Techniques & Combat System

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## Combat

Combat techniques are the universal tools needed for encounters against aggressive Oni. Institutionally taught by the officers of the Battotai, students must learn the appropriate techniques if they seek to do battle with the malevolent forces that haunt the lands of Japan. Historically, many of these techniques originated from the first kami in existence such as **Izanami** and **Izanagi**, followed up by the likes of the storm kami Susanoo. Alas, the kami would go on to teach humanity their forms of combat for self-defense.

It is believed that all forms and styles of swordsmanship first began with the teachings of Takemikazuchi, the kami of swords and thunder. Branching off from his techniques, the Tengoku of other kami adopted his teachings and curtailed them to conform to their own Tengoku powers.

Many talented swordsmen and warriors of the Battotai with proper experience and skill, have gone on to develop their own personal techniques. This infers that combat techniques can be invented and adjusted with appropriate time and practice. Some techniques may be universally known such as the **Sword's Engravement** or the **Spear's Entanglement** — however, there are other techniques that may only be known to clan members or particular individuals who invent their own styles such as the **Fool's Gambit** — a technique invented by Yoo Sena. In addition for specification, techniques could be defined as a **style**, **stance**, or **attack**. For clarity's sake, techniques may generally refer to one of these aforementioned terms.

## Shinto Combat System [2.0]

All techniques have a **Stamina** cost in order to be used. Depending on the technique's strength and effect, the stamina cost will be determined by these factors. Players who receive Tengoku, will have a certain cap to their stamina based on experience and their kami in question. **Stamina** can be influenced by certain environmental factors. For instance, stamina costs could be reduced when a Tengoku of Susanoo is close to large bodies of water, and it can increase the strength of their techniques simultaneously. **Stamina** can also be influenced by a character's equipment — if a character possesses a potion that can restore a certain amount of stamina, this would be allowed.

Past a certain point, characters will begin to experience fatigue as their stamina reaches a critically low point, forcing players to be strategic with their stamina usage and to coordinate more tightly with others against tireless Oni. This will result in prolonged emote counts, reduced technique effectiveness, and ultimately, the inability to persist in combat. Injuries can also negatively affect a character's stamina in battle.

With proper time and adequate character development, characters are allowed to develop their own custom technique, exclusive to themselves.

## Universal Techniques

### Kenjutsu

* The ***Sword's Engravement*** (反抗斜线 in Kanji) is a basic battōjutsu technique that builds off of the user's footwork and speed, channeling the user's energy into an enhanced quick-draw and allowing them to cross a distance of 2 meters within a second (35 MPH). At the end of the cast, the user can inflict a strong slash with their blade, cleaving their target with their sword. It can break through ordinary guards and blocks. It is the basic principle of all iaijutsu/battōjutsu techniques. **[2 Emotes to Prepare]** + **[1 Stamina]**Above: A visual for the stance "Spear's Entanglement".

* The ***Spear's Entanglement*** (矛的纠缠 in Kanji) is a basic, defensive kenjutsu stance that builds on the user's footwork and speed, adjusting their body and stance into a formidable shield against an incoming attack from in-front. Ordinary attacks that come within a 180° angle (left, right, directly in front) can be deflected. If executed properly by a skilled warrior, it can break the momentum of an attack and deflect a powerful strike from a melee opponent. **[1 Emote to Prepare]** + **[1 Stamina]**

* The ***Nodachi's Enforcement*** is a basic offensive technique used by swordsmen who wield the Nodachi, a larger variant of Japanese sword. Raising the nodachi overhead, the user launches an empowered downward slash towards their opponent, capable of smashing through the enemy's guard with a single blow. Defensive techniques such as the 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫'𝐬 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 can also be overpowered by this move. This technique builds off of the nodachi's extended range and additional bulk, compensating for the weapon's lack in speed inherent to its size. **[2 emotes to prepare]** + **[1 stamina ]**

* The ***Sword's Rotation*** is a defensive kenjutsu technique that builds off of sword control and careful timing. By spinning their sword rapidly in a circle, the user can deflect oncoming projectiles, catching them with their blade. The motions of the technique itself are relatively easy to perform, but the timing is critical; if performed too early, missiles will slip past the defense. The **Sword's Rotation** can be used several times in quick succession, able to catch up to *2 projectiles* with the first rotation. However, it grows less effective over time, as the sword loses speed and precision with each object that collides with it. In addition, this technique **can only be used to block projectiles from the front**, unable to deflect attacks from the side and to the rear. Finally, its coverage is limited, shielding only the upper body (face included).

First rotation: 2 projectiles blocked. Every following rotation, subtract 1 until 0. This means that the **Sword's Rotation** can be performed 2 times consecutively before needing to be reset. **[2 emotes of preparation]** + **[1 stamina for every 2 rotations]**

### Sojutsu

* The ***Sword's Ensnarement*** is a basic defensive sōjutsu technique that builds off of the spear's length to ward off incoming offensives. Utilizing the superior reach of the spear, and the additional controlled bestowed by the use of two hands on the haft, the user can continuously bat aside an opponent's attacks from a distance, so long as they come consecutively. It is not able to defend against simultaneous attacks from multiple angles. This technique can be used against a multitude of different weapons, but is most effective against short or standard-length swords, such as the katana. It is also not limited to spears, with other polearms like the naginata being able to perform **The Sword's Ensnarement** as well. **[1 emote to prepare]** + **[1 stamina]**

* The ***Spear's Impalement*** is a basic offensive sōjutsu technique that builds off of coordinated hand movement to maximize the weapon's reach. The user quickly moves their leading hand from the upper part of the spear shaft to the lower half to be with their rear hand, and then thrusts with both, extending the reach of the spear for a stab that boasts enhanced piercing damage. This technique is best used intermittently in a sequence of regular thrusts, potentially taking the opponent by surprise when the spear's reach increases by several feet. **[1 emote to prepare]** + **[1 stamina to use]**

### Kyudo

* The ***Bow’s Engagement*** (弓の婚 in Kanji) is a technique developed by the Battotai who prefer the bow, an offensive technique which affords great destructive power to the bow, so as to allow its arrows to keep their offensive power against Oni, firing them at upwards of 400mph. This ability is rather versatile: allowing the user to shoot from one up to three arrows at once, and letting them pick different targets depending on the number of arrows fired. With a singular arrow fired using this ability, the effects are enough to pierce through reinforced steel and comparable materials, whereas a second arrow dilutes the power; letting it only pierce through concrete or comparable materials. Finally, with a third arrow, the power remains similar to a normal bow, allowing it to comfortably pierce through hardwood and drywall. **[1 Emote to Prepare]** + **[3 Stamina]**

## Custom Techniques

### Tatsuma Ito

* The ***Crescent Storm*** (三日月の嵐 in Kanji) is a custom kenjutsu technique that channels the user's Tengoku heritage into their weapon(s). By producing a flurry of powerful slashes, they produce and project a barrage of erratic blades that are comprised of lunar energy. These lunar energy blades bombard a target area chaotically, the damage consisting of extensive *slashing* damage. It is comparable to suppressing fire in function and has a range of **6 meters**. **[2 Emotes to Prepare]** + **[3 Stamina]**

### Takumi Saisho

* The ***Dragon Fang*** is the first step in the sequential **Dragon Dance** denoted by a similar motion to the first step of a traditional *Cham* dance. This requires the user to channel their energy throughout their body, crudely exerting it by internalizing like the further steps and discharging it out of their weapon forwards. The result is a thin blade-like projectile swung forwards a short distance carrying the same strength and cutting force as the weapon it swung from. **[1 Emote to Prepare]** + **[1 Stamina]**

* The ***Whirlwind Maw*** is the second step in the series, requiring the user to make a swift rotation of the body with energy just barely more refined than the latter discharging itself, expelling incoming projectiles or opponents. A gale-like wind spins around the user, the only part of the **Whirlwind** capable of causing damage is the blade itself, highly refined and honed through the technique to tear through most obstacles, the rest simply a fierce burst that pushes most things back around them. **[2 Emotes to Prepare]** + **[2 Stamina]**

### Keisuke Fujihara

* The ***Archer's Stance*** (射手の構えin Kanji) is a stance-based custom archery technique that draws upon the spirit of Kyudo. By focusing on the absolute perfection of the user's technique, one can *significantly* increase the chance of a single arrow to meet its target: no matter how dire the circumstance. The user must have direct line of sight with the target when beginning to take upon their stance, this arrow will nearly always meet its mark as the arrow travels through the *Hoka-no-Sekai* rather than in the world of the living, returning only to lodge itself into the target. Maximum of 20 meter range, arrows will reduce Oni regeneration by 33%. [4 Emotes to Prepare] + [3 Stamina]

### Kairi Hideyoshi

* The ***Misogi: Kairi*** (禊海里 in Kanji) is a custom kenjutsu technique which reverses the fundamental design of Misogi, transforming its highly defensive nature into a highly offensive strike that can cut through an incoming technique, costing **half of the attack’s strength in stamina** to the user. However, while cutting through the incoming technique, the user is able to follow up with a **powerful armor-piercing slash** in the same turn within three meters. **[2 Emotes to Prepare]** + **[??? Stamina]**

### Kazan Bushida

* The ***Plunging Waves: Consecutive Stream*** [暴跌波连续流 in Kanji] is a custom kenjutsu technique that channels the user’s Tengoku heritage into their weapon. Imbuing their blade with an incredible amount of water, the technique demands intense focus to ensure the water coats their blade evenly to enhance its damage for a short period of time. The user then inflicts a series of slashes — each attack increasing in power until it concludes with a devastating, downward slash: this attack can shatter armor by the end of the technique’s conclusion. This is within **melee range**. **[2 Emotes to Prepare]** + **[2 Stamina]**

* The ***Typhonic Barrage*** is a custom kenjutsu technique that channels the user's Tengoku heritage into their weapon. With a sharp pivot of the body, the user slashes with their blade to produce a powerful jet of water towards a target. The jet comprises a 2x2 meter area, extending 6 meters as it smashes into a target with brute force. It can intercept incoming missiles/attacks, annihilating anything below **3 stamina**. **[3 Emotes to Prepare]** + **[3 Stamina]**

* The ***Perpetuated Rogue Waves*** is a custom kenjutsu technique that channels the user's Tengoku heritage into their weapon. With a full-bodied spin, the user produces a powerful rotation with their slash. This generates two waves of horizontal slashes in all directions, growing out in a circle to a range of **8 meters**. It can cut through ordinary cars and vehicles like a waterjet! **[2 Emotes to Prepare]** + **[4 Stamina]**

* The ***Susanoo's Onslaught: Raining Fury*** is a custom kenjutsu technique that channels the user's Tengoku heritage into their weapon. Taking up a high stance, the user blasts upwards into the air with a powerful geyser, allowing them to disappear from view. The geyser also knocks back nearby entities to a distance of two meters. After a moment, the user returns to the ground, pivoting forward with their body to deliver a full-body, downward slash. **[3 Emotes to Prepare]** + **[5 Stamina]**

### Yoo Sena

The ***Fool's Gambit*** (傻瓜的甘比特 in Kanji) is a technique that takes up an upward stance with both arms raised, the sword-wielding hand backmost with the guiding hand below the sword in the front. Guided at a slightly downward angle, the Fool's Gambit is initiated by thrusting downward towards the ground. Stabbing into the earth and anchoring itself, it stops incoming slashes aimed for the waist, especially powerful slashes. From here, the user would then step forward into their target's guard, dragging the sword upwards and slashing in an upward stroke across their opponent with immense force. **[1 Emote to Prepare]** + **[1 Stamina]**

## Tengoku Techniques

All Tengoku techniques are unique to their own, utilizing the powers of their blessed bloodline to empower their techniques in battle and to maximize their advantages against the Oni. It is believed that the first **formal** Tengoku techniques emerged with the rise of the samurai clans in the late 12th century, beginning with the likes of Susanoo and Amaterasu. These styles and techniques were heavily influenced by the teachings of Takemikazuchi whose lessons first appeared in the mid 8th century. The following Tengoku techniques that are written, reflect the current **known** techniques that all characters may know and use. Tengoku techniques cannot be used by other Tengoku of differing kami. This is due to a stark difference in powers and blessed physiologies. However, techniques can be used as sources of inspiration for developing new, unique styles. Characters can expand their arsenal of Tengoku techniques through custom technique development or through IC discovery of their ancestral techniques.

### Fujin

The ***Crimson Cyclone*** (跳气旋 in Kanji) is an advanced battōjutsu technique that builds off of the user's agility and nimbleness. Upon the drawing of their sword, the user unleashes a furious whirlwind around themselves, the winds randomly cutting through the nearby environment and repelling all incoming projectiles for one turn. The winds can knock back objects weighing less than 500 lbs, and can devastate all targets within a **6 meter** radius with extensive *slashing* damage. It was dubbed the ***Crimson Cyclone*** with Ichiro's first use of the technique, his wounds embuing the winds with blood. **[2 Emotes to Prepare]** + **[3 Stamina]**

### Kojin

The ***Hearth Stroke: Mercy*** (炉边中风怜悯 in Kanji) is an advanced battōjutsu technique that is derived from the ancestral family of Kōjin techniques, the ***Hearth Strokes***. When used, the user bolts forth by **6 meters** in a linear direction, producing flames from the friction generated by their body and from the unsheathing of their sword. The user's body and legs are coated in a vibrant fire throughout this dash, turning their blade and body into a unified weapon against their target. Throughout the dash, they ignite everything in their path with fire while inflicting a single, powerful slash. This technique inflicts extensive *slashing* and *fire* damage. **[2 Emotes to Prepare]** + **[3 Stamina]**

### Kuraokami

The ***Descent of the Dragon: Hail*** (龙的降临冰雹 in Kanji) is an advanced kenjutsu technique that imbues the user's weapon with a coating of frost, spreading from their hands unto the weapon itself. Raising their weapon above their head, the user would swing downwards and project a multitude of projectiles from their weapon: bombarding them with dozens of needle-like icicles. The main swing is projected up to **4 meters** and can cause third-degree frostbite with a direct hit, **completely stopping** Oni regeneration for that particular wound. The needle icicles can be shot out up to **6 meters away** from the user, acting as projectiles that can cause second-degree frostbite and **slows** regeneration. These icicles once impaled into a target, can also **slow** their movement speed. **[2 Emotes to Prepare]** + **[3 Stamina]**

### Ōkuninushi

The ***Mikoshi: Fountain of Strength*** (神越力量之泉 in Kanji) is an ancient technique that stretches to the Tengoku of Okuninushi, enabling them to raise a temporary circle that replenishes stamina over time. With a duration of three emotes, the circle has a radius of 3 meters and replenishes all swordsmen within the perimeter with **3 stamina per turn**. Players can only receive a maximum of **6 stamina** from the circle, regardless of their time inside the circle. **[3 Emotes to Prepare]** + **[6 Stamina]**

### Raijin

The ***Three-Pronged Bolt*** (三叉博乐至 in Kanji) is an advanced battōjutsu technique that imbues the user with lightning in a multi-targeted assault, allowing them to move at blinding, imperceivable speeds to inflict severe wounds against up to three targets **or** up to three locations on a single target, so long as the target is within **15 meters**. These attacks occur at the speed of lightning itself, mimicking its unpredictability and destructive power. It produces deafening roars of thunder and concussive force that can incapacitate nearby allies. **[1 Emote to Prepare]** + **[5 Stamina]**

### Ryujin

The ***Tsunami of Ryujin: Consume*** (津波海神 in Kanji) is a formidable kenjutsu technique that relies on the user's entire body, shrouding their weapon with a magnificent ribbon of ambient water. Derived from their soul and nearby sources of water, it projects a massive serpentine dragon that can be used to enhance the user's weapon for amplified damage, capable of penetrating armor and reinforced materials. Alternatively, the user may direct the ribbon of water to take the form of a large Japanese dragon, sending it towards an opponent and devouring a **3x3 meter** area. The target is struck by a powerful combination of *crushing*, *piercing*, and *slashing* damage. In addition, the dragon intercepts all incoming projectiles and physical/ethereal entities, decimating them upon reaching its destination. The dragon has a range of **25 meters**. **[3 Emotes to Prepare]** + **[6 Stamina]**

### Suijin

**1.** The ***Dance of the Water God*** (水神之舞 in Kanji) is an ancient kenjutsu fighting style that all Tengoku of Suijin are taught. It integrates defensive and offensive strikes into one fluid motion without pause. When using this technique, the user is able to modify their combat rolls by **+5%**. After deflecting or striking successfully five times in a row, the user is able to activate ***Dance of the Water God'***s passive, or activate ***Misogi***. The user may choose to not activate these techniques and can carry on to 10 times of successful blocking or striking. At that point, the user must activate ***Dance of the Water God*** or ***Misogi***. However, their effects will be significantly bolstered. All defensive & evasive maneuvers are given a roll modifier of **+5%** (total of **+10%**). **[1 Emote to Prepare]** + **[1 Stamina/Turn]**

* If ***Lvl 1. Dance of the Water God*** is activated, the user may choose to restore 5 Stamina to their pool. Likewise, the user may choose to restore 10 Stamina to their pool if **Lvl 2. Dance of the Water God** is obtained. No Stamina penalties are incurred.

**2.** The ***Misogi*** (禊 in Kanji) is an ancient, defensive kenjutsu stance that all Tengoku of Suijin are taught. Integrating their knowledge of their dance, it is a sweeping defensive slash that is imbued with the purifying waters of Suijin, annihilating the offensive power of an incoming attack entirely. When executed properly, it absorbs the offensive power of an attack and dissipates it into non-existence, ensuring that any potential damage of a collateral nature, is mitigated. **[5 or 10 Emotes to Prepare]** + **[5 or 10 Stamina]**

* If **Lvl 1. Misogi** is activated, the user may completely nullify an incoming, powerful attack (that costs up to 6 Stamina), including projectiles and ethereal attacks for 1 emote. If **Lvl 2. Misogi** is activated, the user may completely nullify an incoming attack (that costs up to 12 Stamina) for 2 emotes.

### Susanoo

The ***Typhoon's Call*** (台风的呼唤 in Kanji) is an advanced battōjutsu technique that builds off of the user's speed and proximity to water. Upon drawing their sword, they unleash a cyclonic slash that expels a furious torrent of jetstreams in a **10 meter** radius. These jetstreams can easily cut through materials such as reinforced concrete and bedrock with ease, devastating their environment with overwhelming *slashing* damage. When executed, the slashes are expelled in a 360° manner up to 10 meters, cutting through everything within its path until it reaches the perimeter. In addition, this attack can affect ethereal creatures and cut through illusions. **[2 Emotes to Prepare]** + **[5 Stamina]**

### Tsukuyomi

* The ***Crescent Dance*** (三日月舞 in Kanji) is an advanced battōjutsu technique that builds off of the user’s speed and agility, allowing them to perform a multi-targeted slash that weaves through a crowd of enemies within a split-second. The resulting attack is near-instantaneous, inflicting extensive *slashing* damage on any number of foes within **8 meters**. **[2 Emotes to Prepare]** + **[4 Stamina]**

* The ***Crescent Dance: Moonlit Kagura*** is an advancement of the base ***Crescent Dance***. It involves the user surrounding their sword in a shroud of moonlight, amplifying its offensive ability and edge. The user then performs the Crescent Dance, with it having the same range and effects. However, with each swing of the blade, a beam of lunar energy is cast from the moonlight shroud, inflicting severe bonus damage upon targets. This technique can also be used defensively, as the beams can strike down other Tengoku attacks and projectiles. Crescent Dance: Moonlit Sonata can cancel out attacks of the same stamina cost (5,) and even negate techniques more powerful than itself (6). **[2-3 Emotes to Prepare]** + **[5 Stamina]**

The **Dark Moon Stance** (暗月姿态 in Kanji) is an ancient and advanced family of kenjutsu techniques, unique to the Tengoku of Tsukuyomi. By taking a specific stance, the Tengoku of Tsukuyomi can employ a versatile balance of defense and offense, utilizing a combination of speed and innate powers to deflect incoming blows and to respond with a rapid counterstrike. The **Dark Moon Stance** has various components, but it is believed it was invented by an ancient ancestor of Clan Chiba as a way to handle overwhelming attacks.

* **Dark Moon Stance: Tsukuyomi's Repulse** | (暗月姿态月读击退) — A defensive technique based on the fundamentals of the **Spear's Entanglement**, it is performed much the same and is rooted in the same principle of deflection. The user assumes a defensive posture, and turns aside an enemy's attack with a skillful parry, potentially leaving them open to a counter-attack. In addition to this, a point-blank pulse of lunar energy is automatically emitted from the user's blade when the parry occurs. This pulse serves to unbalance the opponent even further, widening the window for a successful riposte. This technique also has the inherent property of negating techniques used by other **Tengoku of Tsukuyomi**, and those used by certain Tengoku... **[2 Emotes to Prepare]** + **[3 Stamina]**

* **Dark Moon Stance: Tsukuyomi's Judgment** | (暗月姿态月读判定) — A technique originally meant for stabbing through an opponent's armor with a straight-bladed weapon, Tatsuma has modified its use to account for the curvature of a katana. Drawing the sword back, the user waits for a perfect opening in the target's guard. When such a weakness presents itself, they surge forward with incredible speed and power, striking the opponent horizontally across the torso with an armor-piercing slash. The technique's strength also lays in the timing of the blow; enemy attacks can be disrupted or even bypassed entirely if performed correctly. In addition to this, if this technique is used as a direct follow-up to **Dark Moon Stance: Tsukuyomi's Repulse**, then it can be employed immediately (in a single emote.) **[1-2 Emotes to Prepare]** + **[5 Stamina]**