Post by songstress on Nov 10, 2006 12:15:00 GMT -5
Style Description: While the name of the creator of Danbira no Kyo has been lost with the passage of time, the style remains relatively well known even today, for it is popular among the proud and elite few who choose traditionally larger blades as their mainstay in combat. It focuses not only on the obvious physical aspect of wielding big swords, but on imbuing attacks with moonlight and chakra to increase damage potential. As is the nature of giant weapons anyway, disciples of Danbira no Kyo don’t bother with trying to be overly flashy or sneaky. Their sole interest is smashing or slashing the enemy into bloody pieces.
Movement is straightforward with this style, with the user often running directly at the target while dragging the sword in the air behind him with one or two hands. An interesting note with Danbira no Kyo is that those who study it have rather impressive footwork for warriors who favor large blades. Instead of struggling with the weight of their weapons, users ‘dance’ around with it, small but quick steps, to avoid close attacks by moving in a way that won’t allow the sword’s mass to disturb their balance. If footwork alone is not enough, the user will leap—and the strength of their legs is enough for this— short distances rather than running away to dodge.
The goal of the style is to harness the power of moonlight to maximum efficiency, as well as work towards being able to eventually wield the large blade with one hand just as easily as if he were using two.
- This style requires a sword larger than a katana, which includes nodachi and cleaver swords.
- Non-shinobi may take the style, but cannot learn any special techniques.
Style Basis: Weapon/Ninjutsu
----
Stage One
Stage Requirements: Strength 4, Speed 4
Stage Bonuses: +2 Strength, +3 Speed
At this level the user is noticeably better off than someone who has never touched a large sword before, but there’s still room for much improvement. He cannot yet properly control the sword, and misjudged swings or stabs will upset his sense of balance, sometimes even knock himself over in the process. It takes literally seconds (which are a long time for shinobi) to recover from an attempted attack to launch another one. When running, the blade hovers bare inches above the ground, and footwork is so sloppy a spectator can’t relate the user’s movements to this style yet. It is pretty much necessary for the shinobi to wield the sword using both hands to pull off effective moves.
Regular Techniques
Shasen (Basic Slash)
Description: This is the basic slash of Danbira no Kyo. The person uses his arm power to slash the opponent up, down, left, or right, using sheer physical power and concentration.
Suiryoku (Basic Thrust)
Description: This is a technique that uses brute force to thrust the huge sword at an opponent. The thrust is begun with a sprint or a solid stance, and then the sword is placed at a straight horizontal angle and forced into the torso of the opponent.
Special Techniques
Gibbous Kaika (Gibbous Bloom)
Description: The user raises a clenched fist which begins to glow with a soft light that functions identically to real moonlight for the purposes of Danbira skills. This move is used relentlessly in the Danbira style, since moonlight is needed for all of the special skills. Once the technique is initiated, it does not end until the user wishes it so. This cannot be performed in the same post as another Danbira attack.
Mikazuki (Crescent Moon)
Requires: Moonlight
Description: The most basic Great Sword attack. This technique has the user charge the tip of their blade with chakra and moonlight, then sweep twice, once down, once up, in an interlocking C-shape looking like a crescent moon. If an enemy comes into contact with the tip of the blade while the technique is in progress, his skin will be marked with a pale white line that burns like a bad rash while that area is exposed to moonlight. The effect lasts until the end of the thread.
Stage Two
Stage Requirements: Strength 8, Speed 6, Willpower 6
Stage Bonuses: +3 Strength, +4 Speed
Control has improved to where the user is able to hold his ground after completing a swing or stab so that he does not topple over from his sword’s momentum. If the direction in which his successive attack is the same as his first, he is able to execute it with little trouble, but switching directions in combat is still difficult to pull off. At this level the shinobi is comfortable enough to hold his sword higher when running, about shoulder-level, and training with footwork is starting to show: when watching a Danbira no Kyo user dodge, he seems to be using small jumps and steps to dance out of the way of an attack while holding his blade steady. It is possible to wield the sword for short lengths of time using one hand now, but the user will tire quickly.
Regular Techniques
Heitan no Danbira (Flat of the Blade)
Description: This move uses the flat of the blade to slap the opponent or stop him from running. The blade is positioned horizontally, with the blade up on both sides. The idea is to use the blade to slam into the opponent's torso, limbs and/or face.
Kirimomi Wangetsu (Spinning Crescent)
Description: By spinning oneself with the blade thrust outward, the user can slash things along the way or damage multiple enemies. This style requires a sprint to start and endurance to hold the spin. Visibility is poor while the user performs the technique, and he may be a bit dizzy after finishing.
Special Techniques
Kinpa Gaien (Moonlight Edge)
Requires: Moonlight
Description: The user employs their chakra to attract ambient moonlight to the edge of their blade. Concentrated moonlight generates some heat (not as much as concentrated sunlight) and allows the blade to slice through objects with a slight burning effect.
Stage Three
Stage Requirements: Strength 10, Speed 10, Willpower 8
Stage Bonuses: +2 Strength, +3 Speed
Awkwardness with the sword has almost been eliminated now, with just a few rare moments where the user may be left wide open to a counter because he overestimated how much force he needed for an attack. It is possible to change directions from slash to slash, but rather than trying to execute those rather ineffective kinds of blows, the user rolls into the momentum of his first attack and varies between swipes and stabs. The shinobi can hold his sword at any level or angle while running, and often swallows distance between himself and the target with long jumps, utilizing the short-step pattern to get within good attacking range and stay there if the opponent attempts to get away. Like the last stage, he can hold the sword with one hand for very brief lengths of time, but is still using both hands to fight for the most part.
Regular Techniques
Gyutto Shasen (Hard Slash)
Description: This attack consists of two parts; a sweeping horizontal slash followed immediately by a quick, lunging thrust.
Kurosu Shasen (Cross Slash)
Description: This technique is designed to bring added speed to what are usually slow, powerful attacks. The user first performs a horizontal slash, then immediately follows up with an uppercut. The attack as a whole can be performed in the time it normally takes the user to perform a single slash.
Special Techniques
Hantsuki Shasen (Half Moon Slash)
Requires: Moonlight
Description: The user first gathers moonlight along the edges of their blade, then performs a slow downward slice that is easily avoidable. When the blade reaches the bottom of its descent, the user performs a fast, lunging uppercut along the same line the sword took on its descent. The quick change in speed can easily catch opponents off guard. Additionally, the moonlight collected on the sword will flash, distracting enemies when the user attacks the second time.
Getsuei Suiryoku (Moonbeam Thrust)
Requires: Moonlight
Description: The user gathers moonlight along their blade and beyond the tip, effectively extending their blade by three inches with the extension being a brightly glowing mass of chakra and moonlight. This moon-chakra edge also brings a heat element to the sword attacks, like Kinpa Gaien.
Stage Four
Stage Requirements: Strength 18, Speed 15, Stamina 10, Willpower 14
Stage Bonuses: +3 Strength, +4 Speed
The enemy will be incredibly lucky to catch the user fighting with any sort of unwieldy movement at this level. Losing one’s balance because of a badly attempted attack just doesn’t happen anymore, and he has become good enough with the sword to execute multiple slashes in chain succession with good speed, whether they are in conflicting directions or follow along the same momentum that can be manipulated to fit the sequence of strikes. In addition to leaping movements in close combat, the user also adds a sliding aspect to his short-steps; he digs his feet into the ground when he moves, pressing his body to the floor so that as he shifts, he can brace himself against the sword’s weight and not upset his balance. It is common to see the shinobi at this level holding the sword with one hand about half the time in combat.
Regular Techniques
Pechanko Ichigeki (Flat Blow)
Description: The user’s strength is well-developed, allowing them to move their blade sideways through the air with ease, effectively ignoring air resistance. The user performs a simple horizontal slash with the flat of their blade, doing little real damage, but carrying significant power. The blade’s movement builds a small shockwave around the blade, so even should the target manage to dodge, if they come within 2-3 inches of the blade, they’ll be knocked breathless. A successful hit will send the target flying as well as stun them for a moment.
Takameru Suiryoku (Lift Thrust)
Description: The user gathers moonlight along their blade, then performs a fast, flat uppercut slash that isn’t intended to connect with an enemy. This slash creates a hard updraft of air capable of lifting nearby enemies off the ground. While the enemy is in the air, the user rushes in and thrusts skyward with the sword.
Special Techniques
Sanjuu Wangetsu (Triple Crescent)
Requires: Moonlight
Description: The user charges their blade’s edge with moonlight, then performs three quick attacks. The user begins by performing two quick slashes, one horizontal, then one vertical, followed by a lunging thrust forward. With each blow, the user channels more moonlight into the tip of their blade, lengthening it on the fly. The first attack is performed with roughly two extra inches, the second attack with four, and the final attack with up to six.
Stage Five
Stage Requirements: Strength 25, Speed 19, Stamina 12, Willpower 16
Stage Bonuses: +3 Strength, +4 Speed
There is little basic difference between this stage and the last; the user moves so well to a watcher it will appear that fighting with a big sword is really not as difficult as it initially sounds. But this is simply a demonstration of how far the disciple has improved; for him wielding his weapon is as easy as a katana user wielding his. The shinobi fights predominately with one hand holding his sword, and uses the other to block, distract, or in rare cases form half-seals for special jutsu or setting off explosion tags. He is even strong enough to twirl the blade around his body like a master of smaller blade weapons might do.
Regular Techniques
Bouseki Hirateuchi (Spinning Slap)
Description: An advanced version of Flat Blow, this carries all the same effects, but allows the user to spin in a circle instead of merely slashing the blade in front of them. The added speed from spinning strengthens the effect, such that the shockwave now extends up to 6 inches.
Special Techniques
Kumoi no Suiryoku (Sky Thrust)
Requires: Moonlight
Description: Similar to Lift Thrust, the user first charges moonlight into the sword and then sends an uppercut at the enemy. However, with the technique, the user cuts with the edge of their blade, intending to injure the enemy. The sweep’s speed creates an updraft identical to Lift Thrust so regardless of whether the uppercut connects, the enemy will be thrown skyward. Finally, as with Lift Thrust, the user runs to stand beneath their enemy and thrusts upward, manipulating the moonlight edge of their blade to extend the blade by up to six inches, as per Moonbeam Thrust.
Stage Six
Stage Requirements: Strength 32, Speed 25, Stamina 18, Willpower 20, Tactics 16
Stage Bonuses: +3 Strength, +4 Speed
The user at this level is incredibly light-footed for one who fights with such a large weapon, and the system of quick-steps really shines here. Logic would dictate that someone trying to change direction and his attack pattern so swiftly while carrying a big sword would invariably trip, but the shinobi never does. His movements are almost fairy-beautiful (his power scary-deadly), graceful, with no wasted momentum. He relies heavily on chaining his attacks, launching them one after the other before his opponent can recover from dodging such an intimidating weapon. A user at this stage of proficiency can hold and battle one-handed for the entire duration of the fight if desired.
Regular Techniques
Koui no Suiryoku (Celestial Thrust)
Description: The user rushes forward and performs an uppercut with the edge of their blade, creating an updraft that sends an enemy 10 feet or so skyward. The user leaps as soon as the slash is complete, performing an overhand, flat-blade slash that slaps the enemy back down toward the ground. The user then quickly dives downward, thrusting their blade forward as they land to catch the enemy and spear him into the floor.
Special Techniques
Meigetsu (New Moon)
Requires: Moonlight
Description: As with Crescent Moon, the user gathers moonlight onto his sword with chakra. The concentrated moonlight generates a heat effect that will badly burn the enemy if he is cut, and a soft white glow will surround each wound, searing the area while it is exposed to moonlight. The effect lasts until the end of the thread.
Stage Seven
Stage Requirements: Strength 40, Speed 33, Stamina 26, Willpower 25, Tactics 19
Stage Bonuses: +3 Strength, +4 Speed
This is the highest form of Danbira no Kyo. A true master of the style has an uncanny ability to make it seem as though his large sword weighs nothing at all, that moving with it takes zero effort, and that to pause even once in his presence means agonizing defeat. In addition to the usual lunges and slashes, the shinobi mixes blade twirling with his quick-steps to come onto a target like some demented forest shredder. Few can challenge the user at this stage, and even fewer dare try.
Regular Techniques
N/A
Special Techniques
Getsumei no Gisei (Moonlight Sacrifice)
Requires: Moonlight
Description: The ultimate technique of Danbira, this calls for such a concentrated amount of moonlight on the sword’s edge that the heat element allows the user to shave through rocks like a hot knife through butter. Additionally, everywhere the blade touches, small ‘moon flames’ are left behind that will continue to burn for three posts after the execution of this attack, presenting both user and opponent with the threat of a white burn that continually sears as long as the area is exposed to moonlight.
Movement is straightforward with this style, with the user often running directly at the target while dragging the sword in the air behind him with one or two hands. An interesting note with Danbira no Kyo is that those who study it have rather impressive footwork for warriors who favor large blades. Instead of struggling with the weight of their weapons, users ‘dance’ around with it, small but quick steps, to avoid close attacks by moving in a way that won’t allow the sword’s mass to disturb their balance. If footwork alone is not enough, the user will leap—and the strength of their legs is enough for this— short distances rather than running away to dodge.
The goal of the style is to harness the power of moonlight to maximum efficiency, as well as work towards being able to eventually wield the large blade with one hand just as easily as if he were using two.
- This style requires a sword larger than a katana, which includes nodachi and cleaver swords.
- Non-shinobi may take the style, but cannot learn any special techniques.
Style Basis: Weapon/Ninjutsu
----
Stage One
Stage Requirements: Strength 4, Speed 4
Stage Bonuses: +2 Strength, +3 Speed
At this level the user is noticeably better off than someone who has never touched a large sword before, but there’s still room for much improvement. He cannot yet properly control the sword, and misjudged swings or stabs will upset his sense of balance, sometimes even knock himself over in the process. It takes literally seconds (which are a long time for shinobi) to recover from an attempted attack to launch another one. When running, the blade hovers bare inches above the ground, and footwork is so sloppy a spectator can’t relate the user’s movements to this style yet. It is pretty much necessary for the shinobi to wield the sword using both hands to pull off effective moves.
Regular Techniques
Shasen (Basic Slash)
Description: This is the basic slash of Danbira no Kyo. The person uses his arm power to slash the opponent up, down, left, or right, using sheer physical power and concentration.
Suiryoku (Basic Thrust)
Description: This is a technique that uses brute force to thrust the huge sword at an opponent. The thrust is begun with a sprint or a solid stance, and then the sword is placed at a straight horizontal angle and forced into the torso of the opponent.
Special Techniques
Gibbous Kaika (Gibbous Bloom)
Description: The user raises a clenched fist which begins to glow with a soft light that functions identically to real moonlight for the purposes of Danbira skills. This move is used relentlessly in the Danbira style, since moonlight is needed for all of the special skills. Once the technique is initiated, it does not end until the user wishes it so. This cannot be performed in the same post as another Danbira attack.
Mikazuki (Crescent Moon)
Requires: Moonlight
Description: The most basic Great Sword attack. This technique has the user charge the tip of their blade with chakra and moonlight, then sweep twice, once down, once up, in an interlocking C-shape looking like a crescent moon. If an enemy comes into contact with the tip of the blade while the technique is in progress, his skin will be marked with a pale white line that burns like a bad rash while that area is exposed to moonlight. The effect lasts until the end of the thread.
Stage Two
Stage Requirements: Strength 8, Speed 6, Willpower 6
Stage Bonuses: +3 Strength, +4 Speed
Control has improved to where the user is able to hold his ground after completing a swing or stab so that he does not topple over from his sword’s momentum. If the direction in which his successive attack is the same as his first, he is able to execute it with little trouble, but switching directions in combat is still difficult to pull off. At this level the shinobi is comfortable enough to hold his sword higher when running, about shoulder-level, and training with footwork is starting to show: when watching a Danbira no Kyo user dodge, he seems to be using small jumps and steps to dance out of the way of an attack while holding his blade steady. It is possible to wield the sword for short lengths of time using one hand now, but the user will tire quickly.
Regular Techniques
Heitan no Danbira (Flat of the Blade)
Description: This move uses the flat of the blade to slap the opponent or stop him from running. The blade is positioned horizontally, with the blade up on both sides. The idea is to use the blade to slam into the opponent's torso, limbs and/or face.
Kirimomi Wangetsu (Spinning Crescent)
Description: By spinning oneself with the blade thrust outward, the user can slash things along the way or damage multiple enemies. This style requires a sprint to start and endurance to hold the spin. Visibility is poor while the user performs the technique, and he may be a bit dizzy after finishing.
Special Techniques
Kinpa Gaien (Moonlight Edge)
Requires: Moonlight
Description: The user employs their chakra to attract ambient moonlight to the edge of their blade. Concentrated moonlight generates some heat (not as much as concentrated sunlight) and allows the blade to slice through objects with a slight burning effect.
Stage Three
Stage Requirements: Strength 10, Speed 10, Willpower 8
Stage Bonuses: +2 Strength, +3 Speed
Awkwardness with the sword has almost been eliminated now, with just a few rare moments where the user may be left wide open to a counter because he overestimated how much force he needed for an attack. It is possible to change directions from slash to slash, but rather than trying to execute those rather ineffective kinds of blows, the user rolls into the momentum of his first attack and varies between swipes and stabs. The shinobi can hold his sword at any level or angle while running, and often swallows distance between himself and the target with long jumps, utilizing the short-step pattern to get within good attacking range and stay there if the opponent attempts to get away. Like the last stage, he can hold the sword with one hand for very brief lengths of time, but is still using both hands to fight for the most part.
Regular Techniques
Gyutto Shasen (Hard Slash)
Description: This attack consists of two parts; a sweeping horizontal slash followed immediately by a quick, lunging thrust.
Kurosu Shasen (Cross Slash)
Description: This technique is designed to bring added speed to what are usually slow, powerful attacks. The user first performs a horizontal slash, then immediately follows up with an uppercut. The attack as a whole can be performed in the time it normally takes the user to perform a single slash.
Special Techniques
Hantsuki Shasen (Half Moon Slash)
Requires: Moonlight
Description: The user first gathers moonlight along the edges of their blade, then performs a slow downward slice that is easily avoidable. When the blade reaches the bottom of its descent, the user performs a fast, lunging uppercut along the same line the sword took on its descent. The quick change in speed can easily catch opponents off guard. Additionally, the moonlight collected on the sword will flash, distracting enemies when the user attacks the second time.
Getsuei Suiryoku (Moonbeam Thrust)
Requires: Moonlight
Description: The user gathers moonlight along their blade and beyond the tip, effectively extending their blade by three inches with the extension being a brightly glowing mass of chakra and moonlight. This moon-chakra edge also brings a heat element to the sword attacks, like Kinpa Gaien.
Stage Four
Stage Requirements: Strength 18, Speed 15, Stamina 10, Willpower 14
Stage Bonuses: +3 Strength, +4 Speed
The enemy will be incredibly lucky to catch the user fighting with any sort of unwieldy movement at this level. Losing one’s balance because of a badly attempted attack just doesn’t happen anymore, and he has become good enough with the sword to execute multiple slashes in chain succession with good speed, whether they are in conflicting directions or follow along the same momentum that can be manipulated to fit the sequence of strikes. In addition to leaping movements in close combat, the user also adds a sliding aspect to his short-steps; he digs his feet into the ground when he moves, pressing his body to the floor so that as he shifts, he can brace himself against the sword’s weight and not upset his balance. It is common to see the shinobi at this level holding the sword with one hand about half the time in combat.
Regular Techniques
Pechanko Ichigeki (Flat Blow)
Description: The user’s strength is well-developed, allowing them to move their blade sideways through the air with ease, effectively ignoring air resistance. The user performs a simple horizontal slash with the flat of their blade, doing little real damage, but carrying significant power. The blade’s movement builds a small shockwave around the blade, so even should the target manage to dodge, if they come within 2-3 inches of the blade, they’ll be knocked breathless. A successful hit will send the target flying as well as stun them for a moment.
Takameru Suiryoku (Lift Thrust)
Description: The user gathers moonlight along their blade, then performs a fast, flat uppercut slash that isn’t intended to connect with an enemy. This slash creates a hard updraft of air capable of lifting nearby enemies off the ground. While the enemy is in the air, the user rushes in and thrusts skyward with the sword.
Special Techniques
Sanjuu Wangetsu (Triple Crescent)
Requires: Moonlight
Description: The user charges their blade’s edge with moonlight, then performs three quick attacks. The user begins by performing two quick slashes, one horizontal, then one vertical, followed by a lunging thrust forward. With each blow, the user channels more moonlight into the tip of their blade, lengthening it on the fly. The first attack is performed with roughly two extra inches, the second attack with four, and the final attack with up to six.
Stage Five
Stage Requirements: Strength 25, Speed 19, Stamina 12, Willpower 16
Stage Bonuses: +3 Strength, +4 Speed
There is little basic difference between this stage and the last; the user moves so well to a watcher it will appear that fighting with a big sword is really not as difficult as it initially sounds. But this is simply a demonstration of how far the disciple has improved; for him wielding his weapon is as easy as a katana user wielding his. The shinobi fights predominately with one hand holding his sword, and uses the other to block, distract, or in rare cases form half-seals for special jutsu or setting off explosion tags. He is even strong enough to twirl the blade around his body like a master of smaller blade weapons might do.
Regular Techniques
Bouseki Hirateuchi (Spinning Slap)
Description: An advanced version of Flat Blow, this carries all the same effects, but allows the user to spin in a circle instead of merely slashing the blade in front of them. The added speed from spinning strengthens the effect, such that the shockwave now extends up to 6 inches.
Special Techniques
Kumoi no Suiryoku (Sky Thrust)
Requires: Moonlight
Description: Similar to Lift Thrust, the user first charges moonlight into the sword and then sends an uppercut at the enemy. However, with the technique, the user cuts with the edge of their blade, intending to injure the enemy. The sweep’s speed creates an updraft identical to Lift Thrust so regardless of whether the uppercut connects, the enemy will be thrown skyward. Finally, as with Lift Thrust, the user runs to stand beneath their enemy and thrusts upward, manipulating the moonlight edge of their blade to extend the blade by up to six inches, as per Moonbeam Thrust.
Stage Six
Stage Requirements: Strength 32, Speed 25, Stamina 18, Willpower 20, Tactics 16
Stage Bonuses: +3 Strength, +4 Speed
The user at this level is incredibly light-footed for one who fights with such a large weapon, and the system of quick-steps really shines here. Logic would dictate that someone trying to change direction and his attack pattern so swiftly while carrying a big sword would invariably trip, but the shinobi never does. His movements are almost fairy-beautiful (his power scary-deadly), graceful, with no wasted momentum. He relies heavily on chaining his attacks, launching them one after the other before his opponent can recover from dodging such an intimidating weapon. A user at this stage of proficiency can hold and battle one-handed for the entire duration of the fight if desired.
Regular Techniques
Koui no Suiryoku (Celestial Thrust)
Description: The user rushes forward and performs an uppercut with the edge of their blade, creating an updraft that sends an enemy 10 feet or so skyward. The user leaps as soon as the slash is complete, performing an overhand, flat-blade slash that slaps the enemy back down toward the ground. The user then quickly dives downward, thrusting their blade forward as they land to catch the enemy and spear him into the floor.
Special Techniques
Meigetsu (New Moon)
Requires: Moonlight
Description: As with Crescent Moon, the user gathers moonlight onto his sword with chakra. The concentrated moonlight generates a heat effect that will badly burn the enemy if he is cut, and a soft white glow will surround each wound, searing the area while it is exposed to moonlight. The effect lasts until the end of the thread.
Stage Seven
Stage Requirements: Strength 40, Speed 33, Stamina 26, Willpower 25, Tactics 19
Stage Bonuses: +3 Strength, +4 Speed
This is the highest form of Danbira no Kyo. A true master of the style has an uncanny ability to make it seem as though his large sword weighs nothing at all, that moving with it takes zero effort, and that to pause even once in his presence means agonizing defeat. In addition to the usual lunges and slashes, the shinobi mixes blade twirling with his quick-steps to come onto a target like some demented forest shredder. Few can challenge the user at this stage, and even fewer dare try.
Regular Techniques
N/A
Special Techniques
Getsumei no Gisei (Moonlight Sacrifice)
Requires: Moonlight
Description: The ultimate technique of Danbira, this calls for such a concentrated amount of moonlight on the sword’s edge that the heat element allows the user to shave through rocks like a hot knife through butter. Additionally, everywhere the blade touches, small ‘moon flames’ are left behind that will continue to burn for three posts after the execution of this attack, presenting both user and opponent with the threat of a white burn that continually sears as long as the area is exposed to moonlight.