I Chih

Defense of Fangs
Alchemies: Nei Tan 2
Balance: Yin
Description: The danger of Kuei-jin devouring a hsien's Chi is always present whenever Kuei-jin share a city -- and they're everywhere in the Middle Kingdom. This spell was developed in an effort to provide the hsien some small measure of defense against the demons. Its sanctuary is brief, but should provide the respite needed for the attacked hsien to get the hell out of there!
System: Using the ability to temporarily alter one's Chi balance, the hsien is able to slide his Chi balance around the siphoning fangs (or whatever) of the Kuei-jin attacker. Magnitude of Change is declared to determine how much of her Chi she can block and for how long -- each level of the modifier taken protects one point of Chi for one turn. This makes stealing the hsien's Chi, whether in the form of blood or breath, very difficult if not impossible for the duration, save against the most ancient and terrible of Wan Kuei (who should fortunately know better than to hunt Shinma anyway). No other modifiers apply.

Centering the Strike
Alchemies: Nei Tan 3
Balance: Yang
Description: Flipping the Typhoon's Eye effect around, this I Chih focuses the hsien's attentions on his target. As with the Typhoon's Eye, the Shinma must mimic tai ch'i, by meditating, performing a kata, drawing, et cetera. During this time, they cannot attack or communicate with anyone else. They must be completely focused. The following turn, the hsien will gain an advantage in his chosen attack.
System: For every two successes, the hsien gains +1 Accuracy dice to an attack of his choice on the following turn. No other modifiers apply.

Gripping the Pole
Alchemies: Nei Tan 3
Balance: Yin
Description: A variant of the Typhoon's Eye I Chih, this spell provides a different sort of defense. However, the same preparatory action (meditation, kata, drawing, et cetera) must be performed. Instead of providing physical defense, the hsien deflects incoming magic!
System: For every two successes, the hsien subtracts all opponents' magical dice pools by one that turn. No other modifiers apply. This I Chih may affect any sort of magic, not just other hsien -- vampiric Disciplines, hengeyokai Gifts, even Sphere magick -- may be countered.

Speed of the Hare
Alchemies: Hou Tan 2/Tieh Tan 2 (non-Cohort)
Balance: Yang
Base: Increase Elemental Attributes
Description: Combining sharp Metal and swift Fire, the hsien increases her own reflexes in battle. Although the price of this I Chih is high, its yield can save the changeling's life in a fight. Taking the initiative is a very important tactic!
System: This I Chih does not actually increase any Attribute. Instead, for every one success declared, the hsien gains +1 to his base Initiative score. Hence, a hsien with Dexterity 3 and Wits 4 normally has a base Initiative score of 7. Declaring +3 with this I Chih and rolling successfully, his base Initiative score rises to 10. Continuance prolongs the effect. If the hsien wants a spell-casting challenge, he may extend the spell to others with Abundance. No other modifiers apply. A Yin effect version of this I Chih exists, called Curse of the Sleeping Turtle, which can be used to instead target an enemy and reduce his Initiative score!

Stench of the Marsh
Alchemies: Lin Tan 4/Shui Tan 4 (Cohort)
Balance: Yang
Base: Summon Element
Description: This Cohort I Chih combines the natural vegetable world of Wood Alchemy with the vaporous insinuation of Water. In short, the hsien creates a cloud of poisonous vapor to assault his enemies with. Although he can opt to create a cloud of deadly gas, other effects are possible -- sleeping gas, for example.
System: Domain controls the range of the cloud. Abundance is needed to target more than one person. Magnitude of Form controls the size of the poison cloud -- remember, the modifier is doubled! This modifier also determines the number of successes a target must score to evade the cloud and its effects (roll Dexterity+Dodge, difficulty 7). For direct damage and a toxic cloud, simply use Harm instead. However, for various other effects, from sleep gas to laughter or nausea gas, the Magnitude of Change modifier is employed instead. Each modifier level taken gives the cloud one die of strength, determining how effective it is. Those who fail to evade the cloud must roll Stamina (difficulty 6) versus the cloud's Magnitude of Change-based dice pool (difficulty 6). Magnitude of Change 5 is recommended. At the Storyteller's discretion, a target may add an appropriate Ability to his resistance roll (such as Poisons or even Herbalism). Remember also that Lin Tan is the source of the poison, so the cloud should be a toxin found naturally.