Nil’Jihad

Nil’Jihad Brotherhood

Shadows of the Jedi: Overview of the Nil’Jihad Brotherhood

The home world of the Nebo is Neborn. Opposite to most other beings the Nebo aren’t Force Sensitive, but they were not always not like that, it was an evolutionary process coupled with some genetic engineering. The predators and beats that inhabit their homeworld use the force to hunt and to top things off, a couple of millennia ago they encountered a sect of Dark Jedi, believed now to be Sith, who made a failed attempts to enslave them.

The Nebo were being exterminated and enslaved by this group of Dark Jedi and hence they made a decision, they would apply genetic engineering to themselves in order to enhance their natural resistance to the Force. They succeeded in this, but it was too late, the Dark Jedi had already slaughtered or captured 85% of the population, the remains of the race when into hiding. The genetic enhancements have had varied affects. The most notable is that they have an increased life span, which is almost twice that of a normal human. The other is that the enhancements to some degree have increased their combat prowess.

During the process of hiding, they developed a highly specialized form of martial arts known as Nil’jitsu. This martial arts form is one of the keys to their survival. Over time to increase their chances of survival they seeded themselves within sever homeworlds of other races. During this time they did what they could to aid in the destruction of any galactic group who they felt were evil. They chose to keep their presence as quietly as possible, but eventually some other human species found them out. With some coaxing the people who found them kept their secret.

After several centuries, they became used to the “shadow life”, and the tenants of secrecy, stealth, and honor became the foremost values in their culture. Soon they took their quest against evil to a new level. They started passing their secret of Nil’jitsu to other species. Eventually, these aliens formed a secret sect with the Nebo called the Nil’Jihad Brotherhood. The Nil’Jihad Brotherhood is a show organization and, to some extent, a religion that believes that using the Force makes on susceptible to becoming evil. Although they acknowledge the Jedi as being good, they also point out that the Jedi are also the source of the most powerful people in galaxy, and power corrupts even the most moral of people. The Nil'Jihad thus are a show group of the Jedi order that they constantly watch in order to ensure that the Jedi do not abuse their power.

During the Old Republic, the only official group that even acknowledged the existence of the Nil'Jihad was the Jedi High Council. The Jedi High Council has a love-hate relationship with the Nil’Jihad elder. Like any group, they hate being scrutinized by an outside force, but the Nil’Jihad have been an instrumental in hunting down rogue Jedi that were heading down the wrong path. Nebo tend to be particularly good at doing this, because of their enhanced anti-Force abilities. On the other hand, however, the Nil’Jihad have had some embarrassing moments of their own which they were saved by the skill of the Jedi. The Nil’Jihad during his time were considered by any that did notice them as acolytes, or Freedom Fighters, of the Jedi order. Although some Nil’Jihad would not like being so tightly tied with the Jedi, the Nil’Jihad used this situation to further hide them from view. One of the Elder at this time was the Nil’Jihad and the Jedi, the Nebo still do not like Jedi and Jedi do not like Nebo. This is mostly because of the effect of their Force bubble.

During the height of the Empire the Nil’Jihad were to some extent exterminated along with the Jedi. This is foreseeable, because the Nil’Jihad were at the forefront of trying to defeat the Dark Jedi that hunted the Jedi Order. Alas, the Jedi were exterminated and what was left of the Nil’Jihad and Nebo went underground. The Nil’Jihad then became even more secretive than ever by forming the group into cells that operated independent of each other under the supervision of the Elder. This tactic worked because when the Empire located a cell, they have a very difficult time linking the cell to any of the other groups. Eventually under the blanket of secrecy that began to shroud the Jedi, the Nil’Jihad were once again forgotten. This is once again what the Nebo would consider a safe place. During the time of the Rebellion, the Nil’Jihad and Nebo worked as guards and assassins so as to keep their skills in check as well as to recruit new members. They secretly aided the Rebellion in any way they could as long as their shadow secrets were secured.

After the fall of the Empire, they began to secretly flourish in the shadows again. The Nebo have risen from the ashes of yet another near holocaust from Dark Jedi. They have yet to make any contact with the New Jedi Order, but eventually they will show themselves as the number of Dark Jedi increase from the increase of Jedi Knights. Once again, the Jedi become watchdogs of the New Republic, the Nil’Jihad position themselves to insure the safety of all beings from the Force that can corrupt even the most moral of sentient beings. To the people who do not know much of the Nil’Jihad Brotherhood they are called “Ghosts of Darkness”. Lore surrounds the brotherhood that is similar to that of a boogieman, because the Nil’Jihad are known for actively hunting and killing evil people. This is compounded by the fact that Nil’Jihad make great use of stealth to sneak upon their intended target. It is often said that an evil person may be walking alone at night. He will see a glimmer, and then it is gone. Next, a glimmer appears again, but by this point, he is already dead. This is one of the most common myths in the core regions. Most people do not believe the organization exists. In reality, the organization is alive and growing. The only thing that saves it from extinction from some other people is the enforced secrecy among the brotherhood. However, many groups are fully aware of its existence. Groups such as CorSec, the Mistryl Shadow Guards, and Black Sun are fully aware of the capabilities of this group and they often either ignore, try to hire, or actively seek to capture it’s members.

The biggest difference between the Brotherhood and other assassin groups is that they amazingly have a high moral code. The most unfortunate thing for the most criminals however is that they often act as judge, jury, and executioner. They usually go after Dark Jedi, Sith, and operatives of high level crime organizations. They will infiltrate an organization as personal bodyguards or operatives, and then they will wait for an opportune time to strike their target. They usually operate in cell groups of 2 – 5. Rarely are they solo, but then again who would know if they were. The objectives of this group are unknown. It is known however that these people do have a rather religion view of the Force. They do not believe that the Force should be used, because the Force is a power in the galaxy, which when used often, leads to evil. A second group within the Nil’Jihad believes that the Force simply does not exist and is just a bunch of elaborate magic tricks. Although they share many things in common with the Jedi Knights, this is a love/hate relationship. Many times Jedi and Nil’Jihad are found working with each other to accomplish a single goal. At times, they are at odds with each other.

Equipment of the Nil’Jihad Brotherhood

The following weapons are unusual weapons that can be found in the hands of a Nil’Jihad operative. It is very rare to find any of these weapons away from its intended user, but since sentients can and will die n combat these weapons are occasionally seen in art collection shows.

Jato Katana Blade

Type: Dueling Sword

Skill: Melee Combat: Jato Katana Blade

Availability: 4

Cost: n/a

Damage: Str+2D+1

Body Strength- 10D

Game Notes: Jato Katana Blades are the traditional weapon of the Nil’Jihad Brotherhood. They usually have a handle, which is 40 cm in length, and a single edged blade with a slight curve that is about one meter long. They are created by master smiths and artisans, and usually given to Acolytes by their master at the time of their graduation to the level of Adept. Since every Blade is hand made, the looks and decoration on the Blade varies greatly depending on the user. These swords are made from a very high tech and secretive mixture of metal alloys, which give this blade its legendary strength. It is rumored in some circles that the blade is strong enough to withstand a blow from a Lightsaber. However, this rumor has never been verified. This blade is never seen outside of the hand of a Nil’Jihad operative as they rarely leave behind any equipment during missions. If for some reason a Blade were to fall in the ands of someone outside of the Brotherhood, a Nil’Jihad cell would be dispatched to retrieve the blade.

Gensa Blade

Type: Small throwing Knife

Skill: Melee Combat: Gensa Blade or Thrown Weapons: Gensa Blade

Availability: 4

Cost: 100

Damage: Str+1D

Body Strength- 6D

Game Notes: This weapon, although is not as uncommon as the Jato Blade, is still very rare. A Nil’Jihad operative usually carries between two and eight blades on a single mission. They are extremely well balanced, and can be used in Melee Combat or as a thrown weapon. Due to the care in balance that was used in its design, some versions of this blade are much easier to use than others and can be known to wield more damage. Most Nil’Jihad do not care it they loose a Gensa on a mission, therefore, some of these blades have come up on the open market. Although, many bounty hunters and military types do not know about the Nil’Jihad, they may know about the Gensa and have seen it used in combat.

Koleth Suit

Type: Sensor and Sound Suppression Suit

Availability: 4

Cost: n/a

Protection: +2 energy and physical

Stealth: +1D verse visual, and +2D verse sound and sensors (+2D vs. visual in low light situations)

Game Notes: This is the traditional combat uniform of the Nil’Jihad Brotherhood. This suit has gone through several modifications over the years to adapt to new forms of surveillance that is being used. The suit covers the wearer from head to toe. The material is designed to not make any noise when it rubs against itself, and helps to mask the heat signature of the wearer. The material appears to be dark grey in color, and the stitching of the multiple layers of material is woven in concentric 2-inch circles around the wearer.

Nil’Jihad Skills

The two primary skills of the Nil’Jihad Brotherhood is Nil’jato and Nil’Jihad Meditation. These two skills are closely related and attuned to each other. Both skills are a representation of the Nil’Jihad martial arts form, but one is oriented toward the mind and the other to the body. As such, these town skills are intended to be kept in balance. If there is more tan a 1D difference between these skills then there the CP cost is doubled to represent the imbalance. Usually, Mediation is learned before Nil’jato.

Name: (Ad) Nil’jato

Description: Nil’jato Fighting Style is a skill developed thousands of years ago by a race called the Nebo who were nearly wiped out by the Sith. This skill is a highly developed form of martial arts which involves mediation, combat, stealth, and greatly increased perception. Many think of this skill as purely a combat skill. In reality is more a mixture of sound mind and body techniques. The shill itself leans more toward melee and hand-to hand combat, but a true Jato user will be competent in all forms of stealth and combat. This can only be learned by members of the secret order called Nil’Jihad Brotherhood.

Prerequisites: Dexterity- 3D, Brawling- 6D, Melee Combat- 5D, Melee Parry- 5D

Restrictions: Force users cannot learn the skill as a training method, because the Nil’Jihad teachings are opposed to the use of the Force. This skill is best suited to humanoid species.

The Jato skill die can be split to increase the to hit or damage roll of all Jato Combat skills

Jato skills include Brawling, Brawling Parry, Melee Combat, Melee Parry, and Thrown Weapons

All attacks are physical- use appropriate armor values

Jato is a Dexterity skill – use Dexterity penalties

To learn this advanced skill you need a teacher, not so to advance it

Cost is 20 Cp to initially learn the first die, and then increase as an advanced skill

As an advanced skill it costs twice the number of CP before the die. One week of training per CP.

Without a teacher the cost is doubled to 4 times the cost before the die

To Hit: Use appropriate skill and add (split) Jato skill die

To Damage: Use Strength and add (split) Jato skill die

To Resist: Use strength and add (split) Jato skill die

Basic Moves:

Attack Type Damage Difficulty

Punch Str + Jato Easy

Kick Str + Jato +2 Easy

Stun Str + Jato (stun) Moderate

Hold Str + Jato Moderate (or vs. Strength of opponent)

Throw Str + Jato Moderate

Spinning Kick Str + Jato +1D Moderate

Flying Kick Str + Jato +2D Difficult

Note: These are basic moves available to all Nil’Jihad initiates as soon as they learn their first die in Jato. Where Jato is listed above is to indicate that the added damage is the pooled dice from the “to hit” and “to damage” split of the basic skills.

Special Moves:

Power Stun	Incapacitates target for 2D minutes doing Str + Jato + 3D Stun damage. Use of Jato only to hit. Difficulty = Easy
Silent Strike	Attacker rolls his sneak verses the defender’s search/Perception. If defender is beaten the defender cannot dodge or parry attack, because the defender does not know the attacker is coming. Roll only Jato to hit. Difficulty = moderate. User must declare where this is stun or killing move, and successful total means the target is automatically neutralized in a way that does not create sound.
Power Jump	This move allows a Nil’Jihad to use their skills of balance and focus to help them leap great distances. Gives + Jato to jump skill.
Enhanced Dodge	Like Power Jump, this allows the Nil’Jihad to use their advanced balancing to focus of their marital arts skills to help them dodge ranged weapon fire. Gives + Jato to dodge or full dodge.
Multiple Attack	Makes multiple attacks to one target without penalty. The max amount of attacks is = to the number before their Nil’jato die. Attack stops once one is successfully dodged or parried. Roll Jato only. Difficulty = easy.
Power Block	This is also called a counter attack. A defender is able to parry a move in such a way that damage is redirected back to the attacker doing Str + 1D damage to attacker. If the parry beasts the attacker by 10 points all of the damage is redirected back to the attacker. Difficulty = moderate
Killing Blow	Gives + 3D + Jato to damage. Roll Jato only to hit. Difficulty = easy
Blind Fighting	Blindness and darkness modified are ignored, because PC is able to use senses other than sight to locate a target. Note that target must be within reach. All difficulties are increased one level to indicate a greater amount of concentration involved.
Disarm	Gives user ability to block melee weapons with his hands. Use Jato only for this role verses the attackers melee role. If the attackers role is beaten by 5 then the defender can make an additional disarm roll which counts as a free action. Another use of this skill is for the character to take the blow with his body in such a way to lower damage by adding Jato to strength to resists damage.
Weapon Block	Gives the character the ability to block melee weapons with his hands. Use Jato only for this role verses the attackers melee roll. If the attackers role is beaten by 5 then the defender can make an additional disarm roll which counts as a free action. Another use of this skill is for the character to take the blow with his body in such a way to lower the damage by adding Jato to strength to resist damage.
Nerve Pinch	User attacks the opponent in such a way so as to render an opponent’s limb unusable for 3D rounds. Any items in affected hand are dropped. If difficulty is beaten by 15 then the character is knocked unconscious for 2D minutes. Difficulty = very difficult.

Note: In the description of the above special moves there are those who use Jato only when rolling, GMs should take not of these moves and not allow PCs or NPCs use Jato plus brawling. Special Moves are learned at different points in their training based on the table below.

Learning of Jato Special Moves:

1D- Power Jump & Enhance Dodge

2D- Disarm & Power Block

3D- Killing Blow & Power Stun

4D- Multiple Attack & Nerve Pinch

5D- Silent Strike & Blind Fighting

6D- Weapon Block

Note: These moves are NOT granted immediately upon graduation to the dice level. Instead it is a limitation showing when the skill is normally taught. Each special move or skill costs 5 character points and does not require a master present to teach the skill. However, if a master is teaching it the cost is lowered to 3 Character Points. One hour of meditation must be spending per each character point spent.

Name: (Ad) Nil’Jihad Mediation

Description: Nil’jato is closely attuned to Mediation. Mediation represents the mental disciplines of the Nil’Jihad ways. At high levels these skills can at times seem magical or like minor Force powers. During combat Mediation allows the Nil’Jihad to speed up his thought processes so that things around him slow down. At higher levels this allows a Nil’Jihad to also speed up other body processes like healing and sensory enhancement.

Prerequisites: Perception- 3D, Sneak- 5D, Search- 4D, Willpower- 5D

Restrictions: Force Users can not use this skill as a training method, because Nil’Jihad teachings are opposed to the use of the Force

To learn this advanced skill you need a teacher, not so to advance it

Cost is 20 CP to initially learn the first dice, and then increase as an advanced skill

As an advanced skill it cost twice the number of CP before the die. One week of training per CP

Without a teacher the cost is doubled to 4 times the cost before the die

Special Abilities:

Initiative	A Nil’Jihad can add their Meditation bonus when they roll for initiative
Advanced Healing	A Nil’Jihad is allowed one free healing per day without mandatory resting period if they are in a Mediation trance. This in addition to the normal Str roll, and they may only roll their Mediation dice
Enhanced Sneak	Allows the Nil’Jihad to add their Meditation to their sneak roll
Enhanced Senses	Allows the Nil’Jihad to add their Mediation to their audio and visual Perception rolls
Enhanced Will	Allows the Nil’Jihad to resists attacks from Force users by adding their Mediation to their Willpower rolls
Vanishing	Gives +2D + Mediation to sneak. Often used to retreat from combat, and can be the only action they do that round. If successful the PC will vanish from view using his surrounds.

Note: This is just a small sample of added bonus through Mediation, it is rumored that Nil’Jihad masters have even greater forms of mental abilities.

Learning of Mediation Special Abilities:

1D- Enhance Sneak

2D- Enhance Senses

3D- Advanced Healing

4D- Vanishing

5D- Enhanced Will

6D- Initiative

Miscellaneous Nil’Jihad Skills:

Traps: As an extension of the security skill, primitive weapon making, and the demolition skill Jato users also can learn this skill. This skill represents the strategic guile that Jato users have in McGyver like situations where they are creating and getting around booby traps, bombs, and alarms. GM arbitrate damage and difficulty in building the trap. Conversely this skill can also be used to disarm traps once found. This skill is learned at the first stages of an Adept level.

Alchemy: This skill represents the Jato users ability to make potions and poisons. These poisons can be anything from tranquilizers, poisons to special potions like Jedi’s Bane. The cost of known potions is based on the difficulty to do the potion: easy = 3 CP, moderate = 5 CP, and difficult+ = 7 CP. GM chooses which ones can be learned based on available materials. This is learned at a First Degree Warrior.

Weapon Design/Repair: This skill represents the Nil’Jihad ability to forge deadly weapons for use in melee combat. The prime example of this skill is the forging of the Nil’jato Blade. This skill is taught when the member becomes a Master.

Note: All these skills except Mediation are Technical skills and should be treated like normal skills.

Ranking Based on Skill Dice:

Based on the lower between the two skills of Nil’jato and Mediation.

0D Initiate

1D – 2D Acolyte

3D – 4D Adept

5D – 6D Warrior

7D – 9D Master

10D – 12 D High Master

13D+ Elder/Grand Master

Note: To advance into the ranks, the Nil’Jihad will have to go through some extreme combat and stealth situations to test their mettle as a Nil’Jihad.

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