Ken'ichi - Kenakki Techniques (Reserved)

[Deleted]

With his mastery of German fencing and three schools of Kenjutsu (Weapons 4), Ken'ichi has developed several unique sword techniques throughout his career that have each helped earn him the title of Kenakki (Sword Demon). These techniques are brutal, advanced sword techniques which Ken'ichi has yet to teach to anyone.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Shunpо̄hau (Flash Hew)}
Technique Name: Shunpо̄hau (Flash Hew)

Class: 3, 2

Technique Type: Hо̄hо̄-Zanjutsu

Usable By: Shinigami

Technique Description and Effects: This highly advanced stepping technique allows the user to perform a simple two-strike combo at shunpо̄ speeds (the specific combo involved depends on the chosen meisterhau used, and the class of the technique).

Class 3 (Mutieren): This technique is a combination meisterhau + thrust (or vice versa).

Class 2 (Duplieren): This technique is a doubled-version of a single meisterhau, initiating the first strike from one side, and the second strike from the opposite side (left-right, or right-left).

Meisterhau: When learning this technique, choose two of the five following meisterhau (Zornhau, Krumphau, Shielhau, Zwerchau, or Sheitielhau). This technique can only be executed with the chosen strike. At both proficient, and mastered, you learn one additional meisterhau (for a total of 4 at mastered).

While Shunpо̄ Karin normally affects a single limb, Shunpо̄hau instead allows the user to execute the entire maneuver (strike, thrust, transition, and footwork) at a minimum of 3x the user's Speed. While this technique can be dodged normally (assuming sufficient speed), parrying this technique using a melee weapon, melee technique, or martial arts maneuver (eg. Hakuda) requires the opponent to have a 3+ in either Weapons, or Martial Arts respectively. Characters who fail to meet this skill requirement lack the proper training required to properly defend against this highly advanced one-two combo.

Speed Multiplier (3+): The base speed multiplier for this technique is 3x the user's Speed. However, unlike with the previous technique - this technique is specifically designed to bait out an opponent's own Speed-boosting, and/or Step technique. When an opponent attempts to dodge, or defend against this attack by using any Step technique, or other Speed-Boosting technique, the Speed multiplier of this technique increases to +1 multiplier greater than the technique used by the opponent (min 3+).

For example: If an opponent uses Shunpо̄ Karin to parry this attack using their own weapon, the speed multiplier of Shunpо̄hau will increase to x11. If the opponent used Utsusemi instead, the speed multiplier of this attack will increase to x26!

In addition, as Shunpо̄ Karin can only be used once/post, it can only be used to defend against one of this technique's two attacks, making this technique extremely effective when countering that technique specifically. Defending against this attack using ranged attacks, defensive spells or abilities (eg. Danku), or simply dodging - grants this technique no special advantage (except for its inherent speed).

Mastery of this technique allows the user to treat this technique as 2 uses of Shunpо̄ instead of 3.

How to use technique (How is it activated?): Pay the reiatsu, and then initiate your chosen strikes, gaining the benefits of Shunpо̄ Speed for the entire sequence. The specific footwork, and maneuver used in each strike are listed below.

• Zornhau (Wrath-hew): A diagonal downward strike that ends in the Wechsel guard on the opposite side. When a Zornhau is used to displace (Versetzen) another oberhau, the impact and binding of the blades will result in the hew ending in a lower hanging at the center of the body. This strike is normally thrown to the opponent's upper opening.
  
  
• Krumphau (Crooked-Hew): A vertical hew from above that reaches across the direct line to the opponent, traveling left from a right position and vice versa. The motion of the blade resembles a windshield wiper. Krumphau is almost always accompanied with a wide diagonal sideways step. The Krumphau breaks the guard Ochs.
  
  
• Zwerchau (Thwart-hew): A high horizontal hew, with the short (backhand) edge when thrown from the right side and with the long edge when thrown from the left side. The Zwerchau breaks the guard vom Tag.
  
  
• Shielhau (Squinting-hew): A short edge (backhand) hew dealt from the vom Tag guard that ends in an upper hanger on the opposite side and usually targets the head or the right shoulder. It is basically a twist from vom Tag to opposite side Ochs with one step forward, striking simultaneously downwards with the short edge. The Schielhau breaks both the Pflug and Langen Ort guards and can be used to counter-hew against a powerful Oberhau.
  
  
• Sheitielhau (Part-hew): A vertical descending hew that ends in the guard Alber. This hew is dealt to the opponent's upper openings, most often to the opponent's head, where the hair parts (hence the name of the hew). Through the principle of überlauffen, "overrunning" or "overreaching", a Scheitelhau is used to break the guard Alber.
  

Technique Drawbacks (Limitations, repercussions for use, etc)
Class 3 (or Class 2) reiatsu cost. This technique counts as 3 uses of Shunpо̄, and requires the user to have at least 300 in both Instinct, and Speed, as well as a [3] in Weapons (Sword), [3] in Zanjutsu, or a [3] in German Fencing in order to be learned. This technique requires a [4] in either of those skills in order to master the technique. Mastery of Shunpо̄ Karin is a prerequisite of this technique.

This technique can only be used once/post, and cannot be combined with Shunpо̄ Karin in the same post. Use of Shunpо̄hau is extremely taxing to the user's stamina. This technique can only be used twice per thread (3x in an Adventure/Quest) without penalty. Going beyond this limit will immediately cut the user's Speed, and remaining Reiatsu in half (after paying the technique's cost). Using this technique more than 5x in any single thread will cause the user to immediately pass out (once the effects of the technique are resolved).

Made By: Ken'ichi Shihoin

Reserved? Yes (Ken'ichi)

SPOILER: Click to show

{Kyojin no Kogitte (Titan's Check)}
Technique Name: Kyojin no Kogitte (Titan's Check)

Class: 3

Technique Type: Zanjutsu

Usable By: Shinigami

Technique Description and Effects:
Stepping backward slightly at the moment of your opponent's strike, you strike your opponent's weapon or limb with a vicious reiatsu-fueled Krumphau strike in order to deflect their blow harmlessly away. This technique is specifically designed to allow weaker opponents to counter a much stronger opponent, allowing them to treat their Opponent's Strength as being half its actual value for the purposes of Clash.

In addition, this technique has been designed specifically to counter classless attacks and techniques. For the purposes of resolving clash with this technique against an opponent's classless attack, treat the opponent's attack as having a class equal to 6 + 1 additional class for each rank in Weapons or Martial Arts (i.e. Class 5 at 1SKP, Class 4 at 2SKP, Class 3 at 3 SKP, and Class 2 at 4 SKP).

How to use technique (How is it activated?): Pay the reiatsu, and perform the technique.

Technique Drawbacks
200 reiatsu. This technique requires a 3 in Weapons to learn, and a 4 to Master. This is a purely defensive technique, and cannot injure the opponent in any way. This technique can be used once per post (twice if mastered).

Made By: Ken'ichi Shihoin.

Reserved? Yes (Ken'ichi)

[Deleted]

Heya Kerri~! As per usual, I'll be taking care of your techs here to get ya that 1/2~!

---

Shunpо̄ Mutieren:

I very much like this technique. Simple, well-suited for its purpose, and somewhat customizable! That second strike is certainly powerful, but considering all of the drawbacks in order to just learn the technique, not even beginning to mention what's required in order to use the technique to it's fullest potential, I'm alright with this.

---

Shunpо̄ Duplieren:

See Shunpо̄ Mutieren for my comments on this one, as they're both effectively the same technique. Truth be told, I wouldn't have an issue with the ability to make two strikes instead of a strike and a thrust as a Class 2 variant of Shunpо̄ Mutieren, as to help prevent taking up two technique slots. Ultimately though this is your call, but I wouldn't be opposed to combining them.

---

Kyojin no Kogitte:

This technique I really, really like! The only thing I'd like to see on here is a once (or twice if you'd like to add that in for a mastery benefit )-per-post clause on here though, just to make sure an opponent still has the opportunity to get a hit in!

---

Other than that, I think everything here looks great! Nice job Kerri~! Once these are checked over, I'd be happy to give you a 1/2!

[Deleted]

1/2!

[Col Arana]

Alright, going through this as follows;

For Shunpohau:

However, defending oneself against the follow-up strike (or thrust) requires the opponent to have at least 200+ in both Senses, and Instinct, and a 3 in either Weapons, or Martial Arts. Failing to meet any of these requirements means the character lacks the Senses, mental speed, or skill required to counter the second attack, and will be struck by the follow-through attack, regardless of the opponent's Speed.

This is an incredibly steep requirement for defending the technique. Very few characters are expected to have a 200 or higher in Senses or Instinct, let alone both. Personally I'd be in favor of simply removing this requirement altogether as paired Shunpo-speed strikes are already difficult enough to defend against.

Otherwise, looks fine.

I'm fine with Titan's Check.

[Deleted]

Made the requested changes.

Of note: mathematically, even if this technique had a flat x15 speed boost - it would make no mechanical difference than being a x11. To outspeed this x11 tech using a x10 step tech, the opponent would need to have 445 speed. X15 would require a 600 base speed to break even, and since we are talking speed-boosting type being a requirement to outspeed this tech when used by Ken’ichi, the specific breakpoints are kind of null.

I don’t see any reason why someone with a speed boosting type would have less than 500-600 base speed after type. As such, we could alternately simplify the wording on this tech to say that this technique cannot be outsped using a step tech unless the opponent has more than 450 base speed (after type).

As worded though - Anyone with less than 440 base speed will be auto outsped by this technique while with 440 breaking even at x10 speed (440 out speeds 400 at x11 multiplier)

[Col Arana]

Alright, so I've hmm'd and hrm'd about Shunpohau for awhile. It's a vicious technique that I have a number of concerns regarding; specifically how it makes it basically impossible to duel someone with the technique. While you have placed some limits on the technique, restricting it to the act of parrying your blow and is limited to a specific cutting technique, it is still a technique that is a borderline insant-kill in the context of a sword duel if your opponent isn't expecting it.

I'm actually fine with the "relative" speedboost with regards to someone using a speed booster in response to this technique, but I feel for appropriate balancing purposes the base speed of the technique should be reduced significantly. My recommendation (based on the Darting Swallow Cut which is a similar "speed boosted slash attack"), would be a 3x boost, this is open to discussion if you feel that is too much of a reduction.

[Deleted]

Hmm, a x3 boost seems very weak for the cost. I’ll think about it for a bit and get back to you

[Deleted]

Jul 10, 2021 13:51:35 GMT -5 Col Arana said:

I'm actually fine with the "relative" speedboost with regards to someone using a speed booster in response to this technique, but I feel for appropriate balancing purposes the base speed of the technique should be reduced significantly. My recommendation (based on the Darting Swallow Cut which is a similar "speed boosted slash attack"), would be a 3x boost, this is open to discussion if you feel that is too much of a reduction.

After re-reading your comment when I wasn’t so tired, I just want to make sure I am understanding your position correctly. Are you saying that the techniques base speed should be a x3 modified, but it will still jump to speed+1 if an opponent uses a speed boosting tech to counter it? Eg. If they used shunpo Karin, this tech would become a x11 speed boost? Mind you, shunpo Karin and similar techs are kind of useless against this since they can only be used once per post, and this technique makes two attacks.

If so, going by average site speed of 300 - someone would need to have a base speed of at least 750 (vs. 900) to react to this without a speed boost of some kind. It also allows speed boosts of x2 (or less) to be used safely in response, allowing someone with 400 speed to react.

I want to clarify however that this is the speed for the overall technique?

If this is what you meant, hmm….it feels weak from a gut reaction, especially since it is an evolution of shunpo Karin (and similar techs), since relative speeds come into play. If we say that an opponent needs superior speed to counter it (instead of just speed +/- 150ish), I’m ok with a x3 boost as the base multiplier.

These are just basic melee attacks after all, with no other advantages other than speed, so I see it being rare for it to be an instant kill - but I will concede that point. Keep in mind that I specifically made this tech less versatile in what specific maneuvers were used than most other techs, where the only limitation on maneuver is the users imagination. Im weighing up this tech compared to using Shunpo Karin on a meisterhau or dupleiren attack, something I could easily do already.

[Col Arana]

After re-reading your comment when I wasn’t so tired, I just want to make sure I am understanding your position correctly. Are you saying that the techniques base speed should be a x3 modified, but it will still jump to speed+1 if an opponent uses a speed boosting tech to counter it?

Correct. As I understand your intent with the technique, this is first and foremost intended to be a technique designed to counter techniques like Shunpo Karin, as opposed to a: "I auto-win swordfights, unless you colossally outstat me" button.

If this is what you meant, hmm….it feels weak from a gut reaction, especially since it is an evolution of shunpo Karin (and similar techs), since relative speeds come into play. If we say that an opponent needs superior speed to counter it (instead of just speed +/- 150ish), I’m ok with a x3 boost as the base multiplier.

I would not be okay with a 3x speed boost technique requiring speed superiority to counter. If you want a technique hyper-specialized to defeating speed boosting techniques? Fine. If you want a technique designed to give you an advantage in a swordfight, likely requiring an opponent to have a speed boosting-- or otherwise highly specialized, niche technique of their own to defend against? Fine. If you want a technique that does both at once? That's a different story.
As far as you seem to be pushing for, you effectively seem to be looking to make a technique that allows the user to basically auto-win a swordfight against a comparable opponent with virtually no room for counters, beyond exceedingly niche stat builds.

These are just basic melee attacks after all, with no other advantages other than speed, so I see it being rare for it to be an instant kill

Col nearly took off Tsukuyomi Kawada's arm with a "basic melee attack". On strength specialists such as Rio Demoniogalgo, Kimiko Shihoin and Edward, landing a "basic melee attack" is practically a win-condition in most circumstances. A "basic melee attack" can still be a win condition, even moreso with the specific character you are creating this for, for whom landing a "basic melee attack" in Shikai can kickstart a chain reaction that will result in his opponent melting into a puddle of goo over the next few poosts. A "basic melee attack" can still absolutely be a fight ender if it hits the appropriate point on an opponent.

[Kyomei Kuchiki]

As it's been almost 2 months without commented changes, I'm going to temporarily remove this from the mod queue. Let us know when you're ready to continue.

[Deleted]

Sorry. Was away with depression. Im back now and going over my threads

[Deleted]

Can I get these two techniques graded separately? I would like to get the 2/2 for Titan's check taken care of since it appears I need to rework Shunpohau to meet 2/2 grading requirements.

[Col Arana]

For Titan's Check specifically: 2/2

Shunpohau still needs some adjustments.

[Deleted]

I decided to go with the x3 (+1) speed multiplier as you suggested. IIRC, there was no other major changes that needed to be made to shunpohau but let me know if I forgot anything.

[Col Arana]

2/2 Approved