5th Dan in Karate/Jujitsu, and the Dim Mak technique (Anheim's Tale).

I've trained hard lately, and then understood that my martial arts fulfill the requirements for the 5th Dan rank, already.

(For Martial Arts & Ranks: click to see).


I've also learned how to use technique called: 'Dim Mak' (also known as: 'Quivering Palm'), technique that can kill enemy with a single touch - if enemy fails to defend himself from that kind of attack.

I've also improved my overall physical and mental fitness, improved some basic combat techniques and anti-magical maneuvers (Spell Resistance) too.

Meditated and studied some books, and did some Blind Fighting exercises as well.

Blind fighting is particularly useful when one faces invisible spellcasters.

Crystals (Anheim's Tale).

I've recently invested thousands of gold coins in Spell Crystals, ones enchanted with Divine Power, Greater Magic Weapon (for combat gloves) and with Divine Favour.

I've two pairs of combat gloves, one useful with Greater Magic Weapon, and other for when fighting without Greater Magic Weapon.

When under effect of these spells, my unarmed might rivals some stronger armed and armoured fighters in the land.

... and this can be enhanced even more with other potions and spells, like Barkskin, Cat's Grace, Owl's Wisdom, Bull Strength, Mage Armour, Bless, Stoneskin, Haste and Shield.

-=- Combat Gloves enchanted with Greater Magic Weapon. -=-

-=- Combat abilities without and with crystals -=-
-=- (Crystals of Divine Favour, Divine Power and Greater Magic Weapon).-=-
-=- Can be enhanced even more. -=-

4th Dan in Karate/Jujitsu (Anheim's Tale).

I've been participating in some fights near the Dead Horse Inn.

My role was mostly to observe and learn that way, as others fought.

Then I've trained in Kenna's Dojo, incorporating what I've seen.

Either way, my Mind and Body improved by training Martial Arts (Mostly Karate & Jujitsu).

My unarmed strikes are faster (4 attacks / 6 seconds, and before it was only 3 attacks
/ 6 seconds) and more accurate (+1 hit chance for each of 4 attacks), my Mind is stronger (+1 Will Save), Reflexes faster (+1 Reflex Save) and Body tougher (+1 Fortitude Save & +11 Hit Points). A little of kobudo & other weapons skills improved as well, as did my resistance against spells and other minor tricks as stunning attacks too.

I've thought about it and understood that my training level at this moment is sufficient for the rank of 4th Dan, 4th Mastery Level in Martial Arts.

(For Martial Arts & Ranks: click to see).

I am starting to learn the legendary technique of Dim Mak (also known as Touch of Death or as Quivering Palm in Western Faerun), it is one of requirements for 5th Dan rank anyway, aside of following:
- Faster Running,
- Unarmed Attack Precision, (+1 to hit chance for each of 4 unarmed attacks),
- Armed Attack Precision (+1 to hit for each of 3 weapon attacks),
- Faster Armed Attacks (3 attacks / 6 seconds, instead of 2 attacks / 6 seconds),
- Tougher Body (+11 Hit Points),
- Avoiding Hits (+1 to Armor Class).

I'll also try to learn the feat of Blind Fighting. It's useful not only when blindfolded, but also against invisible creatures, including magicians with Improved Invisibility and Darkness spells. These foes are very difficult to defeat, when invisible, when given time for using their tricks in preparation for the actual fight.

Lights of Kelemvor (Anheim's Tale).

-=- Candle Lake. -=-

There's the difference between faiths of the West and contemplative lore of the Kara-Tur (Far East).

In the West, it's considered that after one's death, after a time in the Fugue Plane, one's soul may depart to it's deity, with help of the deity of death and dead - Kelemvor. Kelemvor promoted that death was a natural part of life and should not be feared as long as it was understood.

I am trying to integrate lessons of East and West, reading and contemplating a lot. I think that after death and a (usually long) time in the one's deity plane, one continues the seemingly endless cycle of deaths and rebirths. Western thought states that one sits at deity's plane for Eternity, but I think that no Heaven or Hell is Eternal. I think and believe that one can escape the cycle of deaths and rebirths by meditating and living accordingly.


My studies led me to compose a Rite to be performed on Kelemvor's holy day... A rite of ascetic meditation, that leads and culminates in putting candles in tiny wooden boats and letting them float in a swampy forest lake.

... long story short, the lights of these candles would guide the minds and souls of the dead to their deities, with the aid of Kelemvor.

But that's not the end - as the lights would ease the suffering of one's mind and soul after the time at their deity's plane ends. The lights would make one suffer less as he or she leaves deity's custody, and - even more importantly - guide one's mind to the lessons about Karma and Samsara, to the lessons about Cause & Effect, to the lessons that include the Cycle of Reincarnations and Rebirths. These lessons include the practices of Mantrayana (way of speaking mantras) and the practice of Meditation.

... I'll start performing the Rite on my own, once I am ready.

-- Anheim, Yogin Warrior of Sun and Moon, and a Student of the Cycle of Deaths & Rebirths.

Order of the Dark Moon (Anheim's Tale).

Not so long after our meditation on Diamond Soul, Chea asked me why i wear robes of Order of Dark Moon.

Order of Dark Moon is monk order that follows Shar, deity of hatred and dark sister of Selûne.

... its secretive Order, so the robe doesn't have any symbols of Shar on it, but Chea somehow knew the truth.

Shar's colours are Black & Purple, robe is Black & Silver.

i said that while i despise hatred - i also try to be protector of those i care for ... releasing hatred against enemies of our friends seems to work for a short while at least.

... i also said that i am not so perfect.

Chea then introduced me to knowledge that there's 'Dark Moon Heresy', its members believe that Selûne and Shar were two aspects of the same deity.

She also warned me that this heresy is dangerous and abusive.

... probably i should investigate this, when i can.


Then we talked about this robe - it's karmic connection with Dark Moon disciples, our self parts of mind are close ... thus it's harder to focus while wearing it - their insanity enters my mind, causing confusion and dark feelings.

... at least i have opportunity to help them calm their minds, to relax their hatred.

... i think that calming minds of evil people is a good deed, compassionante deed ... that it helps us all reach Enlightenment.

As i told, Chea admitted that she admires me for that.


-- Anheim, a Meditating Martial Artist, a Mind-Soul Lost in the Dark.

Progress in Training (Anheim's Tale).

   


... i've been training a lot recently - meditations on Diamond Soul with Chea, exercises with Katana Sword, as well.


Chea explained me a lot about magick - how verbal (words), somatic (gestures) and material (physical objects) components can be perceived to understand nature of magick being used.

Then we sat and meditated, as she spoke magickal mantras i just calmed and observed mind ... then she advised me to visualize energy shield around me, energy shield capable of soaking magick and its effects coming at me. After about 15 tries, it started to work.

Then Chea offered to cast magic missle at me for field-tests, i agreed. She cast three times, i've succeeded to resist all of three spells.

Bought her a dinner in gratitude, then we parted for a while.


Katana moves, parries and strikes i've practiced under tutelage of another person ... a Swordsman from Kozakura, named Ashikaga Ichirō ... that i met a while ago.


After all this training, i've noticed that i passed my inner requirements for considering myself 3rd Dan.

... i didn't announce this publicly still ... except for buying a martial arts robe, from the order of Dark Moon.


-- Anheim, a Meditating Yogin & Martial Artist.


       


   

Crystal, Katana Sword & a Flower (Anheim's Tale).

-=- a Katana Sword. -=-

-=- Bought recently from Gnarl Horst - dwarven weaponsmith -=-
-=- ... to be Enchanted. -=-


With a friendly dwarven paladin by name Silver Chalice, we went to Norwick Family Crypts.

We fought numerous undead and found minor trinkets for sale ... as well as average-quality Spell Crystal and an Exotic Flower that was enchanted to stay alive after plucking it from earth.

... i intend to keep this Flower, and to store 'Haste' spell in a Crystal, with an aid of Arcanist who can cast 'Haste' spell.

... Spell Crystals with 'Haste' spells are better than Potions - last longer, probably twice as long.


After that trip we parted ways, then i went on a boat to Peltarch.

... during river travel i've meditated and composed name and a free-verse poem for the katana sword that i bought from Gnarl Horst.

... Katana swords often contain documents in hilt, that can be 'unscrewed' at it's bottom.

... thinking about enchanting this katana sword as well.


Sword's name:

'Blade of Sun and Moon'.


a Free-Verse Poem:

Warrior's Spirit.

... of Heart & Sun.
... Moon there still is.

... One should protect day & night, whole time.
... It is not known when enemies arrive.

Sun is the source of light & strength.
Moon is deceit as well ... Shines in dark, reflecting light.

Without Sun, Moon doesn't shine.
... but different lights, different stars.


-- Anheim, a Martial Artist & Yogin.

-=- 'White Wraith', a Flower. -=-

-=- a Spell Crystal, average quality. -=-

Spine Pains (Anheim's Tale).

... since a while, i have pains in spine ... i have to endure, my physical combat ability is seriously reduced as well.

... i made friends, i think ... while we were hunting a dire bear near peltarch, in orcish territory.

... we got 'so lost' ... endeared orc lands without their permission ... killed orcs, killed rampaging dire bear and it's master - wereboar spell-caster, as well.


... we've also fought and killed a menacing human warrior-fanatic of the 'Cult of the Dragon' - he sought 'a hermit' in this area - he said he wanted to 'talk'.

... we've survived orc ambush at our way out, as well.


... during this trip, i've mostly observed and advised ... but sometimes fought physically as well.

... during fight with dire bear and his master, i've waved staff at wereboar caster as well - to distract - perhaps that's why he charged instead of casting too much.

... i suspect this wereboar was some priest or shaman ... he didn't feel as arcanist - but who knows? ... there are sorcerers and wizards among more barbaric races and tribes as well, not only necromancers and demonologists.

... or was he 'fury druid' ?

... fury deities are darker side of druidism, but still part of 'Balance', 'Nature's Balance', etc.

... probably there's more to this philosophy, more than just destroyng 'old & rotten' - so new life can grow again.


... got some gold, some equipment - nothing very thrilling, however.

... goblin hide cloak can be useful in rawlinswood guard watch, at least - it hinders movements, it makes someone look uglier, but also drives away lesser foes and most importantly - helps to remain alert.


-- Anheim, martial artist & yogin ... of Tempus and Selune.

Trading for Equipment (Anheim's Tale).

-=- Ring of Protection, Tier 2nd. -=-


As my combat skills advance, i draw attention of tougher foes.

... i've understood that i need better equipment - especially of protecting nature.

... i can use only a few of equipment pieces, so i need to invest in quality - and this is not cheap.

... found someone who sold me Ring of Protection - for 7 000 gold pieces - with medium-strong protecting enchantments, that made most of my Black Belt's enhancements obsolete.

... as equipment's power increase, certain pieces of equipment do not need to be carried or worn, can be replaced with better-enchanted items.

... also bought 'Bo Staff' - for 3 000 gold pieces - enchanted to wound those of the beasts, that are resillent to non-magical and weakly-magical weapon.

It's a large & long Staff, requires great strength to wield it efficiently - should look for 'Bull's Strength' Potions and for 'Greater Bull's Strength' Potions, that are good choices complimentary to the Bo Staff.

-- Anheim, Adventuring Martial Artist.


P.S. Buying already-made equipment saves one of the chores of going through enchantment, and related memory loss and other mind-body weakening. i am trying to buy what's worthwhile, then to enchant rest of what i need.




-=- Bo Staff. -=-

Scout Crossbones (Isendir's Tale).

Orc Killed.


i've been visiting orc cave to earn gold i owe Anna Blake for a cloak.

It's usually better pay than visits to kobold swamps, but this time it was even more.

In a chest room i've noticed a large orc with Bagthru's Charms & Symbols, probably a cleric of this orcish god.

i shot him, he ran to me and cast a damaging spell on me; wounded i ran away while shooting, he kept following despite his wounds.

Finally i did kill him, and found a nice Gypsy Camp's Romani Scout Ring at his body.

Then i've cleaned rest of the cave and returned to Peltarch.

-- Isendir, an Archer Scout Adventurer Mercenary of a little faith.




a Gypsy Camp's Romani Scout Ring.

Promise Fulfilled (Anheim's Tale).

First win.


Finally i did fulfill my promise to Tempus, to kill gnolls.

i killed three of gnoll wariors by myself, using only potions & martial arts.

They were alone or in a small group.

They have deadly knockdown training, but i did succeed to stun warriors twice with my fist.

i had to flee, heal & return to kill them.

i killed at least two of their younglings as well, and wounded one more.

... it was potions-expensive & dangerous holy trip.

i did offer part of my spoils - two of Endurance Potions - to Tempus at his Shrine, after combat.

Then, i stayed there to meditate.

-- Anheim, a Warrior & Martial Artist.




Second warrior.




Thrid warrior.




Offering to Tempus.

Cold Circle (Anheim's Tale).

Meet.


Today many adventurers answered call of druids for help, i was one of them.

Planes converge, demons pour from outer realms - druids' lives are used to fuel the dark magicks.

We were invited to the Coldstone Druid Circle's Sanctuary, in the Coldstone Mountains, where we discussed things.

They follow Auril, yet we formed a temporary alliance against demons - with Rawlinswoods Circle, with Coldsone Circle & with Shadowglen's Circle.

There's Demon-Lich of Terror called Rhigor, whom we must stop, way to do this is finding it's phylactery, destroying it then killing the Lich's undead body.

We called Celestial being named Eponymus, who answered our question about phylactery's location - he told us that 'Rhigor's soul resides in a fortress we know well. A fortress where angel fell and archon died'. We guessed it's the 'Tian Sumere' citadel.

Meanwhile Coldstone Circle is being attacked - just like Rawlins Circle was, wards are being weakened, central power source drained. They expect attacking forces coming as well.

We formed basic plans - we'll search for the phylactery, we'll defend Druidic Circle Sanctuaries - both of Coldstones & of the Shadowglen, we'll kill the Demon-Lich.

Shadowglen Circle, consisting of bugbears & other furies-following creatures needs our help against necromancers that dwell in deep rawlins, in an abadonned Elven Camp.

Once they receive our support against necromancers, they will add their forces to support the Coldstone Circle's forces.

Using powerful nature magick, we were sent to Peltarch by druids of the Coldstones.

-- Anheim.




Pass.




Arrival.




Coldstones.




Entrance.




Greet.




Center of Circle's Power.




Hargakku, Bugbear Druid.




Eponymus, Celestial.




Leaving.

Legion's Recruitment (Anheim's Tale).

a Talk with Legion's General, Theaon.


It been a while since i met a Legion Member.

i was training martial arts & pursuing other ways, now decided to focus more on being recruited.

General Theaon gave me short overview of the Legion & their recruitment procedures at Grapevine Inn of Norwick.

They are military-styled body committed to protection of the region. They fight for those who need their aid, or can't protect themselves.

Those who join legion are doing it of their own will, without expecting steady payments.

The Legion does not view itself as a Law-enforcement - Legion's members have to adapt & obey local laws wherever they go.

As a military-styled organization, they require lower ranks to obey orders of superiors. There's a little leeway with this however, as there are proper times to question orders instead of just following them mindlessly as golems. Other situations however - such as during combat - are not the moments to question the orders of superior Legion members.

Recruitment itself is as follows - after first contact, a candidate is a Recruit. Recruits are put into a probatory period during which they are expected to travel & help superior Legion members, learning the combat skills, tactics, customs & ways. After a probation a Recruit goes through a test, where he or she leads a Legion Patrol. If test succeeds, if Patrol is Succesful, a Recruit is promoted to a Private rank and given a key to Legion's Hall in Long Road next to former Jiyyd.

Legion's ranking structure is as follows: Recruit, Private, Corporal, Sergeant, Captain and General.

Lower ranks are expected to salute superiors whenever they meet them, and when they are dismissed - as a sign of respect.

Legion aims to have very diverse people, with unique ways & combat methods, so far there were only a few of Martial Artists in Legion's history.

Then he asked me about deity i follow, if any. i've answered truthfully that it's Tempus. He explained that Legion won't recruit followers of evil deities. This was not a problem then with me.

After this introduction, General Theaon invited me for a tour to Legion's Hall, showing me inside.

Facilities seemed practical, we did spar twice in the proper training arena - i did lose both times - but not without connecting a few or more hits before i fell.

General Theaon used weapons & armour, but not prayer spells he usually uses to prepare for a fight - he's formiddable opponent even without such preparations.

i was using my mind, body & gloves in combat as weapons, for most it would seem i fight unarmed.

First time, when i was attacking aggresively, fight lasted moderately short time. Second time i was using defensive stance and fight was much longer - and managed to connect a few of hits as well, despite my focus on defense.

After combat, healing spells & a short tour of other areas, General Theaon showed me combat dummies & archery targets outside Legion's Hall, invited to use these then parted with a goodbye.

i was supposed to dye my robe in colors of black & navy blue, as is custom for Legion's Members, from Recruit's rank, all way up.

Went Peltarch and with Violetta's help just did it, arranging for more robe's corrections as well.

i'll look for Sergeant Alvaniel Danicen, an elf & for Corporal Silver Chalice, a dwarf - they are supposed to be delegated to train me soon.

-- Anheim, a Martial Artist & a Legion's Recruit.




Officers' Mess Hall.




Anheim in a Robe dyed Black-Silver-Navy-Blue.

West of Peltarch (Anheim's Tale).

Gather.


West of Peltarch is full of threats to the city.

Alliance with Giants is void since a while as well.

Group of adventurers assembled in commons to fight these, we went against Orcs with their Worgs, then against Giants & Manticores.

Worgs & Orcs i did engage in melee, Giants & Manticores i dared not - handled them with my crossbow.

Beside lessening their numbers, beside lessening threat to Peltarch, it was a good training opportunity for me & others.

-- Anheim, a Martial Artist.




a Manticore.




a Giant.

Death's Reminiscence & Affirmations (Anheim's Tale).

A while ago something happened that i didn't mention as of yet.

i was foolish enough to adventure with adventurers who were largely unknown by locals.

They fought well together, but cared nothing of others who were with them.

During a fight with Bugbear - i think it was Berzerker Bugbear - they let him slip and reach me, i died & ended up in a fugue plane.

They cared not to pay for Raise Dead spell, nor to carry my body to the local Temple for that.

i spent a while in Land of Mists, in Fugue Plane - slowly sinking into oblivion, in losing interrest to return.

After unknown time (later i learned it was months) - i heard a faint voice:

'Brave Warrior of Tempus, heed the call of thy God. Return to life, think of those whom You left in the Mortal Realms'.


A faint thought of the woman i love, of Chea Allin appeared ... my soul followed the guiding light that appeared before me.

After a while i was again in my body, awakening in the Temple of Tempus near Peltarch.

There was an unknown cleric of my faith, explaining that he saw Tempus' insignia on my body, that he found my frozen body under ice in the Bugbear Caves - and asked if i died honourably.

i barely remembered anything at this moment, save for fighting with Bugbear.

He said i owe him nothing for the raise, except that he wills me to praise the Tempus, to spread the word about our God's Glory.

i agreed & left, my equipment was still with me - but gold was lost.

Then my meditations, thinking and a decision to simplify my Way to Yogic meditation & Martial Arts occured.


...

i feel stronger now, i feel i can make the difference when Chea or our friends are endangered.

Chea is really skilled with her magic - i'll leave casting spells for her, focusing on Martial Arts & Meditation instead.

She can cast Mage Armour, Endure Elements, Cat's Grace, Owl's Wisdom, Improved Invisibility & more. Together we are strong force against most of threats. i can fight enemies, stun or trip them them with my Martial Art skills while Chea saves her magickal energies for tougher opponents, or Holds them immobile, or attack with Illusions or Fire.

Both Chea as well as i can sneak, none of us easily seen or heard by most of enemies.

She also mentioned that if Frances Darkhaven joins our party, we'll have her fine bow & arrows, a spell-enhanced Shadow Mastiff to engage more enemies in melee, Magic Missles & Fireballs to damage enemies & disperse their formations, Haste for our spell-casting, archery & melee combat, Eagle's Splendour for Chea & perhaps Frances too, Bull's Strength for Frances & me, as well as Flame Weapon on my gauntlets & Frances' arrows.

i can also stall the fight with defensive expertise, so they can shoot & cast, so our enemies' enhancement spells wear off with time.

...

i feel needed again, it's good to be alive.

... and i won't trust adventurers with unknown reputation ever again - consequences are too dire.

-- Anheim, Yogin & a Martial Artist.

Old Way, New Way (Anheim's Tale).

i've meditated and came to conclusion that i am too unfocused.

Martial Arts & Yogin's Way seems more efficient than diversity with Warrior's Path & Arcanist's.

i've meditated & discarded what's unneccessary to my progress, i am no longer a warrior & arcanist.

i trained long-forgotten Kata movements, practiced more advanced Martial Arts' tricks ... my body adjusted well.

Unnatural Charisma left me with Arcane power, i do not need to talk so much anymore.

i've sold arcane scrolls & unneeded equipment, but i still keep my Katana Sword - for sentiments' sake, mostly.

Since now i'll focus on meditation & martial arts - that way i'll be able to protect Chea & our friends much better.

-- Anheim, Yogin & a Martial Artist.

Boots (Anheim's Tale).

a Fight.


i've killed few kobolds for coin,

sold gems at Hemrod's as well,

visited the Bank of Peltarch,

withdrew quite a sum.

short trip to Oscura,

bought a new boots for combat.

deposited coins at Bank,

went sleeping again.

-- Anheim.




Bank.




Yuki's Shop in Oscura.




Boots.


---
* blog author's note: Dodge Bonus inherent with Feet Item Slot is only AC bonus compatible with the Mage Armour spell.