Post by Memphis on Nov 6, 2007 12:52:18 GMT -5
Shinigami are spirits who have trained dutifully to battle hollows, spirits who have become corrupted. They have great skills when it comes to their zanpakuto (Cutting soul-sword), Kido (demon path), and both hand and foot combat. After training they are assembled into thirteen squad division with a captain and lieutenant in the power positions of each division. There is also a commander-general in charge of squad one.
This game takes place away from Ichigo and his struggles. Soul Society, busy dealing with Ichigo, has been to busy to pay too much attention to Desmond City where true chaos is unfolding. There has been significant events occuring around Desmond City that has warranted a special task squad to be formed to observe it closely. This Squad is commanded by a few Captains and their supporting Lieutenants and shinigami that have been chosen to operate here.
Kido
Kido are spellcrafts of the shinigami and have been split into sub-classes: Bakudo (binding) and Hado (destructive). This is an incomplete list, but more and more kido are being coined. Both areas have spells listed from 1-99, weakest to strongest.
Zanpakuto (Cutting Soul-Sword)
Most zanpakutō look like a regular katana, with slight variations between them as one would expect between different swords. However, each zanpakutō is imbued with a sentient spirit, which gives the sword the power to purify hollows, send souls to the afterlife, and transform the zanpakutō itself into more elaborate and powerful forms. While similar on the outside, all zanpakutō have unique (though sometimes similar) abilities that usually match their owner's personality.Zanpakutō, being sentient beings, are a shinigami's partner in battle and cannot be replaced. Because they are alive, a zanpakutō will regenerate if broken, though there is a limit to such regeneration (a vaporized zanpakutō would not regenerate, for example). As a shinigami gains power, their zanpakutō can change form by allowing the inner being to manifest itself to a greater degree in the outside world. The sword and the inner being are synonymous to each other. While not explicitly stated, it is implied that a shinigami can use another shinigami's zanpakutō. It is known that one shinigami, Kaname Tōsen, uses a zanpakutō that is not his own.
Forms
Beyond their standard sealed state, zanpakutō can manifest themselves in two additional forms, the use of which is dependent upon the shinigami's ability to communicate with and control the zanpakutō's spirit. These two forms, known asshikai and bankai, are akin to "upgrades" for the zanpakutō, giving it abilities far beyond that of its simple use as a sword. Shinigami usually carry their zanpakutō in the sealed state and activate the released forms as necessary. Shinigami with zanpakutō of the constant-release type, such as Ichigo Kurosaki, are unable to seal their zanpakutō and therefore carry them in released form constantly.
In addition to the upgraded forms, the sealed form of a zanpakutō can also be radically altered, though such alterations are purely cosmetic and usually don't offer any significant advantage in battle; one exception is Ikkaku Madarame's Hōzukimaru, whose hilt stores a blood-clotting ointment.Shinigami who are unable to control their own spiritual power have larger sealed zanpakutō, as Ichigo Kurosaki did when he first became a shinigami. Isshin Kurosaki, Ichigo's father, explains at one point that high-level shinigami must be capable of maintaining and suppressing the size of their sword. Otherwise, they would end up swinging around swords the size of skyscrapers.Zanpakutō can also be disguised as other objects, though such objects seem to need to be of similar proportions to the sword itself. Both Kisuke Urahara and General Yamamoto, for example, disguise their zanpakutō as canes.
Shikai
The shikai (initial release) is the first "upgraded" form available to a zanpakutō. To activate it, the shinigami needs to learn the name of their zanpakutō. This is not as simple as simply picking a name, as the living spirit of the zanpakutō chooses its own name. Therefore, the shinigamizanpakutō effectively, which requires being able to speak to the spirit within its world. Achievement of the shikai is a mark of control of a zanpakutō, and it appears to be a requirement for advancement within the shinigami ranks, as most (with the notable exception of Kenpachi Zaraki) seated officers and presumably all lieutenants are capable of shikai. must be able to communicate with their.
After first learning the zanpakutō's name, the shikai can be performed at will simply by speaking a command followed by the zanpakutō's name. The command phrase varies between users and often relates to thezanpakutō's signature ability, or hints at the nature of its spirit. This step may be bypassed by expert shinigami, usually those who are at least approaching discovery of their final release. In rare cases, a zanpakutō, once released, will remain in that state and will not have a sealed state. Such zanpakutō are described as a full-time released form type.
Once the shikai is activated, the zanpakutō will change form to access whatever special abilities it is capable of. They usually remain in the form of a sword, but the type of sword differs radically among various zanpakutō. The special abilities of the zanpakutō, like the zanpakutō itself, have specific names that usually must be announced to fully activate the effect. As Ichigo's zanpakutō, Zangetsu, explains, knowing the name of an attack and not knowing it makes a difference in the amount of power that attack has.
Bankai
The bankai (final release) is the second and assumed final form of a zanpakutō. To achieve it, one must be able to materialize their zanpakutō's spirit in the real world and subjugate it, giving the shinigami full reign over the zanpakutō's power. According to Yoruichi Shihouin, the power of bankai typically increases a shinigami's power by a factor of ten. Because such an act usually takes hundreds of years of combat experience to achieve, it is rare amongstshinigami and almost exclusively limited to the thirteen shinigami captains in the Gotei 13. Byakuya Kuchiki claims that among the four noble houses of Soul Society, only one person in several generations will be born with the spiritual power necessary to achieve it. Ichigo Kurosaki and Kisuke Urahara are exceptions to this fact. Using a special device created by Urahara, which forcibly materializes azanpakutō spirit (thus bypassing the experience portion of the training), they were able to attain their bankai within three days, instead of the normal hundreds of years. It was said by Urahara that it was dangerous for the training to go longer than a period of 3 days.
After a shinigami is able to materialize and subjugate their zanpakutō's spirit, the zanpakutō can assume its final and most powerful form. Unlike the shikai, there is no command phrase to activate bankai, though the user will usually say bankai beforehand. A zanpakutō's bankai is often a manifestation of the spirit itself, usually creating a massive creature or effect to aid the user in battle (Ichigo's bankai is an exception, becoming more compact instead). The bankai itself will often receive a different name from the ordinary zanpakuto (Ichigo's Zangetsu becomes Tensa Zangetsu, Byakuya's Senbonzakura becomes Senbonzakura Kageyoshi). Certain shinigami also change with their zanpakutō, gaining clothing similar to what their spirit form looks like. Most zanpakutō will also gain additional special abilities. Like with the shikai, most of these abilities have an associated name. Maintaining the bankai is taxing for the wielder, and it is difficult to maintain it for long periods of time. Byakuya Kuchiki has stated during his fight with Renji that a shinigami who can release his zanpakutō without calling the shikai command has accomplished bankai. He also said that the bankai will also dissipate if the user is in critical condition or near death.
Makai
The makai (pure release) is the third and true final form of a Soul Society Shinigami. The methodology of attaining this godly release is unknown as only a miniscule number of shinigami have ever attained it. The idea is not controlling the Zanpakuto, but cooperating with it to attain a goal. In that aspect it is possible, though not likely, for a shinigami to obtain makai before bankai.
Types
There are several types of zanpakutō, classed by the main purpose or effect of their special abilities. For example, Ichigo Kurosaki's zanpakutō is a melee-type zanpakutō, since it is primarily designed for close-combat. Yumichika Ayasegawa's zanpakutō, on the other hand, is a kidō-type zanpakutō, since it's designed around its special ability rather than its close combat potential. Some zanpakutō are also classified by element: Tōshirō Hitsugaya and Rukia Kuchiki possess ice-type zanpakutō, Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai controls a fire-type one, and Kaien Shiba's uses water-based abilities.
This game takes place away from Ichigo and his struggles. Soul Society, busy dealing with Ichigo, has been to busy to pay too much attention to Desmond City where true chaos is unfolding. There has been significant events occuring around Desmond City that has warranted a special task squad to be formed to observe it closely. This Squad is commanded by a few Captains and their supporting Lieutenants and shinigami that have been chosen to operate here.
Kido
Kido are spellcrafts of the shinigami and have been split into sub-classes: Bakudo (binding) and Hado (destructive). This is an incomplete list, but more and more kido are being coined. Both areas have spells listed from 1-99, weakest to strongest.
Zanpakuto (Cutting Soul-Sword)
Most zanpakutō look like a regular katana, with slight variations between them as one would expect between different swords. However, each zanpakutō is imbued with a sentient spirit, which gives the sword the power to purify hollows, send souls to the afterlife, and transform the zanpakutō itself into more elaborate and powerful forms. While similar on the outside, all zanpakutō have unique (though sometimes similar) abilities that usually match their owner's personality.Zanpakutō, being sentient beings, are a shinigami's partner in battle and cannot be replaced. Because they are alive, a zanpakutō will regenerate if broken, though there is a limit to such regeneration (a vaporized zanpakutō would not regenerate, for example). As a shinigami gains power, their zanpakutō can change form by allowing the inner being to manifest itself to a greater degree in the outside world. The sword and the inner being are synonymous to each other. While not explicitly stated, it is implied that a shinigami can use another shinigami's zanpakutō. It is known that one shinigami, Kaname Tōsen, uses a zanpakutō that is not his own.
Forms
Beyond their standard sealed state, zanpakutō can manifest themselves in two additional forms, the use of which is dependent upon the shinigami's ability to communicate with and control the zanpakutō's spirit. These two forms, known asshikai and bankai, are akin to "upgrades" for the zanpakutō, giving it abilities far beyond that of its simple use as a sword. Shinigami usually carry their zanpakutō in the sealed state and activate the released forms as necessary. Shinigami with zanpakutō of the constant-release type, such as Ichigo Kurosaki, are unable to seal their zanpakutō and therefore carry them in released form constantly.
In addition to the upgraded forms, the sealed form of a zanpakutō can also be radically altered, though such alterations are purely cosmetic and usually don't offer any significant advantage in battle; one exception is Ikkaku Madarame's Hōzukimaru, whose hilt stores a blood-clotting ointment.Shinigami who are unable to control their own spiritual power have larger sealed zanpakutō, as Ichigo Kurosaki did when he first became a shinigami. Isshin Kurosaki, Ichigo's father, explains at one point that high-level shinigami must be capable of maintaining and suppressing the size of their sword. Otherwise, they would end up swinging around swords the size of skyscrapers.Zanpakutō can also be disguised as other objects, though such objects seem to need to be of similar proportions to the sword itself. Both Kisuke Urahara and General Yamamoto, for example, disguise their zanpakutō as canes.
Shikai
The shikai (initial release) is the first "upgraded" form available to a zanpakutō. To activate it, the shinigami needs to learn the name of their zanpakutō. This is not as simple as simply picking a name, as the living spirit of the zanpakutō chooses its own name. Therefore, the shinigamizanpakutō effectively, which requires being able to speak to the spirit within its world. Achievement of the shikai is a mark of control of a zanpakutō, and it appears to be a requirement for advancement within the shinigami ranks, as most (with the notable exception of Kenpachi Zaraki) seated officers and presumably all lieutenants are capable of shikai. must be able to communicate with their.
After first learning the zanpakutō's name, the shikai can be performed at will simply by speaking a command followed by the zanpakutō's name. The command phrase varies between users and often relates to thezanpakutō's signature ability, or hints at the nature of its spirit. This step may be bypassed by expert shinigami, usually those who are at least approaching discovery of their final release. In rare cases, a zanpakutō, once released, will remain in that state and will not have a sealed state. Such zanpakutō are described as a full-time released form type.
Once the shikai is activated, the zanpakutō will change form to access whatever special abilities it is capable of. They usually remain in the form of a sword, but the type of sword differs radically among various zanpakutō. The special abilities of the zanpakutō, like the zanpakutō itself, have specific names that usually must be announced to fully activate the effect. As Ichigo's zanpakutō, Zangetsu, explains, knowing the name of an attack and not knowing it makes a difference in the amount of power that attack has.
Bankai
The bankai (final release) is the second and assumed final form of a zanpakutō. To achieve it, one must be able to materialize their zanpakutō's spirit in the real world and subjugate it, giving the shinigami full reign over the zanpakutō's power. According to Yoruichi Shihouin, the power of bankai typically increases a shinigami's power by a factor of ten. Because such an act usually takes hundreds of years of combat experience to achieve, it is rare amongstshinigami and almost exclusively limited to the thirteen shinigami captains in the Gotei 13. Byakuya Kuchiki claims that among the four noble houses of Soul Society, only one person in several generations will be born with the spiritual power necessary to achieve it. Ichigo Kurosaki and Kisuke Urahara are exceptions to this fact. Using a special device created by Urahara, which forcibly materializes azanpakutō spirit (thus bypassing the experience portion of the training), they were able to attain their bankai within three days, instead of the normal hundreds of years. It was said by Urahara that it was dangerous for the training to go longer than a period of 3 days.
After a shinigami is able to materialize and subjugate their zanpakutō's spirit, the zanpakutō can assume its final and most powerful form. Unlike the shikai, there is no command phrase to activate bankai, though the user will usually say bankai beforehand. A zanpakutō's bankai is often a manifestation of the spirit itself, usually creating a massive creature or effect to aid the user in battle (Ichigo's bankai is an exception, becoming more compact instead). The bankai itself will often receive a different name from the ordinary zanpakuto (Ichigo's Zangetsu becomes Tensa Zangetsu, Byakuya's Senbonzakura becomes Senbonzakura Kageyoshi). Certain shinigami also change with their zanpakutō, gaining clothing similar to what their spirit form looks like. Most zanpakutō will also gain additional special abilities. Like with the shikai, most of these abilities have an associated name. Maintaining the bankai is taxing for the wielder, and it is difficult to maintain it for long periods of time. Byakuya Kuchiki has stated during his fight with Renji that a shinigami who can release his zanpakutō without calling the shikai command has accomplished bankai. He also said that the bankai will also dissipate if the user is in critical condition or near death.
Makai
The makai (pure release) is the third and true final form of a Soul Society Shinigami. The methodology of attaining this godly release is unknown as only a miniscule number of shinigami have ever attained it. The idea is not controlling the Zanpakuto, but cooperating with it to attain a goal. In that aspect it is possible, though not likely, for a shinigami to obtain makai before bankai.
Types
There are several types of zanpakutō, classed by the main purpose or effect of their special abilities. For example, Ichigo Kurosaki's zanpakutō is a melee-type zanpakutō, since it is primarily designed for close-combat. Yumichika Ayasegawa's zanpakutō, on the other hand, is a kidō-type zanpakutō, since it's designed around its special ability rather than its close combat potential. Some zanpakutō are also classified by element: Tōshirō Hitsugaya and Rukia Kuchiki possess ice-type zanpakutō, Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai controls a fire-type one, and Kaien Shiba's uses water-based abilities.