Post by Marcelius on Oct 7, 2013 7:10:55 GMT -5
(OoC: This thread is for the training and mastery of Pesquisa. It is a solo thread, exclusive for Marcelius Despres.)
Awareness has always been key to success. An understanding of one's surroundings, sets or breaks the limits they are capable of. Being able to see every problem from multiple angles, is key to grasping a solution. Locating danger before it becomes a threat, is the only way to survive. There is no mind that is all knowing, and there is no juggernaut without weakness. Observation and analysis can find the weakness to all power. For Arrancar, this is often an overlooked gift. Beings of such power, vast and monstrous, may fight without concern or fear of the unknown. However, even as mighty as they are, these souls will always be doomed. Time will prove it. It is also because of time, that Marcelius is nothing like this.
His great age and experience have allowed him to witness the defeat of such fools, sometimes at his own hands. What he took from his many years of lessons, is that there was always something hidden...and always more to learn. So, it is no great mystery that Pesquisa is a technique he holds in highest regard. It is elegant, efficient, and proves the folly of most adversaries. Learning it, however, is the challenge. For every Arrancar is born with the potential for this technique, but few master it with the intent to understand it. Marc is different, yet again, for his desires to manifest all the how's and why's lurking within this magnificent ability.
His lessons started long ago, with the help of a fellow of his kin. Having been non-combative since his rebirth as an Arrancar, he was never placed into situations which would have allowed him study or practice. He required demonstrations from those who knew already. The knowledge of souls who learned out of necessity, unlike himself. The first attempts he made at grasping such a feat as Pesquisa, were less fruitful. With a shakey control of his reiryoku, he could not perform the ability in the least. Knowing how much concentration to build, and the right amount of energy required. To manage his lack of experience, he was taught simple counting and breathing techniques to focus his efforts with. In truth, it became more of a lesson on reiryoku control, than it was for Pesquisa.
When he was finally successful, the effects were quite wonderous. His first use of Pesquisa, to his memory, was a sudden burst of information and delight. The energy he had released, began to ring and bounce off of each and every spiritual presence within it. For someone with Marc's capacity for sensation, everything began to sing, gleam, and warm him. Shivers of delight travelled through his spine. For a moment, without the need of Resurreccion, he could see and feel things far beyond himself. It was euphoric, but not practical for battle. If he were to ever need Pesquisa in a true fight, he would need to handle and discipline his reaction to it. There lies a challenge when training the senses...how does one discipline and toughen, without the risk of numbing? The truth is, there is always risk. For Marcelius, however, there was always a way around risk.
These days, long after learning Pesquisa originally, Marc uses much of his time meditating. His joints are old, and his muscles stubborn, so he does not dar lock himself into the crossed legged position...usually expected of such an activity. No. When he meditates, he stands. It allows him to feel his strength as it resists the pull of gravity. This is a trask used to distract. For in Marcelius' mind, several layers of consciousness exist. For him to achieve peace in one of them, the others had to be occupied. The first, was always sacrificed to the Choir. One part of his conscience to forever listen and absorb the messages his consumed share. It kept them at bay, preventing them from creeping in on all of his thoughts at once. Controlling his: muscles, posture and breathing, this was the second eye's job. Observing his surroundings, allowing his senses to be involved and focused elsewhere. Then finally, came the portion of the mind which relaxed.
Thinking and doing nothing, it was his way of truly resting. To those capable of spectating this event, would be none the wiser. He displayed no indication of what he was really doing, other than a silence that lingered a bit out of character. All the same, it was because of this practice that he could clear his mind...and start fresh on particularly difficult problems. Taking deep, long breaths, he drew his mind to an ease and comfort. Once relaxed, free of tension or expectation, he began to think. Pesquisa. How could it be improved or strengthened? Possibly a great expenditure of reiatsu, for an increased effect? It might increase the range, or possibly the accuracy of the reading. How is the reading accomplished? Reiatsu flows in all directions, and when it makes contact, it send a signal back to the source. The signal is like a ringing, a sudden sensation that the user feels. This does not require superior senses to detect, any Arrancar can use Pesquisa equally. How is this possible?"
"The sensation must be connected to the user. A connection made of spiritual energy, that does not lose or gain strength based on one's own senses. More energy would produce a larger field of study, but not increase acuity. A larger survey is desirable, but can prove more taxing. More to study, more information, more work for the mind...a busy mind is an exposed mind. Pesquisa should not exhaust the user. Increasing energy or focus is not the best solution. What other aspects of Pesquisa can be changed? If not the amount of reiryoku, maybe the way it is used? Gathered energy creates noise. This noise can be altered through concentration; to be faster or slower. What does this change in tempo do? Another deep breath, this time long after his previous one. While contemplating his thoughts, he began a new Pesquisa. Charging the energy, by drawing it in, but stopping before the use. Simply holding it, like an examiner would under a microscope. He began to shift the energy he had gathered, playing with it. Adding more and then taking it way, observing the changes in the effects. It is directly related to the density of the piled particles. The more dense they are, the slower the noise. How could this relate to Pesquisa's effectiveness?
Eyes fluttered, as his mind crawled free from the isolation of meditation. Cloaking his body was the reiatsu he had altered before. Still humming in a low tone, the particles packed quite tightly. Looking around, he found himself standing on a balcony. It overlooked one of the many great hallways within Las Noches. Down below, the scurrying feet of Arrancar could be heard echoing here and there. Already he could sense so many around, just with his talents alone. He knew their were some of great spiritual strength, and others who were lacking. Several dozen lay about him in all directions. The number of weak versus strong souls was almost an even split, good for testing. So, without any more delay, he released his high density pulse. Mind open to take in everything he received. Unfortunately for Marc's senses, he heard quite a lot. With a denser wave of energy, the feed back he received was intense. It would have been stunning, had he not mentally prepared himself for what was to come. The intense response of all the nearby souls, told him everything Pesquisa normally could...and then it told more.
For a brief moment, he could aptly read the thoughts of each of the individuals around him. There was, indeed, a large amount of information to absorb. Much like his regular Pesquisa, this new version was better suited for Arrancar who were less sympathetic. However, it did present him with an idea for a future revision of Pesquisa. For now, there was still more to experiment with. Having completed the trial of a high density Pesquisa, he moved on to the production of a low-density version. By experiencing both ends of the spectrum, he might uncover some secrets as to quantify the benefits of increasing or decreasing the volume of certain techniques. It was already clear to him that a louder Cero had more impact capacity, while a more quiet Cero could be more easily manipulated and controlled. The same must be true with other techniques...and theoretically the same could be said for the abilities of other races.
Marcelius had always put great value into sounds and their meanings or effects on the world; now he was simply getting the opportunity to see such effects first hand. It was exhilarating, yes, but he kept his head level and focused on the task at hand. Once more he emptied power from his reiryoku. Once enough was gathered, as before, he focused on it's density and vibration. Cutting back the pressure on the particles, by releasing his grip on them. Soon, they had become loose and scattered. Still collected, but hanging barely in their form. Once in the proper state, the energy was very easy to maintain. It always amazed Marc, how natural such endeavors were. Either way, the time had come to see the results.
Releasing what control he had left, a fresh burst of clarity went rushing into the world. For what he had hoped to achieve with the first experiment, he captured with the second. The loosely piled collection of energy, when splashing through the rooms about him. However, with their faintly bonded design, they were only able to respond when contact individuals of sizable power. Those with weaker, or hidden spiritual pressures, simply could not stimulate the Pesquisa. In this incarnation, the Pesquisa proved far less effective. There was not an Arrancar alive who would want a less accurate survey...except Marcelius. For him, it was a away of weeding out those who did not pose a threat. Not to say a low spiritual pressure results in weakness, but it does reduced the frequency and speed to which devastation can be wrought.
For those who did trigger the Pesquisa's interest, Marc still received the full bounty of data...without having to deal with all the other spirit's input as well. For Marc, this low-density version could be used to scour large crowds with less danger of overworking his mind...it could accomplish great things if used correctly. However, it did fail in one regard. Marcelius had predicted the effects that came about, so...sadly, there was no new revelation. Nothing exciting or unknown, a new question, built from this discovery. There were still more details to be attended too and finished off, but for the most part, his plans for improving the Pesquisa remained unchanged. Still, it was better to get these test out of the way now...as opposed to living in uncertainty. Or so he postulated, now losing himself in mechanical debate...within his mind. How ironic, that after all his work with the sensory abilities, he could not sense the shade soon approaching him...
Awareness has always been key to success. An understanding of one's surroundings, sets or breaks the limits they are capable of. Being able to see every problem from multiple angles, is key to grasping a solution. Locating danger before it becomes a threat, is the only way to survive. There is no mind that is all knowing, and there is no juggernaut without weakness. Observation and analysis can find the weakness to all power. For Arrancar, this is often an overlooked gift. Beings of such power, vast and monstrous, may fight without concern or fear of the unknown. However, even as mighty as they are, these souls will always be doomed. Time will prove it. It is also because of time, that Marcelius is nothing like this.
His great age and experience have allowed him to witness the defeat of such fools, sometimes at his own hands. What he took from his many years of lessons, is that there was always something hidden...and always more to learn. So, it is no great mystery that Pesquisa is a technique he holds in highest regard. It is elegant, efficient, and proves the folly of most adversaries. Learning it, however, is the challenge. For every Arrancar is born with the potential for this technique, but few master it with the intent to understand it. Marc is different, yet again, for his desires to manifest all the how's and why's lurking within this magnificent ability.
His lessons started long ago, with the help of a fellow of his kin. Having been non-combative since his rebirth as an Arrancar, he was never placed into situations which would have allowed him study or practice. He required demonstrations from those who knew already. The knowledge of souls who learned out of necessity, unlike himself. The first attempts he made at grasping such a feat as Pesquisa, were less fruitful. With a shakey control of his reiryoku, he could not perform the ability in the least. Knowing how much concentration to build, and the right amount of energy required. To manage his lack of experience, he was taught simple counting and breathing techniques to focus his efforts with. In truth, it became more of a lesson on reiryoku control, than it was for Pesquisa.
When he was finally successful, the effects were quite wonderous. His first use of Pesquisa, to his memory, was a sudden burst of information and delight. The energy he had released, began to ring and bounce off of each and every spiritual presence within it. For someone with Marc's capacity for sensation, everything began to sing, gleam, and warm him. Shivers of delight travelled through his spine. For a moment, without the need of Resurreccion, he could see and feel things far beyond himself. It was euphoric, but not practical for battle. If he were to ever need Pesquisa in a true fight, he would need to handle and discipline his reaction to it. There lies a challenge when training the senses...how does one discipline and toughen, without the risk of numbing? The truth is, there is always risk. For Marcelius, however, there was always a way around risk.
These days, long after learning Pesquisa originally, Marc uses much of his time meditating. His joints are old, and his muscles stubborn, so he does not dar lock himself into the crossed legged position...usually expected of such an activity. No. When he meditates, he stands. It allows him to feel his strength as it resists the pull of gravity. This is a trask used to distract. For in Marcelius' mind, several layers of consciousness exist. For him to achieve peace in one of them, the others had to be occupied. The first, was always sacrificed to the Choir. One part of his conscience to forever listen and absorb the messages his consumed share. It kept them at bay, preventing them from creeping in on all of his thoughts at once. Controlling his: muscles, posture and breathing, this was the second eye's job. Observing his surroundings, allowing his senses to be involved and focused elsewhere. Then finally, came the portion of the mind which relaxed.
Thinking and doing nothing, it was his way of truly resting. To those capable of spectating this event, would be none the wiser. He displayed no indication of what he was really doing, other than a silence that lingered a bit out of character. All the same, it was because of this practice that he could clear his mind...and start fresh on particularly difficult problems. Taking deep, long breaths, he drew his mind to an ease and comfort. Once relaxed, free of tension or expectation, he began to think. Pesquisa. How could it be improved or strengthened? Possibly a great expenditure of reiatsu, for an increased effect? It might increase the range, or possibly the accuracy of the reading. How is the reading accomplished? Reiatsu flows in all directions, and when it makes contact, it send a signal back to the source. The signal is like a ringing, a sudden sensation that the user feels. This does not require superior senses to detect, any Arrancar can use Pesquisa equally. How is this possible?"
"The sensation must be connected to the user. A connection made of spiritual energy, that does not lose or gain strength based on one's own senses. More energy would produce a larger field of study, but not increase acuity. A larger survey is desirable, but can prove more taxing. More to study, more information, more work for the mind...a busy mind is an exposed mind. Pesquisa should not exhaust the user. Increasing energy or focus is not the best solution. What other aspects of Pesquisa can be changed? If not the amount of reiryoku, maybe the way it is used? Gathered energy creates noise. This noise can be altered through concentration; to be faster or slower. What does this change in tempo do? Another deep breath, this time long after his previous one. While contemplating his thoughts, he began a new Pesquisa. Charging the energy, by drawing it in, but stopping before the use. Simply holding it, like an examiner would under a microscope. He began to shift the energy he had gathered, playing with it. Adding more and then taking it way, observing the changes in the effects. It is directly related to the density of the piled particles. The more dense they are, the slower the noise. How could this relate to Pesquisa's effectiveness?
Eyes fluttered, as his mind crawled free from the isolation of meditation. Cloaking his body was the reiatsu he had altered before. Still humming in a low tone, the particles packed quite tightly. Looking around, he found himself standing on a balcony. It overlooked one of the many great hallways within Las Noches. Down below, the scurrying feet of Arrancar could be heard echoing here and there. Already he could sense so many around, just with his talents alone. He knew their were some of great spiritual strength, and others who were lacking. Several dozen lay about him in all directions. The number of weak versus strong souls was almost an even split, good for testing. So, without any more delay, he released his high density pulse. Mind open to take in everything he received. Unfortunately for Marc's senses, he heard quite a lot. With a denser wave of energy, the feed back he received was intense. It would have been stunning, had he not mentally prepared himself for what was to come. The intense response of all the nearby souls, told him everything Pesquisa normally could...and then it told more.
For a brief moment, he could aptly read the thoughts of each of the individuals around him. There was, indeed, a large amount of information to absorb. Much like his regular Pesquisa, this new version was better suited for Arrancar who were less sympathetic. However, it did present him with an idea for a future revision of Pesquisa. For now, there was still more to experiment with. Having completed the trial of a high density Pesquisa, he moved on to the production of a low-density version. By experiencing both ends of the spectrum, he might uncover some secrets as to quantify the benefits of increasing or decreasing the volume of certain techniques. It was already clear to him that a louder Cero had more impact capacity, while a more quiet Cero could be more easily manipulated and controlled. The same must be true with other techniques...and theoretically the same could be said for the abilities of other races.
Marcelius had always put great value into sounds and their meanings or effects on the world; now he was simply getting the opportunity to see such effects first hand. It was exhilarating, yes, but he kept his head level and focused on the task at hand. Once more he emptied power from his reiryoku. Once enough was gathered, as before, he focused on it's density and vibration. Cutting back the pressure on the particles, by releasing his grip on them. Soon, they had become loose and scattered. Still collected, but hanging barely in their form. Once in the proper state, the energy was very easy to maintain. It always amazed Marc, how natural such endeavors were. Either way, the time had come to see the results.
Releasing what control he had left, a fresh burst of clarity went rushing into the world. For what he had hoped to achieve with the first experiment, he captured with the second. The loosely piled collection of energy, when splashing through the rooms about him. However, with their faintly bonded design, they were only able to respond when contact individuals of sizable power. Those with weaker, or hidden spiritual pressures, simply could not stimulate the Pesquisa. In this incarnation, the Pesquisa proved far less effective. There was not an Arrancar alive who would want a less accurate survey...except Marcelius. For him, it was a away of weeding out those who did not pose a threat. Not to say a low spiritual pressure results in weakness, but it does reduced the frequency and speed to which devastation can be wrought.
For those who did trigger the Pesquisa's interest, Marc still received the full bounty of data...without having to deal with all the other spirit's input as well. For Marc, this low-density version could be used to scour large crowds with less danger of overworking his mind...it could accomplish great things if used correctly. However, it did fail in one regard. Marcelius had predicted the effects that came about, so...sadly, there was no new revelation. Nothing exciting or unknown, a new question, built from this discovery. There were still more details to be attended too and finished off, but for the most part, his plans for improving the Pesquisa remained unchanged. Still, it was better to get these test out of the way now...as opposed to living in uncertainty. Or so he postulated, now losing himself in mechanical debate...within his mind. How ironic, that after all his work with the sensory abilities, he could not sense the shade soon approaching him...
