A recent post regarding Mantis Spirits resurrected an NPC idea that had been on the back burner, that I am now thinking about fleshing out for a future game. Nothing very special about the character, just a Mantis Shaman who is an Insect Spirit hunter type, that is going to be a resource for the players (Info, Equipment, maybe a Job or Two).

On the more gimmicky side of things, I was thinking about having him be a master of Mantis Style of Kung Fu. Although it can look a bit goofy when preformed, the footage I looked up on YouTube did have some very interesting qualities-particularly as far as closing with an opponent by going through their defenses, as well as dropping some nice lock, throw, and sweep type movements into the attack after getting right on top of an opponent. Anyway, is there anyone out there who is familiar with the style who might be able to lend a suggestion or two as to how to translate it into game mechanics?

Thanks,
AFE

A male Mantis Shaman? Bold move there.

Yes-I have several players who like to play very strong/aggressive/violent type female characters, so I like to have an NPC or to around with, let's say, complicated, issues about strong women. This, I hope you would agree, qualifies, no?

AFE

Watch a movie called My Schoolmate the Barbarian for some good Mantis style ideas.

Boo

Sweet!

Aiiee !!

Interesting.

It's animatronic, too.

And, oh yes, it's in Seattle. In the Pacific Science Center, in the Insect Village. They also have a giant robotic scorpion.

Another 12-foot tall Mantid (from the Backyard Monsters exhibit at the San Diego Museum of Natural History). But the worst part is that this bitch is nothing compared to the 11-foot tall, 22-foot long tarantula.

God, I can't even imagine how many school groups have had hysterics in that place.

It isn't animatronic. Its real!

The invae came early to Seattle.