Val CHA Cost Roll Notes 20 STR 10 13- Lift 400 kg; 4d6 HTH Damage [2] 26 DEX 32 14- 25 CON 15 14- 13 INT 3 12- PER Roll 12- 14 EGO 4 12- 20 PRE 10 13- PRE Attack: 4d6 9 OCV 30 9 DCV 30 3 OMCV 0 5 DMCV 6 6 SPD 40 Phases: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 15+6 PD 13 Total: 15/21 PD (0/6 rPD) 10+6 ED 8 Total: 10/16 ED (0/6 rED) 9 REC 5 40 END 4 13 BODY 3 36 STUN 8 Total Characteristics Cost: 221 Movement: Running: 18m/36m Leaping: 16m/32m Swimming: 4m/8m Cost Powers & Skills Martial Arts: Karate Maneuver OCV DCV Damage 4 Block +2 +2 Block, Abort 4 Disarm -1 +1 Disarm; 40 STR to Disarm roll 4 Dodge -- +5 Dodge, Affects All Attacks, Abort 4 Knifehand Strike -2 +0 HKA 3d6 +1 3 Legsweep +2 -1 7d6 Strike, Target Falls 4 Punch/Snap Kick +0 +2 8d6 Strike 5 Side/Spin Kick -2 +1 10d6 Strike 8 +2 HTH Damage Classes (already added in) 1 Weapon Element: Karate Weapons 48 Kiaijutsu: Multipower, 60-point reserve, all slots Perceivable (shouts are easily detectable over a long distance; -¼) 1f 1) Daunting Kiai: +30 PRE; Costs Endurance (-½), Only For Fear-/Intimidation-Based Presence Attacks (-½), Perceivable (shouts are easily detectable over a long distance; -¼), END 3 3f 2) Painful Kiai: Blast 6d6, NND (defense is Hearing Group Flash Defense or heavy ear coverings, such as earmuffs or one’s hands; +0), Area Of Effect (24m Cone; +¾); No Range (-½), Perceivable (shouts are easily detectable over a long distance; -¼), END 5 3f 3) Dizzying Shout: Drain INT 2d6, Area Of Effect (24m Cone; +¾), Delayed Return Rate (points return at the rate of 5 per 5 Minutes; +1 ¼); No Range (-½), Perceivable (shouts are easily detectable over a long distance; -¼), END 6 3f 4) Deafening Shout: Hearing Group Flash 11d6, Area Of Effect (24m Cone; +¾); No Range (-½), Perceivable (shouts are easily detectable over a long distance; -¼), END 6 3f 5) Deadly Kiai: RKA 2d6, +1 Increased STUN Multiplier (+¼), Area Of Effect (24m Cone; +¾); No Range (-½), Perceivable (shouts are easily detectable over a long distance; -¼), END 6 1f 6) Wall Of Sound: Barrier 8 PD/8 ED, 0 BODY (up to 8m long, 2m tall, and ½m thick); No Range (-½), Increased Endurance Cost (x2 END; -½), Restricted Shape (arc in front of character; -¼), Perceivable (shouts are easily detectable over a long distance; -¼), END 6 10 Armored Costume: Resistant Protection (6 PD/6 ED); OIF (-½), Requires A Roll (14- roll; -¼) 2 Mask: Sight Group Flash Defense (5 points); OAF (-1) 8 Not Bothered By The Noise: Hearing Group Flash Defense (8 points) 6 Swift Of Foot: Running +6m (18m total), END 1 6 Powerful Leaper: Leaping +12m (16m forward, 8m upward), END 1 Talents 2 Off-Hand Defense Skills 20 +4 with Karate 3 Acrobatics 14- 3 Analyze: Style 12- 3 Breakfall 14- 2 CK: Osaka 11- 1 KS: Karate 8- 3 KS: The Martial Arts World 12- 2 KS: The Yakuza 11- 1 Language: English (basic conversation) 0 Language: Japanese (idiomatic; literate) 3 Sleight Of Hand 14- 3 Streetwise 13- 2 WF: Common Martial Arts Melee Weapons Total Powers & Skill Cost: 179 Total Cost: 400 400+ Matching Complications (75) 15 DNPC: Akihiro Fukahara—younger brother and a Yakuza soldier, Frequently (Normal) 10 Distinctive Features: Style (Not Concealable; Noticed and Recognizable; Detectable By Large Group) 20 Psychological Complication: Code of Honor; will not strike from surprise, will not strike downed opponents, honors fallen opponents (Common; Total) 10 Psychological Complication: Enjoys Winning And The Benefits It Brings (money, women, and so on) (Common; Moderate) 5 Rivalry: Professional (all other martial artists; Rival is As Powerful; Seek to Outdo, Embarrass, or Humiliate Rival; Rival Aware of Rivalry) 15 Social Complication: SID (Morito Fukahara) (Frequently, Major) Total Complications Points: 75 Experience Points: 0
Background/History: As a young boy, Morito Fukahara spent most of his time on the streets of Osaka. He and his younger brother Akihiro, engaged in a wide variety of petty crimes, such as shoplifting and theft; stealing food, manga, and money in an attempt to make up for all things their parents couldn't, or wouldn't buy for them. This life of crime came to an abrupt end when Morito tried to lift the wallet of an old man one afternoon. The man, seemingly without effort, flipped Morito easily, restraining him with a surprisingly strong grip for such an elderly individual.
The old man stared at the young Morito for some time before dragging the youth away. Not to the police, as Morito suspected, but to a karate dojo on the outskirts of Osaka. There the old man told the boy that Morito was now his student, to be instructed in the martial arts. The man, who gave his name as Yoshifumi, had decided to rescue Morito from his life on the streets, to rehabilitate him by teaching him responsibility and humility.
Morito, much to his surprise, took to his training easily. He was an apt pupil and soon excelled at all Yoshifumi had to show him. But, deep down, he felt that much of Yoshifumi's instruction was outdated. In Morito's mind, Yoshifumi was still rooted in the traditions of the last century, and his notions of responsibility and honor had little to do with the modern world. Still, Yoshifumi's instruction did give Morito a feeling of great power, power that Morito knew could be used for his personal benefit. So, Morito did his best the play the part of an attentive and appreciative student, although he paid little more than lip service to Yoshifumi's instruction in the proper way for those schooled in the martial arts to act and behave.
With time, Yoshifumi began to instruct Morito in more advanced techniques. Central to this instruction was training in harnessing the power of the kiai, or war shout. With time and practice, Morito found that he could duplicate the legendary feats of old. His shout could stun or deafen, and even shatter certain objects. Morito was amazed by the power that rested within his voice and quickly realized the uses he could put it to. He boasted of his prowess, unable to contain his pride in his new-found skills.
Finally, there came the day when Morito entered the dojo to find Yoshifumi lying dead on the floor, old age finally taking its toll. Morito was now free to do as he pleased. He pondered this question for some time, trying to decide what was the proper path for him to walk. Eventually, Morito realized that the old man's talk of responsibility, humility, and maturity had all been for naught. He had died, alone, just like any other man. All his training and martial skill hadn't helped him one bit. Morito realized then that he could live his life as a weak and humble man, or a strong and powerful one. He was no fool, he would rather have a short life of power and greatness than a long life of dull obscurity.
Personality/Motivation: Taifuu no Koe is a twisted mix of honor and arrogance. On one hand he wishes to be a great warrior, and pits himself against other well-known (and super-powered) masters of the martial arts in order to test his skill in combat. On the other hand, he is vain and boastful, and sees his own skill and power as a sign of his assured greatness. In many ways he can be quite honorable. He will not attack from surprise, he will not strike a downed or defeated opponent and he will honor anyone he has beaten as a worthy opponent. However, against those he does not consider 'honorable', Taifuu no Koe can be downright ruthless. He will take what he wants, when he wants it. This is not stealing, it is simply a warrior taking what is rightfully his.
For someone who has developed such an impressive self-image, Taifuu no Koe is very short-sighted. He has no real plans beyond his desire to be the best martial artist possible. His tastes are simple; women, money, expensive clothing, rich surroundings, and winning. To Taifuu no Koe, victory—or more specifically his victory, is the only thing that matters.
Quote: “Now we will see who is really the master of the martial arts!”
Powers/Tactics: Taifuu no Koe's primary ability is his skill in karate. He is a master of the art and wishes to test himself against all other by fighting them hand-to-hand. Thus, he prefers close combat and will avoid using his kiai abilities unless faced with overwhelming odds or dishonorable opponents. It is this same desire—to test his skill in an equal one-on-one match—that does not allow him to carry weapons. Although skilled in their use, he prefers to fight without any sort of 'external' aids.
When fighting Taifuu no Koe tries to go for the 'quick kill'. He will not draw out a fight, feeling that such actions only brings dishonor to the one fighting. This means that he will tend to fight all out, his levels in OCV, concentrating on Legsweeps, Punches and Snap Kicks to put down an opponent. If his opponent is armed, Taifuu no Koe will attempt to a Disarm, in order to make the sides 'equal'. If faced with a significantly faster opponent, Taifuu no Koe will attempt to Block or Dodge (with the SFX in many cases that he is blocking) in an attempt to find an exploitable opening in his target's defenses.
Taifuu no Koe tends to use his kiai powers against those he considers dishonorable or cowardly. This includes opponents who carry and depend on guns, or those that fight unfairly (such as people wearing any form of powered armor). He will also use his shout on anyone flying or otherwise placing themselves beyond his ability to reach them. The Stunning Shout is his preferred attack, as it affects most targets, followed by his Deafening Shout. The Piercing Shout is usually reserved for vehicles, constructs and buildings, while the Wall of Sound is used for defensive purposes. His last form of war shout, the Dizzying Shout, is only used if he needs to escape or throw off pursuit.
Appearance: Taifuu no Koe is tall and well muscled, standing a touch under six feet in height. His hair is worn long and hangs to his shoulders. He is in excellent physical shape and his body sports a well-defined build. When in the guise of Taifuu no Koe, Morito wears a red ghi with a black belt, wrist bands and tabi boots. A mail shirt, composed of fine links set in the traditional Japanese style, is worn under the jacket. A simple mask covers his eyes and nose, the eye holes made from a polarized fabric that allows him to see normally, while reflecting bright light away. As Morito, he will dress in expensive, but casual clothing, a fashion common among many of the younger Yakuza.
Designer’s Notes: Taifuu no Koe started out as the character of Banzai, found on page 4 of Enemies: The International File. My re-imagining is actually rather faithful to the original design, although I changed his origin quite a bit (in the original, his sensei never spoke) to better explain his motivations. I also rebuilt his character, reducing his DEX and CSLs, but expanding his martial arts and Kiaijutsu powers (mostly by borrowing ideas from HERO System Martial Arts). I also heavily edited his Complications to get something that seemed both useful and sensible.
As written, Taifuu no Koe is a Yakuza soldier, who acts as an enforcer and basic muscle for the gang he belongs to. He himself is a kyodai (“big brother”) while his actual brother, Akihiro, is a shatei (“little brother”). While based in Japan, he could appear anywhere the gang he belongs to operates, especially if they run into superhuman interference and opposition. Thus, Taifuu no Koe could be found fighting other criminal gangs (including other Yakuza, the mafia, Mexican cartels, and so on,) groups like VIPER, or superheroes (such as the PCs). Super-powered martial artists will quickly attract his attention and result in a challenge. If refused, Taifuu no Koe may Hunt the individual, looking for a match (this should be a given if the character in question is a PC). Beating Taifuu no Koe in unarmed combat will result in Taifuu no Koe eventually returning for a rematch, beating him with weapons will see him declare the fight null and void, and have him try and catch the individual unarmed, so they can fight properly, as ‘true’ warriors.
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