Martial Arts In Metahumans Rising Part 16: Togakure-ryū Ninjutsu

• A fast, deadly style that relies on subterfuge and evasion. 

Author’s Note: In both the real world, and the gaming world, there is perhaps no martial art more universally romanticized than ninjutsu, which is in itself a misnomer. Like the ninja themselves, much of their history is steeped in mystery. In this article, we will attempt to present a plausible history and to do justice to this art. 

Ninjutsu is a blanket term used to describe a number of interrelated disciplines focusing on espionage, survival, and asymmetrical warfare utilized by the spies and mercenaries better known as ninja. Tales of ninja date back to 6th century Japan. However, it would not be until the 12th century that ninja were openly utilized in war. Togakure-ryū Ninjutsu was developed around this time period, in the Iga Province by a Samurai Daisuke Nishina, later Togakure, and Kain Dōshi a warrior-monk, and political exile from China. It was through their discussions, and Togakure’s shifting perceptions on warfare that this ninjutsu was born. 

The martial aspects of ninjutsu represent a small portion of the whole. Ninja would learn techniques of espionage and wilderness survival along with the fighting style and associated weapons training. Togakure-ryū Ninjutsu’s fighting techniques focus on flexibility, and adapting to the situation along with escaping conflict. The flexibility and improvisational nature of Togakure-ryū ninjutsu helps to set it apart from most traditional martial arts. 

Associated Weapons: Kusarigama (Sickle and Chain), Katana (Sword, note the ninjatō is potentially a modern day design with no historical context), Kyoketsu-Shoge (Rope Dart) Shuko & Ashiko (Palm Claws, Foot Spikes), Shuriken (Darts, throwing knives, or throwing stars) Tetsubishi (Caltrops) 

Togakure-ryū Ninjutsu shifts between a neutral, unassuming stance, to a low, crouched, stance, or a high guarded stance as needed. In all cases, the martial artist uses stance and posture to conceal their actions, or strategy. The martial aspect of ninjutsu combines multiple types of striking techniques to disable, or kill a foe quickly and escape. 

Author’s Note: All builds presented in this series should not be taken as the only way to interpret a given style. Players and GMs are encouraged to  treat these as a framework to build their own character’s style.

Fighting Style: Togakure-ryū Ninjutsu

• Parent Attribute: Sense or Expression  
• Primary Role: Offense
• First Secondary Role: Defense

Common Specialties: 

• Bypass Armor 
• Heavy Blow 
• Stagger 
• Surprised Foes 

Common Combos: 

• Assassin Strike: Heavy Blow – Move 
  • Typically from a hidden position, and following Bypass Armor 
• Break Away: Stagger – Move
• Counter Disable: Active Defense – Stagger
• Vital Strike: Bypass Armor – Heavy Blow 

Key Talents: 

• Acrobatics
• Climbing
• Movement: Select 
• Perception 
• Sleight of Hand
• Stealth 
• Subterfuge 
  • Surprised Targets 

Additional Talents associated with ninjutsu: Disguise, Fitness, Herbalism, Hold Breath, Intuition, Lock Picking, Riding, Survival, and Tactics. 

Additional Boons 

• Critical Skill: Stealth MA 
• Languages: Japanese and any other two TY 
• Movement Supports Active Defense MA 
• Stealth Supports Bypass Armor TY 
• Tools: Actual Tools, Elevator, Escape Clause, Hidden Weapon MA  
• Tricky TY 

Super Style Togakure-ryū Ninjutsu

Where to start? There are any number of powers associated with ninjutsu, be it light, invisibility, shapeshifting, duplication, animal summoning, or even control over the elements. Any one of these could be built as a full Power, somehow though, these are just part of the total package that is ninjutsu. We hope that you enjoy our take on this style. 

Example (Classic Power Level)

Togakure-ryū Ninjutsu 12 

• Senses/Offense   

Secondary Role: Defense MA

Secondary Role: Support: Dexterity (Full Role) MA2 

Illusions (Active Illusions, Meddling Illusions, Mirrored Defense) MA4

Limited Uses (Illusions) 

Limitation: Illusions can only make copies of the character or emulate the natural elements. 

(S) Bypass Armor 7

(S) Combo: Assassin Strike 4

(S) Combo: Vital Strike 4 

(S) Heavy Blow 7

Ninjutsu is survival, to do so means to embrace the art of deception. The martial aspects teach the artist to be fast, lethal, but ninjutsu is more than just a fighting style. The arts of deception drift into mystic practices. The ninja can use illusions to appear to control the elements, or create duplicates of themselves. With effort (re: Willpower) these illusions can even affect the real world, if only for a limited time. However, even a few seconds is all the time a ninja needs to escape. 

Cost 1 Power + 12 Selections + 11 AP 

Boons 

Combo: Assassin Strike TY 

Combo: Vital Strike TY

Critical Skill: Stealth MA 

Languages: Japanese and any other two TY 

Movement Supports Active Defense TY

Stealth Supports Bypass Armor TY 

Tools: Actual Tools, Elevator, Escape Clause, Hidden Weapon MA  

Cost  1 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 9 AP

Use In Conflict 

Step one, don’t be seen, you work best from the shadows, and once exposed are vulnerable. From a hidden position, find your target, Bypass their Armor, Strike as an Assassin. If you didn’t roll two 6s for a free Stealth attempt through Critical Skill, hide. If you do not have the time to set up an Assassin Strike, a Vital Strike can open a foe up for later attacks as needed. If you are in plain sight afterward, drop back into the shadows. Do not be caught, illusions can mitigate attacks if you are seen, blinding people with Meddling Illusions, or creating duplicates of yourself for others to attack. While your enemies are distracted, hide. Complete the mission, escape.