'NINJUTSU' Syntax: ninjutsu <spirit/air/shadow> (set discipline) Syntax: ninjutsu <none> (unset discipline) Syntax: ninjutsu (activate special ability) Novice shadows study the ancient art of ninjutsu as a part of martial training. Much like the studies of monks, the ninjutsu practitioner concerns themselves with the circulations of ki into, out of and around the body. As part of this training, the shadow learns to manipulate this in a way which is augmented by their magic ability into three key disciplines. Used with an argument, ninjitsu allows the shadow to focus their techniques into assuming one of three specified discipline. They may then use the ninjitsu ability again, either to change the discipline to another, or to activate a secret technique for their chosen discipline, handed through the centuries. Note that assuming a discipline sets a PERSISTENT combat stance. Spirit Combat style: Defensive Passive ability: bonus to armor class Active ability: Healing * healing: Also uses mana. The shadow allows ki to flow into them from the earth, granting a meagre amount of health. Shadow ability: shadow cloak Air Combat style: Balanced Passive ability: bonus to hitroll for dual wielded weapons and swords Active ability: shadow tactics * shadow tactics: The shadow uses ki to augment their fighting skills. This will cause some attacks to hit a little harder at the cost of mana. Whenever this happens, the shadow may follow up with a THROW that will cost mana. This affect lasts until canceled. Shadow ability: burst of speed Shadow Combat style: Offensive Passive ability: bonus to damroll with whips, flails and spears Active ability: Ghostwalk (replaced with Predator for the Cobra Sai clan) * ghostwalk: While ghostwalking, the shadow will expend mana in order to dodge blows in combat. This is very taxing on the shadow since parry may go unused. After ghostwalking, the shadow has an opportunity to retaliate with a better than normal kick. * predator: While striking from invisibility, the shadows attacks will be more difficult to block. (Cobra Sai clan ghostwalk replacement) Shadow ability: shadow machine (Red Dragons instead use shadow spear) Bonuses to hitroll or damroll do not stack with weapon enchant and attributes. Note that all passive ability affects are doubled for two-handeds. Shadow abilities become available in later levels. See SHADOW ARTS.