“A man may master a thousand techniques. But it is his flaws that make him dangerous.”

— Master Iron Ox

Edges and Hindrances

In the martial world, strength is never pure. Every great fighter carries both mastery and burden—secret techniques and lingering shame, iron discipline and burning obsession.

This page presents new Edges and Hindrances for use in Five Fists of the Burning Temple. These options reflect the themes of kung fu cinema: pride, honor, vengeance, and the relentless pursuit of mastery.

New Edges

Boasting Edges

Thunderous Presence

Requirements: Novice, Boast d6+

Your voice carries like a temple bell.

When you succeed at a Boast Test, the target must also make a Spirit roll or become Shaken.

Cutting Insult

Requirements: Novice, Boast d8+

Your words draw blood.

On a Raise with Boast, the target suffers –1 to all Trait rolls for 1d4 rounds.

Duelist’s Challenge

Requirements: Seasoned, Spirit d6+

You can compel formal duels.

As an action, issue a challenge to a single foe within earshot. If they refuse, they suffer –2 to all Trait rolls against you for the rest of the encounter.

If they accept, both combatants gain +1 to all Trait rolls for the first round.

Combat Edges

Martial Artist

Requirements: Novice, Martial Arts d6+

Your body is a weapon.

You deal Str + d6 damage with unarmed attacks and count as armed.

Note: This Edge works slightly differently than in the standard SWADE rules.

Martial Warrior

Requirements: Seasoned, Martial Artist

Your training has hardened your body to its peak.

Increase your unarmed damage to a maximum of Str + d8.

Note: This Edge works slightly differently than in the standard SWADE rules.

Signature Technique

Requirements: Novice, Martial Arts d6+

Choose one Signature Technique from your style.

You may use it one additional time per encounter beyond its normal limits.

Dual Stylist

Requirements: Seasoned, Martial Arts d8+

You have trained in multiple styles.

You may learn a second martial style and switch between them as a free action once per turn.

Qi Edges

Qi Surge

Requirements: Novice, Spirit d6+

You channel your inner energy into explosive force.

Spend a Benny to gain +2 to damage for one attack.

Iron Breath

Requirements: Seasoned, Vigor d8+

Your breath anchors your body.

Once per encounter, ignore all Wound penalties for 1 round.

Flow Like Water

Requirements: Seasoned, Agility d8+

You move with perfect fluidity.

Gain +1 Parry if you moved at least 2" this turn.

Honor Edges

Respected Name

Requirements: Novice

You begin play with Honor +2.

Feared Name

Requirements: Novice

You begin play with Honor –2. Gain +1 to Intimidation rolls.

Living Legend

Requirements: Veteran, Honor +3

Your reputation precedes you everywhere.

Gain +2 to all social rolls when recognized.

Style-Specific Edges

These Edges require a specific martial style.

Crane: Feather Step

Ignore penalties from difficult terrain and maintain perfect balance on narrow surfaces.

Tiger: Relentless

Reroll damage against Shaken foes. Take the better result.

Snake: Coiling Defense

Enemies suffer an additional –1 to attack rolls against you when you Defend.

Mantis: Hook and Trap

On a Raise, you may Entangle your target automatically.

Monkey: Trickster’s Rebound

After a successful Trick, gain +2 to your next attack.

Ox: Unyielding Frame

Gain +1 Toughness while Shaken.

Fan: Blinding Sweep

Once per turn, you may make a free Test to reduce an opponent’s Parry by –2.

Drunken: Staggering Flow

After a successful Trick, move 2" without provoking Free Attacks.

New Hindrances

Ascetic (Minor/Major)

You reject worldly pleasures.

Minor: –1 to Persuasion in social settings involving indulgence.

Major: Cannot spend Bennies on rerolls involving luxury, wealth, or pleasure.

Arrogant (Minor)

You believe your style is superior.

Must succeed on a Smarts roll to avoid accepting challenges or insults.

Cursed Style (Major)

Your martial art carries a dark cost.

Each time you use a Signature Technique, roll a d6. On a 1, suffer Fatigue.

Dishonored (Minor/Major)

Your name is stained.

Minor: –1 to social rolls in the Jianghu.

Major: –2 and frequent hostility from martial sects.

Disgraced Sect (Major)

Your school has fallen from favor.

You are hunted, shunned, or mocked by other practitioners.

Faded Name (Minor)

You were once known—but no longer.

Start with Honor –1.

Ghost of the Jianghu (Minor)

You walk unseen by the world.

–1 to Persuasion, but +1 to Stealth.

Infamous (Major)

Your name is cursed.

Start with Honor –3. You are actively hunted.

Vengeful (Minor/Major)

You cannot let go of past wrongs.

Minor: Must pursue revenge when convenient.

Major: Must pursue revenge above all else.

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