What if the lightsabre forms from Star Wars were actually cool and visually distinct and viable and good for storytelling and and and...
OK, visual distinction (and viability at the same time) first.
Form I: Shii-Cho
Since this form is meant to be primitive (read: HEMA-inspired), used for training the younglings, and one that doesn't take advantage of the lightsabre's properties, I think that the greatsword is the best fit. Additionally, this form is meant to specialise in fighting multiple opponents.
Form II: Makashi
Rapier, fencing (most one-handed sword types). 'Nuff said. This is the dedicated duelling form that can beat most of the other forms in 1v1 combat, but it does not incorporate defence against projectile weapons and is also vulnerable to form V, apparently.
Form III: Soresu
A form specialising in defence against blaster fire. I'm ditching the whole 'no weaknesses, but no strengths' aspect and making this the twirly form, so sabre fighting would make a good base. Moulinets abound, as well as Destreza-style footwork. For fun, let's incorporate reverse grip and make it a debated topic in-universe.
Form IV: Ataru
An aggressive form that uses acrobatics, I want to see tricking involved in this one. Wuxia films get this one just right in my opinion. Definitely a two-handed sword variety, so my pick is kendo for this one as a base. I can be convinced with the kung fu sword forms if someone insists.
Form V: Shien/Djem So
This is, to me, the longsword-based form. The Shien variant focused on redirecting blaster fire, and Djem So focused on lightsabre combat (German and Italian longsword, respectively, why not). Form V develops in parallel with form IV, similar to the divergence between northern and southern styles of kung fu.
Form VI: Niman
This is the 'basic' advanced form that combines forms I-V, excluding II. Its 'special thing' is using force powers. The most used form is also the least prepared for lightsabre-to-lightsabre combat. I feel this one needs to be created from scratch to have its own unique visual style, but I'm fine with a mish-mash of the others if that's the best that can be done.
Form VII: Juyo/Vaapad
Forms closer to the dark side, they use emotions to increase the capabilities of the user. I imagine this as either bullet time or super speed, but that might look weird. My choice of the two would be very slight super speed (about 1.5x). Anyhow, I don't mind this one not being viable in real life, as it specifically needs superhuman ability to use.
Bonus form: Jar'Kai
The dual-wielding form, this can take many different directions, and I approve of all of them. Rapier and dagger, kali sticks, you name it. I see this as an opportunity to show this form as a more idiosyncratic style that fewer individuals use.
Q: What about the weird stances, though?
A: Heavily ritualised salute formulas. Easy.
(Feel free to ask more questions; I want this to be as cool as possible.)
Anyway, here's my Joesky tax
GLOG Gleamsword user.
Hit die: d6
Starting equipment: robes, gleamsword, old proverbs.
Starting skills (roll 1d4 twice) 1: diplomacy 2: gleamsword construction 3: meditation 4: swimming
The gleamword deals 1d12 damage (best of 2d12 if used two-handed), and attack rolls made with it are made at disadvantage.
A: Young one
You know the Shii-Cho form and can sense the presence of other gleamsword users. While unarmoured, you gain a bonus to defence or AC equal to the number of templates you have in this class (except ∆ templates).
B: Wielder of Gleam
Provided you are concentrating on nothing else, you may telekinetically move an object you can see no heavier than yourself. In other circumstances, you can move an object as heavy as your gleamsword.
C: Gleamknight
You have permission to train a novice in the arts of the gleamsword and have access to your order's ancient lore. You can influence emotions around you, conferring advantage or disadvantage on morale rolls made by people near you.
D: Master rank
Your Wielder of Gleam ability no longer requires concentration. Once per day, you can negate one use of a form against you. Monasteries and temples welcome you, and high-ranking people will at least listen to what you have to say.
∆: Additional forms
(Defeat another gleamsword user. This can be triggered multiple times.)
Choose a form. You gain its ability (you have access at all times to the abilities your learned forms confer):
Shii-Cho:
You do not roll with disadvantage when using the gleamsword. If you roll a natural 20 when attacking, you may disarm your opponent (if applicable).
Makashi:
Even when not two-handing your gleamsword, it does (best of 2d12) damage. Whenever someone misses you with an attack, you may immediately attack them with your gleamsword.
Soresu:
When attacked by a ranged weapon while wielding your gleamsword, you can roll 1d12 to reduce the damage by that amount. You can forgo your next attack to use this ability against a melee attack.
Ataru:
Your jump distance and height are doubled. When attacking with your gleamsword, you can jump towards the target as part of the attack.
Shien:
When attacked by a ranged weapon while wielding your gleamsword, make an attack roll. If your result is higher than the attack's roll, redirect the attack towards the attacker.
Djem-So:
You may forgo your next movement to make your next attack with a gleamsword automatically hit.
Niman:
When you unintentionally miss an attack, you may use your Wielder of Gleam ability to move an object up to a distance equal to your movement. This can be used as a ranged attack (1d4 damage on a hit). If the target has both hands full, you have advantage on this attack.
Juyo:
You can take a penalty (1d12) to your defence or AC for the round to add a bonus to damage on all your attacks on your turn (the same result).
Vaapad:
You can take one damage to make an attack at any moment.
Jar'Kai:
Create/find a second gleamsword. If you land a successful hit with one gleamsword, you may immediately make an attack with the other.
∆: Form 0
(Attack someone of your alignment with the gleamsword. This can be triggered multiple times.)
You change alignment.
Joesky Tax complete (Disc Horse nowhere to be seen); it's time for the P.T.B. tax. (If you don't pay this tax, you will be lost in ███████.
Old proverbs concerning the arts of the Gleamsword
If you seek a fight, you will find an enemy.
To look away is to cast shadow upon your eyes.
A gleam may be a source of light or a dimmed reflection.
The greatest skill is to wield oneself, not the blade.
The hands are the reflection of the mind, which is the reflection of the heart.
The blade is dead, yet wills for death.
Be formless; reflect both light and shadow.
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