Fantasy Way of the Blade (Lore)

[DemetrioMachete]

Lemmeseewhaticanconjureupinonenight...

Continents

Heistrea

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The land of Heistrea has seen the rise and fall of many kingdoms on its soil, which lies in a temperate and favored part of the world. A vast majority of Heistrea is grassland, rivers and rolling hills, which makes it an ideal place to farm plants and livestock. Human presence on Heistrea has decorated the land with the legacies of Kings; abandoned castles, fortresses and bunkers dot the landscape, bearing the insignias of Kingdoms that existed long before even the oldest man alive can recall. The dominant kingdom of Heistrea would be the Feudalist Monarchy of Eufice, which has done its part to spread the influence of man, cutting down forests to build villages, turning rock formations into quarries, and even taking to the seas to fish in primitive vessels. The people of Heistrea are by far the most diverse, as many denizens turn out with skin that is fair or dark, with amazing diversity in hair color.

Loltha

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A continent woefully at the mercy of the planet's equator, Loltha is covered in sand, hotter than a stove, and a true test to humanity's will to survive. Many civilized people who lack the supplies to reach the coast will be fortunate to know that there are at least 30 known oases across the deserts, and at least one river piercing through it. The flagship nation of Loltha is most certainly the Democracy of Skalesh, whose influence spreads all across the sands, forging new water sources by carving out the sand from the ocean towards civilization. Ethnicity among the Lolthans is somewhat less diverse than that of Heistrea, as black appears to be the dominant hair color, while the blistering sun ensures that the skin is tan and dark.

Kuretsu

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Kuretsu is no continent, rather, it is an archipelago; a chain of islands in between Heistrea and Loltha. Despite this, it is known that Kuretsu is inhabited by a massive culture; one that rivals both kingdoms in sheer size. It is the home of the Empire of Fukuya, a unique culture which has formed from the previous historical isolation of the island people. This isolation has also affected the population, as they are mostly homogenous to one another, as there was little genetic diversity to be had. Primary characteristics of the average Kuretsuni include dominantly black hair, and less sensitive eyes, due to their primarily fish-based culture.

Seuzea

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A northern land covered entirely in snow, old historical texts proclaim that Seuzea once housed a grand kingdom that once expanded to encompass all continents of the world. Anyone who ventures there now will tell you it is a frozen death trap inhabited by carnivorous super-predators, as well as a mysterious cult with an unhealthy obsession with dark chi...
Little is known about the truth behind Seuzea, but no sane sailor would ever tread the glacial waters near it.

Annilatus

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A small continent to the East of Loltha, The island of Annilatus is for the most part, entirely covered in human civilization. There is little, if any wildlife remaining, and all stores of animals are kept within farms and slaughterhouses. The land was once considered fertile and mountainous, and that still remains true. Exotic fruits dominate the gardens established by humans, and the quarries within the mountains more than proudly flaunt their immense supply of marble. The drastic hustle of Humanity's rush to resources has taken a toll on the land, however, as the small landmass has, as mentioned before, no remaining wildlife or uncultivated nature left remaining within it. Even the trees are handled and grown by humans...

The Mediterranean climate of this land has left its people's flesh shaded like olive, with dominantly black and brown hair.

 

[DemetrioMachete]

Nations

Eufice

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Eufice, by far one of the most extensive and long-lived kingdoms of today, spreads out all across Heistrea, claiming the land once owned by powerful lords who existed centuries before. It operates under a semi-Feudalist nature; wherein a King controls the law, but land-owning nobles have a say in what laws can be enforced. This nation was founded 8 centuries ago by a man and his wife, known throughout Eufice as Willard and Victoria Timber. The current King and Queen, having diverted from the original bloodline, are Ferrel and Zoey Lynden. Serving the King and his Nobles are an army of knights; who are trained from birth to serve as armored protectors of the people. Beneath the Knights are Merchants, as well as other people with a well-made trade, such as blacksmiths and Bards. Below them are Serfs, those who work the land of the Nobles in exchange for small amounts of pay. A serf can leave this life behind, however, by recruitment into the army as a Conscript. A successful year of service to the King will reward them with a small portion of land, though not enough to be considered a true Noble. A successful Conscript's son or daughter will be allowed to undergo the training to become a knight.

Weaponry and armor in Eufice is incredibly diverse, having been credited with a multitude of inventions. To wit: the straight sword, the greatsword, the pike, battle axes, the halberd, the crossbow, the rapier, the mace, as well as diversions of the original spear and club, are all inventions of a Euficen smith. Armor in Eufice has evolved to include leather, as well as chainmail; standard issue to conscripts, and the heavy, protective platemail, though usually, this armor is restricted to knights, or people who have slain a knight. They also possess diversity in shields, having typical kite shields, as well as round shields, and the bulky tower shield.

The army is mostly called in to deal with serf rebellions, these days, although there are quite a few who have rebelled against Euficen society; taking to the wilderness as a savage bandit who kills and plunders. Many Conscripts and Knights willingly patrol the outskirts of towns and villages, ensuring the bandits do not try to raid and burn them down.

Towns and Cities ​

- Lork. Lork is the capitol of Eufice, a multi-walled metropolis of stone and wood in the heart of Heistrea. It holds a population of at least 1.2 million, including the King and Queen of the land, their private guard, and all who have been granted quarter in their castle. Many boast that with its many walls, no siege could ever allow Lork to fall into enemy hands.

- Cclanfair, pronounced Lan-fare. A northern city situated at the foot of a mountain range. Despite their measly population of 45,000, the denizens of Cclanfair are responsible for supplying the King's army and mercenaries with roughly 45% of the iron and steel they use for their weapons and armor. The Lord residing over Cclanfair has even considered structuring homes, even castles, with iron. This suggestion is awaiting approval by King Ferrel.

Reachigh, pronounced Reach-High. The westernmost city of Eufice, Reachigh has a population of about 98,000, and a vast majority of them serve as knights or mercenaries. The Annual "Tournament of Champions" is hosted at the colosseum here on September 21st, as the flat dirt grounds that make up Reachigh make for excellent dueling and jousting. The current reigning champions, for at least 7 years straight, are Melinda Hyde, a master of Form I and perhaps one of the best duelists in Heistrea, and Nigel Trodden, a jousting prodigy. The population that aren't knight or mercenaries are serfs, who farm and hunt food for the fighters.

- Ingelfarebinsegar, no pronunciation guide available. Queen Zoey named this city as such, believing that no enemy would want to conquer a city with such a ridiculous name, and a long one at that.

- Nedalia, a religious town and quite sound in their faith. The only significant landmark in Nedalia is the grand cathedral, a massive building which rivals Castle Lynden in sheer size. The Dove, a Prophet of Eufice's dominant faith, resides within the cathedral; preaching of love, peace, and white chi. While the town only has a population of 5,000, the millions across Heistrea will flock here on a few occasions, such as the bi-annual absolving of sins.

-Ravenden, it is a city ravaged by a multitude of misfortunes. The weather is consistently rainy, rats infest almost every household, and it sees more bandit raids than any other town in Eufice. It is considered a place of bad luck, and many who realize this try to leave, only to be stopped by the Lord of the land, who comes off as an ignorant, pompous buffoon. The lack of sunlight makes crops difficult to grow, and so the people of Ravenden have learned to harvest fungi and mushrooms, having learned which are edible and the other poisonous. They harvest the most toxic of their mushrooms, known as death caps, and sell them to apothecaries to be used in the creation of poison.

Fukuya

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The Archipelago-based Empire of Fukuya is a truly unique culture. For centuries, they had no prior contact with Heistrea or Loltha, keeping to themselves and their islands while evolving along with their larger neighbors. It was founded at least 5 centuries ago by a man known as Kanado Hisagi, reverred as something akin to a God throughout Fukuya. The Empire is held together now by the lovely Empress Masumi Kakazu. The flag's red and yellow colors depict the Fukuyans' pride in their sense of honor and respect for one another. This could be seen as an ironic twist of hypocrisy, however, as Fukuya believes strongly in the enslavement of the poor in order to serve the rich. This cruel treatment has inspired many peasant rebellions and has formed two different groups of warriors who, despite using similar weapons, utilize very different Weapon Forms.
The Samurai, land-owning nobles and close friends of the Emperess, often depicted as fighting fairly, but ruthlessly and never to spare an enemy, And the Shinobi, who rely on stealth, deceit, and agility to make up for their lack of armor and proper equipment.
Fukuyan weapons are unique in their forging, as most are made from an inferior iron full of gas pockets. This flaw in the available iron is counteracted by the smithing technique of folding the steel, releasing the gas. The most well known of Fukuyan weapons is the Katana, a slender sword with a slightly curved blade. Among their other inventions are the Naginata, a polearm conceived to be used with and against horsebound fighters, the Yumi bow, a longbow the size of a person, and readily the most accurate of all known bows. There is also the Kanabo, a studded club designed to destroy shields; a sign of cowardice to Fukuyan soldiers.

Towns and Cities
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- Suigini, the Capitol of Fukuya, and home to the Empress. It is considered the most beautiful place in Fukuya; lined with Sakura trees, healthy green grass, and ponds with small fish. It is entirely populated by Samurai, maids, and a few close nobles allowed to speak to the Empress, as well as the Empress herself. The only people allowed to set foot in this city from the outside are Samurai, as well as merchants coming with food. As such, the population of Suigini is roughly only 350 or so, depending on how many Samurai are called to defend the Empress.

- Lokurio, a town surrounding a temple upon a hill. The temple is a shrine to the Youkai, a race of spirits said to be exaggerations of human vices and virtues. Some are wonderful lovers, they say, while others are peerless warriors, avatars of chi, and charismatic leaders. The evil ones, however, are rumored to devour children, or burn down villages, and corrupt the good hearted with their mystical, dark weapons. Chaos Blade, a katana infused with Black Chi, is rumored to have originally been the creation of a dark Youkai named Muramasa. Whether he was a human or not still remains unclear...

Lokurio is by far the most spiritual of Fukuyan settlements, with many coming to the Youkai temple, praying for safety and mercy. It maintains a steady population of 2,000.

- Matenichi, a fishing village responsible for delivering food to most of the Fukuyan islands. This is because Matenichi is home to a coral reef, where an unusual amount of fish are present and plentiful. Most other Fukuyan fishermen must venture out into deep waters where they risk shark attacks, to catch fish as readily as the men and women of Matenichi do. As a result, this humble fishing village is a massive and wealthy one, home to nearly 20,000 people, all of them governed and guarded by a Samurai Shogun and his many sons.

-Sanzikua, not so much a single city, but an island all of its own, and most certainly the largest Fukuyan settlement. There are few fish to catch in the nearby waters, instead, Sanzikua hauls in much different seafood: spider crab. The Shogun sends out slaves into deep waters, and through the use of large nets, they bring in several thousand pounds of crabs each day. Crab is not rare in Fukuya, but it is nonetheless an immensely popular food many merchants can sell for an insane amount of gold. The island of Sanzikua holds a population of about 70,500 in total.

-Shikito, another village on a distant island, and rumored to be the founding island of the Shinobi, and the only island free of the Empress' control. The Shinobi presence here is well known, and is the only island where the people are truly free. Although it is an island with a measly population of 975, the rumor goes that the Empress is slowly building up a force of Samurai to go and claim the island back from the rebelling ninja.

Skalesh

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The Democracy of Skalesh, one of the youngest developed nations among the three dominant ones, was founded only 90 years ago, by the now deceased Kajjen Tubareshi. Their flag's colors depict their pride in freedom (purple,) their mastery of the sun, as well as pride in their curved blades. As a democracy, it prioritizes the needs and freedom of its people above all else, and the people have a direct say in the happenings of the Court. The Court consists of three groups: the Gatapo, who conspire the laws, the Sutavo, who enforces the law, and the Judabo, who authorize the law. The Sutavo, however, is simply one man or woman; and most often it is the most charismatic, talented fighter in all of Loltha who can be bothered to lead an army. The current Sutavo is an elderly man named Farim Hakae-Omba, a master of the target shield.

Skalesh is most known for its unique, yet easily produced weapons; most notably of these are the scimitar and falchion, curved blades that are wielded with elegance and speed. They also wield a unique bow, simply called the Force Bow; which trades in accuracy at longer ranges in exchange for intense close range power. Diversity in Skalesh weaponry is limited, unfortunately, due to the general lack of bronze and iron to Smith with.

Skalesh is not known, however, for their advances in armor, the most commonly used armor being typical leather. They have, however, been credited with the use of the Target Shield, a small shield with protrusions designed to disarm and brush off swords with ease.

Despite its influence and fair government, Skalesh suffers its own issues of indigenous, savage, cannibalistic tribes who seek to kill and devour innocent civilians. Bringing swift death to these barbaric tribes keeps the Skalesh soldiers in proper form.

Towns and Cities
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-Hcortis, the Capitol of Skalesh. It is home to the Democratic Palace of the Sutavo, as well as the Museum of Warriors, where Asura's Twin Blades await a worthy heir. In the center of the city is a massive oasis, which many have considered to be the origin of their ancestors, who would have risen from the water as clay skeletal things, and the water moistened them, granting them flesh. Many come to the oasis to pay respects to the water, and drink it, filling them with life. This is also where they go when the people feel like participating in the politics of the Democracy. The native population sits about 200,000.

-Niccalia, not so much a city as it is a nomadic hunter's group. They follow a herd of Glouldopus, a large, meaty mammal whose flesh is highly valued in Skalesh. They follow and hunt the herd, killing only enough to feed themselves, as well as sell what they do not need to survive to Skaleshi merchants. They carve their Force Bows, as well as the arrowheads used to fell the beasts, from the bones they pick clean. People respect the Niccalia clan for their work, and they are known all across Skalesh, despite only having roughly 200 or so members.

-Qanopus, otherwise known as the City on the Lake. The mirage-inducing nature of the Lolthan deserts makes it appear as though Qanopus is a city sitting in the middle of a lake, while in truth, the city is surrounded by five different oases. Plantlife can actually be grown and harvested here, and it is the primary source of Skalesh's trade. Their most valuable harvests are those of incense, spice and silk. Their efforts to open trade with Eufice have only been marginally successful, due to the aggressive nature of King Lynden, however. The wealth of the city allows it to feed a population of roughly 500,000.

-Ramsay, a rather unusual city formed on the Lolthan coasts. Where the Desert sands meet the water, grass and clay dominate the ground. The people here have fashioned their homes and buildings from the clay, having mastered the arts of Adobe and pottery. The lack of resources means for a low population, mostly comprised of Skaleshi soldiers, along with hunters and fishermen. The soldiers remain here, on the lookout for an invasion fromnEufice, as even the peace loving Sutavo is wary of the northern kingdom's hair trigger temper.

-Ghunouhl, once a city of wonder of curiosity, and home of the Astral Academy. In recent years, a mysterious event has turned the city to a place of terror. A burning rock from the sky descended upon Ghunouhl, and when it collided with the ground, the superheat of the crash turned the sand into glass, burned most of the buildings to the ground, and killed 90% of the residents. The remaining people here have received some kind of sickness from the mysterious asteroid, one that robs them of their ability to reason. Rescue attempts by the Sutavo's warriors have all failed, as the residents of Ghunouhl ended up flying into a rage and attacking the men, who fled in terror as they saw the residents do something in response to their anger that made the soldiers whimper, merely by thinking about it...

Maxicellus

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Maxicellus is the name for the collective of city-states that form the entire continent of Annilatus. Their culture has not evolved on the same path as the Skaleshi, Euficen, or Fukuyan land's have. Their culture is massively mysoginistic, superstitious, and above all else, utterly insane. Most of the city-states are governed by a council of the wealthy, and they would be constantly warring for territory, if they did not share the same faith. Maxicellan faith is the keystone of their culture, which encourages slavery, the oppression of women, and the death of those who share not their beliefs. In their largest city-state, there lies a council of Four Faith Kings, men who govern the responsibility of each territory.

Maxicellus has very few stores of iron, but they are replete with bronze and marble. Most of their weapons and armor are forged with bronze, while their homes and public buildings are forged from marble. Each city-state has its own unique army, which can be united together by the Four King's in times of need.

After hearing of the other nations, and their heretical religions, tolerance of womens rights, and lack of marble, a unanimous decision was made by the Four Kings to unite their armies and wage a holy war on Fukuya, Eufice and Skalesh. Their ships will arrive in one month's time...

City-States​

-Verillion, a massive city state along the Annilatus coasts. Their army is lackluster, but they have a rather potent navy, as their ships are armored with bronze while still maintaining buoyancy, and at the stern of their ships is an oil and air based flamethrower, allowing them to burn down enemy ship's and destroy defenders on the shores they invade. Their council operates like a democracy, but alas, they answer to the Four Kings, still oppress women, and gleefully take slaves. Their only democratic trait it seems, is allowing male land owners to vote.

-Trojus, a barbaric, war oriented culture. All males are drafted into their army at the age of 5 years, where they are brutally trained into remorseless killing machines. Any recruit, no matter how young, who fails to complete the training to become a Hoplite, and cannot redeem themselves in 7 days, is sold into slavery or killed. Those who do complete the training are given their equipment as a Hoplite: A bronze cuirass, a shortsword, javelins, their iconic pikes, and their notorious shield. The shield is made of solid bronze, with a wooden base. It is so thick and heavy that very few iron weapons can even break through the shield, let alone break the guard of the rabid Hoplite wielding it. Hoplites can either retire at the age of 40 and return to Trojus to farm, or they can become a commander of the army, and train new recruits.

Trojus is governed by a triumvirate of the most powerful soldiers of the Hoplites, who at least reach the age of 40.

-Nidethes, one of the only City-States who grant women more rights than the rest. They receive no shortage of insults for it. Nidethes women are still oppressed, but they can escape this oppression by aspiring to become like their goddess of archery, and pledge themselves to the Archery Corps of Nidethes, where they are respected and honored like any male soldier would be. Their archery is unmatched all throughout Annilatus.

-Barecles, one of the most scholarly of the City-States. Many come here to be finely educated in the art of war, and Barecles engineers are responsible for the invention of two siege engines: the Ram Tank, and the Ballista. The Ram Tank is a 6 man vehicle armored with logs, with the sole purpose of knocking down walls and gates. The Ballista resembles an oversized crossbow, and fires projectiles roughly the size of a knight's lance, if not bigger.

More detail to be added soon...

 

[DemetrioMachete]

Weapon Forms​

When put simply, a Weapon Form is the technique in which one wields a weapon. Stance, mobility, defense and offense all play a role in Weapon Form. Listed below are the mundane weapon forms, unaffected by the usage of Chi. Anyone can study these and pick them up. (If you have suggestions for a new Weapon Form do tell.)

Form I: Shielding​

The first Weapon Form is the act of wielding a Weapon in one hand, and a shield in the other. This form is quite well rounded, and allows for much diversity in equipment as well as an approach to combat. It emphasizes offense just as much as it does defense; encouraging the use of blocking and parrying through the shield.

Form II: Dual Wielding​

This form involves the usage of two weapon fighting, that is, a weapon in each hand. It encourages swift mobility and ruthless aggression, for detailed in the logistics of Form II, it is unwise to try and deflect blows with a weapon, as they may break under pressure. Form II encourages the use of light armor for further mobility.

Form III: Kenjutsu​

Form III utilizes the technique of holding a single weapon in two hands. It provides two options for an approach to mobility, and encourages a switch between them. The "grace" stance is to be used for slower enemies, keeping light on the feet and reserved with stamina, so as to tire a foe out. The "power" stance encourages planting one's feet. While this robs mobility, a sturdy stance exponentially increases the amount of momentum an attack can have, as well as a sound level of defense. These stances are universal among the Forms, but it is only emphasized here, due to the risky nature of having one weapon and no shield. This form is most popular with Fukuyan Samurai.

Form IV: Reach​

The fourth form is primarily used by polearm warriors. It strongly emphasizes high mobility and variation between fast and powerful slashes and thrusts, as it is crucial to keep foes out of reach, as well as ensuring they cannot grab the pole of your weapon.

Form V: Pragmatic Style​

This form, invented by the Fukuyan Shinobi, is less a martial art and more a guide to surviving and triumphing over an enemy more well equipped than yourself. It encourages fighting with pragmatism; aiming for sensitive parts of the body like the eyes and groin; as well as any place that isn't armored.

Form VI: Mounted Blade​

The sixth form is designated for Mounted fighters. The most important detail of the form is ensuring your mount stays alive and mobile, for when it falls, so will you. Most weapons can be used while mounted; though it may require adjustments compared to using a Weapon on foot.

Form VII: Guerilla Tactics​

Form VII is another form developed by the Shinobi in order to counteract the Samurai. The Samurai's Yumi bow is notoriously accurate, and so this form involves constantly being on the move, shooting and relocating, never remaining in the same spot more than once. This technique is recognized in both Eufice and Skalesh as well, where it is known as "Guerilla Tactics." Naturally, Form VII typically requires a ranged weapon to utilize its hit and run strategy, but the exceptionally agile can make due with swords and daggers as well.

Form VIII: Unarmed Fighting​

Just because you do not carry a weapon, or have been disarmed of one, does not make you helpless if you are proficient in this Form. Those who practice Form VIII have turned their whole body into a weapon, whether it be Euficen Boxing, Fukuyan Karate, or Skaleshi Muay Thai, these can make you just as dangerous without a weapon as you are with one. Grappling, tripping, headbutting, low blows, nothing is off limits when your life is the stake.

Euficen Knights practice a stance that makes good use of their heavy armor, by taking up a stance that may be limited in offensive capability, but enables a greatly stable stance which ensures it will minimize takedowns. Euficen boxers are encouraged to aim for the jaw of their opponents if they wield considerable bulk, and aim for the body of agile attackers, so as to knock the wind out of their system.

Fukuyan Karate is, at its roots, a self-defense style. Many of its punches, chops and kicks are designed to be used as counter-attacks. It's more aggressive moves, such as the flying kick, require intense athletic prowess.

Skaleshi Muai Thai makes use of eight limbs: two arms, two legs, two elbows and two knees. The arms and legs are to be used when the enemy is at a range, always aim for the neck and heart with punches, the knees and shins with kicks. When closer up, the elbows of a Muai Thai user can easily crack skulls and create deep cuts, and the knees are extremely useful for ramming into the gut, inducing intense stamina loss.

Form IX: Sniping​

IX is the parallel to VII, for while VII encourages constant movement and close to mid range combat, IX is meant to maximize the range of fire with the likes of bows, crossbows, and even siege engines like the trebuchet. It requires a sound amount of knowledge in topics such as mathematics, the Corealis Effect, and measurements of distance and velocity. IX Snipers are deadly at ranges one may not even see them from.

I am open to suggestions if you can think of something different!

 

[DemetrioMachete]

Chi

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Chi is a metaphysical aura which exists in all living beings. It was discovered by an ancient Fukuyan Emperor, though it is unknown which one. Chi can be accessed by all living beings, although it requires intense training and study to be able to use, even more so to be readily accessible in combat. When this level of Chi focus is reached, however, one ascends the level of mundane fighting, and becomes a creature of legend. There are a few weapon forms that are solely based on augmenting ones self with their Chi.

A chi' s color is based on the most highly valued principal the user believes. As such, a rewrite or change in personality can also change the color and shade of chi. The brighter the color of the Aura, the more pure the intentions are. The darker it is, the more muddled they are. For instance, if someone wields a blue aura, but it is a significantly dark blue, then they do not truly seek true solitude, and are driven only to have at least a single moment of loneliness. Below is a handy guide.

White: A lack of personal desires, and fueled only by the ideals of Good. Believed only to be possessed by true religious Prophets, Messiah, and Gods themselves.

Black: A true, unbridled sense of evil, and the desire to spread harm, death and misery. A known trait of demons and some creatures, but has reportedly been possessed by other humans.

Red: A desire to fight, dominate, and assert one's self as the greatest.

Blue: The longing for calm, tranquility, and solitude.

Yellow: A desire for happiness, whether it be from greed, gluttony, or even love.

Green: A protective color, designated for those who place the value of themselves lower than those they care deeply for.

Orange: Wanderlust, A desire to acquaint themselves with others, and see new places.

Purple: A desire to gain political power, be it for control, wealth, or their own insecurities.

Multicolor: An unusual and supposedly extinct Chi, which had no defining color and would constantly change when drawed upon. No human possesses this Chi, as it is believed by the few who know of it to belong to creatures of the Afterlife...

 

[DemetrioMachete]

Chi Augmented Weapon Forms

Form X-I​

By using their Chi to augment their strength and striking power, a warrior is accessing Form X-I. Concentration is required to maintain this form, focused solely on the desire to erase a foe from the ranks of the living. This is considered an evil form, due to its violent requirements. The strength augmentation is usually enough to allow the chi user to slice, stab, and bash right through solid stone, and send enemies flying with a single swing. The activation of Form X-I is telegraphed by a swelling in the upper and lower body muscles, as well as the hue of their flesh becoming more like their Chi Color.

Form X-II​

Through the use of Chi to influence one's speed, agility and dexterity, one accesses Form X-II. This speed-oriented Form grants the user full control over their sense of balance, allowing for intense acrobatic maneuvers and a drastic increase in speed, at the cost of being quickly exhausting to even the most athletic warriors. Concentration is required to maintain Form X-II, as its focus is based on the desire to outmaneuver and outpace an adversary, to dodge every attack and retaliate swiftly. Form X-II is telegraphed by a smoke-like substance escaping the pores of the one using it.

Form X-III ​

This form focuses solely on the toughness on the body. The Chi absorbs the pain of attacks which connect, so that concentration can be maintained. Wounds will quickly close over when accessing Form X-III, though the process takes at least ten seconds, more if a wound is particularly brutal or deep. Concentration must be maintained for the effects to persist, and the drive for the form is inspired by the desire to outlast and survive above all else. One can tell when someone is using X-III, if their blood veins are glowing vibrantly in the color of their Chi.

 

[DemetrioMachete]

Chi Weapons
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Legends tell of a mysterious set of relics which ancient, Chi-Proficient blacksmiths managed to forge into weapons with their own reserve of Chi. As Chi exists in living beings, these weapons are semi-intelligent, and can subtly influence the thought process of their wielders. For fear of their abuse, the blacksmiths who forged them hid them away, awaiting someone worthy to wield them, or destroy them.

The Black Knight's Sword​

A weapon forged in Eufice. It is said to be a sword once forged for a man in a suit of armor that had been charred black by Hell's flames. It was said when he wielded the sword, this Black Knight could sense evil in the hearts of his fellow men, and would be wracked with the constant desire to kill them where they stood. The blade, when applied to combat, would tear into anything fueled by evil, and was the bane of all who possessed a black Chi. This weapon was lost after the Black Knight and his pure-hearted companions rode off for the frozen land of Seuzea...

Chaos Blade​

Rumored to be the final weapon crafted by the ancient swordsmith Muramasa in Fukuya. It is said that this katana was used for the sole purpose of killing Muramasa's rival, Masamune, and that after Masamune was killed, Muramasa took his own life in the ritualistic act of seppuku. The blade is highly sought after by both the ranks of Samurai and Shinobi, despite both parties knowing that the weapon is evil. Chaos Blade is said to create wounds that can never heal, and that the sword itself must draw blood at least once a day, lest it suck out the soul of the fool who wields it.

The Silver Knight's Spear​

The only known companion of the Black Knight, the Silver Knight, had a spear commissioned by the same blacksmith who forged the Black Knight Sword. This Spear lacked the evil slaying qualities of the Black Knight's weapon, for it was a weapon not attuned to ideas, but physical presence. The Spear, with a single flare of its Chi, could immerse itself in a valuable element based around the environment it is in; such as a coating of poison within a swamp, or conjuring lightning during a storm.

Beast Gauntlets​

A set of gauntlets that were supposedly forged on the Lolthan sands, these gauntlets are on Skaleshi records as being an object of evil. The wielder of these gauntlets slowly lose their advanced faculties to reason and socialize, until they become a bipedal beast known as a Lycanthrope, in Skalesh, or a Werewolf, in Eufice and Fukuya. The council of Skalesh has ordered that these gauntlets be destroyed if they are found, lest they be plagued by the curse of the werewolf yet again.

Racheda​

A mysterious crossbow built in Northern Eufice. Racheda is unique in that it is said to be a fully automatic crossbow. Capable of firing at least 100 bolts before needing to be reloaded, Racheda was invaluable during defense from a siege. Rumor goes that Racheda was lost after its wielder encountered a Fukuyan archer wielding a Chi weapon as well, but accounts cannot say if their battle took place on Fukuya or Eufice, only that they made extensive use of Form VII within the confines of a misty forest.

Dragon's Tooth​

A massive club said to be the petrified tooth of a dragon. The Dragon Tooth was wielded by an ancient Heistrean Paladin who went by the name of Havel, said to be such a master of Form X-III and X-I that he never flinched nor retreated from battle, and all who met the business end of his Dragon Tooth were made into unrecognizable red stains. The tooth is said to be unbreakable, and will gleefully shatter other weapons to pieces should they clash.

Asura's Twin Scimitars​

Asura, according to Skaleshi written accords, was a man who came from one of the cannibalistic tribes of Loltha, who spoke their language and routinely asked for a duel once per day. He had six arms, two of which carried twin curved blades supposedly crafted from beautiful sparkling gems. Asura was undefeated in duels and supposedly managed to go 500 days before finally being defeated by supposedly deceased Chi master Ouroboros. His twin scimitars are on display at a Skaleshi Museum, where the Sutavo awaits a warrior who could match Asura's skill.

Greataxe of White Iron​

Perhaps the only weapon truly forged in Seuzea, this greataxe, wielded by a nomadic knight who travelled to Eufice in search of a King to serve, was as heavy as the white armor of steels and furs this enigmatic knight donned. While the knight's name has been forgotten, his legendary wielding of Form X-I has affected Euficen culture, enforcing the need for strength even on a social level. Supposedly, whoever the Greataxe slayed would be doomed to have their body freeze in place, and no heat could ever melt this ice. Some say this white knight is still alive, carrying out his missions for the current King of Eufice...

Mad King's Pike
The pike of the Mad King is no pike at all; but rather, a trident. It received this incorrect name due to the effect his weapon has on the people who wield it. It's last known user was Malentio Duravenci, a Noble of Eufice who lived near he time of the Kingdom's foundation. He spent every waking hour not spent feeding himself sharpening the trident. His obsession with keeping the trident prongs sharp drove him mad. So mad, in fact, he declared himself king of an already governed kingdom.

The trident was partially responsible for Malentio's downfall. As an intelligent weapon, it constantly demands sharpening, until the wielder can think of nothing but sharpening it.

Youkai Bow​

Rumored to have come from the Realm of Spirits, the Youkai Bow was an instrument of true, perfect archery. It's arrows could, in short bursts, change course towards a moving target. To many, it was believed this bow could never miss. The last wielder of the Youkai Bow perished in a one week duel against a rival from another land, who carried a crossbow that fired a barrage of bolts all in a single concentrated cone of death...