[BitP:R] BleachITP Reborn OOC Thread 16: Apocalypse Now!

[Kuroimaken]

That's a shinai, my bokken is slightly longer than from my hip to my feet.

*nods sagely*

Heh... "bokken". I'm so used to using bokutou instead.

[Nicklance]

*nods sagely*

Heh... "bokken". I'm so used to using bokutou instead.

Tell me more about the 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

[Kuroimaken]

Horses, Nick. Not Horsemen.

I'll see if I can dig up the post where I talked about them in one of the earlier threads after I shower.

Today I ran so hard that the drizzle evaporated off my body when I was finished. It was pretty cool.

[Frozen_Feet]

Hahahahaha true.

Oh question. Shinigami have Soul Candy to get out of their gigai and have it walk away to safety.

What about us Arrancar?

My opinion is as follows:

Shinigami, unlike Hollows or Arrancars, still have a Chain of Fate, it's just invisible. As their Gigais resemble their former/actual bodies, I think we could say their Chain attaches itself to the body. When they're in Gigai, they really are alive and "mortal", in a way.

Hollows and Arrancars, however, have a hole where the Chain should be. So I'd think they'd have much easier time just jumping in and out of bodies. At least, this is my reasoning to why Elder can do it so easily. Unlike a Shinigami's Gigai, Yui's body is not her, so she can just discard it like loose clothes if need be.

I'm off the opinion that, to a menos class (arrancar or not), any non-hollow soul compares to a hollow soul like marguerine compares to butter, it is just not enough.

It's why Von geister keeps comparing the humans to cows. It's what you make food out off, but you don't just kill a cow and start biting off bits of meat then and there.

I think it's more general than that. To a powerful Hollow, any soul below a certain treshold of Reiryoky is not worth it. That's why unexpectedly powerful humans, and maybe even Shinigami, would risk attracting them.

An ordinary human is like a drop of dew to someone dying of thirst. A powerful human, or another powerful Hollow, is like a full flass, or in best of cases, like a well or lake.

So I did some thinking about Zarah's rogue zanpaktou idea, as well as the suggestion of them being based on legendary beings.

There's has never been a reason why Zanpakuto spirits couldn't be based on legendary beings, or why legendary beings couldn't be based on them. Most of my characters are themed after one mythological creature or another. Zamiel directly corresponds to the Devil of a certain famous play (as well as the in-game mythical Black Huntsman), Lalita is an Asura, Hachirou's Zanpakuto is a Djinni, Nasumi's Zanpakuto draws heavily from Ourobouros, Hannibal is an Oni/Ogre/Troll/Demon (your pick), Elder is based on several mythological beings at once, and so on.

So any mythical being is pretty much fair game.

I still feel, though, that the owner of a rogue spirit should still be alive somewhere. Kouga is a perfect example from the filler that introduced the concept, having been sealed and hidden inside a giant tree. It might be the spirit itself has its owner trapped somewhere.

So I decided to make a new character. I vaguely remember that Mercenary Arrancar, so why not a Mercenary Shinigami?

Mukudori, Kazuki (Last Name, First Name) - Rogue Shinigami, Mercenary

Spoiler

Show

Gender: Male
Age: Unfathomably Old. (Appears to be in his early twenties)
Height: 6'.
Weight: approx. 175 lbs.
Reiatsu: A calming, peaceful aura, with a hint of amusement.
Rank: Unranked by Modern Standards.
Aliases: The Grey Lord, Mercenary of Death, Chronicler.
Quote: "I apologize for troubling you, Shinigami-san, but could you perhaps calm yourself?"


Appearance:

Spoiler

Show

"What is it you wish to know of my looks, Reader-san?"

Kazuki stands at six feet tall, and wears an outfit that does not befit an ex-Shinigami. He wears a Kasa, which covers his eyes. He has blonde spiky hair, with more than long spikey sideburns. However, the hair constantly droops downwards, over his face, due to his refusal to remove the Kasa. In addition, he wears a white coat over a black kimono, and carries two swords, one hung loosely at his side, a normal sword, a curious blade, not a zanpakuto, just a normal spirit sword, as well as his Zanpakuto, sealed, jammed through the back of his belt. Kazuki is loathe to use his Zanpakuto, preferring to use the spirit sword he carries with him, as he feels a Zanpakuto should not be drawn in anger, or merely for amusement. It should only be drawn when you have an intent to kill.

History:

Spoiler

Show

"Reader-san, are you sure you wish to know of my history?"

Kazuki appeared in the Soul Society long ago, far, far, too long ago to remember. He joined the Court Guard in a time before there were divisions, and captains.

But then, he left on a mission, and fought a Hollow. To a standstill. The exhilaration, the rush of the duel, made him want more. He returned, and continued his duties.

And millennia later, after all his comrades had died, or left, he remained. And he was honored. Idolized by the younger for his long life, his skill. Adored, by the women who he was so polite to, telling them that he could not take their requests, he was far too attached to his duties. The Third Seat of the First Division of Seireitei, the Chronicler of Seireitei. But he was restless. Tired, tired of the monotony.

And so he left. Leaving a note in his place.

"

Spoiler

Show

Dear Shinigami-san(s),

I am tired of this. Bored of the monotony. I think I shall take my leave of this place temporarily Shinigami-san. I think I will look for the strong ones for a time, perhaps see them in combat.

Goodbye,

Kazuki Mukudori.

"

Personality:

Spoiler

Show

"Reader-san, what more do you wish to know?"

Kazuki is renowned for his lack of normal emotions, and his perchance for calling most people by a nickname, such as Shinigami, Hollow, Blade, or Light. All with the suffix of -san. He does not show emotions even in battle, although there is sometimes a flare of emotion when he grows frustrated, angered, or bemused by events surrounding him.

Zanpakuto:

Spoiler

Show

Zanpakuto Release Command: Multiply, Nakago.
Unreleased Zanpakuto:

Spoiler

Show

A simple katana, with a blade of about three feet in length.

Inner World:

Spoiler

Show

A continent, half of which is filled with death and decay, the other half bright and full of life.

Zanpakuto Spirit:

Spoiler

Show

Name: Nakago.

Appearance:

Spoiler

Show

Nakago appears to look like a veteran samurai, wearing a black kimono, and he has several scars over his body. He has a trimmed black beard and a mustache, as well as black hair pulled back into a spiky ponytail. He also has a scar running down his left eye, and kind blue eyes.

Personality:

Spoiler

Show

Nagako is cold and rough towards Kazuki, but secretly enjoys the man's company. Due to the long history the duo share, their interactions that would appear hostile to others are merely playful to themselves.

Shikai:

Spoiler

Show

Kazuki's Zanpakuto, while rarely used, let alone unleashed, has a strange release. The sword splits itself into seven, all of which hover in the air around Kazuki. These swords differ in shape and size, varying from a two feet in length to seven feet.
Shikai Abilities:

Spoiler

Show

Kazuki's Zanpakuto can operate up to twenty feet away from him. Any farther and the blades become normal swords, unable to cut spiritual opponents.

Ban Kai: Ban Kai, Nagako.

Spoiler

Show

Kazuki does not wish to achieve Ban Kai, feeling it to be a tiresome chore, as well as a crutch towards the more powerful Shinigami.

General Abiltiies:

Spoiler

Show

Weapons Master!: Kazuki trained himself in various disciplines of weapons, sword styles, and several different types of weaponry. However, all these are designed for close range combat, up to twenty feet, as his Shikai would allow.

Kido: Kazuki is proficient at Kido, able to use up to Hado 30 without incantations at 50% power, and may go up to 70 with incantations at 75% power.

Zanjutsu: A master of the sword, Kazuki often practices with his blade.

Hakuda: Kazuki's Hakuda abilities are hampered by his enjoyment of going toe to toe, blade to blade, with his opponents. He has a strong aversion towards "Beating opponents down with brute strength", as he looks for the strongest, the most powerful, the most cunning, not the one who has more strength.

Shunpo: Kazuki's Shunpo skills are expert, on par with most Vice Captains and a few Captains.

I'm not sure if I made him too powerful, or his backstory too unbelievable.

Thoughts?

My gripe with him is his age. We already have several super-old characters - with the death of the priorly-established oldest Shinigami in Seireitei (Osamu), I just don't feel like we should introduce any Shinigami characters older than that.

(I admit it's something of a pet peeve of mine, since when I made Elder, the idea was the she'd truly be Elder to everyone. It's, after all, codename given to her by Shinigami, supposed to capture the most important quality of her being. Cuerva, Rouga and the Ghost King don't bother me all that much, since they're far less involved with Mortal World, and thus occupy their own niche.)

Besides, the time before Gotei was at least 2000 years ago in canon Bleach, and I think it might be even more distant in our setting. All Shinigami from those times have perished, either of old age or occupational hazards, so why would he still be alive, let alone appear so youthful? He isn't even strong enough to be a Captain, and at least part of the longevity of spirits can be attributed to their Reiryouku.

Remember, even one century is a long time. Kazuki could reasonably be extremely skilled and a veteran of battles even at that age. There are many characters much younger than even one millenium who have that schtick.

[Kuroimaken]

My opinion is as follows:

Shinigami, unlike Hollows or Arrancars, still have a Chain of Fate, it's just invisible. As their Gigais resemble their former/actual bodies, I think we could say their Chain attaches itself to the body. When they're in Gigai, they really are alive and "mortal", in a way.

Hollows and Arrancars, however, have a hole where the Chain should be. So I'd think they'd have much easier time just jumping in and out of bodies. At least, this is my reasoning to why Elder can do it so easily. Unlike a Shinigami's Gigai, Yui's body is not her, so she can just discard it like loose clothes if need be.



I think it's more general than that. To a powerful Hollow, any soul below a certain treshold of Reiryoky is not worth it. That's why unexpectedly powerful humans, and maybe even Shinigami, would risk attracting them.

An ordinary human is like a drop of dew to someone dying of thirst. A powerful human, or another powerful Hollow, is like a full flass, or in best of cases, like a well or lake.



There's has never been a reason why Zanpakuto spirits couldn't be based on legendary beings, or why legendary beings couldn't be based on them. Most of my characters are themed after one mythological creature or another. Zamiel directly corresponds to the Devil of a certain famous play (as well as the in-game mythical Black Huntsman), Lalita is an Asura, Hachirou's Zanpakuto is a Djinni, Nasumi's Zanpakuto draws heavily from Ourobouros, Hannibal is an Oni/Ogre/Troll/Demon (your pick), Elder is based on several mythological beings at once, and so on.

So any mythical being is pretty much fair game.

I still feel, though, that the owner of a rogue spirit should still be alive somewhere. Kouga is a perfect example from the filler that introduced the concept, having been sealed and hidden inside a giant tree. It might be the spirit itself has its owner trapped somewhere.



My gripe with him is his age. We already have several super-old characters - with the death of the priorly-established oldest Shinigami in Seireitei (Osamu), I just don't feel like we should introduce any Shinigami characters older than that.

(I admit it's something of a pet peeve of mine, since when I made Elder, the idea was the she'd truly be Elder to everyone. It's, after all, codename given to her by Shinigami, supposed to capture the most important quality of her being. Cuerva, Rouga and the Ghost King don't bother me all that much, since they're far less involved with Mortal World, and thus occupy their own niche.)

Besides, the time before Gotei was at least 2000 years ago in canon Bleach, and I think it might be even more distant in our setting. All Shinigami from those times have perished, either of old age or occupational hazards, so why would he still be alive, let alone appear so youthful? He isn't even strong enough to be a Captain, and at least part of the longevity of spirits can be attributed to their Reiryouku.

Remember, even one century is a long time. Kazuki could reasonably be extremely skilled and a veteran of battles even at that age. There are many characters much younger than even one millenium who have that schtick.

Heck, now that I'm doing the math, Kazuma is less than a century old and he's already potentially Vice-Captain level strength-wise. (He DOES have "I train with every breath I take" as a stablished schtick, but still.)

[Nicklance]

Aya's not even close to 200 but has the whole protagonist "put my heart and soul" sort of hardworking earnest girl.

And according to the genre, she'll either always remain the sort of princess that needs saving, or turns badass really soon.

Cuerva is ancient, so if she has some sort of god complex its entirely justified, even thought she's no longer at the level of power she used to enjoy, but she's getting there.

And according to genre, she'll either die in the finale, or somewhere mid-story, or regain her full power and glory.

[Kuroimaken]

Aya's not even close to 200 but has the whole protagonist "put my heart and soul" sort of hardworking earnest girl.

And according to the genre, she'll either always remain the sort of princess that needs saving, or turns badass really soon.

Cuerva is ancient, so if she has some sort of god complex its entirely justified, even thought she's no longer at the level of power she used to enjoy, but she's getting there.

And according to genre, she'll either die in the finale, or somewhere mid-story, or regain her full power and glory.

She's sparring with Kazuma. She'll either become fairly more competent or take a couple of levels in badass.

Also, since it would be easier to link rather than repost the entire discussion on the horses wholesale, here's my writeup on the Four Horses of the Apocalypse. Note that they aren't restricted to Hollow/Arrancar, but Shinigami might be morally opposed to riding them.

Also, Cuerva and Famine are practically MADE for each other.

[strawberryman]

I still feel, though, that the owner of a rogue spirit should still be alive somewhere. Kouga is a perfect example from the filler that introduced the concept, having been sealed and hidden inside a giant tree. It might be the spirit itself has its owner trapped somewhere.

Who ever said the original owner had to be dead for the spirit to abandon them?

[horngeek]

Now I have the image of a Z-pac whose owner was a Complete Monster, and who rebelled and now tries to keep her owner imprisoned.

[Kuroimaken]

I sense a plot hook.

I'm also reminded that sooner or later Kazuma will be off to look for the secrets of the legendary House of Touki.

[Frozen_Feet]

Who ever said the original owner had to be dead for the spirit to abandon them?

Not me, certainly. I've even tried to be supporting of the "rogue spirit" idea, with the boundary condition of the owner being alive. I was merely restating my opinion on the issue.

Kuroi, would you put those steeds to the registry? I don't recall them being anywhere, and it'd make them easier to find in the future.

On another note entirely, I've been thinking of moving a version of the Story so Far page to the registry. I don't mind editing the wiki, nor reading all the threads (I do that anyway). It's the fact that people rarely gives me feedback so I don't know if it's really correct or not that's the main issue.

So, would you look at the list more often / give more feedback on it if it was here on the boards?

[horngeek]

Strawberry, could you add spiritual impressions to the post?

[strawberryman]

Strawberry, could you add spiritual impressions to the post?

...Like?

[horngeek]

Re-read, and what I was looking for was already there.

It's just that I was specifically looking for what the Hollow's reiatsu felt like, and you described it differently. Carry on.

What do people think of my Z-pac idea?

[Wahrheit]

So I decided to make a new character. I vaguely remember that Mercenary Arrancar, so why not a Mercenary Shinigami?

Mukudori, Kazuki (Last Name, First Name) - Rogue Shinigami, Mercenary

Spoiler

Show

Gender: Male
Age: Unfathomably Old. (Appears to be in his early twenties)
Height: 6'.
Weight: approx. 175 lbs.
Reiatsu: A calming, peaceful aura, with a hint of amusement.
Rank: Unranked by Modern Standards.
Aliases: The Grey Lord, Mercenary of Death, Chronicler.
Quote: "I apologize for troubling you, Shinigami-san, but could you perhaps calm yourself?"


Appearance:

Spoiler

Show

"What is it you wish to know of my looks, Reader-san?"

Kazuki stands at six feet tall, and wears an outfit that does not befit an ex-Shinigami. He wears a Kasa, which covers his eyes. He has blonde spiky hair, with more than long spikey sideburns. However, the hair constantly droops downwards, over his face, due to his refusal to remove the Kasa. In addition, he wears a white coat over a black kimono, and carries two swords, one hung loosely at his side, a normal sword, a curious blade, not a zanpakuto, just a normal spirit sword, as well as his Zanpakuto, sealed, jammed through the back of his belt. Kazuki is loathe to use his Zanpakuto, preferring to use the spirit sword he carries with him, as he feels a Zanpakuto should not be drawn in anger, or merely for amusement. It should only be drawn when you have an intent to kill.

History:

Spoiler

Show

"Reader-san, are you sure you wish to know of my history?"

Kazuki appeared in the Soul Society long ago, far, far, too long ago to remember. He joined the Court Guard in a time before there were divisions, and captains.

But then, he left on a mission, and fought a Hollow. To a standstill. The exhilaration, the rush of the duel, made him want more. He returned, and continued his duties.

And millennia later, after all his comrades had died, or left, he remained. And he was honored. Idolized by the younger for his long life, his skill. Adored, by the women who he was so polite to, telling them that he could not take their requests, he was far too attached to his duties. The Third Seat of the First Division of Seireitei, the Chronicler of Seireitei. But he was restless. Tired, tired of the monotony.

And so he left. Leaving a note in his place.

"

Spoiler

Show

Dear Shinigami-san(s),

I am tired of this. Bored of the monotony. I think I shall take my leave of this place temporarily Shinigami-san. I think I will look for the strong ones for a time, perhaps see them in combat.

Goodbye,

Kazuki Mukudori.

"

Personality:

Spoiler

Show

"Reader-san, what more do you wish to know?"

Kazuki is renowned for his lack of normal emotions, and his perchance for calling most people by a nickname, such as Shinigami, Hollow, Blade, or Light. All with the suffix of -san. He does not show emotions even in battle, although there is sometimes a flare of emotion when he grows frustrated, angered, or bemused by events surrounding him.

Zanpakuto:

Spoiler

Show

Zanpakuto Release Command: Multiply, Nakago.
Unreleased Zanpakuto:

Spoiler

Show

A simple katana, with a blade of about three feet in length.

Inner World:

Spoiler

Show

A continent, half of which is filled with death and decay, the other half bright and full of life.

Zanpakuto Spirit:

Spoiler

Show

Name: Nakago.

Appearance:

Spoiler

Show

Nakago appears to look like a veteran samurai, wearing a black kimono, and he has several scars over his body. He has a trimmed black beard and a mustache, as well as black hair pulled back into a spiky ponytail. He also has a scar running down his left eye, and kind blue eyes.

Personality:

Spoiler

Show

Nagako is cold and rough towards Kazuki, but secretly enjoys the man's company. Due to the long history the duo share, their interactions that would appear hostile to others are merely playful to themselves.

Shikai:

Spoiler

Show

Kazuki's Zanpakuto, while rarely used, let alone unleashed, has a strange release. The sword splits itself into seven, all of which hover in the air around Kazuki. These swords differ in shape and size, varying from a two feet in length to seven feet.
Shikai Abilities:

Spoiler

Show

Kazuki's Zanpakuto can operate up to twenty feet away from him. Any farther and the blades become normal swords, unable to cut spiritual opponents.

Ban Kai: Ban Kai, Nagako.

Spoiler

Show

Kazuki does not wish to achieve Ban Kai, feeling it to be a tiresome chore, as well as a crutch towards the more powerful Shinigami.

General Abiltiies:

Spoiler

Show

Weapons Master!: Kazuki trained himself in various disciplines of weapons, sword styles, and several different types of weaponry. However, all these are designed for close range combat, up to twenty feet, as his Shikai would allow.

Kido: Kazuki is proficient at Kido, able to use up to Hado 30 without incantations at 50% power, and may go up to 70 with incantations at 75% power.

Zanjutsu: A master of the sword, Kazuki often practices with his blade.

Hakuda: Kazuki's Hakuda abilities are hampered by his enjoyment of going toe to toe, blade to blade, with his opponents. He has a strong aversion towards "Beating opponents down with brute strength", as he looks for the strongest, the most powerful, the most cunning, not the one who has more strength.

Shunpo: Kazuki's Shunpo skills are expert, on par with most Vice Captains and a few Captains.

I'm not sure if I made him too powerful, or his backstory too unbelievable.

Thoughts?

Umm... the thing that first jumped out at me is that his shikai is nearly identical to Magatsu's, just weaker.

On a totally different note, writing Cha-Cha is... interesting. I don't think I've ever had a character so very... pink. And perky.

[Kuroimaken]

Re-read, and what I was looking for was already there.

It's just that I was specifically looking for what the Hollow's reiatsu felt like, and you described it differently. Carry on.

What do people think of my Z-pac idea?

No complaints from me.

Kuroi, would you put those steeds to the registry? I don't recall them being anywhere, and it'd make them easier to find in the future.

On another note entirely, I've been thinking of moving a version of the Story so Far page to the registry. I don't mind editing the wiki, nor reading all the threads (I do that anyway). It's the fact that people rarely gives me feedback so I don't know if it's really correct or not that's the main issue.

So, would you look at the list more often / give more feedback on it if it was here on the boards?

Sure thing.

And I suppose I would, at least.

[Ammutseba]

Do all of the zanpkuto have to be distinct from one another by great margins?

[Kuroimaken]

Do all of the zanpkuto have to be distinct from one another by great margins?

They should be distinct enough that even if they have similar properties, they're still fairly different.

Example: Hannibal's Espírito de Ferro can assume a number of forms, made out of superheated steam (and smoke, if memory serves), including a bow. Kazuma's Sazan'ou can turn into 108 different weapons, with the addition that the weapons can "break" apart into different pieces connected by a length of chain (so if he makes, say, a scythe, he can send the blade flying at his enemy connected by a length of chain to the haft, or break it up into a three-section staff with one of the sections ending in the blade, and so on and forth), besides the fact it accelerates mid-swing by seeking out Reiatsu.

[Draken]

Do all of the zanpkuto have to be distinct from one another by great margins?

We usually like to have as little overlap as possible. Sometimes it is just different flavors of the same (shoots ice, shoots fire, shoots lightning).

But some overlap is hardly ever a problem.

[Zerkai]

I'm sorry guys, my computer was already on it's last legs, but it got a virus and it can't work at all anymore. typing this from brother's laptop, don't know when we'll be getting a new computer.

[Kuroimaken]

Sorry to hear that, Zerkai. Here's to hoping you can get something to replace it soon.

[Frozen_Feet]

Here's to hoping your bro will be lenient in borrowing his computer to you.

Wahrheit: Why am I imagining a giant trollface every time Eien Uzumaki speaks?

[Wahrheit]

Wahrheit: Why am I imagining a giant trollface every time Eien Uzumaki speaks?

Probably because aside from being a scary blade-crazed hyena, he's also a humongous troll. And now I'll never be able to not see that when I'm writing his dialogue.

[Frozen_Feet]

I'd like to inform everyone that the tickets are now diamonds the Story So Far timeline now also exist in Registry second post.

[Kayne650]

Here's to hoping your bro will be lenient in borrowing his computer to you.

Wahrheit: Why am I imagining a giant trollface every time Eien Uzumaki speaks?

Personally, I imagine Courage Wolf.

[riccaru]

I tought sekiseki was what makes Shinigami unable to "fly". And the established properties of The Pits has the sekiseki in the walls keeps the prisoners from having enough power to break free. Same with the Maggot's Nest if I remember correctly. I know they can sense when it's draining them, but so far I haven't seen anyone actually sense the sekiseki. Since doing so would make Talon's lair significantly easier to find, I'm not sure that Strawberry thought it could be sensed.

It wouldn't give off reiatsu, but neither would, for example, Sereg's watch. The sekiseki would possibly have a large amount of reiatsu surrounding it though.

[strawberryman]

@Wahreit: It's still before school. Trying to facilitate the kidnapping plot.

I'd say, if schooltime is 7am or so, it'd be 6 or 6:30.

@riccaru: I'm not sure how Nao has any authority to interrogate when he's the leader of the assassination unit, not security or intelligence.

[Wahrheit]

@Wahreit: It's still before school. Trying to facilitate the kidnapping plot.

I'd say, if schooltime is 7am or so, it'd be 6 or 6:30.

@riccaru: I'm not sure how Nao has any authority to interrogate when he's the leader of the assassination unit, not security or intelligence.

Whoops. Fixed.

[riccaru]

@Wahreit: It's still before school. Trying to facilitate the kidnapping plot.

I'd say, if schooltime is 7am or so, it'd be 6 or 6:30.

@riccaru: I'm not sure how Nao has any authority to interrogate when he's the leader of the assassination unit, not security or intelligence.

So the tactics squad has higher authority? Or would it be the scientists? What's there to say he's not there for personal reasons? He has just as much reason and right to question her as the other two.

[Frozen_Feet]

So the tactics squad has higher authority? Or would it be the scientists? What's there to say he's not there for personal reasons? He has just as much reason and right to question her as the other two.

Which is to say, little at all. If Nao is not there under some kind of orders, they're all visitors, and would have little to no authority to tell how others should conduct themselves. Indeed, if it was me as the warden, I would've thrown out him, Yoshi and Soushi out for being roosters.