An increase in Hollows usually doesn't call for the increase in recruiting Shinigami. However, when they open a Garganta into the Rukongai directly and devastate the upper districts and take partial control of the lower districts, something must be done. Not only have the Espada declared full-out war against the Gotei 13, but they are, ultimately, winning. With their own world as the battlefield and Arrancar recruit lower-district spirits to fight against the loyalists of the upper districts, the enemy still has enough man-power to harrass the jurechi, currently Galway, Ireland, and the surrounding cities to keep them in an impressive amount of distress. This unusual increase of Hollows, in general, is rumored to stem from the blasphemous era in which the Living World is currently experiencing.
Technology has come and gone in the World of the Living. With collapses of governments due to insufficient resources, many nations have claimed independence and keep in neutrality. Eerily enough, the rest of the world has followed suit, it seems, and even the most developed nations have reverted back to subsistence farming. It's the most peaceful, and silent, the world has ever been. Still, education is a privilege and one that is not given out freely, as nations in the past have done. It is not completely inaccessible for most children, but the work on the farms outweighs that of education. For a full mind does not quench thirst or stave off hunger. Regardless of the ceaseless attacks upon Galway, they seem to flourish in this environment as they have for hundreds of years. Quincies and Full Bringers band together to keep their lands purged of the dangers the Hollows create. Lore has been born to prevent the creation of Hollows and to keep them away.
Within the Seireitei, prospective Shinigami are, quite literally, hunted for efforts against Hollows and into Hueco Mundo. Many of the Captains, having been in such a position for too long, some might say, are rightfully displeased with this almost superfluous effort against the Arrancars and their leaders, the Espada. Some believe in working for quality versus quantity while others avidly enforce the search for greater numbers within the ranks of Shinigami. With a civil war in their back yard and the need to keep safe their greatest hope, the upper districts, numbers are doing much more than holding back the Hollows, for now it seems. The 12th Division is looking for ways to secretly invade Las Oscuridades, the base of the Espada. So far, the current Senkaimon are unable to penetrate the barrier, unlike the Garganta.
The Espada are stretched thin in numbers, though their control over the flow of battle remains intact. The Gotei 13 and the World of the Living would not know of lessening numbers, however, and this facade of an unending wave of Hollowed spirits remains strong. Their goals aren't clear to the other two dimensions and is still hazy even among the Espada who work as a council for themselves in spite of the exiled Lord of Hueco Mundo, of whom has remained hidden for centuries and is only rumored about among those in power. More rumors suggest that this Lord is against the attacks on the Rukongai and the World of the Living due to the imbalance could create. However, a counter argument continues that with the increasing number of Shinigami and the rate at which Hollows are sealed that the balance remains stagnant. This is purely in the hands of the Shinigami to keep this balance, as would be most obvious. Purhaps a collective stubbornness blinds them.
The focus of this RP will be upon the Captains and their Lieutenants and how they combat the invading Hollow Army. Any seated, unseated, or Academy students will be NPCs and making a PC for one of them is not ideal. This RP will also NPC all Hollows and Arrancars and will not go into the World of the Living making FullBringers and Quincies NPCs as well. If there is to be a prominent PC character for any of these NPC categories, then they should be of the top three tiers, listed below. To clarify, I'm not disallowing these races, they are just not pertinent to this particular RP at this time. They can and probably will change as the RP continues.
At the opening of the RP, the war will have been going on for 100 years, though there will be an intro describing a short time before that. All Divisions will have their jobs and specialties and this will dictate their role in the war currently, which will be described in the first post of the IC. Captains will be able to describe what their Division would currently be doing in regards to their "duties" and Lieutenants will be able to lead a certain aspect of these duties. Relationships among colleagues should also be noted, if only they are superficial.
If there is enough interest/desire to play as any "NPC" types, I shall create a separate RP for that section of the war but keep the same parameters. The point of narrowing this RP to only the Gotei is to make it easier to RP for those involved.
Reiryoku: "Spiritual Power" is how much energy has been stored by the user. It also describes their Spiritual Sensitivity and Willpower.
(Average (0) - High (1) - Great (2) - Immense (3) - Vast (4) - Legendary (5))
Reiatsu: "Spiritual Pressure" is the density the user can exert their Reiryoku (in spite of the actual level of stored Reiryoku). It describes the skillful use of energy.
(Extinguished/Non-existent (0) - Unremarkable (1) - Average (2) - Impressive (3) - Incredible (4) - Legend (5))
Kido Power: The stability and resilience of spells depends on the control and even the type of Reiryoku one has. Hindrances can be overcome through diligence.
(Poor (0) - Unremarkable (1) - Average (2) - Impressive (3) - Incredible (4) - Legend (5))
Zanjutsu: Simply the application of the sword. It also indicates the skill one has in wielding any other weapon.
(Yet to Learn(0) - Practitioner (1) - Expert (2) - Master (3) - Grandmaster (4) - Legend (5))
Offense: This only applies to the more aggressive tactics of applying Zanjutsu. It indicates finesse and skill in applying one's weapon.
(Poor (0) - Unremarkable (1) - Average (2) - Impressive (3) - Incredible (4) - Legendary (5))
Defense: This only applies to the more passive tactics of applying Zanjutsu. It indicates the ability to deflect, block, parry, and counter strikes with one's weapon.
(Poor (0) - Unremarkable (1) - Average (2) - Impressive (3) - Incredible (4) - Legendary (5))
Physical Strength: This only applies to the power and endurance of applying Zanjutsu. It indicates the power behind swings and thrusts made by one's weapon.
(Poor (0) - Unremarkable (1) - Average (2) - Impressive (3) - Incredible (4) - Legendary (5))
Hakuda: Simply the application of the body. It also indicates the skill one has in any martial art.
(Yet to Learn(0) - Practitioner (1) - Expert (2) - Master (3) - Grandmaster (4) - Legend (5))
Offense: This only applies to the more aggressive tactics of applying Hakuda. It indicates finesse and skill in applying one's body.
(Poor (0) - Unremarkable (1) - Average (2) - Impressive (3) - Incredible (4) - Legendary (5))
Defense: This only applies to the more passive tactics of applying Hakuda. It indicates the ability to deflect, block, and counter strikes with one's body.
(Poor (0) - Unremarkable (1) - Average (2) - Impressive (3) - Incredible (4) - Legendary (5))
Physical Strength: This only applies to the power and endurance of applying Hakuda. It indicates the power behind strikes and blows made by one's body.
(Poor (0) - Unremarkable (1) - Average (2) - Impressive (3) - Incredible (4) - Legendary (5))
Kidō: The ability to successfully execute Hado and Bakuda spells. The higher the level, the higher chance of success and the greater ability to cast powerful spells.
(Yet to Learn(0) - Practitioner (1) - Expert (2) - Master (3) - Grandmaster (4) - Legend (5))
Knowledge: This indicates known information (though what that information is is up to the inidividual).
(Poor (0) - Unremarkable (1) - Average (2) - Impressive (3) - Incredible (4) - Legendary (5))
Intelligence: This indicates one's ability to learn and understand information (though how this is performed and accomplished is up to the individual).
(Poor (0) - Unremarkable (1) - Average (2) - Impressive (3) - Incredible (4) - Legendary (5))
Hohō: Purely the application of Shunpo and other similar abilities. It also indicates one's reflexes and ability to react.
(Yet to Learned (0) - Practitioner (1) - Expert (2) - Master (3) - Grandmaster (4) - Legend (5))
Mobility: This describes one's physical speed, agility, and flexibility overall.
(Poor (0) - Unremarkable (1) - Average (2) - Impressive (3) - Incredible (4) - Legend (5))
Points:
Regarding the Talent Attributes (T) (those bolded and underlined), the following points will be provided:
Academy Student/Numero Nuevo/Fledgling/Medium/Obsessed - 3
Unseated Shinigami/Numero/Adept/Protector/Insatiable - 5
Low-Seated Shinigami/Privaron/Awakened/Psychic/Cannibal - 7
High-Seated Shinigami/Fraccion/Master/Guardian/Menos Grande - 9
Lieutenant/Previous Espada/Elder/Shield/Gillian - 11
Captain/Espada (10-5)/Pride/Xcutioner/Adjuchas - 13
Veteran Captain/Espada (4-1)/Caped/Red/Vasto Lorde - 15
**Captain-Commander/Lord/Blue/Light/Eterno Lorde - 17** (Not playable)
Regarding all of the Skill Attributes (s) (those italicized and underlined) under each Talent Attribute, "s" is the collective Skill Attributes under each Talent Attributes. Points will be calculated from the TalentAttributes as follows:
If T=0, s=1
For T with 1 s, s=T
For T with 2 s's, s=T+(T*.5) (round up)
For T with 3 s's, s=T+T
If there is any 5 to be had among the Talent or Skill Attributes, there must be a 0 present among another of the corresponding Attributes (if in the Skill , then the collective).
If there are any 0's within the Skill Attributes, you may add 1 "bonus" point for each within your total Skill Attributes pool.
Exceptions are as follows:
- The final calculation of all Skill Attributes may be spread out however one wishes. (It's easiest to sum up the m's for each M and then distribute them)
- Five Skill Attribute points may purchase a single Talent Attribute point and vice-versa.
NOTE: The stats calculated in this manner are the highest the character can achieve in Bankai (even if it has yet to be achieved). Outside of Bankai, there should be a deficit of 2T or 10s (or 1T and 5s).
(If there are any questions, don't hesitate to ask)
1. May only have a singular theme (Elemental, Light, Heat, Kido, Illusion, Melee, Projectile, Defensive, etc.) and up to two abilities (including static abilities).
2. If specified further, the theme must be adhered to throughout the techniques appearing in both release states.
Ex. A Fire-type Zanpakuto that shoots balls of fire cannot shoot waves of fire. A Melee-type Zanpakuto that affects the opponent through contact with the hilt cannot activate when hit with the blade.
3. If this theme is shifted during a secondary release, then this must be adhered to throughout the state. Previous abilities become invalid.
Ex. The Fire-type Zanpakuto can now shoot waves of fire but it can no longer shoot balls of fire. The Melee-type Zanpakuto's effects activate through contact with the blade but can no longer be activated through the hilt.
4. If the original theme is altered to, said theme may increase in strength and/or range, etc.
Ex. The Fire-type Zanpakuto generates larger and hotter orbs of fire. The Melee-type Zanpakuto affects through the hilt and to a greater degree.
5. Improving upon a primary-release technique during the secondary-release can only occur if the theme has neither been shifted nor altered.
6. Any buffs made during releases go toward the specified level initially designated in the CS.
7. Any buffs made past the initially-designated levels must come from any other Attributes. (There will be no adding upon of Attributes)
8. Any buffs made past the initially-designated levels may not transcend past the highest level. These buffs need to follow the seventh guideline. To reiterate, there is nothing past "Legendary."
9. The personal use of another's Reiatsu and/or Reiryoku is not allowed. (Absorbing Reiatsu through sophisticated means is legal but will be regulated)
10. Instant Kills will be heavily regulated or omitted per Character Sheet.
Ichigawa
The Noble House of Ichigawa deals mainly with the political aspects of Seireitei, as well as humanitarian issues. They handle most of Rukongai, monitoring the distribution between the districts (although they do overlook the furthest districts) and managing the Academy (deciding on who to let in, conducting the examination. and overseeing who's fit for graduation). The politics they deal with are secretive but it is known that they must work closely with the other three families. Most of the time, they do not see eye-to-eye, especially with the Yukihiro family's militaristic approaches. It's not unusual for them organize or participate in meeting with the Central 46.
This family is most closely related to the Third Division and utilized their talents to meet specific ends. It has come to be that many descendants of the Ichigawa House are seated within the Third Division specifically. The Ichigawa House also has relevant relations with the Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Divisions as well.
Usagi
The Usagi House is highest family currently in existence of Seireitei. Numerous Captains and even Veteran Captains belonged to this proud bloodline of Shinigami over the centuries since its acceptance into the Seireitei. The Usagi House filled several peacekeeping roles, due to their strict belief that the Law must be followed and carried out without hesitation, and most of its members act according to this belief. By most Shinigami, the Usagi Family is viewed as nothing more but a bunch of Nobles who believe they are superior to everybody, but regardless of this, they are highly praised. Their combat skills and abilities are remarked by many Shinigami to be worthy of praising.
The Usagi House is most closely associated with the Second Division and the Onmitsukido in particular. They are known to have informally created the Onmitsukido during the long era of "peace" within the Seireitei when intrigue was at its highest amongst the Houses and Divisions. They also share relations with the Seventh, Ninth, and Twelfth Divisions.
Seicho
The oldest Noble House and one of the original, the Seicho House was part of the construction of both the Rukongai and the Seireitei. Rumors say they used a relic to create a the realm itself passed down directly from the Soul King, but it's only a fabled tale told to children born within the House. It now keeps independent from the other Houses, technically having little significance in either the politics of the Center 46 or the workings of the Gotei 13 and is not called to attend important meetings. Their main duties are that of record-keeping and history. Ironically, they hold significant say in most aspects of Soul Society as a whole, however unofficially and informally. The Matriarch, Seicho Inoue, can conduct meetings with the other Houses' Heads and even the Central 46 and the Captain-Commander on short notice and without issue. It's not common knowledge, but it's safe to assume they have their hand in everything. The other Houses believe the Seicho House the least "Noble," but due to its origins and the Seicho House's respect for the other Houses in general, little contempt has arisen against the Seicho House.
This house is most closely related to the Fourth House, making their dendrology and herbalism relevant throughout Seireitei. They also have fair relations with the Fifth, Ninth, and Tenth Divisions.
Yukihiro
The Yukihiro family deals mainly with militaristic issues, working closely with the Gotei 13 and the various organizations for the best approaches. Their strategic yet brutal tactics assure them victory in every battle and most wars. As of recent times, they're heavily involved in the affairs of their own house: they have three extension families.
The main family (or "the Heads"), of which include Isao and Setsuna Yukihiro, mainly deal with approving of battle plans and making adjustments within ranks as they see fit. They also oversee the actual training. There are various other members under this family, however "the Heads" is the smallest of the three. They have excellent relations with the First Division overall.
The intelligence family are "the Tacticians." They come up with the strategies, i.e. the plan, the positioning and the layout of the actual troops. There are more members in this branch than the main family. This branch works closely with the Seventh and Eighth Divisions.
Then come the 'fighters' of the Yukihiro clan. They're some of the best practitioners of Hakuda and Zanjutsu, having some of the most brutal and vicious attacks. They begin militaristic training during childhood and the route they take, Hakuda or Zanjutsu, is predetermined at birth. There is real discipline among the Yukihiro clan and they are no exception, having impeccable manners and behavior, even in the dojo. Most of the Yukihiro members are a part of this family. Many of the members of this branch work with the Eleventh Division with the remainder steering clear of the brutes for their lack of professionalism.
