~Shinigami~

~Shinigami~



Shinigami or Soul Repears are a race of spiritual beings that possess high level of innate spiritual energy.As they're souls they can't be seen by normal humans,unless they happen to posses spiritual powers,but are quite capable of influencing environment.They use a gigai,artificial 'dummy' bodies in order to become visible and be able to interact with ordinary humans,like when there's need for prolonged stay in Human World.Shinigami have several supernatural abilities,such as:longevity,able to live for thousands of years,and enhanced endurance,able to sustain injuries that would kill a normal human.Additionally, unlike humans, they do not have to eat anything to sustain themselves, though they engage in the act none the less as Shinigami and other spiritual beings only become hungry when they used too much Spiritual Energy within a short amount of time.All Shinigami (unless they were exiled or left of their own will) reside in Soul Society,a dimension existing outside of human dimension.To cross between they use Senkaimon, personal gateways that can only be opened with use of a Hell Butterfly.This allows them to bypass the Precipice world.If Shinigami's Zanpakuto has ability to cross dimensions by opening portals,etc,that could also be used.All Shinigami posses a Zanpakuto,which is manifestation of their soul in physical form.A Shinigami's soul is split into two being:their own consciousness and a separate personality that has it's own appearance and abilities.This is the Zanpakuto Spirit and it's source of shinigami Zanpakuto's abilities,with the blade being spirits physical manifestation.Zanpakuto spirits live inside an inner world,which is created by Shinigami's own consciousness and is a reflection of them.By finding a way into their inner world for the first time and learning their Zanpakuto's name Shinigami obtain true form of their blades,Shikai.By learning to manifest their Zanpakuto Spirit into the physical realm and defeating it in battle they unlock second stage of power,Bankai.Shinigami come in two kinds:those that were send to Soul Society after their death and those born in Soul Society,in one of Noble families or in Rukongai.These go further into: shinigami belonging to Gotei 13 and Rogue,or freelance,shinigami that were exiled,never joined Gotei 13 in the first place or left of their own will,or are in hiding,being wanted for some crime;shinigami belonging with Science group and the rare few belonging with Arcana.

~Noble Houses~
The Noble Families carry the most weight and have some influence over the governmental institutions and even institutions outside of the government (i.e. Shinō Academy). The military (i.e. Gotei 13, Kidō Corps & Onmitsukidō) have no authority to act against a noble family without evidence that their actions are treasonous to Soul Society.
The current Noble Houses are:
1) Urame Family:
2) Raideno Family: An ancient,prestigious rich family.By tradition they have overlooked trade and commerce,trading in many things,from weapons to information.
3) Mizuno Family: An ancient influential family.By tradition, the family has been charged with compiling and protecting the history of Soul Society.
4) Asakaze Family:
5) Katsura Family:
6) Unknown
Lower Noble Houses
Unknown
Former Noble Houses
The Shino House.After horrible betrayal by Yuzuki Shino,heir apparent,6000 years ago and consequent war,the Shino family has fallen into disgrace and by end of war completely disappeared.They have been officially exiled after the fact.

Shinigami's job includes sending wandering souls,pluses,to Soul Society (or to Hell if their life was full of evil acts).This is done through Soul Burial or Konso,performed by tapping hilt of their Zanpakuto on the souls forehead,which transports them to Soul Society.Their other job is to hunt Hollows and perform Hollow cleansing.When a Shinigami slays a Hollow with their Zanpakutō they cleanse their sins,returning it back into a Plus and is sending into Soul Society. This is called sublimation. Souls that live in the Soul Society are reborn again into the human world. Not all Hollows are sent to the Soul Society. Since Zanpakuto are only capable of cleansing sins committed after becoming a Hollow, Hollows that committed serious crimes when they were still Human are sent to Hell when they are slain.
~Shinigami Skills~
Over time shinigami have developed fighting techniques called Zankensoki. Zan refers to sword fighting techniques. Ken refers to unarmed fighting techniques. So refers to moving techniques. Ki refers to Kidō.All of which require the controlled usage of a varying amount of Spirit Energy. They include:
Zanjutsu or swordplay.
Hoho are speed techniques,containing the skill in which Shinigaimi are able to manipulate spirit particles under their feet. The basics of this technique are crucial to any soldier as this allows them to create invisible platforms outside of Soul Society in which to stand on air and give the appearance of flight. The foremost of hoho techniques which all strive to attain and some begin to master is that of shunpo or flash step. With a burst of energy this creates a burst of acceleration making the target appear as if they have nearly teleported by skipping a single step faster than the normal eye can follow. Those of higher level advance this technique to travel further distances and be able to see the use of the skill in the enemy as to be not caught off guard.High mastery even allows to move with such speed an after image is left in the air.
Hakuda are hand to hand,unarmed fighting techniques.
Kido,also known as Demon arts,are spells cast with use of spirit energy and incantation that are graded from 1 to 99 in difficulty.They come in two varieties:Hado and Bakudo.Hakudo are offensive spells while Bakudo are used for defense,entrapment and capture.Taught at Shinigami academy extensively not everyone is able to master even middle ranged spells with higher range eluding many an expert caster.Each spell requires that first the energy be summoned up through the method known as a chant specific to the particular spell. This can be bypassed through a technique called Eishohaki letting one instantly cast the spell without a chant, requiring that one know the spell more intimately. Though this as well reduces the effectiveness of the spell at the benefit of speed it can possibly cause the spell to entirely fail.
~Zanpakuto~
Zanpakutō are the trademark weapons of the Shinigami. Capable of cutting spiritual bodies, they are amongst the few weapons which can be used to combat Hollows. A Zanpakutō is generated by its wielder upon the solidification of their Reiryoku into the sword's form.Each Shinigami carries a unique Zanpakutō, and each Zanpakutō is unique: as the swords are both reflections of a Shinigami's soul and power, and sentient beings unto themselves. The Zanpakutō's name is also the name of the living spirit that empowers the sword and lends its strength to the Shinigami who wields it. These beings can vary greatly in appearance and have their own distinct personalities which match their owner's. Normally, the Zanpakutō spirit can only be seen by its wielder.However,it can manifest into physical world. Otherwise, they dwell in their own "inner world", created within the minds of the Shinigami who wield them, as such each Shinigami's inner world is drastically different from another and is unique to them. A Zanpakutō's spirit can bring its wielder into its inner world though Shinigami can voluntarily achieve this by simple meditation.A Zanpakutō's shape and abilities are based on their Shinigami's soul. Once a Shinigami learns his/her sword's name, they are able to communicate with one another and grow stronger together. Zanpakutō are born with their Shinigami and they die with their Shinigami and are used in battle as a reflection of their owners heart.Because they are part of their owner's soul, a Zanpakutō cannot be replaced, though it will slowly regenerate if it is broken.The Zanpakutō size reflects the amount of the swordsman's spiritual power however captains all consciously keep their Zanpakutō in a manageable size, otherwise they would be wielding weapons the size of skyscrapers.Zanpakutō possess their own reiatsu, which can be sensed as any reiatsu can and is identical to that of their wielder though with subtle differences.No matter what form or size a Zanpakutō takes, it is always virtually effortless for its owner to wield because it is a part of its owner's soul.A Zanpakutō will return to its sealed state when its wielder is knocked unconscious.
There are many different types of Zanpakuto,each one being unique.Some of them include:
Combat Type-The zanpakuto transforms into a particularly exotic weapon that would require very specific training with in order to utilize in comparison to the generic katana. These weapons might conceal two different weapons that combine into one. Additionally they usually have a devastating cutting edge or high amount of power, favoring physical technique through force or finesse rather than abilities.Examples would be Madarame Ikkaku's and Abarai Renji's zanpakuto.
Kido Type-These blades harness the same energies that focus demon arts to instead inflict their own zanpakutou's techniques. Though these utilize much the same effects as demon arts,they are entirely unique to the individual thus unexpected and additionally, in a diligent users hands, much more effective. Being purely energy based the effects of these can very widely range just as kido from explosive,to binding, or even affecting senses. Specializing in neither attack nor defense, these zanpakutou are unfortunately susceptible to speed in the time it takes for their abilities to work their course.Examples would be Ayasegawa Yumichika and Hinamori Momo's zanpakuto.
Elemental Type-These zanpakuto particularly focus on the utilization of the benefits that come along with specific type of element.It could be fire,ice,water,electricity,etc. This however comes at the sacrifice of a more diverse psychical weapon and the advantages that come from a more exotic weapon. Thus these zanpakuto users rely heavily on their abilities which are the manipulation of said element into several functions.Examples would be Hitsugaya Toushiro, Yamamoto Genryusai and Kuchiki Rukia.
Poison Type-Usually rather unique blades, these zanpakuto synthesises it's spiritual energy to imitate the effects of a poison that somehow imposes a detrimental effect on the opponent. There however must be some sort of way to deliver the poison to the enemies system and a specific amount each time, thus resulting in a gradual attack on the opponent's fatigue or body rather than directly their life-force.Examples would be Kurotsuchi Mayuri and Soifon.
Cloud Type-This zanpakuto upon release breaks apart into a very large volume of some type of material that floats around at the users command. The direction of said cloud must be at the result of hand movements or slashing of the hilt, though expert users may eventually do without any movement. With these types offense is largely favored as each hit knocks away particles which may add up very quickly. Though they can provide a latch ditch defense, once cut through nothing is left in hand to defend one self.Examples would be Matsumoto Rangiku and Kuchiki Byakuya.
-These are just some of the types of zanpakuto.Additionally,a zanpakuto may be of a dual type.
~Obtaining A Zanpakutō~
A wielder knows their Zanpakutō spirit very closely and vice verse. The connection is very deep, though in the beginning the connection is one sided with the wielder being unable to fully hear the spirit communicating with them.It is not uncommon for the introduction of the two (Shinigami and Zanpakutō spirit) to take place in the inner world while the prospective Shinigami sleeps.A Zanpakutō is generated by its wielder upon the solidification of their Reiryoku into the sword's form.Commonly, when a Shinigami graduates from the training academy,they gain their unique weapon.
~Zanpakutō Control~
Wielding a Zanpakutō is more than a simple matter of skill in swordsmanship. Since the swords themselves are alive, a Shinigami must obtain his or her sword's cooperation to truly maximize its performance. This can be done in a variety of ways, though orthodox approach involves subjugating the sword; the Shinigami belonging to the Thirteen Divisions keep their swords sealed and have strict rules about when and where they are allowed to release their true forms. Keeping a sword in its unsealed form all the time is considered gauche, as a sign of carelessness and/or inexperience. The Shinigami also use certain phrases when they activate their swords, which are necessary to release the seals keeping the swords' powers bound. These are always phrased as commands, further emphasizing the "subjugation" aspect of Zanpakutō control. Most swords have at least one, though some Shinigami use more than one to command their weapons.
Each Zanpakutō has the power to send Pluses to the Soul Society,purify Hollows and transform the Zanpakutō itself into more elaborate and powerful forms.

~Zanpakuto Forms~
Depending upon the Shinigami's ability to communicate with and control their Zanpakutō's spirit, a Zanpakutō can manifest itself in two additional forms and revert to a sealed state. These two forms, known as Shikai and Bankai, are akin to "upgrades" for the Zanpakutō, giving it abilities far beyond that of its simple use as a sword. Shinigami usually carry their Zanpakutō in the sealed state and activate the released forms as necessary.

~Shikai (Initial Release) is the first upgrade Zanpakutō can achieve.It's obtained by learning your Zanpakutos name which is not as easy as it sounds.Shinigami needs to be able to communicate and harmonize with their Zanpakuto spirit,traveling to their inner world to learn its name.Zanpakuto might try to reach them through dreams.During time of intense distress,such as fight,Zanpakuto spirit can also reach out to the shinigami,communicating with them and telling its name.However,if you're not ready to achieve shikai the name will come out muted.Once the name is learned,Shikai can be unleashed by saying zanpakuto's name along with a specific phrase.It can be a short one word command,"Rip",a short poem,etc, and is often related to the Zanpakutō's signature ability, or hints at the nature of its spirit. .A specific gesture and/or stance often accompanies this command.Once bankai is achieved this command phrase can be skipped and it's possible to activate shikai without saying anything. Once the Shikai is activated, the Zanpakutō will change form to access whatever special abilities it is capable of.This transformation effects the weapon itself and not the shinigami. The special abilities of the Zanpakutō, like the Zanpakutō itself, have specific names that usually must be announced to fully activate the effect. As Ichigo's Zanpakutō, Zangetsu, explains, knowing the name of an attack and not knowing it makes a very drastic difference in the amount of power that attack utilizes. Some special abilities are automatically activated upon release. Achievement of the Shikai is a mark of control of a Zanpakutō, and it appears to be a requirement for advancement within the Shinigami ranks, and most seated officers are capable of Shikai. It is also required in order to achieve the rank of lieutenant; as it is a requirement most captains look for.
Constant-Release: In rare cases, a Zanpakutō, once released, will remain in that state indefinitely. This is due to the vast amount of spiritual energy the possessor has that cannot be finely controlled upon initial generation of their Zanpakutō, as such the Zanpakutō is described as a constant released form. By the nature of this type of Zanpakutō, a Shinigami with a constant release form does not need a release command nor is it necessary to even know their Zanpakutō's name. However, not knowing the name of one's Zanpakutō can put a Shinigami at a disadvantage in terms of power against those who do know their Zanpakutō's name.

~Bankai (Final Release) is the second and final upgrade for shinigami's zanpakuto,a full release.To achieve Bankai, one must be able to materialize and subjugate their Zanpakutō spirit. Materialization means the opposite of getting dragged into the Zanpakutō's inner world. Instead the wielder needs to summon the Zanpakutō's spirit into the physical world and defeat it in combat.Unlike with Shikai there is no command phrase to activate Bankai, though the user will usually say "Bankai" beforehand.The Bankai itself will receive a different name in addition to the ordinary Zanpakutō (for example Ichigo's Zangetsu becomes Tensa Zangetsu, Byakuya's Senbonzakura becomes Senbonzakura Kageyoshi). A Zanpakutō's Bankai is often a manifestation of the spirit itself, usually creating a massive creature or a very powerful effect to aid the user in battle.Certain Shinigami also change with their Zanpakutō, gaining clothing similar to what their Zanpakutō's spirit form looks like. Most Zanpakutō will also gain additional special abilities, or a more enhanced version of the usual one. Like with the Shikai, most of these abilities have an associated name. Maintaining the Bankai is taxing for the wielder, and it is difficult to maintain it for long periods of time for most Shinigami.An interesting note is that Zanpakuto spirits will often change their appearance when Bankai is activated,though few users notice this as you have to enter your spirit world while Bankai is active to see the change.
The power and forms of Shikai and Bankai are dependent on the Zanpakutō. They also vary according to the wielder's strength and training. But in general, one's power can grow 5 to 10 times greater.

~Things to Know~

Shinigami reach Shikai at level 12.Obtaining of Shikai needs to be role played out in training thread created just for it.It can be done alone or with others participating.Your character may also obtain Shikai during a mission thread,in crucial and desperate moment during battle.You receive three more techniques.
Bankai is obtained at level 35.You receive six more techniques.Obtaining of Bankai needs to be role played out in training thread created just for it.It can be done alone or with others participating.Go into detail and be descriptive,show what your character is going through physically and emotionally.
Description of Shikai/Bankai and it's current abilities and techniques should be explained in application and approved by moderator before it's used in rp.

~Shinigami Skills~
-Zanjutsu. (How good your character is at swordplay.)
-Kido. (This includes either Bakudo or Hado,to represent your specialty,with other being one rank below.Please indicate which.)
<Rank>:
None: You cannot use Kido.
Novice:You can use 1 – 30 with the incantation.
Beginner:You can use 1 – 30 without the incantation.
Basic:You can use 1 – 30 without the incantation and 31 – 60 with the incantation.
Intermediate: You can use 1-60 without incantation and 61-81 with incantation.
Advanced: You can use 61 – 99 with the incantation and 1-60 without incantation.
Master: You can use 1 – 99 without the incantation.

-Zanpakuto Resonance (How good is the connection between your character and their zanpakuto spirit.This reflects power of zanpakuto abilities,including shikai and bankai,and ease of their use.)
-Hakuda. (Hand to hand combat.)
-Reiatsu detection. (How good is your character at picking up and detecting reiatsu of others.This also shows how well they can hide their own presence.)
-Hoho. (How good is your character with speed techniques,such as Shunpo.)
Novice:You have learned to use Shunpo.
Beginner:You can use Shunpo for longer jumps.
Basic: When using Shunpo you move fast enough to leave up to one afterimage clones behind
Intermediate:When using Shunpo you move fast enough to leave up to two afterimage clones behind
Advanced:When using Shunpo you move fast enough to leave up to three afterimage clones behind.
Master: When using Shunpo you move fast enough to leave up to five afterimage clones behind.

~Shinigami Skills Cost~
Shunpo - Costs 1 endurance point per use.
Kido - All spells up to your reiryoku level will cost 5 endurance per spell.Spells above it cost 10.