Yasuraka Toreeru A group, however, would have more complex requirements... he reasoned. Like guard duty - as Vix pointed out. Not much to discuss there... he figured, curbing his thought. And he went on in his mind that it was perhaps better to see what the others decide and match their plan. Weighing these, he found himself leaning slightly against the quarterstaff bo . It seemed tiredness had caught up with him... "Rest peacefully..." / "Not here..." / "One we should answer..." - The replies' echo bounced randomly in his head, which too began to feel heavier - as before sleep. That... will have to wait a bit, he said to himself, drawing a couple of breaths... The veil of drowsiness once scattered, reformed - however - only moments later. That darkness... He could use something to focus on... ...Mud walls? he thought, raising an eyebrow - A trap, likely, for those hidden within them, Unless... the height would be enough to keep us out of the Mists' reach, up there. about that Ano ...We need not concern ourselves with it now, I'd say. If we'll face the Bengoshi as a group, there should be just one report to give, " he shared, in a subdued tone. And while speaking, his mind prompted a searching side glance towards the Steametic. How heavy was the machine being? he wondered - should they have to hoist it... ...But did he do all that, really? Mind seemed awake, yet his body felt almost like... it wasn't there... Danger? Was that what he really sensed? Could it be that... His thought dissolved then into silent acknowledgment, as it was revealed to be just the reflection of higher mind. "Yes, " he might have told himself - "there was danger, for there was also the gentle hand of spirit, guiding him. " How strange... he mused, touched by the faithfulness of that soundless avowal - so foreign looking on the background of bleak darkness. Will their own essence remain as fresh and as clean long, when mixed with the smoke-like ghosts of decay, of dying? went his mind... noise? ...A voice calling?
He may have perceived walls where there was only a simple mound of unmodeled earth. Dream stuff.
Torēru may be the one Vix spoke to, or one called by our other watch.
No actions yet.
I passed the chance of conjuring berries for everyone. In case there is food shared that my character is invited to, he'd take only a small piece, bow - thanking simply, and eat quietly.
There are a few things Torēru would not likely be engaged in, after what i described: conversation, rapid movement, effort, and other such things that would shake him awake.
A camp can mean a number of things. In case someone addressed Torēru about this, we can have him mention "fire", "food separated from loggings", "a privy". He couldn't be an expert, but he'd remember a few things from his studies. He'd be among the last to ask the opinion of.
(identity, status, attributes, weapons, equipment, features, spellcasting, person)
Yasuraka Toreeru ,
proficiency bonus: +2, Level 3 (XP 900/2700)
+1 CON, +1 WIS, Human, +1 DEX, Soburi Priest tradition; (features below) Monk
[_
average; Quarterstaff mainly melee __
distractions ranged __
non-combat magic __
Medicine(, herbs), calligraphy skills __
general, martial arts knowledge __
limited social _]
Status: normal condition, half-asleep - in a position that allows dozing off
mod proficiency to Strength and Dexterity (Monk) Saves warm beige skin, oval face, black eyes and hair, pointy-eared (Soburi) , simple clothes of dull color Looks Athletics ; (Attack Bonus)Str 12(12) +1
+3
30 base (Human) + 10 more (Monk) ; 8 grid squares; long jump 6-12, high jump 2-4 ft. Speed Size : MediumAcrobatics , Sleight of Hand, Stealth; AC, Initiative, Attack BonusDex 14(14) +2
+4
Unarmored Defense, AC = 14 (10 + DEX mod, WIS mod) AC DEX mod Initiative Height : 5'7HP Con 14(14) +2
+2
max HP = 10 from hit dice + Con mod, +5 every level HP normal Vision carrying capacity 180 lb., push/drag/lift maximum 360 lb. Weight Arcana, History, Investigation, Nature, Religion Int 12(12) +1
+1
Temp HP : 0 Animal Handling, Insight , Medicine , Perception, Survival; Spellcasting Wis 14(14) +2
+2
mod 0 Haitoku passive = 10 + WIS mod Perception Deception, Intimidation, Performance, Persuasion Cha 12(12) +1
+1
d8, available to spend: 3 out of 3 hit dice mod -2: Culture Dignity 11 lb. without backpack; (see Equipment) Carried proficient in: Athletics (Soburi) , Medicine (Ronin) , Acrobatics, Insight (Monk) Skills proficient with: Calligraphy tools, Herbalism tools (Ronin) Tools Soburi, Ceramian, Ropa (Human, Ronin) Languages gp: 0, sp: 10, cp: 20 Money
Attack Bonus = proficiency bonus + DEX mod (or STR mod, depending on weapon and striking method)(Ronin) ; (Monk) ; (Monk) . Melee capacity : to Hit
+4(3) ,
Attack Bonus = proficiency bonus + DEX mod(Monk) Ranged capacity : to Hit
+4
Given the qualities 'simple' and 'versatile' and the popular image of staff wielding monks, the Quarterstaff/Bo could be considered a Monk weapon. I believe the following considerations apply:
~ Dexterity applies to some strikes, Strength to other ~
In general, if physical strength is applied only towards the end of a strike move, then the attack and damage would be based on the Dexterity modifier. These are lashes, at which agile moves drive the strike. Also worth mentioning, perhaps, are strikes occurring during (defensive) staff spinning - where quick movement results in (some) hitting power.
On the other hand, the Strength modifier seems suitable for jabs (thrusts), parries, and tripping/bone-cracking hits.
Dexterous strikes would be aimed at weaker body parts, thus causing damage comparable to strong, unguided strikes. Additionally, strikes to pressure points may be related to Dexterity - but those are usually hard to reach when fighting with weapons.
Although in D&D 5e, a feat is needed to perform anything other than a strike which results in lowering adverse hit points, it may make more sense to consider as disabling those strikes to the weapon hand (/wrist/forearm/elbow), or at least that they enable opportunity attacks.
~ About the bonus attacks that Martial Arts and Flurry of Blows make possible ~
Excepting the case when the opponent is within 3 ft. of the Bo wielder, when one hand is used on the staff and the free hand could deliver an unarmed strike, it seems unlikely for an ex-Samurai to do a roll or spin to reach the opponent and punch, after having struck with the staff. Regardless of background, that is dangerous too.
There is also the time frame difference (action > bonus action) that suggests against moving (more than a step) in between the action and bonus action...
I propose that, instead of finger/palm/fist technique, Bo strikes would be used: whether only role-played, taking the damage dice of unarmed fighting, or actually taking the Bo dice in calculations. This would apply to both two and one hand Bo wielding.
~ The way Bo technique is translated into action terms ~
Fighting with the Bo places defense first. During a fight, a jab or strike to the body is usually preceded by one or more parries. Those would take place when the opponent misses.
Suppose one starts the turn with the Ready action. Then they could parry/strike the weapon arm during reaction and take the Martial Arts bonus action to strike the body. If one uses the reaction to catch a projectile, then (of course) the turn would pass without striking.
Instead, if one uses the action to strike, then we have the second strike of the bonus action and the possibility of reacting to projectiles. But then all defense is left to dodging; role-play (the opponent missed) or game mechanism.
(introduction, generalities, quarterstaff, one-handed fighting, closing notes)
His way places him three-fold: on the side of good, of social customs, and of existing fighting styles.
Following tradition, he trained with the spear first, then the sword (close-quarters fighting aside). Toreeru studied various Soburi and Ceramian techniques.
Which is to say, i drew from several quarterstaff/spear schools from across the world, the most relevant being: Matayoshi and Yamanni, Wing Chun and Xingyi, Shastra Vidiya, Kali, Meyer and Paurenfeindt . He found common traits and differences which he filtered based on his sense for combat efficiency.
~ Michibata Ryū, generalities
The battlefield changes constantly, threats can appear in many forms.
Involved and detached, leading and following, firm and adaptable - these are aspects of staying balanced ; Earth, the middle element - d6 face 6.
When not intending to act, one is the most relaxed, reacting naturally to changes in the surroundings; Water, the element of Winter and the North - d6 face 5.
When seeking a breach in the adverse defense, one moves lightly, while being ready to strike at any time; Wood, the element of Spring and the East - d6 face 2.
When a breach appears in the adverse defense, one strikes repeatedly with moderate energy - each strike potentially occasioning new breaches ; Fire, the element of Summer and the South - d6 face 3.
When striking decisively, one focuses effort at the expense of greater energy, mobility, speed, and safety ; Metal, the element of Autumn and the West - d6 face 4.
All movement is guided spiritually, from the principle submitted to ; Heaven, above the elements - d6 face 1.
(Please note that my use of the elements differs substantially from the Xingyi philosophy.)
~ Two-handed Quarterstaff
1.
The Bo can be held with thumbs facing, or pointing in the same direction (palms opposite).
The first hold allows smashing strikes that are quicker, but demand more effort. It can be used in the Fire stage, or when grabbing the Bo in a hurry.
2.
The Bo can be held with one hand towards the back end (while the other hand is in front of it, at some distance along the staff), or with both hands away from the ends (a position approximately dividing the staff in three equal parts).
The first hold is for keeping the opponent at a distance. The second hold becomes useful when the distance is shortened.
There is a third hold, with both hands towards (different) staff ends. Its use is in surprising the opponent.
3.
It is important to be able to change staff holds during a fight. To achieve this quickly and safely, one maintains the hands relaxed - tensing only when striking. Also, when one hand changes its hold, the other remains in control of the Bo.
4.
Various guards are possible, their purpose being to keep the staff wielder protected, mobile, and ready to strike effectively.
For the 'one hand towards the back end' hold, the most useful guard has the Bo between its wielder and the opponent, pointing to his face from your back hip. This is called the middle guard.
For the 'both hands away from the ends' hold, the most useful guard has the Bo in front of the wielder's chest, diagonally.
One can change between the two guards with a simple diagonal smash.
The knees are slightly bent most of the times. Not as much as to prevent movement (or to hurt).
5.
The targets are the exposed soft areas of the body, the opponent's hand on the weapon (and its continuing wrist, forearm, and elbow), and the weapon itself (chain/whip and net being exceptions).
6.
These are the Bo's uses: thrust (straight hit), smash (sideways/cross-ways hit), block, control (pin, lead, or just sense adverse movement), and push (including throwing the opponent to the floor).
For the 'one hand towards the back end' hold, various thrusting directions can be achieved by maneuvering with the back hand. The front hand leads the thrusts. In smashes, the back hand (pulling) may easier lead the strike.
For the 'both hands away from the ends' hold also, the back hand can lead better. Important here is to prevent the inactive end from hitting your more sensitive body parts - by stopping it on the arms (from shoulder to wrist).
Any kind of Bo spinning reduces the wielder's control over it. Additionally, you have less control of what happens in your vicinity, and your mobility is restricted. Wide sweeps, when the staff is only held with the back hand may be attempted temporarily against a crowd.
7.
While engaged in a staff maneuver, it is important to look out for new threats. After striking, it is important to redraw the staff quickly, resuming a guard.
Quickness, precision, and strength are the qualities of the strikes. They can be seen at the points of a triangle; with balance achieved in the middle.
Quick smashes are lashes. Precise strikes are sometimes guided after the move started, possibly redirecting against an obstacle.
In Wood, one emphasizes speed and precision. In Fire - speed and strength. In Metal - strength and, possibly, precision (in the case of disabling smashes).
8.
Foot and leg work should maintain the body balanced and mobile.
Crouching and one leg raised passive stances are not a part of this style.
9.
The added/gathered step is good when adjusting the distance to the opponent and the angle of attack. The normal/alternated step is good when circling, chasing, or running away. There is also the changing of direction by pivoting on the front foot. In extreme cases, one can roll on the ground - in the direction perpendicular to the staff.
10.
The idea of the added step is to have one foot standing while the other is moving away. Then the second foot stands and the first moves towards it.
The small space training form for added steps is a square figure: Starting from one corner, pass through all other corners before returning to the initial place.
Besides the zigzag movement helpful in avoiding adverse strikes - while you advance or retreat, this pattern also teaches against trying to move straight back after a forward step; and vice versa. The idea is, of course, to maintain good movement speed while avoiding the tensing of the body.
11.
When stepping, one should move the whole upper body - from waist to shoulders - as one unit; this increases safety and speed. Stepping, as well as body turning, proceeds from the waist.
The moving foot slides across the ground; while the weight is on the other leg. While staying mobile, it is good to always have one of the feet slightly off the ground. This also offers stability, especially against knock-down hits.
12.
When striking and stepping at the same time, one gains speed if the strikes are done across a short distance, and loses speed otherwise.
It is generally better to step in between strikes, separating the arm and leg movement. Speed then is acceptable, while strength and precision are improved. The arms can move at the same time with the body when not striking.
Before dealing a strong blow, one can adopt a firm leg posture, lowering the body a little more (to increase stability). In all other situations, it is better to have the legs as the hands on the staff: relaxed and ready to move, one more firm than the other.
13. Risky, but sometimes useful, is to hit only with the back hand, extending the arm and turning the body to achieve the longest reach possible. The back leg is raised to maintain balance.
After thrusting, the staff is quickly redrawn and held properly.
14.
If the opponent grabs the Bo with a hand, you can attempt to free it by pulling/pushing in the direction of his finger tips (away from his palm).
If the opponent used a chain or a whip, you can close the distance to him and hit with the available end (or ends).
~ One-handed Quarterstaff
There are situations in battle when one hand becomes unavailable, or it is needed for something else than holding the Bo. For such cases, Toreeru came up with the moves described below. Considerations of the Two-handed Quarterstaff also apply here, unless overrode by new techniques.
1.
The staff is an extension of the arm, with the primary role of controlling the fight.
In general, the Bo wielder remains mobile and does not put much strength in either strikes or steps until an opportunity to disable/disarm the adversary arises.
2.
Bo contact with a target is made within 3 and 6 ft. from you.
Under 3 ft., the free hand/arm is used.
3.
The staff is held from the middle, the back end leaning on the body. The middle guard is preferred, with the holding hand facing the body side away from the staff (e.g. right hand facing your left side); the fist is closed over the Bo.
The forearm is kept aligned with the Bo when jabbing/thrusting, parrying, or hitting the opponent's extended weapon hand/wrist/forearm/elbow.
4.
The legs move also to balance the Bo arm and torso movement (not just to advance, retreat, or circle the opponent).
5.
To prevent own body injury when smashing sideways/cross-ways, the body must move in the staff's striking direction - shoulders first: When smashing from right to left, the right shoulder follows the staff, while the left shoulder moves back and in the opposite direction; similarly when smashing from left to right.
The movement of the torso begins from the shoulders.
This method prevents the straining of the Bo hand/wrist/forearm and of the spine (the torso does not twist), and also puts the torso's power behind the strikes.
The maneuver exposes your side away from the staff, so you must move quickly in and out of such situations.
These smashes have less strength and speed than their two-handed version. They are best used to surprise and parry, lashing the adverse weapon. Also, you have to arm for them - which is best done on short distances, coupled with stepping.
But you can also attack the body this way.
The vertical smash to the top of the head is best done as a lash also. As you strike, the back end of the staff should be guided towards your side away from the staff; to avoid injury. The same precaution is taken for lashes to other body parts.
The lashing movement is as if you would throw a weight found at the Bo's tip: You concentrate on the imaginary weight. It is similar to casting a fishing pole. Trying to put strength in the move may hurt and unbalance you. Any strength put into the hit comes from body and Bo arm movement.
6.
Unlike the sideways smashes, a thrust has the body turning in the direction opposed to that you strike in - but also forward, slightly; for strength.
7.
It is affordable to just make contact with the adverse weapon in order to feel the opponent's moves and react to them.
There is also the use of the staff in catching the opponent's clothing, or infiltrating his guard without striking immediately. For one hand Bo handling, such maneuvers are dangerous because they limit your freedom of movement. If the opponent lost balance, one may afford to trip him with the Bo.
Staff spinning in a figure eight pattern may be used defensively - to deflect adverse strikes, and keep the opponent at a distance. The Bo can be stopped in either a normal guard or by the opposite shoulder/arm shoulder in order to strike. Bo spinning requires an extended and raised arm, which can be tiring to maintain for long.
8.
If the Bo is grabbed by the opponent, the wielder can remain in contact with the staff, without wresting. The Bo may still be useful in keeping the opponent at a distance - if the grip is maintained. Otherwise, it may be used as a quick distraction, while engaging in offensive action, equipping another weapon, or preparing to run away.
~ Closing notes
This is meant to be a reference for Toreeru's general approach to Quarterstaff fighting. If ever you would feel the need to understand more than my combat posts let out, i believe this text should complete the picture. This is not to say that i will not take as much of the explanation effort as possible on my post's shoulders - but fighting is often quick and my descriptions of it tend to reflect that; so sometimes what happens exactly may be less clear. The best approach, perhaps, is for me to point out certain details in OOC; or PM, if needed. You struggling with this text would be the last possible scenario.
Quarterstaff -other name: Bo - function: main weapon - held: either Hand, of both - category: melee - looks: simple design, unadorned - material: strong, flexible wood - condition: serviceable - range: app. 3' to 6' - properties: Versatile (1d8) - damage: 1d6+2 - type: bludgeoning
Dexterity modifierWeapon 1 :
1d6(8)+2 bludg.,
Shortsword - other name: Wakizashi - function: occasional weapon - held: in Right Hand - category: melee - looks: simple design, unadorned - condition: serviceable - range: under 3' - properties: Finesse , Light - damage: 1d6+2 - type: piercing/slashing
Weapon 2 :
1d6+2 pierc./slashing,
Dagger - other name: Tanto - function: occasional weapon - held: either Hand, Right better - category: melee or ranged - looks: simple design, unadorned - condition: serviceable - range: under 2' - properties: Finesse , Light , Thrown (range 20/60) - damage: 1d4+2 - type: piercing
Weapon 3 :
1d4+2 piercing ,
Dart - other name: Tosu - function: occasional weapon - held: either Hand, Right better - category: ranged - looks: simple design, unadorned - condition: serviceable - range: 20/60 ft.- properties: Finesse , Thrown (range 20/60) - damage: 1d4+2 - type: piercing
Weapon 4 :
1d4+2 pierc. ranged,
Unarmed Savant Unarmed :
1d6+2 bludgeoning.
equipped items backpack items Robes/Koromo: 3 lb. Backpack/Ryukku: 5 lb. bamboo Bottle/Bin: 3 lb. Quarterstaff/Bo: 4 lb. bundle of leaves: 1 lb. Shortsword/Wakizashi: 2 lb. Dagger/Tanto: 1 lb. Darts (4)/Tosu: 1 lb.
( Equipment )
Features:
Next dice in order for unarmed strikes, proficiency in Athletics. (Soburi) Unarmed Savant --
If having at least half your level of available hit dice, spend all to bring yourself from 0 to 1 hp. (Ronin) Indomitable Endurance --
If not wearing armor or using shield, AC = 10 + DEX mod + WIS mod. (Monk) Unarmored Defense
Use Dexterity instead of Strength for the attack and damage rolls of unarmed strikes and monk weapons. (Monk) Martial Arts --
Gain Ki points and features. (see below) (Monk) Ki ---
Extra movement when not wearing armor = +10ft. at Monk Level 3. (Monk) Unarmored Movement ---
Devoted to nature, blessed with magical abilities honed while perfecting a martial discipline. (Monk) Monastic Tradition: Priest
Use Reaction to deflect or catch a missile, reduce damage by 1d10 + DEX mod + Monk Level. (Monk) Deflect Missiles
Ki Features points: 3(3) 8 + prof. bonus + WIS mod save DC : 12 Features: (in own turn) Immediately after Attack action, make two unarmed strikes as Bonus action (1 KiP) Flurry of Blows (in own turn) Dodge as a Bonus action (1 KiP) Patient Defense (in own turn) Disengage or Dash as a Bonus action + doubled Jump distance (1 KiP) Step of the Wind (see Features above) Deflect Missiles
Spellcasting Level - used(total) slots Cantrips: L1 - 2(2): L2 - 0(0): L3 - 0(0): L4 - 0(0): ability: Wisdom 8 + prof. bonus + WIS mod save DC : 12 Action, 30 ft. range, V+S, Instantaneous effect - either: a tiny effect that predicts weather, plant blossom, harmless sensory effect, light or snuff out a candle Druidcraft (Detect Poison and Disease: ) Action, Self cast, V+S+M(yew/Ichiika leaf), Concentration, up to 10 min duration, 30 ft. radius; blocked by certain materials Detect PD prof. bonus + WIS mod attack mod : 4 1 min cast time, Touch range, V+S+M(two lodestones) - repair 1 foot of break or tear Mending Action, Touch range, V+S+M(mistletoe/Yadorigi sprig), Instantaneous effect, up to 10 berries - each giving 1 HP and curing hunger for 1 day; lose potency after 1 day Goodberry spell list: Druid prepared: 2
Ronin Background -- A minor clan retainer in Hakaisuru, he left service while in his twenties. His sympathies with the less fortunate, and believing the Mists have their root in the common evil, he started on a path of independent guardianship and spiritual pursuit. He became a wandering monk, lending his strength to the defense of villages and travelers, or spending time in solitude, in nature.
~ His past grants him proficiency in the long and short sword (Katana and Wakizashi), in Calligraphy, and in the use of Herbalism tools (mortar and pestle); among other things. When leaving the clan, he had to leave behind most possessions.
~ On his new path (Monk), he only uses slashing and piercing weapons as last resort. Of these, with darts he trained by himself - as with the quarterstaff. All current weapons come from defeated bandits.
~ Toreeru's magic comes from the good in nature and above. At first he is helped to anticipate, later to solve in non-offensive ways, and only lastly is he allowed to use natural and divine energy for damage or to control others. Spirits help him on good's own accord, not compelled by his will. Newer spells work less well or not at all in places polluted or just far from nature's complete reign.
Willing to make himself an instrument of good, Toreeru strives to diminish his selfish nature. Along with that comes leaving on the world as little an imprint as possible. When needed, he would stand his ground - yet without theatrics, or excess of zeal. And he would remain balanced, and gentle even - if circumstances allow it.
~ His foundation is Samurai education: discipline, honor, loyalty, responsibility, martial-administrative-and-artistic skills, manners. Feeling a strong call towards a good not regulated by society rules or obedience to a daimyō, Toreeru gave up shame and blind loyalty, and now relies on the inner guidance of good.
~ Of his attitude: Aware of own limitations, he meets situations without personal expectations - he just takes his chances, and tries to do his best. He is careful against hasty decisions - especially in complex circumstances, but when forced to act quickly Toreeru trusts his heart - hoping it would be guided by good. Towards others, he is unassuming and would not seek to dominate, impose, or lead - not even adversaries; fighting aside. He keeps a polite distance from people, and reaches for things only within the boundaries of modesty and decency.
With average physical features and dull colored clothing, Toreeru would hardly stand out in a crowd. Add his quiet demeanor, contained expression, and subtle smile, and it is understandable how he makes little impression in brief encounters. He cares only moderately for his looks - out of necessity mainly, and long periods in the wild often occasion a dirty cloth and grown beard. The occasional wounds of so far did not disable him, leaving as souvenirs only scars - usually hard to spot.
(please see the Character Sheet on site for Personality Traits, Ideals, Bonds, and Flaws)
Last edited by writelite; Oct 10th, 2022 at 08:36 AM .
Reason: had written Bo instead of bo... hm
Sep 17th, 2022, 08:50 AM
