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Iklwa Fighting
5 points
History credits Shaka, the early 19th-century Zulu king,
with turning the Zulus into a warrior nation. He forged war
bands into disciplined regiments, or impi, and trained his
troops to fight with the short-handled, long-bladed iklwa
instead of the assegai (javelin). They also used the knobbed
club. When not at war, Zulu warriors led a pastoral existence,
and thus tended to be both fit and fleet of foot.
Iklwa Fighting is extremely direct. It uses the shield not
only to deflect attacks but also to hook the enemy’s shield
and drag him off-balance. After pulling his foe off-guard, the
warrior stabs his opponent in the vitals and disembowels
him (to release his spirit in death). Committed Attack
(Strong) is common.
Skills: Axe/Mace; Running; Shield; Spear.
Techniques: As Sojutsu (pp. 197-198), but replace
Disarming (Spear) and Sweep (Spear) with Armed Grapple
(Shield) and Feint (Shield).
Optional Traits
Advantages: Combat Reflexes; Fit.
Disadvantages: Bloodlust; Callous.
Skills: Guns.
Jukenjutsu (Bayonet Fighting)
Skills: Fast-Draw (Shuriken); Holdout; Thrown Weapon
(Shuriken).
Techniques: Targeted Attack (Shuriken Throw/Eyes);
Targeted Attack (Shuriken Throw/Hand); Targeted Attack
(Shuriken Throw/Leg); Targeted Attack (Shuriken
Throw/Neck).
Cinematic Skills: Breaking Blow.
Cinematic Techniques: Dual-Weapon Attack (Thrown
Shuriken).
Perks: Off-Hand Weapon Training (Fast-Draw or Thrown
Shuriken); Quick-Swap (Shuriken); Unusual Training (Can use
Tricky Shooting in a campaign that doesn’t use those rules).
Optional Traits
Advantages: Ambidexterity; Weapon Master (Shuriken).
Spear Fighting (Continued)
4 points
Jukenjutsu is the Japanese art of bayonet fighting, but it
works “as is” for the bayonet style of almost any military
force in the world. Jukenjutsu has both sport and combat
forms. Sport fighters use padding-tipped rifles and throat,
chest, and face protection. Only these three targets are valid
– and only thrusting is allowed. Purely military bayonet
training omits Savoir-Faire (Dojo) and Spear Sport. Some
soldiers also learn Knife.
Skills: Savoir-Faire (Dojo); Spear; Spear Sport.
Techniques: Feint (Spear); Retain Weapon (Rifle);
Targeted Attack (Spear Thrust/Face); Targeted Attack (Spear
Thrust/Neck); Targeted Attack (Spear Thrust/Vitals).
Optional Traits
Advantages: Combat Reflexes.
Viking Spear Fighting
4 points
Shields were relatively uncommon for foot troops in Asia
but very common in Europe. This style is suitable for spear
fighters from across Europe or anywhere warriors use the
shield and hurled spear in battle. Its users included the
Vikings, who especially admired heroic feats with the
thrown spear.
Skills: Shield; Spear; Thrown Weapon (Spear).
Techniques: As Sojutsu (pp. 197-198).
Cinematic Skills and Techniques: As Sojutsu, but add
Dual-Weapon Attack (Thrown Spear).
Perks: Naval Training; Off-Hand Weapon Training
(Thrown Spear); Shield-Wall Training.
Optional Traits
Advantages: Combat Reflexes; Enhanced Block.
Disadvantages: Berserk.
Skills: Axe/Mace; Broadsword; Parry Missile Weapons;
Thrown Weapon (Axe/Mace); Two-Handed Axe/Mace.
Techniques: Hand-Catch (Parry Missile Weapons).
Disadvantages: Reputation (“Thug or criminal,” in a
modern game; “Signature move: carries and uses concealed
shuriken,” in a historical one).
Skills: Karate; Thrown Weapon (Knife).
SOJUTSU
3 points
Sojutsu, also known as Yarijutsu, is the Japanese art of
spear fighting. While samurai are popularly associated with
swords, many preferred the spear for warfare – mainly
because of its reach advantage and effectiveness against
mounted foes. Historically, the spear played a very important
battlefield role.
STYLES 197