BROTHERHOOD OF THIEVES
Affiliation: Black/Infernal Army
Primary Weapon: Spear
Secondary Weapon: Axe
Clan Skill: Hot Blood Fists - Temporarily deal and receive increased damage.
There is the law, and then there is justice. To reclaim ill-gotten possessions from one’s corrupt leadership may be justice, but it remains illegal, and for this reason the Brotherhood of Thieves is accepted only by the Black Band. The Brotherhood’s kung fu seeks to incapacitate their opponents – quickly and viciously. They are especially deadly in close combat, though targets who survive the initial attack can usually gain the upper hand. No mere cutpurses or highwaymen, the Brotherhood prefers axes and spears, from a tradition of rushing caravan guards with overwhelming deadly force.
Class Name: Warrior Bandit
Role: Warrior
Weapon: Spear
Warriors make up the first line of the Brotherhood's defense, and the bulk of its infantry. Their whirling spears inflict great damage, and confuse nearby opponents. Even the most experienced kung fu masters in the Land may fear facing off with a Warrior Bandit face-to-face.
Class Name: Armored Bandit
Role: Chi Kung
Weapon: Bracer
Chi kung mastery is uncommon in a clan made mostly of thugs and brawlers. Armored Bandits split the difference, and were the first to use chi kung to endure physical attacks and reflect attacks. They are considered the unshakable pillars of the Brotherhood.
Class Name: Strategy Bandit
Role: Strategist
Weapon: Axe
Members of the Brotherhood who favor brains over brawn are encouraged to become Strategy Bandits, and to support their fellow thieves. While they carry axes into battle, armed combat is secondary to their focus of enhancing their allies. They further shift the balance via weakening and distracting enemies.
Class Name: Taishan Bandit
Role: Holist
Weapon: Axe
Taishan is not only their home, but the name of the Brotherhood's fighting style. Taishan Bandits learn almost every technique known to their clan, except for spears and formations, and achieve a true balance between offense, defense, and support. The Brotherhood claims that well-rounded and self-sufficient disciples make for ideal thieves, but it remains to be seen how effective a lack of weakness will be, when one lacks any particular strength as well.
Headquarters: Taishan
Tai Shan is the highest mountain in eastern China, and famous for its jagged cliffs. Despite its forbidding appearance, it remains close to main travel routes.
These mountains have long been sanctuary for anyone fleeing oppressive authority. The government once made repeated attempts to clear out the area, but succeeded only in uniting and strengthening these wretches into the Brotherhood as it exists today. During the war, the heavy ambush tactics they honed as bandits proved devastating against the White Band.
Lost Dragon: Ji Longfeng (the Divine Spear)
Though they are rejected by “civilized” society, the Brotherhood looks after its own, and all members of the the clan are guided by the benevolent and mighty hand of Ji Longfeng, the Divine Spear. His care and protection extend to common people everywhere, but his mercy for the downtrodden is matched by his vindictive fury towards the White Band. The Divine Spear gave his life in service of his clan during the war, but his name, his kung fu, and his message, all survive to this day.