Post by songstress on Nov 10, 2006 1:15:11 GMT -5
Style Basis: Weapon Based (Umbrellas)
An ancient style of fighting developed decades past to make use of an item so commonly seen in the Rain country, a swift and deadly style made all the more important as Rain slowly slipped into marital law. Everyone carries and umbrella, so how do you tell the average citizen from the trained killer? People don’t, people can’t, and so the master carries his trusted companion openly and without fear of discovery – ready at any moment to kill with a single sweep of the plainest looking of weapons.
In technique, the Aiaigasa borrows forms and elements from many different schools of combat: a multitude of spear styles have been cannibalised, the moves of countless wheel dancers where absorbed and modified, and even projectile styles have been studied and adapted for the use of this ad hoc way of fighting that has gradually become elegant and unique unto itself. Versitile, this style gives up the sharpened focus of a more specalist style in order to dabble in many different areas - you won't be able to out spear fight a spear fighter for example but you could out shoot him.
In essence, the Aiaigasa teaches two separate modus operandi with which to wage war. The first utilizes what is known as a Yin Umbrella. These Yin Umbrella contain concealable spear tips, the paper covering stretched over its frame has been altered to hide sheets of solid metal with razor edges, and shaft has been strengthened for the rigors of combat. Battle is done both with graceful thrusting techniques, spinning butt strokes and vicious swipes using the aforementioned razor edges. Defence is handled primarily by using the metal covering as a shield to turn blows aside or to block particularly dangerous techniques though defence with the shaft of the umbrella is also taught even though it isn’t the preferred method of defence.
The second method uses what is called a Yang Umbrella. These Yang Umbrellas are useless for direct combat and they serve only one purpose. They’re hollowed out and made as light as possible – designed only to hold needles and fly high into sky while raining death from above. It takes a phenomenal amount of skill to use the Yang Umbrellas effectively, but masters have been known to fight effortlessly with their Yin Umbrella while several Yang Umbrellas circle around the battle field providing support where it is needed.
However, controling these Umbrellas while they hover in the air is no easy task. To facilitate this, the studens of the Aiaigasa make good use of the fabled chakra strings - the very same used by pupeteers - to allow them to make the Umbrellas move and shoot. In effect, when you are controlling the Umbrellas, one of your hands is always occupied with manipulating the chakra strings while leaving you only one hand to fully control your Yin Umbrella (making it that much harder to fight on equal terms with a more specalized adversary). It is important to note however that the Umbrellas do not need to be connected with strings to just hover in the air (only when moving or shooting).
Naturally, both these elements of combat can be further separated into several categories which will provided a measure of a user’s competence throughout the stages. Listed below are these different aspects:
- Spear Offence
A function of the Yin Umbrella: these techniques deal with the umbrella as a spear. Thrusts, swipes with the tip, using the butt of the weapon, the bladed edges of the umbrella and the manoeuvres needed to bring your weapon to bear in order to accomplish all of this. Young students are taught only the basic techniques needed to stab effectively while keeping your enemy at bay, but masters are capable of hurling themselves into battle against multiple foes – using both ends of their weapon with lethal effectiveness – and attacking with a dazzling display of flourishes.
- Shield Defence
The second function of the Yin Umbrella: this section of the training is dedicated to using the metal sheets underneath the umbrella fabric to deflect and turn aside blows. Defence in this style is categorised by aggressive action and violent blockings. Enemy attacks are either parried out right or literally beaten away to force an opening. Naturally, users are taught strike with the bladed edges of their Umbrella after turning an enemy weapon aside – teaching a natural counter attack if you will – though comparatively speaking this aspect of the style is harder to learn than the previous elements.
- Flight Control
The first function of the Yang Umbrella: this aspect is intrinsically linked to the second aspect and it deals completely with the user’s ability to guide, direct and sustain an aloft Umbrella. Focusing initially on movement and airborne manoeuvrability, this aspect eventually branches out into controlling multiple Umbrellas while fighting furiously on the ground at the same time. Naturally, this is a fairly advanced aspect of the style and beginning users aren’t taught the basics until much later though many masters swear by their ability to support themselves with different angles of attack.
- Needle Control
The second function of the Yang Umbrella: here – rather than focusing on controlling the Umbrella itself – the user trains to be able to accurately launch the needles contained within the Yang Umbrella in rapid succession and expect accuracy. As with the above, beginners are not taught the techniques of this aspect but those who are privy to such secrets swear by them.
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Stage 1
Requirements: 4 strength, 4 speed
Stage Bonuses: +3 strength, +4 speed, +2 stamina
- Spear Offence
For the neophyte, emphasis on attack is achieved firmly through rote memorization. They are taught to how to stand firm with their spears, how to move – albeit slowly – without compromising their braced stance. Attack with the razor edges of the Umbrella are not taught here and over all training focuses solely on the most basic of spear techniques: the thrust and the recovery.
- Shield Defence
Much like learning how to use the razor blades, the proper use of the shield is disregarded at such an early level of training. Students only learn how to compensate for its weight and disposition in a fight. In fact, most pupils choose not to fight with the shield open at this stage! Still though, for desperate circumstances, the user is taught how to effectively open his Umbrella should the need arise and the stance training can afford a stable enough posture for dampening a blow that hits the shield head on.
- Flight Control
Unfortunately, such advanced techniques are simply the stuff of dreams at this point. Your sensei might have shown you what you might be able to achieve but you yourself can’t even get a single Umbrella into the air at this point in time.
- Needle Control
If you can’t even fly the Umbrella at this stage then you can’t shoot needles from them. In fact…why are you even carrying a Yang Umbrella? Put it down and go back to practicing the spear patterns. Though with that said, you do get taught some of the basic theories to do with aim and simple senbon practice makes a nice change from the monotony of the thrust, recover, thrust recover pattern you’re usually working on.
Techniques:
Braced for Impact: A simple technique taught to all beginning students, this move is more a stance rather than an actual attack that allows the neophyte to place all his strength into stopping something with his weapon. The end of the spear is placed on the ground, with the edge just against the inside of their rear foot. Hands are generally placed on the middle of the shaft and the user leans into the charging opponent. Should all go well they should be stopped upon your spear point.
Special Techniques: N/A
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Stage 2
Requirements: 7 strength, 7 speed, 6 tactics
Stage Bonuses: +3 strength, +4 speed, +2 stamina
- Spear Offence
The simple thrust is a comfortable and familiar technique to the budding apprentice by this stage, and the user is adept at placing himself in a position where he can use his most refined technique. Most of the focus at this stage goes into familiarizing the user with the ins and outs of their special weapon: students are taught how to use the butt of their spear to deal with an enemy from behind and the first techniques dealing with the razor edges are gradually introduced into the training syllabus.
- Shield Defence
Likewise, learning the intricacies of one’s weapon includes learning how to use the shield to some small degree. Training here is mostly concerned with teaching the student how to fight effectively with the shield open – something which naturally provides a deal of cover for the user – and beyond that the user also learns how to stop attacks with the shaft of his spear should a situation become too close for comfort.
- Flight Control
There has still been no progress in this aspect whatsoever – though the rigorous training regime has started to hint at possible lessons in the future as certain lessons have focused entirely on decorative kata with exceptionally light and fragile Umbrellas. Still though, there is no progress in this aspect to speak of.
- Needle Control
Again, most of the progress here is theory and simple practical excises designed to allow people to get a feel for aiming a projectile. Advanced geometry is a subject of common study – specifically relating to angels – and art classes are also mandatory for teaching students the fundamentals of perspective.
Techniques:
Shorten the Grip: The hand hold for using the razor edge until well into the shinobi’s career. Your right hand is literally grasping as far up the spear as it can go with your other just shy of a foot below that one. This grip gives you the most control over the edge blades but it’s not meant to be used extensively – instead designed to have the user drop into this grip for a quick strike or two before returning to their spear stance.
Special Techniques: N/A
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Stage 3
Requirements: 10 strength, 10 speed, 8 tactics
Stage Bonuses: +3 strength, +4 speed, +2 stamina
- Spear Offence
With the foundations down and refined at this point it becomes vital that the student expand his repertoire and start training in the more advanced techniques of his style. More and more emphasis is placed onto a style of light work designed to allow the user to engage multiple opponents with simple thrusting techniques refined through hours of countless practice. The use of the razor edge has also been much improved upon and should the user find himself pressed into close quarters he is more than capable of continuing a fight with competence.
- Shield Defence
The basic for of defending with the shield portion becomes apparent here – the shield is not a tool for those who fight using the spear forms – but a tool for those who fight up close using the edge forms. In CQB, it becomes essential to ensure an opponent’s weapon is stopped before it reaches the student and as such blocking is a vital tool to ensure the user remains unharmed.
- Flight Control
At last a break through and it is at this stage in the training that the user finally learns how to bare an Umbrella aloft. Just one single Umbrella mind you, and once you’ve thrown it as your attack action it will remain in the air for 2 posts in the exact location that you want it to be in. Choose where you want it to be carefully though because if you want it to relocate then moving it will require your full concentration and a lack of any other action.
- Needle Control
With the first secrets of flight control under your belt it goes without saying that you have also learnt the basics of shooting needles from your Yang Umbrella. It takes your concentration to aim and fire anything at this stage simply because of the difficulties in aiming shots for something that shares a different line of sight to your own, and the rate of fire for the needles themselves isn’t particularly fast.
Techniques:
Scattered Showers: Sustained fire from an Umbrella is incredibly difficult to achieve, and single shots are inaccurate for the most part to say the least. Therefore the user adopts a “shotgun” practice that fires off a quick volley of needles that are designed to spread slightly – therefore improving the chances of the needles hitting. Generally speaking, you can fire an amount of needles per Umbrella for this volley equal to your tactics stat – the higher that stat the more accomplished you are at shooting with your Umbrellas.
Special Techniques: N/A
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Stage 4
Requirements: 14 strength, 17 speed, 12 stamina, 14 tactics
Stage Bonuses: +2 strength, +4 speed, +1 stamina
- Spear Offence
The user has not only become familiar with his weapon at this point, but they have also become hardened by experience in battle. A missed thrust can be turned into a side swipe to catch an enemy off guard while you step back and keep him at your perfect range. Attacks with the edges are now brutally efficient and capable of causing potentially lethal, jagged gashes against anyone foolish enough to think an Umbrella user can’t fight up close.
- Shield Defence
At this stage, the shield has become a tactical corner stone in the user’s ability to fight at maximum effectiveness. Firstly, it is used to close the distance between an opponent and the shinobi while providing a sheet of cover against any potential attack. Secondly, its use as a method of protection against those who get too close has been refined to the point where the user may divert an attack to one side – off the Umbrella’s rounded surface – before striking into the ensuing opening with the edges of your weapon. While far from perfect, the user is able to adapt quickly to different angles of attack by repositioning his Umbrella to cover his most vital locations…though it is exceptionally hard to predict exactly where an attack will strike (thus limiting counter effectiveness to a degree).
- Flight Control
Basic technique has been thankfully refined into a more versatile and thankfully more manoeuvrable. The user is capable of flying the Umbrella while engaging in other actions such as acrobatics, reading a book or what have you. Also, the Umbrella is capable of staying aloft for 3 posts now before it needs to be re-thrown.
- Needle Control
Constant practice has sharpened the user’s accuracy several degrees – though in most cases the user has learnt that quantity over quality is usually the best solution. Naturally, this means that rate of fire has increased somewhat and, with it, combat effectiveness. Much like the above, the user may fire the Umbrella without concentrating but they cannot move the Umbrella if they fire and vice versa unless they concentrate.
Techniques:
Open Towards the Rain: A defensive technique that starts with the user’s Umbrella closed. As an attack approaches the ninja he steps forwards and violently opens his Umbrella towards it. The quick gust of wind, coupled with the shield actually impacting the enemy attack, serves to dampen the force of the oncoming blow.
Special Techniques: 1 slot open
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Stage 5
Requirements: 19 strength, 23 speed, 15 stamina, 16 tactics
Stage Bonuses: +2 strength, +4 speed, +1 stamina
- Spear Offence
Motions here are natural and easy to the user. They can quickly shift positions and still steady their spear against a charging enemy, and even when using the edges or the shaft of your Umbrella it is the fluidity of motion that is key – the ability to move from one technique into the next. Also, the range of the spear is beginning to increase at this stage thanks to the user’s steadily improving strength allowing him to maintain control of the Umbrella even if it is held towards the end of the shaft.
- Shield Defence
While the practitioner’s ability to accurately responded to attacks – specifically of the ranged variety – has continued to improve, using the shield as a method of protection in close battle has finally begun to take a back seat. Because the user has finally learnt fully how to fight on the move, and coupled with the spear’s steadily improving range of attack, defence has begun to rely more upon keeping an enemy at bay or inviting them to over extend themselves for a counter attack.
- Flight Control
Much of the user’s improvement in this aspect can clearly be seen in their ability to hold two Umbrellas aloft at the same time now. Naturally, your ability to control your Umbrella has also increased and without concentrating you may take up two actions with your Umbrellas (move both Umbrellas, move and shoot with one, move one and shoot with the other, etc). Though you may opt to forgo any other offensive actions on your part to control both your Umbrellas to their full at one time. The Umbrellas are capable of staying aloft for 4 posts before they need to be re thrown.
- Needle Control
This stage of training hasn’t improved much over the last stage in regards to a single Umbrella simply because all the focus has gone into learning how to aim and fire with two Umbrellas. In all regards, the practitioner can judge where a projectile thrown from any angel will hit by reflex at this stage and with it comes an improved ability to aim at a moving target. Individual rate of fire has also failed to improve at this stage, but when you account for the second Umbrella it becomes obvious that the overall rate of fire has practically doubled.
Techniques:
Step for the Lunge: A purely offensive technique, this move is a charging technique that puts the practitioners entire body into a single strike. With one hand at the very end of the Umbrella (positioned next to the user’s hip) and the other further up the Umbrella to steady the weapon the user dashes forewords and pivots around – twisting their hips and putting their body’s weight onto their forwards leg – while lunging with the spear. This attack easily has an attack range of eight feet and is quite dangerous. Recovery is usually handled via stepping off to one side, away from your opponent while you retrieve the spear.
Special Techniques: 1 slot open
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Stage 6
Requirements: 25 strength, 28 speed, 22 stamina, 18 tactics, 18 willpower
Stage Bonuses: +2 strength, +4 speed, +1 stamina
- Spear Offence
The practitioner is finally bestowed the title of master at this level of skill and, while one is far from flawless, the user is truly a force to be reckoned with. No one has ever really called the Aiaigasa a truly a mobile style, but at this stage the master has finally shifted from a defensive style to one that prizes the first strike and training focuses on this aspect by imprinting reflexive actions designed to go for the least defended vital point on the target’s body. Attacks with the razor edges have also improved but using them for close combat has been disregarded in so much as they’ve begun to be used for attacking multiple opponents (for the slash is more wide reaching than the thrust).
- Shield Defence
Accuracy of defence is perfect at this stage and if the user can perceive an attack he may place his shield at the point of optimum protection (taking in factors such as attack speed and power of course). The largest improvement seen here though is the master’s ability to let his Umbrella “roll with a blow” – moving the Umbrella backwards at high speed to dampen the impact of a projectile for example. Overall, this allows the user to protect against more dangerous techniques while still preserving his Umbrella.
- Flight Control
Constant and rigorous practice has refined the user’s ability to control his Umbrellas to a practical point of expertise. Both Umbrellas are capable of full action without much interference on the user’s part – though the actual movements themselves are far from what one would call acrobatic. Still, if the user concentrates he can show off with some pretty dazzling aerial acrobatics. The time aloft limit has risen to 5 posts.
- Needle Control
Thanks in part to the master’s increased ability to control his Umbrellas, he has finally dedicated an entire stage of training solely to rate of fire. Previously, most shots were taken in bursts to ensure maximum coverage but now they are capable of maintaining a fairly sustained rate of fire. Accuracy has increased along side this solely due to the user’s increased practical experience, and when combined with the aforementioned improvement these Umbrella have actually become quite lethal.
Techniques:
Blue Skies, Eight Sun Thrust: A devastating technique that may be used alongside any thrust. If the Umbrella is closed and the user manages to score a deep stab wound onto the opponent he may open the Umbrella as the spear blade passes into the enemy’s flesh. This has the effect of widening the size of the wound dramatically – turning a normal thrusting wound into a gaping hole.
Special Techniques: 1 slot open
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Stage 7
Requirements: 33 strength, 36 speed, 30 stamina, 26 tactics, 26 willpower
Stage Bonuses: +2 strength, +4 speed, +1 stamina
- Spear Offence
The absolute pinnacle of ability; at this level of skill the user is flawless beyond reproach. Their “spear” has literally become a barrier between the user and his prey through which only death lies. Thrusts and swipes can be executed while the shinobi holds only the furthest end of the shaft effortlessly – giving the master an unparalleled range of attack – and that coupled with their sheer strength and skill combine to turn a single stab into a lethal attack from well beyond another taijutsu user’s reach.
- Shield Defence
The shield like properties of the Umbrella is, at this stage, neigh-perfect though overall defence at this stage is downplayed. In fact, if an Aiaigasa master is defending himself against another weapons user then something is horribly wrong, but that doesn’t mean he can’t. Regardless, this is mostly employed at close range where the master parries blows off the rounded Umbrella before instantly countering with the razor edge with no margin of error – giving him the ability to take a step back and go for the killing thrust.
- Flight Control
While the user may still only have two Umbrellas in the air at one time, he has learned how to control both of them with no effort. In effect, the user no longer needs chakra strings to control his weapons and they are fully capable of following the user’s subtle chakra commands to swoop and wheel into position. Tactical disposition has become almost second nature and each tool instinctively shifts to cover the most optimum firing arc. The time these Umbrellas can spend in the air is now 8 posts before the user needs to catch and re-throw them into the air.
- Needle Control
Achieving perfect accuracy isn’t difficult – that was after all obtained long ago – but to be able to perfectly trace a line of fire from a moving flying Umbrella that’s perhaps twenty feet to your left and shooting at a moving target with near spot on aim is more than difficult…but now at last it is mastered. Rate of fire has stayed for the most part the same but the more efficient application of firepower – and more Umbrellas – has greatly increased the lethality of this aspect.
Techniques:
Drops of Water, Rain of Steel: By using both Umbrellas in concert, the master has hover side by side, close by each other. Each Umbrella then fires off as many as twice the normal amount of needles as it is able to over an incredibly wide area. The sheer spread creates what amounts to a wall of blades that are almost impossible to just avoid.
Special Techniques: 1 slot open
An ancient style of fighting developed decades past to make use of an item so commonly seen in the Rain country, a swift and deadly style made all the more important as Rain slowly slipped into marital law. Everyone carries and umbrella, so how do you tell the average citizen from the trained killer? People don’t, people can’t, and so the master carries his trusted companion openly and without fear of discovery – ready at any moment to kill with a single sweep of the plainest looking of weapons.
In technique, the Aiaigasa borrows forms and elements from many different schools of combat: a multitude of spear styles have been cannibalised, the moves of countless wheel dancers where absorbed and modified, and even projectile styles have been studied and adapted for the use of this ad hoc way of fighting that has gradually become elegant and unique unto itself. Versitile, this style gives up the sharpened focus of a more specalist style in order to dabble in many different areas - you won't be able to out spear fight a spear fighter for example but you could out shoot him.
In essence, the Aiaigasa teaches two separate modus operandi with which to wage war. The first utilizes what is known as a Yin Umbrella. These Yin Umbrella contain concealable spear tips, the paper covering stretched over its frame has been altered to hide sheets of solid metal with razor edges, and shaft has been strengthened for the rigors of combat. Battle is done both with graceful thrusting techniques, spinning butt strokes and vicious swipes using the aforementioned razor edges. Defence is handled primarily by using the metal covering as a shield to turn blows aside or to block particularly dangerous techniques though defence with the shaft of the umbrella is also taught even though it isn’t the preferred method of defence.
The second method uses what is called a Yang Umbrella. These Yang Umbrellas are useless for direct combat and they serve only one purpose. They’re hollowed out and made as light as possible – designed only to hold needles and fly high into sky while raining death from above. It takes a phenomenal amount of skill to use the Yang Umbrellas effectively, but masters have been known to fight effortlessly with their Yin Umbrella while several Yang Umbrellas circle around the battle field providing support where it is needed.
However, controling these Umbrellas while they hover in the air is no easy task. To facilitate this, the studens of the Aiaigasa make good use of the fabled chakra strings - the very same used by pupeteers - to allow them to make the Umbrellas move and shoot. In effect, when you are controlling the Umbrellas, one of your hands is always occupied with manipulating the chakra strings while leaving you only one hand to fully control your Yin Umbrella (making it that much harder to fight on equal terms with a more specalized adversary). It is important to note however that the Umbrellas do not need to be connected with strings to just hover in the air (only when moving or shooting).
Naturally, both these elements of combat can be further separated into several categories which will provided a measure of a user’s competence throughout the stages. Listed below are these different aspects:
- Spear Offence
A function of the Yin Umbrella: these techniques deal with the umbrella as a spear. Thrusts, swipes with the tip, using the butt of the weapon, the bladed edges of the umbrella and the manoeuvres needed to bring your weapon to bear in order to accomplish all of this. Young students are taught only the basic techniques needed to stab effectively while keeping your enemy at bay, but masters are capable of hurling themselves into battle against multiple foes – using both ends of their weapon with lethal effectiveness – and attacking with a dazzling display of flourishes.
- Shield Defence
The second function of the Yin Umbrella: this section of the training is dedicated to using the metal sheets underneath the umbrella fabric to deflect and turn aside blows. Defence in this style is categorised by aggressive action and violent blockings. Enemy attacks are either parried out right or literally beaten away to force an opening. Naturally, users are taught strike with the bladed edges of their Umbrella after turning an enemy weapon aside – teaching a natural counter attack if you will – though comparatively speaking this aspect of the style is harder to learn than the previous elements.
- Flight Control
The first function of the Yang Umbrella: this aspect is intrinsically linked to the second aspect and it deals completely with the user’s ability to guide, direct and sustain an aloft Umbrella. Focusing initially on movement and airborne manoeuvrability, this aspect eventually branches out into controlling multiple Umbrellas while fighting furiously on the ground at the same time. Naturally, this is a fairly advanced aspect of the style and beginning users aren’t taught the basics until much later though many masters swear by their ability to support themselves with different angles of attack.
- Needle Control
The second function of the Yang Umbrella: here – rather than focusing on controlling the Umbrella itself – the user trains to be able to accurately launch the needles contained within the Yang Umbrella in rapid succession and expect accuracy. As with the above, beginners are not taught the techniques of this aspect but those who are privy to such secrets swear by them.
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Stage 1
Requirements: 4 strength, 4 speed
Stage Bonuses: +3 strength, +4 speed, +2 stamina
- Spear Offence
For the neophyte, emphasis on attack is achieved firmly through rote memorization. They are taught to how to stand firm with their spears, how to move – albeit slowly – without compromising their braced stance. Attack with the razor edges of the Umbrella are not taught here and over all training focuses solely on the most basic of spear techniques: the thrust and the recovery.
- Shield Defence
Much like learning how to use the razor blades, the proper use of the shield is disregarded at such an early level of training. Students only learn how to compensate for its weight and disposition in a fight. In fact, most pupils choose not to fight with the shield open at this stage! Still though, for desperate circumstances, the user is taught how to effectively open his Umbrella should the need arise and the stance training can afford a stable enough posture for dampening a blow that hits the shield head on.
- Flight Control
Unfortunately, such advanced techniques are simply the stuff of dreams at this point. Your sensei might have shown you what you might be able to achieve but you yourself can’t even get a single Umbrella into the air at this point in time.
- Needle Control
If you can’t even fly the Umbrella at this stage then you can’t shoot needles from them. In fact…why are you even carrying a Yang Umbrella? Put it down and go back to practicing the spear patterns. Though with that said, you do get taught some of the basic theories to do with aim and simple senbon practice makes a nice change from the monotony of the thrust, recover, thrust recover pattern you’re usually working on.
Techniques:
Braced for Impact: A simple technique taught to all beginning students, this move is more a stance rather than an actual attack that allows the neophyte to place all his strength into stopping something with his weapon. The end of the spear is placed on the ground, with the edge just against the inside of their rear foot. Hands are generally placed on the middle of the shaft and the user leans into the charging opponent. Should all go well they should be stopped upon your spear point.
Special Techniques: N/A
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Stage 2
Requirements: 7 strength, 7 speed, 6 tactics
Stage Bonuses: +3 strength, +4 speed, +2 stamina
- Spear Offence
The simple thrust is a comfortable and familiar technique to the budding apprentice by this stage, and the user is adept at placing himself in a position where he can use his most refined technique. Most of the focus at this stage goes into familiarizing the user with the ins and outs of their special weapon: students are taught how to use the butt of their spear to deal with an enemy from behind and the first techniques dealing with the razor edges are gradually introduced into the training syllabus.
- Shield Defence
Likewise, learning the intricacies of one’s weapon includes learning how to use the shield to some small degree. Training here is mostly concerned with teaching the student how to fight effectively with the shield open – something which naturally provides a deal of cover for the user – and beyond that the user also learns how to stop attacks with the shaft of his spear should a situation become too close for comfort.
- Flight Control
There has still been no progress in this aspect whatsoever – though the rigorous training regime has started to hint at possible lessons in the future as certain lessons have focused entirely on decorative kata with exceptionally light and fragile Umbrellas. Still though, there is no progress in this aspect to speak of.
- Needle Control
Again, most of the progress here is theory and simple practical excises designed to allow people to get a feel for aiming a projectile. Advanced geometry is a subject of common study – specifically relating to angels – and art classes are also mandatory for teaching students the fundamentals of perspective.
Techniques:
Shorten the Grip: The hand hold for using the razor edge until well into the shinobi’s career. Your right hand is literally grasping as far up the spear as it can go with your other just shy of a foot below that one. This grip gives you the most control over the edge blades but it’s not meant to be used extensively – instead designed to have the user drop into this grip for a quick strike or two before returning to their spear stance.
Special Techniques: N/A
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Stage 3
Requirements: 10 strength, 10 speed, 8 tactics
Stage Bonuses: +3 strength, +4 speed, +2 stamina
- Spear Offence
With the foundations down and refined at this point it becomes vital that the student expand his repertoire and start training in the more advanced techniques of his style. More and more emphasis is placed onto a style of light work designed to allow the user to engage multiple opponents with simple thrusting techniques refined through hours of countless practice. The use of the razor edge has also been much improved upon and should the user find himself pressed into close quarters he is more than capable of continuing a fight with competence.
- Shield Defence
The basic for of defending with the shield portion becomes apparent here – the shield is not a tool for those who fight using the spear forms – but a tool for those who fight up close using the edge forms. In CQB, it becomes essential to ensure an opponent’s weapon is stopped before it reaches the student and as such blocking is a vital tool to ensure the user remains unharmed.
- Flight Control
At last a break through and it is at this stage in the training that the user finally learns how to bare an Umbrella aloft. Just one single Umbrella mind you, and once you’ve thrown it as your attack action it will remain in the air for 2 posts in the exact location that you want it to be in. Choose where you want it to be carefully though because if you want it to relocate then moving it will require your full concentration and a lack of any other action.
- Needle Control
With the first secrets of flight control under your belt it goes without saying that you have also learnt the basics of shooting needles from your Yang Umbrella. It takes your concentration to aim and fire anything at this stage simply because of the difficulties in aiming shots for something that shares a different line of sight to your own, and the rate of fire for the needles themselves isn’t particularly fast.
Techniques:
Scattered Showers: Sustained fire from an Umbrella is incredibly difficult to achieve, and single shots are inaccurate for the most part to say the least. Therefore the user adopts a “shotgun” practice that fires off a quick volley of needles that are designed to spread slightly – therefore improving the chances of the needles hitting. Generally speaking, you can fire an amount of needles per Umbrella for this volley equal to your tactics stat – the higher that stat the more accomplished you are at shooting with your Umbrellas.
Special Techniques: N/A
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Stage 4
Requirements: 14 strength, 17 speed, 12 stamina, 14 tactics
Stage Bonuses: +2 strength, +4 speed, +1 stamina
- Spear Offence
The user has not only become familiar with his weapon at this point, but they have also become hardened by experience in battle. A missed thrust can be turned into a side swipe to catch an enemy off guard while you step back and keep him at your perfect range. Attacks with the edges are now brutally efficient and capable of causing potentially lethal, jagged gashes against anyone foolish enough to think an Umbrella user can’t fight up close.
- Shield Defence
At this stage, the shield has become a tactical corner stone in the user’s ability to fight at maximum effectiveness. Firstly, it is used to close the distance between an opponent and the shinobi while providing a sheet of cover against any potential attack. Secondly, its use as a method of protection against those who get too close has been refined to the point where the user may divert an attack to one side – off the Umbrella’s rounded surface – before striking into the ensuing opening with the edges of your weapon. While far from perfect, the user is able to adapt quickly to different angles of attack by repositioning his Umbrella to cover his most vital locations…though it is exceptionally hard to predict exactly where an attack will strike (thus limiting counter effectiveness to a degree).
- Flight Control
Basic technique has been thankfully refined into a more versatile and thankfully more manoeuvrable. The user is capable of flying the Umbrella while engaging in other actions such as acrobatics, reading a book or what have you. Also, the Umbrella is capable of staying aloft for 3 posts now before it needs to be re-thrown.
- Needle Control
Constant practice has sharpened the user’s accuracy several degrees – though in most cases the user has learnt that quantity over quality is usually the best solution. Naturally, this means that rate of fire has increased somewhat and, with it, combat effectiveness. Much like the above, the user may fire the Umbrella without concentrating but they cannot move the Umbrella if they fire and vice versa unless they concentrate.
Techniques:
Open Towards the Rain: A defensive technique that starts with the user’s Umbrella closed. As an attack approaches the ninja he steps forwards and violently opens his Umbrella towards it. The quick gust of wind, coupled with the shield actually impacting the enemy attack, serves to dampen the force of the oncoming blow.
Special Techniques: 1 slot open
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Stage 5
Requirements: 19 strength, 23 speed, 15 stamina, 16 tactics
Stage Bonuses: +2 strength, +4 speed, +1 stamina
- Spear Offence
Motions here are natural and easy to the user. They can quickly shift positions and still steady their spear against a charging enemy, and even when using the edges or the shaft of your Umbrella it is the fluidity of motion that is key – the ability to move from one technique into the next. Also, the range of the spear is beginning to increase at this stage thanks to the user’s steadily improving strength allowing him to maintain control of the Umbrella even if it is held towards the end of the shaft.
- Shield Defence
While the practitioner’s ability to accurately responded to attacks – specifically of the ranged variety – has continued to improve, using the shield as a method of protection in close battle has finally begun to take a back seat. Because the user has finally learnt fully how to fight on the move, and coupled with the spear’s steadily improving range of attack, defence has begun to rely more upon keeping an enemy at bay or inviting them to over extend themselves for a counter attack.
- Flight Control
Much of the user’s improvement in this aspect can clearly be seen in their ability to hold two Umbrellas aloft at the same time now. Naturally, your ability to control your Umbrella has also increased and without concentrating you may take up two actions with your Umbrellas (move both Umbrellas, move and shoot with one, move one and shoot with the other, etc). Though you may opt to forgo any other offensive actions on your part to control both your Umbrellas to their full at one time. The Umbrellas are capable of staying aloft for 4 posts before they need to be re thrown.
- Needle Control
This stage of training hasn’t improved much over the last stage in regards to a single Umbrella simply because all the focus has gone into learning how to aim and fire with two Umbrellas. In all regards, the practitioner can judge where a projectile thrown from any angel will hit by reflex at this stage and with it comes an improved ability to aim at a moving target. Individual rate of fire has also failed to improve at this stage, but when you account for the second Umbrella it becomes obvious that the overall rate of fire has practically doubled.
Techniques:
Step for the Lunge: A purely offensive technique, this move is a charging technique that puts the practitioners entire body into a single strike. With one hand at the very end of the Umbrella (positioned next to the user’s hip) and the other further up the Umbrella to steady the weapon the user dashes forewords and pivots around – twisting their hips and putting their body’s weight onto their forwards leg – while lunging with the spear. This attack easily has an attack range of eight feet and is quite dangerous. Recovery is usually handled via stepping off to one side, away from your opponent while you retrieve the spear.
Special Techniques: 1 slot open
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Stage 6
Requirements: 25 strength, 28 speed, 22 stamina, 18 tactics, 18 willpower
Stage Bonuses: +2 strength, +4 speed, +1 stamina
- Spear Offence
The practitioner is finally bestowed the title of master at this level of skill and, while one is far from flawless, the user is truly a force to be reckoned with. No one has ever really called the Aiaigasa a truly a mobile style, but at this stage the master has finally shifted from a defensive style to one that prizes the first strike and training focuses on this aspect by imprinting reflexive actions designed to go for the least defended vital point on the target’s body. Attacks with the razor edges have also improved but using them for close combat has been disregarded in so much as they’ve begun to be used for attacking multiple opponents (for the slash is more wide reaching than the thrust).
- Shield Defence
Accuracy of defence is perfect at this stage and if the user can perceive an attack he may place his shield at the point of optimum protection (taking in factors such as attack speed and power of course). The largest improvement seen here though is the master’s ability to let his Umbrella “roll with a blow” – moving the Umbrella backwards at high speed to dampen the impact of a projectile for example. Overall, this allows the user to protect against more dangerous techniques while still preserving his Umbrella.
- Flight Control
Constant and rigorous practice has refined the user’s ability to control his Umbrellas to a practical point of expertise. Both Umbrellas are capable of full action without much interference on the user’s part – though the actual movements themselves are far from what one would call acrobatic. Still, if the user concentrates he can show off with some pretty dazzling aerial acrobatics. The time aloft limit has risen to 5 posts.
- Needle Control
Thanks in part to the master’s increased ability to control his Umbrellas, he has finally dedicated an entire stage of training solely to rate of fire. Previously, most shots were taken in bursts to ensure maximum coverage but now they are capable of maintaining a fairly sustained rate of fire. Accuracy has increased along side this solely due to the user’s increased practical experience, and when combined with the aforementioned improvement these Umbrella have actually become quite lethal.
Techniques:
Blue Skies, Eight Sun Thrust: A devastating technique that may be used alongside any thrust. If the Umbrella is closed and the user manages to score a deep stab wound onto the opponent he may open the Umbrella as the spear blade passes into the enemy’s flesh. This has the effect of widening the size of the wound dramatically – turning a normal thrusting wound into a gaping hole.
Special Techniques: 1 slot open
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Stage 7
Requirements: 33 strength, 36 speed, 30 stamina, 26 tactics, 26 willpower
Stage Bonuses: +2 strength, +4 speed, +1 stamina
- Spear Offence
The absolute pinnacle of ability; at this level of skill the user is flawless beyond reproach. Their “spear” has literally become a barrier between the user and his prey through which only death lies. Thrusts and swipes can be executed while the shinobi holds only the furthest end of the shaft effortlessly – giving the master an unparalleled range of attack – and that coupled with their sheer strength and skill combine to turn a single stab into a lethal attack from well beyond another taijutsu user’s reach.
- Shield Defence
The shield like properties of the Umbrella is, at this stage, neigh-perfect though overall defence at this stage is downplayed. In fact, if an Aiaigasa master is defending himself against another weapons user then something is horribly wrong, but that doesn’t mean he can’t. Regardless, this is mostly employed at close range where the master parries blows off the rounded Umbrella before instantly countering with the razor edge with no margin of error – giving him the ability to take a step back and go for the killing thrust.
- Flight Control
While the user may still only have two Umbrellas in the air at one time, he has learned how to control both of them with no effort. In effect, the user no longer needs chakra strings to control his weapons and they are fully capable of following the user’s subtle chakra commands to swoop and wheel into position. Tactical disposition has become almost second nature and each tool instinctively shifts to cover the most optimum firing arc. The time these Umbrellas can spend in the air is now 8 posts before the user needs to catch and re-throw them into the air.
- Needle Control
Achieving perfect accuracy isn’t difficult – that was after all obtained long ago – but to be able to perfectly trace a line of fire from a moving flying Umbrella that’s perhaps twenty feet to your left and shooting at a moving target with near spot on aim is more than difficult…but now at last it is mastered. Rate of fire has stayed for the most part the same but the more efficient application of firepower – and more Umbrellas – has greatly increased the lethality of this aspect.
Techniques:
Drops of Water, Rain of Steel: By using both Umbrellas in concert, the master has hover side by side, close by each other. Each Umbrella then fires off as many as twice the normal amount of needles as it is able to over an incredibly wide area. The sheer spread creates what amounts to a wall of blades that are almost impossible to just avoid.
Special Techniques: 1 slot open