So, I've been thinking lately, and I figure it'd be fun to put some thought into handseals. We all use them, all jutsu require them unless blatantly stated otherwise, but the guild itself has never really put much work into them, and looking at the wiki, neither has canon. We know the tiger seal is used for fire jutsu, and if you do a tiny bit of research you know rat is used for shadow jutsu, but that's about it.
Now, before anyone starts to get the wrong idea, I'm not proposing any new systems. Just a bit of thought. Some lore, some jutsu theory even, which could be fun to mess with for people who enjoy putting a lot of background into their jutsu usage or creation. Custom creators could use the ideas gained from this to put a bit more depth into their customs as well, which always makes them interesting. Maybe, if it works out well, we could even use it as a base if we do ever start an actual hand seal system.
With that said, basically what I want to do, is look at each seal and consider what it might represent. I read an interesting fanfic awhile back that did this, and that's likely where I got the idea from. Sadly, I can't remember the name of that fic, so I can't go look at it. (If anyone knows which one I'm talking about, awesome. Please share?)
Tora, as we know, is used for fire. It's the only one I can remember from that fic, which attributed it's attribute to power. Seems fitting for the seal almost all fire jutsu end with. Each seal, then, has it's own attribute along those lines. The order of sealing alters and mixes the attributes, until the jutsu is created. So, I want to look at the attribute of each seal.
For convenience, these are the seals.
Bird: The bird represents FLIGHT. When the bird takes flight, there is none that can stand before it. This seal is used in many wind jutsu.
Boar:
Dog: The dog represents TRACKING. It's nose can follow any scent, to any distance, without fail.
Dragon:
Ox: The ox represents DEFENSE. It is sturdy, and sound, and will balk to no man.
Tiger: The tiger represents POWER. It's strength adds overwhelming power to a jutsu, but also brings instability. It is primarily used for fire jutsu, due to the element's association with both.
Serpent: The serpent represents fluidity and CHANGE. It's motions are smooth and unending, and it sheds old skins to begin anew.
Rat:
Horse:
Monkey:
Hare:
Ram: The ram represents FORCE. It is most commonly used to draw more power from one's reserves, adding it to the jutsu.
That's the ones I have so far. I'm still looking for more, so I'd love idea from anyone who likes the idea, or even just criticisms on my own choices.
Now, before anyone starts to get the wrong idea, I'm not proposing any new systems. Just a bit of thought. Some lore, some jutsu theory even, which could be fun to mess with for people who enjoy putting a lot of background into their jutsu usage or creation. Custom creators could use the ideas gained from this to put a bit more depth into their customs as well, which always makes them interesting. Maybe, if it works out well, we could even use it as a base if we do ever start an actual hand seal system.
With that said, basically what I want to do, is look at each seal and consider what it might represent. I read an interesting fanfic awhile back that did this, and that's likely where I got the idea from. Sadly, I can't remember the name of that fic, so I can't go look at it. (If anyone knows which one I'm talking about, awesome. Please share?)
Tora, as we know, is used for fire. It's the only one I can remember from that fic, which attributed it's attribute to power. Seems fitting for the seal almost all fire jutsu end with. Each seal, then, has it's own attribute along those lines. The order of sealing alters and mixes the attributes, until the jutsu is created. So, I want to look at the attribute of each seal.
For convenience, these are the seals.
Bird: The bird represents FLIGHT. When the bird takes flight, there is none that can stand before it. This seal is used in many wind jutsu.
Boar:
Dog: The dog represents TRACKING. It's nose can follow any scent, to any distance, without fail.
Dragon:
Ox: The ox represents DEFENSE. It is sturdy, and sound, and will balk to no man.
Tiger: The tiger represents POWER. It's strength adds overwhelming power to a jutsu, but also brings instability. It is primarily used for fire jutsu, due to the element's association with both.
Serpent: The serpent represents fluidity and CHANGE. It's motions are smooth and unending, and it sheds old skins to begin anew.
Rat:
Horse:
Monkey:
Hare:
Ram: The ram represents FORCE. It is most commonly used to draw more power from one's reserves, adding it to the jutsu.
That's the ones I have so far. I'm still looking for more, so I'd love idea from anyone who likes the idea, or even just criticisms on my own choices.
