While there is typically only one skill used for hand-to-hand combat, Brawling, and a few specializations, matches in MEGA Fighting will make use of some particular fighting styles. Only one additional rule is in effect: characters with the Shockboxing specialization of Brawling are permitted to use their Shockboxing skill to parry brawling attacks. Otherwise, the styles only function as a roleplaying aspect and will only be reflected in the typical martial arts maneuvers of each style (if any) and how the characters choose their actions during matches (e.g. shockboxers will be jabbing and keeping their defense up, wrestlers might try for a grapple, and pit fighters will be throwing everything they've got in every punch).
Brawling
Untrained fighting, brawling can employ any number of maneuvers and attacks.
In MEGA Fighting, it is usually favored only by those with enough raw strength
to overcome any special styles or maneuvers an opponent might employ -- or by
those with racial bonuses that counterattack these more formal styles, such as a
set of razor-sharp fangs or serrated claws.
Shockboxing
This specialization is a highly technical form of brawling. While it
has no maneuvers like those of the martial arts specialization, while competing
in MEGA Fighting, characters with the Shockboxing specialization are permitted
to use this skill to parry brawling attacks.
Wrruushi
Wrruushi is a specialized form of Wookiee martial arts; only Wookiees may use this
specialization. This art focuses on using the immense upper body strength of the
Wookiee species, with an emphasis on punches, jabs and throws, and usually only a
few strikes at a time. Despite the Wookiee's reputation for ferocity, the style can
be surprisingly nonlethal; its practicioners are capable of disabling their opponents
with a quick, single blow.
Typical Maneuvers: Blindfighting, Instant Knockdown, Instant Stun, Instant Wound, Nerve Punch, Silent Strike
Martial Arts Styles
Generic Martial Arts
This non-style encompasses practitioners of martial arts who follow no
established school or maneuver set.
Typical Maneuvers: Any
Cyclone Style
This open, flowing form is the homemade fighting style of MEGA gladiator Uru Mal.
Its offensive orientation is built around strong, quick strikes.
Typical Maneuvers: Elbow Smash, Flying Kick, Foot Sweep, Instant Stand, Multiple Strikes, Spinning Kick
Echani Martial Arts
This style of martial arts focuses on movement, reflex, and grace.
Typical Maneuvers: Flip, Flying Kick, Instant Stand, Power Block, Spinning Kick, Weapon Block
Kickboxing
A potent style focusing on powerful strikes, with equal emphasis on punches
and kicks, usually coupled with a strong defense. This style somewhat
resembles shockboxing, although it claims more versatility.
Typical Maneuvers: Headbutt, Flying Kick, Hold/Grapple, Instant Knockdown, Multiple Strikes, Spinning Kick
Pit Fighting
A straightforward form, pit fighting is a formalized, more brutal version of
brawling that focuses on powerful strikes and includes intensive training in
"ground and pound," or pinning down an opponent and bludgeoning them
mercilessly.
Typical Maneuvers: Elbow Smash, Headbutt, Hold/Grapple, Instant Knockdown, Nerve Punch, Reversal
Submission Fighting
This style concentrates solely on grappling; its offensive maneuvers are all
cruel contortions of an opponent's body, which snap bones and dislocate joints.
Typical Maneuvers: Hold/Grapple, Instant Knockdown, Instant Stun, Instant Wound, Nerve Punch, Reversal
Water Style
So named because its practitioners must learn to let attacks flow around and
through them rather than into them, this passive style is almost exclusively
defensive. It seeks to wear opponents down and use their own energy
against them.
Typical Maneuvers: Blindfighting, Disarm, Flip, Power Block, Reversal, Weapon Block
Wrestling
With an emphasis on holds, this style gives its practitioners an advantage
over most other martial artists, although it includes a basic grounding in other
fighting skills.
Typical Maneuvers: Flip, Headbutt, Hold/Grapple, Reversal, Shoulder Throw, Spinning Kick
More to come!