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Kailindo

Kailindo is a fairly old martial art created in the secluded mountains of Tibet by a group of warrior-philosophers called the Stargazers. In ancient times, the Stargazers were peaceful and monk-like, living happy and contented lives while they pondered the mysteries of the universe. However, this peace could not last. Cloistered away in their monasteries and hidden in their villages, the Stargazers did not realize that hostile forces were gaining control of the world--not until it was too late.

Hunted and pursued by their enemies, the Stargazers turned their inner fortitude into an outer expression of their will, creating a powerful martial art. Using this martial art and a newfound sense of caution, the Stargazers were able to protect some of their land from the encroachment of their enemies. Who were these enemies, these destroyers of life and light? They called themselves... human.

You see, the Stargazers were not men, but were rather of the species mortal man often refers to as "werewolves," though they call themselves Garou. The art of Kailindo, which is based heavily on Aikido and Tai Chi, is a natural extension of the powers and abilities of that race, namely the potent ability of shapeshifting and the incredible advantage of supernatural attributes. After several centuries of refinement (which is even now continuing), all Stargazers are expected to know at least a little of this art--and its masters are as terrifying to behold in battle as they are wondrous to hear in peace.

Most of the teachings of Kailindo, both philosophical and physical, stem from the fact that none of its practitioners are human, or even necessarily humanoid. While founded by the Garou (a humanoid race of limited shapeshifters), many other shape-changing beings have learned to use this art and have adapted it for their own use. Thus, the art used by Changelings (skilled humanoid shapeshifters) may differ greatly from the original used by the Garou.

The main point of Kailindo's teachings is fluidity--fluidity of thought, of motion, and of form. The true adept at Kailindo rarely stays in one form through a fight, his features blurring both from the speed of his motions and from the quickness of his changing. Need a weapon fast? Grow claws. Already have a weapon? Keep your hands. Need some speed? Turn into a wolf. Have to dodge? Shrink. Kailindo emphasizes that you should never become so complacent in one shape that you have problems identifying with another, and indeed Kailindo's exercises include "form adaptation" right alongside kick practice and meditation.

Kailindo is inappropriate as a martial art form for "mundanes," mainly because their inability to change shape prohibits them from accomplishing many of the moves. Besides which, no self-respecting shape-changer would stay in one form long enough to teach a plain old human the discipline required for even the basics of Kailindo.

Beginning the Game with Kailindo

If your character begins the game with Kailindo, yo ushould specify how he/she learned the martial art. Kailindo is a rare skill, it is highly recomonded that you have the background: Mentor at a level equal to, or higher, than the level of Kailindo you have. This mentor is the Garou who instructed you in the martial art. This mentor would be there to only teach you Kailindo and is not obligated to help you in any other way.

Kailindo and this Guild
((Note: this change only will apply to characters created after the date this was posted. Anyone who created a character with Kailindo before this post can change if they want but it is not required))

For the sake of balancing out this skill Kailindo will work a little differently from the normal way it would. In the normal game the only limit to using a skill is its difficulty. Seeing as how we don't use dice in this guild we are going to include a number next to each Kailindo move based on its difficulty. The numbers will range from 1 to 5 and will correspond to your level of Kailindo. Your level of Kailindo has to be either less than or equal to your mentor background because the one teaching you must already know what they are teaching you. In your profile if you chose to use Kailindo include the word Kailindo next to your mentor background and then list your Kailindo level.

Shapeshifting Kailindo Maneuvers

Uncoiling Snake (cannot be in crinos or hispo)
The Kailindorani throws a kick or punch, but shifts to a large form at the last moment, surprising an opponent with more reach on the blow. Not only is the increased damage of the larger form applied if the blow succeeds, but the opponent has a harder time of dodging. (4)

Fading Breeze (cannot be in crinos or hispo)
The Kailindorani steps back, changing into a large form (with a longer reach) while punching, kicking or slashing. This makes the opponent�s next attack much harder to land successfully. (3)

Growing Tempest (must be in homid or glabro)
The Kailindorani grabs her opponent and shifts to a larger, stronger form while crushing him or twisting her limbs. (4)

Striking the Wind (cannot be in crinos)
The Kailindorani allows his opponent to hit him, thus bringing her close as he changes to a larger form, then strikes. The Kailindorani is automatically hit, but their next strike is much easier to land. (2)

Subtle Draft (lupus)
The Kailindorani charges into an opponent while in lupus form, getting underfoot and tripping her. He then shifts to a larger form to take advantage of the situation. (2)

The Hurricane (must be in homid or glabro)
The Kailindorani assumes a larger, stronger form while throwing her opponent, thus gaining the added momentum and change in leverage of the shapeshift. (4)

Rising Wind (cannot be in crinos)
This maneuver was developed to fell the strongest opponents. The Kailindorani changes to a larger, stronger form while punching, kicking or clawing the opponent. (3)

Rollaway (cannot be in lupus)
Whenever the Kailindorani is toppled or brought to the ground, she can switch to a four legged form and instantly assume her footing. (1)

Changing Breeze (cannot be in lupus or homid)
The Kailindorani presents a large target to her opponent, and then changes to a small form, dodging the incoming attack. Each step down in size increases the ability to dodge the incoming attack. (3)

Melting Wind (cannot be in lupus or homid)
The Kailindorani changes to a smaller form to slip through a hold. (2)

Moving Breeze (cannot be in lupus or homid)
The Kailindorani changes to a smaller form (ideally lupus) when dodging. (3)