Character Creation Rules/Guide

This guide will outline the rules that are to be adhered to when creating a character on Naruto - Warring States Era (NWSE). Throughout this guide, the Character Creation Template will be referenced. As such, you may wish to refer to it.

There is no limit to how many characters a player may have, as we allow players to have as many characters as they feel they can handle. However we ask that new members apply with only one at first. Upon approval of the first character and completion of a few successful role plays with said character, the player may begin applying for another. It should be noted that any player may only have one application in progress at any given time. Thus, they may not apply with two characters at once, and must wait for the current application to go through the entire process before applying with another.

As a rule, do not change any portion of the template for any reason unless instructed to do so. For fields that do not pertain to your character/application be sure to fill them in with 'N/A'.

The links below can be used for quick navigation in order to jump to a specific section.

Picture

You will be asked to provide a picture for your character in addition to a written outline of their physical appearance (see below). This picture must be in some illustrated form, be it a painting, comic book/manga image, anime still, or what have you. No live action images will be accepted! If you wish to use the image of a character from an existing franchise (anime or otherwise), then please refer to the Character Face Claim Thread to make sure that said character has not already been claimed by someone else. Also, please make sure to list the name and franchise origin of your copyrighted image in parenthesis below your picture so that appropriate credit is given to its creators.

Name

All character names should be Asian names, preferably Japanese in origin. This site is set in a fictional world that draws heavily from Japanese culture and influence. As such, western names will be entirely out of place. Names such as Adam, Brett, Jude, Jessica, Natalie, etc etc will not be tolerated.

In keeping with Japanese names, the Surname (Last/Family name) should come first, followed by the first name. A comma should always separate the names. Do not forget the comma!

Title/Alias

This is usually earned through RP. This is not a 'nickname' in the traditional since, but usually reflects upon the character's experiences and achievements. If your character already posses one, you are required to explain the moniker and its origins in their history. If the circumstance does not warrant the use of the title, you will not be allowed to use it.

Age

Be mindful of age in relation to a Shinobi's rank. There will be no Jounins at the age of 12, nor Genins that are 34. Below is a list of average ranges for age in relation to rank. Keep in mind that some fluctuation is allowed but try not to deviate from the standard in excess.

Academy Student :: 7 - 10
Genin :: 10 - 14
Chuunin :: 14 - 16
Jounin :: 16+
Elite Jounin :: 19+

While keeping in mind the age in relation to rank, if your application is for a specific clan position you should be mindful of the age that would be associated with the position. For instance, the position of clan elders will not be filled by Shinobi below the age of 40, Jounin Commanders will be at least 25 years of age, etc.

Gender

Male or Female. Nothing else.

Appearance

Here you must write out a description of your character in at least one (2) full paragraphs. You should include things like identifying marks, wardrobe, and basic facial/body features. Be as descriptive as possible, even if you provide an accompanying picture because the picture may simply be a reference. Make no reference to having animalistic traits such as fox ears, tails, etc without good reason. Keep everything as realistic as possible.

Height :: Weight :: Build

Keep these fields realistic and in proportion with one another.

Hair Color & Style

Natural colors only, unless a specific clan trait deems otherwise, but these MUST be explained. Keep hair styles traditional or at least within reason.

Eye Color
Natural colors only, unless a specific clan trait deems otherwise, but these MUST be explained. Make no reference to the Rinnegan, as this is not an available eye trait.

Personality
Detail your character's personality. Include their likes and dislikes, how they interact with people in both large and small groups, their interests and hobbies, and the median moods and extreme moods they reflect. Requires at least two (3) full paragraphs.

Known Relatives
Follow the format below for listing their relative. You are only required to list immediate family. Even if they are adopted, list their adoptive parents and be sure to tell us they are adopted in the history even if the charactere is not aware of such.

- LAST NAME, FIRST NAME :: RELATIONSHIP :: AGE/DECEASED :: POSITION/RANK
-" "
-" "

Clan
The list of available clans can be found in the Clan Index. If a clan has an open spot in its Roster, you may attempt to apply for it. However, not all Clans may be open. Be mindful of the entries in the Index.  If you are creating a custom clan, make sure to properly fill out the Custom Clan Template and post it in the appropriate forum, with a link back to the clan. Place a tagged link to your clan's approved page, or an open site clan. Make sure you do not post a URL, use the following tags:

Code:

[url=URL GOES HERE]NAME OF CLAN[/url]

History
General Background information regarding your character, which requires a three (3) paragraph minimum for ranks of Student and Genin. Chuunin requires four (4) paragraphs minimum, while Jounin requires five (5) paragraphs minimum. No character shall be permitted to originate from another clan's territory, go rogue and then become part of another clan's forces. This would not be kosher within any clan, even in times of war. There will be no starting Missing-nin/Rogue Ninja characters at this time. You must be part of one of the main factions to begin with.

Be as specific and detailed as possible when creating the history of your character. Trials and tribulations, summaries of their childhood and what a typical day would be like for them is welcome. Do not include dialogue in your history. This is to be written from a third person perspective.

Be sure to include:
The specific age at which they began training as a Shinobi.
The specific age they became the equivalent of a Genin (if applicable)
The specific age they became the equivalent of a Chuunin (if applicable)
The specific age they became the equivalent of a Jounin (if applicable)
The specific age they were promoted to Elite Jounin (if applicable)

Affiliation
You must list the clan faction your character is loyal to and the country the clan is contained in.

Rank
You must list the letter rank and corresponding Shinobi rank for your character. The ranks and their corresponding letter ranks are as follows:
D-rank :: Student
These young people make up the student body of any Clan, where they are trained and prepared for life as a Shinobi. They are not an actual part of the Shinobi force, as they are still in the process of mastering the very basics of the ninja lifestyle. However, they can be conscripted as part of the war potential in times of emergency.

C-rank :: Genin
Genin are the lowest level of ninja and also the ones that display the most difference in power. When they become Genin, Shinobi start to partake in efforts for their homeland's economy – being sent on missions that the clan gets paid for. They are typically sent either on D-rank missions, which are almost entirely risk-free jobs of manual labor, or, rarely, on C-rank missions, which are a cut above that and begin to verge on real "ninja" work that have a very low possibility of risk to the ninja involved. In times of war the Genin will serve in the regular forces and during times that higher ranking Shinobi are running thin a Genin might be assigned to higher missions.

B-rank :: Chuunin
Chuunin are ninja who are qualified to guide other ninja and lead missions. Chuunin (Chūnin) have reached a level of maturity and ability that primarily consists of leadership skills and tactical prowess. Some Chuunin move on to function as Teachers while others serve as team leaders in charge of small teams who need to make decisions and utilize the skills of the Shinobi under their command to the maximum effect. Chuunin are typically sent on C-rank or B-rank missions. In times of war, they serve as the main force of most Shinobi Clans.

A-rank :: Jounin
Jounin are generally highly-experienced Shinobi with great individual skill who serve as military captains. They are often sent on A-rank missions, and experienced Jounin (Jōnin) may even be sent on S-rank missions (which are considered to be the greatest difficulty). It is not unusual for Jounin to go on missions alone. Jounin are generally able to use at least two types of elemental chakra, some genjutsu, and above average taijutsu skills. They serve as battalion leaders and commanders during times of war. Often, they take on Genin students. They may be expected to train them and help them with various low-rank missions.

S-rank :: Elite Jounin / Elder / Sennin / Shuchō
The Elite Jounin are the top-notch Jounin within their clan and are usually very lethal. They function as regular Jounin for all intents and purposes but may be assigned as Division and Company Commanders during times of war.

Elders are advisers to a Shuchō and are powerful, however they do not rival the Shuchō in power and only posses the abilities of an Elite Jounin.

Sennin are the sages of a clan and are allowed to wander the world on behalf of the faction they represent. They tend to be great sources of information for any clan and have powers that nearly rival the Shuchō.

Shuchō are the leaders of one of the six most powerful Clans and generally are also the most powerful ninja in their respective factions.


Combat Style
Requires a brief (a few sentences) description detailing the character's approach to combat in an advantageous situation. Describe how they would fight in a situation tipped in their favor. Are they stealthy, analytical, or evasive? Do they prefer the offensive or defensive? Are they long-range or close combat fighters, or are they best suited as support for others?

Specialization
Choose two (2) from the list below to specialize in.  Keep the following rules in mind:
- A character can use jutsu of any rank that are within their specialization.
- For categories that you do not specialize in, you may only use jutsu of up to B-rank for that category.
- One must specialize in Puppetry and Medical to utilize ANY jutsu from these categories.

Choose from the following:
Ninjutsu :: Ninja Techniques
Taijutsu :: Body Techniques
Genjutsu :: Illusionary Techniques
Fuuinjutsu :: Sealing Techniques
Bukijutsu :: Weapon Techniques
Eijutsu :: Medical Techniques
Kairaijutsu :: Puppet Techniques

Special Abilities
Refer to the Special Ability Index. The Starting Limits for each rank are listed below. For a series of abilities that are similar (ex. the Strength Series) you must start with the C-rank equivalent, regardless of rank.

Starting Limit for ranks:
Student :: 0
Genin :: 1
Chuunin :: 2
Jounin :: 3

Chakra Nature
Refer to the Basic Chakra Nature List. You may start with one (1) Advanced Chakra Nature. However, you must then possess the required basic natures for the advanced nature and follow any other constraints described in the Advanced Chakra Nature - Two-Element List or Advanced Chakra Nature - Yin/Yang Element List. You will also be required to explain how the character came to be familiar with the chakra nature, either by training or through Clan Kekkei Genkai. Genin will only ever have one nature. The only exception is if they possess an advanced nature, but keep in mind that the Genin will not be very skilled with any of them.

Also bear in mind that a character can not use any rank of Elemental Jutsu if they do not have the corresponding Chakra Nature. For example, if a Shinobi posses the Earth Chakra nature only, they cannot use Fire Elemental Ninjutsu of any kind regardless of their rank. Only when they train to receive the Fire Chakra nature may they begin to use Fire Elemental Ninjutsu.

The Starting Limits for basic chakra natures are as follows:

Student :: 0
Genin :: 1
Chuunin :: 1
Jounin :: 2

Chakra Reserve
Chakra Reserve is simply a letter rank that is designated to your character. This is an average of how strong their chakra is and also how much of it they possess, in relation to other characters. Chakra Reserve will rank up with Shinobi Rank but can also rank up independently of that by learning special abilities. The starting designations for Chakra Reserve in terms of rank is listed below.

Student :: E
Genin :: D
Chuunin :: C
Jounin :: B
Elite Jounin :: A
Sennin :: S
Shuchō :: SS (Available to Shuchō only)

Inventory
List all items that your character carries and how they carry them. If they posses the Lightning Blade Creation jutsu, list the method with which it is used (scroll, tattoo, etc) and what is stored with the jutsu.
Refer to the Tools Index for a list of Basic Weapons and tools.
If a tool is not listed in the index and you wish to use it, you must fill out the Custom Tools Template and submit the tool as a custom, for approval.

A character may not use a Weapon that is ranked higher than their Shinobi Rank. Also, characters not specializing in Bukijutsu may not use S-rank weapons.

Jutsu
List all of your characters jutsu. You are required to separate them by rank. This list may contain just the name of the jutsu or specific details, following the Jutsu Template. A more detailed list can be posted for each character in the Character Arsenal List board. However, this is not required. For more information regarding the Character Arsenal List, look below at the Other Suggestions post.

All Canon and pre-indexed jutsu that are valid and/or allowed for use on this site can be found in the Jutsu Index. If you wish to create a custom jutsu, you must fill out the Custom Jutsu Template and submit it for approval in the Custom Jutsu Board with your character's name in the thread title. Custom Jutsu must be listed in detail in the Jutsu Section of the Character Sheet, unless you choose to utilize an Arsenal List. Using Spoiler Tags is very useful here.

Starting limits on jutsu, in relation to Shinobi Rank are as follows. These do not include the Starting (E-rank) jutsu. The E-Rank jutsu may be given to any Shinobi for free and do not count against the starting limits, as mentioned previously. These E-Rank Jutsu are as follows:
- Kai :: Release Technique
- Kawarimi no Jutsu :: Body Replacement Technique
- Kakuremino no Jutsu :: Cloak of Invisibility Technique
- Bunshin no Jutsu :: Clone Technique
- Nawanuke no Jutsu :: Rope Escape Technique
- Henge no Jutsu :: Transformation Technique

There is no limit on total jutsu and characters may learn jutsu over time. However, when starting out they may not exceed the limits below.

Student :: E-rank Jutsu only

• May not possess any jutsu above E-rank
  

Genin :: 10 total Jutsu

• May only ever possess two (2) B-rank Jutsu
  

Chuunin :: 15 total

• May only ever possess two (2) A-rank Jutsu
  

Jounin :: 20 total

• May only start with one (1) S-rank Jutsu
  
• May only ever possess two (2) S-rank Jutsu
  

Summons

List the summoning contract of your character. You are required to separate each individual summon by rank, as well as the jutsu they posses. This list may contain just the name of the and their jutsu or specific details, following the Summon Template. A more detailed list can be posted for each character in the Character Arsenal List board. However, this is not required. For more information regarding the Character Arsenal List, look below at the Other Suggestions post.

You may not claim the same species of summon that is taken by another user without their permission (either via PM or IRC). With their permission you may then choose to be listed under the contract as a summoner and utilize the summons under their contract or create new ones (given their permission). Therefore, it is important to check the Approved Summoning Contracts Thread to see if the species you wish to summon is available. Some species are off limits. This includes mythical beasts that are not part of Asian Culture, as well as dragons, unicorns, and other such beings. Please use discretion and common sense when creating a summoning contract species.

Within a Summoning Contract there exist Individual Summons and these must be listed in this section. When calling forth an Individual Summon is it important to keep the character's Chakra Rank in mind, as no character may utilize an Individual Summon who's rank exceeds their Chakra Rank. Individual Summons possess letter ranks that denote their power, examples of these are below. No PC Individual Summon may ever be ranked above A-Rank, however the NPC Sages and/or Elders of a Contract are of S-Rank.

D-Rank Summon

• Usually much smaller than the Character
  
• An infant of the Summoning Contract
  
• Possess novice-level power and skill
  

C-Rank Summon

• Usually mostly smaller than the Character
  
• An adolescent of the Summoning Contract
  
• Possess low-level power and skill
  

B-Rank Summon

• Usually the size of the character or slightly larger
  
• Has reached the beginning of adulthood
  
• Possess mid-level power and skill
  

A-Rank Summon

• Usually slightly larger or much larger than the Character
  
• An Adult or Elder of the Summoning Contract
  
• Possess advanced-level power and skill
  

S-Rank Summon

• Varies in size, though usuall the same size as the A-Rank equivalent
  
• An Elder or Sage of the Summoning Contract
  
• Possess Master-level power and skill
  
• Will always be an NPC Summon
  

There ares starting limits on the number of individual summons you may possess within a contract. There is also a maximum number of individual summons you may utilize within a summoning contract as well. All of these are based on rank and are as follows:

Student :: No Summoning Contract

• May not possess a summoning contract
  

Genin :: May start with one (1) Individual Summon

• May only ever possess two (2) Individual Summons
  

Chuunin :: May start with two (2) Individual Summons

• May only ever possess three (3) Individual Summons
  

Jounin :: May start with three (3) Individual Summons

• May only ever possess four (4) Individual Summons
  

Elite-Jounin / Sennin / Shuchō

• May only ever possess Five (5) Individual Summons
  

Character Arsenal Lists

The Arsenal section of the Character Profile is to only contain the names of the listed jutsu the character possess, separated by rank. The Arsenal Lists will list the Character's Special Abilities (SAs), Custom Weapons, Jutsu, and Summoning Contract entries in further detail. This is to say that all jutsu and Special Abilities will be listed. Each Custom Jutsu and Weapon will require the full Custom Template be posted, and the details of any Summon Contract will be required as well. For an example of such a list, please refer to any of the Shuchō lists under the Character Arsenal Board. It is NOT required that players make an Arsenal List, but preferred as this provides one, central thread containing all of a character's abilities in full detail.

This Arsenal List will also serve as the thread that you will utilize to request training for Jutsu, SAs, and Summons for that specific character. A training request will be made for each addition you wish to train, as per the Training Rules. Even if you choose not to utilize the Arsenal list, every character MUST have a thread in the Character Arsenal List Board so that the play may list training threads here.

The Arsenal List Template must be used to create your Character's Arsenal List, if you so chose to utilize one. Place the list in the Character Arsenal List Board with the thread title containing the character's name.

Character Arsenal Lists and the Board Signature

Players will be required to post a link to their approved Character application in their signatures. If you have created an Arsenal List, this should be linked as well. Please do not place direct URL links. Instead use the following BB code tags to link the signature with the Character's Name. Likewise, use 'Arsenal' if you are utilizing an Arsenal List. Alternatively, you may have a picture in your signature that links to the character profile and arsenal as well.

An example of how the basic signature, including an Arsenal List should look is as follows:

John Doe :: Arsenal

Each of those would contain hot links to the profile and arsenal, respectively.

The URL Code:

Code:


[url=PROFILE URL ADDRESS GOES HERE]CHARACTERNAME[/url] :: [url=ARSENAL URL ADDRESS GOES HERE]ARSENAL[/url]