Re: [DL] An unusual question about the martial arts

[Brett Dixon <balance@tubas.net>]

On Thursday, December 12, 2002, at 09:58  AM, cnc80@shaw.ca wrote:
> What would be a good example of having the Sifu disadvantage?

It does, as I remember, come at different levels... A lower level (-1 
or -2) might represent a master who's powerful and actually useful, but 
still hinders the character greatly...

I guess we should keep in mind that hindering the character does not 
equal getting whooped in combat. Of course the Sifu becomes a resource 
for information, and occasionally may even get involved in combat, but 
as the stereotypical 'elder' may not have the ability to adapt to 
living in and around American culture as well as the student. If the 
sifu acts like he's still in china, he'll be a constant target for both 
black hearted thugs and true patriots.

> Would it be uncle from Jackie Chan adventures?  He seems a tad too 
> helpful for the disadvantage.
> or eg chien from big trouble in little china
> or Mr Miyagi from karate kid.

Of these three, Eg Chien is the only one I might consider more of a 
Friend in High Places personally. The other two would be siifus, i 
think... Eg has a substantially different power set and doesn't seem to 
really push his position over his students the way a Sifu would, i 
think. From memory, Sifu is generally a martial arts teacher, not a 
wise man (or wise ass, in Eg's case) who happens to have academia 
occult at a high level, and probably an Arcane Background (Im thinking 
Shaman, by the way).

> Should you also take "friends in high places" to simulate the give and 
> take for a true master/servent relationship.  If so, at what level?

I don't think he needs it, personally. It really depends on how the 
Marshall and the player want to deal with the sifu. if he or she is 
going to be a constant story element and not because of getting 
kidnapped, captured, in deep gambling debts, arrested for indecent 
behavior, etc. then FIHP may be needed...