DARK AGE: BUSHIDO 弓術 KYUJUTSU THE ART OF

Sample file

An Expansion for Dark Age: Bushido Axioms, Skills and Traits Fundamentally,Sample the archer aims at themselves file

- Daisetsu Teitaro Suzuki CONTENTS

Introduction Page 1 How To Use This Expansion Page 2 Vocational Axioms Page 3 Shinchaku Ite – The new archer Page 4 Toteki – The hits the target Page 5 Kanteki – The arrow pierces the target Page 6 Zaiteki – The arrow exists in the target Page 7 Creating for Storytellers Page 8 Technique Template Page 9 Acknowledgements Page 10 Sample file INTRODUCTION

When the warrior wishes to defend their home, their land, their friends, or plainly their honour, sometimes the rules change. Sometimes the enemy needs to be kept at distance.

The Islands of Nippon have been home to expert archers since Neolithic times. Originally making the best of things with bone-tipped and single pieces of curved , the Nihonjin evolved to use bows over two metres in height, firing arrows that could be up to one meter in length. In the hands of the Samurai class of warrior, the (bow) was used to win wars and repel invasions from some of the fiercest fighting forces stalking the earth during feudal times.

The fundamental principle of kyujutsu is that of ‘seisha hitchu’ – ‘a true shot never misses’. By following the Shaho (the law of ), your arrow will find it’s mark.

Therefore keep your mind clear and embrace the state of fudoshin – to let go of ego, of doubt – toSample know everything is in accordance withfile how it should be. Then you will become one with your bow, and hit without hitting.

Page 1 How To Use This Expansion

Kyujutsu is the art of archery, incorporating many aspects of Kyudo – the way of archery, this Expansion is provided to enable Player Characters to develop Traits in order to use a to their fullest affect. The Vocational Axioms described within correspond with the five stages of Skill Rating Points from the Character Sheet, as follows:

1 – Novice 2 – Initiate 3 – Practitioner 4 – Learned 5 – Zenith

Progressing from each Vocational Axiom requires the next Skill Point within that Skill Rating, and a set cost in Experience (XP).

Unless listed as a Passive Trait or as requiring it’s result on one six-sided dice (1d6) only, Techniques require a Difficulty Rating assigned by the Storyteller in order to be utilised.Sample file

Page 2 VOCATIONAL AXIOMS

Sample file Vocational Axioms

‘Dark Age: Bushido - Kyujutsu’ uses a new set of Vocational Axioms, which are separate from those listed within the Core Rulebook (which only provide one advantage per Vocational Axiom).

The beginning Vocational Axiom (Shinchaku Ite) may be chosen at Character Creation providing the Skill Ratings have been met in accordance with the rules for Character Creation, and there is sufficient XP available. This can be done in addition to and separate from regular Axioms, or chosen throughout the course of an Adventure. Vocational Axioms need only be listed in the Background section of the Character Sheet, or may even be noted on a separate sheet of paper.

Each Vocational Axiom requires progression overall in the varying Skill Ratings, and within the Vocational Axiom’s individual progression path unlocked with the relevant XP (Experience Points).

Each Vocational Axiom on the following pages list the name, the path, the techniques for each path, the requirement for each technique, and a brief description. TheSample technique may be listed separately from thefile Character Sheet, as a Trait.

Page 3 Shinchaku Ite 新着 – The New Archer You have found the bow use for your survival, and begin the path of mastering it’s potential. Techniques

不動心 Fudoshin I – The Immovable Mind I Requires: 2 Skill Points in Bows, 100 XP Your mind is immovable, clarity is your basis of attack. Roll 1d6. On the result of 5+, Re-Roll one Bow Attack per Turn

弦音歌 Tsurune Uta I – The ’s Song I Requires: 2 Skill Points in Sneak, 250 XP Some feel where the bowstring should be released - you hear it. Take one Turn to aim your Bow. Following this, gain -1 Difficulty to all Actions made with the Bow

巻藁範士 Makiwara Hanshi – Master of The Straw Target Requires: 2 Skill Points in Unarmed, 150 XP Without the pressures of being shot at, your shooting is impeccable. -1 Difficulty to Focused Strikes against non-sentient targets

機会スト Suki Toteki I – Gap/Opportune I Requires: 2 Skill Points in Unarmed, 230 XP You can pick out the gaps in an opponent’s armour. Roll 1d6. On the result of 5+ you have -1 Difficulty to Focused Strikes against Armoured opponents

出発 Muhatsu No Hatsu I – The Release of No Release I Requires: 2 Skill Points in Investigate, 210 XP The bow is an extension of your being. SampleRoll 1d6 following a Successful Attack or Focused Strike. Onfile the result of 5+ you make one additional Attack

Page 4 Toteki と敵 – The Arrow Hits The Target Your archer’s instinct, mind and body are becoming more attuned to each other with each (arrow) that you let fly. Techniques

不動心 Fudoshin II – The Immovable Mind II Requires: 3 Skill Points in Bows, 350 XP Requires and Replaces: The Immovable Mind I Your focus is above any barrier to clarity. Roll 1d6. On the result of 5+, Re-Roll one Bow Attack or Focused Strike per Turn

弦音歌 Tsurune Uta II – The Bowstring’s Song II Requires: 3 Skill Points in Sneak, 580 XP Requires and Replaces: The Bowstring’s Song I The bowstring’s song is becoming clearer. Take one Turn to aim your Bow. Following this, gain -2 Difficulty to all Actions made with the Bow

機会スト Suki Toteki II – Gap/Opportune Strike II Requires: 3 Skill Points in Unarmed, 620 XP Requires and Replaces: Gap/Opportune Strike I Opportunity is your friend. Roll 1d6. On the result of 4+ you have -1 Difficulty to Focused Strikes against Armoured opponents

出発 Muhatsu No Hatsu II – The Release of No Release II Requires: 3 Skill Points in Investigate, 690 XP Requires and Replaces: The Release of No Release I Your reflexes are so highly tuned you chain your ranged offense. Roll 1d6 following a Successful Attack or Focused Strike. On the result of Sample4+ you make one additional Attack file

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