I just can't help myself... Oh, and the following is based on information gleaned from _The Way of the Warrior_. I have no personal knowledge of the art, and apologize for any inaccuracies. Anyone who knows more, feel free to correct me.
KALARIPAYIT
by
Lee Casebolt
Kalaripayit
Entrance Requirements: None
Skill Cost: 8 years (5 years as a secondary form)
Kalaripayit is one of the indigenous martial arts of India. Its study is primarily limited to villagers and rural areas of India; few outsiders have the opportunity to study this art.
The art is very complete, offering training in striking and grappling techniques, as well as weapons training and even Atemi (called marma-adi). Training includes a combination of strenuous exercise, forms work, and sparring practice. After students have demonstrated proficiency in their technique, marma-adi study begins, and the student learns the workings of the body, both how to harm and how to heal.
A master in combat seeks first to avoid conflict, then to defeat his attacker with a minimum of force, using temporarily disabling strikes initially, then escalating his assault as neccessary.
Costume: Typically shorts or a loincloth/wrap, with shirt optional; kalaripayit is *not* the most formal of martial arts.
Stance: Generally a very low posture, with arms bent to cover the face and body from attack. Motion is emphasised over strong stances.
CHARACTER BONUSES
+1 PS
+2 PP
+1 PE
+15 SDC
COMBAT SKILLS
Attacks per Melee: 2
Escape Moves: Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact, Leap, Maintain Balance
Basic Defensive Moves: Parry, Dodge, Automatic Parry
Advanced Defenses: Circular Parry, Disarm, Multiple Dodge
Hand Attacks: Strike (punch), Knife Hand, Palm Strike, Fingertip Attack
Basic Foot Attacks: Kick Attack, Snap Kick, Roundhouse Kick
Special Attacks: Death Blow, Elbow, Forearm, Body Flip/Throw, Choke
Holds/Locks: Arm Hold, Body Hold, Wrist Lock
Weapon Katas (Pick Two): WP Dagger, WP Staff, WP Three-Direction Knife, WP Spring Sword
Modifiers to Attacks: Pull Punch, Knock-Out/Stun, Critical Strike, Critical Strike from Rear
SKILLS INCLUDED IN TRAINING
Martial Arts Powers: Select three from among Atemi Abilities, Body Hardening Exercises, and Special Katas. These powers may be traded, one for one, for basic skill programs (except physical) as desired.
Language: Tamil
Philosophical Training: No formal training, though a pacifistic attitude is generally encouraged.
If this is your primary martial arts form, the following forms may be learned in a shorter period of time: Jujutsu (5 years), Shao-Lin Kung Fu (6 years), Yu-Sool (6 years)
LEVEL ADVANCEMENT BONUSES
1st - +2 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact, +2 to Parry/Dodge, Critical Strike or Knock-Out/Stun from behind
2nd - +1 to Strike, +1 to Leap
3rd - +1 to Disarm, +2 to Damage
4th - Select one additional power from Atemi Abilities, Body Hardening Exercises, or Special Katas
5th - Critical Strike on Natural 18, 19, or 20
6th - Death Blow on Natural 20
7th - +1 Attack per Melee
8th - +1 to Strike, +1 to Parry/Dodge
9th - +1 to Maintain Balance, +1 to Disarm
10th - Select one additional power from Atemi Abilities, Body Hardening Exercises, or Special Katas
11th - +1 Attack per Melee, +1 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact
12th - +2 to Parry/Dodge
13th - +1 to Strike, +1 to Leap
14th - +1 to Disarm, +2 to Maintain Balance
15th - Select one additional power from Atemi Abilities, Body Hardening Exercises
WHY STUDY KALARIPAYIT? A very complete form, it offers attacks at every range of combat, and also teaches both weapon skills and Atemi Abilities.
Lee Casebolt
"The opprobrium of assholes is a badge of honor" - Norman Spinrad
