Hiten Mitsurugi Style

Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu

In the following few pages, you will find the entire Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu style from the anime and manga Rurouni Kenshin. Because there are so many techniques that are completely non-related
to Naruto: d20, they are offered their own section and technique list. It is up to the GM alone to decide whether or not they will be used in a campaign. Hiten Mitsurugi (Soaring Heaven Honorable Sword) is a master style involving a great deal of speed and technique, and at all time, there can only be one Master, and one Student. It is rarely heard of and much rarely seen, and a Knowledge (history) check (DC 15) may be in order to only identify the name of the style. Its technique are not limited to the original techniques found in this section. Students may also be taught the following (often renamed):

- Kenjutsu: Iaido / Battoujutsu (Art of Sword Draw)
- Kenjutsu: Kiritsuki / Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu - Ryu Mou Sen (Hiten Mitsurugi Style - Fierce Dragon Flash)
- Kenjutsu: Tsuki / Tsuki (Cut)
- Kenjutsu: Ougi - Zankenteki / Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu - Jiki Ryu Sen Zan (Hiten Mitsurugi Style - Devouring Dragon Flash)
- Ryuutsuki / Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu - Ryu Sai Sen (Hiten Mitsurugi Style - Crushing Dragon Flash)

Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu - Do Ryu Sen (Hiten Mitsurugi Style - Earth Dragon Flash)

Taijutsu (Strike; Requires base attack bonus +2)
Rank: 3 (D-Class); Learn DC: 15, 1 success; Perform requirements: 3 ranks (DC 14);
Time: 1 attack action; Components: M, F, Mas; Range: 30 feet; Area: 5-ft. wide lineshaped burst; Duration: Instantaneous; Saving Throws: Reflex half; Chakra Cost: 3.

To properly use this technique, the user must be standing directly on a firm or hard earthen surface, such as stone. He proceeds to slam his weapon into the ground, breaking it and sending forth debris in a 30-foot line, hitting the first creature standing in it for 1d4 points of earth damage every 2 levels of the user (maximum 4d4). The target is allowed a Reflex save to take only half damage from the technique.

Mastery

With the first step of mastery in this technique, the user is able to increase the technique's range to 40 feet. With the fifth step of mastery in this technique, the user is able to make this technique non-lethal by taking a -1 penalty to damage per die and increasing the skill threshold and perform DC by 5. In doing so, the target cannot be reduced below 0 hit points from this technique. He must declare this action before using the technique.
Material Focus: The user's held weapon of Medium size (or properly sized depending on the user's size category) or larger.

Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu - Hi Ryu Sen (Hiten Mitsurugi Style - Flying Dragon Flash)

Taijutsu (Strike; Requires Kenjutsu Ougi - Iaido (4))
Rank: 4 (D-Class); Learn DC: 16, 1 success; Perform requirements: 4 ranks (DC 15);
Time: 1 attack action; Components: M, F, Mas; Range: 20 feet; Target: One creature;
Duration: Instantaneous; Saving Throws: Fortitude partial; Chakra Cost: 4.

Using this technique, the user needs his sheathed katana, kodachi, chisa-gatana or wakizashi in a hard sheath of wood or metal, and a very high mastery of battoujutsu. With a flick of his thumb, the user sends his sword flying forward and makes a ranged attack against one creature that, if it hits, deals 1 die of bludgeoning damage per 2 levels of the user (maximum 4 die of damage) and forces the target to make a Fortitude save or be stunned for 1 round. If the weapon was Small or smaller, the damage dealt is in d3; if the weapon is Medium-sized or larger, the damage is dealt in d4. If the attack misses, the sword falls in a square 10 feet behind the target, otherwise, it falls in the square occupied by the target.

In the same round, if the user had hit with the attack, moved to a square adjacent to where his sword lies and is moving at Speed Rank 1 or higher, he may make a melee touch attack against Defense 15 to grab the weapon before it hits the ground. Doing so does not provoke an attack of opportunity.

Mastery

With the second step of mastery in this technique, the user can choose to deal non-lethal damage with this technique by taking a -4 penalty to attack rolls and perform checks.
Material Focus: The user's sheathed katana, kodachi, chisa-gatana or wakizashi.

Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu - Mou Ryu Sen (Hiten Mitsurugi Style - Ferocious Dragon Flash)

Taijutsu (Stance; Requires base attack bonus +6, Speed rank 3, Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu - Shi Ryu Sen (3))
Rank: 6 (B-Class); Learn DC: 20, 3 success; Perform requirements: 8 ranks (DC 21);
Time: 1 swift action; Components: C, M, Mas; Range: Personal; Target: You;
Duration: Stance; Saving Throws: None; Chakra Cost: 5.

While in this stance, the user gains the benefits of the Great Cleave feat as long as he is moving at Speed Rank 2 or faster, or simply Cleave when moving any slower than that.

Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu - Ryu Kan Sen (Hiten Mitsurugi Style - Coiling Dragon Flash)

Taijutsu (Strike; Requires Tumble 6 ranks)
Rank: 6 (B-Class); Learn DC: 20, 3 success; Perform requirements: 8 ranks (DC 21);
Time: 1 attack action or 1 instant action; Components: M, F, Mas; Range: Melee
Attack; Target: One creature; Duration: Instantaneous; Saving Throws: None; Chakra
Cost: 4.

Using this counter-technique, the user makes a single melee attack with his held weapon that suffers a -4 penalty to attack and damage rolls. The particularity of this technique is that the user may make a five-foot step before or after using this technique, even if he has, or plans to, moved before using the technique. Once per round as an instant action, if he was missed by a melee attack from an adjacent opponent, he may use this technique instead of a defensive move such as Kawarimi no Jutsu, Shundou or any such techniques.

The penalty to attack and damage rolls is reduced to -2, and he may still take a five-foot step if he has not already taken one this round. This extra attack counts as an attack of opportunity, and cannot be used either if his maximum number of attacks of opportunity has already been reached.

Mastery

The fifth step of mastery in this technique reduces the standard penalty from this technique to -2, and to -1 when used as an instant action.
Material Focus: The user's katana, double katana, hansori or large katana.

Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu - Ryu Kan Sen Kogarashi (Hiten Mitsurugi Style - Withered Coiling Dragon Flash)

Taijutsu (Strike; Requires Tumble 10 ranks and Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu - Ryu Kan Sen (1))
Rank: 7 (B-Class); Learn DC: 21, 3 success; Perform requirements: 9 ranks (DC 22);
Time: 1 attack action or 1 instant action; Components: M, F; Range: Melee Attack;
Target: One creature; Duration: Instantaneous; Saving Throws: None; Chakra Cost 6.

This technique is the same as Ryuukansen, except that the penalty to attack and damage rolls is -2 normally, and inexistant when used as an instant action. If the attack hits, it deals an additional 1d6 points of damage of the appropriate type (additional damage which isn't multiplied on a critical hit).

Material Focus: The user's katana, double katana, hansori or large katana.

Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu - Ryu Kan Sen Tsumuji (Hiten Mitsurugi Style - Coiling Dragon Spinning Flash)

Taijutsu (Strike; Requires Speed rank 2, Kenjutsu Ougi - Iaido (3) and Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu - Ryu Kan Sen (3))
Rank: 8 (A-Class); Learn DC: 23, 4 success; Perform requirements: 11 ranks (DC 25);
Time: 1 full-attack action; Components: M, F, Mas; Range: Melee Attack; Target: One creature;
Duration: Instantaneous; Saving Throws: None; Chakra Cost: 8.

While this technique bears the same name and is somewhat similar, it is at the same time entirely different and much more lethal. The user must be moving at Speed Rank 2 to use this technique, or suffer a -5 penalty to perform checks per Speed Rank he is lacking. Using this technique, the user makes a standard charge and attacks in a spinning manner, unsheathing his weapon and making a standard iaido attack. If the attack hits, it deals an additional 1d6 points of damage per 3 levels of the user (maximum 4d6, not multiplied on a critical hit) and throws the opponent upward 1d4x5 feet. The user cannot deal nonlethal damage with this technique.

Mastery

The second, fourth and fifth step of mastery in this technique grant the user a +1, +2 and +3 bonus to his attack roll when using this technique.
Material Focus: The user's katana, double katana, hansori or large katana.

Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu - Ryu Mei Sen (Hiten Mitsurugi Style - Deafening Dragon Flash)

Taijutsu (Strike; Requires Speed rank 2 and any 3 Hiten Mitsurugi techniques)
Rank: 6 (B-Class); Learn DC: 20, 3 success; Perform requirements: 8 ranks (DC 21);
Time: 1 attack action; Components: C, M, F; Area: 20-ft. radius centered on the user (see text);
Duration: Instantaneous; Saving Throws: Fortitude half, Fortitude partial;
Chakra Cost: 6.

Hiten Mitsurugi's sole noutoujutsu technique; that is, sword-sheathing technique. As is standard for many Hiten techniques, he does so at such shocking speed that he creates a soundwave amplified greatly by his Chakra. Every creature in the area of effect suffer 1d6 points of sonic damage per two levels of the user (maximum 5d6), which can be halved with a successful Fortitude save. Furthermore, any creatures suffering damage from this technique must make a Fortitude save to avoid being stunned for 1 round. Creatures in a 50-feet radius from the area of effect must make a Fortitude save (DC 15) to avoid suffering a -2 penalty to Listen check for 1 minute. To use this technique, the user's katana must be unsheathed, and will end sheathed.

Material Focus: The user's unsheathed katana, double katana, hansori or large katana.

Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu - Ryu Shou Sen (Hiten Mitsurugi Style - Rising Dragon Flash)

Taijutsu (Strike; Requires Second step of Mastery in any 2 Hiten Mitsurugi techinques)
Rank: 4 (C-Class); Learn DC: 17, 2 success; Perform requirements: 5 ranks (DC 17);
Time: 1 attack action; Components: M, F; Range: Melee Attack;
Target: One creature of the same size category as the user; Duration: Instantaneous;
Saving Throws: None; Chakra Cost: 4.

To properly use this technique, the user must be at either of his opponent's side, rather than facing it. The user makes a single melee attack with his held weapon, which he must wield two-handed. If the attack hits, the target suffers an additional 1d4 points of damage of the appropriate type per 2 levels (maximum 5d4, not multiplied on a critical hit), and the target will be thrown upward 1d3x5 feet, only to start falling on its next turn and become prone. While it is airborne, the target is denied its Dexterity bonus to Defense and can take no action. This technique cannot be used on a falling or moving target.

Material Focus: The user's katana, or large katana.

Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu - Ryu Sou Sen (Hiten Mitsurugi Style - Double Dragon Flash)

Taijutsu (Strike; Requires Proficiency in Katana or Large Katana)
Rank: 4 (C-Class); Learn DC: 17, 2 success; Perform requirements: 5 ranks (DC 17);
Time: 1 full-attack action; Components: F, M; Range: Melee Attack; Target: One creature;
Duration: Instantaneous; Saving Throws: Fortitude partial; Chakra Cost: 6.

Using this technique, the user makes a full-attack action against a single creature, and gains an additional attack at his highest attack bonus against it. All attacks made during this round suffer a -2 penalty. This technique's effect do not stack with other nonpermanent bonus attacks (ie, other techniques that grant additional attacks outside of speed ranks).

Material Focus: The user's katana, or large katana.

Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu - Ryu Sou Sen Garami (Hiten Mitsurugi Style - Deadly Twin Dragon Flash)

Taijutsu (Strike; Requires Speed rank 1 and Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu - Ryu Sou Sen (2))
Rank: 7 (B-Class); Learn DC: 21, 3 success; Perform requirements: 9 ranks (DC 22);
Time: 1 full-attack action; Components: F, M; Range: Melee Attack; Target: One creature;
Duration: Instantaneous; Saving Throws: Fortitude partial; Chakra Cost: 12.

To properly execute this technique, the user must be moving at Speed Rank 1 or higher. This technique is the same as Ryu Sou Sen, except that the user's threat range increases by 1 for the purpose of making those attacks, and the user's damage is increased by one die size (1d10 to 1d12, 2d6 to 2d8).

Material Focus: The user's katana, or large katana.

Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu - Ryu Tsui Shou Sen (Hiten Mitsurugi Style - Rising Dragon Hammer Flash)

Taijutsu (Strike; Requires base attack bonus +8, Jump 6 ranks, Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu - Ryu Shou Sen (3), Ryu Tsui Sen (3) and Daichouyaku no Jutsu (t))
Rank: 8 (A-Class); Learn DC: 23, 4 success; Perform requirements: 11 ranks (DC 25);
Time: 1 full-attack action; Components: M, F; Range: Charge; Target: One creature;
Duration: Instantaneous; Saving Throws: Fortitude partial; Chakra Cost: 14.

This technique is merely the combination of two opposed force to make a deadly attack.

The user makes a standard Ryu Tsui Sen attack that deals standard damage. If it hits, the target is not knocked prone but rather loses its Dexterity bonus to Defense against the coming attack. Whether the Ryu Tsui Sen attack hit or not, the user follows with a Ryu Shou Sen attack at his highest attack bonus -5. The distance the target is thrown upward increases to 1d4x5 feet, and it falls prone once it reaches the ground.

Material Focus: The user's katana, or large katana.

Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu - Ryu Tsui Sen (Hiten Mitsurugi Style - Dragon Hammer Flash)

Taijutsu (Strike; Requires Jump 6 ranks and Daichouyaku no Jutsu (t))
Rank: 6 (C-Class); Learn DC: 19, 2 success; Perform requirements: 7 ranks (DC 19);
Time: 1 full-attack action; Components: M, F, Mas; Range: Charge; Target: One creature;
Duration: Instantaneous; Saving Throws: Fortitude partial; Chakra Cost: 6.

The user uses the momentum from his charge to take a running leap and bring down his sword on his opponent. To properly use this technique, the user must have enough space to Jump up (see Jump skill) and the distance between the target and he must be large enough to charge. The user must wield his sword with two hands, and makes a normal charge attack that deals normal damage, plus damage depending on his Jump check (see below). The additional damage is not multiplied on a critical hit, and cannot exceed 1d6 per 3 levels of the user. The additional damage is of the same type as the damage dealt by the user's held weapon.

Jump check results Additional damage Bonus to attack rolls

10 or lower 1d6 +1
15 2d6 +2
25 3d6 +2
35 4d6 +3
40 and higher 5d6 +4

If the attack hits, the target must make a Fortitude save or fall prone.

Mastery

With the third step of mastery in this technique, the user is able to use this technique without making a charge, but doing so increases the skill threshold and perform DC by 8.
Material Focus: The user's katana, double katana, hansori or large katana.

Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu - Ryu Tsui Sen Zan (Hiten Mitsurugi Style - Slaying Dragon Hammer Flash)

Taijutsu (Strike; Requires Jump 6 ranks and Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu - Ryuutsuisen (3))
Rank: 9 (A-Class); Learn DC: 24, 4 success; Perform requirements: 12 ranks (DC 26); Chakra Cost: 12.

This technique is the same as Ryu Tsui Sen, only much more lethal. The additional damage still isn't multiplied on a critical hit, and its cap is now 1d6 per 2 levels of the user. Refer to the table below for the Jump check results, attack roll bonus and additional damage.

Jump check results Additional damage Bonus to attack roll

10 or lower 2d6 +1
15 3d6 +2
20 4d6 +2
25 5d6 +3
30 6d6 +4
35 7d6 +4
40 8d6 +5
|45 or higher 9d6 +6

If the attack hits, the target must make a Fortitude save or fall prone.

Mastery

With the third step of mastery in this technique, the user is able to use this technique without making a charge, but doing so increases the skill threshold and perform DC by 8.
Material Focus: The user's katana, double katana, hansori or large katana.

Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu - Shi Ryu Sen (Hiten Mitsurugi Style - Piercing Dragon Flash)

Taijutsu (Stance; Requires base attack bonus +2 and Speed rank 1 (a))
Rank: 3 (D-Class); Learn DC: 15, 1 success; Perform requirements: 3 ranks (DC 14);
Time: 1 swift action; Components: C, M, Mas; Range: Personal; Target: You;
Duration: Stance; Saving Throws: None; Chakra Cost: 3.

While in this stance, the user gains the benefits of the Cleave feat as long as he is moving at Speed Rank 1 or faster.

Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu - Sou Ryu Sen (Hiten Mitsurugi Style - Twin Dragon Flash)

Taijutsu (Strike; Requires Kenjutsu Ougi - Iaido (2))
Rank: 6 (B-Class); Learn DC: 20, 3 success; Perform requirements: 8 ranks (DC 21);
Time: 1 attack action; Components: F, M; Range: Melee Attack; Target: One creature;
Duration: Instantaneous; Saving Throws: None; Chakra Cost: 6.

To properly use this technique, the user must meet a few requirements: his sword must be a standard katana and it must be sheathed in a hard metal or wooden sheath. Combining the speed attained from a iaido attack and the fluidity of a combo, the user is able to push the versatility of his swordplay further, as is standard for the Hiten Mitsurugi style.

The user executes a standard Kenjutsu Ougi - Iaido attack and, regardless if the attack hits or not, he gains a second attack at his highest attack bonus with the sword's sheath. A wooden sheath deals damage as per standard katana two size category smaller, while a metal sheath deals katana damage one size category smaller, and bonus to katana attacks also apply to the sheath. The first attack gains a +2 bonus to attack and damage rolls and the sheath attack suffers a -4 penalty to attack and damage rolls. As per Iaido, the user will suffer a -2 penalty to Defense afterward until his next turn.

This attack cannot be used as part of a charge and cannot be used if the user is prone. At the end of the technique, the user's katana will be unsheathed and the user will have the sheath in his off-hand.
Material Focus: The user's katana and sheath.

Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu - Sou Ryu Sen Ikazuchi (Hiten Mitsurugi Style - Twin Dragon Thunder Flash)

Taijutsu (Strike; Requires Kenjutsu Ougi - Iaido (4) and Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu - Sou Ryu Sen (1))
Rank: 6 (B-Class); Learn DC: 20, 3 success; Perform requirements: 8 ranks (DC 21);
Time: 1 attack action; Components: F, M, Mas; Range: Melee Attack; Target: One creature;
Duration: Instantaneous; Saving Throws: None; Chakra Cost: 7.

This technique is similar to Sou Ryu Sen in that it uses both the sheath and the weapon to attack. This time, the sheath attack comes first, and then the iaido attack. If said sheath attack hit, the target is denied its Dexterity bonus to Defense against the user's iaido attack.

Mastery

With the third step of mastery in this technique, the user may choose to spend an additional 5 points of Chakra and take a -4 penalty to his Iaido attack in order to target all adjacent opponent with his sword instead of just the target. Doing so, however, increases the skill threshold and perform DC by 8. If he cannot meet the new perform requirements but succeeds the unaltered ones, the technique carries on normally.
Material Focus: The user's katana and sheath.

Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu Hiken - Kuzu Ryu Sen (Hiten Mitsurugi Style Secret Technique - Nine-headed Dragon Flash)

Taijutsu (Strike; Requires Third Step of Mastery in any 8 Hiten Mitsurugi techniques, Ryuutsuki (5) and Speed rank 3)
Rank: 9 (S-Class); Learn DC: 25, 5 success; Perform requirements: 13 ranks (DC 29);
Time: 1 full-attack action; Components: M, F, P, Mas; Range: Charge; Target: One creature; Duration: Instantaneous;
Saving Throws: None; Chakra Cost: 10.

This technique is the second most powerful technique of the Hiten Mitsurugi style. Put bluntly, it is a single attack from all the points targeted in swordsmanship (karataki, kesagiri, sakagesa, hidari nagi, migi nagi, hidari kiriage, migi kiriage, sakakaza and tsuki) in an extremely quick succession. To properly use this technique, the user must be moving at Speed Rank 3 or higher.

The user makes nine melee attack with his held weapon at his highest attack bonus  against the target, only the first benefitting the charge bonuses, the rest suffering a cumulative -1 penalty to attack rolls every attack (from -1 to -8). All the attacks gain cumulative a Kawarimi Defense 2 that increases by 1 every successful hit (from maximum 9).

Each successful hit deals 1d8 points of damage of the appropriate type (doubled on a confirmed critical), and the last attack's threat range increases by 4 and deals triple damage on a confirmed critical. The user may continue to move up to his maximum distance after reaching his opponent, without provoking an attack of opportunity from it.

Mastery

With the fourth step of mastery in this technique, the user deals 1d10 points of damage every successful hit.
Material Focus: The user's katana, hansori, double katana, or large katana.

Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu Tsui no Hiken - Ama Kakeru Ryu no Hirameki (Hiten Mitsurugi Style Succession Technique - Heaven's Soaring Dragon Flash)

Taijutsu (Strike; Requires Third Step of Mastery in any 8 Hiten Mitsurugi techniques, Kenjutsu Ougi - Iaido (5), Iainuki (5) and Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu Hiken - Kuzu Ryu Sen (t), Ougi - Shinjisoku (t) and Speed rank 4 (a))
Rank: 9 (Super S-Class, see text); Learn DC: 26, 6 success; Perform requirements: 14 ranks (DC 34);
Time: 1 full-attack action; Components: C, M, F, Mas; Range: Melee Attack;  Target: One creature; Duration: Instantaneous;
Saving Throws: Fortitude partial, Fortitude half, Reflex partial; Chakra Cost: 18.

The succession technique of the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu is the very reason why there can only be one master, and one student. It is passed down on the student in a very simple ritual: a fight to the death. If the student has not mastered the technique, it dies at the hand of its master. If it has mastered the technique, the master dies at the hands of the student. It is a dreadful and seemingly neverending cycle, which has yet to be broken after the 13th generation. Upon mastering this technique, the user dons the name of Hiko Seijuro, master swordsman and sole user of the Hiten Mitsurugi until he, himself, find a pupil.

To properly use this technique, the user must be moving at Speed Rank 4 or higher, and his katana must be sheathed in a hard sheath. The user makes a single melee attack with his held weapon against the target creature. If the attack hits, the target must make a Fortitude save or be slain immediately. If the save succeeds, the target suffers 8d6 points of damage of the appropriate type instead, and an additional 5d6 points of damage on its next turn, which can be halved with a successful Fortitude save.

If the attack misses, the user makes a complete comeback and a second attack at a -5 penalty. The target must succeed a Reflex save to avoid being drawn in the void left by the first attack and lose its Dexterity bonus to Defense against the second attack. If the second attack hits, follow the rules above, but the Fortitude save DC is decreased by 5, and the damage dealt in case of a successful save decreased to 6d6 and 4d6 a round later.

After using this technique, the user becomes fatigued. If he uses this technique while fatigued, he suffers a -4 penalty to perform checks, and in case of success, becomes exhausted. If the technique is used while exhausted, the penalty is -8 and the user falls unconscious for 1d4 hours, and wakes up exhausted. At the end of the technique, the user's katana will be drawn and in his main hand.

If the user fails to perform this technique, he loses his Dexterity bonus to Defense, provokes an attack of opportunity and falls prone.

This techniques count as a Rank 12 technique for the purpose of calculating how long it takes to learn and identifying it.

Mastery

Every step of mastery increases the attack bonus of the second attack and its Fortitude save by +1, for +5 at the fifth step, thus making the attack the same as the first one.
Material Focus: The user's katana and sheath.