How to Battle using Genjutsu
First off, What is Genjutsu?
Genjutsu (Literally meaning "Illusionary Techniques") are techniques that are employed in the same fashion as ninjutsu, requiring chakra and hand seals. However, the primary difference between the two is that the effects of genjutsu are illusory; instead of attacking the victim's body, genjutsu techniques manipulate the flow of chakra in the victim's brain, thus causing a disruption in their senses. This is accomplished by the Genjutsu user extending their chakra flow through the cerebral nervous system of their opponent to control their mind's chakra, thereby affecting their five senses. This is often used to create false images or to cause pain from trauma (because the body is led to believe it is in pain); however, there are plenty of other uses depending on the situation. They are not used as often as ninjutsu because they don't physically harm the opponent, but those who specialize in it are dangerous adversaries none-the-less.
Okay, I know what Genjutsu is now... but how do I use it in combat?
Although in most guilds this is handled somewhat loosely, allowing people to make of Genjutsu what they feel is appropriate, we have tried to formalize the system to a degree in order to balance it out. This is in the hopes that we will simultaneously make it more useful, thus prompting people to actually use it, while also balancing it out so it isn't too overpowered. However, before we start getting into the details, there are a few things we need to categorize first. This may seem to be a daunting system at first, but trust me when I say it is simple enough that everyone should be able to use it without much trouble. But first, we need to define a few terms just so the system is crystal clear to everyone using it...
Understanding the terms
Along with many other aspects of the guild, we are using what we refer to as 'Modifiers' which will help you determine how a Genjutsu affects you if an opponent attempts to use one on you. This requires that you and your opponent understand a few simple terms and concepts.
Modifier: A modifier is a number which indicates either a positive or negative benefit when dealing with any given situation. In the Genjutsu system, there are two kinds of modifiers, Attack Modifiers and Defense Modifiers.
An Attack Modifiers is a modifier which is applied to the attacker, the shinobi who is utilizing a Genjutsu in an attempt to entrap the mind of his opponent. There are two types of attack modifiers, [Passive] and [Jutsu].
A Defense Modifiers is a shinobi's defense against such attacks. All defense modifiers are [Passive].
...a [Passive] modifier is usually the effect of a shinobi's Ninja Class, Bloodline, or one of their Attributes, but is is something innate about the user which gives them a permanent boost, either to attack or defense when Genjutsu is concerned. An example of a [Passive] Genjutsu Attack Modifier would be the Genjutsu Class' 'Intricate Deception' which gives them a +1 attack modifier to all Genjutsu used. An example of a [Passive] Genjutsu Defense Modifier would be the "Will Power" attribute which gives you a +1 defense modifier when placed in either your Primary or Secondary attribute slot.
...a [Jutsu] Attack Modifier is simply a number assigned to the rank of a Genjutsu used.
Genjutsu Type: There are 3 main types of Genjutsu techniques, with each technique having it's own unique uses, advantages, and capabilities.
Distraction Genjutsu
These genjutsu feed the target false sensory information to momentarily distract the target. The caster can move while casting the genjutsu, but must have a clear line of sight to the target while doing so. These genjutsu do not cause stamina drain.
Pain-Distraction Genjutsu
These genjutsu distract the opponent by causing them to feel momentary pain while feeding false sensory information to the target. A one time stamina drain is applied when the genjutsu takes effect, but they don't deal as much stamina drain as the third kind of genjutsu. A direct line of sight to the target is required, along with one of the following:
A. If the target has a direct line of sight to the caster, then the caster can move while creating the illusion.
B. If the target is not looking at the caster, the genjutsu can still be cast so long as the user is stationary aside from any requirements the genjutsu has to be cast.
Reality Change Genjutsu
These genjutsu put the target's mind in another reality, and can immobilize the target while they work if it's a part of the genjutsu. These genjutsu last multiple posts and deal a fraction of their stamina drain every post if they cause physical or emotional pain. The caster must remain stationary and have a direct line of sight to the target when the target looks at a specific part of the caster's body. The body part will be specified by the genjutsu.
If a reality change genjutsu immobilizes the target, it actually resolves from start to finish in a fraction of a second. However, the target experiences the genjutsu as if it lasts for its actual post duration, and posts consecutively until the genjutsu is escaped from or its post duration is completed.
Wait, what is Stamina Drain?
Stamina Drain is what it sounds like. When a Genjutsu user catches their opponent in a Genjutsu, depending on the type of Genjutsu used, if it is successful, it will reduce your current Stamina by a certain amount.
Alright, I understand the terms now... Can I use Genjutsu Yet?
Almost! We still need to explain Genjutsu Costs and Stamina Drain Values
...*sigh*...Fine... go ahead.
Okay, so first off, let's go over the cost of using a Genjutsu. Using a Genjutsu is similar to Ninjutsu in that it requires chakra and hand seals, but what it doesn't require is Stamina. However, due to the nature of Genjutsu and the potential it has to drain an important energy source (Stamina) from your opponent, it costs a little more then your average Ninjutsu. The cost for each rank of Genjutsu techniques is as follows:
E-rank: 2 chakra points
D-rank 4 chakra points
C-rank: 6 chakra points
B-rank: 8 chakra points
A-rank: 12 chakra points
S-rank: 24 chakra points
...it's not that much different from Ninjutsu, but it's enough to make it fair. Now, the amount of Stamina drain your Genjutsu technique will inflict dpeends on the type of Genjutsu used...
Distraction Genjutsu cause no Stamina Drain at all.
Pain-Distraction Genjutsu take place over one post, so the Stamina Drain takes place immediately following the use of the technique (as long as the Genjutsu is successful). The amount of Stamina Drain the victim suffers depends on the rank of the Genjutsu technique used:
...(Stamina Drain is multipled by 1.5 [rounded down] for Genjutsu Specialists).
E-rank: 1 stamina point ... (2 stamina points)
D:-rank 2 stamina points ... (3 stamina points)
C-rank: 3 stamina points ... (5 stamina points)
B-rank: 4 stamina points ... (6 stamina points)
A-rank: 6 stamina points ... (9 stamina points)
S-rank: 12 stamina points ... (18 stamina points)
Reality Change Genjutsu take place over multiple posts, so Stamina drain occurs as a certain amount drained per post, up to a defined maximum. During this time, time is effectively frozen, and the technique occurs in the blink of an eye. To the Genjutsu user and his victim however, time passes normally and they post as per usual. The number of posts a Reality Change Genjutsu can last is capped at a certain amount, and deasl a certain amount of Stamina (sp) Drain per post as shown below:
E-rank: 2 stamina drain (total), 2 post maximum --> -1 sp/post
D-rank: 4 stamina drain (total), 2 post maximum --> -2 sp/post
C-rank: 6 stamina drain (total), 3 post maximum --> -2 sp/post
B-rank: 8 stamina drain (total), 4 post maximum --> -2 sp/post
A-rank: 12 stamina drain (total), 4 post maximum --> -3 sp/post
S-rank: 24 stamina drain (total), 6 post maximum --> -4 sp/post
...total Stamina drain for Genjutsu Specialists is multiplied by 1.5, changing the amount drained per post:
E-rank: 3 stamina drain (total), 2 post maximum --> -2 sp first post, -1 sp the second post
D-rank: 6 stamina drain (total), 2 post maximum --> -3 sp/post
C-rank: 9 stamina drain (total), 3 post maximum --> -3 sp/post
B-rank: 12 stamina drain (total), 4 post maximum --> -3 sp/post
A-rank: 18 stamina drain (total), 4 post maximum --> -5 sp for first two posts, -2 sp for the last two posts
S-rank: 36 stamina drain (total), 6 post maximum --> -6 sp/post
Okay, I understand the costs... but how do I catch someone in a Genjutsu?
Oh, that's easy... once it's used, the opponent is always caught in the technique.
WHAT?!?!? That's so OP!
Well, actually it's not... it's really the only fair way to do things. But don't worry, there is a system in place which will determine if you are affected by the Genjutsu, and if so, how long will it last...
Resisting a Genjutsu: Kai-Defense
Once caught in a Genjutsu, the user has several options in front of them which they can use to resist a genjutsu. The system we use was designed to give a user several options in terms of resisting a Genjutsu, while keeping in mind that it still needs to be worth the Genjutsu user's time and chakra investment. So, based on the modifiers defined in the terms section, we follow a simple calculation and then refer to a table which lays out your options. The calculation is as follows:
[(Genjutsu User's Attack Modifier) + (Rank of Genjutsu)] - [(Defender's Genjutsu Defense Modifier) + (Defender's Rank)] = Total Modifier
The following tables show you how to determine the appropriate values for the equation above:
Rank of Genjutsu Technique
E-rank technique = +0
D-rank technique = +1
C-rank technique = +2
B-rank technique = +3
A-rank technique = +4
S-rank technique = +5
Rank of Defender
.........Genin = +1
......Chuunin = +2
...Sp. Jounin = +3
........Jounin = +4
Sannin/Kage = +5
Partial Modifier Rules:
- If your total rank modifier has a partial number in it like 4.5 (regardless if you be attacking or defending), then one of two things happens:
- If your genjutsu modifier is higher than your opponent's, then round up to the next rank (so if you have 4.5 modifier and the target or attacker has 4 or less, then yours is treated as 5) or;
- If your genjutsu modifier is lower higher than your opponent's, then round down to the next rank (so if you have 4.5 modifier and the target or attacker has 5 or more, then yours is treated as 4).
Genjutsu Attack/Defense Modifiers
These, we're going to make you work for. Rather then listing all the possible ways an RPC can increase their Genjutsu Attack/Defense... you're going to have to do some reading and careful research. This way, when developing and putting together your RPC, you can try to maximize the benefits of your character but only by paying close attention to the systems, etc. We feel that this is good for everyone, since it doesn't automatically grant the knowledge of how to make a stacked Genjutsu user... and it simultaneously encourages members to read everything thoroughly.
Now, when resisting Reality Change Genjutsu, once you've used the equation and tables above to figure out the total modifier for the Genjutsu engagement, the defender then compares their number to the following chart and choose which route of defense they wish to take...
As you can see, at anytime, there are two paths you can take, but there are several rules which govern what you choose to do. First off, once you choose a method of escape, you must commit to that method for the entirety of the Genjutsu you are facing. Each method weighs it's own cost vs benefit and has been designed to provide balance while allowing the user to choose which method they wish to use.
Modifier-based Kai
When you make a Modifier-based kai, you pay 3 chakra and you do it only once. Once you perform the technique, based on the total modifer determined by the equation, you either reduce the total duration of the Genjutsu, or the Stamina Drain received, or possibly both... or possibly just break out of the Genjutsu period.
Roll-based Kai
Alternatively, you could make a roll using a d100 to see if you can dispel a Genjutsu. when you use a Roll-based Kai, you spend 2 chakra per attempt, and you get to try every round you are caught in a Genjutsu. In the post where you attempt to Kai, add a roll to your post and roll 1 100-sided die. Based on your total modifier determined by the equation, you have a certain percentage chance of breaking out. So if you have a 20% chance of escaping and you roll a d100, you would escape on a any number between 1-20... all other rolls result in a failure to Kai out of the Genjutsu.
So for instance, let's say a Genin Genjutsu specialist uses a C-rank Genjutsu against you... You are a Genin as well, and you don't have any defense modifiers. So let's plug the numbers into the equation:
[(Genjutsu User's Attack Modifier) + (Rank of Genjutsu)] - [(Defender's Genjutsu Defense Modifier) + (Defender's Rank)] = Total Modifier
[(1) + (2)] - [(0) + (1)] = Total Modifier
[3] - [1] = +2
...once you realize you are caught in a Genjutsu, you have two choices:
1. Using the Modifier-based Kai would reduce the total length of the Genjutsu by 1 and reduce the stamina drain of the last post you are caught in the genjutsu by -2. For a C-rank, maximum duration is 3 posts, and according to the damage tables mentioned above, you suffer a -3sp drain per post.
So, a technique which would normally last 3 rounds and drain 9 sp ... now only lasts for 2 rounds, and only drains a total of 4 sp. This may look unfair to the Genjutsu Specialist, but remember, they spent 6 chakra and ended up draining their opponent of 4 stamina on top of forcing them to use a Kai, which has a 3 cp cost.
2. Using the Roll-based Kai works in a more 'all or nothing' way. When you Kai, you roll 1d100. If the result is within the specified range (using the example above... from 1-30) you break out of the Genjutsu, without suffering any Stamina Drain for the post you Kai'd in. This is what separates the Roll-based Kai from the Modifier Kai. The risk is greater, but the reward is also greater.
So, using the same situation as described above, after experiencing a Genjutsu the first round, you realize it's a genjutsu on your second post and attempt to roll a Kai. So, if you were to roll a 2, you would have only taken 3 sp drain and paid 2 cp. If you failed the first roll, but succeeded on the second, you would have taken 6 sp drain and paid 4 cp to escape... essentially saving yourself 3 drain for a cost of 4 chakra.
Resisting a Genjutsu: Pain and Ally Support
Of course, Kai is not the only way to go when you realize you have little chance of escaping a Genjutsu without taking a substantial amount of Stamina Drain. As has been shown in the series multiple times, individuals can break themselves out of a Genjutsu's affected by relying on the pain of a new wound to snap them out of an illusion, or by relying on their nearby friends to break them out. So, we have also created a mechanism for that:
Escaping a Genjutsu via Pain:
Pain can be a powerful ally when caught in a potentially dangerous situation, as it can serve to save you from suffering untold amounts of stamina drain... but such drastic responses have costs all their own. When caught in a Reality Change Genjutsu, you have the choice of injuring yourself ina few different ways to automatically break free of a Genjutsu's effects in the same way you would on a successful Roll-based Kai. The caveat however is that the wound must be created while you are in the Genjutsu. Preexisting wounds will not count towards helping you escape.
Injuring a Muscle Group is achieved by stabbing yourself deep enough to cause intense pain. this results in a stat drain for the user, reducing that limb's Speed and Strength by one rank for three posts. Other options include injuring the abdomen, which reduces your toughness by one rank, or injuring your back, which reduces you evasiveness by one rank.
Breaking a Bone also works, but it renders that part of the body useless. You can use your logic on this one.
Creating an intense Bleed can be caused by a deep laceration across the skin which will cause a two point stamina drain every post until the bleeding slows or stops, when bandaged or healed by an ally. (If left to heal on it's own, the bleed lasts for 3 posts).
Note: Using Pain to free you from a Genjutsu can work ONLY after you have already used a Kai, and have not successfully ended a Genjutsu. This will avoid people breaking out of Genjutsu too easily.
Escaping a Genjutsu via Ally Support:
A teammate, upon realizing you are caught in a Genjutsu can touch you and use Kai (3 cp) on you in order to break you out of a Genjutsu (guaranteed), or wound you if they are unable to get over to you and Kai you. However, if a teammate uses Kai on you, that does count as a post action for them.
Each member of the caster and victim's team (obviously exempting the caster and victim themselves) has 2 posts to attempt to attempt to either Kai/Pain the victim out of the technique, or prevent the victim's allies from succeeding. The caster and victim cannot be interacted with at this time.
Clones cannot Kai you out, but they can Pain you out. If a teammate or clone succeeds in breaking you out, you are broken out at the beginning of the third post of the genjutsu, which means you do not take stamina drain for the third post and beyond of the genjutsu. This does not apply only if you manage to break yourself out before then. (Note, in order for a teammate to kai you out of a Genjutsu, they have to first realize you're caught in one, which would take at least one round... so please let's leave the Meta-gaming out of this and play fair with the assisted Kais.)
Alright!... now you're ready to use Genjutsu!...
YES!... I'm gonna go kick some as---
...just as long as you obey the following rules!
You son of a bi--...
Genjutsu Rule #1: You cannot use the same genjutsu on a target twice in the same battle.
Genjutsu Rule #2: After you use 3 genjutsu on a target, that target will gain a +1 modifier against your genjutsu for the remainder of the fight. This stacks until the modifiers gained from this rule match the modifiers of the caster aside from the rank of the genjutsu used (the modifiers capped at +2).
Genjutsu Rule #3: Once a genjutsu is resolved, you must wait one post before you can cast another genjutsu on that same target.
Genjutsu Rule #4: A genjutsu caster's passive modifiers (those from bloodline attributes, regular RPC attributes, and the Genjutsu Class) cannot exceed +2. If they do, the total from passive modifiers will be treated as +2.
Genjutsu Rule #5: You cannot use two or more techniques in the same post that you use a genjutsu. That means that if you have the Combo Specialty, or any other ability that boosts the number of actions you can do per post, you cannot use any technique besides one genjutsu in the post that you use a genjutsu.
Genjutsu Rule #6: Genjutsu cannot be used by clones, and they cannot be affected by genjutsu.
