Applications of Force
Since a number of gamers in this group are Chinese-deficient, I've been asked to write an article to assist in the visualisation of their particular martial art techniques. However, in doing so, I will need to impart some grounding of the concept of "gong li" ("功力").
Please note people - my article is one possible interpretation, and contains many gross oversimplifications. Some concepts just don't translate well into English. The purpose of this article, however, is to give you a basic understanding to visualise the martial arts in my game.
The Theory
The applications of force ("功力") in fantasy martial arts can be divided roughly into two categories - wai gong ("外功") and nei gong ("内功"). It is important to note - the two are distinct but inseparable. One does not exist without the other. What fantasy martial arts calls "wai gong" is commonly understood as the gross muscular motion involved in normal punching kicking (eg, punching is contraction and extension of certain muscles in the body etc).
"Nei gong" is a little harder to define. For the purposes of this article, however, I will use a simplification - "nei gong" is simply additional force that can be directed as the martial artist chooses, that goes beyond what muscles can ordinarily generate. Imagine "wai gong" as muscles, and "nei gong" as an additional force component that can be added, subtracted, directed in a 3-dimensional, 360 vector. One interesting paradigmic limitation is that this force always originates from the user in some way. It can bounce or deflect, or it can impart motion to an external object to subsequently affect another person or object, but it -always- originates from the user.
Limitations on Nei Gong
The next question that begs to be asked - "Can nei gong be used in ANY way?" The answer is yes and no. I've already explained one of the limitations to the paradigmic limitations of force. There's another.
Remember the start of the article where I explained that the two were inseparable? This is where the inseperability bit comes in. "Nei gong" may be pure force, but it is "wai gong" that does the guiding. Because "wai gong" is necessarily limited to certain ingrained muscular responses (aka martial arts), the applications of nei gong are limited by the "guidance" and "technique" of your "wai gong". If one is able to overcome the need for "wai gong" to channel "nei gong", it is theoratically possible to levitate rocks. Very very few martial artists ever reach this level - because, under the wuxia paradigm, the cultivation of "nei gong" necessarily requires the cultivation of certain physical components involving "wai gong". It is possible to cultivate "pure" nei gong, just very difficult. Often, a skilled martial artist adds aspect of his personality to the way he practises "wai gong" further shaping the application of "nei gong".
Because of this "wai gong" limitation, the applications of a martial artist's "nei gong" will be shaped by the form of "wai gong" practised. As examples for visualisation, I will be using a number of terms such as "hard", "soft", "cold", "linear", "circular". These terms are imperfect descriptions. It would be the equivalent of calling a certain quality of voice "bright" or "dark" or calling a colour "fragrant". There's a quality imparted by the description, but it's not always perfect.
What The Descriptors Mean
Not all terms will be defined here, but here are the most common descriptors.
"Hard" vs "Soft"
"Hard" is exactly what it means. "Hard" attacks tend to be direct and destructive, no-nonsense, in your face. The force of a bull-charging, Mike Tyson's punch, a steaming locomotive etc are all "hard" attacks. "Hard" defences tend to be a lot like force fields - it just stops the force outright by countering it with an equal but opposite force.
In contrast, where hard force seeks to confront, soft force seeks to pervade, evade and redirect. For example a "soft" attack would flow around the defences of a hard defence. A "soft" defence would be involved in redirection or evasion, not direct confrontation - eg, tapping a fist downward or upward to cause the fist to miss.
"Linear" versus "Circular"
A straight line is the shortest point between two spaces. A force that's linear travels in a straight line. A force that's circular bends around. The advantage of linear force is that it is direct, efficient and all energy is going in one direction. A circular force, on the other hand, is better at going around obstacles, so while more energy is require to get the force to bend, less of the energy is lost confronting the obstacle.
"Focused" vs "Dispersed"
Think of a laser beam versus an explosion. That's the difference between "focused" versus "dispersed". Assuming both have equal amounts of energy, one directs the attack on one spot (to punch through the defence regardless of how well-placed the defence is), the other vents energy in large quantities (affects a large area, so something will get through).
"Blunt" vs "Sharp"
The difference between getting punched and getting cut. "Blunt" force is better at certain things (e.g knocking people back), sharp force is better at certain things (e.g cutting people's cloths).
"Precise" vs "Overwhelming"
Precise styles prefer quality. Such styles excel at attacking vital points.
Overwhelming styles like quantity. It floods the defences of the opponent with sheer quantity (whether through multiple attacks or a single huge blast), regardless of where the force actually lands.
As can be seen a precise, overwhelming style -is- possible, but since there are only -so- many vital points to attack, multiple attacks in the same area are kind of redundant. Hence, for the purposes of game mechanics, they are considered opposites.
A Case Example
To show how the limitations on each type of force would have, imagine a porcelain cup on the table, filled to the brim with wine. A number of tasks will be set based on this cup of wine. The description of forces will show what each type of force finds easier, and which are outright impossible.
(1) Move the cup from one end of the table to the other in a straight line. A "linear" application of force would find this easier to do than a "circular" application of force (which has to spin the cup so that it moves by it's own torque).
(2) Spin the cup without changing the position of the cup on the table. "Circular" martial arts will have an easier time to do so than "Linear" martial arts (who would have to direct linear force just on the edge of the cup to make it spin).
(3) Shattering the table. Shattering the table favours neither "hard" nor "soft" force. Overcoming the hardness of the table through hard force, or flowing around the resistance of the table works equally well. It does, however, favour "blunt" force over "sharp" force, which is more likely cut right through the table.
(4) Cutting the table in exactly half. "Sharp" force will have an easier time than "Blunt" force. "Precise" styles will work better than "overwhelming" styles. No difference in "focused" or "dispersed" styles - the only difference is how much table is left.
(4) Punching a hole through the table without spilling a drop of wine from the glass. "Focused, precise" styles will find this easier than "Dispersed, overwhelming" styles.
(5) Breaking the glass by touching it, without destroying the table. "Soft" martial arts find this easier than "hard" martial arts. "Precise" martial arts find this easier to do than "overwhelming" martial arts. No difference in "dispersed" or "focused" techniques here.
Application to Techniques
Now let's get to some examples using the techniques the players already have. As can be seen every style will have a weakness and a strength at applying force.
(1) Nan Tien Chuan.
A stellar (pardon the pun) example of "Hard Focused" martial arts. Based off the movement of stars, the philosophy of Nan Tien Chuan is simple: Do not stop, under any circumstance. Stopping an attack or the user of Nan Tien Chuan is -tough-. One might as well stop the movement of stars, or an earthquake, volcano or other such force of nature from occuring.
The opposite is also true of the Nan Tien Chuan practioner. The practioner finds it difficult to moderate force or control output, for the movements of Nan Tian Chuan dictate itself.
(2) Feng Shen Tui
The epitome of a "speed"-based martial art, it also takes on the characteristics of the wind it is named after. Wind is formless and shapeless, yet it imparts motion. The movements of a Feng Shen Tui practioner is to be formless and shapeless as the wind, yet strike with the speed of a gale.
However, because of it's focus on wind, it's chi is considered "dispersed" and "overwhelming", able to affect a large area, but not forcefully. It is also unable to make "precise" and "focused" attacks, as the focus of the martial art is on flooding an opponent with attacks, never mind where they actually land.
(3) Can Jian Jian Fa
Embodying the highest levels of swordsmanship, this martial art embodies the "sharp" and "precise" aspects of chi. Can Jian Jian Fa can empower just about any straight, long object with the cutting force of a sword. However, because it embodies all sword strokes, it is neither "hard" nor "soft", "circular" nor "linear".
Can Jian Jian Fa, however, does not do "blunt" force well.
(4) Han Bin Lian Zhang
"Cold", "cold" and more "cold". It can take on "hard" dimensions (forming a blade of ice to attack with) or "soft" dimensions (creating numbness in an opponent's arm to stop an attack).
The disadvantage to the unusual nature of Han Bin Lian Zhang is that -most- martial arts' "nei gong" is incompatible with the users. He can't assist in the healing of most men using his "nei gong" and it slowly affects his thoughts to become more inhumane, cold and calculating. It also cannot "heat" anything, something most normal practioners can do with some practice.
(5) Xiang Long Shi Ba Zhang
Arguably the god-king of "hard" martial arts. It seeks to "overwhelm" an opponent with hard force, and to resist the opponent's attacks with hard force channeled from the body. None of this wussy redirection/avoidance shit is necessary. The practioner takes it like a man, and gives it like a raging dragon in steroids.
The reverse is also true. Because of the manliness involved in this martial art, no wussy "soft" techniques are available. No redirection, no moderation of force, nothing. It's an overwhelming flood of hard force in your face.
(6) Po Kong Yuan Shou
This martial arts is unusual, as it's not based off force, but rather the "negation" of force. If you consider an attack as force applied from an attacker to the defender and a defence as force applied to avoid / resist / redirect the attack, then Po Kong Yuan Shou's philosophy is obvious. It negates an attack by neutralising force ("Kong" / "空" aspect). It attacks by bypassing / neutralising defences("Po" / "破" aspect).
Because it's skills are so focused on "neutralisation", it is difficult for the user to -impart- motion on anything, but what it excels at is -stopping- motion in all forms.
(7) Ru Yue Dao Fa
This martial art is based off Can Jian Jian Fa. However, the nature of two sabers makes the chi projection naturally "sharp" but "circular". However, it is also "precise" attacking vital spots and blocking/parrying by moving blades to the right spot at the right time.
Straight lines are anathema to it, as one can't jab effectively with curved sabers. It also doesn't do "blunt" force well, being based on the nature of sabers.
A bonus comparison:
Comparing Nan Tien Chuan and Xiang Long Shi Ba Zhang. Both are VERY "hard" martial arts. However, where the two differ is in the application of "hard" force. Imagine a door. A Nan Tien Chuan practioners, using "hard focused force" is more likely to punch through the door, the wall behind the door, and the person behind the wall. A Xiang Long practioner, having "hard overwhelming force" will more likely shatter the door from it's hinges, send it flying and crashing through the wall and hitting the person behind the wall.
Taking another contrast of two speed-based martial arts, Feng Shen Tui and Rue Yue Dao Fa. Feng Shen Tui is "speed, dispersed, overwhelming", whereas Rue Yue is "speed, precise, sharp". Feng Shen Tui finds it easier to make area-based attacks (attacking everyone in an area), something Ru Yue may find itself incapable of doing. Rue Yue, however, finds it easier to attack vital spots quickly and precisely before they have a chance to respond, something Feng Shen Tui has a problem with.
Hope you've enjoyed this article. Before the game on Saturday, I will set a number of tests for the players and depending on performance, exp will be awarded. Double exp awarded to the girls - they are at a disadvantage in this after all.
The test is simple - it's the old wine cup on a table, filled to the brim with wine. Wine cup is made of porcelain and is always located on the center of the table. My test is coming up with a description, using your own martial arts practise of "nei gong" to accomplish 5 tasks.
(1) Destroy the glass and the table.
(2) Using the glass, wine and table as a projectile weapon against someone making rude signs at you outside the tavern.
(3) Drink the wine without touching the glass (touching the table is acceptable).
(4) Destroy the table without spilling wine.
(5) Break the glass without breaking the table. You can touch the table, but you can't touch the glass.
Please note people - my article is one possible interpretation, and contains many gross oversimplifications. Some concepts just don't translate well into English. The purpose of this article, however, is to give you a basic understanding to visualise the martial arts in my game.
The Theory
The applications of force ("功力") in fantasy martial arts can be divided roughly into two categories - wai gong ("外功") and nei gong ("内功"). It is important to note - the two are distinct but inseparable. One does not exist without the other. What fantasy martial arts calls "wai gong" is commonly understood as the gross muscular motion involved in normal punching kicking (eg, punching is contraction and extension of certain muscles in the body etc).
"Nei gong" is a little harder to define. For the purposes of this article, however, I will use a simplification - "nei gong" is simply additional force that can be directed as the martial artist chooses, that goes beyond what muscles can ordinarily generate. Imagine "wai gong" as muscles, and "nei gong" as an additional force component that can be added, subtracted, directed in a 3-dimensional, 360 vector. One interesting paradigmic limitation is that this force always originates from the user in some way. It can bounce or deflect, or it can impart motion to an external object to subsequently affect another person or object, but it -always- originates from the user.
Limitations on Nei Gong
The next question that begs to be asked - "Can nei gong be used in ANY way?" The answer is yes and no. I've already explained one of the limitations to the paradigmic limitations of force. There's another.
Remember the start of the article where I explained that the two were inseparable? This is where the inseperability bit comes in. "Nei gong" may be pure force, but it is "wai gong" that does the guiding. Because "wai gong" is necessarily limited to certain ingrained muscular responses (aka martial arts), the applications of nei gong are limited by the "guidance" and "technique" of your "wai gong". If one is able to overcome the need for "wai gong" to channel "nei gong", it is theoratically possible to levitate rocks. Very very few martial artists ever reach this level - because, under the wuxia paradigm, the cultivation of "nei gong" necessarily requires the cultivation of certain physical components involving "wai gong". It is possible to cultivate "pure" nei gong, just very difficult. Often, a skilled martial artist adds aspect of his personality to the way he practises "wai gong" further shaping the application of "nei gong".
Because of this "wai gong" limitation, the applications of a martial artist's "nei gong" will be shaped by the form of "wai gong" practised. As examples for visualisation, I will be using a number of terms such as "hard", "soft", "cold", "linear", "circular". These terms are imperfect descriptions. It would be the equivalent of calling a certain quality of voice "bright" or "dark" or calling a colour "fragrant". There's a quality imparted by the description, but it's not always perfect.
What The Descriptors Mean
Not all terms will be defined here, but here are the most common descriptors.
"Hard" vs "Soft"
"Hard" is exactly what it means. "Hard" attacks tend to be direct and destructive, no-nonsense, in your face. The force of a bull-charging, Mike Tyson's punch, a steaming locomotive etc are all "hard" attacks. "Hard" defences tend to be a lot like force fields - it just stops the force outright by countering it with an equal but opposite force.
In contrast, where hard force seeks to confront, soft force seeks to pervade, evade and redirect. For example a "soft" attack would flow around the defences of a hard defence. A "soft" defence would be involved in redirection or evasion, not direct confrontation - eg, tapping a fist downward or upward to cause the fist to miss.
"Linear" versus "Circular"
A straight line is the shortest point between two spaces. A force that's linear travels in a straight line. A force that's circular bends around. The advantage of linear force is that it is direct, efficient and all energy is going in one direction. A circular force, on the other hand, is better at going around obstacles, so while more energy is require to get the force to bend, less of the energy is lost confronting the obstacle.
"Focused" vs "Dispersed"
Think of a laser beam versus an explosion. That's the difference between "focused" versus "dispersed". Assuming both have equal amounts of energy, one directs the attack on one spot (to punch through the defence regardless of how well-placed the defence is), the other vents energy in large quantities (affects a large area, so something will get through).
"Blunt" vs "Sharp"
The difference between getting punched and getting cut. "Blunt" force is better at certain things (e.g knocking people back), sharp force is better at certain things (e.g cutting people's cloths).
"Precise" vs "Overwhelming"
Precise styles prefer quality. Such styles excel at attacking vital points.
Overwhelming styles like quantity. It floods the defences of the opponent with sheer quantity (whether through multiple attacks or a single huge blast), regardless of where the force actually lands.
As can be seen a precise, overwhelming style -is- possible, but since there are only -so- many vital points to attack, multiple attacks in the same area are kind of redundant. Hence, for the purposes of game mechanics, they are considered opposites.
A Case Example
To show how the limitations on each type of force would have, imagine a porcelain cup on the table, filled to the brim with wine. A number of tasks will be set based on this cup of wine. The description of forces will show what each type of force finds easier, and which are outright impossible.
(1) Move the cup from one end of the table to the other in a straight line. A "linear" application of force would find this easier to do than a "circular" application of force (which has to spin the cup so that it moves by it's own torque).
(2) Spin the cup without changing the position of the cup on the table. "Circular" martial arts will have an easier time to do so than "Linear" martial arts (who would have to direct linear force just on the edge of the cup to make it spin).
(3) Shattering the table. Shattering the table favours neither "hard" nor "soft" force. Overcoming the hardness of the table through hard force, or flowing around the resistance of the table works equally well. It does, however, favour "blunt" force over "sharp" force, which is more likely cut right through the table.
(4) Cutting the table in exactly half. "Sharp" force will have an easier time than "Blunt" force. "Precise" styles will work better than "overwhelming" styles. No difference in "focused" or "dispersed" styles - the only difference is how much table is left.
(4) Punching a hole through the table without spilling a drop of wine from the glass. "Focused, precise" styles will find this easier than "Dispersed, overwhelming" styles.
(5) Breaking the glass by touching it, without destroying the table. "Soft" martial arts find this easier than "hard" martial arts. "Precise" martial arts find this easier to do than "overwhelming" martial arts. No difference in "dispersed" or "focused" techniques here.
Application to Techniques
Now let's get to some examples using the techniques the players already have. As can be seen every style will have a weakness and a strength at applying force.
(1) Nan Tien Chuan.
A stellar (pardon the pun) example of "Hard Focused" martial arts. Based off the movement of stars, the philosophy of Nan Tien Chuan is simple: Do not stop, under any circumstance. Stopping an attack or the user of Nan Tien Chuan is -tough-. One might as well stop the movement of stars, or an earthquake, volcano or other such force of nature from occuring.
The opposite is also true of the Nan Tien Chuan practioner. The practioner finds it difficult to moderate force or control output, for the movements of Nan Tian Chuan dictate itself.
(2) Feng Shen Tui
The epitome of a "speed"-based martial art, it also takes on the characteristics of the wind it is named after. Wind is formless and shapeless, yet it imparts motion. The movements of a Feng Shen Tui practioner is to be formless and shapeless as the wind, yet strike with the speed of a gale.
However, because of it's focus on wind, it's chi is considered "dispersed" and "overwhelming", able to affect a large area, but not forcefully. It is also unable to make "precise" and "focused" attacks, as the focus of the martial art is on flooding an opponent with attacks, never mind where they actually land.
(3) Can Jian Jian Fa
Embodying the highest levels of swordsmanship, this martial art embodies the "sharp" and "precise" aspects of chi. Can Jian Jian Fa can empower just about any straight, long object with the cutting force of a sword. However, because it embodies all sword strokes, it is neither "hard" nor "soft", "circular" nor "linear".
Can Jian Jian Fa, however, does not do "blunt" force well.
(4) Han Bin Lian Zhang
"Cold", "cold" and more "cold". It can take on "hard" dimensions (forming a blade of ice to attack with) or "soft" dimensions (creating numbness in an opponent's arm to stop an attack).
The disadvantage to the unusual nature of Han Bin Lian Zhang is that -most- martial arts' "nei gong" is incompatible with the users. He can't assist in the healing of most men using his "nei gong" and it slowly affects his thoughts to become more inhumane, cold and calculating. It also cannot "heat" anything, something most normal practioners can do with some practice.
(5) Xiang Long Shi Ba Zhang
Arguably the god-king of "hard" martial arts. It seeks to "overwhelm" an opponent with hard force, and to resist the opponent's attacks with hard force channeled from the body. None of this wussy redirection/avoidance shit is necessary. The practioner takes it like a man, and gives it like a raging dragon in steroids.
The reverse is also true. Because of the manliness involved in this martial art, no wussy "soft" techniques are available. No redirection, no moderation of force, nothing. It's an overwhelming flood of hard force in your face.
(6) Po Kong Yuan Shou
This martial arts is unusual, as it's not based off force, but rather the "negation" of force. If you consider an attack as force applied from an attacker to the defender and a defence as force applied to avoid / resist / redirect the attack, then Po Kong Yuan Shou's philosophy is obvious. It negates an attack by neutralising force ("Kong" / "空" aspect). It attacks by bypassing / neutralising defences("Po" / "破" aspect).
Because it's skills are so focused on "neutralisation", it is difficult for the user to -impart- motion on anything, but what it excels at is -stopping- motion in all forms.
(7) Ru Yue Dao Fa
This martial art is based off Can Jian Jian Fa. However, the nature of two sabers makes the chi projection naturally "sharp" but "circular". However, it is also "precise" attacking vital spots and blocking/parrying by moving blades to the right spot at the right time.
Straight lines are anathema to it, as one can't jab effectively with curved sabers. It also doesn't do "blunt" force well, being based on the nature of sabers.
A bonus comparison:
Comparing Nan Tien Chuan and Xiang Long Shi Ba Zhang. Both are VERY "hard" martial arts. However, where the two differ is in the application of "hard" force. Imagine a door. A Nan Tien Chuan practioners, using "hard focused force" is more likely to punch through the door, the wall behind the door, and the person behind the wall. A Xiang Long practioner, having "hard overwhelming force" will more likely shatter the door from it's hinges, send it flying and crashing through the wall and hitting the person behind the wall.
Taking another contrast of two speed-based martial arts, Feng Shen Tui and Rue Yue Dao Fa. Feng Shen Tui is "speed, dispersed, overwhelming", whereas Rue Yue is "speed, precise, sharp". Feng Shen Tui finds it easier to make area-based attacks (attacking everyone in an area), something Ru Yue may find itself incapable of doing. Rue Yue, however, finds it easier to attack vital spots quickly and precisely before they have a chance to respond, something Feng Shen Tui has a problem with.
Hope you've enjoyed this article. Before the game on Saturday, I will set a number of tests for the players and depending on performance, exp will be awarded. Double exp awarded to the girls - they are at a disadvantage in this after all.
The test is simple - it's the old wine cup on a table, filled to the brim with wine. Wine cup is made of porcelain and is always located on the center of the table. My test is coming up with a description, using your own martial arts practise of "nei gong" to accomplish 5 tasks.
(1) Destroy the glass and the table.
(2) Using the glass, wine and table as a projectile weapon against someone making rude signs at you outside the tavern.
(3) Drink the wine without touching the glass (touching the table is acceptable).
(4) Destroy the table without spilling wine.
(5) Break the glass without breaking the table. You can touch the table, but you can't touch the glass.
posted by Anthony at 8:00 PM
1 Comments:
*grin* is 'inseparable', not 'inseperable' etc etc...
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