Animus

Evoking the Animus. Each time the character wishes to create (Evoke) the Animus, it takes a certain amount of concentration. 1. At first level, it requires at least four melee rounds (one full minute) to bring up the Animus. 2. During Evocation, no other actions may be performed, nor can the Chi be used, not even for Chi defense. 1. Investing in the Animus. When the Animus is evoked, it must be given a certain amount of Chi from the character's own supply. As long as the Animus exists, the two "pools" of Chi are separate. The character can perform a Chi Mastery Ability, which would cost Chi from the body, or perform a Chi Mastery Ability through the Animus, which would subtract Chi from the Animus. 2. Duration of Animus. While inside the body, the Animus can last one hour for each point of Chi invested. Outside the body (at 10th level one develops the power to detach the Animus), the Animus can last one half hour for each point of Chi invested. Note: If the character knows another martial art, the Animus can be maintained while using the other form. 3. Abilities of the Animus. Inside the body, the Animus serves as a separate being, perpetually alert, and perpetually on guard to defend the character and the character's body (+3 on initiative). If the character is asleep, unconscious, or absent (if the character's Soul-Spirit is missing), then the Animus will do whatever is necessary to protect the body. First and foremost, it will attempt to wake up/revive the character at the first sign of danger. If unsuccessful, it may take over the character's body to move it out of danger, dodge, or otherwise move toward safety. Whatever Chi Mastery Abilities the character has are also possessed by the Animus. It will either perform those abilities at the direction of the character or, if left in charge of the character's body, it will use them to defend the character. 4. Reabsorbing the Animus. The character can instantly reabsorb the Animus, unless it is detached (although there are certain magical means to keep a character from absorbing it). When reabsorbed, the character regains all the remaining Chi of the Animus.​