Shinigami Race Information

Who Are The Shinigami?

Shinigami are souls that have supernatural powers. As such, their bodies are composed of Spiritrons (spirit particles) instead of atoms. This means that just like most other types of spirits, they can only be seen by other spiritually aware entities, which excludes most humans. Nevertheless, they are quite capable of influencing their environment. When souls with exceptional spiritual energy train their bodies, they reach the level of Shinigami. The most talented of them become affiliated with various organizations like the Thirteen Court Guard Companies and the Stealth Force. Sometimes, a Shinigami is born among the residents of the Rukongai, and in some rare cases from Seireitei. Shinigami are the personification of death. Their job is to send spirits to the Soul Society (the afterlife) in order to maintain a balance of souls between it and the material world, and to exorcise evil spirits. Because of their duties Shinigami possesses supernatural abilities such as:

Longevity: While they can age and die of natural causes or as a result of physical injury as regular humans, Shinigami have extended life-spans and it is not uncommon for one to live for thousands of years.

Enhanced Endurance: While they can be injured and die like regular humans, it takes considerably greater injuries for the latter to occur than it would in regular humans.

History
The Shinigami have faced many hardships throughout there history, stemming back to the great wars of the Quincy stemming into the great fall. Much is uncertain about the great fall, but it started like any other war.


First they came to Karakura town, a small group only 3 or 4 of them. Central 46 met in hushed tones, the Sotaicho sending out two parties to intervene. Seemingly the inevitable happened, those two parties were wiped out fairly quickly. Various other groups filled the vacuum and the Togabito were destroyed.

But the losses the Gotei achieved were great, and shook the foundation of the shinigami world. The Captain Commander killed off Central 46, the bonds that held together the shinigami world, rocked by his actions. He fled into the human realm, where the newly appointed Sotaicho hunted him down mercilessly himself. This action was seen as the only recourse to the events that transpired, but the ends do not justify the means. The Captain Commanders choice of actions could not have come at a worse time. Deep within the maggots nest, a vizard had been carefully biding his time, waiting for a moment to strike. Little known to the vizard or the rest of the Gotei 13, a Togabito Prince was also held in that location, moving things behind the scenes.

This Togabito, the Conspiring Prince made his move, letting the vizard out while the Captain Commander was away. The rampage and destruction caused by the newly freed vizard allowed the Togabito prince to slip out unnoticed, and garner support for his actions. With the Captain Commander away, and no real leadership, the Gotei 13 turned in on itself, getting into petty territorial disputes between captains, rather than keep up with policing the spiritual realm.

Two captains fell during this turmoil time, however there fall was kept in silence, for the Prince of Pacts made a deal with them. They begged for peace, a respite from bickering, and a return of leadership. The Togabito gladly agreed, and gave them just that. There Captain Commander returned victorious, the previous CC in toe, thrown into the deepest pit in the Maggots nest, never to see the light of day again.

A time of peace came over the Shinigami, but this was not long lived. News came that the arrancar world was being invaded by Togabito, a large army of demons had decided to take up residence there, and there main choice of food was arrancar. Mobilizing a task force to head to there land. The two captains were the ones that made a deal with the Prince himself. There leaving would spell the end of the Gotei 13 as all know it, for it was said "If only the Shinigami had one more captain to defend the walls, the outcome would have surely been different" Let alone two.

The Togabito came, or rather appeared. The Prince of Conspiracy at there helm, a vizard chieftain at his side, he waged a terrible war on Soul Society. The losses suffered by the Gotei 13 were astronomic. Every captain was lost, the captain commander was the first to fall. The Prince personally lead a platoon to deal with him. While the Vizard created chaos as a distraction. Soon two more Princes appeared, dealing a crippling blow to the 2nd and 11th captains, killing them outright through shear force. Now the captains were beginning to realize, 9 captains, and two that weren't even in SS at the time. 6 captains remained to fight 3 princes, a vizard and a mess of underlings. Vice Captains began dropping like flies, each of them trying desperately to fight against the horde of underlings. Two captains rose from the ashes of this horrible event, the 4th division and 10th division captains. The two of them killed two Princes, tag teaming them. There triumph would prove to be too little to late in the grand scheme. Exhausted, the final moments came when the other captains gathered around, a group of 6, with 8 vice captains surrounding them. The Prince of Pacts laughed as he sat upon a new throne made up of the bones of the former Captain Commander. The captains in a desperate move, released the imprisoned captain Commander, unknown to them that he was driving mad by one of the now dead princes.

He killed the two exhausted captains, before himself being killed by the 7th and 8th. A echo throughout the land sounded "And then there were 6". The Prince laughed, however his own forces had reached a stale mate, the vizard and him were the only known elites against 6 captains. The odds were not in there favor. But all was not well in the land of arrancar. They had all but been wiped out. After two or three weeks of little fights between the Togabito and Gotei 13, the flood gates opened.

15 Menos Grande appeared, chained and horribly scared as 3 princes emerged, the remaining hellspawn. This was known as the Night of Falling. Making one last stand, the 6 remaining captains and now 7 remaining Vice Captains made a desperate attempt, they found themselves surrounded by the races of man, and arrancar.

Soul Society had become a gathering ground for the most climatic battle known. They weren't any sides, and yet there were. The humans and quincy held there own against the Togabito that had come to claim there town. 3 Princes appeared from the tattered remains of HM, and all held bated breath waiting for the King of Hell to arrive. Waiting however is a horrible thing, and puts too much stress on parties involved.

Which is why the Togabito didn't wait, they launched wave after wave of assault on the combined forces. Captains fell, Quincy fell, Humans fell. The entire thing was a mess, the two princes died outright. The Prince of Conspiracy used arrancar's hatred of shinigami to fuel his own ranks. Some nights his laughter could be heard throughout the battle ground. Everyone suffered immensely, this wasn't a battle to win, this was a battle to survive, and no one played it harder than the shinigami.

In the end, through the chaos, only a few souls walked away. The King of Hell was defeated when he arrived, some say by the 5 that remained, some say the 5 just survived. All in all, only they know what really happened, and so far as we know, they aren't talking.

Gotei 13

The Gotei 13 (護廷十三隊, Goteijūsantai; 13 Division Imperial Guards, 13 Court Guard Squads in the English dub, 13 Court Guard Companies in the English manga) is the primary military branch of Soul Society. It is also the main military organization that most Shinigami join after the academy.

::1st Division, Command:: 1st Division members are the shinigami responsible for handing out punishments and deciding what to do for rogue shinigami. The Sotaicho (Captain Commander) has total authority over the limit restrictions placed on captains and vice captains, and may use it as seen fit.
All members of this division regardless of rank are allowed to create missions.
This division is the head of Gotei 13 and the ones responsible for relaying Central 46 orders, dealing with Soul Society law and monitoring the other divisions. The captain of the 1st Division is also the head of all other captains and the leader of Gotei 13, given the rank of General Commander. Likewise, the 1st Division vice-captain is leader of the vice-captains and has authority over all vice-captains, next to their own captains and the General Commander.
This division has the least number of shinigami.

Spoiler:

::2nd Division, Special Forces / Assassination & Undercover Operations::
Perk: 2nd Division members are generally faster than members of other divisions and can use Flash steps more frequently and more times than other divisions. Each member gains an extra 3 Flash Steps and subtract 1 cool down.
The captain of the 2nd Division is also captain of the Special Forces; one of Soul Society’s two other military fractions except for the Gotei 13. Members of the 2nd Division are mainly dealing with stealth and assassination, and many of them are also members of the Special Forces as well. They also handle all undercover operations regarding Seireitei security.Special Forces applicants take additional two-year training after Shinigami Academy.

Spoiler:

::3rd Division, Intelligence & Information::
Perk: 3rd Division members have the starting ability to know all other registered shinigami's abilities. Then when each new enemy is engaged by any squad member, 3rd division members auto gain the knowledge of the abilities the enemy revealed IF the opponent wasn't killed. Must return to the 3rd Squad Barracks and “Study” in RP to gain the information.
The 3rd Division is the unit that are responsible of the act of sending out shinigami to gather information, and sometimes work in cooperation with 2nd Division agents on more serious missions. They are also the ones that sort all outgoing and incoming information before sending them to the 12th Division for storage. Adding to this, they are in charge of the jigokuchou monitoring and message system.

Spoiler:

::4th Division, Medical Assistance & Supply::
Perk: You get 1 extra life. Your character can be killed once and not die in RP. This can only be used ONCE. You are the only group allowed to learn and create healing kido.
The 4th Division deals with the brunt of the healing when it comes to shinigami or other spiritual entities. While the shinigami in this division use medicines for their healing, they do have the ability to use their energies for curative purposes, something unique to those that are in or have been in the 4th Division, because the average shinigami can only use their power for combat.
This unit is assigned many of the menial tasks in the Soul Society, such as cleaning the subterranean canals located under the Seireitei. Additionally, this particular division is considered the lowest in the Gotei 13 hierarchy, albeit the fact that they heal almost all the injured in the Soul Society. 4th Division members are taken from the Shinigami Academy at their third year, after proving exceptional, non-violent reiatsu, and then take an additional study of four years to become medics.

Spoiler:

::5th Division, Kidou Corps / Kidou Tactics & Control::
The Gobantai being the main division for all things Kido related, are given certain perks, perhaps multiple perks in relation to Kido. All Members of the Division may learn a spell two level higher, than what their fighting style in “ki” would normally allow. The Gobantai members can create/add 3 more additional Kido for free (No training Required). They are also capable of learning all the different types of Kido spell. To learn healing type Kido, they must work with a 4th Division member for at least 3 Topics. The Gobantai member will use this experience to pick up on the art of healing.

The captain of the 5th Division is also captain of the Kidou Corps; one of Soul Society’s two other military fractions except for the Gotei 13. Members of the 5th are in general kidou experts, and are often stationed together with 11th Division members, 2nd Division assassins as well as 4th Division healers to form an all-around military group. They are also responsible for all sealing and magical workings inside Soul Society, as well as recording and storing any new kidou. Members of the Kidou Corps are handpicked from the best kidou-users of the shinigami, and undergo additional training.

Spoiler:

::6th Division, Internal Affairs::
Perk: 6th division members gain double points from capturing/killing rogue shinigami including Vizards and 1/4 more points for completing missions in general.
The 6th Division handles all of Gotei 13’s internal affairs, such as monitoring shinigami activity and handling any disturbances from other shinigami. They are responsible for apprehending shinigami that breaks Soul Society laws and also detaining them until Central 46 has given their verdict in the matter. Their division has the most holding cells, which is used to detain criminal offenders until they are judged.

Spoiler:

::7th Division, Seireitei-Rukongai Diplomacy::
7th Division members are considered to more peace loving and the most level headed shinigami. They have immunity to all types of illusions and sensory deception abilities.
The 7th Division maintains peace between Seireitei and Rukongai. They make sure shinigami don’t go causing chaos in Seireitei, and are completely responsible for keeping Rukongai civil… or at least the area closest to Seireitei. When souls have complaints/suggestions/questions/etc, whatever, they send is sent to the 7th Division where it is read, ignored, taken into consideration, and decided upon. They often act on their own, but also work with various other divisions.

Spoiler:

::8th Division, Reserves & Backup::
Perk: Having such a large amount of members the 8th division is the only division with two ranks for each position. Meaning 2 Lt, 2 3rd seats etc. This excludes the captains position. They also gain an additional 15% Bonus for missions successfully completed and 1 Free Kido spell.
The 8th Division is the mass reinforcement division. Their shinigami are split into groups that are talented in kidou, offensive tactics, or defensive tactics. When any of the other divisions require extra shinigami or reinforcements, the 8th is the division they turn to first.
Aside from the 11th and 13th, the 8th Division has the most amount of shinigami.

Spoiler:

::9th Division, Counter Intelligence::
Perk: All member of the Kyuubantai can create defensive based Kido spells, for half the training cost amount. They cannot be tortured or tricked for information under any circumstances. They also gain a 15% Bonus for completing Missions, and also one free Shikai/Bankai technique.
The 9th Division prevents information from leaking, as well as information being stolen. Their shinigami work close with the 12th Division research facility, to protect it from outside influence. They also prevent important information from leaking into Rukongai, especially information that could cause an uproar or mass panic. Adding to this, they are also in charge of dealing with tactics and warfare against intelligent beings and massive hollow gatherings, and are the ones responsible for any counter tactics when Seireitei is under attack. 9th Division is also in charge of the memory-replacing that has to be done after shinigami fight in the living world.

Spoiler:

::10th Division, Large-Scale Operations::
10 division members are the team leaders. All group missions will be lead by a 10th division member regardless of rank(Excluding if the mission has a captain involved). This gives that shinigami the ability to command EVERYONE on the mission. Failure to listen will result in consequences. They also gain a 15% Bonus for completing Missions, and also one free Shikai/Bankai technique.
The 10th Division is in charge of planning, coordinating, and executing large missions. Everything is run through their division first, and if approved, the 10th Division gathers the required shinigami from each division, assembles them, assigns duties, plans the attack, coordinate the shinigami according to the mission, execute the attack, and then keep maintenance over it. That includes sending out more reinforcements and information regarding the mission.

Spoiler:

::11th Division, Offensive Tactics::
11th Division members will gain the efficiency to ignore their damage wounds for 3 posts, their attacks deal more damage making them unable to be blocked or reflected for 3 posts. This can be activated at any time. This effect must be activated in OOC during the fight expressing the use of the 11 Division perk. Failure to activate this prior to your attacks or damage recieved will result in a void.
The 11th Division is the frontlines. They are the most skilled in physical combat and work mainly with other divisions. They rarely work on their own since they currently lack much coordination. During times of danger, the 11th Division is flooded out in mass numbers to immediately subdue problems, which include invasions of Seireitei. The 11th Division works with nearly every other division, since they are the most powerful and offer the most defense and offense. 11th is the division with the largest number of shinigami. (It is also the division with the highest mortality rate.)

Spoiler:

::12th Division, Research & Development::
Perk: 12th division members are the only shinigami allowed to create custom items and weapons.
The 12th Division is in charge of gaining new information through experimentation. They research information that is sent to them from the third division before storing it.
They are also in charge of storing a mass amount of information known to Seireitei in their database. The 12th Division also develops new technology to aid shinigami in their missions.

Spoiler:

::13th Division, Defensive Tactics & Seireitei Protection::
The 13th Division members are the only other shinigami that are able to create barrier/Capture Type Kido spells for only half the normal price (Training Cost). These Barrier/Capture type Kido are spells similar to Hachigen’s unnamed Kido spells used in the Manga/Anime.
The 13th Division is the ones that actually send out patrols on a daily, frequent basis to survey Seireitei. If a threat occurs, they find and take care of it, sometimes with help from other divisions. They also work together with various divisions.
If a threat is a large enough, the 13th Division is in charge of sending out shinigami, assembling them, assigning them duties, and other things. Their job is similar to the 10th, except on a smaller basis.

Spoiler:

If you leave a division for any reason, you lose that division perk.

Shinigami Fighting Styles

Zan: This style generally refers to the way of the sword. However, Zan shall also be used as a reference to determine how well one utilizes their weapons.
Not having a skill in this area means that you are not capable of calling out the name of your Zanpaktou and thus you are unable to use Shikai or Bankai.

Shinigami - Zanpaktou
Mastery: All of the abilities of the previous level are accessible to you on this level as well. The highest level of ones Zanjutsu, enabling the usage of Kendo the same way Zaraki Kenpachi does in the anime/manga. Not only that, you are now able to release your Zanpaktou without a Release Phrase.

Experts: All of the abilities of the previous level are accessible to you on this level as well. But, now, you have reached a higher level of Zanjutsu skill. So, during the time when your Zanpaktou is still in its sealed form, you can coat it in your Reyoku thus increasing its cutting power. In other words, your sealed Zanpaktou can match a released one, depending on the level of reiatsu you placed into it.

Practitioner: You have learned the name of your Zanpaktou and the two of you have learned how to work together. Shikai is accessible to you, and so is Bankai if you have reached a high enough level.


Ken: The ability to fight unarmed and without the use of weapons as suggested will be covered by this style. In simple terms, Ken relates to Hakuda (Hand to Hand) combat. This style of fighting is very popular among some. While others choose to master other arts.
Not having any skill in this area means that without a sword, you are pretty much useless. You don't know where or how to land hits, nor do you know any type of martial arts.

Shinigami - Hakuda
Mastery: All of the skills from the previous stages are allowed to you. At this stage you are a master of a couple fighting styles and you can use powerful techniques such as Single Bone and Double Bone which could kill your foes with just a single strike.

Experts: You got all of the skills which a Practitioner has, and even more. At this moment, you have learned how to efficiently use your strength and the strength of your foe into your advantage. But, that is not it, you also learned the locations of ones pressure points and organs. So, by hitting the right spots, you can do some serious damage with not so much effort.

Practitioner: You know how to use two or three types of martial arts, so even when someone disarms you, you will have a chance to win. Your skills aren't perfect and you still don't know where to hit in order to do the most damage.

So: This style relates to movements, and in this case, movement relates to techniques such as Shunpo, Sonido etc. Many have chosen to base their fighting style heavily on movement.
Not having a skill in this are means that you suck at using Shunpo so that you can only use it 2 times before a 3 post cool down.

Shinigami - Shunpo
Mastery: Ones which posses this level of mastery over Shunpo were often called Speed Demons or Shunpo Queens/Kings. You are able to use Shunpo 14 times before a 3 turn cool down. Not only that, you are able to use the Cicada Technique and the Cloning Technique. Elites can use the cicada technique 5 times, each taking one shunpo usage. Semi and Non Elites can use it 3 times, taking one shunpo usage. Once cicada is used up, it can not be used again till shunpo cooldown is over. Each clone made with cloning technique takes one shunpo usage.

Experts: Your knowledge over this technique is quite impressive, you are so good that you can use it 10 times, after which you got a 3 post cool down. Of course, due to your great knowledge over this technique, you are able to use the Cicada technique. Elites can use the cicada technique 3 times, each taking one shunpo usage. Semi and Non Elites can use it 1 time, taking one shunpo usage. Once cicada is used up, it can not be used again till shunpo cooldown is over.

Practitioner: You have learned how to efficiently use Shunpo, meaning, you are now able to use it 8 times before a 3 post cool down.


Ki: Magic power is also another style that is utilized in battle, more so than some. These styles are all based upon preference and one's talent for such skills. Kido, Cero and other similar abilities are covered under this fighting style.
Having no skill in this area means that you have decided to abandon the way of the magic and focus on physically based skills. Meaning, you are able to use Kido, but it will blow up at you as well. Meaning, by using it, you might hurt or even kill yourself. Not to mention, using Kido without a incarnation is impossible for you.

Shinigami: Kido
Mastery: Skills from previous levels are at your disposal. Also, you can start with 2 more extra and free Kido Spells when starting out. But, thats not it. At this level you are so good with Kido that you can even use Kōjutsu Eishō (lit. "Later Mention Incantation"), where the incantation is recited after initiating the spell to power it up.

Experts: Skills from previous levels are at your disposal. But, now you can cast double incarnations and when starting, you can get 1 more extra free Kido spell free.

Practitioner: You got some skill, Kido will not blow up back at you and you can use Kido without a incarnation. But, when you do use it with one, it will be stronger than the one without a incarnation.



Peasants to Legends
The peasants to legend system was designed for those, who would prefer to start at the very bottom. Those who prefer the idea of character development, through true hardship. These peasants will no doubt become legends among their peers when its all said and done

The Shinigami of this level are nothing but mere peasants, fledglings hoping to one day ascend to the status of their more experienced brethrens. A Shinigami of this level has yet to gain a Zanpakuto of their own. But before this should be attempted, the Shinigami first needs to gain the necessary amount of knowledge required

Becoming a Soul Reaper:
A Shinigami at this point in time, has yet to obtain a Zanapakuto, and as such, they only have a Bokken more typical known as a wooden/practice sword. This only means that the Shinigami in this predicament is nothing more than your typical Academy student. A Shinigami wanting to progress beyond this level, must first attend a lesson, where a Fuku Taicho or Captain teaches them about the way of sword. Once a topic of at least 10 posts in total has been completed, the Shinigami may progress and obtain an Asauchi “ Shallow Hit”. This means a Shinigami have yet to begin communicating with their Zanapakuto.

A Shinigami tend to specialize in numerous arts, such as swordplay, Kido, Hakuda and Flash Step. In order for a Shinigami to gain knowledge of these skills, they must learn from a Fuku Taicho or Captain IC. This means, Fuku Taicho and Captains will be invited to give demonstrations and teach students at some point. For each lesson, a minimum of 1k word dedicated to learning each art will be required. At this point, no special techniques can be learned. As such, while a Shinigami may know of Shunpo, they cannot yet utilize it. A Shinigami may learn Kido spells 1-33 for half the word training amount required.

Gaining my Zanapakuto
A Shinigami student must first take four lessons, based on the four fighting styles. Once this has been done, the Student must have another lesson with a Fuku Taicho or Captain. During this time, they will learn how to communicate with their Zanapakuto spirit. Through this communication, the student’s Asauchi will morph into a Zanapakuto, taking on the correct sealed state with a Sheath for it. A minimum of a 1k word training is required, detailing you briefly communicating with your Zanapakuto. It should be noted that you still don’t know the name of your Zanapakuto, and as such, extra work will be required to learn it. The time that was invested into communicating with your Zanapakuto spirit, will be more of a blur. Now that the student has obtained their Zanapakuto, they will no doubt want to learn its name. For this purpose, a Shinigami must first complete four missions IC. These missions will involve staff played NPC dedicated to helping you advance further. At this point, you’ve learned how to call upon your Shikai, albeit very weak, and without an ability to call its own. You may also choose not to have your Shikai awaken, until after your graduation. Do note however, that you are still required to carry out those 4 missions as a stepping stone.

What is your Name?
The Student will now be eligible for graduation after completing these four missions. However, your Zanapakuto has yet to reveal its true nature to you. And more time will have to be spent doing so. For a Shinigami to learn more, they must have at least one IC training session. This can be done with the guidance of a superior officer, or in private, if you do not wish for others to learn about your Zanapakuto and its abilities. Another minimum of a1k word training is required to learn about your Zanapakuto’s abilities, elements and potential as you go along. Your Zanapakuto has yet to reveal any techniques to you, but you are still on your way to becoming a formidable Shinigami.

Zan-Ken-So-Ki
The fighting styles of a Shinigami at this level are almost nonexistent and as such, the Shinigami FS will appear as seen below

Zan: Basic
Ken: Basic
So: Basic
Ki : Basic


Fighting Styles Upgrade
A Shinigami that has successfully learned the name of their Zanapakuto and learned more about its ability will get an upgrade in two areas. This means, you can boost your FS to that of a practitioners level. The area that you decide to boost is based on the vision of your own character. You will then get to upgrade another style lacking in skill, to that of a practitioner level, once you’ve learned your first technique. In order to upgrade your final area, you must complete two missions. By doing this, you would have increased all styles to that of a Practitioner’s level.

A Bonus/Incentive: In order to help you to become stronger, you will be given +200 Soul Points. The Soul Points given must be used for your Shinigami and your Shinigami only. It cannot be transferred elsewhere or used for something else not directly related to your character’s FS progress. In order for one to progress all their FS to that of an Expert level. They must pay 200 SP every time. After this point, increasing one’s FS to a mastery level, will follow the same principles as everyone else. However your character will receive a discount, which will see your character pay 450 SP for mastery per Fighting Style.

Note: More about this system will be added as time goes by and we experiment with it.NPC instructors may also teach lessons when Fuku Taicho and Captains are not available for the Academy.