Character Concept Questions

Age : 42 Posts : 14

So here I am, all shiny and new, with a 2-3 character ideas I would really like to try out. Of course the first thing to do is narrow them down and the second to implement the one I choose. So step #1 is to ask about some of the unique ideas I have had to see if they would work here or not. That of course is where you lovely staffers step in and give me suggestions or say that it is simply impossible! I will focus on only 1 idea/post to keep things from getting entangled/confused with multiple concepts all at once.

So the first idea I wanted to throw at you was an idea I have had for YEARS but never had the chance to really play with even though I did once create it as a technique. The idea is similar in concept to Kugutso-no-Jutsu (Puppetry) except that instead of controlling puppets you control what on your site is described as "basic weapons" (kunai, shuriken, senbon, ect...). So instead of directing puppets to go around wielding the weapons you directly control the weapons themselves via chakra strings.

Then the question arises though: "Is this a Puppetry skill or a Weaponry skill?"

You see in terms of mechanics there is really nothing wrong with the concept since Puppets are actually more complex/versatile to control so the issue of acceptability seems (to me) to be fairly obvious... However if it is a Puppetry skill it infringes on the Weaponry Specialist and if it is a Weaponry skill it infringes on Puppetry Specialists by using a variation of their basic jutsu. We of course can't have it cross over, it needs to be one or the other and not make whichever is chosen limit the Specialty that is not through that infringement.

Here are what I believe to be the pertinent facts;
- This concept is to control Basic Weapons which are not covered as a category in Weapon Specialization and can be used by all ninja equally.
- Kugutsu-no-Jutsu is Puppetry specific and forms the basis of that Specialization, thus the concept of control over things via chakra strings can be argued to fall within Puppetry's sphere of influence. However Puppetry and Kugutsu-no-Jutsu are VERY specific in that they specify "only puppets or puppet weapons" can be controlled by Kugutsu-no-Jutsu; this leaves a gap which can be reasonably argued that a jutsu to control weapons (even via chakra strings) would not fall under Puppetry. This creates a situation where it could be either one or the other with a reasonable explanation.
- Cannon wise we have seen heads/arms/legs/ect... pop out a weapon and start flying around after the target trying to hit them. Thus the concept of controlling a weapon is intrinsic to the canon Narutoverse. Logically speaking then removing the weight of the attached puppet part from that which the controller needed to control (leaving just the weapon) would clearly make the technique easier to preform.

My conclusion is that such a technique is supportable through both canon and logical reasoning. Further I have come to the conclusion that it could fit in three potential categories. First it could be a variant of Kugutsu-no-Jutsu and fall under Puppetry, thus gaining the user some added versatility if for instance his puppets were destroyed. Second it could be qualified as a Weaponry technique requiring a Weaponry Specialization because it is focused purely on weapons rather than a puppet. Third it could be a Weaponry technique but be low ranked enough that it would not require Weapon Specialization to gain.

Why not just control puppets and shoot the stuff at people? I think it would be cooler to stand there causing a bunch of shuriken to shirl around someone rather than just move a puppet around to shoot normally. Call it a personal qirk but I like to be slightly different...

I eagerly await staff comment and suggestions.

Age : 34 Posts : 591

Well, speaking from a strictly Canon point of view, we've seen chakra threads do all kinds of weird stuff. From grabbing a tailspearthing from Sasori and even wielding several kunai at once.

In my opinion using the chakra threads with a thought process a little outside the box one could do quite a bit with them. Realistically though? It's probably Weaponry OR Puppetry. Just food for thought.

Personally I hope you go full on puppeteer. It'd be good to have some rivals for a change.

Age : 42 Posts : 14

I guess I was not very clear, sorry. Yes I am asking if it would be "Puppetry or Weaponry?" I simply included my thought process in case it would prove helpful to staff when considering the concept. I will try to be more clear with my next question (after this one gets answered).

Thank you for the support though.

Age : 31 Posts : 1836

From our Encyclopedia:

Quote :: Name: Soushuriken no Jutsu - Manipulate Shuriken Technique
Rank: D
Type: Puppetry
Range: Close (0m - 5m), Mid (5m - 10m), Far (10+)
Element: N/A
Description: After hurling his/her giant shuriken, the user can control their path and movements by using wires which run from the shuriken itself back to his arm. Because his/her opponent will think they are normal shuriken, they will be off guard about their ability to redirect themselves.
Chakra Cost: 3

Quote :: Name: Soushuuha - Manipulate Advancing Blades
Rank: C
Type: Puppetry
Range: Close (0m - 5m), Mid (5m - 10m)
Element: N/A
Description: This technique allows the user to hover multiple kunai in the air with their chakra, and direct them to an opponent. Using this technique, the user can unleash a torrent of kunai much more quickly than if each one was thrown individually. By using the Puppet Technique with this jutsu, the user may control discarded or already used weapons.
Chakra Cost: 7

As you can see, both these Jutsu are classified as "Puppetry", and as far as I can understand, this is what you're talking about. So, I would say that your mentioned style of fighting would be classed as Puppetry, and should not require Weaponry as an additional skill (as you've mentioned, kunai/shuriken/senbon are basic Ninja Tools that can be used without Weaponry). However, if you're planning on manipulating more "advanced" weapons (such as swords or scythes) with your chakra strings, than I believe both skills would be a necessity (i.e. you would need to have both Weaponry and Puppetry).

Age : 42 Posts : 14

Ah, well thats a big Xeni goof... Thanks for pointing those out to me, I was quite foolish not to look before asking... Still it seems those will be common so the concept no longer really apeals, oh well!

On tot he next question then!

I've been looking at the Nara Clan and some of the information is vague or contradictory. Are the Nara Clan's jutsu restricted only to the canon Nara jutsu or are they, as it states elsewhere, "Shadow Manipulation" which would indicate that they can use jutsu related to shadows and not simply the listed canon jutsu?

Thank you ahead of time for the clarification.

Subject: Re: Character Concept Questions Sun 22 Jul 2012, 2:29 pm

Hey there, in regards to your latter question -

When it comes to Clan Jutsu, we provide a list with generally used or popular ones. If one wishes to create Custom Clan Jutsu, they are fully allowed, just post them on your application. (:

Age : 34 Posts : 591

I still desire to see this turned into a Nara Jutsu. Albeit probably A rank+

Subject: Re: Character Concept Questions Sun 22 Jul 2012, 3:07 pm

Love that video.

Persy facepalms, anyway.

Age : 29 Posts : 1585

Persy wrote:: Love that video.

Persy facepalms, anyway.

I agree on both things you said there.

Age : 34 Posts : 591

Hey, Peter pan can take off his shadow, why can't a nara?

Age : 42 Posts : 14

Oh good, now to narrow down the Nara concept a bit with a question that is more opinion than rules related.

In your experience (anyone) what are the most and least common type of ninja people play here?

This question will help me decide what to do because if something done least often strikes my fancy I will do it, but if not I can at least avoid the most common type. Thank you all again for your assistance.

Age : 29 Posts : 1585

Haven't seen many Inuzuka, Aburame, or Akimichi, I think.

Oh, and puppeteers.

Age : 42 Posts : 14

Thank you for your comments, I hope others will find the time to give me a broader point of view on this but I will keep your comments in mind.

In addition to my previous question I find myself somewhat confused by Specialty. In one part of the rules it talks about a "Main" and a "Sub" Specialty but it does not explain what the difference is and nowhere else does it refer to this difference. Would someone mind enlightening me on this as well?

Age : 29 Posts : 1585

I believe this is virtually not an issue. For a Genin example, it is not a big matter what is your main or sub specialty. You can apply for any technique or maybe weapon that corresponds to your rank and specialty. As long as you are within your 15 jutsu limit and 1 C rank weapon for weaponry specialists - same goes for any other specialty limits - you will be fine. It would just be advisable you did not list 14 Taijutsu while this is your sub specialty and a single Ninjutsu, that is your main one. Academy techniques do not count for the limit.

I hope I've been of help.

Age : 42 Posts : 14

Yes that is helpful, though I figured it would not matter at lower levels. I was more concerned with how a character would be effected over time because it seems to be a distinction made on this site but the rule is unwritten which makes it a little befuddling to new players. I would not, for instance, like to start out thinking it didn't matter only to stick around and build my character into someone who I am suddenly told cannot continue in the area I intended to be his primary focus simply because I never was told the difference. If you see what I mean.

Age : 34 Posts : 718

Your main and sub are technically equal. There is no real difference between them even at higher levels. They are just names/titles placed on the two areas your shinobi will specialize in.

This isn't to be confused with weaponry "main" and "sub" specialties. If you pick weapon as one of your two specialties you then pick a "main" weapon type and "sub" weapon type. An example would be as follows.

Specialties: Taijutsu, Weaponry(Main - Swords || Sub - Blunt)

The shinobi with such specialties would be able to use taijutsu and sword weapon techniques up the their rank. So if it were a Jounin they could use A rank tai and sword skills. Sub weapons however may be used up to 2 ranks below your rank, always being at least D Rank. So in this case the shinobi would be able to use C rank Blunt weapon skills.

I hope this clears up your confusion ^^

Age : 42 Posts : 14

Yes that makes things very clear, thank you. Now just to wait for a few more comments on what are the most and least common type of ninja here so I can work on a concept that isn't just a dime a dozen, then I will be ready to make a character!

Posts : 1216

Do a handicapped ninja Character Concept Questions 287405

Only one on this site is handicapped and everyone here is mostly all intact

Age : 34 Posts : 718

To be honest I don't think anyone knows off the top of their heads. You may be better off looking through all the accepted characters to find out for yourself.

Subject: Re: Character Concept Questions Mon 23 Jul 2012, 6:16 am

Hello there, Xeni.

So, before I give you a little bit of a breakdown of what is popular, I do want to make a note that you should be creating a character that best suits you - not someone that you think would be unique. Here, we have characters that have many similarities, but what makes them different is the role-playing style of the member. Every writer has a unique quirk to their writing, and this is what allows them to stand-out.

The most common combination for specialties is Ninjutsu/Weaponry.

Most active clans are Uchiha, Senju, and Nara.

Most common personality traits are double, Naruto-esque and Sasuke-esque.

Most common histories: Horrible parenting, avenging, revenge, and vendettas.

Age : 42 Posts : 14

Well, I have come up with a truly interesting idea to try out! However it will require getting a custom SC approved, otherwise I will have to try something that is not quite so interesting (to me anyway). Since I have seen at least one custom SC and a template for submission I suspect this is quite possible (so long as it is fair of course). However please do tell me if I am incorrect in this assumption, I understand some rules here are out of date and others exist but are not posted. Otherwise I think we can call this topic complete.

Thank you all for your valuable input and assistance.

Age : 29 Posts : 1797

Not as many of the rules are outdated as you may think. For the most part, what you read is pretty much how the site functions. In regards to the Special Characteristics; you are allowed to apply for one. The Staff will simply need to judge whether or not it's fair for the appropriate rank. If you have any other questions, feel free to post them up. If not, then I'll just solve this topic.~

Age : 42 Posts : 14

This can be solved, if I have further questions I will post them in an appropriately titled thread.

Age : 29 Posts : 1797

Solved.