Autgar Bloode
Fist of Rhalgr
Autgar Bloode is an Ala Mhigan through and through who has journey along his own path to becoming a Fist in the ongoing reconstruction of the Monkhood under Master Beake.He works the Astral Advent offices in Ala Mhigo and resides in Ala Ghanna.
Character InformationAutgar BlodeA monk in his mid twenties. Autgar was born shortly after the Garlean occupation of Gyr Abania began.He's 6'10 weighing in at 285 pounds, a mountain of a man with the muscle to match, he sports a few identifying tattoos and some unique scars. The tattoo of the closed fist along his abs, his tribal shoulder tattoo, engraving in his hair, minor scars litter him but the scarring of note is along the majority of his back. Despite seeing its fair share of healing one might be able to tell that the majority of the flesh was split open and promptly burned shut. After all the healing it's much less unsightly and is now a light squishy pink atop the scarring that does remain.He spent his life growing up in a work camp though after his escape and losing his family he worked with a rather extreme Resistance cell before leaving for Ul'dah to join the other refugees, that lead him to finding Berrod Armstrong who introduced him to monkhood. Since reclaiming Gyr Abania he's moved back and taken up residence in Ala Ghanna.If he isn't on the road or training himself or his students he enjoys working with his friends at the Astral Advent, he's particularly fun of all the trouble they find themselves in every moon.
Berrod Armstrong, a brother through blood and bond, a mentor, a friend, and someone Autgar would happily die for.Berrod and Autgar met during a date auction where Berrod purchased Autgar for a fight, in a stroke of luck Autgar managed to seize victory. It was only later that he found out Berrod was a Fist and challenge him to a real fight where he wouldn't be holding back. Autgar lost hard. He trained under Berrod from that moment to the present.Berrod's Carrd
Flora, a monk aspirant Autgar happened to run across one day while traveling around in Thanalan, he was pleasantly surprised to see someone even more enthusiastic about the life than him. He would've never guessed at that time that she would become his first student and in time that she'd become one of toughest people he'd ever know. Their relationship is never perfect but through their conflict they better one another. Usually it's her bettering him far more often than it being the other way around.
Martin Adler, a good lad but not without his ups and downs. This particular Half-lander was also Autgar's first student. Despite being a bit all too much like his teacher in various ways. They have their fair share of differences but Autgar would do all he could to see Martin realize his true potential.Martin's Carrd
N'hara, someone who joined the path of Rhalgr not long after Autgar did himself. He's had some issues staying on the path in a traditional manner but his insight on things has always proved invaluable to Autgar and now his own students. A good brother through and through.
Oda Tideweaver, Autgar's first real love that didn't try to kill him... well at least not more than once. Traditional romance is over rated anyway. Autgar technically won her in combat but being an ex-slave himself he had some issues with that concept. He kept her safe in his home in Ala Ghanna and after time earned her trust, and after even more time he earned her favor. She taught him well. She is another he would gladly die for. He thinks about her everyday.
Balthius, the levin type brother. Recently returned back to the path after sorting out some family related issues he has returned to his practices. Autgar is happy to fight alongside Balthius, as there is no other force of thunder he'd rather work with.
Osric, once he called himself a heretic but now he has happily rejoined the fold. With good timing too, the Order is in need of more knowledgeable Shadow monks to help teach the new monklings that the Shadow Chakras are no less evil than what already flows inside of all of us. They may have started on opposite sides of the street, but Autgar happily calls this man brother once more.Osric's Carrd
Shaman, Apothecary, lush vegetation, all words Autgar would happily associate with his brother from across the wall. If there is one person on this list who goes back all the way to the beginning, Viktor would be near the top. Praise Rhalgr for it to, there's nowhere Autgar would rather go for some good old traditional healing.
Sergei, the master of magic himself, someone Autgar can always trust to have a responsible view of magic and the second person on this list to put Autgar on his ass without him having any idea what just happened.
CAPTAIN Avenio, well maybe not a Captain anymore but that's what Berrod calls him so that's what we'll call him. Joking titles aside, Autgar knows this man cares about the work he does and the quality of it. The greater good at the end of the day kind of worker. A work ethic Autgar can respect and happily support.
Suhee, an easterner, one of the last peoples Autgar ever thought he'd be dealing with given his luck with them. But then came Suhee. One of the most eager and bubbly youths that Autgar has ever stumbled upon. Strong enough to smile for everyone despite having gone through more hell than the average person. She's a good student to have, learning to be a Fist on top of her Eastern martial education, she'll be something great one day and bring fresh perspective to the new order.
Sarij, a pirate in one life, a reborn Mhigan in the present. This is Autgar's favorite gossip buddy. He would be lost without Sarij's aid in running the office in Ala Mhigo.
A lawyer, a spy, Autgar really isn't sure what the legalman is nor why the Maelstrom officer is so invested with the Monks as of late. Yet here she is and supposedly an ally no less, we shall see.
Garret Ironer
Retired Merc Captain
Gunslinger
Blazh Adanika
Engineer
Mechanic
Fofonzo Jonzonzo
Disgraced Arcanist
Back Alley Doc
Blue Mage
Horo Dorbei
THE Sakura Tensei
Blademaster
Assassin
This section contains a collection of in character writing done by Berrod Armstrong, Autgar Bloode, Osric Melkire, and soon to be others. Most, if not all of it is available at Rhalgr's Reach, or from Autgar.
OOC Note: Please understand that these writings are extrapolations on existing lore, and based on my own character’s studies and experience. If lore is released that forces adjustments, I’ll be more than happy to do so, but in the meantime, I’ll play in the sandbox that was provided. That being said, if you feel the need to…attack me or my writing over this – please reconsider. I assure you, that time and energy will be better spent leaving me the hell alone. Thanks for understanding! For those who enjoy this, thanks for reading!These writings were provided by Berrod Armstrong!
The Seven Light Chakras
The Lesson of the First Light: Survival.The First Light. It is survival made flesh, one’s right to be, one’s longing to live, and one’s urge to continue one’s existence. It will not stand for threats against one’s well being, and will always respond more quickly to a mind and spirit set along the same path. Earth is the element within which it is steeped, and from it one may attain its strength, endurance, and indomitability.Nestled at the base of the spine, it is the foundation upon which one’s power is built; one who has not mastered the First Light will not be as effective with their other seats of power as one who has. It is the strongest connection to the world, and the seat of power through which the worldly energy given to one’s spirit flows. None is wasted lest one bid it released, and doing so makes necessary a period of recovery and meditation.Red is its color, bold as blood, for it is what it seeks to protect; what it covets to flow within one’s own veins and will not allow to spill without severe jealousy.Thus wrote Berrod Armstrong, Fist of Rhalgr, regarding the First Light Chakra.
The Lesson of the Second Light: Desire.The Second Light. There lies all the bodily desires of man, mainly of food, drink and the flesh. It works in tandem with the First light; for in order to survive, one must eat. One must drink. One must procreate. The basic will to live on feeds into the desire to do what is necessary, and so does the desire feed back into that will. The Second Chakra is the fulcrum upon which the Third and the First are balanced. Seated just below and behind the navel, it is beholden to no element, steeped in potent and unaspected aether.The Second responds well to a mind in one of two opposing states: Indulgence or abstinence. Indulging in the desires of the flesh excites and pleases it. In anticipation and preparation, it stores aether to be unleashed when one requires stamina and drive. Similarly, abstinence prompts it to conserve and stay ready, storing aether until a moment when it can hold no more and stands ready to be released at need.The power in this chakra lies in the control of its release. One may flood oneself with aether, but the purpose to which that aether is spent – that is key. Given that the chakra can provide stamina and promote restoration, one may find oneself with a second wind after near exhaustion. Extensive training leads to greater control, to a point of mastery where one may heal one’s own wounds at a rate the naked eye can see.Orange is its color, mixed of red and yellow. Worldly energy flows up from the First to the Second. There lies where the spirit keeps and molds it, until such a time when it is called. Such is the Second Light.So writes Berrod Armstrong, Fist of Rhalgr, regarding the Second Light Chakra.
The Lesson of the Third Light: Will.The Third Light. It is ambition. It is drive. The font of man’s conscious and subconscious will, the Third Light responds to the need to assert oneself. It will always answer to one who is assured of one’s wants, especially if one is prepared to do what it takes to see them realized. Lightning is the element with which it strikes, and it is potent indeed.Situated at the solar plexus, it is at an ideal location for power to flow to all parts of the body evenly when called upon. It holds the strongest connection to the self, and anchors all other chakras to who one is. Similarly, it imposes one’s will upon all other open chakras, so that one with an open Third finds oneself in better conscious control of whichever others have been opened.Given its base in one’s will, its power is drawn directly from the spirit, augmented with a lightning aspect that can be used throughout the body. The stronger one’s will, the more purposed the aether, and the more powerful the augmentation. At the basic level it grants a heightened state whereby which one’s limbs are activated into quickness and strength. The longer one remains in this state, the stronger it becomes. The strong willed who practice the art of Pugilism may experience a form of this. A master of this chakra may call lightning itself to wreath about their form, putting it to quick and destructive use.Yellow is its color, and so does it mix with the red of the First to form the orange of the Second. Upward does it also flow to mix into the chakra above it, for without will, the rest are aimless. Wherever there is a need, there is a want, and wherever there is a want, there is will. Whenever there is a will, the Third Light will serve.So writes Berrod Armstrong, Fist of Rhalgr, regarding the Third Light Chakra.
The Lesson of the Fourth Light: Passion.The Fourth Light Chakra. Therein lies passion, compassion, and the ability to relate to others. It is the central point of the chakras, fed from the will below and expressed through the throat above. It will answer to one whose passion stirs, and is capable of providing terrifying levels of power. It burns in fierce fire, and can bring about awesome destruction.In the middle of the chest, the Fourth Light lies at the midpoint of the First and the Seventh of its aspect. Once kindled with passion, it burns brightly until one wills it to stop, or until one’s very life is extinguished. It is a chakra that provides power without any sort of initial control, and it is in that vein that it is one of the most dangerous to the self. The power must flow and be put to use, lest the user be consumed from within by its flames. Yet, this flow must be consciously regulated and controlled as it is utilized, so that the body is not damaged in the process. Extensive training is required – and it is not training that one is guaranteed to survive.Green is its color, mixed from the yellow fed from the Third and the blue from the Fifth through which it speaks. Will kindles passion. Passion is best expressed. To let it sit within is folly. Through control of the Fourth, the Fifth and Sixth become easier to sway.Beware of love; for it kindles the Fourth to burn its fiercest, thereby draining one of one’s life energy at a rapid rate. Balance must be found in utilizing and curbing one’s passion. Once it is harnessed, however, one can show the world the meaning of destruction.So writes Berrod Armstrong, Fist of Rhalgr , regarding the Fourth Light Chakra.
The Lesson of the Fifth Light: Expression.The Fifth Light. It is the gateway of one’s expression, the outlet through which one’s heart and soul may relate one’s intent. Through it, one can declare what the Sixth Light has seen. It will answer to the will and desire to express oneself, but not lightly. Desire, Will, and Passion all feed into its control. Unlike the Fourth below it, it does not specialize in raw power.The Fifth Light is seated in middle of the throat. Once Desire, Will, Passion or Wisdom have been gathered to it, the Fifth takes them and transforms them into expression. As the mouth speaks, so does the Fifth Light release aether to affect the hearts and souls of those around it. This is usually best achieved using studied and practiced mantras; chants that can rouse a man’s spirit or open a group to swifter recovery.Blue is its color, deeply steeped in the voice’s Wind. As a potential centre of wind-aspected aether in the body, the Fifth Light can also be harnessed in movement.With proper control of the flow, one may utilize this aether to move swiftly, and at levels of mastery, in bursts that defy following with the eyes. The training to master the Fourth Light is invaluable at this point.The expression of the Fifth is not always outward; one may use it in meditation to communicate one’s will within; especially to the other chakras, and even to one’s very physical form.A monk who has mastered the Fifth Light is a monk who is well on the way to mastering the self.So writes Berrod Armstrong, Fist of Rhalgr, regarding the Fifth Light Chakra.
The Lesson of the Sixth Light: Insight.The Sixth Light. It is the chakra of observation, insight and thought, feeding what it learns to the Fifth so that it may be declared to all. It is the seat of wisdom, though this wisdom must be honed through experience, learning and meditation. It is a chakra that has the potential to consume more than it produces, and in no small amount, for the cost of its full potential is great. It is also the chakra most inclined toward sensing.It rests upon the forehead, slightly above the point between the eyes, in an ideal spot to receive enlightenment from the legendary Seventh. At its most basic level of function, it allows one to see deeper into the ordinary; to read motions, body language, and be attentive to minor details that may usually escape one’s notice – such as a shift in the way leaves blow on a tree in the corner of one’s vision. This sight alone is a great boon to any monk, for insight into an opponent’s moves and motions is an advantage above most others. Be warned, that the ability to see is not coupled with the ability to react, so one must be properly trained in body to make full use of what the Sixth Light has to offer.At more advanced levels of function, the Sixth may grant one the very image of one’s chakras, and brief glimpses of the energy distributed about them. A monk properly trained in the Sixth may see open chakras like blazing beacons, and ones that have not yet opened as darkened moons. Beware extended use of such sight; for it comes at a great aetheric cost. One must know when and how to use it, lest one consume one’s stores and be reduced to a husk. It is also important to note that the Sixth may not grant extended or indefinite aetheric sight, though brief perception of the flow is possible.Indigo is its color, with no elemental aspect to its name. This unaspected quality allows it to draw from any and all sources in the body, which is as useful as it is dangerous.So writes Berrod Armstrong, Fist of Rhalgr, regarding the Sixth Light Chakra.
The Lesson of the Seventh Light: Connection.The highest known chakra of light, the seventh controls absolute state of connection to the spirit. While the wisdom from this connection is something gained through work and mastery of the sixth, the benefits of the opening are far greater than one would imagine. To have mastered six chakras affords one a great deal of hard-earned control. The seventh light is the ultimate manifestation of that control. One is granted the understanding of the flow within and without, and the insight to view it in all its beauty. The links among the ambient, the physical, the internal, the spiritual – all are laid bare on a blissful level.The chakra is situated directly atop the crown, at the very top of the head. From here it connects the physical, mental and spiritual from one seat. While it remains a chakra like any other in terms of access to a heavier aetherial flow, it comes with a higher understanding of those already under one’s control. The grasp of the sixth becomes stronger, and its detrimental effects of extended use reduced. The power of the fifth multiplies in potency and range – the voice becomes a thing of power. The fourth’s passion is not only bolstered, but controlled. The third’s will can be exacted over all other chakras at a different level. The filling of the second becomes a thing as easy as breathing. The first’s foundation becomes stronger. In this one, there are seven.At more advanced levels of function, it is said that one may utilise the connection to keep their spirit in the material plane – either after death, or as an image of oneself to train and leave wisdom for others. For more practical applications, one possessed of the seventh chakra can perform the most advanced form of monkhood’s most powerful technique to date: Final Heaven.
Violet is its colour; its aspect is all, and it is none, essentially able to become what is needed, given the level of control it affords.
So say the final writings of Berrod Armstrong, Fist of Rhalgr, regarding the Seventh Light Chakra.
The Seven Shadow Chakras
The Lesson of the First Shadow: Fear.The First Shadow’s lesson lies in mastering fear. Fear of death. Fear of life. Fear of others. Fear of the self. The fear is crippling if left unchecked. One must let the fear in. To fight the fear, or to refuse to acknowledge, it is to sabotage the focus. In letting the fear in, one will quickly realise that it is not a force meant to ravage one’s resolve, but to innoculate it against the corruption of panic. This is not a thing that is instantly learned; it takes meditation, experience, prayer and practice.A mirror to the First Light, this differently aspected chakra is the other side of the coin. The first in its order, it is located in the hip, and very much like its counterpart, is a drive for survival. Whereas the First Light grants survival by fortifying the self, the First Shadow ensures survival by enabling the destruction of all perceived threats. A proactive approach, rather than the reactive one of the First Light.Red is its color, and it will ensure that it is spilled from those who would seek to do one harm. To do so is to pay tribute to the earth, the element toward which it may be most inclined.Thus wrote Berrod Armstrong, Fist of Rhalgr, regarding the First Shadow Chakra.
The Lesson of the Second Shadow: Anger.
Let none deny that there is strength in anger. The effectiveness of that strength depends on how the anger is processed and harnessed. The anger must be acknowledged and carefully indulged. The Second Shadow responds to this indulgence, but there must always be a measure of control. As with fear, the anger must be let in, but it must not be allowed to run rampant. A sharp distinction must be made between using anger as blind drive, and using it as a powerful fuel. Therein lies its mastery.Seated in the thigh, the Second Shadow is a receptacle for the worldly energy drawn by the First, as well as a wellspring of unaspected aether. Anger may both fill it and provide the harness with which it can be directed. It may be released both gradually or all at once. To utilize it gradually bids a sustained period of enhanced strength. The duration of this period naturally depends on how well one has mastered the chakra. To unleash it all at once allows a burst of power that must be carefully managed during its brief release. Training and meditation are a must if one is to accomplish either result.Orange is its colour, influenced by the red of the First and the yellow of the Third.So writes Berrod Armstrong, Fist of Rhalgr, regarding the Second Shadow Chakra.
The Lesson of the Third Shadow: Jealousy.The Third Shadow is the eclipse of jealousy, covetousness, and possessiveness of all things, even things that do no not truly belong to one. Where in the light simple will serves as a driving force, in the shadow, ambition and drive are generated through competition and a need to place oneself higher than one’s peers. Lightning governs it, a force from above all.The Third Shadow dwells in the knees, and among the Shadows it holds a position of particular importance and potential peril. Once this chakra is open, to deny jealously overlong invites an imbalance – a stopgap that can range from simple discomfort to serious physical harm. To that effect, the Third Shadow must always be at least acknowledge and accepted, even though it is not necessary for one to act too selfishly or tactlessly upon one’s covetousness.To acknowledge jealousy and accept oneself as an envious person is to open oneself to the power it grants; activation of the muscles and senses. The stronger one is steeped in their passion to surpass, the more potent the chakra’s potential. To master this chakra is to find a balance between the acknowledgement of envy, the acceptance of envy, and the subsequent drive to remove the gap between one and what one covets. With mastery comes command over one’s aspect of lighting.Yellow is its color, a force on its own, unique from the rest, yet an influence to all those around it.So writes Berrod Armstrong, Fist of Rhalgr, regarding the Third Shadow Chakra.
The Lesson of the Fourth Shadow: Greed.The Fourth Shadow brings forth from the spirit a greedy state of being. It is not to be confused with the covetousness of the third; such covetousness is based on the material and immaterial possessions of others. The greed of the Fourth builds upon an instinct to climb and claw above all others by any means necessary. The temptation to deceive, to steal, to subvert – they boil strong within the firey heat of the Fourth Shadow.Greed is a strong drive in all men – and through that drive the Fourth Shadow provides an abundance of power to see one’s wants realised. It is in tempering and regulating the urges and ambitions of greed that one learns to harness and control this power.A novice in the Fourth shadow may find themselves upon the constant edge of a knife, balancing precariously above the temptation to give in and let their base urges claim what they will. It is a chakra that requires much meditation.Located in the calves, it sits at a threshold among the Shadow Chakras. Beyond the threshold lies the most difficult to master among them all. The power it grants is raw and potent – and without proper control may consume both the user and those surrounding in a conflagration fueled by ruthless wanting. To master this chakra is to acknowledge, accept, then bend one’s greed toward purpose – oft done through brilliant fire.So writes Berrod Armstrong, Fist of Rhalgr, regarding the Fourth Shadow Chakra.
The Lesson of the Fifth Shadow: Abandon.It takes a keen spirit to sense the distinction of the Fifth Shadow. It is a potent mixing pot for the previous four. Keep in mind; as the shadow seeks to climb, so does it also fall. Their energies leak down and mingle. For reasons unfathomable outside of meditation and introspection, the Fifth is a basin for all the fear, anger, insecurity and deceit that one must steep oneself in for the sake of this power. As a chakra however, it also possesses the potential of its own unique spiritual state. Or in this instance, a state where the spirit is forfeit.The Fifth Shadow opens up our animal nature in its fullest, through the promotion and indulgence in the shadows just above it. It is a powerful wellspring of endurance, though it is born of fear. It demands that we place ourselves above all men; let anger fuel the effort. Covet their place. Take it from them. Deceive them if needs be. Ware that this very animal nature is at the brink of a loss of one’s discretion and faculties. A careful balance and awareness must be maintained to avoid losing oneself. Killing will come across as an easy necessity. Every other being one sees will be a challenger to one’s existence. One will relish in suffering and become drunk on it if one is unable to remember that these things must be allowed to wash through, but not linger.The Fifth Shadow is beholden to no element, and is located in the ankles. It is one of the most difficult to master, and the one to which many have fallen. Much like the Fifth Light above, to master this chakra is an important trial in mastering the self.So writes Berrod Armstrong, Fist of Rhalgr, regarding the Fifth Shadow Chakra.
The Lesson of the Sixth Shadow: Autocracy.In a way, the Sixth Shadow serves as preparation for the Seventh. The requirements of the Seventh Shadow are steep. It is a costly power, and mastering the Sixth provides ideal training. It rests in one’s feet, and is a seat entirely oriented around the self. All empathy and consideration toward others are forsaken here. It becomes such that there are no others that matter in the world save the self.Such may be considered an evil – but it is not so, even if the possibility exists. When in a state of only self consideration, one’s own view is all that matters. If one considers onself good, then it is so. If one considers oneself evil, then it is so. One decides – and the Sixth Shadow grants the power to actualize.The philosophy of the Sixth Shadow may seem harmful, and it is, if not applied with discretion. It is naught more but the most raw component of resolve, and must be tasted sparingly. Much like the other shadow chakras, such things that draw their power must be acknowledged, related to, and briefly experienced – but not kept in permanence.Very much like the Sixth Light, the Sixth Shadow has the potential to consume as much, if not more than it produces. Unlike the Sixth Light, however, it may not consume from itself, but from other chakras…even chakras not one’s own. Mastery of this chakra may grant the ability to temporarily disable or disrupt the chakras of another. The word ‘mastery’ is not used lightly here. Such a technique requires much training and control. At a more intermediate level, it is possible for the Sixth Shadow to consume ambient aether to fuel one’s flesh. As a result, the aether that this chakra deals with may be of any aspect, or no aspect.Extensive attention and consideration to one’s training is absolutely necessary in order to ensure that this seat of power does not become a detriment to all.So writes Berrod Armstrong, Fist of Rhalgr, regarding the Sixth Shadow Chakra.
The lesson of the Seventh Shadow: Death.The lowest known chakra of shadow, the seventh is the very connection between the spiritual, the mental, and the basest of urges and instincts - murder. Surviving and thriving through the openings that come above it prepare one for the stark, absolute and unforgiving nature of this chakra. It is a disregard for life, a state of destruction for destruction’s sake. At a glance it may seem like everything one should avoid, and many things that monks are mistaken to be. However, the seventh shadow is both an ending and a beginning. To understand destruction, to truly become acquainted with it on the most spiritual level, one must understand and commune with it in an instinctual and intimate manner . It is why the mastery of the six chakras above it is absolutely vital. To open the seventh without a complete grasp of the others is to doom oneself to sin, damnation and death.The chakra is located at the soles of the feet, where one’s connection to the earth is strongest. Through the opening, control and understanding of this chakra, one is given a connection to those that sit above. To wrest control of and master the worst of one’s malice makes comprehensive work of the rest. The chakra functions as any other as a font of aether that not only multiplies those above, but comes with its own destructive force that defies reckoning.At advanced levels of function, it is said that this chakra grants one the ability to murder utterly – to remove the spirits of others in entirety and consume them for oneself. For more practical applications, a monk possessed of the seventh chakra can perform the most advanced form of monkhood’s most powerful technique to date: Final Heaven. Final Hell, for those who choose to make the distinction.Violet is its aura, dark and deep, aspected in all things, and yet in none, all for the purpose of pure destruction.
So say the final writings of Berrod Armstrong, Fist of Rhalgr, regarding the Seventh Shadow Chakra.
One Illm Punch:A close quarters rapid strike done from an ilm or more away, usually a hands length, involves a precision based blow to a vital physical area and that allows the following jolt of aether to enter and disrupt the life energy of the recipient. An excellent move for creating a window of opportunity especially against aetherically empowered foes.Knowing where to strike, how hard to strike, and with how much aether to send through your foes body is paramount in execution of this technique as well as it’s mastery. It is highly effective against your fellow monks and it’s use should be controlled.
Featherfoot & Haymaker:A Haymaker by definition is just a counterstrike. This could be any kind of blow done after dodging or blocking a strike. When a window is open and the user can strike forth. Pair in the featherfoot technique and you have a tasty combo.Now what makes this technique more than just your average pugilist throwing a heavy handed blow seeking a knockout comes when ones dodging is enhanced with their aether, especially the first shadow, when paired the user is able to dodge more and dodge quicker. Followed up with a strong counter attack and it proves to be an invaluable tool for any monk.
Elemental forms and variations on the monk combat styles as used by Autgar Bloode:
The Riddle of SteelThe Riddle of steel much like it’s nearly identical brother, The RIddle of Earth, is a defensive ability. The only thing separating this particular riddle from its twin is that it was coined solely by Autgar Bloode’s independent study and progress as master of the defensive monk arts. Much as activation of the Riddle of Stone grants the Earth’s Reply upon taking damage and allowed for more precise strikes while remaining mobile around an opponent and grants an innate boost to defenses.The Riddle of Steel grants Steel’s Reply, it’s effects are purely defensive. Most monk defensive abilities could be cut through the use of aetheric weapons or countered elementally. The Riddle of Steel seeks to defend from aetheric weapons as well as standard weapons. It has no elemental weakness as Steel is a falsehood, it’s not truly metal or elemental in nature, it’s just layers upon layers of condensed aether to be used defensively. Much like paper being weak in a single sheet, numerous stacks of paper could stop even the sharpest blade or heavy headed hammer. The RIddle of Steel promotes density over all to remain a strong defensive ability.
Aether Golem: Heart from HateThe aether golem is unknown if it is a monk only ability or not, nor was it a move discovered or coined by Brother Bloode, it was found on a fallen monk’s soulstone and learned from it. Final End was his name and Autgar never got the opportunity to see the Hellsguard use the ability. Autgar saw it for a split second before he cut down the enemy monk when he refused to yield and go peacefully. An event Autgar to this day regrets. However when he took the stone he did all he could to learn from it. The aether golem is simple in design, it’s a physical form of one’s own aether, the monks get the lovely advantage of having more aether due to having their chakras. The golem is pure aether that responds to the will of its users.Heart from Hate is what Autgar has named is particular golem, named after getting to learn more about the stones owner Final End, who at one time he hated but after getting the full story he was hurt and mournful of having to strike down a misguided brother. Heart from Hate resembles the fallen Hellsguard and an earth egi. Floating earthy chunks make up the arms of the golem where as the torso and face resemble the Hellsguard’s own visage but chiseled out of earthy crystal. The Golem will throw punches and strikes much like the monk but specialises in defensive abilities and erecting barriers.
Fists of IronA fighting form that functions much like the Riddle of Steel and resembles the relationship between the other Fist forms and their matching riddles. In a twist of the usual, the riddle came first before the form this time. It is very simply a less potent version of it’s riddle. The form layers the body with layer upon layer of unaspected aether.
Primarily to be used defensively but the iron like density that layers the body has been known to improve one's offensive capabilities if they can land a blow while their usual speed is slowed due to the weight of the aether that rests upon them.
“I’d be lying if I said I’d never given any thought on making my own style. It would be a poor lie too given how much of my own I have already made and published. One of my students inspired me to do this, she lives a different life than most and she may soon be publishing her ways to help others and now I wish to do the same. I can honestly say, I do not do this for fame, I don’t do it for anything other than my fellow brothers and sisters. I do it in hopes that there are other fighters like me out there. Fighters who defend and react before all else in life in every capacity of what it means. Much like monkhood, this style I am to speak on is a lifestyle. It’s not just a combat form, or a philosophical practice. It is a way to live through every part of every day. I have always favored reactionary styles and paths. Preferred to answer instead of ask. To grant a reply versus coming up with the topic. I am slow. Especially compared to my other siblings in the monkhood. My size has always made me so, I am strong sure, but what good is strength if you can’t land a blow? So instead I lie in wait, I become both the bait and the trap. I slam down upon my foe like a hunters trap when they finally approach me. Only then am I able to get my hands on them and unleash all that I have upon my enemy.I am the Arbuda. The four armed statues that my kind train against. Known mostly as a challenge at the Temple of the Fist, the highest peak of the trial, it grants us it's accolades depending on how well we do against it and how quickly we manage to best the trial. I’ve faced it a few times in my short life and again, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t care about those accolades. Of course I care about them. I want the best ones I can receive, the highest marks proves my skill, my skills being rewarded mean I have in fact grown, it means I can continue to grow. I can continue to improve and be a better shield for my country and my siblings in the Order.Now the Arbuda, much like the other statues in the trial at the temple, is not known for its speed. It is known for its reactionary capabilities. Four arms all with blades, ready to strike out at anything that dared to test themselves against it. You want to know how good you are, you arrived at the Arbuda with a question. The Arbuda’s might is the answer. Raw anything isn’t the answer. For it lies in wait, planning, ready to counter, formulating different responses to different attacks.To me, this was it. This was what I’ve sought out for so long not even just in battle but in my life. Waiting to react keeps me restrained. It keeps me from over zealously or over eagerly approaching any situation. It keeps me level headed and focused. I no longer worry about what is to come, because I am too occupied worrying about what is, and facing it with all that I am.So I invite my brothers and sisters who have sought out a similar way of being. Try this path. The Way of Reply is how we will live. The Arbuda’s Fist is how we will fight.”So writes Autgar Bloode, monk of the Seventh Astral Era.
IndraA forbidden technique that requires an opened seventh chakra to execute, Indra opposes Asura, instead of assassinating one on an aetheric level, this one seeks to control and pacify and requires an immense knowledge of aetheric control to wield.The monk presses their hands together in prayer, leaving their physical form open while the technique is invoked. One ready to cast a mask forms over the monk of a smiling face with a single tear rolling down the cheek. A thousand aetheric arms begin to sprout out of the casters form that strike forth with speed and precision at a surgical level. Avoiding doing damage but instead crippling aetheric passages in the body that seek to cut off the victim from their aether and being able to use it. The casters own aether is injected into the victim to continue to disrupt their internal systems and interrupt their casting until the caster is dead or all of their aether has been flushed/removed from the victims.