[OOC] NARUTO: Road to Ninja [ARC 3] Buy it now and get a second punt free!

[Partisan]

Is it cool? I'd rather say he's hot.

Fuck me I'm lame.

[Renny]

Anyone wanna plot or something? I'm up for most anything. A small skirmish in the beginning, slight rivalry, love interest.

[Savato]

@Renny We can easily discuss this through skype since it'll be in real time.

Do you have it? Mine's: korakkmaster

[Reflection]

Senso Foeba WORK IN PROGRESS

"I have been given a prophecy that I shall rise and rule all. This gives me the power and the right!

A rather slender lad, who is as fragile as he looks, Senso Foeba is definition of slick. His skin is rather pale, a trait many think is hereditary, but beneath that pale skin is a strong body. While thin, Senso Foeba is tall and toned. His muscles easily noticed on his thin body. Scars tend to be gathered around his arms and legs, possible results of extensive training, but his face is untouched. Brilliant Red eyes, with snow white hair pulled back with a braid made of bird feathers. It's no unusual for Senso to be mistaken for a lady.

Senso Foeba's outfit reflects his lofty aspirations. He wears only regal looking robes, which tends to stand out, but if you look close, it's actually rather cheap fabric with very good stitching. Probably because Senso comes from a nomadic clan, but that hardly matters. His robes are split into two simple parts. The upper portion, which drapes around his shoulders, and the lower portion. The lower portion tends to drape around Senso's body, making him seem even thinner than he usually does. The robes hardly impact his ability to move, and they are rather lightweight and split down the middle so as to not get in the way.

The last part of Senso's outfit is a collection of large feathers. He adores them around himself, adding more to the visage of a regal peacock. This is often the subject of mockery about him, and others are swift to point it out.
His main weapon, a spear, it attached to a holster on his back. Any other weapons are attached to his bare body and hidden beneath his robes.

Personnel files.

Access only by security personnel with a C3 clearance.

【Full Name】
Senso Foeba

【Alias】
Peacock, Asshole

【Age】
17

【Gender】
Male

【Birthplace】
Konoha

【Bloodline】
Foeba Clan: The Foeba are a nomadic clan. They tend to trade between villages. Once ever few generations, a child is born with their rare Kekkei Genkai, the Swift Release. The child is then sent to live at a nearby village.

【Rank】
Chūnin

Psych. report.

Combat reports.
Gathered from evaluation reports after missions.

【Fighting style】
We tested Senso in battle against two of his classmates. Senso immediatly targeted the weaker of the two, rushing him down with constant attacks. Attempts from the other student where stopped, as Senso used several techniques to block off interference. His ability to break up large groups is astounding, and helps with his strategy of absolute attack.
The first student fell within a short frame of time, unable to keep up against the constant assault. Senso immediatly turned to the stronger student. He leapt around, making it difficult to pin him down. When attacked, he would apply a series of jutsu used to trap the target. His ability to immobolize his targets is astounding, giving him the time he needs to strike whatever final blow he desires.
His methods of combat clearly relies on trapping his targets, separating them, and forcing them onto the defense. He lacks even the most basic of defensive techniques and uses a great deal of movement techniques to give himself an edge. He is even considered brilliant, and can analyze others and their abilities even during combat.
With both students defeated, he immediately demanded another set. We declined.

【Kekkei genkai, or bloodline limit】
Bloodline limit name:
Swift Release
Description:
The Swift Release is often ignored by many, due to how it seems easily replicated by other jutsu. But rather, the Swift Release is a step above. The user of Swift release is given extensive controller over their senses, and their ability to move through space. This can vary between users. Some are able to travel miles with this technique in a second, while others are less so. Senso possesses a middle ground, due to his natural skill.
Strengths:
Swift Release is the ultimate form of movement jutsu. It allows the user the ability to easily avoid attacks. Some would say that a user of the Swift Release can attack and retreat with minimal risk to themselves.
Weaknesses:
Swift Release is still just a movement ability. The user is vulnerable to abilities that hamper movement. Whether this be some kind of gel or tight spaces.

【Ninja techniques】

A rank techniques:
Swift Release: imperial Dragon - Below

B rank techniques:
Swift Release: Shadowless Flight
Swift Release: Explosive Entrance - Below
Swift Release: Paralyzing Touch - Below

C rank techniques:
Lightning Release: Lightning Illusion Flash of Lightning Pillar
Wire Cage
Wire String: Murderous Grasp

D-E rank techniques:
All Basic Academy jutsu include Water Walking and Tree Climbing
Manipulate Shuriken Technique

【Custom made techniques】
Jutsu name:
Swift Release: Imperial Dragon
Rank:
A
Range:
This technique is useful in nearly all ranges, but deals it's greatest damage at point blank range. It's maximum range of effect is 25 meters.
Description:
Chakra is gathered at a single focal point. The focal point can be a finger, or a weapon. It's even possible to toss the weapon if needed to add more range to this technique. The focal point glows a bright white, the only warning the target gets, as the charge can be done in a second if required, though it is stronger the longer the charge is held.
The tip is charged with Swift release energy, and upon contact, it vaporizes the contact point. Walls struck with this attack have been utterly obliterated. There is hardly any remains of the area withing a meter of the impact. Areas between 1-5 meters have severe burns. Anything between there and 25 meters is blinded and knocked back. Those closer to the 5 meter mark suffer from less serious burns.
The major flaws of this technique are all in the fact that it's very obvious. It's easily detected and even has to get close. A good defensive jutsu can even add distance and possibly set off the technique early when it's at its' weakest.
Due to the large cost of chakra, Senso is only able to use this technique twice a day.

Jutsu name:
Swift Release: Explosive Entrance
Rank:
B
Range:
The explosion has a range of roughly 3 meters.
Description:
The user begins by coating themselves in Swift Chakra. This energy causes them to glow for a moment. The user then moves to a different area, often combined with Swift Release: Shadowless Flight. The shell explodes upon reaching the destination, knocking back and burning anybody withing the range of the explosion.
The technique has few flaws, in fact, what you see is essentially what you get. It provides almost no defense, unless detonated, and has a fairly notable start.

Jutsu name:
Swift Release: Paralyzing Touch
Rank:
B
Range:
Contact
Description:
The technique begins by coating the user in a weak shell of swift energy. (This can be combined with the shell for Swift Release: Explosive Entrance for devastating effects) If the user makes contact with another person, the shell bursts, sending a paralyzing wave of swift chakra into the victim. The victim is paralyzed for two seconds, which is often enough for Senso to take them out.
This effect can be applied to weapons.

Repeat form for as many jutsu as you can create, within the rules.

【Weaponry, tools and objects.】
Wire Strings,
Weapon, tool or object name:
Imperial Spear
Weapon, tool or object type:
Spear.
Description:
The Imperial Spear is the name that Senso gave to his spear. The blade is roughly 2 feet or .66 meters long. The handle is a meter long. The handle is collapsible, allowing for Senso to store it for long trips, or to use other weapons. The blade can pierce flesh, and is designed to slice as well.

Weapon, tool or object name:
Wire Spool Launcher x2
Weapon, tool or object type:
Based off a tool for quickly using kunai, the Wire Spool Launcher uses a spool of wire.
Description:
The Wire Spool launcher attaches to the arm, or in Senso's case, one on each arm. The launcher is able to fire and retract ninja wire, which Senso can use to attack or slow down targets.

Medical secrecy applies.

【Personality】
How would your character behave? Ticks, behaviour in positive situations, neutral situations or negative situations, behavior in emotional situations?

【History】
How does the characters history relate to personality? General history to be told here as well. Can be organised into childhood years (0 to 6), base school years (6 to 10-14, depending on graduation year) and highschool years (10-14 to 14-18).

【Family ties】
Describe shortly what type of family your character grew up in, how the ties were and how this influenced him. After that fill in form below, for all family members of importance, living or dead.

Name | Relationship to character | Age, living place, profession and additional info

【Dreams and fears】
What does your character dream of achieving, and what does he fear in life? What are his hopes? Imagine this being extracted by a shinobi, what would he see?

So far, I just need to sit down and write out history, family, and the related stuff. But what is there will probably have a few adjustments along the way.

[Suku]

ok quick question can I create another char? wont be a prodigy or anything like that but rather a secondary char

[Savato]

@Reflection Okay. I'll flat out say it. After consulting multiple people over this, I'm going to have to deny Swift release altogether. The reason being that if we nerf it, it'll be so pointless that it'll be unusable. If we don't nerf it, it's ridiculously strong, and there's no arguing in its favor.

If you find a good alternative to nerfing Swift release altogether, the wires have to go, they're overkill. Your call.

@Suku I think you can, wait for Masaki to confirm though.

[Suku]

@Savato I see very well I shall wait for haru

[WanderingSpirit]

WIP (VERY MUCH NEEDED) I'll have this done sooner to later

Nara

Personnel files.

Access only by security personnel with a C3 clearance.

【Full Name】
Daisuke Nara

【Alias】
None

【Age】
17

【Gender】
Male ♂

【Release】
Earth

【Birthplace】
Hidden Leaf Village

【Clan】
Nara Clan

【Rank】
Chunin

---

Psych. report.

Combat reports.
Gathered from evaluation reports after missions.

【Fighting style】
Describe shortly what your characters fighting style is.

【Ninja techniques】

Techniques

A rank techniques:
Shadow Sewing Technique

---

B rank techniques:

Kagemane Shuriken no Jutsu, 影真手裏似の術 (Shuriken Shadow Imitation Technique)

Custom B-Rank Techniques

Shadow Blast Spear
Rank: B Rank
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: A beam of Shadow as sharp at it's end as a spear, and fired as fast and powerfully as a spear is thrown, fires from the hand of the Nara Clan member. Is able to be controlled in mid air to turn.
Description: Forming handsigns, shadows begin to form around the fist of the Nara Clan Member. upon his hand being covered in shadow he can thrust his hand forward and the shadow will shot forward in one tendril and hit the opponent with the shadow, doing the damage a thrown spear could cause. Half the range of Kagemane.

Kuro Kumo Yuri no Jutsu (Black Spider Lily Technique)
Rank: "B"
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: This technique allows the user to bring those who are trapped under the control of the Shadow Sewing technique, closer to the user.
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: Cannot move while using this technique, Must be stationary, can only use the Kagemane while using this technique. The draw of the enemy is quite slow, and leaves the user motionless, open for an outside attack.
Description: This technique is much like that of the Shadow Sewing technique with a few differences. This technique, once the handseals are complete, cause the users shadow to rip out from under them in multiple directions, within their available range of Kagemane. This technique attempts to grab the opponents shadow, but not just one opponent, many opponents. This technique effects the opponent the same way Kagemane would, however it also draws them in closer to the user. This draw is slightly slow though, but since the opponents in question have been captured in shadow sewing, that should not be an issue. The user remains still while the shadows retract, pulling the enemy in closer to the user of this technique at a rate of 1 meter per second.

Daichi Kangoku No Jutsu (Earth Prison Technique)
Rank:"B"
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: Raises Earth in a circle radius around the person of the user's choice. It can have a maximum base diameter of 3 meters.
Special: "Hand Seals, Hold Rabbit"
Drawback: The earth prison is not closed at the top, so it is possible for the victim to escape.
Description: Earth rises up around the targeted person quickly to a maximum height of 4 meters, trapping them inside. The prison is extremely hard and thick, made of solid rock. It is very difficult to break and will reflect most ninjutsu techniques back upon the victim. Although this attack is only B ranked, its is extremely tough and will stand up to most jutsu, including all B ranked techniques. Piercing jutsu will be most effective in breaking the wall.

---

C rank techniques:

Kagemane no Jutsu (Shadow Imitation Technique)

Kage Kubi Shibari no Jutsu, 影首縛りの術 (Shadow Neck Bind Technique)

Custom C-Rank Techniques

Shadow Blast Kunai
Rank: C Rank
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: A beam of Shadow as sharp at it's end as a kunai, and fired as fast as a kunai is thrown, fires from the hand of the Nara Clan member. Is able to be controlled in mid air to turn.
Description: Forming handsigns, shadows begin to form around the fist of the Nara Clan Member. upon his hand being covered in shadow he can thrust his hand forward and the shadow will shot forward in one tendril and hit the opponent with the shadow, doing the damage a thrown kunai could cause.

Ijou Nobebou Ochiiru (Surrounding Bars of Entrapment)
Rank: C
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: Bars of earth will grow out of the walls inside of an earth prison, further trapping the enemy and hindering movement.
Special: "Handseals", place your hand on the outside of the prison.
Drawback: You must keep your hand pressed against the outside of the prison so that they jutsu will be accurate and successful.
Description: In order to seal the movements of an opponent that has been trapped by the earth prison it is possible to create bars inside the prison that will restrict movement and prevent escape. You must press your hand against the side after performing the handseals and multiple bars of earth will grow at once, each attempting to complete a solid connection between walls that would provide less space for the enemy to move and with enough bars could completely restrict their movement. These bars each grow at about half the speed of a thrown kunai. Multiple bars are created at once and more can continue to be created until the user is satisfied that the enemy's movement has been properly restricted. The durability is able to withstand one C ranked attack before breaking, and the bars grow a bit faster.

---

D-E rank techniques:
*Knows all academy techniques

Custom D-E rank techniques

Kangoku Nobebou (Prison Bars)
Rank: "D"
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: Prison bars seal the top opening of the earth prison.
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: Can only be used on an existing earth prison after it has been created.
Description: In order to seal an opponent into an earth prison, you must bar up the escape hole. These bars grow out of the existing walls right at the top opening of the prison and do not appear instantly. They are made out of the same strength material as the rest of the prison that has already been created.

【Weaponry, tools and objects.】

Equipment

Weapons:
-Ordinary Kunai
-(Explosive Tag) Kunai

Weapon Type:
Piercing/Slashing/Explosive

【Personality】

【History】

【Family ties】

【Dreams and fears】

[Suku]

@WanderingSpiritdont think it would work gentle fist is a fighting style revolving around the byakuygan and a personal family style unique to the hyuuga. dont think that would really work sorry but I am not making the decisions here

[WanderingSpirit]

@Suku

Oh yeah, I know. Im just transferring my character from a previous rolepaly ^,^

[Reflection]

@Reflection Okay. I'll flat out say it. After consulting multiple people over this, I'm going to have to deny Swift release altogether. The reason being that if we nerf it, it'll be so pointless that it'll be unusable. If we don't nerf it, it's ridiculously strong, and there's no arguing in its favor.

If you find a good alternative to nerfing Swift release altogether, the wires have to go, they're overkill. Your call.

@Suku I think you can, wait for Masaki to confirm though.

@Savato

Alright. (I chatted with Masaki Earlier, and she said it was alright. But it's understandable that doesn't work for everybody.) I will attempt to figure something out for the Swift release, and if unable to find anything that isn't just "Cooldown rate" I'll just scrap that and figure out something else.

[Savato]

<Snipped quote by Savato>

Alright. (I chatted with Masaki Earlier, and she said it was alright. But it's understandable that doesn't work for everybody.) I will attempt to figure something out for the Swift release, and if unable to find anything that isn't just "Cooldown rate" I'll just scrap that and figure out something else.

@Reflection

I was going to add ideas but the cooldown rate is really the only viable way I can see. Reducing the speed would be just making the KG pointless and could just be replaced with a jutsu that increases speed. So. If you have something better, I'm open. I'm unsure why Masaki allowed this KG without at least mentioning limits though.

Thank you for understanding.

[Reflection]

<Snipped quote by Reflection>

I was going to add ideas but the cooldown rate is really the only viable way I can see. Reducing the speed would be just making the KG pointless and could just be replaced with a jutsu that increases speed. So. If you have something better, I'm open. I'm unsure why Masaki allowed this KG without at least mentioning limits though.

Thank you for understanding.

@Savato

I believe it was because it's an excellent way to mess with all the sharingans and byakugans that are popping up.

Right now, I'm thinking a max range of about 25 meters each 5 seconds or so. *Shrug* But that would qualify mostly for the Shadowless Flight.

[Masaki Haruna]

Thanks for backing me up guys. IC will be out later, it is Saturday here so your time zone might be late friday or early saturday!

@Reflection I apologize for not looking through swift release but as much as possible, make it feasible and fair for everyone. Like how I nerf sharingan badly here. Once cleared, all that's left is proper judge of the character and you can post it on the tab.

[Savato]

@Reflection I'll get back to you on this. However I don't think range is that relevant. I'll let Vuur have his say as well.

[j8cob]

Aaaand here's my chunin for review.

Shin Maru

"Crystal clear."

Though average in height for his age, Shin is notably more muscular than most. Not so much as to be seen as bulky but it is possible that he would weigh the most among his classmates. His fit build is largely hidden by his choice in wardrobe, consisting of a loose green kimono that is one size too large which he often wears a black jacket over. Both forearms have a black sleeve that is form-fitting and notably not attached to any other clothes. The size of his over-clothes leaves only his feet revealed, which are usually black boots.

Underneath the robes, however, he wears black pants (of the correct size) and no shirt. Whenever he removes the robes and jacket, such as during combat, one can see how fit he truly is. As well he has a tattoo over his heart of an orange gemstone. Shin doesn't carry any weapons on him, which makes many people not realize he is a shinobi. An armband around his right bicep is emblazoned with the leaf symbol of Konoha, being the only way of detecting his allegiance by looks alone.

Due to his body type and smooth facial features, Shin is considered an attractive young man. His light blue eyes are a sharp feature of his that warrants attention. His pretty-boy face is usually the only eye candy that people can see, but he has removed his over-clothes enough times for it to be common knowledge that he is built strong. His medium-length hair is well kept but occasionally can fall over his eyes.

Personnel Files

Access only by security personnel with a C3 clearance.

【Full Name】
Shin Maru

【Alias】
Topaz

【Age】
17

【Gender】
Male

【Birthplace】
Konohagakure

【Bloodline】
Maru, known for some members having the unique Crystal kekkei genkai.

【Rank】
Chuunin

Psych. Report
Medical secrecy applies.

【Personality】
Shin is a proud, headstrong young man. He believes that human beings can attain anything with enough effort and he follows this ideology himself. Confident in his abilities and comfortable with his flaws, Shin makes an effort to progress as an individual every day. This usually consists of training but sometimes he will try to improve his personality as well by helping others in need (usually girls).

Speaking of girls, despite his attempts at a noble personality he is still slightly perverted and more prone to being kind to people of the opposite gender. An attractive female can easily get a nosebleed from him, though Shin never seems particularly bothered by this flaw. While he would do nearly anything for an attractive girl, he still keeps (some) of his wits about him. He doesn't intend to be abused and will notice if someone is taking advantage of him.

In fact, he doesn't like seeing other people being abused either. Shin is known to stand up for those that don't stand up for themselves, getting him into other people's business whether they appreciate it or not. He tries to solve things amicably first, but he isn't afraid to fight when push comes to shove. Shin believes that he should only fight over a dispute if the other party initiates, so he almost never throws the first punch. His self-appointed role as a protector of the weak gets mixed reactions from those he assists, but regardless of the outcome Shin continues to think that his efforts to become a good person will all pay off eventually.

【History】
Shin Maru was born with the Crystal Release, a rare trait even among the Maru clan. He was instantly considered one of the elite, having a natural superiority over the others due to their lack of the Kekkei Genkai. Shin's father, Kaito, was another user of Crystal Release and the de facto leader of the Maru clan's elite: The Gemstones.

Each member of the Maru that has the Crystal Release is inducted into the Gemstones, being marked a codename in relation to a gemstone. Shin was decided to be Topaz, and such he was marked with an orange gem on his chest at the tender age of six. Kaito trained him with strict practice, molding Shin into a strong shinobi. Though his training could be harsh at times, Shin only took it with a positive note. He preferred to look at it as improving himself as compared to making his clan look good.

Going into school proved to be fun for Shin. His life until grade school had been fairly sheltered, but now he was able to meet all kinds of new people. He had initial difficulties around girls but grew to behave himself around them. In fact he seems to be at his nicest when around people of the opposite gender. One would expect that given how much time he spent around The Gemstones growing up: a group of boys and men. He performed quite well in school, becoming one of the top students though not quite the best.

He was popular in school despite this, mainly for his looks but also his personality. For one reason or another, most of the other teenagers liked spending time with him. He didn't get into fights that often, and when he did it was to stop a bully or something chivalrous like that. His likability even allowed most girls to forgive or ignore his occasional perversion. His relatively calm behavior made it hard for people not to tolerate him, though nobody could deny that Shin might occasionally think highly of himself. With his recent graduation, the young chuunin has been wondering what his next goal should be.

【Family Ties】
Strict and traditional, the Maru clan is almost exclusively shinobi. Most members end up becoming policemen, save for the few Crystal Release users that form their own organization. Shin grew up with no siblings, but he spent plenty of time with his family. Before grade school he spent most of the day training with his father and the rest of The Gemstones, creating a tight bond with his family despite the harshness of the training. Tough love, one could say.

Kaito Maru | Father | 39, Konohagakure, Head of The Gemstones and established jonin.
Kaede Maru | Mother | 38, Konohagakure, a jonin that works as a police officer stationed in the Financial District.
Jugo Maru | Uncle | 34, Konohagakure, a member of The Gemstones.

【Dreams and Fears】
Shin has recently come to a point in his life where he is uncertain of what he wants in his life. His original dream was to become a strong shinobi, but he has recently come to a crisis where he feels he should strive for more. Only he doesn't know what he wants. On the flip side he is very well aware of his fears. Humiliation and shame are two things he wants to avoid to the best of his abilities, but his greatest fear is being alone. He doesn't like being by himself in the slightest, so he fears growing older and becoming lonely. Perhaps this is why he tries so hard to impress girls.

Combat Reports
Gathered from evaluation reports after missions.

【Fighting Style】
As one could figure from looking, Shin is a strong fighter. His style makes great use of his physical capabilities, making him an excellent practitioner of taijutsu. With the use of his Crystal Release he becomes an effective tank without any speed drawbacks, balancing a heavy defense with a powerful offense. Shin is a dominant force in close-quarters combat, but he is also capable of attacking at range. His Kekkei Genkai's versatility is fully utilized in his style, but Shin will primarily try to defeat his opponents with his body rather than his ninjutsu.

【Kekkei Genkai, or Bloodline Limit】
Bloodline Limit Name:
Crystal Release
Description:
The Crystal Release is a rare and specialized field of elemental ninjutsu that can create crystal as well as manipulate already-existing crystals and crystalline structures.
Strengths:
The ability to crystallize anything with mass is quite a strength. The crystals formed are durable and solid, lending incredible offensive and defensive utility. Even illusions and weapons can be created on the fly, making this a versatile Kekkei Genkai.
Weaknesses:
Cannot crystallize anything without solid mass, so energy like fire, wind, and lightning cannot be countered. As well, a certain frequency of sound wave can break down the crystals due to their molecular formation. Lightning release is notably effective against crystals as well.

【Ninja Techniques】

A rank techniques:
Crystal Release: Crystal Encampment Wall
B rank techniques:
Crystal Armor
Crystal Release: Jade Crystal Prison Technique
Crystal Release: Growing Crystal Thorns
C rank techniques:
Crystal Release: Giant Hexagonal Shuriken
Crystal Release: Jade Crystal Blade
Crystal Release: Crystal Lance
D-E rank techniques:
Crystal Release: Hexagonal Shuriken
*All basic jutsu*

【Custom Made Techniques】
Jutsu name:
Crystal Release: Jade Crystal Bow
Rank:
C
Range:
Medium-Long
Description:
A longbow of crystal is created by crystallizing the moisture in the air and expanding from it. The string, despite being crystal, is flexible and can be drawn as a regular bow. When fully drawn, a crystal arrow is formed from the string, and once it is completely formed it can be fired. Crystal arrows have the same effective properties as regular arrows. This technique is useful for hitting a single target at long range with enough power to actually kill, which shuriken cannot provide at that range, and without making any noise or revealing Shin's location.

Jutsu name:
Crystal Release: Diamond Eyes Technique
Rank:
B
Range:
Self
Description:
A powerful genjutsu countermeasure. By crystallizing the outer layer of his cornea, Shin becomes not only immune to most ocular genjutsu but will actually reflect the effects onto the caster. This does nothing for genjutsu activated by other means, only ones activated by eye contact. As an added bonus it protects his eyes from damage, though Crystal Armor can also do the same but more effectively.

[Suku]

@j8cobquick question mainly out of curiosity who is the person your using for your char? reason I ask is I swear I seen someone like that before lol

[j8cob]

Props to Haru for finding the picture for me. Ask her. I don't know the guy myself. ^^'

[Suku]

@j8cobah I see thanks anyway

[Crimmy]

So while I wait for everything to fall into place, are people already starting to plan for things?