Cobra's Sandbox

[Cobra_X]

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[Cobra_X]

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[Cobra_X]

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[Cobra_X]

Shadowplay

(Private Kenjutsu of Konaga Sai)
(Kenjutsu accompanying 'The Shadow Blade' [link])

History and Development: Obtained by Konaga Sai by less then savory means on a botched assassination mission by an ex-assassin, the 'Shadow Blade' as he came to call it would prove an invaluable weapon in his future. Originally knowing nothing of the blade's ability besides what he had already seen, Sai has trained with the blade for many years now, growing to understand it more and more day by day, though never truly knowing if he had unleashed its full, or even true potential and abilities. Despite this, Sai has learned to use the blade to help him master the use of the shadows, enabling him to blend into them and out of them far beyond the abilities of even experienced assassins who can avoid detection of their own. Through practice, he has also learned to use the blade with a variety of abilities utilizing his chakra. Over time, he has developed this into a style all it's own, known only to him, and made only usable through the powers of the Shadow Blade.

As he has grown in the use of the blade, more and more he has gained the knowledge that the abilities it grants could be taught to others. The shadow blade itself is not as unique as Sai once figured it to be. He thinks that with the proper skill and materials, he could have another one forged and then pass the style on to another... though with Sai's outlook on life, it would not be likely that he would respect anyone enough to divulge this information, or train them for that matter. It is however, completely possible that it's former user learned it's abilities from someone else and that other ninja have similar weapons, though Sai has never encountered another with such a weapon.

Rules:
-This style's techniques count as ninjutsu when determining cost.
-You must have a custom weapon with the "Shadowplay" ability in order to use this style.
-Stealthy abilities granted with this style do not give any bonuses to your effective rank in [stealth] nor the stealth specialty.

1st Act (available at the rank of Genin)

Required Growth: At this level, the user learns how to meld into the shadows and hide within them. Moving into the shadows acts the same as cloaking one's self through stealth, but can be done even while in combat. When merged with the shadows, all physical evidence of someone's presence is removed, rendering them invisible to the eye.

(This level requires 5 posts of training to master)

Maneuver(s) Learned

Quick Draw - After great practice with the blade, a familiarity is born to where the user is able to draw the blade from it's scabbard in a mere instant, almost as a reflex, ready to counter any attack even when caught off guard. The user can also, just as easily return the blade to it's sheath with the same accuracy and speed.

Technique(s) Learned

Shadow Step - Only when the blade rests in it's scabbard, and while the ninja is holding the hilt of the Shadow Blade, the user is able to merge with the shadows and disappear to the naked eye and to the chakra senses. (The user's blade must remain sheathed at all times in the shadow, with at least one hand holding it to remain cloaked in the shadows.) Upon activating the ability, the user's image fades and blurs into darkness as they seem to be drawn into the shadows around them and disappear. While in the shadow, the darkness surrounds the user and cloaks their chakra signature as well, making it very difficult to detect them. Though they are present within the shadow, the user can not be distinguished apart from it, though they are still physically present within it (and therefore can be injured/attack within the shadow. The only thing that can truly detect someone in Shadow Step is a Doujutsu (such as Sharingan or Byakugan) or an enhanced sense of smell, or an equivalently effective bloodline ability that detects scents, or blood.

Aside from the above, a sufficient gap in power level will allow the user to be sense within the shadow, though not seen definitively. Genin can be detected by Chuunin, though only vaguely, but any rank higher then Chuunin would easily be able to easily detect and pinpoint the user.



2nd Act (available at the rank of Chuunin)

Required Growth: The second level of growth is found when the user begins to realize that while merged with the shadow, he gains a knowledge of all the shadows in his general vicinity. The user also learns to reach out to these shadows and transport himself between them while still keeping himself merged within them. The user also gains insight on the blade itself, learning how to manipulate it's unique make to make itself seemingly invisible.

(This level requires 7 posts of training to master)

Maneuver(s) Learned

Invisible Blade - The Shadow Blade is made of a strange material which appears jet black in one light, but then ghostly grey, almost clear in the next, depending on the angle it is held to the sun. One second, the blade will appear to be flying towards you, but with the proper twist of the wrist, the blade's edge will all but disappear, making it rather hard to see the attack, though the ghostly image of the blade is still visible.

Technique(s) Learned

Shadow Jump - While in Shadow Step, the user is able to supernaturally jump between shadows as long as they are no further then 15 feet apart. Using a specialized hand seal in one hand, and a small amount of chakra, the user is able to reach out to the other shadow's presence and draw himself into it, creating no visual effect to the jump aside from a slight blurring at the edge of each shadow as the ninja exits and enters.

Shadow Sense - The user is able to detect the presence of other objects or beings in the shadow he is merged with, and the other shadows within a 15 foot radius of him. (If another user is using 'Stealth' in the shadow, you can only detect them vaguely, and only if they are your same level or below.)


3rd Act (available at the rank of Special Jounin)

Required Growth: Upon reaching this level of mastery with the blade and the style, the user is able to emerge from the shadows just as fluidly and stealthily as they merge into them. Also, as they emerge from the shadows, they are able to take part of the shadow with them as they tear through the barrier of darkness.

(This level requires 9 posts of training to master)

Maneuver(s) Learned

Shadow's Deception - Any strike made by the user is able to absorb the shadows around it and bring them with it, masking the size, shape and reach of the attack. The shadow adds no physical effect at all, but does make it hard to gauge where the blade's edge is, thus making it harder to dodge or deflect accurately. this effect can be added to the blade anytime it is swung through a shadow, or has a shadow cast upon it. (excepting shadows made by the user itself.) The amount of shadow that can be applied to mask the blade cannot be manipulated more then 2 inches away from the blade itself and is limited to the amount of shadow cast upon it. (The shadow of a insect for example, could not be expanded past it's total size to cover the entirety of the blade)

Technique(s) Learned

Shadow Strike - From Shadow Step, the user is able to emerge from the shadows and make an attack agaisnt their enemy in one fluid striking motion. The strike actually begins while they are still in the shadow as the user's blade rips open the shadow's rift, allowing the ninja to emerge from it forceably and attack in an incredibly swift motion, giving his enemy almost no time to respond. During this attack, the user's body is blurred by the shadow, creating a trail of shadowy black and grey lines behind them as they appear. Whereas the effect make's it appear they are moving at incredible speed, it is merely that the shadow's deception does not allow the eye to see the movement until the last second, making it seem like they have come out of nowhere, the visual effect of the shadow, lingering behind them for a second before disappearing.

Intermission (available at the rank of Jounin)

Required Growth: As part of reaching this level of mastery, the user begins to understand the abilities granted by the blade on a deeper level, thus enhancing all of it's abilities:
(This is gained automatically upon mastering Act 3)

Shadow Step : Doujutsu users can no longer detect the user within the shadow except for a vague idea of where they might be. (though enhanced smell can still detect and somewhat pinpoint it) Also, now, even a Kage could detect the user, but not pinpoint them precisely.

Shadow Jump : Users can jump to a shadow 25 ft away.

Shadow Sense : A user is able to detect a stealthed figure in the shadows with pinpoint accuracy if they are a rank below them. They can also sense a stealthed character one rank higher then them in the shadows, but only vaguely.


4th Act (available at the rank of Jounin)

Required Growth: In the fourth act, the Shadowplay student begins to master the ways of shadow, learning how to manipulate them through the power of the shadow blade. Through communing with the shadows, the student begins to be able to control them bending them to their will and even materializing them beyond their normal constraints.

(This level requires 11 posts of training to master)

Maneuver(s) Learned

Shadow Thread - This is an advancement form of the Shadow Deception maneuver, which allows the Shadowplay student to use any absorbed shadows as a thread which attaches to the hilt of the Shadow Blade. The user is then able to use the blade in a projectile attack, using the attached shadow as a tether from the user's hand. The maximum range of this tether can be up to 20 ft, and the Shadow thread cannot be broken.

Technique(s) Learned

Shadow Manipulation - Using their blade as a guiding tool, the Shadowplay student is able to reshape any shadow around them to reach out in a straight line towards a victim's shadow. If the straight line catches them, the user is then able to control their actions, forcing them to mimic his own actions precisely for about 15 seconds.

This technique cannot be used while in Shadow Step (as it requires to the blade to be unsheathed). This technique also has a cooldown of 3 posts.

Shadow Projection - From Shadow Step, the Shadowplay student is able to channel chakra into their freehand and perform a palm thrust in front of them, sending a portion of the shadow beyond it's normal constraints towards an opponent. If the glob of shadows makes contact with any part of the victim's body, it will immobilize the area for 1 post. If the shadow strikes the eyes, it blinds them for 1 post. the maximum size of the projected cannot exceed the size of the user's hand.


5th Act (available at the rank of Sannin/Kage)

Required Growth: This is the final act of Shadowplay and marks a level of mastery over the blade and shadows that is unparalleled. A Shadowplay student who has reached this level is able to control multiple shadows at once and can even go as far a to project images of himself from the shadows to immobilize, or choke the enemy.

(This level requires 13 posts of training to master)

Maneuver(s) Learned

Shadow Rift - From Shadow Step, the user is able to project a 5 foot crescent blade of shadow towards an opponent in a straight line up to a maximum distance of 50 ft. Focusing chakra into their blade, the user quick draws their weapon from within the shadow, the arc and movement of the blade through the shadow creating the crescent blade as the user is dropped out of the shadow.

Technique(s) Learned

Shadow Image - Being well attuned to the shadows, especially those currently around them, the Shadowplay student is capable of projecting their chakra through the shadows, generating shadow images of themselves which run forward much like the shadow Manipulation attack and attempt to grapple the enemy. During shadow Step, the user must perform a series of hand seals with one arm to mold the chakra into the surrounding shadows and project the images.

Only a maximum of 4 images can be formed, and it requires the presence of 4 sufficiently large shadows within a 25 foot radius around the target (the target itself must be within 25 feet of the user). If the image makes contact with the user, it immediately grapples them and holds them still for a period of 1 post. If two images grapple the user, they are held for 2 posts, 3 images, 3 posts, etc...

Shadow Grip - In an instance when 3 or more shadow images are grappling an opponent, from Shadow Step, the Shadowplay student can activate a jutsu which will bend the shadows of the images to form shadowy hands which reach up to the opponents neck and attempt to asphyxiate them. The victim can stop the asphyxiation if they project enough chakra against the shadows to hold them back, but this is very difficult and taxing on the victim. (If the user attempts to choke the victim, it is the only action they can take for that post, and if it is resisted, they cannot use it again on that same enemy.)

Shadow Speech - A Shadowplay student is able to speak through the shadows. Using the shadows themselves as a conduit, the user is able to project a short message to another person who is hidden or enveloped by a shadow within 25 feet of him. The message is sent solely to the desired recipient(s) and is delivered as an eerie and echoing whisper to their ear.

Finale (available at the rank of Sannin/Kage)

Required Growth: The Shadowplay student is now a Master of Shadows. They are now undetectable within shadows by any level of opponent or even any specialized Doujutsu or Bloodline ability or Increased Senses; It is as if they were not there, so long as they remain a part of the shadow. During Shadow Step, they are also able to detect any presence, stealthed or otherwise in any shadow in a 25 ft radius around them.

Technique(s) Learned

Shadow Assault - A Shadowplay master has finally mastered all aspects of utilizing the shadows around them. Now being able to merge with the shadows seamlessly, the Shadowplay master is able to use three successive 'Shadow Strike' maneuvers in a row. Each Shadow Strike occurs in a second, the Shadowplay master appearing from the shadow and disappearing back into it after each attack, re-emerging from another shadow and from a new angle for the next two. this attack requires an S-rank amount of chakra and can only be used once every 5 posts.

(This is gained automatically upon mastering Act 5)

 

[Cobra_X]

Takeshi sat against the wall of a snowy alleyway in a small village, his clothes soaked with wetness as he attempted to cover his ears and shut out the taunts and cries of the children surrounding him. It was recess again, and as usual the older boys had decided to make an example of him considering he rarely ever fought back. Life had not been easy for the young boy, forever without parents, tossed around from orphanage to orphanage like an unwanted garment... and the incredible pain, always filled with pain. Huddled in a ball of wet clothes and tears, steam rose up from the young boy which seemed to melt the falling flakes of snow in his vicinity, which only served to further soak his tattered clothing further. Takeshi had never been able to explain why this happened, but his body temperature seemed to always be higher then that of others and his body always steamed in such cold weather.

Not even feeling the bitter cold of his situation, Takeshi suddenly felt himself gruffly lifted off the ground as he was thrown up against the wall. What would have pained a normal boy however was barely felt by the young man as he made no reaction to the violent treatment, allowing his limbs to hang limply. Takeshi figured it was useless to fight back, the boys would simply gang up on him and he often found that if he simply let them beat him up, it was all over faster. The maneuver only seemed to anger the leader of the gang this time however as he growled in anger to Takeshi's lack of reaction and he tossed the boy to the ground. Again, Takeshi didn't even bother to get up, the impact barely even registered nor did the frigid cold of the snow covered ground he was tossed into. Everything was in the background of his internal heat and pain.

Normally, this would be the end of the torture and the boys would become bored, but today would be different. Another child had reported the violent actions of the older boy to the head of the orphanage which had resulted in a rather severe beating as punishment. With his face battered, the older child wouldn't be happy until he did the same to another. Pulling out a knife, the older boy held it threateningly to Takeshi causing the rest of the boys watching to take a step back in shock and fear. Takeshi however didn't even see it, he simply lay on the ground, his nose buried in the cold snow, tears streaming from his eyes only to form small carved out holes in the snow as they landed. For all he cared, the older boy could kill him and end it all, so Takeshi didn't even bother to move.

Takeshi didn't have to wait long before the older boy came over, picking him up with one hand as he held the knife to Takeshi's throat taunting him, but instead of getting the fearful reaction he wanted, Takeshi simply stared at the boy with uncaring eyes which practically begged him to follow through on the wish. Enraged, the older boy slashed the knife across Takeshi's cheek ripping a large wound across his face as he tossed him away. Something in Takeshi's instinct allowed him to catch himself before falling, his feet skidding across the snowy surface as a trail of dripping blood stained the white snow as it poured liberally from his face. Amazingly however, Takeshi was still standing, his expression as stoic as before, showing no signs of outward pain even from such a large gash.

Reaching up to his wound with his hand, the blood smeared across his cheek and covered his fingers, but still no cries of agony or pain were heard. Even Takeshi seemed to look at the blood now covering his fingers as if the presence of the wound was a surprise. His blood now boiling, the older boy ran towards Takeshi again, the knife in his hand cocked back behind him with deadly intent as he came closer. Suddenly, Takeshi felt something stir within him, a force he had always felt, but never understood. In an instant his body was arrested, his eyes forced shut as immense pain flooded his system, leaving him completely unable to move out of the way or attempt to dodge the incoming attack. By the time he was finally able to force his eyes open, he looked down to see the knife firmly lodged between his ribs, his tattered garments already soaked through with blood which was dripping into a pool collecting in the snow at his feet.

A look of fear had crossed over the entire assembly around them. Most of the children watching were terrified to have been witness to what would seem like a murder, but others simply seemed afraid that Takeshi was still standing. The older boy's face had changed as well. His hand still firmly holding the dagger in Takeshi's ribs, his expression had shifted from blind rage to complete surprise and fear as to what he had just done. Takeshi remained silent however, his expression stoic and his body motionless as steam continued to rise off of him while blood poured forth from his wound onto the snow below. The instant seemed to last for an eternity to everyone looking on until suddenly, Takeshi's hand shot out from it's limp position, wrapped in what seemed like some kind of dark red energy and grabbed the older boy's hand.

In complete shock, the older boy released the knife and tried to pull away, but it was useless. Whatever force it was which wrapped around Takeshi's arm had made it virtually immovable and the older boy could feel the flesh of his arm begin to burn. The pain only intensified as the boy screamed and pulled harder, but it was no use as Takeshi's grip remained unbreakable, the putrid scent of burning flesh filling the air as black steam rose up from the boy's wrist, his flesh beginning to melt away under the intense heat. In an instant Takeshi's entire body suddenly ignited in the same force as he whipped his arm around, effortlessly tossing the older boy into the stone wall of the alleyway about 10 feet away. Pain rippled quickly through the older boy's body as an intense cry of pain was released from his lips only to be cut short by the lack of air in his lungs which allowed him to produce the sound.

The children watching were stunned, their mouths wide open, their movements and voices paralyzed by what they saw before them. Before gravity even set in to drop the older boy from the cratered impressions of the wall, Takeshi had suddenly appeared, his body moving at speeds unknown to him or anyone else before a fist filled with dark red flaring energy shot forward and impacted the boy, Takeshi's arm shooting straight through the older boy's chest in a spray of blood and gore which stained the wall, the snow, and Takeshi in the remnants of what would be the older child's chest and heart in a violent explosion. Screams of terror rang from the alleyway as the children surrounding them ran to escape with their lives as Takeshi's withdrew his arm from the hole he had created in the older boy, blood spewing forth from his body like a geyser as his lifeless body slid down the wall, a crimson streak of blood marking the path of his descent before ending in a stained pile of snow and debris.

The screaming of the children and their departure from the alleyway in a panic had caught the attention of a pair of passing samurai who made their way to the alleyway just in time to see Takeshi standing over the dead child's body, his body wrapped in a flood of violent energy. Takeshi's head snapping up upon their arrival, he saw the two men arrive, but noted only the sheathed swords at their sides before turning to face them with nothing but reckless hate. To say it was Takeshi looking at them however wouldn't have been completely accurate. He could of course see all that was unfolding before his eyes and was aware of it, but his body was reacting almost on it's own, as if some dormant force inside him had suddenly erupted and taken control of his body. The two men ordered Takeshi to step away from the body and stop releasing the energy, but their words couldn't begin to pierce through the pain the young boy was feeling as it drowned out all else around him.

Before the Samurai could respond to his inaction however, Takeshi suddenly began to cringe beneath the energy flowing around him as he fell to his knees grasping his head and shaking it back and forth. Falling to the ground, Takeshi began rolling in the snow, still clutching his head as his body writhed in pain before a ear-piercing scream of pain erupted from him. Somehow managing to his feet, something in his instinct forced him to grab the knife stuck between his ribs as he pulled it out, a violent spurt of blood gushing from the sight as he did so, as his body temporarily gave way and he fell to his knees once again, only to claw at the bloodied snow before rising to a standing position once more. Afraid that the child would go berserk and kill others, the Samurai charged forward, their swords still kept in their sheaths, hoping to knock the child unconscious.

As the first Samurai reached the boy and attempted to swing his sword/sheath at his head, Takeshi's instinct kicked in again, as the forces erupting off of her swirled into an enraged whirlwind of attacks, his arm batting aside the sword and sheath as his hand whipped around to deliver the knife directly into the Samurai's neck, tearing through his artery in a spray of blood across the alleyway adding to the already gruesome death scene. As the man fell to his knees, his companion attempted to deliver a final blow to the back of Takeshi's head only to have the energy wrapping around Takeshi's body lash out towards him, sending him flying into a wall of the alleyway.

Dropping to his knees once more, a final roar of pain erupted from Takeshi as his body burned with the searing heat of a thousand suns, melting the snow all around him, leaving only a blood dirt path below. After this, the energy final subsided, the force within him having purged it's rage to escape leaving Takeshi blackened and burned on all sides of his body, his wounds seared shut as if burned with fire. His expression blank, the young boy's body finally shut down, his small frame leaning forward, before collapsing onto the ground, his head landing in the dirt where a small puddle of his own blood had pooled.

Darkness began to envelop him, the world beginning to collapse into a single point of light in the last remnants of his hazy vision. Even in the oncoming darkness however, he knew he would awake, the question was where would it be. A single tear streamed down his eye again, the colorless liquid mixing with blood as it made it's way down his cheek, his eyes finally closing as his body finally shut down, abandoning his mind to the nightmares that always came afterward. This had not been the first time it had happened, nor would it be the last more then likely.

Snow continued to fall over the alleyway, the pure-white flakes beginning to bury the evidence of the bloody scene beneath it, yet leaving Takeshi uncovered. Steam continued to rise from the young man's body as his body twitched and writhed every so often in response to the nightmares in his mind subjected him to. Clothes soaked through with water and blood, he lay unconscious in a small puddle of melted snow his elevated body heat created as tiny streams of crimson meandered out from underneath him, lightly staining the snow at the puddle's end. There he would stay until he was brought somewhere else, moved to a new orphanage to be someone else's liability, where the scene would once more undoubtedly play itself again. Konaga Takeshi, the boy that no one would ever want.
 

[Cobra_X]

Bloodline Awakening

Hikaru raced through the field, kicking up the dirt behind him as he found himself once more running from unknown assailants. "The attacks are coming nearly monthly now... what is going on?" The young man's thoughts raced through his head as he charged through the high grass, still over 2 miles from the manor as his bodyguards finally caught up with him. "Young Master, continue on, we need to dispatch two groups, who are flanking from the side... be careful." Hikaru nodded as he watched his body guards move off. It was not that he was unacquainted with battle, his family had been under attack for almost a year now from bandits and mercenaries who seemed to attack their family more and more often.

Recently however, a large number of the attacks had been focused on Hikaru himself as he was recently named the next in line to the family's head on the announcement of his sister's death. As the only remaining child of the queen, he was to take over the family until the youngest sister was old enough to rule. As everything ran through his head, Hikaru was forced to react quickly, moving into a forward roll just in time as a man arrived on the field, swinging horizontally to remove his head. ducking under the blow quickly, Hikaru was quick to slide across the high grass and turn around, righting himself in his classic Iaijutsu position, with his right hand hovering over the hilt of Kazesenkou. "Not so bad princeling, but I'm afraid it's all over for you now. The flanks were a diversion... you die today."

The man instantly charged, as Hikaru moved forward himself, drawing his blade as wind engulfed his arm, his sword erupting out of it's sheath at incredible speed, only to surprisingly be stopped by the enemy's blade. Hikaru was shocked at the ease which with the man had ceased his blade, but then realized that the man's hand was bleeding, from the sheer force required to stop Hikaru's blade..."Heh... I've been studying you and that sword kid... impressive, but that's the best you've got, and I can see right through it." With a shove, the man pushed Hikaru back as his arm was twisted slightly, now also weakened as the Flash wind technique had temporarily slowed his arm. Staring down at the ground, things looked somewhat grim as the man's blade came down towards his head, but Hikaru simply smiled as he formed a single hand seal in front of him... "Scatter"

Hikaru's sword was instantly transformed as the blade began to deteriorate, the metal breaking off from the tip of the blade as wonderfully beautiful blue lotus petals began to flake off into the air. The sword edge was soon completely gone as the air was filled with the blue petals, which hovered in the air before moving in a coordinated effort, to act as a shield against the incoming attack as the assailant's blade crashed into the petals. a silence filled the air for a second as the attacker was stunned at the display in front of him. "It's too bad." Hikaru said as he stood up and composed himself... "I rather dislike the idea of killing my opponent's dumbest member... but I suppose arrogance must be punished at some point."

The lotus petals immediately dispersed into the air as they swirled around Hikaru and then flew directly towards the man, who in a panic raised his sword up to deflect the incoming petals, only to have them bounce off his sword and attack anew from another angle. The attacker's blade struggled to keep up with hthe hundreds of petals, but with each swipe, the petals would simply disperse to attack at a new angle, as others would slice forward, nicking his skin and clothing from all sides as the man must have suffered at least 20 cuts by now. Hikaru continued the assault, as the man became frantic, swinging his sword in all directions trying to swat the petals away, only to brought to his knees as he dropped his sword, his face, arms and body cut in a hundred places as he was bleeding all over, exhausted and in pain.

The lotus petals slow began to drift away from the man as they flowed back to Hikaru, who held the empty sheath of Kazesenkou up, collecting the lotus petals as they flowed together once more, reforming his beloved blade as he sheathed it looked down on the man. "I'd offer some form of future advice to you, but something tells me, it wouldn't do you much good." Removing a shuriken from his inner robe, Hikaru held it up to the moonlight as the crest of his family shown brightly in the soft glow. Without a second thought, he threw it at the man as it soared towards his neck. As it was about to strike, Hikaur held up his hand once more, forming the same seal as he had before... "Scatter" The shuriken dispersed in a second beautiful display of blue lotus petals, filling the man's last vision with that of a blue moonlight shimmer off the petals as they passed by him, quickly forcing him into darkness as he fell to the ground dead from multiple lacerations across his neck.
 

[Cobra_X]

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 dangerou 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 jsut 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.
 

[Cobra_X]

Xxxxxxx Aikido

Finding it's roots in the pure practices of Aikido, _________ is a unique blend of the concepts of Aikido coupled with a response or redirection of energy designed to disable the opponent. Fusing these two concepts is not easy, as Aikido concepts require the user to simultaneously accept incoming attacks whilst respecting the attacker at the same time, never seeking to attack. However, in the process of re-directing the flow of Ki, a practitioner of the style can respect the opponent while at the same time disabling him which brings about a peaceful resolution to the conflict by neutralizing not only the attack, but the attacker.

The style itself focuses on training the body to act 'like flowing water' in all it does. At the beginner level, this is manifested in training the body in the proper use of 'Ukemi', the act of receiving a technique to soften the blow. More advanced training then seeks to neutralize incoming energies, receiving them safely and absorbing their effects, whereas more advanced techniques absorb that same energy and then release it in a crashing force against their opponent.

The style emphasizes close combat responses against multiple opponents while unarmed and requires time to first bring the body and mind to a place of peace where they can truly accept and engage their enemy in the proper frame of mind. This style is popular with many Samurai as it has it's roots in the old traditions, while fusing the concepts with more 'offensive' techniques which utilize chakra (or Ki) energy to disable not only one's physical abilities, but their ability to utilize and mold chakra (or Ki) as well.



Shokyuu no Etoku (Elementary Level of Understanding) - [Genin]
The first level of training in this style focuses almost entirely on spiritual concepts with a small number of basic movements incorporated into the teaching to provide a basis for what will be expanded on later. Ukemi is also trained at this level, giving the young practitioner a way to receive, safely, what would otherwise be a devastating strike or throw. All of this lays the ground work for what will be expanded on in future levels of understanding. The key to this style is an understanding of it's philosophy which puts the practitioner in the right frame of mind to properly execute the techniques.

Training Principles / Requirements:

Concepts (Techniques):

Calm of Mind: The calming of the mind in order to use Aikido properly is required of all starting practitioners as they are not yet quick to adopt the proper state of mind to execute techniques properly. Only when a practitioner attains peace can they then properly engage Uke and hold to the principles of Aikido; Never Attacking, only ever responding to energy brought against you.

- [This requires an RPC to take an entire post where they do nothing but calm their mind and prepare themselves with the proper frame of mind. Once that is done, they need not do it again for the entirety of the battle they are engaged in.]

"Cast off limiting thoughts and return to true emptiness. Stand in the midst of the Great Void. This is the secret of the Way of a Warrior."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ukemi - “Notice that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind.”

Add: Ikkyo - Sankyo

Add: Mune Tsuki Kotegaeshi
Add: Shomen Uchi Ikkyo
Add: Yokomen Kokyonage


Progress comes to those who train and train. Reliance on secret techniques will get you nowhere.



Chuukyuu no Etoku (Intermediate Level of Understanding) - [Chuunin]

Add: Acceptance

Add: Throws

Add: First Chakra technique , Weakening of the Arms

“Be like water making its way through cracks. Do not be assertive, but adjust to the object, and you shall find a way around or through it. If nothing within you stays rigid, outward things will disclose themselves."

“The great mistake is to anticipate the outcome of the engagement; you ought not to be thinking of whether it ends in victory or defeat. Let nature take its course, and your tools will strike at the right moment.”

When an opponent comes forward, move in and greet him; if he wants to pull back, send him on his way.

In our techniques we enter completely into, blend totally with, and control firmly an attack. Strength resides where one's ki is concentrated and stable; confusion and maliciousness arise when ki stagnates.

There are two type of ki: ordinary ki and true ki. Ordinary ki is coarse and heavy; true ki is light and versatile. In order to perform well, you have to liberate yourself from ordinary ki and permeate your organs with true ki. That is the basis of powerful technique.

In Aikido we never attack. An attack is proof that one is out of control. Never run away from any kind of challenge, but do not try to suppress or control an opponent unnaturally. Let attackers come any way they like and then blend with them. Never chase after opponents. Redirect each attack and get firmly behind it.


Joukyuu no Etoku (Advanced Level of Understanding) - [Sp.Jounin/Jounin]

"Opponents confront us continually, but actually there is no opponent there. Enter deeply into an attack and neutralize it as you draw that misdirected force into your own sphere."

“Though surrounded by many enemies, view them as a single foe and so fight on.”


Techniques employ four qualities that reflect the nature of our world. Depending on the circumstance, you should be: hard as a diamond, flexible as a willow, smooth-flowing like water, or as empty as space.

If your opponent strikes with fire, counter with water, becoming completely fluid and free-flowing. Water, by its nature, never collides with or breaks against anything. On the contrary, it swallows up any attack harmlessly.

Even the most powerful human being has a limited sphere of strength. Draw him outside of that sphere and into your own, and his strength will dissipate.






Shishou no Etoku (Master's Level of Understanding) - [Sannin/Kage]

Seeing me before him, the enemy attacks, but by that time I am already standing safely behind him.


Aikido is the principle of non-resistance. Because it is non-resistant, it is victorious from the beginning. Those with evil intentions or contentious thoughts are instantly vanquished. Aikido is invincible because it contends with nothing.

The techniques of Aikido change constantly; every encounter is unique, and the appropriate response should emerge naturally. Today's techniques will be different tomorrow. Do not get caught up with the form and appearance of a challenge. Aikido has no form - it is the study of the spirit.  

[Cobra_X]

--- The Waterfall Grove ---



A peaceful area, serene in every way, nestled in the center of a large forest, the Waterfall Grove could just as well be a vacation spot as much as it could be a battle arena. The waters of this small waterfall created area are about 10 feet deep at the falls, but rise up the further you go away from them, yet always remaining about 2 feet deep at all points. the water is moving, but generally still and easy to walk on, so long as the ninja has trained with the appropriate techniques required to walk on water. Suiton users thrive here with water all around them, but Doton users are fresh out of luck with the low amount of earth present in the area.

What could there be to fear in such a serene place as all the other Arena's have their threats?... MONKEYS. That's right, Monkeys. Those damn dirty apes don't like Genin spoiling their peace and quite within the forests. Every round, you'll have to dodge an assortment of bananas, rocks, tropical fruits, and some not so tropical fruits (yes, I'm talking about feces) which are thrown from the heights in an attempt to shoo you away. (No, you cannot kill the monkeys to make them stop throwing fruit. These monkeys are surprisingly ninja and cannot be seen.)

{Suiton Users : -1 chakra point cost on all Suiton jutsu}
{Doton users : +1 chakra point cost for all Doton jutsu}

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--- The Volcanic Plains ---



Holy s**t... this place is HOT. The volcanic plains are the product of a chain of small volcanoes which have permanently cracked and scarred the land. Though the ground is solid, below the surface, rivers of magma and fire run swiftly, often times shooting up out of the cracks in the surface of this land. The heat is almost unbearable, but there is no difficulty in breathing due to any kind of ash or other volcanic effects. Though not entirely pleasant to them, this area is great for Katon users and dismally wretched for Suiton users.

After every 2 posts, a jet of fire will shoot out of multiple cracks and surfaces around and near the Genin, making them dodge the spurts of ignited gas and fire, or risk some nasty burns. Somehow, the fire always seems to find you, so don't try to pull that "it erupted off to the side of me" crap. DODGE IT, or be burned.

{Katon Users: All Katon jutsu used are +1 in rank}
{Suiton Users: All Suiton techniques used are -1 in rank}
{Doton Users: Once every 3 jutsu can add a 'magma' effect, as the jutsu can carry the running lava underneath it along with it.}
{Yonbi: +2 to all Yoton Jutsu}

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--- Dragon's Teeth ---



Dragon's Teeth is a dangerous landscape which requires one to be a master of chakra control even to fight within it. Large spires of earth rise up from the ground at multiple angles and differing lengths, but what they all have in common is that they are rocky and sharp. there is no 'ground' to speak of here, as the spires themselves simply rise up from the earth, hundreds of feet up in the air, though many of the spires are large enough to hold two shinobi. The key in this area however is to keep moving, as you never know what may come next.

What more could this dangerous landscape possibly do to you? Meteors. That's right folks... meteors fall from the sky every other post, flying right towards you. They're only small meteors, about the size of a human, but they hit with enough force to utterly destroy whatever spire you are currently standing on. If that wasn't bad enough, after the meteor strikes and destroys a spire, another spire rises up at a different angle in a nearby area to take it's place, shifting the battlefield once more.

{Fuuton users: +1 to jutsu strength... effectively due to how difficult high winds are to deal with here}
{Every use of an earth jutsu will collapse the column the user is on at the beginning of his next post.}
{Suiton users: Water jutsu cost an extra chakra point to use... as there is no ground water to draw from}

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--- The Crag Lands ---



The Crag Lands is a wide open mountain terrain that is rocky and unforgiving. Many of the rock formations around are sharp and oddly shaped, giving a incredibly diverse number of scenarios and tactics to be used within it. If you can think of it, that sort of rock formation is probably no more then 50 ft away from you. This is an ideal battlefield for Doton users, but doesn't really harm or help any other elemental type in the process.

This is a seemingly straight forward battleground, except of course for the earthquakes and the occasional dragon. After every two posts, the ground will begin to shake rather violently due to an earthquake, causing large fissures and fault lines to form near the combatants. The fissures can range in size, but are generally very long, spanning large lengths of a field and can be about 10 ft wide. The post following every earthquake, a dragon will appear, apparently rather pissed that you are on his mountain and will shoot fireballs at both users.

{Doton Users: +1 jutsu ranks}

--- Hurricane Canyon ---



The Hurricane canyon is narrow, but long... very long and it has many twists and turns within it as well. Spanning only 25 ft from one side to the other, it can seem cramped, but with solid chakra control, the walls can easily become a new battlefield of their own. the distinctive feature of the canyon however are the winds. Wind is CONSTANTLY flowing throughout the canyon every post, at a strength hard enough to knock your hat off. Fuuton users are at a great advantage here, but watch out, as Fire jutsu are also amplified (though not so much as to overpower a wind jutsu).

Every 2 posts, as if the winds weren't bad enough themselves, a hurricane like gust whips through the cavern with enough force to send your body flying (and it will in fact, do so) You can maintain your stance at the cost of 3 chakra points (by attaching to a surface tightly), but otherwise you will be thrown around violently and may risk injuring yourself on the walls of the canyon, or by falling if you are already attached to the canyon walls.

{Fuuton Jutsu: +1 rank in power, and they trump fire jutsu of the same level}
{Fire Jutsu: 1.5x power and the range of the effect is doubled.}
{Attaching to a wall costs 1 chakra point per post, due to high winds}

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--- The Tsunami Cliffs ---



Perhaps the most brutal of all of the arenas, the Tsunami Cliffs are a blessing and a curse, even to suiton users. Located some odd 200 feet from the actual shore line, the cliffs overhang the beachfront and consist of trees and smooth rock faces which stretch for miles, despite the cliff's surface only being about 100 ft wide. As one might guess from the name however, the cliffs themselves are not the most distinctive feature of the landscape.

Every 2 posts, the ocean wells up below the cliffs, quickly rising as the winds kick up to incredible speeds. The waves grow and fast approach the cliffs as tsunami force waters threaten anyone foolish enough to stand their grounds on the cliffs and face their onslaught. After a tsunami wave hits, the water soaks the area, making the already smooth rock face slippery and even more difficult to fight on.

{Suiton jutsu gain a +1 rank bonus if used during a wave}
{Katon jutsu lose -1 rank in effectiveness for 1 post AFTER a wave hits.}

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--- Thin Ice ---



Located on a frozen lake within the mountains, the apply-named 'Thin Ice' location is not an area for casual fighting. The lake's surface is traversable, but as you move and fight upon it, you can hear the very ice itself groaning and cracking underneath your feet. Walking in and of itself is no easy feet either as the ice is as slick and slightly wet.

Every 2 posts, if the user is placing weight on the surface of the ice, they must roll a 6-sided die. On a 1 or a 2, your RPC falls through the ice and must suffer the effects of falling directly into FREEZING cold water. Every round after the fall, the user goes further and further into hypothermia (unless warmed up), with will decrease their speed, agility, toughness, etc... and after 7 posts, you start to feel numbness and lose control of your limbs.

{Hyouton Users: +1 rank of jutsu}
{Fuuton Users: All wind jutsu gain 1.5x boost in power (due to cold winds).}
{'Maintaining perfect balance' OR 'Placing no weight on the ice' with Chakra control, costs 1 chakra point/post}
{'Maintaining perfect balance' AND 'Placing no weight on the ice' with Chakra control, costs 3 chakra points/post}

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--- The Lightning Tower ---



The Lightning Tower is one of the more 'confined' fighting areas as it is only a 75x75 ft platform with a 15 foot diameter column in the middle of the arena. the colun itself cannot be destroyed and is 50 ft high, capped off by another, smaller fighting area, which is 50x50 ft. The area can lead to some very interesting fights as the area with which to move is limited, though the column provides great cover. with the addition of the second fighting area on top of the center column, many fights end up escalating to the upper area, often taking place on and around the column itself in the process. off the edges of the arena, it's a 300 ft fall... so try to keep your balance.

In this area, every two posts, each RPC will have a bolt of lightning directed directly towards them. The lightning is fast, but artificial, so it can be dodged... but it still take a decent amount of effort. (Dodging the lightning bolt will remove an action from your post, so if you could normally move/attack and use a jutsu, if a lightning bolt strikes, you can only move/attack, or use a jutsu. (moving however is suggested, as not moving will make you be struck by lightning.) for this reason, Speed and Combo fighters thrive here, as they get more actions then others.

{Raiton users: +1 jutsu rank... but no, you cannot manipulate the lightning}
{For every 3 katon jutsu used, the lightning strikes again, due to elevated air temperatures.}

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--- The Forest Cathedral ---



Once used as an ancient worship center to nature, The Forest Cathedral is a beautiful location, but one not often visited or seen. The cathedral itself is immense, the forest tree's offering their trunks as the pillars of the structure with crystal clear glass windows which sheds columns of light into the area. The cathedral is about 200x200 feet long/wide and towers for another 100 feet, all of it entangled and adorned with vines, ivy, and other plants which crawl across the windows, over the ground, and everywhere along the borders of the structure.

Don't let the serene nature of the wide open cathedral lull you into a false sense of security though. The cathedral itself is alive and it doesn't take kindly at all to being disturbed. Every 2 posts, the trees, roots, and ivy themselves will rise up against you. the trees will shoot wood needles (about the size of hari over over a wide area, 20 feet around where each ninja is standing, and the roots on the ground will attempt to entangle you and hold you still as well. if caught, you must spend an action to cut yourself free of the vines before you can move again.

{Mokuton Users: +1 all Mokuton jutsu}
{Fire jutsu can be used to drive away the roots on the ground, but will result in extra needle sprays from the trees}

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--- The Dune Caverns ---



The Dune Caverns aren't as scorchingly hot as the open desert, but are still pretty warm. The large overhanging rocks of the caverns are in fact cool, having been shielded from the sun for a very long time, but the ground of the caverns are as deep and sandy as the desert itself. when stepping on the sands, your feet will sink about 1 foot into the sands unless of course, you are using chakra control to keep you on the surface. The caves are very long and decently wide, but the cavern's ceilings are only about 20 ft high.

After every 2 posts, a high wind kicks through the area, picking up dust and sand, creating a large dust storm within the caves. the winds are strong enough to push a human, but not enough to knock them down, though the sand and debris that comes with them is rather stinging to the skin as it hits, making it very difficult to see.

{Fuuton users: +1 Fuuton jutsu rank in a post following the sandstorm}
{Doton Users: +1 all Doton jutsu, but the technique utilizes sand, not earth, making it less damaging in terms of blunt power}
{Suiton Users: Costs an extra 3 chakra points to create the water used in the jutsu}