Palladium Books Mystic China PDF

 Warning! Violence and the Supernatural This book may be inappropriate for young readers. The fictional World of Mystic China™ is violent, deadly and filled with supernatural monsters. Magic, monsters, demons, gods, demigods, immortals, dragons, combat, insanity and the supernatural are al...

 Warning! Violence and the Supernatural This book may be inappropriate for young readers. The fictional World of Mystic China™ is violent, deadly and filled with supernatural monsters. Magic, monsters, demons, gods, demigods, immortals, dragons, combat, insanity and the supernatural are all elements in this book. Some parents may find the violence and supernatural elements of the game inappropriate for young read- ers/players. We suggest parental discretion. Please note that none of us at Palladium Books condone nor encourage the occult, the practice of magic, the use of drugs, or violence. Although parts of Mystic China™ has been inspired by Chinese myths and legends, it is a fictional work. The magic, powers, monsters and characters depicted in this book are NOT real. A massive sourcebook for use with Heroes Unlimited™, Ninjas & Superspies™, and Beyond the Super- natural™. Compatible with Rifts® and the entire Palladium Books® Megaverse®! 1  Dedication felial Evarian Wujcik, Dedicat,nfroslghmu piety,omschlarN andtomy self-sainted father, Joseph St. Wujcik, with great love and affection. Erick Wujcik A very special thank you to the original, 1989, play-testers of Mystic China: Marvin Alien, Todd Bake, Kevin Lowry, Reg Roehl, John Speck, and Don Woodward. Anderson, Yi-Mei Chng, Deckert, Larry ThanksforvlueditcgD Paul Feinst,Spha Itchkawich, Knakal, Townson, Diane Vogt-O' Chuck AlanMoe,Ty Conr,adRgeZlzy. ThanksfortebgLiu,JlRSvWjcdmy main source, for which I am forever grateful, The Main Branch of the Detroit Public Library. Erick Wujcik Coming in 1995! Mystic China™ Sourcebook Other Palladium RPG titles include: Ninjas Superspies™ & Beyond the Supernatural™ UNlimited™ Heros Rifts* RPG The Palladium* RPG Robotech* RPG Macross H™ RPG RECON* The Compendium of Weapons, Armor and Castles7 TheCompndiuftrayWs™ 1995 FirstPng—ebuay Copyright©195PaldumBksInc. Alrightsevd,wounUaCpy.Nfbkmc by any means, without permission from the publisher, except for brief quotes for use in reviews. All incidents, situations, institutions, governments and people are fictional and any similarity, without satiric intent, of characters or persons living or dead, is strictly coincidental. Palladium Books®, Megaverse®, and Rifts® are registered trademarks owned and licensed by Kevin Siembieda and Palladium Books® Inc. Mystic China™, Superspies™, Unlimited™, Ninjas& Heros BeyondthSupral™msikwbKv- biedanPlumBoks®Ic. MysticChna™publedPmBokI.,1245UvrDT80 Printed in the USA. 2  PALLADIUM BOOKS PRESENTS: MYSTIC CHINA Written By: Erick Wujcik AditonalTex&Ccps:KvSmb SeniorEdt:Kvmba Editors: Alex Marciniszyn James A. Osten Kevin Kirsten JulisRoent Cover Painting: James Steranko Interior Artists: Vince Martin WayneBruxJ. Kevin Long Roger Petersen ArtDiecon&Kylg:vSmbda Typography: Maryann Siembieda Michael O'Connor Special Thanks to James Steranko for a fantastic cover painting (and for his patience). Erick for another great bok.Vince,WaydRgfrmtusw!AMlxSvTh Kevin Siembieda usalgnofPdimIrt. Table of Contents Mystic China Character Creation........................................................................ 7 AttributeBonuseC h a r t................................................................................ 8 Toatis Alignment( O p t i o n a l )............................................................................ 8 Skills for Mystic C h i n a................................................................................ 9 ChineseAntiquarian.................................................................................. 10 ChineseL a n g u a g e.................................................................................... 11 M e d i t a t i o n.......................................................................................... 12 WeaponP r o f i c i e n c i e s................................................................................. 12 Game Master Section................................................................................. 13 Tips on Good Game M a s t e r i n g.......................................................................... 13 Tips on Creating Good A t m o s p h e r e...................................................................... 14 Chinese Hours of the D a y.............................................................................. 15 Calendar of Chinese A s t r o l o g y.......................................................................... 16 Notes on Languages.................................................................................. 16 Name Generation.................................................................................... 17 Chinese Symbols & Name Table........................................................................ 17 The Hundred Family N a m e s............................................................................ 20 English to Chinese G l o s s a r y............................................................................ 21 Money in Mystic China............................................................................... 24 Basic Rate of Exchange............................................................................... 24 Cost of Living....................................................................................... 24 SavingO p t i o n....................................................................................... 25 Paper Work & Documents............................................................................. 26 Apparel, Equipment & Supplies Price L i s t................................................................. 26 Computers & Electronic E q u i p m e n t...................................................................... 27 Vehicles in China.................................................................................... 28 Weapons........................................................................................... 29 Weapons of Ancient C h i n a............................................................................. 30 MartialArtO. C. C. s................................................................................... 36 Demon Hunter O.C.C................................................................................. 38 Antiquarian......................................................................................... 49 Antiquarian's M a n s i o n................................................................................ 51 Immortalist......................................................................................... 63 Celestial C a l l i g r a p h y.................................................................................. 65 M a g i c.............................................................................................. 58 Psychic Character Classes ( P. C. C. s )...................................................................... 58 Blind Mystic........................................................................................ 58 Blind Mystic's Third Eye.............................................................................. 60 Chi Magic.......................................................................................... 68 Western Aranist P e r s p e c t i v e............................................................................ 70 Alphabetical List of Chi S p e l l s.......................................................................... 71 Mind Walk......................................................................................... 84 Create Vajra........................................................................................ 91 Weep Beans of L i f e................................................................................... 96 Chinese Alchemy.................................................................................... 98 Ten Lost Books of A l c h e m y............................................................................ 101 TenLegendaryAlchemicalE l i x i r s....................................................................... 102 Mudra............................................................................................. 103 Immortals ( H s i e n ).................................................................................... 113 4 False Paths to Immortality............................................................................. 114 Internals: Chinese D e m o n s............................................................................. 134 Servitors........................................................................................... 136 Infernal Demons..................................................................................... 143 Yama K i n g s......................................................................................... 147 Martial Art Powers................................................................................... 149 Atemi Powers....................................................................................... 150 Chi Powers......................................................................................... 153 Demon Hunter Body Hardening Exercises................................................................ 156 Special K a t a s........................................................................................ 157 Martial Art T e c h n i q u e s................................................................................ 159 Zenjoriki........................................................................................... 161 Compendium of Martial Arts........................................................................... 165 Listing of 29 Martial Art Forms......................................................................... 165 Quick Refresher..................................................................................... 167 Damage T a b l e....................................................................................... 170 Description of Forms Start (An Yin Kung F u ).............................................................. 171 Chao Ta Kung Fu (actor).............................................................................. 175 Liang Hsiung Kung Fu................................................................................ 188 Shih Ba Ban Wu Yi (Weapons M a s t e r )................................................................... 194 Triad Assassin (Modern W e a p o n s )....................................................................... 201 Introductory Scenario: An Outbreak of Alchemy........................................................... 204 Experience T a b l e s.................................................................................... 207 Book & Reading List................................................................................. 208  Quick Find Table Immortals Child(Imorta).132 Alchemy...................................... 98 Child ( s p e l l )................................... 96 Alchemy: Lost Books............................ 101 DamnedIortls.123 Alchemy:LgndarEixs.102 EnlightedImoras.127 Alchemy: Intro Adventure........................ 204 Fallen (or False) I m m o r t a l s....................... 113 Alchemy: Side-Effect from Immortality............. 103 HeartlsImo.12 AlchemiaIort.120 UndeaImortls.17 AlchemistKo.204 AnimusDecrpto(l).85 InferalWds Animus, Evoke Pure Chi ( s p e l l ).................... 85, Angry Po Spirits (Po C h i e n )...................... 134 Animus, Detach ( s p e l l )........................... 95 Bodiless Ghosts (Kuei H s i e n )..................... 135 Animus, Dispell ( s p e l l )........................... 86 Possessive E n t i t i e s.............................. 136 Celestial C a l l i g r a p h y............................. 65 Charcteion.7 InferalSvitos Chi Magic..................................... 68 Black Steel Centipede (Hei Lou Kung)............. 141 Chinese M o n e y................................. 24 BrasSnke(Touh).136 Chinese Names................................. 17 CoperPign(TK).140 Iron Dogs (Tieh Gou)........................... 138 ChinesNumbr.20 Chinese Skills.................................. 9 Quicksilver Monkeys (Hung H o u )................. 139 Chinese Symbols & Name Table................... 17 WhiteLadoprs(HuFnP).142 Chinese Weapons (ancient)....................... 30 Damage T a b l e.................................. 170 InferalDmos Demon Overlords.............................. 145 EnglishtoCeGary.21 Experience T a b l e s............................... 207 Horned U s h e r s................................. 145 Typical Infernal Creation Tables.................. 143 GameMstrScion.13 Immortals..................................... 114 Ranks........................................ 144 ImortalChid(spe).96 ReblIntras.148 Weaknesses & Special Powers.................... 144 InscribeCltagphy().7 MagicSpelsndDrto.72 YamKings.147 Martial Art F o r m s............................... 165 Martial Art Powers.............................. 149 Charctels Money and Symbols............................. 24 Limited Combat/Scholarly Remove Heart (spell)............................ 98 Antiquarian O. C. C.............................. 49 TienHsuh(AtmPowr).150 CapitlsEnreuO.52 Vajra, Create (spell)............................. 91 Vajra, Mudra Handling........................ for 12 MagicP.CS Xian Chi ( Z e n j o r k i ).............................. 161 Fang Shih P.C.C. (Geomancer).................... 61 Mang P.C.C. (Blind Mystic).................. Wu 58 Geomantic Spells Tao Shih P.C.C. (Immortalist).................... 63 Sense Ti Chi................................... 74 Wu Shih P.C.C. (Chi A r c a n i s t ).................... 67 Draw Confining Arc of Chi....................... 75 Draw Flowing Spiral of C h i....................... 76 MartilAsO.CS(omb) Draw Knot Obstruction........................ of 79 ChunTzO.(MartilAs)36 Draw Chi B a r r i e r................................ 81 DemonHutrO.C(MailAs)38 Draw Alternate Line of Natural C h i................. 83 Jian Shih O.C.C. (Marital Artist).................. 43 Draw Cage of C h i............................... 85 Nei Chia Wu Shih O.C.C. (Martial Artist)........... 45 Draw Spiral Line of C h i.......................... 86 WaiChuSO.(MrtlAs)47 Draw Wall of Chi............................... 88 OptionalRcChres Draw Chi Entity Trap............................ 92 Fox Spirit (Hu Ching) R. C. C....................... 54 Draw Helix of Dragon Summoning................. 95 Reformed Demon (Shan Muo) R. C. C................ 56 Reformed Demon & O v e r l o r d s..................... 146 DrawYingSymbol.97  Introduction Oh! One last thing. Much of what is in Mystic China came about because of feedback from the fans of Ninjas & Super- "Why bother with those people? As a Buddhist, you ought spies. So, if you'd like to see more, write me a letter and tell me rather to avoid those who enjoy making a display of spectacular what you want. It may take awhile, but if you don't ask, you powers. Taoist hermits delight in all sorts of childish antics far don't get! I can tell you that I'm already working on a second removed from the exalted teachings of their ancient sages, Lao Mystic China sourcebook which should quickly follow this one. Tsu and Chuang Tsu. Haven't you seen their pictures? Immortals Erick Wujcik, the 4,701st Year since the disporting themselves with music, chess and wine among the Ascension of the Yellow Emperor (1994) purple mountains of Fairyland. Drunk with eternal youth, they fly upon the backs of cranes or ride their many-coloured steeds —unicors,gfadev!"Hlpmth line of disapproval... A quote from the abbot of a Buddhist Monastery, as recorded, MysticChna™ circa 1932, by John Blofeld, in his biography, The Wheel of Life. Taoists! Character Creation I can't remember ever being carried away with a project as much as with this one, Mystic China. Mostly because I've Here's a quick eight-step review on rolling up a character for found myself enchanted by the Taoists. Mystic China. For more details about character creation, check Taoism is something like a philosophy, something like a relig- out a copy of Revised Ninjas & Superspies, Beyond the Su- ion, and more than a little like some kind of formal insanity. pernatural, Revised Heroes Unlimited, or even Teenage Mu- Don't expect me to explain it — according to the foremost Tao- tant Ninja Turtles & Other Strangeness. ists of the ages, Taoism can't be taught, nor can it even be ex- Step #1: Determine Attributes. Roll 3D6 for each of the plained — but I can tell you that Taoism is the only major eight Attributes. If the roll is a 16, 17 or 18, roll another 1D6 to religion that I know of that believes in dragons and fairies. Even add to that Attribute. their villains, from evil Immortals; to island-sized sea monsters, Step #2: Select an O.C.C., P.C.C. or R.C.C. In addition to are cool. those listed here in Mystic China, you can also choose from any For hundreds of years Buddhists and Confusianists, along of the O.C.C.s in Revised Ninjas & Superspies. With the Game with the more recent missionaries of Islam and Christianity, have Master's permission, you may also be able to select from the all condemned Taoism. It's silly they say, or they criticize it for Psychic Character Classes (P.C.C.s) in Beyond the Supernatu- being filled with fanciful superstitions. Why, the other religions ral. Note: R.C.C. is Racial Character Class, primarily applicable seem to be asking, why can't the Chinese take religion seri- to inhuman characters. ously? Step #3: Determine P.P.E. Points. Unless the Potential Psy- How could I help but be bewitched? chic Energy (P.P.E.) is listed with the character's O.C.C., P.C.C. So, much of this book is based on my own role-playing-cen- or R.C.C., roll 2D6 for the total P.P.E. tered version of Taoism. Step#4:DrminHPos.Ad16hca' It's also based on China, and most of the material deals with Physical Endurance (RE.) attribute number. Chinese people and places. If you like, you can base a role-play- Step #5: Select Martial Art Forms, Martial Art Abilities, ing adventure or a whole campaign in Hong Kong or wandering Skills and Equipment. Follow the guidelines under your char- around mainland China. acter's O.C.C., P.C.C., or R.C.C. However, given that there are more Chinese than any other Step #6: Look up Attribute Bonuses. Once all the changes people on Earth, and that they're distributed just about every- and additions have been made to the attributes, look up the bo- where (I can't think of too many places without a Chinese res- nuses on the Attribute Bonus Table. taurant nearby), you should find the material suitable for any role-playing campaign! Everywhere the Chinese people go, they carry a bit of their Attribute Bonus Chart ancient culture with them. Anywhere on the planet; in a local Step #7: Determine Chi Points. Unless otherwise listed with Chinatown, displayed in a museum, or hidden away in the pri- the O.C.C., P.C.C. or R.C.C., a character's base Chi is equal to vate horde of a collector, are the preserved mysteries of Mystic the Physical Endurance (P.E.) attribute, after all the skill and China. martial art form bonuses have been added to the P.E. For a com- For example, do you know you could have a Mystic China plete description of Chi, see the section on Chi Mastery. adventure set in the American West? Remember, during the Step #8: Select Alignment. Use the description of the Align- building of the transcontinental railway, thousands upon thou- ments in Ninjas & Superspies where the Disciplines of Honor sands of Chinese laborers were brought in through San Fran- are also described. Or players can use those described in Beyond cisco, and from there were scattered all over the West, until they the Supernatural or from any Palladium rule books, except for were just as common as cowboys or Indians. Revised Recon. Also, check out the section called "One Hundred Anyway, here's hoping this book inspires you, excites you, and Twenty-Nine Chinese Characters" for a fun way to roll up and provides you with some new directions in role-playing. your character's name.  17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 lafc-iftiifc.. + 9% MB*. tllft. M.E. save vs psychic attack/insanity +1 +2 +2 +3 +3 +4 44 +5 +5 +6 +7 +7 +8 M.A. tnist or intimidate 65% 88% 92% 96%7 P.S. Hand to Hand Combat: Damage +2 +3 +5 +6 +7 +8 +9 +10 +11 +12 +13 +14 +15 jffl. s*. f?__+8 P.E. save vs coma/death +5% +6% +8% +10% +12% +14% +16% +18% +20% +22% +24% +26% +28% +30% tL it. IA. +8 P.B. charm and impress 35% 40% 45% 50% 55% 60% 65% 70% 75% 83% 86% 90% 92% Speed: No special bonuses. Taoist Alignment (Good) Taoist characters are rather eccentric. They are not selfish, in choice but to dive into a nearby well, hoping that he would be that they care nothing for wealth, riches, or any personal gain, overlooked. but they are self-centered in that they'd rather have fun than be Sure enough, the ruse worked, and the young thief managed bothered by serious obligations. Ultimately, the Taoist is always to stay hidden all the night, and all through the next day, until torn. On the one hand, the character should work for the good of the following midnight. others. However, the attainment of wisdom, insight, and even Shivering with cold and fright, the youngster started to climb Immortality are also the goals of the Taoist. Also, since a Taoist out of the well, when suddenly a hand reached out to grab him, takes the long view, the character is willing to let people suffer if and pull him out. it's possible they'll learn from the experience. "Ho, ho," said the Taoist, laughing at the young thief's A good example of Taoist behavior is the story of the Taoist shocked expression. and the young thief: "Why... why did you trap me there last night?" said the thief. While drinking in a low dive, a young man was complaining "Well," said the Taoist, "you did say you wanted to learn about his lack of funds. "If only," said the delinquent, "I knew everything about being a thief..." the secrets of the thief, I'd never lack for money in this town." "Would you like to learn how to be a thief?" asked the Taoist. "Just come with me tonight. I'll break into the richest house in Taoist Characters Will... town and you'll learn everything you need to know to be an ex- 1. Intend to keep their word of honor, when they give it. cellent thief." However, if things change, well... The young man agreed and they met late that night. Every- 2. Avoid Lies (except in fun). thing went splendidly, as the Taoist showed the young man how 3. Cheat whenever necessary. to hide his smell so he wouldn't alarm the animals, how to move 4. Will not kill an unarmed foe (but will take advantage of the quietly, how to hide in the shadows, and how to break open the situation). gate. Finally, once they were inside, the Taoist proceeded to pick 5. Never harm an innocent. the lock of the family's treasure chest. 6. Not use torture unless absolutely necessary. "Quick," whispered the Taoist, "hop inside." 7. Never kill for pleasure. Thinking that he was to search the inside of the chest for hid- den riches, the young thief did as he was told. 8. Usually help those in need. At which point the Taoist slammed down the lid of the chest, 9. Refuse to take any position of leadership or authority, ex- locked it, and then loudly began singing and rummaging around cept in a short-term emergency. among the wine cabinet of the house. Before slipping out the 10. Ignore the law and the rules, whenever they feel they can front door, wine jar in hand, the Taoist even lit a candle in the get away with it. However, they will never violate the law for room with the chest. personal gain. Terrified, the youngster huddled in the chest, which was 11. Usually make fun of authority. locked from the outside, while the inhabitants of the house flew 12. Usually, but not always, stick by a friend. into an uproar. Seeing only the flickering of the candle, and a few shapes passing by, the young thief could only wait in horror. However, after a few minutes, when most of the armed men of the house seemed to have gone outside, the thief started to scratch the inside of the chest, making just a small amount of noise. Then, when one of the ladies opened the lock, he sprang out, blew out the candle, and ran panic-stricken into the night. Outside, there was little hope of escape, with family members, police, and neighbors all in pursuit. So the young thief had no  A Select List of Skills for Mystic China While some of the skills listed are duplicates of those found in Revised Ninjas & Superspies and in other Palladium rule books, there are a number of new entries, each marked (New!). SkilsLtedbyCagor ChinesultraSk Chinese Cultural Skills 'Calligraphy' ArtiscCalgphy:(Tequvnof inN- Artistic Calligraphy jas & Superspies) This is the skill needed to produce beauti- Calligraphic Forgery (new) fuletrs,ingabhkodp.T with skill in Chinese Language & Literacy (see Technical Skills, below), the character can create variations on any of GameSkils Tiao Qi or Chinese Checkers (new) the Chinese characters. For example, there are over 200 ways 'longevity.' 35%+5% WeiQorG torendhcaf BaseSkil: Xiang Qi or Shogi (new) perlvofxinc. (New!): CaligrphcFoey Aspecialkthow Chinese Swindler Espionage Skills charteoimlgpyfnsd- Shell Game (new) produceisfxtyl.Thanv YarowStickCung(e) ofartisclgphy,ndemukb. To successfully pass off a forgery as an ancient work requires a roll under the base skill on percentile. Attempting to forge ChinesSckl Archaeology (new) thepnmasiofrculd(-25% Chemistry-nAlca penaltyohr).BsSki:25%+vfx- Chinese Technical Skills (Languages) ence. Antiquarianism Chines (new) Qi (Game) Skills Chinesalgrpcod&Bk(w) Chinese Classical Studies (new) (New!): TiaoQrChnesck Theskilnvobg ChinesHtory(w) abletopyChinsckr(wm,x- ChinesLagu&trcy(w) nerdboa,whtjcisglyup opposite side), at a professional level. There is also an ad- ChinesMytolg-Ta(w) vanced, or blitz version of the game where the rules are a bit ChinesMytolg-Bud more complex, where entire groups of marbles can be moved Langue(Othril;w) Language Dialects (new) 24%+4% simultaneoy.BSk: perlvofxinc. Wei Qi or Go: As chess is the most widely accepted intellectual Temple Philosophies & Skills gameofthws,Gicpd"nl- Begging ing" game of the eastern world. On a more practical level, the Fasting orientalwdsfhvp Feng Shui or Geomancy (new) agodGplyer.An,fmtishc Meditation (new) ofanitelgmGsyuwhdr Oriental Philosophies (new) combat. Base Skill: 30%+5% per level of experience. SimulatngeofWQ:Aryxp- Ancient Weapon Profiencies volves many hours and many rituals. First there should be a W.P. Paired Weapons W.P. Polearm (new) series of three quick "test" games to determine the weaker W.P. Axe (new) W.P. Spear player's handicap; figure that for every 5% of difference be- W.P. Blunt W.P. Staff tween the players' skills, the weaker player starts with an ex- W.P. Chain 'stone' W.PLargeSwod tra (playingec).Othrsb, W.P. Forked W.P. Short Sword the game can take hours, especially since true masters of the W.P. Knife W.P. Whip (new) game allow their opponents to take back however many movesthylik.Ta'bcurjfWQ Projectile Weapons (not guns) 'perfect' notsupedbwig,lay game. (New!): W.PMoutheapns(w) XiangQorSh TheCinsvrofc, W.P. Small Thrown Weapons where each side, red and black, received two Ju, or Chariots; W.P. Zu, Bow twoMa,rHsemn;PCfiv or W.P. Cross bow Pawns; two Xiang, or Ministers; and two Shi, or Officers. The W.P. Slingshot piece corresponding to the King is called a General, but the W.P. Weapon Improvisation (new) red General is called Shuai, and the black General is called  Jiang. Unlike the checkerboard used in chess, the board for 1,0to2years—Wihn6D Xiang Qi is played on 90 intersections of vertical, horizonal !D6xlO 2,01to5years—Wihn years 5,001 to 10,000 years — Within 2D6xlO years andigoles,thbrcpm for each general, as well as a "river" that separates the two 15%+5% Chemistry-nAlca:obfd chemistry (organic and analytical), botany (a lot of elixirs re- side.BaSkl: perlvofxinc. Chinese Swindler Espionage Skills quiredfnthbs,lowa)y little cryptography thrown into the mix. The character can in- (New!): ShelGam It'sheamworldv.Ac- terpancilhmxs,foud acter needs is a flat surface, three shells (or cups, or bowls), a knowshtubiemdrgfac pea, and a gullible customer. The idea is to keep moving the counterpas,dhig-vfm shells around and let the customer bet on where the pea will equipment. A successful roll means the character succeeds in appear. Missing the roll (getting over the base skill on percen- interpreting an alchemist's formula (even if written in code). tile) Depending on the complexity of the procedure, it could take meansthcuorgifp from one to six additional rolls to accurately reproduce an ac- thecorslandwi.O,fp palmed, the customer is likely to see the trick. Base Skill: tualeixr.No:CschnLy,md 20%+4% per level of experience. Biology skills are all required prerequisites. Base Skill: Yarrow Stick Counting (New!): This is a fraudulent form of 25%+5% perlvofxinc. fortune telling, or divination, where one pretends to cast the Ching Chinese Technical Skills (Languages) YarowSticksfn/ reading.Howv,thcs wil"counthesk,arvdf (New!): ChinesAtquarm Knowledgfthvau (usalythepricnomzdf book, right before the reading, so the character will seem to rarity of Chinese artistic, historical and ancient artifacts. The chartenmpoisdlvufy. knowthel/Cigbyar).Nu"cd- In addition, the character knows how to buy and sell antiques, ing,"aexprtcvydsHm(bol- ing under the skill on percentile). Even if the character fails and will be able to locate customers for any given item. The the roll, it's still possible to move the sticks around quickly character can also attempt to determine fakes and frauds, enough so that the customer won't see the deception. Base based on both the quality of the item, as well as whether or Skill: 24%+3% per level of experience. notifscrelyhkwdgp.A- cludes a basic understanding of precious stones and metals, and the ability to do simple quality tests. For example, the ChinesSckl Archaeology: (from Beyond the Supernatural) Scientific study character can do a simple test for the purity of gold, or exam- ine a gem and determine its size (carats), clarity and luster. Base Skill: 35%+5% per level of experience. ofrelicsbyxavtndh. Studies include proper excavation techniques (digs), preser- vation, restoration and dating (including carbon dating) meth- (New!): Chinesalgrpcod&Bk This very special form of Cryptography involves training in Chi- nese mythology, the classics of Chinese literature, plus an ex- ods,awelruimntyhpg background. The skill can be used to excavate/recover and clean/restore tensive investigation into the different styles and techniques of Chinese calligraphy. Chinese codes usually involve two ancietrfsdu,moly- terminag/dofhc,sbluy levsofdcptin.Fr,haub- tuted, or invented, so that the code-breaker will have to figure identfyhlkmpro,acg. Base Skill: 35%+5% per level of experience. out a whole new "alphabet." Second, the messages are usu- ally cryptic references to historical or mythic figures, so the Note:Excavinsrmlyugd- borius,eqngwkmthvyafd code-brakhstvgnwlf 10%+2% study.Reoraincgpqh ends.BaSkil: perlvofxinc. (New!): proechmials,quntfd.Dg an accurate date of an artifact will place the object under sev- ChineslacStud Thecartismof eral tests to establish its age. The length of time and level of thefourcagislCn,d Shih (clasi), (history),Tzuple'wngadC (miscellany). In addition, the character has committed to acuryndesitfolhwg chart.Sienfdmo'sgb- ducted by the character (if proper facilities are available), or meory(thpinwculdasfb an item can be sent to a laboratory that specializes in it. The Imperial examinations) the Five Sacred Books — the / latter is expensive, costing as little as $1,000 for items only a Ching, the Shih Ching (Book of Odes), the Shu Ching (Book of History), the Li Chi (Book of Ritual), and the Ch'un Ch'iu (Spring & Summer Annals) — and the four books of Confu- fewhundryasol,m$10t6 cian thought — The Great Learning, The Doctrine of the objectwhisuandrmlfy.I can be age-tested include man-made items, organic material, rocks, dirt, and/or fossils. Mean, Analects of Confucius, and The Works of Mencius. Base Skill: 40%+5% per level of experience. (New!): AgeinYars—Lvlofcuy ChinesHtory Extensivkowldgfhry China.Tecrt,bsdouml 30yearsol—Withn2D4 301 to 500 years — Within 2D6 years technology, artistic form, and style of calligraphy, identify 501 to 1,000 years — Within 3D6 years objectsriadwhvuynp- 10  dynastic periods. The character will know the names, and at becomingds,frtalvuy least a brief history, of all the various rulers of China, the any mythic figure dying and being reincarnated as some various kingdoms and provinces, and important neighboring "other" mythic figure. Characters will, given a few hours of research time and, access to a decent library, be able to come natios,welhrkfucmp upwithavreyoflgnds(,c- Confucis,MeLaTzdS.Nt:Ir tory) on any given named mythic entity or related to any par- havetCinsHorykl,cmu O.C.C. skill in Chinese Language. Base Skill: 45%+5% per 35%+5% ticularpeodfhsy.BSk: per level of experience. level of experience. (New!): Chinese Mythology - Buddhist: This skill is pretty much the ChinesLagu&trcy Chines,algu is unique in the world. That's because the language has been in continuous use, both in the spoken and written form, for samethToivrn,xcpdlw over three thousand years. And, because the written language equally crowded hordes of Chinese Buddhist entities. A sepa- is based on abstract characters (ideas), rather than phonetics rate skill. Base Skill: 35%+5% per level of experience. (sounds), it has become more and more complex as it evolved. Here are the four "levels" of literacy available to Language (Other Oriental; New!): Speaking, reading and writ- ingalueothrcwp. chartes,dpnigowkly. Theskilcanbtdofr.E 55%+5% Stage1-ThousndCrcLiy.pl to characters who take Chinese as a Secondary Skill. The countsalgeki.BS: perlvof experience. If taken as a secondary skill, start at 40%+5% per level of experience. Here are some of the likely languages chartendsimpluo,wk how to use a Chinese dictionary (something that a character with no skill in Chinese could not do). The character knows one will find in Mystic China: Mongolian is the language of Mongolia (north of China). Its onlyediact,hrMCs.BSk: 40%+5% speakers are found scattered all around China, as well in perlvofxinc. Stage2-ChinsLrcy.Aplovk manyprtsofheSviU.Bw,M- (thoseraidnC-pkgul)c ters who take Chinese as an O.C.C. skill. The character can goliansprtfheAcmyu,w- cludes Japanese and Korean. read and write around 3,000 ideograms, and can quickly learn Tibetan, the language of Tibet, can be found in many of the morewhntyd.Raigful and it's possible to read all modern newspapers, magazines mountainous regions of southwest China. The Miao are a tribal people, who have been alternately andpoulrbks.ThectwMi Cantonese dialects. Base Skill: 55%+5% per level of experi- warring with, and living peacefully with, the Chinese for ence. thousands of years. Their language is still found in many wil- derness areas. Stage3-AdvncChisLry.Tmu havenO.CskilLgu(orbt speaker) and either Chinese Antiquarianism, Chinese Classi- Thaisnotlyegufd,b cal Studies, Chinese History, or Chinese Mythology (any one manyethicgroupsdC southeast asian countries. will do). The character has a mastery of from 15,000 to Kazakh, Kirghiz, Uighur and Urianghai are all Turkic dia- 50,000 characters, which means that anything printed in the late Twentieth Century is readable. With reference books and lects(radoTukih)nfw northwest of China. dictionaries, the character can attempt to decipher ancient There are even more exotic languages, but most are spo- ken only in remote regions. Note: See Chinese Language manuscriptdo.KwbhMC- tonese, and can also read and write Chinese cursive script. Base Skill: 60%+5% per level of experience. above,whicstrdfnly. Stage 4 - Classical Chinese Literacy. The character must (New!): LangueDilcts Takingthslforpcu havenO.CitsLgu(orb languemsthcrwibo speaker) plus Chinese Classical Studies, Chinese History, and alofthedicsngu.UkE,wr language has only had a few hundred years to develop re- ChinesMytolg.Tawcrb readnwitjusboyvfhCc- gionalmuts,hervb acters, including the pre-dynastic pictographs. The character separately for thousands of years! In the case of Chinese, canspekMdriCto,fx somefthdialcrnI- speaker of ancient Chinese, could easily pick up the spoken ian is to Spanish (i.e. you could say that Italian and Spanish language. Base Skill: 60%+5% per level of experience. arebothdilcsfLn). Chinese Mythology - Taoist (New!): Includes extensive knowl- AchartewiCnsdlkoub edge of the vast library of works on Chinese myths relating to tocmuniaeMdr(h"flg mainland China), Cantonese (Hong Kong and most Chinese- gods,htemnraIl undead. Since there are such a vast array of mythic entities (it Hakka, speakrinNothAmc),y(Tw Hu- is said, for example, that every star in the sky corresponds to nana, and Suzhou (also known as Wu), and would be able to a named deity in Chinese Mythology), characters are very quicklypanofthedzrsg. skilled at locating written references on any given subject. Theralsotndifbc,z This is all further complicated by the legends of Immortals 50%+5% Monglia.BseSk: perlvofxinc. 11  Temple Philosophies & Skills Begging: Although learned as a monk, this skill can be particu- larly useful, either as a disguise, or to collect emergency moneywhtigsardp.Tbkl thecanofligdrmpsby.O crowdestiulbpyav.Thmnf Ancient Weapon Proficiencies moneydpsthcfurai where the begging is taking place. Base Skill: 8%+l% per Each skill area provides combat training with a particular levofxprinc. typeofwan.Thrsulidcmb Fasting:Theblyofrpdmwu. strike and parry, but only when that weapon is used. Each W.P. Solngasthecrufiw,k- out food will be pretty easy. After that the character will have counts as one skill. The character may select several W.P.s Note: to roll under the base skill to avoid becoming weakened or CharcteswiouW.PANnyp,b- 54%+4% nuses. sick.BaeSl: perlvofxinc. Ninjas W.P. Paired Weapons: This is an extra skill that, combined FengShuiorGmacy:(Mdf &Supersi) This skill allows the character to evaluate the amount of Chi with an ancient weapon proficiency, allows for the use of two in any area. Some places will have a large amount of positive weapons simultaneously. (New!): W.PAxe One-ortwhadpsil, Chi,oterswlavubng.If and with one or two bladed striking surfaces. Bonuses: Start anturlfowChi(bezdgps), the character will be able to measure it exactly. As far as roll- with +1 to strike and +1 to damage at level one. +1 to strike ing is concerned, it's useful for finding places with exception- at 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th, and 15th levels. +1 to damage at 4th, 15%+5% 11th, 7th, and14thlevs.+orw2,580 alyhigorwCfetv.BsSk: per and 13th levels. levofxprinc. Meditation (New!): Involves engaging the mind and body so W.PBlunt:Askiwhaypeofb,cdg that the body remains motionless, but without fatigue or pain, mace, hammers, cudgels, pipe, staff and clubs. Bonuses: Start with +1 to strike at level one. +1 to strike at 3rd, 5th, 8th, andthemisyclr,.W meditating a character recovers Chi, I.S.P., P.P.E. and other llth and 14th levels. +1 to parry at 2nd, 6th, 9th, 12th and 15th levels. +1 to throw at 4th, 7th, 10th and 13th levels. interalsoucd.Ahg W.PChain:Icludesorygtf,m subtieforlpng,chawyd refreshed after any period of meditation. When in a medita- nunchaku, chain,fl etc.Bonus:Sarwih+1k and+1toeglv.srik3,5h8 tivesahycr,ubonlw aware of what is happening in the environment and can in- llth, and 14th levels. +1 to parry at 4th, 7th, 10th, and 13th stantly leave the meditation position with no combat penal- levs.+1tohrwa6,nd2g ties. Note: Meditation is required for any character wishing to 2nd, 5th, 8th, llth, and 14th levels. learn Mudra. Sai, W.PForked:Inclus TigerFoks,dntah weaponsith.Bu:Sr+1kd2 BaseMditonSkl:Rgrfhxpcv of the character, any rolls based on meditation should use entangle. +1 to strike at 3rd, 5th, 8th, 12th and 15th levels. +1 only the number provided by the character's Mental Endur- topary5h,9nd13levs.+w7 ance (M.E.) attribute. llth and 15th levels. +1 to entangle at 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, Base Meditation Time: The amount of time that a charac- 12th and 14th levels. ter can continue to meditate: One hour at first level, with an W.P. Knife: Combat skill with all types of knives. Bonuses: additional fifteen minutes at 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th levels. At Start with +1 to throw at level one; +1 to strike at 2nd, 4th, llth 6thlevmdiaonjupsr, 7th,10and3levs.+opry58 chartepiksunolfdvm and14thlevs.+orw2,693 and 15th levels. 7thlevandbyo. (New!): OrientalPhosp:(MdfmNj&Su) W.Polearm Thisacombtklvery polearms, Charctesduinmopl largespnd whicarelyspmountd philosophy (additional philosophies are available by taking +1 withsord,axepck.Bnu:S the skill more than once). Chinese Philosophies include Tao- llth tosrikeandpylv:+15h,8 15th ism,ConfucaLegl(vryhd-t and14thlevs.+opry,60 levs. 13th governmtphilsy),CBud.Ja +1toDamge3rd,7h9n levs. choices include Shinto, Buddhism or Zen. Another possibility W.PSpear:Combtwihlngs,uyd metal points or blades. Bonuses: Start with +1 to strike and isthaofTbenLr,wcludpB- dhism. Base Skill: 70%+2% per level of experience. parry at level one; +1 to strike at 4th, 7th, 10th, and 13th lev- els. +1 to parry at 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th, and 15th levels. +1 to Weapon Proficiencies throw at 2nd, 5th, 8th, 11th, and 14th levels. (W.P.): Theratcgoisfwpn W.PStaf:CombskilwhrgendBu Ancient, Projectile and Modem (guns). Modern weapon skills Start with +1 to strike and parry at level one. +1 to strike at canbefoudiNjs&Spr,HUlmt 4th,710andlevs.+opry26 others. llth, 8th,102and4levs.+orw37 12 and 15th levels.  W.PLargeSwod:CmbtskilhBnu apart after a melee round or two. Bonuses (one of the follow- Start with +1 to strike at level one. +1 to strike at 3rd, 6th, ing):+1tosrke,paydmlhwf 9th, 12th, and 15th levels. +1 to parry at 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th, level. +1 to strike or parry at 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th and 15th lev- 11th, els. +1 to damage at 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th and 14th. 9th,