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This technique was initially developed in Sunagakure, but has since then spread to the totality of the ninja world. With it, a user can manipulate puppets of varying shapes and sizes to assist them in combat or various other situations.

Puppets are a ninja weapon, but not like any other. Like all weapons, they have their advantages and drawbacks. Of course, attacking a single enemy from all sides with various puppets is something few can do, however, when a puppeteer's puppets break, the puppet master will usually be little more than a sitting duck. Keep this in mind should you decide to follow the path of the puppeteer.

If you've made your choice, the first thing you will need to learn is obviously how to manipulate a puppet for combat. For this basic skill, a single technique must be learned to set you on your way. Of course, your success in battle will depend on how well you devellop it afterwards.

The technique is listed in the general technique list, but we have posted it here also for good measure:

Kugutsu no Jutsu (Puppet Technique)

Just like a marionette, the user controls a puppet using strings of chakra from his fingers. Another useful quality of this skill is the fact that the puppet can take the form of another person, object, or, more commonly, the form of the user. Puppets are fitted with various hidden devices, most commonly extendable blades, various projectile launchers, and poison, both in gaseous form and liquid coating their weapons. See the puppet thread for more info. This technique can also be adapted to control humans as if they were puppets, or another puppeteer's puppets.
Cp cost: 2 cp per round the puppets are used.
Damage: Depends on puppet power.
Requirements: Puppet Play 3, Chakra Control 10
Training: 2 stages
Stage I: Puppet Play DC 15 Familiarisation with the art of puppetry.
Stage II: Chakra Control DC 20 Combining puppetry with the usage of chakra strings, which are stronger, but less flexible until high control is achieved.
Special: Must master this jutsu before attempting to fight with puppets.

Once this initial step is done, you may proceed along the path of the puppet master.

After having mastered the basics of puppet combat, there are now a few complex maneuvers and skills that can be be develloped to increase the effectiveness of your puppet play in combat. These will be studied in three separate aspects: the multiple and simultaneous control of puppets, grappling enemies with puppets and defending yourself or allies with puppets.


I - Multiple and simultaneous control of puppets


If controlling a single puppet becomes too easy, a puppeteer can create more puppets that he will be able to use in combat at the same time. The more skilled he is, the more puppet he will be able to manage at the same time and the more fluid and organized his attacks from each puppet will be. If he has enough proficiency in puppet play, it may become possible for the puppeteer to attack with multiple puppets at the same time.

There are, however, two distinct aspects to such an abaility that obey different rules and must not be confused: the ability to control multiple puppets at the same time and the ability to attack with multiple puppets in a single attack turn.


1. Controlling multiple puppets simultaneously

For this aspect, the name speaks pretty much for itself. This skill determines on how many puppets a user can have chakra strings attached simultaneously without losing control. This number is determined by the following formula:

Maximum number of controlled puppets = [Chakra Control (User) / 10]

Obviously, when you have more joints per puppets than you have fingers, animating them is a feat that depends on your ability to control chakra. The more puppets there are, the harder it is. This skill can therefore not be neglected by puppet masters.

The use of this particular skill is particularily relevant should the user wish to use puppet jutsus on his enemies without having to remove strings from his own puppet. Also, it can be of use for the puppeteer to have as many puppets active on the field at the same time even though he might not be skilled enough to have them attack simultaneously.


2. Attacking with multiple puppets simultaneously

If controlling many puppets depends on your ability to control chakra, making them attack quickly and in a way that none are in the way of the others is something that depends solely on the user's skill at controlling puppets. The number of puppets that can attack simultaneously during a single of the user's turn is determined through this formula:

Puppet attacks per user attack turn = [Puppet Play Skill (User) / 10]

This means that for each of his attack turns, the user can launch an attack with [puppet play skill / 10] puppets.

Example: Character is level 20, which means he has four attacks with a base attack bonus of (20, 15, 10, 5). Each of these values correspond to what we call separate attack turns. If user has 20 levels in puppet play, he can attack with [20 / 10 = 2] puppets per separate attack turn. This means that if he only uses his puppet play skill (no ninjutsu or special taijutsu), his puppets will have attacked 4 times each for a grand total of 8 attacks (4 of the users attack x 2 puppet attacks).

Important note: A single puppet cannot attack twice in the same of the user's separate attack turn. To do two simultaneous attacks, you need two puppets (same goes for three, four etc.).


3. Switching puppets during combat

As was explained earlier, the maximum number of puppets you can control simultaneously is determined by the formula [Chakra Control / 10]. So, if you only have 20 points in chakra control and can therefore only manipulate two puppets simultaneously, you will need to release the strings on one of your puppets should you wish either to use a third puppet more suited to your actual situation or to use puppet jutsus on humans.

Releasing a puppet is very simple. It does not require an attack turn as it can be done with only a thought from the user. The puppet will then crumble to the ground, immobile and harmless (usually) and the puppet master will then be free to place chakra strings on another target, puppet, enemy, or friendly. There are two ways to place chakra threads on a target, depending on the situation:

The target is consenting, immobile, or immobilized: All you have to do is flick chakra strings on them. Such an action barely takes any time as was demonstrated by Kankuro in his battle against Shino.

Target is in combat and unwilling: You will need to land a succesful physical strike on your target using the technique called "Itoken", the long ranged technique called "Sōshūjin" or any other technique that specifically attaches strings to an enemy.

Once the new target has been attached to strings, you can initiate puppet jutsus on it. Do not forget however that the puppet that was abandonned remains on the ground, vulnerable to enemy attack (or maybe even theft!). Stay vigilant!


II - Grappling with puppets


In many situation, players may want to use some from of submission hold or grapple attacks. Once a victim has been trapped in a grapple, the only actions it can perform are movements tha do not require either handseals or massive movements of the body. If you wish to initiate a grapple, use the following system:

First, roll 2 D20. The first D20 is to see if the grapple even connects. Treat it like regular puppet attack using the regular formula: d20 + [Attack puppet].

Second, if the first D20 connects, the second is used to set the Grapple DC. Use this formula:

Grapple DC = D20 + [Strength (Puppet)].

Third, for every post after, the attacker rerolls their grapple DC to accomodate for real life situations such as weakening (or strengthening) grips. The defender must continue to roll Escape Artist checks to see if they get out.

After this point, the defender is stuck in a grapple hold. Damage isn't started until after the next post. To counter grapples, the defender simply rolls an Escape Artist Check and compare it to the Grapple DC. If their Escape Artist check beats the Grapple DC, the defender breaks free. If it does not beat the DC, the defender suffers damage equal to the puppet's strength attribute.

If the defender is trapped in the grapple for more than 3 of their posts, they begin to loose MHP by 10% of their max for each of their posts due to freaking out. All MHP ailments still apply.

If the defender is trapped in the grapple for more than 5 of their posts, they loose the ability to gather chakra due to soreness of limbs and general annoyance of situation. This nullifies any and all ninjutsu and genjutsu they may try.


III - Defending with puppets


In order for a puppet to be able to make defensive maneuvers, it must have been kept behind in a strategic position. This means that if a puppet was sent to attack the enemy, it cannot be used during the attacker's next turn to protect the user.

There may come a time when you wish to use your puppet to take damage for another character. This can be done by simply comparing it's Dodge Bonus or Reflex Save (depending on the type of attack being blocked) to the incoming attack's DC or roll.

1) If your puppet's dodge attempt DC is at least half the DC of the incoming attack, it can take the damage for the target.

2) If it's dodge attempt DC beats the incoming attacks DC by 10 points, it can not only push the intended target out of the way but can also dodge the attack itself.

Note: This will not work for wide spread area of effect jutsu.

If puppets have a restricted amounts of fixed stats, what truly determines their individuality and specialty are the gadgets that you will put into them. Gadgets and weapons are to a puppet what skills and jutsus are to shinobis. They will therefore grant bonuses and penalties depending on their nature. All gadgets have to be crafted individually and then inserted into the your puppets, their crafting is not part of the regular puppet craft posts required to build the puppet itself.

As crafting is an art all of its own, there are most likely as many gadgets and weapons as there are crafts to make them. However, there are basic gadgets that are known to most puppet crafts in some for or another. Because of this, you will be able to craft any of the below mentioned puppet gadgets but you will have the liberty of making your own, pending approval in the Clans, jutsus, weapons, and bloodlines forum of course.

This section will therefore be divided into two part: an explanation of how to determine the time required to craft these gadgets and a list of the possible weapons, gadgets and mechanisms.


I - Weapon, Gadget, and Mechanism Crafting


This system is fairly simple but must be explained clearly nevertheless. In the description of each gadget, you will find three pieces of information that are of utmost importance to gadget crafting: requirements, puppet slots required per gadget and Craft DC.

1. Requirements

This is pretty simple, some gadgets are more complex than others. Some far more complex than others. In order for your character to even consider crafting a gadget, he must meet the specified requirements for each of them. Once you've made sure your character meets these requirements, you may proceed to the next step.

2. Number of Puppet Slots Required

Depending on the gadget, weapon, or mechanism's complexity or volume, inserting it in your puppet might occupy more place in your puppet than others and also therefore require more time to craft. Therefore, do not forget that the number of slots your puppets have is not necessarily equal to the number of gadgets you can put into it.

3. Crafting DC and Crafting Posts

The crafting DC reflects how complex and difficult the gadget is to create. The more complex they are, the higher the DC will be. In order to craft a gadget, you will need to succeed a number of successful [Craft] checks of that DC according to the formula:

Successful Craft Checks Required = [Number of gadget's Puppet Slot Requirement] x 5

This means that if you're crafting a gadget that occupies 3 puppet slots that has a crafting DC of 10, you will need to succeed [3] x 5 successful craft checks with a DC of 10 in order to craft the gadget.

Remember, gadgets are transferable from one puppet to another or can even be scavenged from defeated puppeteer's puppets. A crafted gadget is a "valuable" that can be mentioned in your character's profile sheet if not inserted into a puppet.


II. Weapons, Gadgets, and Mechanisms List


This section is made of two parts. First, a list of all the basic gadgets any puppet craft can make when they have mastered the puppet crafting skill, and second, a "Do it yourself" guide to creating personalized puppet gadgets for your puppet master.


1. Basic equipment

Long forearm blades
Long blades bolted to the puppets forearms or any limbs. Used to extend reach and cut opponents.
Number of weapon slots required: 1
Damage: Add (4 - 6) to basic puppet damage.
Special: Increase [Puppet Attack] by 1.
Requirements: Craft 5, Intelligence, 8.
Crafting DC: 15

Advanced lubricated joints
Special joints that retain oil and lubricants to minimize movement noise by the puppet. Ideal for assassination purposes. These joints are however slightly less sturdy than regular ones and can cause durability problems in combat.
Number of weapon slots required: 1
Damage: n/a
Special: Add 6 points to user's [Sneak Attack] skill when using the puppet equipped with this mechanism for the attack. Reduce puppet constitution by 1.
Requirements: Craft 7, Intelligence, 10.
Crafting DC: 17

Basic Trap Compartment
The puppet has a large container usually in its torso made specifically for the purpose of keeping victims imprisoned. It is, however, extremely heavy and can impair a puppet's movements.
Number of weapon slots required: 2
Damage: n/a
Special: Add 10 points to DCs to maintain grapple. Maintaining the grapple for over three turns does not however cause damage to MHP. Reduce puppet dexterity by 2 points. Individuals inside the compartment are shielded from area of effect jutsus from the outside for as much damage as the puppet has Hp left.
Requirements: Craft 13, Intelligence, 12.
Crafting DC: 23

Chakra thread harpoons
Through various orifices on the puppet's body, miniature harpoons attached to chakra threads are fired at the enemy to facilitate grappling.
Number of weapon slots required: 1
Damage: n/a
Special: Add 5 points to initiate grapple roll.
Requirements: Craft 15, Intelligence, 14, Chakra Control 15.
Crafting DC: 25

Reinforced frame
A solidified frame is inserted throughout the puppet to increase its resistance to impact.
Number of weapon slots required: 1
Damage: n/a
Special: Increase puppet constitution by 3. Reduce puppet dexterity by 1.
Requirements: Craft 15, Intelligence 10.
Crafting DC: 25

Passenger compartment
A space is carved into a puppet large enough to carry a person to protect it inside of its body. The user can control the puppet from the inside. Only problem is that the hollow space inside can cause problems to puppet durability. Individuals inside the compartment are shielded from area of effect jutsus from the outside for as much damage as the puppet has Hp left.
Number of weapon slots required: 3
Damage: n/a
Special: Enables a person to stay inside the puppet. Reduce puppet constitution by 2.
Requirements: Craft 35, Intelligence 18.
Crafting DC: 45

Small weapon launcher
The puppet has a special mechanism that enables it to fire projectiles at it's target from a distance. Used if user wishes to keep his puppet back because of damage or if he wishes it to stay free for a defensive maneuver.
Number of weapon slots required: 1
Damage: Replace basic puppet damage to Base projectile damage + Dexterity (puppet) + 2 per 10 point in puppet play (user)
Special: Ranged attack. Puppet can use this attack and stay in position to make a defensive maneuver.
Requirements: Craft 20, Intelligence 16.
Crafting DC: 30

Human puppet basic systems
Can only be crafted by users who have mastered the Hitokugutsu no Jutsu {Human Puppet Technique}. This special complex system must imperatively be inserted in a human puppet to replace the tissue that was taken out during the crafting of the puppet.
Number of weapon slots required: 4
Damage: n/a
Special: Once the human puppet is made and the sealing essence drum is connected, the puppeteer can fuel the puppet with his own chakra to use the jutsus the deceased individual had mastered.
Requirements: Craft 45, Intelligence 35, Hitokugutsu no jutsu.
Crafting DC: 55

Medical prosthesis
The puppet is equipped with a number of tools used to treat injuries. The puppet becomes somewhat of a mobile medical station.
Number of weapon slots required: 2
Damage: n/a
Special: Increase treat injury skill by 5 when using this skill with this puppet active in the vicinity.
Requirements: Craft 25, Intelligence 25, treat injury 15.
Crafting DC: 35

Scroll compartments
A support able to contain sealing scrolls that are necessary to use higher level elemental weapons such as flamethrowers or water pressure canons.
Number of weapon slots required: 1
Damage: n/a
Special:Enables puppet to use elemental based gadgets. Required scrolls are not made at the same time as this appendage, must be inserted separately.
Requirements: Craft 10, Intelligence 18.
Crafting DC: 20

Flamethrower
A canon connected to the scroll compartments on the puppet. Emits fire blasts at the cost of sealed scrolls.
Number of weapon slots required: 1
Damage: (15 - 30)
Special: Using this weapon uses up 6 of this puppet's attack turns or one full turn, whichever is less. Using this technique uses up one fire scroll. Causes fire status ailments.
Requirements: Craft 25, Intelligence 20.
Crafting DC: 35

Water pressure canon
A canon connected to the scroll compartments on the puppet. Emits powerful water blasts at the cost of sealed scrolls.
Number of weapon slots required: 1
Damage: (40 - 60)
Special: Using this weapon uses up 6 of this puppet's attack turns or one full turn, whichever is less. Using this technique uses up one water scroll.
Requirements: Craft 25, Intelligence 20.
Crafting DC: 35

Integrated tension based projectile appendages
From non support limbs spring out two horizontal or vertical flexible wooden appendages linked at their tip by a fine and very solid piece of thread. Can be used as a bow to fire arrows.
Number of weapon slots required: 1
Damage: Arrow damage + puppet dex
Special: Enables the puppet to fire arrows.
Requirements: Craft 20, Intelligence 16.
Crafting DC: 30

Gas reservoir, synthesis system, and release mechanism
A reservoir is placed inside the puppet's body containing a gas that when released into the air turns into a thick localized smoke screen. A special system is contained inside the reservoir which synthesizes the gas.
Number of weapon slots required: 2
Damage: n/a
Special: Can only be used twice in each battle, must wait until it refills afterwards. Add +6 to all stealth checks made in the area.
Requirements: Craft 18, Intelligence 14.
Crafting DC: 28

Poison gas reservoir, synthesis system, and release mechanism
A reservoir is placed inside the puppet's body containing a gas that when released into the air turns into a thick localized poison cloud. A special system is contained inside the reservoir which synthesizes the poison gas.
Number of weapon slots required: 2
Damage: 2d10 continuous damage + 1d4 constitution damage per turn you spend breathing the cloud of smoke.
Special: Can only be used twice in each battle, must wait until it refills afterwards. Using this weapon uses up 4 of this puppet's attack turns or one full turn, whichever is less. Increase all stealth checks in the area by +6. Victim must use up one full turn to get clear of the smoke's spread.
Requirements: Craft 30, Intelligence 26.
Crafting DC: 40

Lightweight interior lining
The user replaces the interior lining with a much lighter equivalent to facilitate puppet attack and movement. Reduces puppet durability.
Number of weapon slots required: 1
Damage: n/a
Special: Increase puppet attack and dexterity by 2, reduce puppet constitution by 3.
Requirements: Craft 10, Intelligence 12.
Crafting DC: 20

Bladed tail like appendage
The user builds a long massive metal appendage resembling a tail which he connects to his puppet's frame that is used for defense, attack, and grappling. Controlling this tail in addition to the puppet requires significant skill in puppet play.
Number of weapon slots required: 2
Damage: Increase puppet base damage by (5 - 10) if attacking with this weapon.
Special: Increase puppet attack by 2 and constitution by 1, reduce puppet dexterity by 2. Add +5 to all defensive maneuvers made by this puppet. Add +5 to initial grapple rolls when using this weapon. Reduce base attack bonus for attacks with this puppet by 2 due to encumbrance.
Requirements: Craft 34, Intelligence 30, Puppet Play 31.
Crafting DC: 44

Retractable limb spikes
A special retractable spike that is inserted in a non support limb. User can have his puppet retract the spikes only for attacks, this way preventing the encumbrance caused by permanent blades. Also, ideal weapon for sneak attacking as it is only visible when deployed.
Number of weapon slots required: 1
Damage: Increase puppet base damage by (2 - 4) if attacking with this weapon.
Special: Increase [Sneak Attack] skill by 2 when launching sneak attacks made with puppet equipped with this weapon. Effect does not stack if puppet is equipped with multiple of these.
Requirements: Craft 25, Intelligence 20.
Crafting DC: 35

Flexible puppet lining
This gadget is comprised of a flexible interior lining for the puppet's shell and a special treatment of the outer surface to maximize elasticity. This special treatments increases the puppet's dexterity and resistance to impact but reduces it's attack strength slightly.
Number of weapon slots required: 1
Damage: n/a.
Special: Increase puppet dexterity by 3, Constitution by 3 and decrease puppet attack by 1.
Requirements: Craft 30, Intelligence 22.
Crafting DC: 40

Mechanic Light Shield Seal
This chakra shield can be installed in any puppet. A mechanism inside the puppet opens its arms into a couple of segments, through which the user radiates their chakra. The chakra spreads out like a thin film and turns into a protective sheet, blocking all physical attacks and some jutsu.
Number of weapon slots required: 2
Damage: n/a.
Special: Can be used as a reaction (during opponent's turn). Gadget can be used by the puppet individually or on itself and another character if the puppet make a successful defensive maneuver roll to protect another person. Completely nullify damage dealt by any attack or jutsu. Can only be used once per battle, needs to recharge afterwards.
Requirements: Craft 42, Intelligence 30, Chakra Control 40.
Crafting DC: 52

Large arm shield
Basically a large metal plate attached to the puppet's arm. Used for blocking.
Number of weapon slots required: 1
Damage: n/a.
Special: Increase puppet constitution by 3 reduce puppet dexterity by 1.
Requirements: Craft 5, Intelligence 10, chakra control 40.
Crafting DC: 15

Mechanically reinforced limbs
The puppet's limbs built to extend around the target and increase constriction.
Number of weapon slots required: 1
Damage: n/a
Special: Add 5 points to DCs to maintain grapple. Increase puppet strength by 1. Does not stack with trap compartment bonuses.
Requirements: Craft 10, Intelligence, 10.
Crafting DC: 20

Bladed Trap Compartment
Mechanical blades inserted in the puppet's trap compartment. Causes wounds to prisoner.
Number of weapon slots required: 1
Damage: (10 - 20) per turn victim is stuck inside the puppet.
Special: Add 2 points to DCs to maintain grapple.
Requirements: Craft 18, Intelligence, 15.
Crafting DC: 28

Buzzsaw Limb Blades
Mechanical blades protruding from puppet limbs. Greatly increases damage.
Number of weapon slots required: 1
Damage: Increase puppet damage by (15 - 25)
Special: Reduce Sneak Attack skill by 5 when using this puppet. Increase [Attack Puppet] by 2.
Requirements: Craft 30, Intelligence, 23.
Crafting DC: 40

Advanced Pressurized Trap Compartment
The puppet is equipped with a mechanical chamber in which it traps opponents who have been successfully grappled. The chamber contracts around the user, increasing pressure on its prisoner.
Number of weapon slots required: 2
Damage: n/a
Special: Add 15 points to DCs to maintain grapple. Reduce puppet dexterity by 2 points. Individuals inside the compartment are shielded from area of effect jutsus from the outside for as much damage as the puppet has Hp left.
Requirements: Craft 32, Intelligence, 28.
Crafting DC: 42

Spiked Casing
Special casing covered in shuriken tips. Causes damage not only to people who are hit by the puppet but also to melee attackers.
Number of weapon slots required: 2
Damage: Increase base damage by (2 - 3)
Special: All melee attacks on the puppet cause the attacker (2-3) + str mod (attacker) damage. Increase rolls to maintain grapple by 3.
Requirements: Craft 15, Intelligence 12.
Crafting DC: 25

Chakra Stringable Fists
Metal fists to which puppeteer can attach loose threads that the puppet will be able to stick on target upon contact.
Number of weapon slots required: 1
Damage: Increase base damage by (1 - 3)
Special: All successful melee attacks by puppet can attach chakra strings to a target.
Requirements: Craft 28, Intelligence 26, Chakra Control 25, Itoken.
Crafting DC: 38

Kakuremino Lined Shell
The puppet's exterior shell is lined with a cloak of invisibility that gives the puppet partial camouflage at all times.
Number of weapon slots required: 1
Damage: n/a
Special: +5 to sneak attack skill when attacking with this puppet, + 5 to Stealth {hiding} checks involving this puppet.
Requirements: Craft 25, Intelligence 20, Chakra Control 30, Kakuremino no Jutsu.
Crafting DC: 35

2. Making your own equipment

Use the following template:



Gadget, mechanism, or weapon name: Self explanatory
Description: What your gadget is about, where it is usually inserted. In which situations it is used.
Number of weapon slots required: As was explained in the puppet crafting section, puppets have a fixed number of slots available for gadgets and mechanisms. Some, however are bigger than others, some more complex, and thus might take the place that would have been required by another object. The basic value here is 1, but there could be multiple slots required by a single gadget.
Damage:Mostly for weapons, what is the damage caused by this weapon? Or the technique that this weapon enables.
Special: Does the gadget grant special bonuses to skills? Penalties? Does it boost some of the puppet's attributes?
Requirements: What are the required skills required by a craft to make and install the said mechanism? Those will mostly be Craft skills and intelligence requirements, but it is also possible that a certain dexterity or chakra control may be required. Obviously, the stronger and the more complex the gadgets, the higher the requirements.
Crafting DC:This value is determined by [Craft Requirement + 10]