Post by Arcadus on Mar 3, 2022 18:09:35 GMT -5
RECAP FOR ANYONE WHO HAS NOT READ THE PREVIOUS THREAD HERE rpforumbleach.proboards.com/thread/11729/cults-commoners?page=1&scrollTo=77969
Arcadus, in an attempt to understand the power of belief based in hermetic principles, Arcadus has murdered the priest of a megachurch in Georgia USA, on live television in the guise of the Archangel Gabriel. In doing this, he had declared himself a herald of the rapture, and that the priest had been leading the congregation astray. This has manifested into a sizeable compound centered around the mansion the priest had lived in, and the cult has been expanding outward ever since.
The cult numbers ififteen thousand , and close to a hundred fullbringers have been created in this exposure to such powerful rieatsu. As for the cult's outward appearance, it seems to be a self sufficient commune, that is moving towards a more harmonius and peaceful way of living. The people there are calm, peaceful, and generally cheerful, though not afraid to express themselves. All of them show some level of devotion to "Gabriel" and speak of preparing for the oncoming rapture.
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As Arcadus awaited his servant’s arrivals, he mused on what he was doing. Worshiped, even if indirectly, as a god, or its mouth piece, was something he enjoyed. He reveled in the deception of these pathetic mortals and their mortal lives. They were pawns, but these ones he’d selected were advanced, developing spiritual powers and abilities, even if they were minor. It was an excellent opportunity to research and observe the formation of fullbringers. But at the end of the day they were ascended pawns, and could be discarded like any other piece on the board.
“My Disciples, those familiar and intimate with the secret of this congregation and of my true nature, I have called you here for a specific purpose. To become a part of something greater, in service to something greater than any one person. Your assenceion as spiritual beings is a long journey, but one I am familiar with. Let us take this first step together. The end of spiritual growth is a personal Godhood, being free of doubts and concerns, always accepting and acting on the consequences of ones actions. “
“The first step to this end, is mastery of ones physical movements. A sound mind is needed to make a sound body, and through this training, one can focus on making their mind, and through the training, body, closer to this goal of godhood. It is a necessary aspect of this process, and it can be difficult. I ask all of you now, each one, to tell me if they are unwilling or doubtful of my direction for you all. I wish to make you kin to me in power and form, but it is a process that cannot be stopped once begun. What are your answers?”
Natalia thought to herself. She was intrigued, and ever since learning about the reality of all of this, the congregation, Arcadus and his guise of playing Gabriel, she had been a bit shaken. She was still faithful to God, but he, this spirit was so large, so deep, it was hard to ignore him. He was the closest thing to God she’d ever felt, and it was like she was signing away her soul. She couldn’t look away though, couldn’t bear to turn from this god in flesh to focus on her god of faith. “I accept, lord, and I hope I live to your expectations.”
Andrew looked to Natalia, the two of them had grown so close over this time, and it was hard to say if they were soulmates or simply just meant to be.Seeing her response, he made up his mind. If she was going in on this promise, that this spirit could show them to godhood, to safety and certainty, he’d follow her in. His faith in God had all but shattered, and while he was likely throwing away his chance at heaven, where she went he followed, so even into hell, he’d follow her. “I will, and I hope we can grow to be as illustrious as yourself”
He’d only been here for a while, maybe a week at most. Hard to track days here, but it was enjoyable. The people were pleasant, and Arcadus, hoooo boy. He was something else, stronger than any man or beast he’d ever seen, and even faster than he was. If there was some way for him go get on his level, to be on that tier, he’d take it. If it was cheating he didn’t care, and if it meant signing his soul away, he’d think about it, but for right now, he figured he could make this into a real opportunity. “Sure thing bossman, I’m down for whatever you want to teach me.”
“Of course, my lord. I am willing to do whatever you ask of me, and I am honored to start on the path to becoming like you.” James had always been the zealot, someone who embraced Arcadus for what he was, an incredibly powerful spirit who could lead them to something greater. He was enthralled by the possibility that he could become like this great being, and that there was some path to it, excited him even more. He was full of vigor for whatever task or exercise that might entail.
The secretary, the voice, mused for a minute on what was being offered to her. Power, influence, distance between herself and others. The ability to live life without uncertainty and the ability to look to the future without worry or fear, certain in the ability to handle obstacles and hardships. Hardships that other people put on her, all that could go away if she signed on for this, something she desperately wanted. To escape, to live free and never see the pain of others. “Of course, I’ll go along with whatever you had in mind.”
The triplets, Aiden, Brayden and Kayden, looked at teach other. They’d gained the ability to talk to each other telepathically, and their discussion centered on one thing. They’d been the parts of the commune who had criticized, provided opposition to, Arcadus. It wasn’t like they were the most well liked of the congregation, yet all of them had been given these abilities, these responsibilities. They didn’t know how to feel, each of them shifting their feet and glancing at each other.
As they made eye contact, and looked towards Arcadus, it was obvious they had made up their minds. They didn’t feel they had much of an option at this point, they were in for a penny in for a pound on this and it wasn’t going to be worth sitting out. A wild ride is what they were in for and this was a wild ride. Moving forward as a group and bowing slightly, they spoke together. “We would be honored by this opportunity to become like you, to grow and prosper beyond human”
Clasping his hands together, Arcadus’s clap was like a wave flowing across the room, the effect of his aura contrasting on his warm and welcoming charisma making the subjugating effect all the more apparent. His smile was a joyous one, but it was something he knew was a mask. These pawns ere going to be used in his game, to handle his cult and allow him to move and to act without worry about it falling apart. To gather money and power in the human world with minimal interference, and as practice for his plans later.
Opening a Gargaunata to Hueco Mundo, Arcadus gestured for all of them to walk through, “Come with me, my disciples, and let me show you what I have prepared for you." Walking through, A sandstone platform out in the sands of Hueco Mundo, with slopes and walls, with divots and pits dotting the hundred by a hundred feet platform. Exercise equipment, specifically an obstacle course. Arcadus smiled, movement was the core of his training, and few better options than something to force movement.
Watching the different fullbringers work through the obstacles course, going up over and under different slopes walls and bars, Arcadus mused on their performances. James was by far the most enthusiastic, though arguably the least agile, often brute forcing his way through obstacles and simply trying again and again till he managed his way through. Contrasting with Jane who, as the administrative head of the compound, was very soft, and struggled through most of it.
Natalia and Andrew were something of a tag team, helping each other over the obstacles they couldn’t seem to handle. Natalia with her athleticism seemed to do incredibly well, though Andrew’s ability to perceive and reach in incredibly small fragments of time allowed him to formulate methods to overcome the obstacles as he approached them rather than waiting and looking at them at a stand still. They seemed to make a great team, Andrew leading and keeping Natalia in check, and her providing the might needed.
Jon, being the speedster of the group seemed to be handling it the easiest, moving at record pace through the course, though he did have stumbles and fumbles as he moved through. His speed, movement wise, wasn’t as keen as his hands. His ability to think ahead and process his surroundings wasn’t up to par with his speed, leading him to take a more comfortable, if comparatively slow pace to his full speed. Improving as he was, it wasn't like he was going to make too much headway in a single session.
The Triplets were moving through it with relative ease, while not directly helping eachother like Natalia and Andrew, were encouraging and giving advice to each other telepathically. Each of them seemed to trugle on different obstacles, but more so they struggled when they couldn’t give advice or communicate, as it seemed like their communication was based off of line of sight, something Arcadus made a note of. They all seemed to excel on horizontal obstacles, faltering on verticals where they would break line of sight.
Setting down his pen as he surveyed his pupils Arcadus handed out the printed forms and pamphlets. They had at least begun to grasp the beginning of perfecting thier movement, which for the moment consisted of running through an obstacle course and bringing them up to a physical standard, the fist step before anyone would be throwing a kick or a punch. It was important that each of them be at at least above average physicality to begin actually learning a this martial, or any forms of it. Looking at the annotated and edited version of his previous writings coupled with a number of forms he had recognized would arise, Arcadus handed them out, which is summarized as follows.
This martial art, developed by the Tercera Espada Arcadus, was designed to be a martial art that embodied and built upon the inherent advantages and abilities of Arrancar. It incorporates a focus on striking, especially kicks, knees, and especially weapon strikes, given that almost all arrancar possess a zanpakuto. It has a keen focus on perfecting one’s movements and strikes to reach a form of “godhood” in which their style allows them mastery over their positioning and ability to deliver strikes while not being struck. That is the essence of the art, to be able to exert force while minimizing the opportunity for counter attack.
This Godhood extends to outside of fighting however. It is to be sure in your movements and your decisions. To be uncertain of the outcome isn’t the issue, it’s to lack resolve. Resolve not just to carry out one's actions, but to accept all possible consequences of those actions, and expect to overcome them. The mentality is one of decisive action, about choice and accepting a choice you make, be it to accept the options available and choose the one you are best suited for, or to make one's own options through the abilities afforded to them. The other half of Daoism is to accept what you can change and to do so.
You can control your own body, your own thoughts, so master them, and what you can do with them, and you can master your surroundings as well, by knowing your limits and options against it. This is what the martial art emphasizes, not pure dojo training, but understanding and experiencing your limits, not to try to burst past them, but to understand them and work around them. Very few people have infinite potential, the truly “strongest” who can simply burst past all expectations and limitations. And with knowing yourself, and your surroundings, you can master your enemy, who is a reactive force. The offensive of Kami No Katachi is meant to force a defense, which can be controlled into options for victory.
As well, its supplementary techniques and moves focus on being able to position yourself to hit your opponent more, resulting in one handed grabs on limbs, to better control the base of a person’s lever for striking, as well as foot work and timing to force your opponent into 1 2 combos, like hooking a kick into one's knee to then strike with a sword, or cutting down into a shoulder to then answer with a turn kick. Dual wielding weapons, while not strictly taught by some, is incredibly common for those that have higher skill in Cero or Bala and can project them from other parts of their bodies than their hands, but this does limit the ability to grapple.
The defensive options of God Form most often focus on either counter striker strikes or parries, with raw avoidance against hits is contrary to the aggression of the form, with the spacing afforded by the length of kicks and weapons providing a passive defensive option in melee. This is again about mastering one’s movement and timing. If you are sure your opponent can reach you, but you have a counter attack, a smart or skilled fighter will be more hesitant to commit if it means gambling on a counter strike. Fools will fall to it.
This spacing is vital to the martial art, as it is integral both to the open hand and dual wielding variants. One weapon is used to maintain distance, and the other is used to defend against strikes that may bypass the first weapon, or to defend during a strike as that is when a fighter has the most openings. Kicks, shockwaves and spiritual techniques like bala and cero serve to fill this area as well, ensuring that in the swings and thrusts they are not without counter attack options or defenses.
Of course, techniques to allow yourself to keep striking your opponent include disarms, though these are less focused on when taught to those with a strong heirro. Other less touched on techniques are the use of ranged weapons like hand guns and very much pertain to the individual being taught. Unorthodox forms of this art are common often incorporating single use or temporary weapons to secure killing blows, as it leaves a lot to build upon with another person’s different affinities for weapons and different spiritual and physical techniques.
Hierro or other skin defensive techniques are a necessity to it, and the preferred defense to a strike that has closed the gap is to either strike with the weapon into the strike or elbow or knee or cero if it closed that distance, at the minimum nullifying it and at worst further damaging their opponent. This focus on counter attacks means that one can’t continue to test the range of a practitioners attacks without fear of reprise or counter offense.
The grabs of God Form tend to be the middle ground between offense and defense. Being able to manipulate your opponent’s movement and positioning allow you to better control your opponent’s effective reach. More vitally though, they allow you to both increase your striking power by utilizing both your upper and lower body into a strike, or more of the full rotational power, and to better land that strike. The takedowns of God Form emphasize standing takedowns, with it having virtually no ground fighting that is not kneeing or slicing your opponent to return to your feet.
As well, it makes use of Arrancar’s ability to close the gap with Sonido and the ability to learn bala and cero to ensure they are able to maintain pressure on an opponent and strike from unexpected places. It is a common misconception that God Form refers to the idea that Arrancar are Gods or superior beings, but this is not the case. It is in reference to how one can become a god through perfecting themselves, and making them the godly form of themselves and only themselves. Each zanpakuto is unique, each person is unique, and from them a unique god form is made.
Every person’s God Form is differing, as there are many ways to strike, the main divide being physically and spiritually. The deciding factor is that most must choose between the two. As well, all God Form’s incorporate a weapon, either the Zanpakuto, of the wielder, or a similar weapon. A person’s skill with God Form Art cannot extend to other weapons besides the type of weapon their zanpakuto is, divisions like “curved sword” “one handed club” “Polearm” etc, or if they do not possess a zanpakuto, a weapon type of thier choosing. It is not a replacement for Cero or Bala skill, though it does incorporate those into its forms.
The other divides are upon the styles of weapon associated with the weapon, be they sword, club, polearm, dagger, and other weapons. It is a division that ensures that no two person’s god form will be exactly the same, barring those who share a release or forms of zanpakuto. Teaching god form is not a mass event, besides the full body movements that make the basis of the art, with finer movements being the purvey of a specific trainer or the personal making of the practitioner.
Shockwaves, while a part of the physical movements of a strong Arrancar, aren’t a focus of this art. The techniques and methods of those who utilize them do not apply to this art beyond the most basic methods that can be achieved with no mastery over them. Shockwaves following sword swings, kicks, used in place of Cero for less spiritually inclined Arrancar or being used as checks is the extent of their use. Guns as well are defined through different methods, and can be utilized, serving either as a replacement for cero or bala, or
The influences of this art are Niten Ichi-ryū, and the works of Achille Marozzo and his contemporaries, manuscripts depicting the dimachaeri, and the arts of Kano Ryu, and Muay Thai
“Techniques and martial arts, the logic of fighting, are made so that the weak may challenge the strong. Today, I steal this logic, these forms, for the strong.”-Arcadus
“Martial arts, is nothing more than perfecting violence. Theres nothing moral or just to it. People who claim that it makes the weak strong are right, but it isn’t what you think it is. Its the weak perfecting their violence.” -Arcadus
“Of course it’s not fair, it’s a technique.”
Each of these styles are developed in an attempt to formulate distinctions between the ways of God Form art. All variations and permutations of a thing have advantages, however situational or obtuse. Even standing perfectly still can be the answer to a technique or situation, or any variations of static forms. One can be seen as a universal answer depending on the use and abilities of the practitioner, but it not to be considered a universal answer to all force. Such things do not exist, and while there are pervading answers, exceptions will and must always exist. The answer is in what is available to you, not what is possible.
One Sword, Empty Hand Forms are divided on the following lines. Spiritual use, Physical use, and Grappling use, despite the idea that grappling requires physical strength, the strengths of Kano Ryu, the first forms of judo, allow it to circumvent this problem, allowing those of suitable ability and skill negate this issue. One Sword Empty Hand forms all focus on a use of the empty hand to make the most of the opportunities given to the practitioner, to utilize circumstance and the opponent’s flaws as they appear.
Spiritual users of this form make use of the spiritual techniques that require the use of a hand, or techniques with twitch they are unable to manifest anywhere but their hands. This is generally occupied by either cero or bala, and often the range of strikes for this art are at the tip of their reach, kicks often using the heirro hardened tips of feet or the razor edge of a zanpakuto. Spiritual users often employ techniques to boost their speed and striking power, but at the center of it is setting up for powerful spiritual techniques that are employed or make use of this empty hand.
The greatest flaw of spiritual users of this form is that they have a limited stamina, and that they are often incredibly reliant on their spells and techniques, treating their kicks and weapon as deterrents rather than flat out weapons and methods of attack, falling into a similar issue that Sword and Gun users can, which is to treat one’s melee weapon and limb strikes as purely pressure tools, defensive arms, or distance makers, rather than flat avenues for striking.
Physical types are focused on a closed fist, often using punches and swings on top of using a weapon, or in some cases in place of it. It is the use of shockwaves and a closed fist that separates this form of the art from other aspects of God Form. The focus on shockwaves and fist strikes makes this less of a straight distance and control fighting style and more about luring an opponent in for a devastating close range attack, or by a sort of push and pull of swapping between closer strikes to then ambush their attempts to back off with the longer reach attacks of the style.
Physical types have the worst reach of any type except grappling, and they often compensate for this with pure ferocity and incorporating techniques and strategies from other arts, but it is often to the detriment of the strengths of this art. It is the easiest to mix other forms with, but suffers from a lack of reach and a strategy of deceiving an opponent on one’s striking distance which can, against shrewd opponents, result in poor or outright disastrous encounters and exchanges.
Grappling users are the closest cousins of Judo and Kano Ryu, utilizing grabs and standing grappling to ensure they are able to land their strikes more often and to utilize both side of their upper body to maximize the strength of their strikes and, in their most devastating strike, pulling down with an grabbed hand while throwing a rising kick or thrust to break through an opponent’s physical strength or protective techniques. It is considered the ultimate sequence of the style, besides a standing throw into a kick or weapon strike.
Grappling focuses on its grabs and manipulation of those interactions which can leave those of who focus on this style to falter and fail if they are unable to grapple or maintain a grapple on a foe, with intangibles, counter grapples, or simply an opponent cutting of their limb and regrowing it proving to be problems for this style. While it doesn’t have a direct weakness, it’s focus can be its downfall if it doesn’t prove effective or if one simply can’t leverage throws and grapples into strong strikes.
Two Sword, Spiritual Art. This form is used by the founder of this style, Arcadus of the Espada. While not strictly a superior style, it does capitalize on the advantages and abilities common among Arrancar and emphasizes the strengths of the martial art’s focuses, controlling distance, counter attacking, and utilized the entirety of one’s movements to maintain control of a confrontation. Two Sword Spiritual Art practitioners channel spiritual techniques through different mediums, be it eyes, feet, weapons, or other parts of their body.
The weaknesses of this art are those of multitasking. One is diverting their focus between their feet, two swords, spiritual abilities and their overall movements, and it provides a difficult art to master or to have and act with any form of skill. It is considered one of the forms that requires the highest level of mastery to utilize correctly, though this can be mitigated through different equipment and the simplicity of Arracar techniques. Mastering this style for non Arrancar has yet to be seen, though isn’t considered impossible.
Two Sword, Shock Wave Art is technically an extension of the physical split. While started by Arcadus, it is perfected by others with greater skill in shockwave manipulation and generation. It focuses on essentially wielding 4 weapons, ones kicks, the two weapons, and the generated shockwaves that follow their strikes or cover their openings with shockwaves. Their physical movements are second to only to polearm and staff users, being the synchronous nature of a staff weapon, but they are still whirling masses of force, who’s ability to shockwave means their effective range is on par with spiritual users, with even greater stamina.
Given that this form has no spiritual techniques as its focus, or the room in its more concentrated and deliberately separate forms for spiritual techniques that are not passive, it has an obvious weakness, being able to be targeted for spiritual attacks or attacks that target those with low spiritual strength. Of course, shockwaves themselves have their own issues, those being that if met by a stronger individual, even if they are worse at manipulating shockwaves, ti meets an incredible disadvantage.
One Sword One Gun. A niche form of this art, often utilizing specialist or trick ammunition to keep a variety of attacks and abilities on hand, to ensure a indistinct and hard to read line of attack, ensuring consistent tags and hits on an opponent. The sword becomes effectively a shield, serving to block and parry attacks while strikes are thrown from the firearm. It serves to be similar to one sword open hand, but with a greater focus on strikes, and potential to outlast most other styles, as it’s strikes are determined by ammunition, not spiritual or physical stamina.
Similar to the one handed spiritual form, this relies an incredible amount on the sword and legs being used as barriers, and can fall into focusing too hard onto the gun, and ignoring other weapons available, or relegating them to defensive measures and counter attack options. This however differs from its spiritual sister in that it does not have the stamina issues, but instead a lack of ammunition can drastically reduce the effectiveness of a users style or ability to utilize the full effect of having a firearm.
One Weapon, Two hands is a form in which an Arrancar, or other race, who has a polearm, spear, staff, greatsword, or other two ended or long weapon utilizes a more traditional style of fighting. This form is by far one of the more rooted and grounded fighting styles for God Form Art, the fundamentals of it being the basis for human combat for centuries. However, where it shines is in the use of that large weapon, often times using it as a third leg or similar appendage, making use of it to enhance the mobility options and striking options of the practitioner. As well, staff users often are able to wield an impressive control over multiple opponents, given the reach, and two sided nature of the weapon, with greatsword and polearm users gaining the greatest weapon reach of any style.
While the obvious advantage of not having a second weapon leaves a user of this form relatively unguarded in the moment of striking, especially considering the two handed grip required for the types of weapons this employs, it isn’t the main weakness. The main weakness of this form is that it simply isn’t as close to the intent of pure movement as other forms of the art. It is the most conventional in its movements and is the weakest in utilizing the supernatural abilities and physicality of Arrancar or other spiritual beings.
Void hands is the enigma of the God Form Art. No practitioners host it, and only exists as a theoretical form of the art. It consists of summoning or conjuring weapons into existence when needed, or drawing them at blinding speed from a scabbard, but maintaining the empty stance of Niten Ichi-ryū, allowing it to bait and switch opponents into deadly single exchanges of blows that they cannot defend against, for you cannot defend against a threat you cannot see. It is the essence of deception, and its spiritual techniques are no different, gathering reiatsu faster than all but the most perceptive and cunning can notice, only to unleash them at blinding speed.
The weakness of void hands, barring that is an outright frontier of a style, is that it requires mastery of the art to utilize effectively, as well as a great reliance on the user’s abilities outside of the art. It requires a specific ability to access weapons instantly while they remain put away or out of sight. While it also makes the most of the open hand aspects of One Sword, Empty Hand, seizing the opportunity, it also suffers in the aspects that those circumstances and opportunities provide, namely that leaving things to chance is a dangerous game, but mastering this art would prove the dominance of God Form Art to overcome all obstacles.
Looking out as the pupils read over the material, he watched as they took up forms. This was an important process, the chance to experiment and learn, after forming a semblance of competence of movement, they were ready to at least hold practice weapons. Most of them had taken up very standard poses. Sword out, like a child swinging into another toy sword during recess. It amused him, though James had seemingly paid more attention to the material and had taken up more of a neutral stance, and was putting a decent amount of effort into learning a back kick.
It warmed his heart, though not in a manner of companionship, but the harsh, searing heat of ambition again, as he though on his pawns and the nature of his game. To form enough funds and ryo, and enough of a power base, to form a noble house. That would be the formulation of his powerbase, giving him a structure to rest on top on without having to hold it all together through sheer force of charisma and the threat of his own violence. It would leave him enough time to enact his ritual.
But he noticed something, he’d forgotten they weren’t strong enough, spiritual powerful enough, to make use of the other forms of Kami no katachi no geijutsu, they had no ranged option. Pulling out his cellphone, and opening a gargaunta for signal, Arcadus dialed Rose’s number. The half demon was an interesting person, and a good source of guns which could supplement these mortal’s attempts to learn.
“Rose, its Arcadus. I’ve got a couple questions, and a location. If you want at to make one of the larger moves in your life, meet me in Georgia at some coordinates I’m going to text you. I’ve got that cult set up, and some of them need handguns, preferably real and prop versions. I’m good for it, so let me know if you need help securing them, and maybe if you can make a time we can meet and talk this over. What do you think?”
Arcadus, in an attempt to understand the power of belief based in hermetic principles, Arcadus has murdered the priest of a megachurch in Georgia USA, on live television in the guise of the Archangel Gabriel. In doing this, he had declared himself a herald of the rapture, and that the priest had been leading the congregation astray. This has manifested into a sizeable compound centered around the mansion the priest had lived in, and the cult has been expanding outward ever since.
The cult numbers ififteen thousand , and close to a hundred fullbringers have been created in this exposure to such powerful rieatsu. As for the cult's outward appearance, it seems to be a self sufficient commune, that is moving towards a more harmonius and peaceful way of living. The people there are calm, peaceful, and generally cheerful, though not afraid to express themselves. All of them show some level of devotion to "Gabriel" and speak of preparing for the oncoming rapture.
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As Arcadus awaited his servant’s arrivals, he mused on what he was doing. Worshiped, even if indirectly, as a god, or its mouth piece, was something he enjoyed. He reveled in the deception of these pathetic mortals and their mortal lives. They were pawns, but these ones he’d selected were advanced, developing spiritual powers and abilities, even if they were minor. It was an excellent opportunity to research and observe the formation of fullbringers. But at the end of the day they were ascended pawns, and could be discarded like any other piece on the board.
“My Disciples, those familiar and intimate with the secret of this congregation and of my true nature, I have called you here for a specific purpose. To become a part of something greater, in service to something greater than any one person. Your assenceion as spiritual beings is a long journey, but one I am familiar with. Let us take this first step together. The end of spiritual growth is a personal Godhood, being free of doubts and concerns, always accepting and acting on the consequences of ones actions. “
“The first step to this end, is mastery of ones physical movements. A sound mind is needed to make a sound body, and through this training, one can focus on making their mind, and through the training, body, closer to this goal of godhood. It is a necessary aspect of this process, and it can be difficult. I ask all of you now, each one, to tell me if they are unwilling or doubtful of my direction for you all. I wish to make you kin to me in power and form, but it is a process that cannot be stopped once begun. What are your answers?”
Natalia thought to herself. She was intrigued, and ever since learning about the reality of all of this, the congregation, Arcadus and his guise of playing Gabriel, she had been a bit shaken. She was still faithful to God, but he, this spirit was so large, so deep, it was hard to ignore him. He was the closest thing to God she’d ever felt, and it was like she was signing away her soul. She couldn’t look away though, couldn’t bear to turn from this god in flesh to focus on her god of faith. “I accept, lord, and I hope I live to your expectations.”
Andrew looked to Natalia, the two of them had grown so close over this time, and it was hard to say if they were soulmates or simply just meant to be.Seeing her response, he made up his mind. If she was going in on this promise, that this spirit could show them to godhood, to safety and certainty, he’d follow her in. His faith in God had all but shattered, and while he was likely throwing away his chance at heaven, where she went he followed, so even into hell, he’d follow her. “I will, and I hope we can grow to be as illustrious as yourself”
He’d only been here for a while, maybe a week at most. Hard to track days here, but it was enjoyable. The people were pleasant, and Arcadus, hoooo boy. He was something else, stronger than any man or beast he’d ever seen, and even faster than he was. If there was some way for him go get on his level, to be on that tier, he’d take it. If it was cheating he didn’t care, and if it meant signing his soul away, he’d think about it, but for right now, he figured he could make this into a real opportunity. “Sure thing bossman, I’m down for whatever you want to teach me.”
“Of course, my lord. I am willing to do whatever you ask of me, and I am honored to start on the path to becoming like you.” James had always been the zealot, someone who embraced Arcadus for what he was, an incredibly powerful spirit who could lead them to something greater. He was enthralled by the possibility that he could become like this great being, and that there was some path to it, excited him even more. He was full of vigor for whatever task or exercise that might entail.
The secretary, the voice, mused for a minute on what was being offered to her. Power, influence, distance between herself and others. The ability to live life without uncertainty and the ability to look to the future without worry or fear, certain in the ability to handle obstacles and hardships. Hardships that other people put on her, all that could go away if she signed on for this, something she desperately wanted. To escape, to live free and never see the pain of others. “Of course, I’ll go along with whatever you had in mind.”
The triplets, Aiden, Brayden and Kayden, looked at teach other. They’d gained the ability to talk to each other telepathically, and their discussion centered on one thing. They’d been the parts of the commune who had criticized, provided opposition to, Arcadus. It wasn’t like they were the most well liked of the congregation, yet all of them had been given these abilities, these responsibilities. They didn’t know how to feel, each of them shifting their feet and glancing at each other.
As they made eye contact, and looked towards Arcadus, it was obvious they had made up their minds. They didn’t feel they had much of an option at this point, they were in for a penny in for a pound on this and it wasn’t going to be worth sitting out. A wild ride is what they were in for and this was a wild ride. Moving forward as a group and bowing slightly, they spoke together. “We would be honored by this opportunity to become like you, to grow and prosper beyond human”
Clasping his hands together, Arcadus’s clap was like a wave flowing across the room, the effect of his aura contrasting on his warm and welcoming charisma making the subjugating effect all the more apparent. His smile was a joyous one, but it was something he knew was a mask. These pawns ere going to be used in his game, to handle his cult and allow him to move and to act without worry about it falling apart. To gather money and power in the human world with minimal interference, and as practice for his plans later.
Opening a Gargaunata to Hueco Mundo, Arcadus gestured for all of them to walk through, “Come with me, my disciples, and let me show you what I have prepared for you." Walking through, A sandstone platform out in the sands of Hueco Mundo, with slopes and walls, with divots and pits dotting the hundred by a hundred feet platform. Exercise equipment, specifically an obstacle course. Arcadus smiled, movement was the core of his training, and few better options than something to force movement.
Watching the different fullbringers work through the obstacles course, going up over and under different slopes walls and bars, Arcadus mused on their performances. James was by far the most enthusiastic, though arguably the least agile, often brute forcing his way through obstacles and simply trying again and again till he managed his way through. Contrasting with Jane who, as the administrative head of the compound, was very soft, and struggled through most of it.
Natalia and Andrew were something of a tag team, helping each other over the obstacles they couldn’t seem to handle. Natalia with her athleticism seemed to do incredibly well, though Andrew’s ability to perceive and reach in incredibly small fragments of time allowed him to formulate methods to overcome the obstacles as he approached them rather than waiting and looking at them at a stand still. They seemed to make a great team, Andrew leading and keeping Natalia in check, and her providing the might needed.
Jon, being the speedster of the group seemed to be handling it the easiest, moving at record pace through the course, though he did have stumbles and fumbles as he moved through. His speed, movement wise, wasn’t as keen as his hands. His ability to think ahead and process his surroundings wasn’t up to par with his speed, leading him to take a more comfortable, if comparatively slow pace to his full speed. Improving as he was, it wasn't like he was going to make too much headway in a single session.
The Triplets were moving through it with relative ease, while not directly helping eachother like Natalia and Andrew, were encouraging and giving advice to each other telepathically. Each of them seemed to trugle on different obstacles, but more so they struggled when they couldn’t give advice or communicate, as it seemed like their communication was based off of line of sight, something Arcadus made a note of. They all seemed to excel on horizontal obstacles, faltering on verticals where they would break line of sight.
Setting down his pen as he surveyed his pupils Arcadus handed out the printed forms and pamphlets. They had at least begun to grasp the beginning of perfecting thier movement, which for the moment consisted of running through an obstacle course and bringing them up to a physical standard, the fist step before anyone would be throwing a kick or a punch. It was important that each of them be at at least above average physicality to begin actually learning a this martial, or any forms of it. Looking at the annotated and edited version of his previous writings coupled with a number of forms he had recognized would arise, Arcadus handed them out, which is summarized as follows.
This martial art, developed by the Tercera Espada Arcadus, was designed to be a martial art that embodied and built upon the inherent advantages and abilities of Arrancar. It incorporates a focus on striking, especially kicks, knees, and especially weapon strikes, given that almost all arrancar possess a zanpakuto. It has a keen focus on perfecting one’s movements and strikes to reach a form of “godhood” in which their style allows them mastery over their positioning and ability to deliver strikes while not being struck. That is the essence of the art, to be able to exert force while minimizing the opportunity for counter attack.
This Godhood extends to outside of fighting however. It is to be sure in your movements and your decisions. To be uncertain of the outcome isn’t the issue, it’s to lack resolve. Resolve not just to carry out one's actions, but to accept all possible consequences of those actions, and expect to overcome them. The mentality is one of decisive action, about choice and accepting a choice you make, be it to accept the options available and choose the one you are best suited for, or to make one's own options through the abilities afforded to them. The other half of Daoism is to accept what you can change and to do so.
You can control your own body, your own thoughts, so master them, and what you can do with them, and you can master your surroundings as well, by knowing your limits and options against it. This is what the martial art emphasizes, not pure dojo training, but understanding and experiencing your limits, not to try to burst past them, but to understand them and work around them. Very few people have infinite potential, the truly “strongest” who can simply burst past all expectations and limitations. And with knowing yourself, and your surroundings, you can master your enemy, who is a reactive force. The offensive of Kami No Katachi is meant to force a defense, which can be controlled into options for victory.
As well, its supplementary techniques and moves focus on being able to position yourself to hit your opponent more, resulting in one handed grabs on limbs, to better control the base of a person’s lever for striking, as well as foot work and timing to force your opponent into 1 2 combos, like hooking a kick into one's knee to then strike with a sword, or cutting down into a shoulder to then answer with a turn kick. Dual wielding weapons, while not strictly taught by some, is incredibly common for those that have higher skill in Cero or Bala and can project them from other parts of their bodies than their hands, but this does limit the ability to grapple.
The defensive options of God Form most often focus on either counter striker strikes or parries, with raw avoidance against hits is contrary to the aggression of the form, with the spacing afforded by the length of kicks and weapons providing a passive defensive option in melee. This is again about mastering one’s movement and timing. If you are sure your opponent can reach you, but you have a counter attack, a smart or skilled fighter will be more hesitant to commit if it means gambling on a counter strike. Fools will fall to it.
This spacing is vital to the martial art, as it is integral both to the open hand and dual wielding variants. One weapon is used to maintain distance, and the other is used to defend against strikes that may bypass the first weapon, or to defend during a strike as that is when a fighter has the most openings. Kicks, shockwaves and spiritual techniques like bala and cero serve to fill this area as well, ensuring that in the swings and thrusts they are not without counter attack options or defenses.
Of course, techniques to allow yourself to keep striking your opponent include disarms, though these are less focused on when taught to those with a strong heirro. Other less touched on techniques are the use of ranged weapons like hand guns and very much pertain to the individual being taught. Unorthodox forms of this art are common often incorporating single use or temporary weapons to secure killing blows, as it leaves a lot to build upon with another person’s different affinities for weapons and different spiritual and physical techniques.
Hierro or other skin defensive techniques are a necessity to it, and the preferred defense to a strike that has closed the gap is to either strike with the weapon into the strike or elbow or knee or cero if it closed that distance, at the minimum nullifying it and at worst further damaging their opponent. This focus on counter attacks means that one can’t continue to test the range of a practitioners attacks without fear of reprise or counter offense.
The grabs of God Form tend to be the middle ground between offense and defense. Being able to manipulate your opponent’s movement and positioning allow you to better control your opponent’s effective reach. More vitally though, they allow you to both increase your striking power by utilizing both your upper and lower body into a strike, or more of the full rotational power, and to better land that strike. The takedowns of God Form emphasize standing takedowns, with it having virtually no ground fighting that is not kneeing or slicing your opponent to return to your feet.
As well, it makes use of Arrancar’s ability to close the gap with Sonido and the ability to learn bala and cero to ensure they are able to maintain pressure on an opponent and strike from unexpected places. It is a common misconception that God Form refers to the idea that Arrancar are Gods or superior beings, but this is not the case. It is in reference to how one can become a god through perfecting themselves, and making them the godly form of themselves and only themselves. Each zanpakuto is unique, each person is unique, and from them a unique god form is made.
Every person’s God Form is differing, as there are many ways to strike, the main divide being physically and spiritually. The deciding factor is that most must choose between the two. As well, all God Form’s incorporate a weapon, either the Zanpakuto, of the wielder, or a similar weapon. A person’s skill with God Form Art cannot extend to other weapons besides the type of weapon their zanpakuto is, divisions like “curved sword” “one handed club” “Polearm” etc, or if they do not possess a zanpakuto, a weapon type of thier choosing. It is not a replacement for Cero or Bala skill, though it does incorporate those into its forms.
The other divides are upon the styles of weapon associated with the weapon, be they sword, club, polearm, dagger, and other weapons. It is a division that ensures that no two person’s god form will be exactly the same, barring those who share a release or forms of zanpakuto. Teaching god form is not a mass event, besides the full body movements that make the basis of the art, with finer movements being the purvey of a specific trainer or the personal making of the practitioner.
Shockwaves, while a part of the physical movements of a strong Arrancar, aren’t a focus of this art. The techniques and methods of those who utilize them do not apply to this art beyond the most basic methods that can be achieved with no mastery over them. Shockwaves following sword swings, kicks, used in place of Cero for less spiritually inclined Arrancar or being used as checks is the extent of their use. Guns as well are defined through different methods, and can be utilized, serving either as a replacement for cero or bala, or
The influences of this art are Niten Ichi-ryū, and the works of Achille Marozzo and his contemporaries, manuscripts depicting the dimachaeri, and the arts of Kano Ryu, and Muay Thai
“Techniques and martial arts, the logic of fighting, are made so that the weak may challenge the strong. Today, I steal this logic, these forms, for the strong.”-Arcadus
“Martial arts, is nothing more than perfecting violence. Theres nothing moral or just to it. People who claim that it makes the weak strong are right, but it isn’t what you think it is. Its the weak perfecting their violence.” -Arcadus
“Of course it’s not fair, it’s a technique.”
Each of these styles are developed in an attempt to formulate distinctions between the ways of God Form art. All variations and permutations of a thing have advantages, however situational or obtuse. Even standing perfectly still can be the answer to a technique or situation, or any variations of static forms. One can be seen as a universal answer depending on the use and abilities of the practitioner, but it not to be considered a universal answer to all force. Such things do not exist, and while there are pervading answers, exceptions will and must always exist. The answer is in what is available to you, not what is possible.
One Sword, Empty Hand Forms are divided on the following lines. Spiritual use, Physical use, and Grappling use, despite the idea that grappling requires physical strength, the strengths of Kano Ryu, the first forms of judo, allow it to circumvent this problem, allowing those of suitable ability and skill negate this issue. One Sword Empty Hand forms all focus on a use of the empty hand to make the most of the opportunities given to the practitioner, to utilize circumstance and the opponent’s flaws as they appear.
Spiritual users of this form make use of the spiritual techniques that require the use of a hand, or techniques with twitch they are unable to manifest anywhere but their hands. This is generally occupied by either cero or bala, and often the range of strikes for this art are at the tip of their reach, kicks often using the heirro hardened tips of feet or the razor edge of a zanpakuto. Spiritual users often employ techniques to boost their speed and striking power, but at the center of it is setting up for powerful spiritual techniques that are employed or make use of this empty hand.
The greatest flaw of spiritual users of this form is that they have a limited stamina, and that they are often incredibly reliant on their spells and techniques, treating their kicks and weapon as deterrents rather than flat out weapons and methods of attack, falling into a similar issue that Sword and Gun users can, which is to treat one’s melee weapon and limb strikes as purely pressure tools, defensive arms, or distance makers, rather than flat avenues for striking.
Physical types are focused on a closed fist, often using punches and swings on top of using a weapon, or in some cases in place of it. It is the use of shockwaves and a closed fist that separates this form of the art from other aspects of God Form. The focus on shockwaves and fist strikes makes this less of a straight distance and control fighting style and more about luring an opponent in for a devastating close range attack, or by a sort of push and pull of swapping between closer strikes to then ambush their attempts to back off with the longer reach attacks of the style.
Physical types have the worst reach of any type except grappling, and they often compensate for this with pure ferocity and incorporating techniques and strategies from other arts, but it is often to the detriment of the strengths of this art. It is the easiest to mix other forms with, but suffers from a lack of reach and a strategy of deceiving an opponent on one’s striking distance which can, against shrewd opponents, result in poor or outright disastrous encounters and exchanges.
Grappling users are the closest cousins of Judo and Kano Ryu, utilizing grabs and standing grappling to ensure they are able to land their strikes more often and to utilize both side of their upper body to maximize the strength of their strikes and, in their most devastating strike, pulling down with an grabbed hand while throwing a rising kick or thrust to break through an opponent’s physical strength or protective techniques. It is considered the ultimate sequence of the style, besides a standing throw into a kick or weapon strike.
Grappling focuses on its grabs and manipulation of those interactions which can leave those of who focus on this style to falter and fail if they are unable to grapple or maintain a grapple on a foe, with intangibles, counter grapples, or simply an opponent cutting of their limb and regrowing it proving to be problems for this style. While it doesn’t have a direct weakness, it’s focus can be its downfall if it doesn’t prove effective or if one simply can’t leverage throws and grapples into strong strikes.
Two Sword, Spiritual Art. This form is used by the founder of this style, Arcadus of the Espada. While not strictly a superior style, it does capitalize on the advantages and abilities common among Arrancar and emphasizes the strengths of the martial art’s focuses, controlling distance, counter attacking, and utilized the entirety of one’s movements to maintain control of a confrontation. Two Sword Spiritual Art practitioners channel spiritual techniques through different mediums, be it eyes, feet, weapons, or other parts of their body.
The weaknesses of this art are those of multitasking. One is diverting their focus between their feet, two swords, spiritual abilities and their overall movements, and it provides a difficult art to master or to have and act with any form of skill. It is considered one of the forms that requires the highest level of mastery to utilize correctly, though this can be mitigated through different equipment and the simplicity of Arracar techniques. Mastering this style for non Arrancar has yet to be seen, though isn’t considered impossible.
Two Sword, Shock Wave Art is technically an extension of the physical split. While started by Arcadus, it is perfected by others with greater skill in shockwave manipulation and generation. It focuses on essentially wielding 4 weapons, ones kicks, the two weapons, and the generated shockwaves that follow their strikes or cover their openings with shockwaves. Their physical movements are second to only to polearm and staff users, being the synchronous nature of a staff weapon, but they are still whirling masses of force, who’s ability to shockwave means their effective range is on par with spiritual users, with even greater stamina.
Given that this form has no spiritual techniques as its focus, or the room in its more concentrated and deliberately separate forms for spiritual techniques that are not passive, it has an obvious weakness, being able to be targeted for spiritual attacks or attacks that target those with low spiritual strength. Of course, shockwaves themselves have their own issues, those being that if met by a stronger individual, even if they are worse at manipulating shockwaves, ti meets an incredible disadvantage.
One Sword One Gun. A niche form of this art, often utilizing specialist or trick ammunition to keep a variety of attacks and abilities on hand, to ensure a indistinct and hard to read line of attack, ensuring consistent tags and hits on an opponent. The sword becomes effectively a shield, serving to block and parry attacks while strikes are thrown from the firearm. It serves to be similar to one sword open hand, but with a greater focus on strikes, and potential to outlast most other styles, as it’s strikes are determined by ammunition, not spiritual or physical stamina.
Similar to the one handed spiritual form, this relies an incredible amount on the sword and legs being used as barriers, and can fall into focusing too hard onto the gun, and ignoring other weapons available, or relegating them to defensive measures and counter attack options. This however differs from its spiritual sister in that it does not have the stamina issues, but instead a lack of ammunition can drastically reduce the effectiveness of a users style or ability to utilize the full effect of having a firearm.
One Weapon, Two hands is a form in which an Arrancar, or other race, who has a polearm, spear, staff, greatsword, or other two ended or long weapon utilizes a more traditional style of fighting. This form is by far one of the more rooted and grounded fighting styles for God Form Art, the fundamentals of it being the basis for human combat for centuries. However, where it shines is in the use of that large weapon, often times using it as a third leg or similar appendage, making use of it to enhance the mobility options and striking options of the practitioner. As well, staff users often are able to wield an impressive control over multiple opponents, given the reach, and two sided nature of the weapon, with greatsword and polearm users gaining the greatest weapon reach of any style.
While the obvious advantage of not having a second weapon leaves a user of this form relatively unguarded in the moment of striking, especially considering the two handed grip required for the types of weapons this employs, it isn’t the main weakness. The main weakness of this form is that it simply isn’t as close to the intent of pure movement as other forms of the art. It is the most conventional in its movements and is the weakest in utilizing the supernatural abilities and physicality of Arrancar or other spiritual beings.
Void hands is the enigma of the God Form Art. No practitioners host it, and only exists as a theoretical form of the art. It consists of summoning or conjuring weapons into existence when needed, or drawing them at blinding speed from a scabbard, but maintaining the empty stance of Niten Ichi-ryū, allowing it to bait and switch opponents into deadly single exchanges of blows that they cannot defend against, for you cannot defend against a threat you cannot see. It is the essence of deception, and its spiritual techniques are no different, gathering reiatsu faster than all but the most perceptive and cunning can notice, only to unleash them at blinding speed.
The weakness of void hands, barring that is an outright frontier of a style, is that it requires mastery of the art to utilize effectively, as well as a great reliance on the user’s abilities outside of the art. It requires a specific ability to access weapons instantly while they remain put away or out of sight. While it also makes the most of the open hand aspects of One Sword, Empty Hand, seizing the opportunity, it also suffers in the aspects that those circumstances and opportunities provide, namely that leaving things to chance is a dangerous game, but mastering this art would prove the dominance of God Form Art to overcome all obstacles.
Looking out as the pupils read over the material, he watched as they took up forms. This was an important process, the chance to experiment and learn, after forming a semblance of competence of movement, they were ready to at least hold practice weapons. Most of them had taken up very standard poses. Sword out, like a child swinging into another toy sword during recess. It amused him, though James had seemingly paid more attention to the material and had taken up more of a neutral stance, and was putting a decent amount of effort into learning a back kick.
It warmed his heart, though not in a manner of companionship, but the harsh, searing heat of ambition again, as he though on his pawns and the nature of his game. To form enough funds and ryo, and enough of a power base, to form a noble house. That would be the formulation of his powerbase, giving him a structure to rest on top on without having to hold it all together through sheer force of charisma and the threat of his own violence. It would leave him enough time to enact his ritual.
But he noticed something, he’d forgotten they weren’t strong enough, spiritual powerful enough, to make use of the other forms of Kami no katachi no geijutsu, they had no ranged option. Pulling out his cellphone, and opening a gargaunta for signal, Arcadus dialed Rose’s number. The half demon was an interesting person, and a good source of guns which could supplement these mortal’s attempts to learn.
“Rose, its Arcadus. I’ve got a couple questions, and a location. If you want at to make one of the larger moves in your life, meet me in Georgia at some coordinates I’m going to text you. I’ve got that cult set up, and some of them need handguns, preferably real and prop versions. I’m good for it, so let me know if you need help securing them, and maybe if you can make a time we can meet and talk this over. What do you think?”
