Background: Like many teenagers growing up in the mid-1960's, Aaron Brannett could feel the turmoil of the world around him. The United States was involved in a war many did not believe in. There was a rise in the drug culture, and a clash between established ideals and those who thought differently. Even his own home life was full of arguments between his parents. Months before high school graduation and his 18th birthday, Aaron left home. He first travelled through Europe, living out of a backpack. He encounter some who enlightened him about some Eastern teachings, and he learned about a martial arts school in the mountains of China. Over time, he made his way there. At age 19, he arrived at the Kwoon and met Sifu (master) Shih Weiqian. Aaron was inthralled by the man's teachings, eager to learn of the wisdom and the martial ways that the elder Chinese man taught. He remained at the school until he was 25 years old - having picked up a great many skills. Aaron returned to the United States, ready to make a difference. He donned a costume and mask, taking up the name 'Karate Master'. His exploits as a costumed hero gained him some notariety and soon he was asked to join the Justice Gang (1975). He was a very active member of the group for seven years and thoroughly enjoyed the friendship and comraderie the group offered. But in 1982, an event occurred that would change the direction of his life forever. Aaron was summoned back to the Kwoon. There he learned that is Sifu was dying. Close to death,Shih Weiqian asked his former student if he would carry on the tradition as teacher of the martial arts academy. Honored, Aaron said yes. With his last breath, the elder Chinese man granted Aaron the title of Sifu. With the help of some of his friends, Aaron quickly put his affairs in the States in order. He then gathered a handfull of belongings and moved into the Kwoon permanently. With the help of the staff, many whom he knew so well from his time there of training, he took over all instructions at the school. He remains there most of the year, except for the occasional trip to nearby villages or other special events. Motivation: For years, Aaron struggled to find a purpose in his life. That was answered first as a costumed hero and then later as a martial arts master, teaching others. Both were thanks to the teachings of his master. He is now a very focused, very dedicated individual. He carries a quiet confidence. He lets his skills speak for him. He is very protective of the Kwoon, its staff and his students.

Value Characteristic Cost Base Pts 25 Strength x1 10 15 26 Dexterity x3 10 48 23 Constitution x2 10 26 15 Body x2 10 10 14 Intelligence x1 10 4 14 Ego x2 10 8 14 Presence x1 10 4 14 Comeliness x1/2 10 2 15 Physical Defense x1 5 10 13 Energy Defense x1 5 8 6 Speed x10 3.6 24 15 Recovery x2 10 10 60 Endurance x1/2 46 7 50 Stun x1 40 10 Char. Cost: 186 Char. Disadvantages Base: 125+ pts Secret ID Aaron Brannett 15 Reputation as martial master/teacher, 14- occur, extreme 20 Hunted former foes, more powerful, harsh, appear 8- 15 DNPC Lie Tung, less powerful,skilled, appear 11- 5 Psych Lim Honorable - man of his word, very common, total 25 Psych Lim death vow to his Sifu to continue kwoon, very common, total 25 Psych Lim misses former friends/western ways, common, moderate 10 Disadvantages Total: 115 Experience Spent: + 185 Total Points: = 425 Rolls: STR: 14 DEX: 14 PER: 12 INT: 12 EGO: 12 CVs: OCV: 9/14 DCV: 9/14 ECV: 5 Phases: 2 4 6 8 10 12

Pts Powers END 25 5 Levels, all Martial Arts manuevers 4 Martial Strike 0, +2, 7D6 4 Martial Block +2, +2 4 Martial Dodge 3 Martial Throw +0, +1, 5D6+ V/5 4 Martial Disarm -1, +1, 35 STR 4 Martial Escape 0, 0, 42 STR 3 Martial Grab -1, -1, 35 STR for hold 4 Nerve Strike 5 Choke Hold 4 Killing Strike 3 Legsweep 5 Off. Strike 5 Def. Strike 4 Reversal 4 Shove 5 Weapons: Karate Weapons 20 Find Weakness w/ Martial Arts, 13- 15 50% Damage Red. PD, w/ successful EGO roll (-1/2) 10 10pts Lack Weakness 5 8pts Mental Defense 5 Acrobatics 15- 9 Breakfall 17- 3 Contortionist 145- 5 Shadowing 12- 5 Stealth 15- 3 Streetwise 12- 6 PS: Martial Arts teacher 17- (DEX based) 8 KS: Akido 17- (INT based) 8 KS: Karate 17- (INT based) 8 KS: Kung Fu 17- (INT based) 8 KS: Ninjitsu 17- (INT based) 3 Lang: Cantonese, fluent w/accent 2 Lang: Japanese, fluent conversation 3 Climbing 14- 4 8" Running 2 1 3" Swimming 1 3 Lightsleep 15 Communicator Type A: Rado XMIT/REC, 10 INT (10 functions), IAF (-1/2) 239 : Powers Total 186 + Characteristic Total 425 = Total Cost

The Kwoon Location: Nestled in the Greater Khingan Range of mountains of China, about 200 miles north of Peking, the kwoon was built in a glen at the end of a winding, isolated mountain path. A stream which flows abundantly year round provides a source of fresh water for this training school. A small nearby field is where the stable horses are taken to graze and run during good weather. The Staff: Ti Cheh is a 5'2", 152 lbs, Chinese man in his early sixties. He serves as a personal sevant to the kwoon's Master as well as keeps the financial accounts for the school. He was working there as far back as when Aaron Brannett began his studies there in 1967. It would appear that there was some shared past history between Ti Cheh and Shih Weiqian, though the servant never speaks of what it was. He is very loyal to Master Brannett and treats him with the same respect and dignity as he did Weiqian. Ti Szu is a 4'8", 125 lbs, Chinese woman in her mid-fifties. She is the wife of Ti Cheh and came to live at the kwoon when the two were wed in the late 70's. She serves as the head cook and laundress for the school. Though she often appears as a demure woman, she can hold her own against those she deals with in the market place. It is not unusual to find her at the winning end of an argument over grain or vegetable prices. She compliments her husband's role of keeper of the money - often finding creative ways to keep the domestic expenses in line to further help the school remain out of debt. Li Kien is a 5'11", 210 lbs, Chinese man in his early thirties. He is well built and keeps himself in peak physical shape with daily mountain hikes as well as his duties of taking care of the stables and horses. He also pitches in whenever there is heavy lifting or toting to be done. Though seen for his towering form, the man has a sensitive side as well. He often does sketches and portraits in charcoal. He is very protective of Lie Tung, acting as a guardian for her when she was still young. Lie Tung is a 4'11", 120 lbs, Chinese woman in her early 20's. She came to the kwoon as a child of age six, an orphan with no family. Master Brannett took her in, providing her shelter and education in exchange for her assisting Ti Szu with domestic chores. As she grew into a lovely young woman, she also studied hard to learn English as well as the martial arts. She is warm, friendly and helpful to the students who come to the school to train.