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Here's a refresher - to remind everyone what Primal Focus was like from Children of Destiny.

Primal Focus for Vampire Slayers

Even in a post-"Chosen" world, there is still likely hundreds of Vampires for each slayer. And you also have 500 or so species of Demons (about 1/2 of all demon species) that are dangerous to humans. Then you're now talking possibility of thousands of demons per each slayer. The primal abilities of certain living supernatural beings - like Totem Warriors (Native Spirit Warriors), Lycanthropes, or certain part demon warriors - like Slayers.

Primal Focus: -- 6 point/level Quality for Slayers.

Primal Focus -- is designed for characters that have a primal spirit (nature or supernatural), like Totems Warriors, were-creatures or Slayers. This quality allows a character to tap into the primal side of their nature, and use extraordinary abilities, not used by most demons or normal humans. This gives these characters the ability to use
Chi-like abilities (AFMBE: EtZ) - without having to buy Essence Channeling. But also some abilities that are similar to Force- type powers (from the Star Wars RPG) . And it also gives them access to the various Aspects. Although they must still pay of those Chi-abilities or Aspects. The Big difference is that with this quality the character doesn't have
to buy Channeling Essence (AFMBE: EtZ), for in using the chi-abilities in combat situations - the player uses skills like Kung Fu, Occultism, Acrobatics or Getting Medieval, in place of Chi Mastery or Essence Channeling.

Also for Totems, heroic lycanthropes the primal focus allows them to be even greater in touch with the beastial powers, therefore the aspects are set at the time of creation. While Slayers (or their players)- have the ability to choice their aspect. For Demon Slayers the levels max out 8. For Vampire Slayers - the maximum can reach up to level 10 (although it's extremely rare to get that high), and only at great personal risk.

Here is the Primal Vampire Slayer Aspects.

These aspects farther increase or add to the Slayer's normal attributes & abilities.
The costs of the aspects include a 3 pt. additional Adversary (vamps & Demons) Drawback, & an Emotional Problem: (mild form), as well as other drawbacks (depending on the aspect).

Aspect of the Phoenix: -- 6 pts.

Qualities:

Attributes: +6 (+1 Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence,
Perception & Willpower)
Regeneration 2 (con per min) - upgraded from (con per hr)
Reduced Damage: ½ from electrical attacks
Situational Awareness
Acute Sense: Vision
Increased Life Points 1 level

Drawbacks:
-2 -- Psychic Visions (these replace the normal slayer psychic vision quality) - this Slayer now feels her visions, in her whole body (as a surge of very hot blood racing thru her entire Body - while not potentially life threatening - the visions are quite painful
& very distracting).
-3 -- Adversary (Vamps & Demons)
-2 - Honorable - serious
-1 -- Supernatural Form - Dual Form (phoenix avatar) -- this appears a bright golden or blue aura (to any supernatural being) around the slayer, increasing her attractiveness +1 to any normal human, good demon, or ensouled vampire. And any foes (prey) get a - 1 on Fear Tests (appears as a -2 Attractiveness to them).


Note: there can only be no more than two Phoenix aspects at any one time. A "light" phoenix and a "dark" phoenix. The Light Phoenix has "chi" effects that are usually golden in color. While the Dark Phoenix - has effects that appear as bluish fire.

Phoenix Slayers are extremely rare. They are natural leaders, and are the most mystical of the aspects. While Phoenix Slayers can sometimes surprise opponents, more often they prefer to be very visible and "hide" in plain sight. Their main preferred weapons of choice are bladed weapons (axes, swords, fighting daggers), with wooded stakes as an option. They also have the ability to make their aura appear as large (6-7 ft tall) fiery eagle at will. Many of their Chi abilities appear to have telekinetic or pyrokinetic type effects. For this reason, a slayer with phoenix aspect is the most dangerous aspect that any vampire can face. At 7th level Phoenix Slayers are capable of boiling the air around them (effect similar to seen in "Primeval" against Adam). -------------------------------------------------------

Aspect of the Tiger/Lion/Leopard/Panther (Big Cat): -- 6 pts

Qualities:
Attributes: +6 (+2 to Dexterity, +1 Constitution, + 1 Strength, +1
Perception, +1 Willpower)
Reduced Damage: 1/2 slash/stab attacks
Acute Sense: Smell
Natural Weapons: claws (finger-nails) 2x Str.
Increased Life points - 1 level

Drawbacks:
-3 -- Adversary (Vamps & Demons)
-1 -- Covetous - Lechery (mild) -- due the feline nature of aspect.
-1 -- Mental Problems -Cruelty (mild)

Note: The Lion and Leopard Aspects is exactly the same as the Tiger,
Just different names. There can be as many as 5 slayers of each type Big Cat aspect, at any one time. This is the most common aspect of the slayer.

Tiger (big Cat) aspects are scrapers, and ambushers, like their namesakes. They also love the chase (them chasing their prey, not the reverse). Their preferred weapons are either ranged weapons (like Bows, & Crossbows) or point blank range weapons like stakes or daggers. The Big Cat Aspect chi abilities have visible effects, which are usually orange in color.

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Aspect of the Dragon (Black/White/Red/Green): 6 pts.

Qualities:
Attributes: +6 (+2 Dexterity, +1 to Strength, Constitution,
Intelligence & Willpower)
Reduced Damage: 1/2 for all slash/stab attacks
Acute Sense - smell
Natural Weapon - claws (fingernails) 2x Str.
Increased Life Points -1 level (10 pts)

Drawbacks:
-3 -- Adversary (Vamps & Demons)
-1 -- Mental Problems - Recklessness - mild
-1 -- Recurring Nightmares (primal dreams tied to visions)

Note: Dragon aspects are almost a combination of the Phoenix, and the Big Cats.

Dragons blend the mystical nature of the Phoenix with the primal nature of the Big Cats. Dragons are very versatile, combining Phoenix & big Cat hunting styles, and preferred weapon choices. But like the Big Cats, they appear to be a bit reckless. But like the phoenix, many of the Dragons chi abilities do have "showy" effects. Usually either Red, White, Green or Dark Purple in color.



Slayer Visions & the Aspects

Well, for the Big Cat & Dragon aspects the Psychic Visions are pretty much like any other normal slayer (+1 Quality). Like other slayers they tend to have their visions only when they sleep (which is why this is quality has no pain related to it - and the only potential danger is maybe a little loss of sleep. The Dragons do also get recurring Nightmares. Which negates the cost of the psychic visions.


For the Phoenix Aspect -it very different. She literally feels the vision - through out her entire body. And actually the visions of the Phoenix aspect are quite painful and very distracting - just not life threatening. But for her the psychic visions aren't like Doyle's "bone crunching-mind numbing" kind of visions. Instead she feels the power of the visions in her blood. During a vision she feels like her blood is made of liquid fire (hellfire or some really hot liquid) - shooting thru every blood vessel in her body. In addition, during a vision - a very bright supernatural aura appears around her - making
it plainly visible to anyone around her. The visions are also very graphic in detail - and give her a crystal clear picture of upcoming events. While the visions for a phoenix aspect can happen anytime of the day or night - they usually happen when she's awake. Also the vision usually takes up her all attention. And the visions are extremely realistic or as Buffy puts it - "in THX Dolby digital 6.0 surround sound - completely with smell-a-vision".
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Here are the various levels of Primal Focus for Slayers.

Level 1 - Primal Awakening - at this level the slayer becomes aware of her inner primal force. She can use it to boost basic non-fighting abilities like leaping, or running. At this level she gains her primal senses, as well as some basic non-combat abilities.

Level 2 - Primal Boost - a Slayer learns to draw small amounts of energy (chi or essence -if you prefer)- generated by primal &/or passionate acts. Acts like having sex with a lover, or simply slaying a vampire or demon. This level she gains enhanced combat abilities.

Level 3 - Primal Healing - this level allows the slayer to boost her healing rate thru stored primal energies. The boosted healing is number of LP equal to 1.5 x Con per success level. She may also heal another by touch - but the heal rate drops by half. This level she'll gain enhanced healing abilities

Level 4 - Primal Aspect - at this level the slayer gains a primal aspect of her power. This aspect boosts her attributes, and abilities, depending on the specific aspect chosen. No new abilities are given at this level - since this is the level she gains her aspect at.

Level 5 - Primal Influence - At this level a Slayer can use her primal energy to influence/inspire her allies or intimidate her enemies. Here she gains the abilities to influence the emotions & feeling of both her allies & enemies. She will be able to abilities of influence.

Level 6 - Warrior Mind - At this level the Slayer to starts to use her enhanced powers to aid her in battle. She gets abilities that can aid during battle usually defensive powers - from basic psychokinetic abilities to summon a favorite weapon to her side, help hide her from her enemies, to enabling her to block or deflect incoming attacks.

Level 7 - Primal Mind - this level allows for the Slayer use her primal energies to perform psychokinetically attacks. Naturally the types of attacks are based on the slayer's aspect, and will care the visual special effects of her aspect.

Level 8 - Primal Rage - This ability allows her to drain life energy from any evil, corporal, non-mortal, being (i.e. Vampire, Zombie, Demon or hell god). When undead targets are drained to 0 LP - they are automatically turned to dust. Usually this is max for most slayers.


These Levels are only for certain Vampire Slayers, and even then only a great risk to her personal safety or even losing complete control of herself in the process.

Level 9 - Primal Reaper - This ability is actually a more powerful version of the Primal Reaper. This require the burn of DP + Righteous Fury just to activate it. She is able to drain double the life points of Primal Rage. Range Is SL x 2 meters. Number of targets is equal to SL x 2.

Level 10 - God Slayer - At this level - the Slayer actually becomes the embodiment of a God/Goddess Slayer (based Hindu goddess Durga). All of her attribute bonuses (normal slayer & aspect) are doubled. Also Hard to Kill, resistance & Increased LP bonuses are also doubled. Qualities like Reduced Damage, & regeneration are increased to the next level. To activate the slayer must be at level 9 plus burn 3 additional Drama Points. Also this level has duration of activity - at the end of which point the Slayer will have to power down (2 levels) or burn an addition 2 DPs per minute to maintain. The Duration is 2 x SL (Will + Con x2) in minutes. Only a specific Slayer will be chosen (by the PTB or spirit of the First Slayer) to wield this power.


Well, level 10 is extremely hard to get to. Only if the PTB or the spirit of the 1st Slayer chooses a slayer - can she use this power. Also it quite expensive just to use.

Most slayers will max out at level 8.


In fact - I'll share with you - the Prophecy of the God Slayer - from my current game - only the eldest daughter born of the "phoenix" Slayer & her superhuman mate, and a Slayer from birth will become the Slayer who is ultimately capable of slaying gods & goddess - and eventually rule as the true Queen of all Slayers.

Well - That was the Children of Destiny version of Primal Focus.

The Ultimate 'verse version will be quite different - more detailed, more personalized to the different aspects and slightly cheaper.

Here's the various aspects of the Revised version of Primal Focus, including detail descriptions of each aspect. Part one will cover the Phoenix Aspect & the Dragon Aspect.

The Aspects:

The Phoenix Aspect - is based on the mythical immortal firebird of the same name. The Phoenix is considered to be a symbol of the sun deities, divinity, royalty, and raw feminine power. As such it maybe the most suited symbol to be an aspect for the Slayer.

Slayers of the Phoenix aspect are often wise, honorable, alert, observant, as well as tend to be incredibly resourceful. As Warriors, they are able to quick adapt & adjust to nearly any situation they can face. Slayers of the Phoenix Aspect tend to be fairly petite in size and build, as a result they are often underestimated by their opponents. But this ia grave mistake since a Slayer of the Phoenix aspect is often incredibly tough & ferocious warriors, and tend to be "masters of the Heroic Feat & Rightous Fury". Slayers of the Phoenix Aspect also tend to use all 3 dimensions when hunting or fighting. They will often "perch" on top of a large crypt to get a better view of the graveyard, or in a town/city they may use roof tops as a "perch" to see the potental battle field or any potential targets.

Slayers of the Phoenix Aspect prefer bladed weapons such as fighting axes, swords, and fighting daggers as their main weapons. Although they are well versed in neat all the weapons used by Slayers.

As lovers, Slayers of the Phoenix Aspect are very passionate and fiery, however they also prefer to have a single lover to focus their love, passions & attentions on. They tend be very romantic idealists, in that they strongly believe in a concept of a deep romantic true love, namely with with their "Soul Mate". Once they have completely bonded with their soul mate - they are nearly always completely monogamous, devoted & faithful. However while in their youth(before the find the right one), they may often have several love affairs.


Qualities

+ 6 Attributes - +2 to Dexterity, +1 to Strength, Constitution, Perception & Willpower
Acute Sense - Vision (2)
Resistance - Demonic Powers - Hypnosis (1)
Eidetic Memory (1)
Increased Life Points -1 Level/10 pts (1)

Drawbacks

-3 Adversary

-2 Honorable (serious)

-1 Antisocial Impulse - mild Cruelty

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The Dragon Aspect - is based off the great reptile of myths & lore. Dragons are often considered to be symbolic of primal, supernatural, or mystical power, as well as representing wisdom & intelligences. Dragons are also known for being proud, brave & bold

Slayers of the Dragon aspect - tend to be intelligent, brave, proud fighters. They are thinkers, & planners. Slayers of this aspect are powerful built, which is to say muscular, yet still very feminine. They prefer to out think or outwit their foes than to be surprised in battle. Also Slayers of the Dragon aspect tend to have a very poor sense of humor. But they do have a mild natural resistance to spell based magic.

Slayers of the Dragon Aspect prefer using more classic slayer weapons, such as wooden stakes, swords, and crossbows.

As Lovers, Slayers of the Dragon Aspect may be seem to be a bit withdrawn or shy,at least to start with. This is because a Slayer of the Dragon Aspect, often leads with their head, instead of their hearts in relationships. While they may believe in the concept of true love - they will often attempt to rationalize it. The same is true with their view on sex. Although they are very capable of feeling both very deeply, to them it still must make sense rationally.

Qualities

+6 Attributes - +2 to Strength, +1 to Constitution, Intelligence, Perception. & Willpower

Acute Sense - Smell (2)

Natural Weapons - Nails 2x strength (1)

Resistance - magic (1)

Increased Life Points - 1 Level/10 pts.

Drawbacks:

-3 Adversary

-1 Honorable - mild

-1 Humorless

-1 Antisocial Impulse - mild Cruelty

Hmmm... No comments on the revised version, the Aspects or any thing?

Well - I'm not well versed in classic Taoism. But from what I've read Taoism doesn't seem to full cover all the the principals of Primal Focus. Although - since I've described the basic principals as being "Force-Like", one could rightfully argue that it also means that the principals are basically similar to Taoism.

Although I have been looking in to Hindu Mythology about the Devine Mother & Durga. And possibly considering Durga as a pregenerator or may that it was a Slayer that inspired the myth of Durga - in the Hindu religion.

Ahhh ... the 4 Chinese Constellations. Actually it's the constellation make up for most major Asian Nations, including Japan, Korea, & Vietnam as well as China.

The East - the Azure(bluish color) Dragon - representing Spring.
The North - the Black Warrior (Tortoise) - representing Winter
The West - the White Tiger - representing Autumn/Fall
The South - the Vermillion(reddish color) Bird - representing Summer.

The Black Warrior (or Tortoise) - is actually often depicted with two animal symbols - one a Tortoise, and the other a Snake. So the Black Warrior for this representation could be a Black Snake or Serpent.

The Vermillion Bird - could be used as a symbol for the asian Phoenix, since in some nations it's also referred to as the Bird King.

But in terms of Slayers and the various Aspects. Here's my thoughts.

Among the current line of Slayers - being India, Buffy, Kendra, & Faith.

- India - might have become the Serpent,
- Buffy - as the Phoenix,
- Kendra - might have been the Dragon,
- Faith - as the Tiger.

In this respect - the Tiger & the Dragon would be opposite. As would the Phoenix & the Serpent be.

Which kind of brings up the question of which way should the cycle of Aspects run.

And how should this cycle affect the current line of slayers.

For me - I'm thinking that Buffy is a Phoenix aspect.

Okay should I alter the seasons to fit the natural order, or leave them as is.

As is - Winter(Serpent), Summer(Phoenix), Spring (Dragon), Fall/Autumn(Tiger)

Natural Order according to seasons - Spring(Serpent), Summer(Phoenix), Fall/Autumn(Dragon), Winter(Tiger).

The way the Seasons relate to the elements - as Follows

Spring - Electricity(as in Thunderstorms)
Summer - Heat
Fall/Autumn - Wind.
Winter - Cold.