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One-Handed Weapon Ability: Shi'komi Slash

Writer's picture: Randall HarrisRandall Harris

 

"You are reactive. My movements predict yours. Continue fighting this way, and you will be no more than a puppet on a string."

~Hatshi Muyo, Ambassador of the Rafale~

Hatshi walks into the Krevin village; for a second, there is a slight pause, and then everyone continues. He cleared his throat and said rather loudly. "I am looking for the village elder named Ra' Jari. Has anyone seen him?" No one acknowledged his presence. There was a word he heard on a patrol mission, Uhuru. Hatshi clears his throat again and yells out, "Uhuru!" The Krevin dropped what they were doing and formed a circle around Hatshi. Suddenly, a massive Krevin steps in the middle of the circle and tells Hatshi. "My name is Tok Jaheam, and I accept your challenge."

Hatshi drops the bag slung on his shoulder and readies his weapon. "I did not know I was issuing a challenge. Do we have to do this?" Tok pulls two claw knuckles from his side and gets into his fighting stance. "Uhuru means to walk freely within our lands and be acknowledged as a Krevin. Uhuru is a freedom that is earned." Tok slowly paced back and forth. "If you want the information you seek, you will accept this challenge and earn the right to be Uhuru." Tok lunges at Hatshi and begins slashing at him. Hatshi dodges his attack, takes a step back, lowers his stance, and slashes. Tok blocks the attack, leaving himself open for Hatshi to kick him in the stomach. Hatshi slashes downward as Tok leaps to the side. "You are reactive. My movements predict yours." He slashes across as Tok ducks underneath, unaware of the spinning back-kick connected to his ribs. "Continue fighting this way, and you will be no more than a puppet on a string," Tok growled as he lunged again. Hatshi stood upright and raised his sword over his head. Seizing the opportunity, Tok took his claws and slashed him across the chest. Then, with a booming sound, Hatchi brought the broad side of his sword across Tok's midsection. The sound of crushing bone echoed throughout the circle. Tok dropped to the ground, grabbing his ribs. He knew the challenge was over with one hit.

Shi'komi Slash: The player takes an open stance with their weapon and charges their attack for one round. While charging, they can not move or perform any other action. Once it is the player's turn again, they release the attack, which is an automatic hit—dealing 2D10 +5 damage, disarming and stunning their opponent for one round.

The word Uhuru (Ooo-Who-Ru) means freedom or independence in Swahili. I wanted to incorporate real-world languages in Aalam to highlight the many languages in our world. For the most part, every race in Aalam has a separate language, but most people can speak a universal language. The Krevin speak their language, not Swahili, although some of their words are Swahili words.

I'm sorry this was a long one. I wanted to write a fight scene to see how it would go. Please let me know what you think and give any tips or ideas on how I could make it better. Huge shout out to the artist Spencer! He does fantastic work, and he blessed me with this illustration. You can check them out on Instagram @spencil_studios. Such an amazing talent! The editor finished my second book; two more to go, and then it's manufacturing time!!! OH MY GODDDDDDDDDD!!! I can't thank you enough for sticking with me on this adventure! For all my newcomers, welcome, welcome! I hope everyone has a very lowkey Turkey Day! I love you like biscuits and gravy!

Take care

Randall Harris

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