Martial Arts Styles

Local cultures have maintained or developed different martial art styles since before the Scream. This page collects several prominent styles and their known practioners. Unlike other combat skills, martial arts skill levels add directly both to to-hit and damage rolls. Masters (level 2 or higher) may damage targets that would otherwise be immune to low-tech attacks.

Dirty Fighting
This “style” is acquired in dive bars, dirty colonial streets, and military training courses. Dirty Fighting tends to focus on low blows, cheap shots, and the ugly little tricks that give a combatant victory before his enemy realizes that he’s in danger.

Weapon Groups : Unarmed, Knives, Improved Weapons

Level 0 (Novice) : Base unarmed damage is 1d8 instead of 1d2.

Level 1 (Student) : Enemies suffer -2 to hit brawler while in melee range when the brawler can grab or throw items.

Level 2 (Master) : Unarmed damage is now 2d6. If max dmg rolled, humanoid target must Physical save with a penalty equial to brawler's Combat/Dirty Fighting skill.

Known Artists : Chel F. Savreux

Razmafzar
Recreated from ancient Persian texts, Razmafzar returned to favor with as melee combat is frequently the preferred combat technique to board and defend starships. It may be found also among lower tech level worlds.

Weapon Groups : Swords, Knives, Shields

Level 0 (Novice) : When using this style, the novice receives a to-hit bonus against physically armored opponents. +2 vs heavy armor (AC15 or higher), +1 vs light armor.

Level 1 (Student) : The martial artist is adept at intricate blocks and sidesteps to avoid melee attacks. AC is boosted by +2 against melee attackers.

Level 2 (Master) : The master may add twice their style skill level to the damage inflicted. Wielded weapons that would not normally penetrate advanced armor will, as the martial artist can focus the strike's power.

Known Artists : Sadaf al-Behr

Red Dawn
Red Dawn is a psychic style originally among a crazed sect, but later adopted and taught at the Pimental Academy.

Weapon Groups : Unarmed, Psitech weaponry

Prerequisites : Precognition at least level 1 and the level of style. Uses Willpower or Constitution for modifier.

Level 0 (Novice) : +2 to your initiative roll

Level 1 (Student) : May accept a penalty to AC for an equal bonus to next to-hit roll. Limited by style skill level.

Level 2 (Master) : Whenever max damage is rolled by this master, target must Mental save (at penalty of skill level) or be subject to an immediate additional attack.

Known Artists : Commodore Denise Hewett (CN)

Tempter's Hand
Tempter's Hand style focuses on quick footwork and feints that lure targets into dropping their guard.

Weapon Groups : Unarmed

Level 0 (Novice) : If target is surprised, make Physical save (at penalty of skill level) or be dazed for 1d4 rounds. Dazed may defend but no other action, including vocal.

Level 1 (Student) : Unarmed damage is now 1d6. May make a feint attack, which if successful does no damage but allows you to strike as if the target was surprised on the next round.

Level 2 (Master) : Unarmed damage is now 1d10. Make take a defensive stance, boosting AC by 2 against melee. Any missed attacks, up to your skill level in one round, may prompt an immediate and free counterattack.

Known Artists : Stone's Hammers SpecForces