan, the predecessor of Zen.

Sure, each of these ways politicked against the Sure, each of these ways politicked against the others, called each other names, even fought. others, called each other names, even fought. But they formed a deep, rich intertwined But they formed a deep, rich intertwined religious and philosophical complex. In the far religious and philosophical complex. In the far future of future of Kill the BuddhaKill the Buddha these beliefs mutate these beliefs mutate further; much of what was past is forgotten, further; much of what was past is forgotten, while what is remembered is treasured and while what is remembered is treasured and expanded upon. expanded upon.

What doesn't change is the role of belief What doesn't change is the role of belief systems as cultural practices, or as tools for systems as cultural practices, or as tools for enlightenment. As the line in the perennial enlightenment. As the line in the perennial classic says, ”Chinese religion is all mixed up. classic says, ”Chinese religion is all mixed up. Look what we have to work with: Confucianism, Look what we have to work with: Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, Chinese black magic ... we Buddhism, Taoism, Chinese black magic ... we take what we want and leave the rest, just like take what we want and leave the rest, just like a salad bar.” a salad bar.”

Student (1d10): Exorcist's Touch. The Shaman may spend 1 Qi to strike spirits in Phantom form with their fists and feet as if the spirits were in material form, for the duration of a Battle. When this Special Technique is active, the Shaman's touch even injures the soul of the living, inflicting an additional +2 Damage.

Novice (1d12): Spirit Sense. The Disciple may sense the presence and emotional state of any invisible or intangible spirits in the area. The Disciple is instantly aware, if they focus on a person, if they're possessed or shapeshifted Creature. When fighting spirits, the Disciple may inflict Magic damage with Unarmed Wushu attacks.

The Rising Wind, the The Rising Wind, the School of StormsSchool of Storms

Founded by mountain hermits, the Rising Wind School grew from their meditations on the power of sky and storm. Some say that a priest found the Emperor's ancient prayers for rain and ran away to contemplate them from the heights, but most see the wild hair and wilder eyes of the Rising Winds and cannot imagine a composed priest in their lineage.


The hermits of the Rising Wind dress warmly, in padded robes with leggings. They climb the mountain peaks behind the Temple of Shen Xia, and grow their hair long, ragged, and wild.

Doctrine Doctrine

It costs only 8 Merit for the Rising Wind to learn that All Minds Are One Mind and that the Wheel Always Turns.


+1 die type to Agility and Power.


Athletics, Meditation, Notice, Stealth.


Grand Master (1d4): The Anger of the Heavens. The Disciple can spend 1 Qi to inflict Magic damage on up to (Spirit Modifier) targets, Adjacent to one another, within Far Range. It takes 2 Actions to summon the Anger of the Heavens, but the storm lasts as long as the Disciple spends 1 Action per Moment to maintain it.

Master (1d6): Shield of the Tempest. The Master can spend 1 Qi and one Action no Distance Attack; can harm the Master during that Moment. If the Disciple spends 2 Qi and 2 Actions, no non-Magic attack of any kind can hurt the Disciple.

Favored Pupil (1d8): Dark Mists and Darker Rain. The Disciple can spend 1 Qi to cause a powerful mist to rise all Stealth rolls suffer a -3 Penalty, and; anyone attempting to run or leap must make an Agility/Athletics roll or fall down.

Student (1d10): Gust of Wind. The Storm Warrior may spend 1 Qi to inflict Magic damage on an enemy at up to Far Range.

Novice (1d12): Sense the Winds. The Storm Warrior can sense movements in the air. The winds will warn the Disciple of anyone approaching, and even the faintest sound will wake the Disciple from a sound sleep.

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Non-Disciple Martial Non-Disciple Martial ArtistsArtists

Lots of people other than Disciples learn the Lots of people other than Disciples learn the martial arts. The wushu styles of Shen Xia are martial arts. The wushu styles of Shen Xia are closely tied to the Path of Enlightenment, but closely tied to the Path of Enlightenment, but just as the Crimson Gate School left the just as the Crimson Gate School left the Temple, so too brothers and sisters sometimes Temple, so too brothers and sisters sometimes leave the Temple and go teach fighting styles leave the Temple and go teach fighting styles to the lay people.to the lay people.

These styles resemble the ways of Shen Xia, These styles resemble the ways of Shen Xia, but they generally lack the incredible but they generally lack the incredible discipline that ascetic meditation bring the discipline that ascetic meditation bring the Disciples. As such, while there are civilians that Disciples. As such, while there are civilians that may have very low Wushu Skill dice, and might may have very low Wushu Skill dice, and might even have a Courage die, they still don't have even have a Courage die, they still don't have the kinds of Special Abilities that Disciples do.the kinds of Special Abilities that Disciples do.

Datapoint 4.0: The Path Datapoint 4.0: The Path to Enlightenmentto Enlightenment

Image courtesy Public-domain-photos.com

Each Disciple follows the Path to Enlightenment, as chosen by their School. The Path leads one to see through the illusion of difference all beings are the; same, partake of the same essence. There is only the Self, which is No Self.

The VirtuesThe VirtuesThe Temple of Shen Xia teaches the Way of

Accumulating Merit, derived from the ancient beliefs of Buddhism and Taoism of old Terra. The Way espouses the Virtues of Compassion, Emptiness, Generosity, and Peace. Only by following the Virtues, may one may gain Merit.

CompassionCompassion

The sorrow of one is the sorrow of all, the masters say, and the joy of one is the joy of all.

Benefit: Gain 1 Merit when you help another person, to your own detriment.

EmptinessEmptiness

Everyone likes to feel important, more important than everyone else. But everyone enters life the same way, and everyone leaves the same.

Benefit: Gain 1 Merit when you resist acclaim, letting your actions speak for themselves.

GenerosityGenerosity

The true Disciple gives to those in need, worrying about them as much as about themselves.

Benefit: Gain 1 Merit when you don't take more than you need, and strives to use less.

PeacePeace

The world is in turmoil because of ignorance. By understanding the way of things, and accepting others the way that they are, the Disciple learns not to judge.

Benefit: Gain 1 Merit when you are patient, and seek a non-violent solution to problems.

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AttachmentsAttachmentsThe path to enlightenment is paved with strife and

danger. As a Disciple walks the path, they are faced again and again with their personal failings and faults. Each Disciple has their own unique struggles.

Each Struggle grants the Disciple a special bonus if they give in, but it's very hard to indulge an Attachment without losing Merit.

AttentionAttention

When people are looking at you raptly, you feel real at last. When they're looking elsewhere, talking about someone else, you feel adrift in the void, alone and helpless.

Benefit: Gain 2 Qi when someone recognizes you for your great deeds.

Drawback: Lose 3 Merit when you spend lots of time and effort to seek peoples' attention.

CompetitionCompetition

You're the strongest, the best, and all too ready to beat down anyone who doubts you. A pity you still doubt yourself.

Benefit: Gain 2 Qi when you best an opponent in an unnecessary battle.

Drawback: Lose 3 Merit when you challenge an unworthy opponent to competition.

Family Family

They raised you, gave you rice cakes and cartoons and sent you to school, and you know owe them everything. Never mind that your hard work got you this far, and you must fight to be yourself.

Benefit: Gain 2 Qi when you assist your family in an important way.

Drawback: Lose 3 Merit when you neglect other duties to dote on your kin.

FoolishnessFoolishness

Life is strange and silly! Let's ignore the hatred and hopelessness, and just laugh for awhile!

Benefit: Gain 2 Qi when you make people laugh; gain 2 Qi if you're a member of the Drunken Fool School.

Drawback: Lose 3 Merit when you make jokes instead of helping.

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Lost SutrasLost Sutras

Lost sutras are scriptures of the Buddhist faith Lost sutras are scriptures of the Buddhist faith that expound on the nature of Enlightenment, that expound on the nature of Enlightenment, and the hidden powers of the universe.and the hidden powers of the universe.

Some sutras are lost because their teachings Some sutras are lost because their teachings are heretical, against the standard teachings of are heretical, against the standard teachings of the Shen Xia order. Some are confusing, so the the Shen Xia order. Some are confusing, so the Masters ordered them hidden, to avoid leading Masters ordered them hidden, to avoid leading impressionable young Disciples astray. And impressionable young Disciples astray. And some are written by hermits, far away from the some are written by hermits, far away from the Temple itself. Temple itself.

Each Lost Sutra has a die rating, from 1d4 to Each Lost Sutra has a die rating, from 1d4 to 1d20. Anyone that finds and reads a Lost Sutra 1d20. Anyone that finds and reads a Lost Sutra from start to finish gains a one-time, from start to finish gains a one-time, permanent Merit bonus equal to the die rating permanent Merit bonus equal to the die rating of the sutra.of the sutra.

Most Lost Sutras are books of wood pulp or Most Lost Sutras are books of wood pulp or rice paper, but they can be anything. The Sutra rice paper, but they can be anything. The Sutra of the Unfolding Dream is said to be of the Unfolding Dream is said to be circulating New Hong Kong on a heavily-circulating New Hong Kong on a heavily-encrypted computer disk, while the Perfect encrypted computer disk, while the Perfect Vajra Sutra is tattooed on the back of a tea Vajra Sutra is tattooed on the back of a tea shop girl in the Starport District.shop girl in the Starport District.

Sutras are highly sought after by demons and Sutras are highly sought after by demons and followers of the Path of Delusion, because followers of the Path of Delusion, because they're a quicker, easier way to Enlightenment they're a quicker, easier way to Enlightenment than meditating and practicing austerities.than meditating and practicing austerities.

OathboundOathbound

You swore to accomplish something or fulfill some quest, and nothing will stop you. Maybe you took an oath to serve and protect some corporate flunky, or to deliver a message to someone long lost, but your oath is lasting and binding.

Benefit: Gain 2 Qi when you make progress on your quest.

Drawback: Lose 3 Merit when you're unable to pursue your oath for more than 24 hours.

OrderOrder

You like it when there are nice clear laws in place, and everyone follows the rules. Without rules, where would we be?

Benefit: Gain 2 Qi when you force others to follow the rules, even pointless ones.

Drawback: Lose 3 Merit when subordinates rebel against the laws you lay down or point out.

PedagogyPedagogy

They're all wrong! You'll teach them! Whether they want to learn or not!

Benefit: Gain 2 Qi when you impart valuable knowledge to others.

Drawback: Lose 3 Merit when your instruction isn't helpful to the audience.

PerfectionPerfection

They say that nothing beneath the Heavens is perfect, but have they tried? They say that your obsession is ridiculous, but you'll show them. Any day now.

Benefit: Gain 2 Qi when you strive to make something perfect some rules, some craft, some; relationship.

Drawback: Lose 3 Merit when you fail in an obvious way to achieve perfection.

RegretRegret

Your home is in the past, among the broken loves and the hurtful words. Bitter, but you're chained to this place, and you just keep returning, to explore that old pain.

Benefit: Gain 2 Qi when you are reminded, or remind yourself, of your failures.

Drawback: Lose 3 Merit when you wallow in self-pity and remorse when there are valuable things to do now.

RomanceRomance

You seek the truth of your existence in the eyes of someone else. The looking is fun, but you've yet to find the one, just other lost seekers.

Benefit: Gain 2 Qi when you find comfort in someone else's arms.

Drawback: Lose 3 Merit when a pointless, shallow relationship falls apart and feelings are hurt.

SecretsSecrets

So many things to know, things that others hoard in the darkness. It takes time to winnow out the secrets, but sometimes there's a nugget, a gem all too; rarely.

Benefit: Gain 2 Qi when you discover an important secret, that aids you in your Journey.

Drawback: Lose 3 Merit when a secret takes great effort to find, but doesn't help you at all.

ThrillsThrills

You love to feel the blood pumping through your veins when you pull off some daring feat! Sometimes, though, it ends up pumping out of your veins ...

Benefit: Gain 2 Qi when you risk your life, for any reason.

Drawback: Lose 3 Merit when you suffer greatly for the sake of a little adrenaline.

VanityVanity

Looks aren't everything, you say, but you're a liar. You don't want to be thought of as shallow, but you can't help feeling every moment is better when you look gorgeous.

Benefit: Gain 2 Qi when you look your best, and others notice.

Drawback: Lose 3 Merit when are seen at your worst, and feel shame and horror at yourself.

VengeanceVengeance

Something broke deep inside you when you saw your loved one, lying punctured, in pieces. You'll live on until you can return the favor, but you doubt you'll ever be whole again.

Benefit: Gain 2 Qi when you hurt someone that hurt you or a loved one.

Drawback: Lose 3 Merit when your attempts at vengeance fail, or when you punish the wrong person.

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WealthWealth

The wealthy rise above, to live in the skytowers, or even just to sit on makeshift thrones in the dingy warehouses below. In your idle moments, you wonder how many you've stepped on to get this far but most; of the time, you don't care.

Benefit: Gain 2 Qi when you earn a large amount of money.

Drawback: Lose 3 Merit when others suffer so you may prosper.

TruthsTruths

As one follows the Path to Enlightenment, they collect Truths.

Truths provide siddhis, spiritual powers, far beyond the power of mere fighting. Truths are tied to the hidden nature of reality. Traditions, teachings, wushu training, and the like help one survive and gain followers and teach, but they don't provide Truth.

When a Disciple gains 10 Merit, they learn a new Truth.

Truths offer a wide variety of benefits, and if the player can think of new uses for a Truth, Destiny is encouraged to allow it, and assign appropriate game mechanics to that use. Other Truths are possible as well, beyond the ones listed here.

A master cannot lose their knowledge of Truths, even when they lose Merit. However, using Truths to commit sins is an even graver crime than just using one's hands and mind. Any loss of Merit caused by misues of Truths is doubled.

All Minds Are One MindAll Minds Are One Mind

Each of us percieves ourselves as single, individual, unconnected to others but if you fully; embrace the Virtue of Compassion, you know that all thoughts are one substance, one drop from the same sea.

Benefit: Spend 3 Qi to:

• Know what the enemy wants most, or what they plan to do next, or to know when they are lying.

• Reduce the Difficulty of one Influence roll by one.

• Communicate with another mind, no matter how far away, until the end of the current Battle.

• Become immune to the Influence Skill for the duration of the current Battle.

Death Is an IllusionDeath Is an Illusion

Death holds no terrors for the enlightened, for the body is just a tool. The Disciple understands the usefulness of the tool, and is ready to move on to their next life, but only when the duties of the current life have been fulfilled.

Benefit: The Disciple may spend 3 Qi to:

• Remember something helpful from a past life, reducing all Difficulties for one Skill by 1 until the end of the current Battle, or gaining access to one Profession Special Technique.

• Ignore one lethal wound, or prevent one object from being destroyed.

• Communicate with the spirit of a recently-deceased, to provide counsel on their way to the next life, or to get information while they still remember their days among the living.

• If the Disciple sacrifices their life for another, the next Disciple that the player creates gains another 2 points of Kung Fu per Truth that the Disciple knows.

Everything Is SpiritEverything Is Spirit

Everything in the universe has a spirit, all of them linked together into one great spiritual whole.


• Befriend the spirit of an item, temporarilty making it a Legendary Item with 1d10 Spirit, and a Quality of the Disciple's choice, until the end of the current Battle.

• The Disciple can befriend an enemy's weapon, causing all Difficulties to increase by 2 until the end of the Battle.

• The Disciple can speak with the spirit of an item, plant, or creature to see what it sensed in the past, or find out what happened in a specific spot.

Techies may spend 1 less Qi to use this Truth on technological items. Alchemists that know this Truth may permanently enchant a piece of Equipment by spending 3 Qi.

Life is SufferingLife is Suffering

Existence leads inexorably to pain, but the root of all existence, the causeless cause, knows only bliss.


• Ignore the effects of one injury, no matter how severe, until the end of the current Battle.

• Spend 3 Qi to restore (Power Modifier + Spirit Modifier) Health to yourself or another person.

• Reduce one's die for Power, Agility, or Speed by one die type until the end of the Battle. This Bonus may be used multiple times, and the bonus stacks.

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• Treat one Power, Agility, or Speed Roll as if it rolled Matched 6s, with no roll needed.

• Restore a number of Health equal to twice the number of Truths the Disciple knows.

• Ignore physical needs, like air, hunger, thirst, and sleep, for a number of weeks equal to the number of Truths one knows.

• Gain any one Creature Power.

Ripples In The PondRipples In The Pond

A simple action in one place can have profound actions everywhere else. A single brush stroke, performed with mindfulness, can topple a mighty empire.


• Substitute any Attribute/Skill combination you want for any other Attribute/Skill combination. For example, you could roll Cunning/Spirit to paint a picture that strikes at the enemy's soul, as if you shouted at them with Power/Influence.

• Strike one opponent, and, if successful, deal equal damage to every opponent in Very Far range.

• Strike an opponent with an Unarmed Wushu Attack, even though they may be up to Far Distance away.

• Suddenly appear somewhere else, up to several li away.

• Create a duplicate of oneself. The duplicate lasts

until the end of the Battle, and has half the Health and Qi of the original.

A Trader that truly grasps how their trades cause Ripples In The Pond can help both their customers and themselves better, and all their companions on their Journey gain one additional Equipment Slot.

Time Is An IllusionTime Is An Illusion

Cities rise and fall, wealth and power accumulate and disperse, but all this is an illusion, a swirling of mist and dust.


• Temporarily gain the Mystic's ability to peer into the future, without yarrow stalks or coins.

• Act before yout Initiative roll, taking your turn before someone else, or take next Moment's action now.

• Freeze an object in time for one Moment. A thrown object hangs motionless in the air, a gun's trigger can't be pulled, and a falling ladder can still be climbed.

• Speed an object's motion in time. A bullet speeds ahead of its mark harmlessly, a burning rope is instantly reduced to ash, or a battery discharges its voltage in an instant.

The Wheel Always TurnsThe Wheel Always Turns

Good actions always return to those who perform them, and evil actions do, too. This is called the teaching of kamma, the wheel, or "what goes around, comes around."


• When a corrupt person or Spirit harms you, spend 3 Qi to automatically score matched 6s on your next attack roll against them.

• Or don't attack back luck befalls the opponent,; and they take (twice the number of Truths you know) damage from some mishap, like a heavy object falling on them.

• See another's progress along the Path of Enlightenment, and instantly know their Spirit, the number of Truths they know, their current Merit, and their Attachment.

The World Always ChangesThe World Always Changes

The physical world is fluid, and its contents are not the solid, immutable things we imagine them to be. Enlightened Disciples know that the world is how we imagine it to be.


• Find an object that you need, miraculously hidden or misplaced somewhere nearby. The object must be needed to fulfill the Virtues, and but not to serve the Disciple's Attachments.

• Strike an inanimate object and destroy it

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Ascetic VowsAscetic Vows

Masters of the Shen Xia Temple are expected Masters of the Shen Xia Temple are expected to embrace vows of celibacy, vegetarianism, to embrace vows of celibacy, vegetarianism, and poverty. They also vow not to touch dead and poverty. They also vow not to touch dead bodies, or to shed blood.bodies, or to shed blood.

Anyone of lesser Rank isn't required to take Anyone of lesser Rank isn't required to take these vows, however, and more than a new these vows, however, and more than a new members of the Temple leave and follow their members of the Temple leave and follow their own Journey, doing as they feel right. As long own Journey, doing as they feel right. As long as these Disciples still follow the path of the as these Disciples still follow the path of the Truths, and don't turn aside to pursue Truths, and don't turn aside to pursue Delusions, they're still welcome to visit the Delusions, they're still welcome to visit the Temple from time to time, and are considered Temple from time to time, and are considered lay sisters and brothers.lay sisters and brothers.

As an optional rule, Destiny may allow As an optional rule, Destiny may allow Disciples to take these vows on before they're Disciples to take these vows on before they're required. For each of these vows that the required. For each of these vows that the Disciple follows assiduously, they gain +1 to Disciple follows assiduously, they gain +1 to their maximum Qi. Each time the Disciple their maximum Qi. Each time the Disciple violates these vows, however, they lose 2 Qi.violates these vows, however, they lose 2 Qi.

instantly, per the Rare Technique Red Sand Palm.

• Make an object indestructible for the duration of the current Battle.

• Alchemically transform an item into another item of similar mass, such as turning a chunk of scrap metal into a razor-sharp knife, or turning a half-cup of murky water into rice wine.

Using Multiple TruthsUsing Multiple Truths

Enlightened Disciples must sometimes expend great spiritual power to defeat foes quickly and decisively. Disciples that know multiple Truths may use them simultaneously, although each Truth still costs 3 Qi to use.

For example, a Disciple that knew that The Wheel Always Turns and about the Ripples In the Pond is attacked by a Crimson Gate Triad thug. The Disciple can see five more thugs nearby, all armed. The Disciple is in a hurry to escape from the area, and so she spends 6 Qi, telling Destiny that the thug that hit her will feel kamma rebound on him, and the effect will ripple outward to affect his comrades. The lead thug fired at her, but the bullet bounces off of the Disciple's steel sword, rebounding into a fuel truck nearby. The explosion damages all of the thugs, giving the Disciple time to escape!

Limits on TruthsLimits on Truths

Mortal minds, even relatively enlightened minds, are still subject to some of the limits of the created universe until they achieve Transcendence. Truths are unlimited, timeless and perfect, but limited beings can only call on them to perform wonders within certain limits.

Always Cost 3 Qi: Truths always cost Qi to use.

Game Mechanical Effects Possible: Truths can have any of the following game mechanical benefits:

• Automatic Damage. Equal to twice (Truths known).

• Automatic Protection. One attack against the Disciple automatically rolls no Matches.

• Automatic Success. Some specific sort of action will score double 6s with no roll needed.

• Comparative Effect. When one siddhi comes into conflict with another, the siddhi wielded by the Disciple that knows the most number of Spiritual Truths will succeed. When a siddhi comes into

conflict with a Creature Power, compare the siddhi to the Creature's Rank the higher of the; two will succeed. Do this only when Destiny decrees that there's a chance that the siddhi will fail sinde ; siddhis are based on a correct and thorough apprehension of reality, they only fail when faced with another spiritual power.

• Extend Action. An Action may take place up to Very Far Distance away. Non-combat effects, like mental communication, may take place at any distance Destiny desires, even infinite distance.

• Lasting Bonuses. One weapon or form of attack may gain +1 Bonus to hit, or +2 to all forms of Damage. Also, one piece of Armor or other form of defense may gain +2 to all Armor values.

• Seize Initiative. No roll needed.

• Temporarily Gain Power. The Disciple may gain one Special Technique or Creature Power until the end of the Battle.

Area of Effect: Each Truth affects certain overlapping aspects of the physical world.

• All Minds Are One Mind. The mind, emotions, neurology, Influence, Cunning, Spirit.

• Death Is An Illusion. Death, endings, the spirits of the dead, reincarnation.

• Everything Is Spirit. "Inanimate" objects, the spirits of places and animals, pantheism.

• Life Is Suffering. Flesh and blood, disease and healing, Power, Agility, Speed, Health, the physical form.

• Ripples In The Pond. Wu wei, affecting things with sympathetic magic or on a purely symbolic basis, physical location, teleportation, affecting things within line of sight.

• Time Is An Illusion. Time, "luck" based purely on timing.

• The Wheel Always Turns. Karma, "luck" based on one's previous actions, enlightenment.

• The World Always Changes. Transformation, alchemy, "luck" based on one's perception of surroundings and feng shui.

The masters of Shen Xia, and other enlightened beings, are well aware of the limits on the awesome feats that Truths can accomplish. And the limits don't matter, ultimately, because fancy tricks aren't the point of cosmic Truths Enlightenment is what matters, the; only thing that does.

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Datapoint 5.0: Datapoint 5.0: A A Disciple's AttributesDisciple's Attributes

Image courtesy Cgtextures.com

Certain physical and mental Attributes help a Master choose Disciples.

Disciples are measured in Agility, Power, Cunning, Speed, and Spirit.

Attribute Levels Attribute Levels and Bonusesand Bonuses

Certain rules will require you to know the Attribute Modifier for an Attribute Level.

Attribute Levels/BonusesAttribute Levels/BonusesLevel Die Bonus

Magnificent 1d4 +5

Exceptional 1d6 +4

Good 1d8 +3

Average 1d10 +2

Feeble 1d12 +1

Attributes are often written with the die in parenthesis (). When the Bonus is included, it's written in square brackets [], like so:

Power (1d10) [+5].


AgilityAgility

The Disciple flows like water around opposition, and even while in motion seeks balance, like the ever-changing sea.

Benefit: Roll Agility and a Wushu Skill to attack the enemy. Roll Athletics/Agility to balance, or jump unusually far. Precise damage is based on Agility.

CunningCunning

The Disciple's mind gleams like metal, reflecting Heaven and Earth, and all of their mysteries.

Benefit: Roll Cunning to figure out puzzles, to outwit opponents, or to remember complicated information. Crushing damage with firearms is based on Cunning. Disciples roll Influence/Cunning to deceive another with clever words.

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PowerPower

The Disciple is as powerful as a mountain, as unwavering as a stone column, and as unstoppable as an earthquake.

Benefit: Disciples roll Influence/Power to intimidate others. Crushing damage with is based on the Disciple's Power, for all weapons but firearms.

SpeedSpeed

The Disciple moves with the speed of fire, destroying all opponents that dare to step before them.

Benefit: Roll Speed for initiative. Disciples roll Athletics/Speed when they must run or swim extraordinarily quickly. Fast weapon damage is based on the Disciple's Speed.

SpiritSpirit

Disciples learn many truths about the spirit world, and learn to meditate to harness their Qi. A Disciple's Spirit is their charisma, willpower, and inner strength.

Benefit: Disciples roll Influence/Spirit to persuade others. A Disciple's Qi is based partly on their Spirit. Magic damage is based on the Disciple's Spirit.

ResourcesResources

Resources are an innate part of the Disciple's person, like Attributes. But players don't make rolls with Resources rather, they represent a pool of points; that represent the Disciple's current state of being.

HealthHealth

Health is a Disciple's physical well-being, and resistance to injury.

Formula: (Power Modifier) +3.

Benefit: Each time the Disciple's Health drops to 0, it refreshes, but they are Stunned for a Moment and suffer a Wound in a body part of the attacker's choice.

Each Wound in a body part causes all Matches to increase in value by 1 when that body part is used.

When a body part suffers (Power Modifier) wounds, it's rendered useless if the target's head or; torso are useless, the target falls unconscious. If the target takes (Power Modifier) more Wounds, they die.

Kung FuKung Fu

"Kung Fu" literally means "well done " any; accomplishment, not just in the warrior arts, may be "kung fu" if it shows great skill and ability. This Resource reflects the Disciple's experience, training, and capabilities, and assists them on the road to even more impressive feats.

Formula: 0.

Benefit: A Disciple starts each life with 10 Kung Fu. Disciples spend accumulated Kung Fu to increase Attributes and Skills.

MeritMerit

Merit is a measure of the Disciple's spiritual development and approach to Enlightenment, their "good karma."

Formula: 0.

Benefit: A Disciple starts each life with 0 Merit. As the Disciple accumulates Merit, they may spend it to purchase additional Truths. As the Disciple accumulates Merit, they grow closer to enlightenment.

QiQi

The Shen Xia Temple teaches that the energy called "qi" underlies the physical and spiritual universe. Qi itself is invisible, but it's the lifeforce of all things that exist. Qi is a Disciple's resistance to physical and mental fatigue, their muscular and nervous energy.

Formula: (Power Modifier) + (Spirit Modifier).

Benefit: Disciples can spend 1 Qi to pull a die from the Constellation to form a Conjunction. They can also spend 1 Qi to activate certain Special Techniques, or to use a spiritual Truth.

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Datapoint 6.0: The Way of Datapoint 6.0: The Way of the Warriorthe Warrior

Image courtesy Cgtextures.com

Skills reflect a Disciple's knowledge, talents, education, and training. Focus Skills are favored by a School of the Shen Xia Temple.

AthleticsAthletics

Athletics is one's ability to balance, climb, run, jump, or swim.

Roll Agility/Athletics to perform any of those actions, when there's a chance of failure.

CyberneticsCybernetics

Bionic implants and attachments that provide additional capabilities.

For each Level of Cybernetics, the Disciple may choose one Trifle implanted in their body, or gain one of the following Creature Powers: Armor, Bolt, Claws, Dim Sight, Fear.

However, for each Level of Cybernetics, the Disciple loses 1 Qi, and takes 1 additional point of Damage from water, electricity, and electromagnetic pulses.

EducationEducation

Scholarship and knowledge of the world. A Disciple with a great deal of Education knows a lot about the culture and history of New Hong Kong, and humanity as a whole.

Roll Cunning/Scholarship to remember obscure facts about the world and the past.

InfluenceInfluence

Interpersonal charisma and personality. Disciples with a great deal of Influence can talk others into acting the way they wish, through charm, wheedling, or threats.

Roll Power/Influence to intimidate others, Cunning/Influence to deceive them, and Spirit/Influence to persuade them. Opponents must spend 1 Qi to leave, 2 Qi to ignore you, or 0 Qi to play along.

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MedicineMedicine

Knowledge of healing and treatment of diseases and injuries. Medicine includes not only modern medical sciences, but also traditional forms of care like acupuncture, herbalism, and massage.

Roll Cunning/Medicine to heal friends of their injuries and diseases. This takes 1 hour, the Disciple can do this once per day per patient, and the amount of Health they restore is equal to their Cunning Modifier.

Anyone with a School Rank can restore Health to another person by spending Qi and performing jabbing their damaged meridians with fingers, stimulating the flow of energy in their body. This is often quite painful, but the target regains an amount of Health equal to the Qi spent, to a maximum of the result of the healer's School Rank Die. Pressure point therapy can only help once per patient per day, and will not help burns, broken bones, poison, or internal injuries.

MeditationMeditation

Meditation is one's ability to relax and focus their energy, to regain one's mental strength and stability.

Roll Spirit/Meditation to regain lost Qi faster. This takes 1 hour, and the amount of Qi the Disciple restores is equal to their Spirit Modifier.

Melee WushuMelee Wushu

Melee Wushu is one's ability to fight with close-in weapons.

Roll Agility/Melee Wushu to hit an enemy with a sword, knife, spear, axe, staff, or flail. More details on each weapon are found in the Seventh Scroll.

Image courtesy Lavoview, Freedigitalphotos.net.

NoticeNotice

The Notice Skill helps Disciples pick up on clues, hidden items, and sneaky infiltrators in their environment.

Roll Cunning/Notice to find clues and see details, or to hide things and remain unseen.

Ranged Wushu Ranged Wushu

Ranged Wushu is the art of using a gun, bow or crossbow, or thrown weapon.

Roll Agility/Ranged Wushu to strike enemies with any of those weapons.

StealthStealth

Stealth reflects one's ability to remain unnoticed and move without making noise.

Roll Cunning/Stealth to get past guards and into secure places.

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Optional Skill: Optional Skill: Legendary ItemLegendary Item

This optional Skill gives the Disciple a This optional Skill gives the Disciple a Legendary Item at Rebirth. Legendary Item is a Legendary Item at Rebirth. Legendary Item is a powerful Skill, and it's recommended that powerful Skill, and it's recommended that Destiny charge double the normal amount of Destiny charge double the normal amount of Kung Fu for this Skill.Kung Fu for this Skill.

The Legendary Item has a Spirit equal to the The Legendary Item has a Spirit equal to the Skill's die type. The Legendary Item is part of Skill's die type. The Legendary Item is part of the Disciple's Path, and if lost during an the Disciple's Path, and if lost during an Encounter, it returns by the beginning of the Encounter, it returns by the beginning of the next Encounter. If destroyed, the Kung Fu used next Encounter. If destroyed, the Kung Fu used to purchase it is refunded.to purchase it is refunded.

TechTech

Tech is one's ability to operate and repair mechanical and electronic equipment.

Roll Cunning/Tech to operate computers, pick locks, and repair broken equipment.

Unarmed WushuUnarmed Wushu

Unarmed Wushu is one's ability to fight with bare fists and feet.

Roll Agility/Unarmed Wushu to punch, kick, grapple, jump kick, tackle, chop, or head-butt an opponent. More details on each attack are found in the Eighth Scroll.

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Optional Skill: Optional Skill: TalentedTalented

'Talented' is a single Skill that collects a 'Talented' is a single Skill that collects a myriad of minor areas of craft and knowledge myriad of minor areas of craft and knowledge together. These minor Skills aren't very together. These minor Skills aren't very important for Battle or the Path of important for Battle or the Path of Enlightenment, but illustrate the Disciple's Enlightenment, but illustrate the Disciple's personality and hobbies.personality and hobbies.

At 1d12, the Disciple may choose one Talent. At At 1d12, the Disciple may choose one Talent. At each lower die type, the Disciple gains an each lower die type, the Disciple gains an additional Talent. Talents include Cooking, additional Talent. Talents include Cooking, Dancing, Drinking, Farming, Games of Chance, Dancing, Drinking, Farming, Games of Chance, Languages, Musical Instrument (choose one), Languages, Musical Instrument (choose one), Painting, Riddles, Sculpture, Singing, Streetwise, Painting, Riddles, Sculpture, Singing, Streetwise, and Tailoring. and Tailoring.

Where appropriate, Disciples may get a Talent Where appropriate, Disciples may get a Talent for free; Cooks get Cooking for free, Wastrels for free; Cooks get Cooking for free, Wastrels get Drinking, and Gamblers get Games of get Drinking, and Gamblers get Games of Chance. Since Talented is a minor, mostly Chance. Since Talented is a minor, mostly useless Skill, using it creatively to save the day useless Skill, using it creatively to save the day or solve a mystery grants 1 point of Kung Fu.or solve a mystery grants 1 point of Kung Fu.

Datapoint 7.0: Armory of Datapoint 7.0: Armory of EnlightenmentEnlightenment

Image courtesy Peter Griffin, Publicdomainpictures.net.

Only the most powerful and self-reliant Disciples can survive and thrive without Equipment.

All Disciples start with 3 Equipment Slots worth of Weapons, Armor, and Trifles. Unless otherwise stated, Weapons and Armor cost 2 slots, and Trifles cost 1 slot.

WeaponsWeapons

Weapons are tools of death. The Temple of Shen Xia has never advocated violence, but instead teaches Disciples are intended for self-defense, and for meditation and focus. However, many Disciples take up arms to defend the people of New Hong Kong against the Crimson Gate Triad.

Weapons cost two Equipment slots each.

Weapon StatisticsWeapon Statistics

Weapon Attributes:

Damage: The Damage modifier for each attack type.

Accuracy: The Accuracy die rolled with all Attack, Block, and Disarm rolls with that weapon. If Accuracy is reduced below 1d12, it becomes 1d20; Accuracy cannot be reduced below 1d20.

Range: Weapons have one of four Ranges: Adjacent, Near, Far, or Very Far. It takes one Action to move one Range increment closer to an enemy.

Weapon Qualities:

Many weapons have special features that give them additional functionality, or restrict their usefulness.

Armor Piercing: The weapon ignores any armor bonuses to Block or Withstand Protection.

Autofire: Attacker can spend up to 3 Qi to make one additional attack per Qi spent. Unless otherwise stated, the target can only defend against one attack per Moment. All of the attacks are the same type (i.e. Crushing, Fast, or Precise).

Awkward: This weapon requires 2 Actions to make an Attack.

Bow: Anyone without a School, Creature, or Courage Rank cannot Block bolts or arrows.

Decapitation: The attacker may make an attack with the Awkward Quality to try to decapitate the opponent. If the target rolls two Matches and the Heavens accord the Disciple a Combat Benefit on this attack, the target immediately suffers a number of wounds to the head equal to the weapon's Precise damage bonus plus one. The target is treated as Grappled, and the attacker may automatically inflict the same amount of damage on subsequent Moments.

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WeaponDamage

Accuracy Range QualitiesCrushing Fast Precise

Axe +5 +2 +2 1d10 Adjacent Two-Handed.

Butterfly Knife +3 +2 +3 1d8 Adjacent Skillful.

Crossbow +4 +3 +4 1d8 Very Far Bow, Shots [1], Two-Handed.

Club +3 +2 +4 1d8 Adjacent None.

Curved Sword +3 +4 +4 1d8 Adjacent None.

Flail +4 +4 +2 1d10 Adjacent Flexible.

Flying Guillotine +3 +3 +2 1d10 Near Decapitation, Flexible, Two-Handed.

Great Axe +6 +2 +3 1d12 Near Awkward, Two-Handed.

Great Sword +6 +3 +2 1d12 Near Awkward, Two-Handed.

Hook Sword +3 +4 +3 1d8 Adjacent Flexible, Skillful.

Knife +2 +3 +4 1d6 Adjacent Thrown [Far].

Laser Pistol +6 +2 +5 1d12 Very Far Armor Piercing, Firearm, Shots [10].

Long Bow +4 +3 +3 1d8 Very Far Bow, Shots [1], Two-Handed.

Palm Pistol +3 +3 +4 1d10 Very Far Firearm, Shots [3].

Pole Arm +5 +4 +2 1d8 Near Two-Handed.

Revolver +5 +4 +5 1d8 Very Far Firearm, Shots [6].

Scholar Sword +2 +5 +5 1d6 Adjacent Skillful.

Semi-Automatic Pistol

+5 +4 +4 1d8 Very Far Firearm, Shots [17].

Short Bow +5 +4 +3 1d6 Far Bow, Shots [1], Two-Handed.

Shotgun +5 +3 +5 1d10 Far Dual Fire, Firearm, Shots [2].

Spear +3 +4 +4 1d8 Near Thrown [Far], Two-Handed.

Staff +5 +4 +3 1d8 Near Skillful, Two-Handed.

Submachine Gun +5 +4 +2 1d10 Very FarAutofire, Firearm, Shots [30], Two-Handed.

War Fan +3 +2 +3 1d6 Near Light, Skillful.

Whip +1 +3 +1 1d6 Near Flexible, Light, Skillful.

Dual Fire: The firearm may fire one or two projectiles simultaneously. If the weapon fires a second shot, the Accuracy of the attack is reduced by one die type, but the damage is increased by 2.

Firearm: If attacking at range, Firearms use Agility for Crushing Attacks instead of Power. Anyone without a School, Creature, or Courage Rank cannot Block or Withstand bullets. The weapon can be used as a club to smash enemies, in which case the weapon loses the Firearm Quality and does -2 Crushing Damage.

Flexible: Instead of attacking, the weapon can grapple an opponent. Roll a Contest of Power/(appropriate Wushu Skill) against the target's Power/(appropriate Wushu Skill). If successful, automatically normal Crushing damage. Next round, the target may roll to break free, but the target's Roll is Difficult.

Light: Power is reduced by 1 die type when rolling for Crushing attacks with this weapon.

Shots [X]: Weapon can be fired X times, and then must be reloaded. Reloading a bow takes one Action, guns take 2 Actions, and crossbows take three.

Skillful: All Difficulties to Disarm are reduced by one, and the wielder gains +1 to Block Defense.

Thrown: This Melee Wushu weapon can also use Ranged Wushu to attack, at a maximum range listed.

Two-Handed: This weapon requires two hands to use.

Any weapon with Range Adjacent or Near uses Melee Wushu to attack any weapon with Range Far; or Very Far, or with the Bow or Firearm Quality, uses Ranged Wushu to attack.

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His eye is a meteor,Zen''s movement is like

lightning.The sword that kills the

man,is the sword that saves

the man.-- Mumonkan

Weapon OptionsWeapon Options

Weapon Options cost one Equipment slot.

Armor-Piercing Ammo. Only for Semi-Automatic Pistols and Submachine Guns. Adds the Armor-Piercing Quality, but Accuracy is reduced by one die type.

Flaming Arrows/Bolts. Only for weapons with the Bow Quality. Weapon gains +1 permanent Bonus to all Damage die types, but Accuracy is reduced by one die type.

Retractable. Only for Swords, Spears, and Staffs. The weapon compacts itself down to just a few inches, easily hidden, and can unfold into its full size with one Action.

Rings. For Melee Wushu weapons. Adds the Skillful Quality if the item already has it, reduces; Difficulties by one more.

Tracer Ammo. Only for Semi-Automatic Pistols and Submachine Guns. Inflicts an additional +1 Fast and Precise Damage, and adds +1 to hit with Autofire weapons in dark conditions. However, it also reveals the Disciple's location.

Vibro Blades. Only for bladed weapons like swords, knives, and spears. Adds the Armor Piercing Quality, but reduces Accuracy by one die type.

Improvised WeaponsImprovised Weapons

All Improvised Weapons are treated as Melee Wushu weapons with the Thrown [Near] Quality.

Chopsticks. Damage: (Crushing +0, Fast +2, Precise +2) ; Accuracy: 1d12 ; Range: Adjacent, Qualities: Light.

Frying Pan. Damage: (Crushing +2, Fast +1, Precise -1) ; Accuracy: 1d12 ; Range: Near, Qualities: None.

Ladder. Damage: (Crushing +4, Fast +0, Precise -2) ; Accuracy: 1d20 ; Range: Near, Qualities: Awkward.

Rock. Damage: (Crushing +1, Fast +1, Precise +0) ; Accuracy: 1d10 ; Range: Far, Qualities: None.

Scarf/Sleeves. Damage: (Crushing -2, Fast -1, Precise +0) ; Accuracy: 1d20 ; Range: Near, Qualities: Flexible, Skillful.

Wine Bottle. Damage: (Crushing +1, Fast +0, Precise +1) ; Accuracy: 1d10 ; Range: Adjacent, Qualities: Light.

ArmorArmor

When an enemy scores a successful attack, the appropriate Damage type is reduced by the listed amount, to a minimum of 1.

Armor costs 2 Equipment slots.

ArmorDamage

BulkEvade Block Withstand

Bulletproof Vest

-1 +1 +3 2

Cerametal Plate

-3 +3 +4 3

Lamellar Armor

-1 +3 +2 2

Leather Jacket

+0 +1 +1 1

Padded Armor

+0 +1 +0 1

Riot Gear -2 +2 +3 2

TriflesTrifles

Trifles are minor pieces of Equipment that cost one Equipment slot each.

ElectronicsElectronics

Laptop: A small computing device that s

Cell Phone: A cell phone provides instant communication within New Hong Kong. Outside the city, though, coverage is spotty to non-existent.

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GadgetsGadgets

Handcuffs: The

Lockpicks: The

MedicineMedicine

First Aid Kit: The

Ginseng: The

GeneralGeneral

Flashlight: Until they become Favored Pupils and learn the technique of Dark Sight, Disciples have problems fighting at night, or in lightless sewers or deep caves.

Rations: A few packs of rice cakes, pickled vegetables, and dried fish to feed the Disciples on their journey. Each selection of Rations provides food for a week.

Repair Kit: Some Disciples are talented with machines, and a few even have cybernetic enhancements.

Rice Wine: Most Disciples abstain from alcohol, but there's no rule against those below the rank of Master drinking a bit now and then. Except for members of the Drunken Fool School, who imbibe all the time!

Rope: The

Sunglasses: The

Utility Knife: The

Legendary ItemsLegendary Items

The greatest items have their own Special Techniques, their own history and legend, and their own importance to Destiny.

Item SpiritsItem Spirits

All objects have a Spirit Level, but most objects' Spirit Level is 1d20. Such an object is completely unaware of itself or its surroundings.

At 1d12, the item's spirit is dimly aware of its surroundings, and can even communicate emotions to its owner. It still isn't capable of granting any particular benefits.

At 1d10, an item's spirit is fully aware, and can grant its wielder benefits as it wishes. An item's Spirit Level may be as low as 1d4, for an item of significant power. Any Disciple can sense whether an item's spirit is awakened simply by touching it.

How are item spirits awakened? A shaman or alchemist can awaken an item's spirit, but exposure to an extraordinary individual, or a long series of

emotional events, can also awaken the spirit of an item. Places have spirits, too, and important places like the Shen Xia Temple ... or the Canyon of Ten Thousand Hells ... have impressive personalities that even non-Disciples can sense.

Legendary Item QualitiesLegendary Item QualitiesLegendary Items gain one of the following

Qualities at 1d10 Spirit, and another at each lower die type:

• Any Creature Power. The Powers cost 1 Qi to activate for the duration of the Battle.

• Any general Shen Xia School Special Technique (Qi Sense, Leap of the Winds, Dark Sight, Iron Shirt, or Immortality.

• +2 to all Damage types that the item inflicts, and can harm Phantom Creatures when they turn intangible.

• +2 to all Protection types that the item provides.

• Item can speak in a voice that all may hear.

• Item can float through the air and fight on its own, with an Agility equal to its Spirit, and a Melee Wushu Level two die types higher.

• May substitute the Item's Spirit die for any other die for actions with the item. For example, a very clumsy Ebullient Dragon will find themselves much more graceful when using this weapon.

• An item with 1d6 or 1d4 Spirit may be indestructible (this doesn't grant an armor more Protection, but it does mean that the armor's Protection cannot be degraded).

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Example Legendary Example Legendary ItemsItems

Here is a Legendary Item that the Disciples Here is a Legendary Item that the Disciples might find (or face!) on their Journey.might find (or face!) on their Journey.

Sky Shatterer.Sky Shatterer. Spirit 1d8.Spirit 1d8.Sky Shatterer is a long, golden curved Sky Shatterer is a long, golden curved

sword with a giant ruby in the pommel. The sword with a giant ruby in the pommel. The demon dragon Jinhuang Xiao faced the Brazen demon dragon Jinhuang Xiao faced the Brazen Saint in battle, and when he was slain, his Saint in battle, and when he was slain, his golden horn was forged into this deadly sword. golden horn was forged into this deadly sword. A fragment of the demon's consciousness A fragment of the demon's consciousness remains in the horn, and it tempts anyone that remains in the horn, and it tempts anyone that holds the sword to destroy the righteous.holds the sword to destroy the righteous.

The weapon gains +2 to all Damage types, The weapon gains +2 to all Damage types, and the wielder may roll an additional 1d8 and the wielder may roll an additional 1d8 with all Melee Wushu rolls. The wielder may with all Melee Wushu rolls. The wielder may fire a Bolt (per the Creature Power) of golden fire a Bolt (per the Creature Power) of golden light with an expenditure of a few Qi.light with an expenditure of a few Qi.

Datapoint 8.0: The War Datapoint 8.0: The War for Peacefor Peace

Image courtesy Arvind Balaram, Freedigitalphotos.net

The life of the wuxia is one of righteous battle against evil and tyranny.

Beginning the FightBeginning the Fight

Combatants make Iniative rolls. To do so, roll Rank/Speed, and act in order of lowest match to highest. In the case of a tie, the character with the lowest Rank die goes first, then compare Speed, then Cunning.

All characters in the fight retain the same Initiative, until someone Takes A Breath.

Combat ActionsCombat Actions

Disciples may take two of the following Actions per Moment.

DisarmDisarm

You knock the enemy's weapon out of their hands, and the advantage is now yours.

Roll a Contest of Power/Melee Wushu vs. Power/Melee Wushu. If the attacker succeeds, the target is disarmed, and their weapon is knocked to the ground.

An unarmed attacker can try to Disarm an armed opponent, but the unarmed attacker's roll is treated as Very Difficult.

DodgeDodge

You throw yourself out of the path of danger.

Benefits: Spend your Action and then wait. When an enemy rolls a successful non-Magic attack against you, the attack is treated as one Difficulty higher if; your Agility die is 1d4, the attack is Very Difficult.

FocusFocus

You marshal your spiritual energy and prepare to repel mystical or demonic assault.

Benefits: Spend your Action and then wait. When an enemy rolls a successful Magic Attack, roll Spirit/Meditation. If you succeed, you reduce the number of Matches the opponent rolls by the number of Matches that you roll. Each Focus Action lets you Focus against one attack.

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GrappleGrapple

You grab the enemy, enfold them in your arms or legs, and crush them with your body.

Grapple. Attack Skill: Unarmed Wushu ; Damage: (Crushing +1, Fast -2, Precise -2) ; Accuracy: 1d8; Range: Adjacent ; Qualities: Flexible.

KickKick

You lash out with a foot and hammer the target with the blade or heel of your foot.

Kick. Attack Skill: Unarmed Wushu ; Damage: (Crushing +2, Fast +1, Precise+0) ; Accuracy: 1d10; Range: Adjacent ; Qualities: None.

LeapLeap

You leap over low obstacles or across chasms.

Leaping from one rooftop to another rooftop on the same block shouldn't be a problem, but to leap across the street, the Disciple should be a Difficult Agility/Athletics roll.

PunchPunch

Demonstrating your martial prowess, you smash the enemy with a mighty hand strike.

Punch. Attack Skill: Unarmed Wushu ; Damage: (Crushing +0, Fast+0, Precise+0) ; Accuracy: 1d8; Range: Adjacent ; Qualities: None.

RunRun

You propel yourself quickly across the battlefield, towards an enemy, or safety.

The Disciple can reach a Far opponent with one Action, and a Very Far opponent with two Actions.

ShootShoot

You attack an enemy some distance away, with a ranged weapon.

Roll Agility/Ranged Wushu to make a bow, crossbow, firearm, or thrown weapon attack against the target.

SneakSneak

You attempts to get past an enemy patrol or electronic monitoring system.

Roll a Contest of Agility/Stealth against the target's Cunning/Notice. If successful, the target doesn't notice the Disciple.

Image courtesy Lavoview, Freedigitalphotos.net.

Damage and HealthDamage and HealthHow is damage determined?

(1). Attack and Defense Strategy: If the attack is successful, the attacker secretly chooses a Damage type, and the defender secretly chooses a Defense.

Attack Attack Defense Defense Crushing (Power, vs. Evade (Speed) or Cunning for firearms)Fast (Speed) vs. Block (Agility)Precise (Agility) vs. Withstand (Power)Magic (Spirit) vs. Will (Spirit)

(2). Damage-Defense Match: If the Defense chosen matches the Damage Type chosen (i.e. a Crushing attack is Blocked), the target takes the following damage: Weapon Damage for chosen Damage type + appropriate Attribute Modifier for attack – target's armor Protection against that Damage type – Modifier for approriate Attribute used in defense.

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Weapon’s Damage rating for that Damage type

+Modifier for appropriate Attribute used in Attack

- -

Armor's Protection rating for that Damage type

+Modifier for appropriate Attribute used in Defense

If the target chose the wrong Defense type against the attack, they get Protection from their armor, but not from their Attribute modifier.

Example Example

Ji Er rolls a successful attack against Su Lin. Ji Er is wielding a Hook Sword, and secretly chooses to do Precise Damage with it. His Power is 1d6, giving him a +5 Modifier, and the Hook Sword gives him another +2 Damage.

Su Lin thinks that Ji Er will use a Fast Attack, so he decides to Evade. However, Evades are ineffective against Precise Attacks, so Su Lin takes 7 Damage. Ouch!

If Su Lin had decided to Withstand, he'd reduce the incoming Damage by his Power Modifier. If his Power was 1d8, the Modifier would be +4, so he'd take only 3 Damage. Too bad.

War of the MindsWar of the Minds

The world is full of puzzles and mysteries, but the clearest mind can shatter these like a torch dispels the darkness.

NoticeNotice

Roll a Cunning/Notice to detect some clue in the environment, or some hidden item.

RecallRecall

Roll a Cunning/Education to remember some important fact about the world.

Repair/ModifyRepair/Modify

Roll Cunning/Tech to repair a broken piece of Equipment, modify a piece of Equipment, or unlock a locked door.

Take A BreathTake A Breath

The Disciple may perform this action once per Battle, and must spend an Action. At the end of this Moment, everyone in the fight pauses for a Moment. During this time, they may spend Qi to regain Health, to a maximum equal to the results of a School Rank Die roll.

After the restful Moment, everyone must roll for Initiative once again, using School Rank die, and any Attribute of this Disciple's choice. For example, the new phase of the Battle could start with an intense glaring contest, where everyone must roll Psyche or;

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Deadly FirearmsDeadly FirearmsOrdinary citizens of New Hong Kong are Ordinary citizens of New Hong Kong are usually screwed when they face an usually screwed when they face an experienced marksman. Anyone without a experienced marksman. Anyone without a School Rank, Courage Rank, or Creature Rank School Rank, Courage Rank, or Creature Rank cannot Block or Withstand Firearms, or Block cannot Block or Withstand Firearms, or Block bolts or arrows.bolts or arrows.

Rock, Paper, Scissors Rock, Paper, Scissors FuFu

Perhaps the easiest way to handle the tension Perhaps the easiest way to handle the tension and tactics of the Damage system is with that and tactics of the Damage system is with that ancient Western classic game of skill and ancient Western classic game of skill and chance, Rock Paper Scissors!chance, Rock Paper Scissors!

Attacker Sign DefenderAttacker Sign DefenderCrushingCrushing RockRock Block BlockFastFast PaperPaper Evade EvadePrecisePrecise ScissorsScissors Withstand WithstandMagicMagic DragonDragon Will Will

everyone displays their most fearsome forms and looks for weaknesses in the other's styles, and so the new phase of the fight starts with Cunning.

It's possible to attack while someone Takes A Breath, but it's most dishonorable a Disciple that does; so immediately loses 1d10 Merit.

War of the Bazaar War of the Bazaar and the Courtsand the Courts

Social attacks are all about pitting your words against someone else's. It's a well-kept secret that the more enlightened a Disciple is, the more persuasive they are. Make an approptiate Influence roll against the target.

On a success, the target must:

(1). Spend 1 Qi to remain neutral and do nothing;(2). Withdraw from the discussion and lose 2 Qi;(3). Play along with the assertion, losing no Qi.

Argument Argument Defense Defense Deception (Cunning) Intimidation (Power) vs. Disbelieve (Spirit)Persuasion (Spirit)

DeceptionDeception

Roll a Contest of Influence/Cunning against the target's Influence/Spirit.

IntimidationIntimidation

Roll a Contest of Influence/Power against the

target's Influence/Spirit.

PersuasionPersuasion

Roll a Contest of Influence/Spirit against the target's Influence/Spirit.

Pierce ArgumentPierce Argument

The XX.

Benefits: Spend your Action and then wait. When an enemy rolls a successful Influence Roll against the Disciple, they gain a free number of Qi to resist equal to the number of Truths that the Disciple knows. This Qi only lasts until the end of the current Battle.

Characters that follow the path of Delusions cannot Pierce Arguments.

Image courtesy Public-domain-photos.com.

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Datapoint 9.0: The Demon Datapoint 9.0: The Demon Forces UniteForces Unite

Image courtesy MR LIGHTMAN, Freedigitalphotos.net

New Hong Kong is an alien world, populated by alien beings now more energy than matter. The Disciples of Shen Xia know much about the structure of the universe, but

The Folk of New The Folk of New Hong KongHong Kong

Attributes: 1d10 unless otherwise noted.

School Level: None.

Merit: May not accumulate or use.

Qi: Only 1 point.

Cybernetics: None.

Creature Powers: None.

Special: If a Folk takes any damage, they either flee or are knocked unconscious.

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BusinessmanBusinessman

Businessmen keep the Dawn Lotus Corporation and its subsidiaries functioning. They wear suits and ties, carry briefcases, and call people on cell phones and tell them what to do. In a fight, they're useless, but Businessmen hold the ultimate power of the temporal world.

PolicePolice

The Police are overworked and underpaid civil servants charged with maintaining peace and order in the city of New Hong Kong, and in some outlying cities. The Police aren't all that sympathetic to the Disciples of Shen Xia, and woe to the community whose Police have been corrupted by the Crimson Gate Triad.

Typical BusinessmanTypical Businessman Profession Trader. Attachments Any one. Attributes• Agility: (1d10) [+2].• Cunning: (1d8) [+3].• Power: (1d10) [+2]. • Speed: (1d10) [+2]. • Spirit: (1d10) [+2]. Resources• Health: 5.• Merit: 0.• Qi: 4. Equipment Briefcase, Very Important Papers.

School Rank None. Special Techniques• Best Bargain (Trader) Skills (+Focus)• Athletics: (—).• Education: (1d8).• Influence: (1d10).• Medicine: (—).• Meditation: (—).• Melee Wushu: (—).• Notice: (1d12).• Ranged Wushu: (—).• Stealth: (—). • Tech: (1d12).• Unarmed Wushu: (—).

Typical PoliceTypical Police Profession Cop. Attachments Any one. Attributes• Agility: (1d8) [+3].• Cunning: (1d10) [+2].• Power: (1d8) [+3]. • Speed: (1d10) [+2]. • Spirit: (1d10) [+2]. Resources• Health: 6.• Merit: 0.• Qi: 5. Equipment Handcuffs, Semi-Automatic Pistol, Walky-Talky.

School Rank None. Special Techniques• Authority (Cop) Skills (+Focus)• Athletics: (1d12).• Education: (1d8).• Influence: (1d10).• Medicine: (1d12).• Meditation: (—).• Melee Wushu: (1d10).• Notice: (1d12).• Ranged Wushu: (1d8).• Stealth: (1d10). • Tech: (1d12).• Unarmed Wushu: (1d10).

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ShopkeepersShopkeepers

Shopkeepers sell food, clothing, and services, maintain inns and tea houses, and see to the economic livelihood of New Hong Kong. Shopkeepers struggle to get by, but all too often their shops are the scenes of epic kung fu battles, or their carts get destroyed in righteous battle, leaving them to pick up the pieces.

WorkersWorkers

Most people in New Hong Kong and outside are Workers, that is, factory hands, peasant farmers, miners, and low-level service personnel. Workers are expected to labor for the skytower inhabitants until they die, with little hope of advancement and little security against abuses. No wonder they cry out to the Heavens for justice!

Typical ShopkeeperTypical Shopkeeper Profession Trader. Attachments Any one. Attributes• Agility: (1d10) [+2].• Cunning: (1d8) [+4].• Power: (1d10) [+2]. • Speed: (1d10) [+2]. • Spirit: (1d8) [+3]. Resources• Health: 5.• Merit: 0.• Qi: 5. Equipment Stuff to sell, 1d10 yuan.

School Rank None. Special Techniques• Best Bargain (Trader) Skills (+Focus)• Athletics: (—).• Education: (1d12).• Influence: (1d10).• Medicine: (—).• Meditation: (—).• Melee Wushu: (1d12).• Notice: (1d12).• Ranged Wushu: (1d12).• Stealth: (—). • Tech: (1d12).• Unarmed Wushu: (1d12).

Typical WorkerTypical Worker Profession None. Attachments Any one. Attributes• Agility: (1d10) [+2].• Cunning: (1d10) [+2].• Power: (1d10) [+2]. • Speed: (1d10) [+2]. • Spirit: (1d10) [+2]. Resources• Health: 5.• Merit: 0.• Qi: 4. Equipment Regular work overalls.

School Rank None. Special Techniques• None. Skills (+Focus)• Athletics: (—).• Education: (—).• Influence: (1d12).• Medicine: (—).• Meditation: (—).• Melee Wushu: (1d12).• Notice: (1d12).• Ranged Wushu: (1d12).• Stealth: (—). • Tech: (1d12).• Unarmed Wushu: (1d12).

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Dreaded FoesDreaded Foes

Attributes: Average (1d10) [+2] unless otherwise noted.

School Level: As Disciples. Two additional Schools are available to Dreaded Foes, as listed below.

Merit: Equal to School Level Modifier.

Qi: As Disciples.

Cybernetics: As Disciples.

Creature Powers: None Sorcerors may spend Qi; to temporarily gain Creature Powers.

Crimson Gate SchoolCrimson Gate School

Once, long ago, the Crimson Gate School was one of the schools of the Shen Xia Temple. Not every thi

Doctrines: None. The Crimson Gate School doesn't follow the doctrines of the Shen Xia Temple. Instead, they learn Delusions, the opposite of the Truths.

Attribute Bonuses: +1 to Speed and Power.

Focus Skills: Melee Wushu, Ranged Wushu, Stealth, Unarmed Wushu.

Techniques:

• Grand Master (1d12). Drinking In Life. A member of the Crimson Gate School can drink in another's life force, to keep themselves young and healthy. When the Crimson Gate Triad member uses Paralyzing Strike to increase an opponent's die, they reduce their own die in that same Attribute. They may instead increase their current Health or Qi by that Attribute's Modifier.

• Master (1d10). Ten Venoms Palm. The Crimson Gate Triad member inflicts additional damage with all Unarmed Wushu attacks equal to half their current Qi.

• Favored Pupil (1d8). Paralyzing Strike. The penalty from Closing the Meridians now stacks. If a die is increased past 1d20, the crew member is immobilized for the rest of the Battle.

• Student (1d6). Closing The Meridians. When the Crimson Gate Triad member strikes an enemy with Unarmed Wushu, they may spend (6 – Spirit Modifier) Qi to increase an opponent's Power, Agility, or Speed by one die. This penalty does not stack.

• Novice (1d4). Sensing The Blood. The Crimson Gate Triad member can spend 1 Qi to detect any living being within a couple of li, by sensing their living Qi.

Order of the Yama LordsOrder of the Yama Lords

Long ago, a group of scholars, salvaging ancient data from Old Terra, discovered techniques that allow them to manipulate the energies of the world in the same way that demons to. They advanced their unholy powers rapidly by offering service to the demons of New Hong Kong, serving them for a time ... until they rose up against their guests, and enslaved many demons. The Order of the Yama Lords is brilliant and unscrupulous.

Doctrines: Any Two of choice.

Attribute Bonuses: +1 to Cunning and Spirit.

Focus Skills: Education, Influence, Meditation, Notice.

Techniques: Each time the Yama Sorcerer gains a Technique, they learn a new spell. They must be able to speak clearly and move their hands, and see their targets if the spell is an attack. Each spell duplicates a Creature Power, and if it isn't an attack, it lasts for the duration of the current Battle. Evil Sorcerors usually come from Backgrounds as Bureaucrats or Priests.

Delusions Delusions

The Shen Xia Temple teaches that ignorance is the root of all suffering, but Truth dispels ignorance. Not everyone seeks liberation, however.

Some of those that leave the grounds of the Shen Xia Temple adhere to the masters' teachings. But some cast those teachings aside, seeking to achieve the pointless little tricks called siddhis while embracing mindless passion, thoughtless prejudice, and storms of emotion. Tearing themselves and others apart and reveling in the pain, they learn strange powers, but forsake inner peace altogether.

The masters call the way of Shen Xia the "Right-Hand Path," and warn against the "Left-Hand Path" that the Crimson Gate Triad warriors, and the Order of Yama Lords, embrace.

Benefits of Delusions: The Disciple may spend 4 Qi to create an illusion, duplicating the Fear, Illusions, or Temptation Creature Powers. The Crimson Gate Triad member may also inflame one of the target's Attachments if the target doesn't act on the; Attachment at the earliest available opportunity, they lose 2 Qi.

Delusions always require no less than 4 points of Qi to manifest supernatural powers. Disciples must relax and focus their minds on the inner silence to unleash their power, but it's even more draining, as well as emotionally painful, to follow the Left Hand Path and use its powers.

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Crimson Gate Triad CrimelordCrimson Gate Triad Crimelord

The masterminds of the Crimson Gate Triad's push into New Hong Kong, Crimelords are smart and deadly organizers.

Crimson Gate Triad ThugsCrimson Gate Triad Thugs

The low-ranked enforcers of the Crimson Gate Triad syndicate, these thugs are quick with their fists and their guns, but not too quick on the uptake.

Typical Crimson Gate TriadTypical Crimson Gate Triad Crimelord (Not Done)Crimelord (Not Done)

Profession Gangster. Attachments Any one. Attributes• Agility: (1d8) [+3].• Cunning: (1d6) [+4].• Power: (1d8) [+3]. • Speed: (1d10) [+2]. • Spirit: (1d6) [+4]. Resources• Health: 9.• Merit: 0.• Qi: 7. Equipment Semi-Automatic Pistol.

School Rank None. Special Techniques• Tough Enough

(Gangster) Skills (+Focus)• Athletics: (1d10).+ Education: (1d8).+ Influence: (1d6).• Medicine: (—).• Meditation: (—).+ Melee Wushu: (1d8).• Notice: (1d12).+ Ranged Wushu: (1d6).• Stealth: (1d10). • Tech: (1d12).• Unarmed Wushu: (1d10).

Typical Crimson Gate TriadTypical Crimson Gate Triad ThugThug

Profession Gangster. Attachments Any one. Attributes• Agility: (1d10) [+2].• Cunning: (1d12) [+1].• Power: (1d8) [+3]. • Speed: (1d10) [+2]. • Spirit: (1d12) [+1]. Resources• Health: 9.• Merit: 0.• Qi: 4. Equipment Semi-Automatic Pistol.

School Rank None. Special Techniques• Tough Enough

(Gangster) Skills (+Focus)• Athletics: (—).• Education: (—).• Influence: (1d12).• Medicine: (—).• Meditation: (—).• Melee Wushu: (1d12).• Notice: (1d12).• Ranged Wushu: (1d12).• Stealth: (—). • Tech: (—).• Unarmed Wushu: (1d12).

Page Page 5757


Crimson Gate Triad WarriorsCrimson Gate Triad Warriors

Masters of wushu, the warriors learn the ancient Crimson Gate form, once one of the Schools of the Shen Xia Temple.

Order of the Yama Lords Order of the Yama Lords SorcerorSorceror

Scholars of forbidden magical practices, the Order of the Yama Lords sorcerers are hearltess manipulators without a shred of honor.

Typical Crimson Gate TriadTypical Crimson Gate Triad WarriorWarrior

Profession Gangster. Attachments Any one. Attributes• Agility: (1d8) [+3].• Cunning: (1d10) [+2].• Power: (1d8) [+3]. • Speed: (1d8) [+3]. • Spirit: (1d8) [+3]. Resources• Health: 9.• Merit: 0.• Qi: 4. Equipment Any two weapons.

School Rank Novice of the Crimson Gate School (1d12). Special Techniques• Qi Sense (Novice)• Sensing the Blood

(Crimson Gate),• Tough Enough

(Gangster). Skills (+Focus)• Athletics: (1d12).• Education: (1d12).• Influence: (1d8).• Medicine: (—).• Meditation: (—).• Melee Wushu: (1d8).• Notice: (1d12).• Ranged Wushu: (1d8).• Stealth: (1d10). • Tech: (—).• Unarmed Wushu: (1d8).

Typical Order of the YamaTypical Order of the Yama Lords SorcerorLords Sorceror

Profession Mystic. Attachments Any one. Attributes• Agility: (1d10) [+2].• Cunning: (1d8) [+3].• Power: (1d10) [+2]. • Speed: (1d10) [+2]. • Spirit: (1d6) [+4]. Resources• Health: 5.• Merit: 0.• Qi: 6. Equipment Knife.

School Rank Novice of the Order of the Yama Lords (1d12). Special Techniques• Qi Sense (Novice)• Divination (Mystic),• Bolt (Yama Lords). Skills (+Focus)• Athletics: (—).+ Education: (1d8).+ Influence: (1d12).• Medicine: (1d12).+ Meditation: (1d10).• Melee Wushu: (1d12).• Notice: (1d12).+ Ranged Wushu: (1d8).• Stealth: (1d10). • Tech: (—).• Unarmed Wushu: (—).

Page Page 5858


CreaturesCreatures

Creatures are blah blah.

Making a MonsterMaking a Monster

The low-ranked enforcers of the Crimson Gate Triad syndicate, these thugs are quick with their fists and their guns, but not too quick on the uptake.

Creature Rank: All Creatures have a Creature Rank, which works like a Disciple's School Rank.

Attributes: All Attributes start off at Average (1d10) [+2] unless otherwise noted. Creatures gain an additional 5 Levels to divide among Attributes at Level 1, and 2 more at each qubsequent Creature Rank.

Resources: Health and Qi are calculated for Creatures the same as they are for Disciples.

Merit: Creatures normally have 0 Merit, and don't accumulate Merit or learn Truths.

Focus Skills: Creatures may choose any 4 Skills to be Focus Skills. As with Disciples, all Focus Skills start off at 1d12.

Creature Powers: Creatures gain 25 Kung Fu at Creature Rank 1 for Attributes, Powers, Focus Skills, and Skill Levels. They gain another 20 Kung Fu at each subsequent Level.

Creature Point Costs Creature Point CostsReduce Attribute die type -3 Kung Fu

Increase Attribute die type +3 Kung Fu

Purchase 1d12 in new Skill -2 Kung Fu

Reduce Skill die type -1 Kung Fu

Additional Focus Skill -3 Kung Fu

Creature Power -3 Kung Fu

Disciple non-School Special -3 Kung Fu

Ability (Immortality, Iron Shirt, Dark Sight,

Leap of the Clouds, or Qi Sense)

Creature PowersCreature Powers

Creatures are unhuman things with capabilities beyond those of the ordinary thug, Disciple, or tea shop girl. Some are spirits, some are genetic aberrations or cybernetic constructs, and most are too dangerous to be trusted.

BiggerBigger

The Creature's die for Power is reduced by one. This Power may be selected multiple times with; every second selection, though, the Creature's Speed is increased by one die type, and with every third selection, the Creature's Agility is increased by one die type.

BoltBolt

The Creature may treat Ranged Wushu as a Focus Skill the Creature gains the Bolt weapon, which may; not be removed.

Attack Skill: Ranged Wushu Damage:; (Crushing+2, Fast+0, Precise+1) ; Accuracy: 1d8; Range: Adjacent ; Qualities: None.

If Bolt is chosen a second time, all damage may be increased by 1, or Accuracy may be increased by one die type.

ClawsClaws

The Creature may treat Unarmed Wushu as a Focus Skill the Creature gains the Claws weapon,; which may not be removed.

Attack: Agility/Unarmed Wushu vs. Agility/Unarmed Wushu Damage: (Crushing+1,; Fast+1, Precise+1) ; Accuracy: 1d6 ; Range: Adjacent; Qualities: None.

If Claws are chosen a second time, all damage may be increased by 1, or Accuracy may be increased by one die type.

Image courtesy Tom Curtis, Freedigitalphotos.net.

Dim SightDim Sight

The Creature can see clearly in dim light as long; as there is some light source, even the stars behind the clouds, it's as good as daylight.

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FearFear

The Creature gains a +3 Bonus to all rolls to Intimidation. The Creature may spend 1 Qi to get a free Intimidation roll against everyone in Far Range.

FlightFlight

The Creature can move through the air with wings, gusts of wind, or through sheer spiritual power. With this ability, the Creature can reach any point on the battlefield in one Action. The Creature can hover effortlessly, but must beware of being knocked unconscious while high in the air.

IllusionsIllusions

The Creature may spend 1 Qi to create a convincing illusion. If anyone has reason to disbelieve, the Creature may roll Rank/Cunning against the target's Cunning/Notice to see if they figure out that it's just an illusion.

The illusion is clearly visible to everyone in Very Far range, and involves all five senses, plus Qi Sense and Dim Sight.

InterfaceInterface

The Creature may spend 1 Qi to interface directly with any electronic device by moving to Adjacent Range. The Creature can control the device for the rest of the Battle, with only an Action. No keyboard, mouse, voice controls, trigger, or other activation mechanism is needed, and the Creature can prevent the device's normal controls from working.

This can be used to open electronically locked doors, communicate directly with computers, prevent laser pistols or vibroblades from firing, or activate them at inopportune moments.

PoisonPoison

The Creature may secrete a toxin at will. If the Creature has Claws, the venom coats them if not, the; Creature may coat any weapon they possess with the Poison.

The Poison only takes effect if the Creature inflicts Health damage with an edged weapon like a sword or knife, or as a Benefit of an exceptional attack. If affected, the target suffers 1 point of damage per Moment, for 1d4+(Creature's Rank) Moments.

PossessionPossession

The Creature may roll a Contest of Rank/Spirit vs. a target's Rank/Spirit on success, the Creature may; control the target's body at Near range. If the Creature is a Phantom, it inhabits the target's body.

A Disciple gets a roll to break free at the start and end of each Battle, or whenever a Priest performs an Exorcism. Others remain possessed for as long as Destiny wants.

PhantomPhantom

The Creature can spend 1 Qi and one Action to turn intangible in this form, non-Quality weapons; cannot harm them. The Creature may spend 1 Qi and another Action to turn invisible at will, as well.

ShapeshiftingShapeshifting

Choose one animal form, of human size or smaller. The Creature may spend one Qi to assume this form at any time.

If the Creature is Grappled, they automatically break free when they Shapeshift.

ShriekShriek

The Creature can emit a terrifying scream that harms and deafens everyone that hears. The Creature spends 1 Qi everyone in Far Range suffers (Creature; Rank) Damage automatically, and suffers a -3 Penalty to

SmallerSmaller

The Creature's die for Agility is reduced by one. This Power may be selected multiple times with; every second selection, though, the Creature's Power is increased by one die type, and with every third selection, the Creature's Speed is increased by one die type.

TemptationTemptation

The Creature may treat Influence as a Focus Skill when rolling to Deceive anyone attracted to the Creature. For a second or third selection, the target must pay 1 or two more Qi to ignore or walk away from a Deception toll.

TentaclesTentacles

The Creature may make Grapple rolls against targets that are Near, instead of those that are Adjacent. For a second selection, these rolls gain a Major [1] Bonus.

UnlivingUnliving

The Creature doesn't need to eat, drink, or breathe to survive. The Creature doesn't sleep, but can be temporarily knocked unconscious. If this Creature has the Phantom Power, they turn invisible and intangible when knocked unconscious.

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Creatures of the Creatures of the Three RealmsThree Realms

Creatures may not take the Cybernetics Skill. They gain Creature Powers instead of School Special Techniques.

Creatures don't have Professions, or generally accumulate Merit or Truths.

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Baleful GhostsBaleful Ghosts

The masters of the Shen Xia Temple teach that all beings are reincarnated after each lifetime, unless the deceased's heart is full of anguish and sin. The worst go to the Ten Thousand Hells to be tormented, but the next worst wander the world in torment. They sometimes have the power to afflict the living, and it's these spirits that the Disciples of the Resplendent Trigram are often called on to exorcise.

Cyber-Legalists Cyber-Legalists

The wealthiest and most powerful citizens of the skytowers, and their loyal, talented servants, achieve a form of immortality. They transfer their digitized consciousness into perfect android bodies, but the imperfect process often results in fragmented, corrupt personality programming. These mech-corporates see all of New Hong Kong as a machine filled with broken and imperfect organic forms, and advocate strict and unforgiving reforms.

Appearance: Baleful Ghosts typically look as they did in life, somewhat idealized, but pale and translucent. They float through the air, exuding bone-chilling cold, and their mournful wails pierce the soul.

Appearance: Cyber-Legalists look just like normal human beings ... almost. The keen-eyed might notice a slight jerkiness to their movements, or a bit of waxiness to their flesh, or the tiny delay in their pupil focus. When damaged, their mechanical nature is obvious. The Cyber-Legalist enforcers like to dress in ancient soldier garb, with broad tasseled hats and long tunics.

Plot Ideas: Baleful Ghosts have been spotted around a spot in the wilderness, and it looks like a third shuttle left the Kannon before it touched down on New Hong Kong. Why did they leave the ship? What technology can be scavenged from the wreckage? And what does this discovery mean to Shen Xia, the Dawn Lotus Group, and the Triad?

Plot Ideas: A group of rogue Cyber-Legalists are working on the abandoned mainframe of the Kannon to create a new super-computer they call EMPEROR (Evolving Micro-Processor Employing Randomized Operating Runtimes). This new AI could take over every computer system in New Hong Kong overnight.

Typical Baleful GhostTypical Baleful Ghost Attachments Regret. Attributes {-12}• Agility: (1d8) [+3]. {-3}• Cunning: (1d10) [+1].{+0}• Power: (1d12) [+1]. {+3}• Speed: (1d6) [+4]. {-6}• Spirit: (1d6) [+4].{-6} Resources• Health: 4.• Merit: —.• Qi: 5. Creature Powers {-21}• Dim Sight• Fear• Flight• Immortality• Phantom Form• Qi Sense• Shriek• Unliving

Creature Rank Rank 2 (1d10). Skills (+Focus) {-12}+ Athletics: (1d12).• Education: (—).+ Influence: (1d6).{-3}• Medicine: (—).• Meditation: (—).• Melee Wushu: (—).• Notice: (1d12).{-2}• Ranged Wushu: (1d8).{-

4}+ Stealth: (1d6). {-3}• Tech: (—).+ Unarmed Wushu: (1d12).

-45

Typical Cyber-LegalistTypical Cyber-Legalist Attachments Order or Pedagogy. Attributes {-30}• Agility: (1d6) [+4] {-6}.• Cunning: (1d4) [+5] {-9}.• Power: (1d4) [+5] {-9}. • Speed: (1d6) [+4] {-6}. • Spirit: (1d10) [+2] {-0}. Resources• Health: 8.• Merit: —.• Qi: 7. Creature Powers {-9}• Dark Sight• Iron Shirt• Unliving

Creature Rank Rank 3 (1d8). Skills (+Focus) {-26}• Athletics: (—).+ Education: (1d6).{-3}+ Influence: (1d10).{-1}• Medicine: (1d12).{-2}• Meditation: (—).+ Melee Wushu: (1d12).{-

2}• Notice: (1d10).{-3}• Ranged Wushu: (1d6).{-

5}• Stealth: (1d12).{-2} + Tech: (1d6).{-3}• Unarmed Wushu: (1d6).{-

5}

-65

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Dragon SagesDragon Sages

The mightiest nature spirits, that have achieved a high degree of enlightenment themselves, are the dragons. Some Disciples embark on great quests to find and study with dragon sages, only to discover that dragons rarely take students, and that their wisdom makes the enigmatic riddles of Shen Xia seem pellucid.

Goblin SpidersGoblin Spiders

Created through a combination of science and dark sorcery, Goblin Spiders are hideous, mutated cyborg creatures that patrol the Crimson Gate Triad's holdings. Goblin Spiders are driven by their programming, their hunger, and a perverse desire to see living things suffer.

Appearance: Dragon Sages look like a traditional Asian dragon, long and sinuous like a snake, with short clawed legs, catfish-like barbels, and forked horns. Their eyes gleam with intelligence, and they "swim" through the air as they would through water.

Appearance: Goblin Spiders appear as a spider slightly larger than a man, with green glowing eyes, fangs dripping venom, and bionic prostheses. Energy weapons on their abdomen track movement across energy spectra, and their entire body exudes a faint putrid aura of dark magic.

Plot Ideas: Dragon sages hold much wisdom about the dharma and wushu, but one of them has defected to the Ten Thousand Hells, and embraced the Way of Delusion. Perhaps he can be persuaded to turn back to the Path of Enlightenment and freedom once again.

Plot Ideas: Goblin Spiders typically patrol buildings in the Docks Disctrict that the Crimson Gate are using as bases, but they've been found around the Starport. What could draw them to the slums, and how many will suffer before they find what they're looking for?

Typical Dragon SageTypical Dragon Sage Attachments Nature. Attributes {-36}• Agility: (1d6) [+3] {-6}.• Cunning: (1d4) [+5] {-9}.• Power: (1d4) [+5]. {-6} • Speed: (1d6) [+4] {-6}. • Spirit: (1d4) [+5] {-9}. Resources• Health: 8.• Merit: 30.• Qi: 10. Creature Powers {-33}• Bigger• Bolt• Claws• Dim Sight• Flight• Iron Shirt• Immortality• Phantom• Qi Sense• Shapeshifting• Unliving.

Creature Rank Rank 6 (1d2). Skills (+Focus) {-36}+ Athletics: (1d8).{-2}+ Education: (1d8).{-2}+ Influence: (1d6).{-3}+ Medicine: (1d10).{-4}+ Meditation: (1d8).{-5}• Melee Wushu: (1d12).{-2}• Notice: (1d6).{-5}+ Ranged Wushu: (1d10).{-

4}• Stealth: (1d10).{-3} • Tech: (—).+ Unarmed Wushu: (1d6).{-

6} Truths Unlike virtually all other Creatures, Dragons learn Truths. River Dragons know of the Ripples in the Pond, and one other Truth.

-125

Typical Goblin SpiderTypical Goblin Spider Attachments Hunger. Attributes {-9}• Agility: (1d8) [+3] {-3}.• Cunning: (1d12) [+1] {+3}.• Power: (1d6) [+3]. {-6} • Speed: (1d8) [+3] {-3}. • Spirit: (1d10) [+2] {-0}. Resources• Health: 6.• Merit: —.• Qi: 5. Creature Powers {-15}• Bolt• Claws• Dim Sight• Fear• Poison.

Creature Rank Rank 2 (1d10). Skills (+Focus) {-26}+ Athletics: (1d8).• Education: (—).• Influence: (—).• Medicine: (—).• Meditation: (—).• Melee Wushu: (—).+ Notice: (1d4).+ Ranged Wushu: (1d8).• Stealth: (1d8). • Tech: (1d12).+ Unarmed Wushu: (1d8).

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Hopping VampiresHopping Vampires

Qi is the life force of the universe but sometimes; it turns dark, curdling into a force of living death. In places where dark Qi runs strong, unhappy spirits are sometimes drawn back to their corpses and given strength to rise again as jiang shi, or "hopping vampires."

Machine SpiritsMachine Spirits

Machines like cars, guns, and garbage trucks have spirits just like natural items, and these machine spirits have strange personalities. Obsessed with efficiently performing their duties, they often appear in the robes of an ancient government scholar, pulsing with electricity and rounded with wires.

Appearance: Hopping Vampires look just like they did when they were buried, albeit dessicated and dirty. Their joints are stiff with rigor mortis, causing them to hop after the living as they pursue the living to feed on them.

Appearance: Machine Spirits are sometimes mistaken for robots, but they can accomplish things with speed and ease than even a nanotech-enabled AI would have trouble with. They often look vaguely humanoid, with computer monitors for heads, bundles of writhing computer and power cables sprouting everywhere.

Plot Ideas: Hopping Vampires are a terrible threat, but the Dawn Lotus Group decides to loose a bunch of them in the Starport District to clear the area out so they can rebuild.

Plot Ideas: Technomagical experimentation summons machine spirits from devices. But they display emergent behavior they form networks, and; the more there are, the smarter they act. Soon, they become smart enough to summon more Machine Spirits from devices themselves, and soon all of New Hong Kong will be one massive, sentient Machine Spirit!

Typical Hopping VampireTypical Hopping Vampire Attachments Hunger for the flesh of

the living. Attributes {-3}• Agility: (1d8) [+3] {-3}.• Cunning: (1d12) [+1] {+3}.• Power: (1d8) [+3]. {-3} • Speed: (1d8) [+3] {-3}. • Spirit: (1d12) [+1] {+3}. Resources• Health: 6.• Merit: —.• Qi: 4. Creature Powers {-15}• Claws• Dim Sight• Immortality• Qi Sense• Unliving.

Creature Rank Rank 1 (1d12). Skills (+Focus) {-10}+ Athletics: (1d8).• Education: (—).+ Influence: (1d10).• Medicine: (—).• Meditation: (—).• Melee Wushu: (1d12).• Notice: (—).• Ranged Wushu: (—).+ Stealth: (1d12). • Tech: (—).+ Unarmed Wushu: (1d8).

-25

Typical Machine SpiritTypical Machine Spirit Attachments Order. Attributes {-15}• Agility: (1d8) [+3].{-3}• Cunning: (1d6) [+4].{-6}• Power: (1d12) [+1]. {-3}• Speed: (1d8) [+2]. {-3}• Spirit: (1d10) [+2].{-0} Resources• Health: 6.• Merit: —.• Qi: 4. Creature Powers {-27}• Bolt• Dim Sight• Flight• Immortality• Interface• Phantom Form• Qi Sense• Tentacles• Unliving

Creature Rank Rank 2 (1d10). Skills (+Focus)• Athletics: (—).+ Education: (1d12).• Influence: (—).• Medicine: (—).• Meditation: (—).+ Melee Wushu: (1d12).• Notice: (—).+ Ranged Wushu: (1d12). {-

1}• Stealth: (—). • Tech: (1d6). {-3}• Unarmed Wushu: (—).

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Nature SpiritsNature Spirits

Everything has a spirit, including the rocks, plants, and trees. These spirits are usually "asleep," vaguely aware of their surroundings but unable to move or act, but sometimes a powerful natural phenomenon will develop an awakened spirit. Shamans like those of thee Resplendent Trigram School learn to commune with these spirits, and work to maintain harmony among them.

OgresOgres

Shortly after landing, xenobiologists discovered the remains of the original natives, and re-created them with genetic engineering. These huge, shaggy humanoids were used for basic manual labor, but were badly over-worked and mistreated by their overseers from the Dawn Lotus Group. they rebelled and fled for the wilderness, and now are a major threat to the folks outside the city walls.

Appearance: Nature spirits can take on a variety of forms and appearances. The simplest just look like floating torsos composed of some element, often earth, fire, wood, water, wind, ether, or metal. Those with the most contact with humans take on the appearance of a bureaucrat, courtier, or warrior made of some elemental material.

Appearance: Ogres are big brutes, over seven feet tall, bulging with muscle. They dress in skins and furs, and carry simple weapons like clubs and spears. They love strong food and drink, and although they aren't dumb animals, they're easily tricked.

Plot Ideas: Nature spirits often act to protect the forests, rocks, trees, and rivers from needless waste, and are propitiated by ritual offerings. But sometimes they go mad with pain, and must be defeated by a Disciple.

Plot Ideas: Ogres are bad enough, but when they capture a shipment of high-tech weapons like vibroswords, the outlying regions are in trouble.

Typical Nature SpiritTypical Nature Spirit Attachments Nature. Attributes {-0}• Agility: (1d10) [+2].{-0}• Cunning: (1d12) [+1].{+3}• Power: (1d10) [+2]. {-0}• Speed: (1d8) [+3]. {-3}• Spirit: (1d10) [+2].{-0} Resources• Health: 6.• Merit: —.• Qi: 4. Creature Powers {-21}• Blast• Dim Sight• Flight• Immortality• Phantom Form• Qi Sense• Unliving.

Creature Rank Rank 1 (1d12). Skills (+Focus)• Athletics: (—).• Education: (—).+ Influence: (1d10).• Medicine: (—).+ Meditation: (1d10).• Melee Wushu: (—).• Notice: (—).+ Ranged Wushu: (1d10). {-

1}• Stealth: (—). • Tech: (—).+ Unarmed Wushu: (1d10).

{-1}

-25

Typical OgreTypical Ogre Attachments Revenge. Attributes {+0}• Agility: (1d10) [+2] {-0}.• Cunning: (1d12) [+1] {+3}.• Power: (1d6) [+4]. {-3; less due to Bigger} • Speed: (1d10) [+2] {+0}. • Spirit: (1d10) [+2] {+0}. Resources• Health: 7.• Merit: —.• Qi: 6. Creature Powers {-9}• Bigger• Dim Sight• Iron Shirt.

Creature Rank Rank 1 (1d12). Skills (+Focus) {-16}+ Athletics: (1d10).{-1}• Education: (—).• Influence: (1d10).{-3}• Medicine: (—).• Meditation: (—).+ Melee Wushu: (1d6).{-3}+ Notice: (1d10).{-1}• Ranged Wushu: (1d12). {-

2}• Stealth: (1d10). {-3} • Tech: (—).+ Unarmed Wushu: (1d6).{-

3}

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Ravenous DemonsRavenous Demons

There are a dozen or more breeds among New Hong Kong's natives, and the Ravenous Demons are among the most terrifying. Over six feet tall, these evil spirits can take solid form. Their black scales ripple with power, and their long fingers are tipped with wicked claws.

ShapeshiftersShapeshifters

Several of the alien lifeforms on New Hong Kond have natural metamorphic capabilities, and genetic researchers at the Dawn Lotus Group have tinkered with their genome extensively. The test results of one whimsical researcher escaped after taking on human and animal templates, and as a result, "humans" that can take on animal forms are sometimes encountered outside the city, or in the Starport District slums.

Appearance: Ravenous Demons have oily black scales, jagged mal-formed fangs, long wicked claws, and red glowing eyes. They're the very template for every kid's worst nightmare.

Appearance: Shapeshifters look like attractive humans. If they wish, they may transform to affect small animal features, like animal ears, slitted eyes, and claws. They can also transform into a specific form of animal, like a cat, fox, carp, raven, or other small creature.

Plot Ideas: Centuries ago, the Dark Emperor Kuei Wang ruled the demons, until the dragon sages rose up and bound him into the deepest caverns in the Ten Thousand Hells. Now, his grave has been disturbed, and he's raising up a new faction of demons to oppose the Crimson Gate Triad and the Shen Xia Temple.

Plot Ideas: Shapeshifters are curious about humanity, but their interest often turns to mischief and cruelty. Fox and cat shifters often flirt with and seduce humans, while raven and badger shifters enjoy battle. The superstitious peasants outside the city sometimes regard Shapeshifters as powerful nature spirits, often leading to disaster.

Typical Ravenous DemonTypical Ravenous Demon Attachments Hunger. Attributes {-21}• Agility: (1d8) [+3] {-3}.• Cunning: (1d10) [+2] {-0}.• Power: (1d6) [+4]. {-6} • Speed: (1d8) [+3] {-3}. • Spirit: (1d6) [+4] {-6}. Resources• Health: 7.• Merit: —.• Qi: 8. Creature Powers {-27}• Claws• Dim Sight• Fear• Immortality• Iron Shirt• Leap of the Winds• Phantom• Posession.• Qi Sense.

Creature Rank Rank 3 (1d8). Skills (+Focus) {-17}+ Athletics: (1d6).{-3}• Education: (—).• Influence: (1d10).{-3}• Medicine: (—).• Meditation: (—).• Melee Wushu: (1d10).{-

3}+ Notice: (1d8).{-2}• Ranged Wushu: (—). {-}+ Stealth: (1d6). {-3} • Tech: (—).+ Unarmed Wushu: (1d6).{-

3}

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Typical Fox ShapeshifterTypical Fox Shapeshifter Attachments Attention, Romance,

Thrills, or Vanity. Attributes {-21}• Agility: (1d8) [+3] {-3}.• Cunning: (1d6) [+4] {-6}.• Power: (1d10) [+2] {-0}. • Speed: (1d6) [+4] {-6}. • Spirit: (1d6) [+4] {-6}. Resources• Health: 5.• Merit: —.• Qi: 6. Creature Powers {-15}• Dim Sight• Illusions• Qi Sense• Shapeshifting• Temptation

Creature Rank Rank 2 (1d10). Skills (+Focus) {-20}+ Athletics: (1d6).• Education: (1d10).+ Influence: (1d6).• Medicine: (1d10).• Meditation: (—).• Melee Wushu: (1d12).+ Notice: (1d8).• Ranged Wushu: (1d10).+ Stealth: (1d6). • Tech: (—).• Unarmed Wushu: (1d12).

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Note: Every different kind of Shapeshifter will have different stats. Those listed above are typical for Fox Spirits, but other Shapeshifters may vary wildly from these.

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Datapoint 10.0: Datapoint 10.0: New Hong New Hong KongKong

Image courtesy Photoeverywhere.co.uk.

A thousand years ago, a colony ship arrived from old Terra. It carried two hundred colonists. The Kannon was was crewed by representatives from the Dawn Lotus Group.

The command crew fought with one another, and in the end a faction among the ship's scholars and scientists stole several of the ship's boats and escaped into the mountains shortly after the Kannon came to its new destination.

They named the world New Hong Kong, and built a city there of the same name.

The rebels headed off in two directions. One contingent went to Mount Meru, and founded a temple there based on scientific, philosophical, and religious study. A contingent of exiles was sent to the Canyon of the Ten Thousand Hells, where they discovered alien ruins.

The Kannon landed near the coast of a great ocean, and was cannibalized to build the great city of New Hong Kong.

The City of New The City of New Hong KongHong Kong

The city of New Hong Kong itself is a vast, overcrowded metropolis, choked with neon and trash. Skytowers rise above the clouds, gleaming like mirrors, heavens where the rich sip wine and plan new product lines and make art, while below the people labor.

The Barracks DistrictThe Barracks District

Located slightly inland of the city proper, the "Barracks" started off as the base for the Kannon's sef-defense force, but gradually evolved into regular residential housing.

The Barracks are poor and cramped, but not as bad as the Starport. The roads wind dizzyingly up and down various hills, and it's tough for outsiders to find their way through the row upon row of apartment buildings, townhouses, parks. Some say that the military officer that laid out the Barracks was high as a satellite during the planning, while others claim the design is made to blunt an outside assault that never came. The SDF was disbanded when the colonists came to believe that New Hong Kong had no inhabitants.

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The Grand Bazaar DistrictThe Grand Bazaar District

Not far from the Tournament Square, the Bright Pearl Tea Shop is a favorite of fighters. Serving the best tea (and strong wine) are the prettiest tea-shop girls. This is the best place for Disciples to get a drink or a bite to eat, engage in a little friendly gambling, or listen for rumors.

The Bright Pearl Tea Shop: Not far from the Tournament Square, the Bright Pearl Tea Shop is a favorite of fighters. Serving the best tea (and strong wine) are the prettiest tea-shop girls. This is the best place for Disciples to get a drink or a bite to eat, engage in a little friendly gambling, or listen for rumors.

The Grand Bazaar: The namesake of the district, an explosion of color and noise, where food, holodisks, clothing, pets, and everything else imaginable is available for a few yuan and a lot of haggling.

The Tournament Square: Each year New Hong Kong hosts a massive tournament, just before the New Year festival. Fighters from across the city, and outlying communities, flock to the city to fight for a massive purse of yuan. The winner for the last five years has been Grinning Ogre Jiao.

The Complex District The Complex District

Skytowers soar above the clouds, providing the wealthiest and most celebrated a place to separate themselves from the cares of those below. These powerful individuals are the descendents of the original Dawn Lotus Group colonial administrators.

The collection of dozens of Skytowers are called the Dawn Lotus Complex, and this entire, heavily-controlled area is called the Complex District.

The Dock DistrictThe Dock District

Cutter's Place: Cutter is a back-alley surgeon, who performs discount cyber-surgery, delivers babies for the wives of the dock workers, and sews up wounds when the fishermen get into drunken brawls. He's an ancient, shriveled, greedy old sot, but occasionally charged nothing to those in desperate need.

The Rat's Nest: The stronghold of the Crimson Gate Triad are the rat's nest of run-down warehouses along the seaside. Disgruntled dock workers and out-of-work fishermen protect the gangsters and shield them from the law.

The Farmer's DistrictThe Farmer's District

The Farmer's District is actually beneath the city, where hundreds of hydroponics farms grow most of the food the city consumes. Endless long rooms filled with lamps and white walls, lots of robot farm hands and roboticists and irrigation experts. The miles of pipes and tunnels that supply water are great places to hide, or to hide a body.

The Starport DistrictThe Starport District

After the Kannon landed, the crew expected periodic supply vessels from the Dawn Lotus Group on Terra. The colonists built the starport, and waited for visitors to arrive with presents.

When no one showed up, the DLG executives built a few ships to explore the solar system for valuable resources. In the end, they decided that the journey was too difficult, and abandoned the starport altogether.

Now, the rundown starport is one of the grimiest slums of New Hong Kong. Abandoned dreams live here alongside hatred and apathy.

Deadeye Jin's Gun Shop: Sometimes Disciples need equipment, and Deadeye Jin can get anyone any tool for killing, for a price. Based in an old military bunker, Jin has a massive arsenal of weaponry left over from before the Kannon's original expedition.

Filthy Meng's Emporium: Meng styles himself a respectable businessman, but everyone calls him "Filthy Meng" because of his personal hygiene. The Emporium is the base for the Crimson Gate Triad in the Starport District, and it's a combination restaurant, booze joint, and whorehouse.

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Food on New Hong KongFood on New Hong Kong

Most food on New Hong Kong is grown in Most food on New Hong Kong is grown in massive hydroponics gardens located under massive hydroponics gardens located under the city, but everyone with a balcony or garden the city, but everyone with a balcony or garden grows a few vegetables of their own. In grows a few vegetables of their own. In addition, there are hundreds of small farms addition, there are hundreds of small farms outside the city, where peasants farmers live outside the city, where peasants farmers live much as they did on old Terra for centuries.much as they did on old Terra for centuries.

Food tends to be simple, making heavy use of Food tends to be simple, making heavy use of rice, pasta, sorghum, and vegetables like rice, pasta, sorghum, and vegetables like watercress and cabbage. Most people get meat watercress and cabbage. Most people get meat of some kind with one meal a day, either beef, of some kind with one meal a day, either beef, pork, chicken, or goat. Deep-fried foods, like we pork, chicken, or goat. Deep-fried foods, like we associate with “Chinese restaurants,” are associate with “Chinese restaurants,” are reserved for festivals, or the rich folks of the reserved for festivals, or the rich folks of the skytowers.skytowers.

The most common drink is strong tea, but rice The most common drink is strong tea, but rice wine is fairly common fare for adults. In the wine is fairly common fare for adults. In the city proper, soda isn't too uncommon, but is a city proper, soda isn't too uncommon, but is a little expensive.little expensive.

Cooks, and a few Western colonists, carried a Cooks, and a few Western colonists, carried a taste with them for sandwiches and beer, but taste with them for sandwiches and beer, but these are rare delicacies.these are rare delicacies.

The Ruined Shen Xia Mission: Once, the Shen Xia Temple kept a mission in New Hong Kong, where they taught the people the ways of enlightenment and peace. The teachings caught on, but they were linked with rebel groups, and the Temple was shut down on trumped-up charges.

The Canyon of Ten The Canyon of Ten Thousand HellsThousand Hells

To the north of the City of New Hong Kong, is a deep canyon, in the middle of a tackless desert. A group of malcontents and rebels, war criminals and unethical researchers, landed here and created a place for themselves.

The founders discovered traces of another, ancient civilization on New Hong Kong, a race of non-physical beings that few on the colonists' fear and suffering. At first, the demons won the Hell-dwellers; call this the Time of Travail, when they were ruled by a "Demon Emperor," a human possessed by the strongest of the demons. Eventually, the humans found mental and spiritual techniques to allow them to harm the spirits in turn, and the practitioners of this way called themselves the Order of the Yama Lords.

For decades, the sorcerous Yama Lords ruled over the Ten Thousand Hells. Influenced by the greedy and hateful demons, the citizens of the City of of Travail were renowned for their strength, cunning, and mercilessness.

When renegades from the Temple of Shen Xia brought Crimson Gate wushu to the Thousand Hells, chaos reigned once again, until the Yama Lords and the Crimson Gate renegades reached an uneasy truce.

That "peace" steadily declined, and the Triad of demons, renegade Disciples, and sorcerors knew that without new lands to conquer, the three would soon be at one another's throats. Thousands of peasants lived throughout New Hong Kong, people that could be enslaved. The city of New Hong Kong lay to the south, vulnerable to corruption. And eventually, the Temple of Shen Xia itself made a tempting target, with its pious, self-righteous, indignant mouthings about spirit and peace and suchlike offal. Such tempting targets, the newly-forged Crimson Gate Triad couldn't possibly resist.

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The lifestyles of the The lifestyles of the poor and ignoredpoor and ignored

In the city of New Hong Kong, most people In the city of New Hong Kong, most people work in factories or the food processing plants. work in factories or the food processing plants. They pay massive taxes on their meager They pay massive taxes on their meager incomes to the Dawn Lotus Group, and are incomes to the Dawn Lotus Group, and are taught from an early age that civil rights are a taught from an early age that civil rights are a naïve, impractical notion from Old Terra. Most naïve, impractical notion from Old Terra. Most live in tiny apartments in squalor with their live in tiny apartments in squalor with their entire family. Visiting different districts in the entire family. Visiting different districts in the city requires passing multiple police city requires passing multiple police checkpoints. The safe areas are patrolled by checkpoints. The safe areas are patrolled by Cyber-Legalists, but the filthy slums are lousy Cyber-Legalists, but the filthy slums are lousy with gangs and cutthroats.with gangs and cutthroats.

Outside the city's tall, heavy steel walls and Outside the city's tall, heavy steel walls and railgun turret defense towers lay untold railgun turret defense towers lay untold stretches of uncharted wilderness, dotted with stretches of uncharted wilderness, dotted with tiny villages and farms. Lucky exiles might tiny villages and farms. Lucky exiles might have a few amenities, like a holo-recorder or a have a few amenities, like a holo-recorder or a few guns, while basic amenities like running few guns, while basic amenities like running water might be problematic. Bandits and water might be problematic. Bandits and demons are a constant threat. The lucky demons are a constant threat. The lucky peasants live close to Shen Xia, and trade food peasants live close to Shen Xia, and trade food for protection, while the unlucky live within for protection, while the unlucky live within the influence of the Ten Thousand Hells, and the influence of the Ten Thousand Hells, and live in fear of offending their greedy, merciless live in fear of offending their greedy, merciless neighbors.neighbors.

Any given inhabitant of New Hong Kong might Any given inhabitant of New Hong Kong might look on the Disciples of Shen Xia with look on the Disciples of Shen Xia with admiration, distrust, fascination, resentment, admiration, distrust, fascination, resentment, the desire to manipulate and control, or the the desire to manipulate and control, or the interest of the devoutly spiritual. The one thing interest of the devoutly spiritual. The one thing that Disciples rarely experience is the boredom that Disciples rarely experience is the boredom and obscurity of an ordinary life.and obscurity of an ordinary life.

Image courtesy Freeimages.co.uk.

The Temple of Shen The Temple of Shen XiaXia

Far to the east of New Hong Kong, high atop Mount Meru, is the Temple of Shen Xia. Massive and ancient, the temple is build of enduring marble and jade.

In the temple proper, beautiful carvings of buddhas, adorned with silk and leafed with gold, form the only costly ornamentation. The Disciples live here simply, and hard work, long hours of practice, and long hours of prayer and meditation, occupy their time.

This might sound boring, but the Disciples here lead rich lives. Aside from their mystical and wushu training, they create art, defend the villagers in the areas surrounding the mountain, and even host visitors from the city. The Drunken Fool School holds raucous parties from time to time, while the Ebullient Dragon trains in mock battles to prepare not just for fighting, but if necessary for war. The Phantom Wolf and Resplendent Trigram Disciples patrols for demons and the undead, while the Heavenly Brazier Disciples conduct alchemical, scientific, and technological experiments.

The Disciples use little technology in their daily lives. Most food is grown and prepared by hand, for example. They aren't technophobes, though; computers store databases with information on the disciples, and holographic displays are used in lectures on the Doctrines.

It isn't perfect. The masters sometimes disagree on the Doctrines, and Disciples have the same jealousies and petty disagreements that others do. But the Shen Xia Temple is a community founded on the hope for peace, and liberation from suffering, and in that goal all of the sisters and brothers are united in peace and joy.

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The Ugliest ThingThe Ugliest Thing

The Dawn Lotus Group was based on the The Dawn Lotus Group was based on the island of Hong Kong on old Terra, and its island of Hong Kong on old Terra, and its employees were mostly Han Chinese, but employees were mostly Han Chinese, but included many other Asian and Western races. included many other Asian and Western races. The bridge crew and colonists were drawn The bridge crew and colonists were drawn from these employees, and evenly mixed from these employees, and evenly mixed between male and female.between male and female.

In space, everyone has to work together to In space, everyone has to work together to survive. Nothing matters more than brains and survive. Nothing matters more than brains and skill. The bridge crew of the skill. The bridge crew of the KannonKannon formed the formed the eventual leadership of the New Hong Kong eventual leadership of the New Hong Kong colony, the Shen Xia Temple, and the Ten colony, the Shen Xia Temple, and the Ten Thousand Hells. And among the bridge crew, Thousand Hells. And among the bridge crew, skin color, sex organs, and sexual preferences skin color, sex organs, and sexual preferences were non-issues. And as for belief systems, the were non-issues. And as for belief systems, the Temple of Shen Xia has always strongly Temple of Shen Xia has always strongly encouraged tolerance, all over this new world.encouraged tolerance, all over this new world.

There are always reasons to hate, to feel There are always reasons to hate, to feel ashamed, to condescend, to feel rage over ashamed, to condescend, to feel rage over differences large and small. Class warfare is differences large and small. Class warfare is alive and well on New Hong Kong, as well. alive and well on New Hong Kong, as well. Except for pockets of stupid retrogressive Except for pockets of stupid retrogressive behavior, however, many forms of prejudice are behavior, however, many forms of prejudice are a thing of a terrible dark past.a thing of a terrible dark past.

Datapoint 11.0: Datapoint 11.0: Encounters Along the Encounters Along the JourneyJourney

The players' Disciples leave the Temple of Shen Xia and travel New Hong Kong, to defend the helpless and defeat the world's evil.

But ... how does that work? What actually happens at each step along the Journey? How do you decide what challenges the Disciples face?

The Role of Destiny The Role of Destiny

Destiny's role in Kill The Buddha is simple: to help interpret the rules, and to make sure that everyone has fun. That's it.

How does Destiny do this? By narrating the actions of the Bystanders and the Adversaries, and reinforcing the themes in the Inspirations that they and the players choose for every Encounter.

In other games, Destiny is called the Game Master. They're in charge, and make all of the decisions. In Kill The Buddha, though, there's a subtle difference. Instead of "mastering" or controlling everything that happens in the game, Destiny is more a "Guardian of Themes" and "Gal/Guy that Moves the Story Forward."

Kill The Buddha asks players to narrate the results of their actions, and has a system to help the players create their own Encounters. This simplifies Destiny's job immensely, and lets everyone in on the fun of running as well as playing the game!

Creating Encounters Creating Encounters

This section will help Destiny and the players create an exciting Encounter for their Disciples.

There are five important parts to every Encounter along the Journey: Bystanders, Adversaries, Location, and Goals.

Kill The Buddha is like any roleplaying game, in that it draws from outside inspiration. Using this system, you'll draw on the vast wealth of cyberpunk and kung fu movies, novels, animation, and comics out there to create your story together.

Step 1: Everyone Chooses an Step 1: Everyone Chooses an InspirationInspiration

Everyone chooses a cyberpunk film or book, or a wuxia film or book. The Inspirations list is a perfect place to start, but there are many more sources of appropriate Encounter elements.

Does everyone have an Inspiration? Good. Move on to Step 2.

Example: Jennifer, Tom, Sarah, Mike, and Rob are playing Kill the Buddha, and Tom is Destiny. He tells Jenn, Tom, Sarah, and Mike to each secretly choose an Inspiration.

Jenn chooses the cyberpunk anime Bubblegum Crisis. Tom chooses the Western-produced Asian fantasy film Forbidden Kingdom. Sarah really likes the classic kung fu film The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, and Mike really likes the classic Overdrawn at the Memory Bank.

Step 2: Location Step 2: Location

Randomly choose one player. The group should list the locations in the media they chose, and choose at least one that they like. This is where the Encounter will take place.

Example: Tom has everyone roll a twenty-sided die, and Mike rolls the highest. He says that he chose Overdrawn at the Memory Bank, and everyone agrees that they liked the sets for Nirvana Village. Kind of fitting, in fact, for a game about cyberpunk wuxia! So the Encounter begins when the Disciples visit a memory vacation center like Nirvana Village.

Step 3: BystandersStep 3: Bystanders

Bystanders are ordinary folks that can help the Disciples, or that need their help. Sometimes they have important lessons to teach the Disciples, and sometimes they have to learn important lessons from the Disciples' doctrines. Either way, Bystanders need help from the fighters from Shen Xia against the Adversaries they Encounter.

Example: Sarah got the next highest roll, and she tells the others that her film is The 36th Chamber of Shaolin. The plot is about a Shaolin monk who leaves the temple to teach the commoners kung fu so they can rise up against the Manchu invaders. The group decides that the Encounter should include a couple of

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ordinary folks that want to learn wushu from the Disciples, and can help in the fight if the Disciples have (and take) the time to teach them.

Step 4: Adversaries Step 4: Adversaries

Adversaries are the Disciples' opponents. They needn't be true villains sometimes it's a mere; misunderstanding that turns them against the Path of Enlightenment, and sometimes they're true heroes, serving a despicable master, or honoring a rash oath. Sometimes the "enemy" are the Disciples' own teachers, too devoted to study and meditation to see the suffering of the people of New Hong Kong, and the Disciples must weigh duty and loyalty against the price of rebellion.

Example: The next highest roll is Tom. He's the only one that's seen Forbidden Kingdom, but he really liked the white-haired villainess, Ni-Chang. She was beautiful but cold, and an incredibly talented warrior.

The group decides that maybe a powerful Crimson Gate warrior lady invaded the memory vacation center. She's leading a group of Crimson Gate warriors, and they're looking for ... a Goal.

Step 5: Goals Step 5: Goals

In every Encounter, the Disciples need to accomplish something, or prevent the Adversaries from accomplishing something.

Example: Jenn rolled the lowest, and she tells everyone that she chose the classic cyberpunk anime Bubblegum Crisis as her media. In the series, the heroes want to defeat a group of rogue robots, that rise up against their human creators. The group decides that maybe a secret corporate experiment is siphoning memories from the vacationers to implant in robots, making the robots more sentient and unpredictable. The Crimson Gate warriors want to capture the powerful combat robots for their own use, and the Disciples need to stop them, with the help of the Bystanders, if they can!

Step 6: Playing the GameStep 6: Playing the Game

From here, Destiny will begin the Encounter, describing to the Disciples how they came to this place, and what challenges they face.

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Encounters along the Encounters along the JourneyJourney

So what kinds of problems do the Disciples So what kinds of problems do the Disciples face, as they journey across New Hong Kong face, as they journey across New Hong Kong together?together?

Demons.Demons. Demons from ancient times still dwell this Demons from ancient times still dwell this land. The Shen Xia Temple has always helped land. The Shen Xia Temple has always helped defend the people against these creatures. defend the people against these creatures. Even the most jaded skytower citizen knows Even the most jaded skytower citizen knows that the Shen Xia Disciples help keep these that the Shen Xia Disciples help keep these vicious spirits in check. vicious spirits in check.

Justice.Justice. The Disciples of Shen Xia are renowned among The Disciples of Shen Xia are renowned among the common folk, particularly the peasant the common folk, particularly the peasant farmers outside the city, for their wisdom and farmers outside the city, for their wisdom and impartiality. They're often called on to arbitrate impartiality. They're often called on to arbitrate disputes, settle bets, or judge crimes.disputes, settle bets, or judge crimes.

Wisdom.Wisdom. The Disciples of Shen Xia seek spiritual The Disciples of Shen Xia seek spiritual knowledge above all else. Interesting mystical knowledge above all else. Interesting mystical instruction, books of philosophical practices, or instruction, books of philosophical practices, or tales of hermits on remote mountains (or deep tales of hermits on remote mountains (or deep in the sewers) might all attract their interest.in the sewers) might all attract their interest.

Fighting.Fighting. Pride is a sin; and yet, many Disciples take Pride is a sin; and yet, many Disciples take great pride in their martial arts skills. They're great pride in their martial arts skills. They're taught not to show off for personal gain, but taught not to show off for personal gain, but many Disciples find excuses to enter fighting many Disciples find excuses to enter fighting championships. And in some cases, there are championships. And in some cases, there are stories of a new fighting art that might be of stories of a new fighting art that might be of interest to the Templeinterest to the Temple

The Crimson Gate Triad.The Crimson Gate Triad. The Crimson Gate Triad are the greatest threat The Crimson Gate Triad are the greatest threat that Disciples must face. Using wushu, dark that Disciples must face. Using wushu, dark sorcery, demon powers, cybernetically-sorcery, demon powers, cybernetically-enhanced thugs, and very form of vice and enhanced thugs, and very form of vice and perversion, the Triad spreads through New perversion, the Triad spreads through New Hong Kong's underworld, taking the reins of Hong Kong's underworld, taking the reins of power. They rule through power and preach power. They rule through power and preach fear and Delusion. They will not listen to Truth fear and Delusion. They will not listen to Truth or reason. Sadly, the only way to stop them or reason. Sadly, the only way to stop them seems to be force … isn't it?seems to be force … isn't it?

Step 7: Concluding the Step 7: Concluding the Encounter: Triumph and Encounter: Triumph and TragedyTragedy

Wuxia stories rarely have a "happy ending." But they're seldom truly tragic, either the Disciples must; sometimes make a steep sacrifice to protect the dharma and the innocent. Destiny and the players may keep this in mind, when running a game of Kill The Buddha.

CaveatsCaveats

No system is perfect, and this ad-lib Encounter system is no different. The system inarguably works best if the players are already big fans of cyberpunk or kung fu media. Arguments can arise whether some film or book actually "fits the criteria." Some players may be uncomfortable making suggestions, or try to talk over others' suggestions.

Most problems in a game can be solved by the wisdom, graciousness, and insight of Destiny. It can't be repeated often enough: make sure that everyone's contributions are solicited and respected equally, and that everyone has fun.

The Buddhas and The Buddhas and DestinyDestiny

There are many Buddhas, each in charge of one or another portion of the fate of the Middle Kingdom. In like wise, the role of Destiny can be broken up into multiple roles, so several players can work together to present the Encounter to the other players.

Bodhidharma, the Missionary Bodhidharma, the Missionary

Bodhidharma is the missionary that brought the people of old Terra's China the word of Buddha from India. He was wise and fierce, and saw everything the world had to offer.

The player that takes the role of Bodhidharma describes locations, and decides on the words and actions of Bystanders (outside of social conflicts). As the first patriarch of Chan Buddhism, he was an incredibly enlightened man.

Budai, the Laughing Buddha Budai, the Laughing Buddha

When many people think of Buddha, they think of a laughing, fat man, sitting cross-legged. They're thinking of Budai, the Buddha of contentment and prosperity.

The player taking on the role of Budai narrates social situations. When the Disciples plead with a corporate governor to repeal an evil law, or

intimidates a merchant to open up his food stores to a famished village, Budai decides what the players need to roll, and what the Bonuses and Penalties will be.

Since Budai is the Buddha of plenty, the player taking this role awards Qi when the Disciples act according to their Attachments.

Kwan Yin, the Compassionate Kwan Yin, the Compassionate BuddhaBuddha

Throughout old Asia, Kwan Yin was revered as the mother of compassion and mercy. Mothers prayed to her for healthy deliveries, and the elderly prayed for comfort with their aches and pains.

Life is full of pain and sorrow, and the player that takes the role of Kwan Yin decides on issues regarding health, healing, disease, poison, and wounds. When Disciples heal from injuries, whether by performing first aid, by natural healing, or by Taking A Breath, Kwan Yin decides how much health is restored if there's ever a question.

Wei Tuo, the Wrathful Buddha Wei Tuo, the Wrathful Buddha

All of the Buddhas are kind and just, but some are renowned for defending the faith, and destroying illusions wherever they're found. Wei Tuo, also known as Skanda, is the chief of the guardian deities, the protectors of the faith. Although dedicated to peace, sometimes Disciples must fight to defend the Path of Enlightenment, and the player taking the role of Yama plays the Encounter's Adversaries, levies bonuses and penalties for attack rolls, and decides how to interpret the combat rules.

When combat ends, or when the Disciples achieve great things, Wi Tuo accords them Kung Fu for their great deeds.

Karma and Rebirth Karma and Rebirth

The players should be rewarded when they helped the entire group to have fun.

Awesome Idea: If the player has an awesome suggestion for Destiny, that Disciple earns 1 Kung Fu. This might be something that a Bystander or Adversary can do, an interesting detail about a Location, or an interesting idea for the Encounter's back story.

Demonstration of Skill: If the Disciple makes a roll, and the Houses of the Heavens Align, or the Disciple earns the Jade Emperor's Favor, they gain 1 Kung Fu.

Enabling the Game: Any player that does something extra to make the game more fun earns 1 Kung Fu. Making food, or pitching in to buy food, providing a place to play, all of these things count as Enabling the Game.

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Moment of Humor: If the Disciple does something that causes the other players to laugh, they gain 1 Kung Fu.

Moments of Wisdom: The first time the Disciple sacrifices their own interests, and instead embodies the teachings of Compassion, Emptiness, Generosity, or Peace, the Disciple gains 1 point of Merit. Each subsequent time, the Disciple gains 1 Kung Fu. If anyone is playing a Courageous, the character just gains Kung Fu, not Merit.

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Shen Xia Disciple Datafile Shen Xia Disciple Datafile Name Name Profession Profession

School School Attachment Attachment

Rank Die Rank Die 1 d [_____] Truths Truths

Attributes AttributesDie Modifier Die Modifier

Agility Agility 1 d [_____] + Cunning Cunning 1 d [_____] +

Power Power 1 d [_____] + Speed Speed 1 d [_____] +

Spirit Spirit 1 d [_____] + +

Resources Resources Health Health Kung Fu Kung Fu

Qi Qi Merit Merit

Skills SkillsDie Focus? Die Focus?

Athletics Athletics 1 d [_____] Y N Melee Wushu Melee Wushu 1 d [_____] Y N

Cybernetics Cybernetics 1 d [_____] Y N Notice Notice 1 d [_____] Y N

EducationEducation 1 d [_____] Y N Ranged Wushu Ranged Wushu 1 d [_____] Y N

Influence Influence 1 d [_____] Y N Stealth Stealth 1 d [_____] Y N

Medicine Medicine 1 d [_____] Y N Tech Tech 1 d [_____] Y N

Meditation Meditation 1 d [_____] Y N Unarmed Wushu Unarmed Wushu 1 d [_____] Y N

Special Techniques Special TechniquesSpecial Technique Source Special Technique Source

Equipment Equipment

Weapon Crushing(Power/Cunning)

Fast(Speed)

Precise(Agility)

Accuracy Range Qualities

+ + + 1 d [_____]

+ + + 1 d [_____]

Armor Block(Agility)

Evade(Speed)

Withstand(Power)

Bulk Qualities

+ + +

Equipment

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The Will of HeavenThe Will of Heaven - - ProcedureProcedure

(1). Destiny will roll one die of each type at the beginning of the battle, and set them aside. This is the Constellation.

(2). When a Disciple attempts something difficult, Destiny will declare an Attribute and a Skill that the Disciple needs to roll (sometimes this is two Attributes). If the Disciple is rolling a Focus Skill, they may also roll their School die as well.

(3). The Disciple rolls the indicated Attribute and Skill, and tries to find Matches.

(4). The Disciple may spend 1 Qi to pull a die from the Constellation to form Matches. That die is now gone from the Constellation for the rest of the Battle.

(5). The more Matches the Disciple makes, the better they succeed. The more times the Disciple fails, the less likely they will ever succeed.

Action Difficulty Action DifficultyVirtually Action fails unless DiscipleImpossible uses a Special Technique or

Truth Very Difficult Reduce all dice by one type

Difficult Reduce one die by one type Average No change to roll.

Easy Reduce one die by one typeVery Easy Increase all dice by one typeExtremely Action automatically succeedsEasy with no Benefit.

Attribute Levels/BonusesAttribute Levels/BonusesLevel Die Bonus

Magnificent 1d4 +5

Exceptional 1d6 +4

Good 1d8 +3

Average 1d10 +2

Feeble 1d12 +1

Attack Attack Defense Defense Crushing (Power, vs. Evade (Speed) or Cunning for firearms)Fast (Speed) vs. Block (Agility)Precise (Agility) vs. Withstand (Power)Magic (Spirit) vs. Will (Spirit)

The Will of Heaven -The Will of Heaven - ResultsResults

Roll Result Effects

Four Dice

in MatchThe Jade Emperor's Favor

Combat Benefit, plus Action cannot fail for rest of Battle

Three Dice

in Match

The Houses of the Heavens Align

Success, Combat Benefit

Two Dice

in Match

Approval of the Celestial Bureaucracy

One Time Success

One Failure

The Stars Mis-Aligned

One Time Failure

Two Failures

The Anger of the Heavens

Failure, Combat Hindrance

Three Failures

The Mouth of Hell Yawns Wide

Combat Hindrance, Action cannot succeed until circumstances change

Disciple Point Costs Disciple Point CostsReduce Attribute die type -3 Kung Fu

Reduce Skill die type -1 Kung FuPurchase 1d12 in new Skill -2 Kung Fu

Learn a new Truth -10 Merit;

-8 Merit for a School's two Doctrine Truths

Creature Point Costs Creature Point CostsReduce Attribute die type -3 Kung Fu

Increase Attribute die type +3 Kung Fu

Purchase 1d12 in new Skill -2 Kung Fu

Reduce Skill die type -1 Kung Fu

Additional Focus Skill -3 Kung Fu

Creature Power -3 Kung Fu

Disciple non-School Special -3 Kung Fu

Ability (Immortality, Iron Shirt, Dark Sight,

Leap of the Clouds, or Qi Sense)

Argument Argument Defense Defense Deception (Cunning) Intimidation (Power) vs. Disbelieve (Spirit)Persuasion (Spirit)

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