[Clan] Shoshiki

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[Clan] Shoshiki

Post by Archives » Thu Jan 14, 2016 9:01 pm

Shoshiki


General Information

Type: Clan
Village: Iwagakure no Sato
Size: Small, 15 families
Traits: Shoshiki clan members have relatively common traits amongst themselves. Their hair colors range from very light platinum blondes to still quite light brunette colors and are straight and silky in texture. Their hair color rarely delves very deep into dark colors or anything but blonde and brown. It is the most popular style amongst women to grow their hair long, and it isn't rare for men to have longer hair as well. The colors of clan member's eyes range between blues and grays. Their eye colors are commonly pure and reflective, allowing most people to see themselves if they look into a Shoshiki's eyes. It is also common while not often quite necessary that clan members wear contacts or glasses.

A Shoshiki's most notable trait is their pale skin. Members of the Shoshiki clan have some of the most pale skin tones in Iwagakure and quite possibly all of the land of earth. Their pale skin is easily susceptible to sunburns and heat rashes, making it rare to find Shoshiki out during the day or without some kind of shelter as they have a very hard time handling sun. They are also commonly short in stature, as well as slight in build. Members are usually physically weaker than other shinobi of their rank, as no Shoshiki has ever been noted for their muscularity.
Clan Traditions, Customs and CultureShow
◘ Clan Hierarchy and Politics

The Shoshiki clan is one of the oldest clans in Iwa, having roots as one of the first clans to abandon a nomadic culture and settle in the rock country permanently as an extremely small group of families. The members of the clan had somewhat humble beginnings as artisans and glass makers, by their bloodline trait. They used their skill to impress and carry favor with the original noble families and thus build a reasonable amount of influence despite their small size. It is because of their interactions in aristocratic societies that they have fostered an innate air of self importance which mostly extends from the main family and trickles down the hierarchy.

Traditionally the Shoshiki are not a very independent clan. Being physically inferior made survival very difficult in the harsh rock country where food is scarce. Therefore Shoshiki tend to find themselves in beneficial relationships and forge bonds with others strictly to maintain power and gain influence as a means of survival. To this day they still have fair relations with the aristocratic centers of the Land of Earth and even have allies amongst businesses and other external powers. However this strategic lifestyle is known to backfire. With so much interest being in a relationship with power, they do not hold much interest in who is in power. Choosing instead to be the most passive when it comes to external politics as to not create enemies with an otherwise beneficial partner has lead most to see the clan as weaker and subversive which has caused the clan to be devalued in the eyes of many of those it might be trying to appease.

The clan has a strict hierarchical structure. At the top is the main family, a single ruling family that serves as the ruling class. Not only is the head of the family decided from the main house, but also the Head of Affairs — who acts as a co-leader — and the Village Adjutant who is either part of the village council or works closely with it. Next are the branch families, the class which serves the main family and carries out much of the clan business. Finally there is the retainer class. Those of the retainer class have only one difference than the main and branch family in that they are unable to produce glass. With the clan's weak physical traits and such an inability there isn't much option other than to tend to the needs of the main and branch families who are able to use their kekkei genkai.

The current form of leadership has created an internal struggle within the clan as far as some of the polices that the main family has taken. The greatest issue within the clan is the clan leader's passive decision making in the realm of village politics. Most of the village finds the Shoshiki to be weak and irrelevant in the power struggles within the village as they to not make a solid stance on one or any side until a winner is clear. The shady tactics employed by the last two generations of Shoshiki leaders have given rise to an internal war of polices within the main house. At the moment the dissent isn't prevelent enough to give raise to rebellion, but it is enough to force some members of the main and branch families to question if the current leader is really fit for his title.

◘ The Artisan Tradition

Shoshiki were very easy to adapt to urbanized living due to their livelihood. However unlike most of the citizens in Iwa the Shoshiki were not known to be able bodied laborers or even entirely desirable as soldiers. Instead they made their living as skilled artisans and designers. From a young age members of the clan are taught a supplementary skill or craft and are taught to barter with that. Members of the clan are given the most emphasis on their intellectual skills and talents as that is what would make them valuable. Even retainer families often carry some sort of diminutive skill that makes them useful. Being naturally able to produce glass has always given the Shoshiki a place as skilled craftsman, architects, and jewelry makers. Capable of elaborate and intricate designs which has a history of being sought after for beauty has given them a form of elitism. It is a common ideology in the clan that what is delicate is most beautiful.

◘ Clan Justice System

The most prevalent virtue in the clan is respect. It is a strict code that each Shoshiki know their place in the clan hierarchy whether it be retainer, branch or main family. The main family absorbs the most respect and control which keeps the lower families in-line and subservient. Disrespect is not tolerated and punishments ranging from seizure of income and assets to floggings are commonplace.

Due to the small size of the clan they hold each member in high regard, even those in the retainer class. They do not believe in killing each other as a punishment because that is considered a waste of life. Crimes are rarely considered on an honor basis. For petty theft and assault the offender's punishment is usually given by the main family as internal squabbles are dictated by the head of the clan or their Head of Affairs. Offenses against the main family are treated as the most grievous and are never tolerated. However, offenses committed by the main family are rarely given attention and require a clear basis with supporting evidence for inquiry or punishment. One of the most undesired punishments for members of the clan deemed too unruly or detrimental is detention or full excommunication from the clan with their assets stripped. It is considered a harsh punishment to force a member to live on their own without assistance or a means of finance. For especially heinous crimes Shoshiki are cuffed with chakra inhibitors and sold as slaves. Their weak bodies are undesired as laborers but their fair complexion and wit make them desired as domestic and pleasure slaves.

◘ Other Customs and Culture

The Shoshiki are considered to be pioneers in fashion. Usually clothing is elegant and formal regardless of the situation or status as every Shoshiki is considered to be a representation of the clan as a whole. The desired impression that most members of the clan try to exhume is that of importance and pride. Clan members do hold a belief that they are defined by their looks. Women tend to be more thoughtfully dressed than men, choosing intricate and beautiful garments and accessories. It is also a common practice to use 'glass wool' in clothing. Spun from glass fibers this material lines most Shoshiki clothing offering insulation and durability in the harsh weather.

Marriages are usually arranged from the time a member turns thirteen or younger. Inbreeding is common but outsiders are chosen as spouses every so often by two or three families at a time if only to increase the size of the gene pool or on special circumstances. The main house will almost exclusively wed the most notable members of the branch family.
Village RelationsShow
The Shoshiki do not strictly adhere to the customs and values of the village. Some core values taught in Iwagakure do not mesh well with those of an independent, proud clan. Due to the village’s policy of leaving clans to their own affairs so long as they maintain loyalty, the clan has been free to maintain its values, and its internal affairs have seldom been probed by the village leadership. As a result of its political tendencies their political influence in Iwagakure has declined significantly in the past several decades. Despite this, the Shoshiki clan has stubbornly held on to its status due to its age and the demand for their trade and crafts. The clan’s pride in Iwa, therefore, takes a backseat to their pride in themselves.

Despite the Shoshiki's established physical weakness every member is given a mandatory academy education and participate in the village's mandatory military training as well. Due to their physical weakness members are generally put in the bottom of most brackets. This does not mean the clan has never produced strong shinobi; there have been several noteworthy soldiers throughout the clan’s history, a fact that allows the Shoshiki to maintain its shaky status in the village.

By virtue of their nature most Shoshiki find a place in strategy and other none-aggressive roles in war preparation. However only an average of a third of the clan's members actually choose to pursue a career as shinobi while the others choose other skills to make a living. Those who choose to pursue a career in the military use their kekkei genkai to their advantage. While they are immensely outclassed in any martial field they are resourceful and inventive, capable of being assets to the village elsewhere. They are common help in infrastructure, providing glass for windows and for coatings roads to prevent wear. As architects and other types of engineers the Shoshiki have had a hand in building some of the oldest and most established structures in Iwa. Despite glaring physical weaknesses they maintain to be useful in every other way.
Notable Compound LocationsShow
Osetsurou

Within the clan, the Shoshiki compound is known as Osetsurou. Osetsurou is built on the clifface face of a mountain on Iwagakure’s eastern edge. This position offers some of the most unique scenery available in Iwagakure. Elevated dozens of feet up the mountainside, the only means to reaching the compound is a long, winding path of narrow steps carved into the stone. Flowing around Osetsurou is a series of waterfalls and rivers which run off the cliffs and divert and converge as they crash down below. Osetsurou receives its water supply directly from the rivers which flow down the mountain, tapping into it and feeding it directly into the compound's water line giving the Shoshiki some of the cleanest water available.

Osetsurou is divided into two parts. The first being the old Osetsurou which was a small series of connecting tunnels which were carved into the crevice of the mountain side. This old Osetsurou was primarily used as a long term shelter, built with reinforced rock and designed to withstand attacks and raids if need be. It is currently used as a type of safe house where members of the clan can take shelter during the event of a disaster. It is said that there is a secret escape route that leads out the other side of the mountain in case of emergency, however no one besides the Shoshiki leader and a select group have any idea where that is, of if it truly exists.

Expanding outwards on the cliff is the newer Osetsurou, which has three tiers. The first tier is home to the training grounds and other common facilities. The second tier contains the majority of the houses, which are built with white polished stone in tight clusters. Glass tiling is used to block harmful UV rays, and to add beauty to homes. The third tier is where official structures are located, such as meeting rooms and the homes of the main family. The clan leader’s dwelling is the biggest home in the compound, dwarfing the smaller households of the members of the branch family and retainer class.

Throughout the compound are examples of beautiful glass architecture and engineering, such as spires, sculptures, and other works of art.

The Kaleidoscope

The Kaleidoscope is a fifty foot tall cylindrical tower built almost entirely of stained glass. The jewel of the Shoshiki compound, it was built as a symbol of the Shoshiki architectural and artistic prowess and was made to inspire and awe anyone who views it. From the outside it is beautiful, covered in floral images that meld and mesh to create a breathtaking mosaic. The original creators are rumored to have illustrated the entire history of the clan in its structure as an esoteric work of art, but the meaning behind each detail of the art has been lost and it is difficult for anyone to fully interpret it. A few Shoshiki have dedicated their lives to interpreting the meaning behind the mosaic, along with other art pieces created by their ancestors. Inside the Kaleidoscope lies a chamber that can comfortably hold the entire clan. Those who visit the chamber are treated to a splendid light show as colors are washed through the glass walls and ceiling, creating a breathtaking experience of thousands of shades, tones, and colors. Weddings and funerals are often held inside the structure.

The Glass City

Also known as the Glass Cemetery, this is the final resting place of every Shoshiki. It is built within the oldest parts of the clan compound, and its entrance is through the Kaleidoscope. The Glass Cemetery is the most respected area of the clan compound; the ashes of all deceased Shoshiki are placed within an alcove to be encased in glass. The funeral rite is considered the final form of beauty that a Shoshiki achieves. The direct family of each deceased member is expected to create a memorial in their relative's honor. Things ranging from glass monoliths and sculptures are all dedicated and stored within the cemetery. Annual visitations are required by every member where they pay their respects to their ancestors.

Within the Glass City is a massive wall which has the recorded name of every member who has lived, as well as their line of descent. Those who have passed are honored with a rose which is inscribed next to their name.

History The Shoshiki clan is one of the oldest clans in Iwagakure and was present when the village was founded. Their age and longevity along with their bloodline granted them an elevated status and they were one of the most respected families in Iwagakure in their early history. As the village expanded the tiny clan settled as artisans, finding their influence and fortune in trading and selling their coveted glass products. They used their skill to impress and carry favor with the original noble families and thus build a reasonable amount of influence despite their small size. Due to their interactions in aristocratic societies they have fostered an air of self importance. This elitism permeated early traditions and shaped many of the values and customs of the present-day clan.

As Iwagakure expanded and solidified its presence as a military powerhouse, the Shoshiki struggled to adapt. Instead of pursuing power for themselves through assertive and direct political maneuvering they have always simply aligned themselves with power - but only after the victor had already been determined. This has led to the clan switching sides after pivotal moments in village history, doing what they viewed as necessary to assure their survival and, most of all, maintain their status. Their oft-shifting loyalties made them unpopular among certain influential groups, and through the years they garnered a reputation for being unreliable, shady, and untrustworthy cowards. In addition, the generally physically weak clan members are held in low regard in a village that values physical strength, and there are some who question their status within the village.

The Shoshiki clan's passive approach to intervillage relations has adversely affected their influence within Iwagakure. They currently maintain their position and what little influence they have because of their kekkei genkai and their economic contributions to the village. The Shoshiki are keenly aware of their shaky position and it has affected their internal politics. For the past two generations the clan leadershave sworn off of making any hasty political decisions to ensure they didn't lose their hold on their title. This has created turmoil within the clan, and a faction against the current clan leader has recently formed.

Shinobi Information Definitions:
Garaton:
Garaton, also known as Glass Release, is an elemental fusion that combines Doton and Raiton to create smooth glass structures. Garaton structures are sharp, making good weapons and have a natural capability to shatter. Unlike most techniques, all garaton jutsu shatter when destroyed, which allows them to cause damage upon their destruction. The shattering nature of Garaton means that, when destroyed, the technique explodes with 1/2 the strength of whatever destroyed it. This means if a 4 strength attack does the final bit of damage of a garaton shield, it would explode with 2 strength, but if it a 40 strength attack damaged the shield, it would explode with 20 strength. However, if a Garaton attack is not destroyed, after x number of posts pasts, it will explode with x strength, where x is equal to 1/2 the strength of the Garaton technique rounded up. This throws glass around, which can impale and damage opponents, or even the user if poorly executed. This makes Garaton a volatile offensive and defensive element.
Requirements:
  • Physically weak. Shoshiki characters cannot begin with strength higher than the average for their rank.
Kekkei Genkai:
Shoshiki:
Garaton
Born to the Shoshiki clan, this user is able to utilize Glass Release, a fusion composed of Doton and Raiton, and can make and use any custom or archived jutsu that require Garaton. Garaton has a shattering effect.
NocodeShow
[quote=Shoshiki][color=#B0E0E6]Garaton[/color]
Born to the Shoshiki clan, this user is able to utilize Glass Release, a fusion composed of [color=saddlebrown]Doto[/color]n and [color=#fe0]Raiton[/color], and can make and use any custom or archived jutsu that require Garaton. Garaton has a [b]shattering[/b] effect.
[spoiler=Passive (Shattering)]Garaton structures are sharp, making good weapons and have a natural capability to [b]shatter[/b]. Unlike most techniques, all garaton jutsu shatter when destroyed, which allows them to cause damage upon their destruction. The shattering nature of Garaton means that, when destroyed, the technique explodes with 1/2 the strength of whatever destroyed it. This means if a 4 strength attack does the final bit of damage of a garaton shield, it would explode with 2 strength, but if it a 40 strength attack damaged the shield, it would explode with 20 strength. However, if a Garaton attack is not destroyed, after x number of posts pasts, it will explode with x strength, where x is equal to 1/2 the strength of the Garaton technique rounded up. This throws glass around, which can impale and damage opponents, or even the user if poorly executed. This makes Garaton a volitile offensive and defensive element.[/spoiler][/quote]
Clan Jutsu

[color=#B0E0E6][b]]~[Garaton Break][/b][/color]
D-Rank Ninjutsu
After forming a one handed seal and touching a piece of glass, the user will cause the glass to crack and break apart, falling to the ground in shards, negating Garaton's passive shattering effect. This cannot be used on another clan member's glass.

[color=#B0E0E6][b]~[Garaton • Creation][/b][/color]
D-Rank Ninjutsu
After forming the needed hand seals and flooding their mouth with chakra, the user will begin to create malleable glass. The glass may then be spit out and formed over the next post as it hardens at [Control] speed. This technique makes enough glass to mold four standard kunai, and can be shaped into other objects so long as it doesn't exceed this combined size.

[color=#B0E0E6][b]~[Garaton • Sticky Bomb][/b][/color]
D-Rank Ninjutsu
After forming the needed hand seals and flooding their mouth with chakra, the user will gather malleable glass, much like [Garaton • Creation]. The user will then spit the malleable glass into their hand in a baseball-sized mass, but will not shape it. Instead, they will throw the malleable glass at an opponent hopefully damage an opponent. If the glass hits an opponent, it will stiffen movement while it sticks to them until it hardens with [Control] strength. After the glass has hardened, it is rather easy to remove, but if shattered, will explode as Garaton does. This can also be used to stick to a surface other than skin for demolition purposes.

[color=#B0E0E6][b]~[Garaton • Shrapnel Bomb][/b][/b][/color]
D-Rank Ninjutsu
After forming the needed hand seals and flooding their mouth with chakra, the user will gather malleable glass, much like [Garaton• Creation], but giving it explosive properties. The user will then spit the malleable glass into their hand in a baseball-sized mass, and will shape it into a ball. Then, they will throw the hardened glass at an opponent, it will shatter on impact with [Control] strength, sending shards of glass flying over a 10 m area.

[color=#B0E0E6][b]~[Garaton • Shatter Away][/b][/color]
D-Rank Ninjutsu
After forming the needed hand seals and focusing chakra on any glass jutsu, the user can imbue it with chakra. Should the jutsu be shattered within the next 3 posts, it will always shatter away from the user, regardless of the direction it was destroyed from.

[color=#B0E0E6][b]]~[Garaton • Sharp Fist][/b][/color]
C-Rank Ninjutsu
After forming the needed hand seals and coating their arms with chakra, the user will cause nearby shards of glass to come towards their arms, gathering the shards at [Control] speed. This covers the arms in shards of glass that are able to cut opponents with the users strength when struck, and protects them with up to 15 strength.

[color=#B0E0E6][b]~[Garaton • Mirror Wall][/b][/color]
C-Rank Ninjutsu
After forming the needed hand seals, the user will focus on a 3 meter wide area within 10 meters of them. From the ground a wall of glass 1 meter thick will grow at [Control] speed and has with [Control] strength.

[color=#B0E0E6][b]~[Garato • Glass Field[/b][/color]
C-Rank Ninjutsu
After forming the necessary hand seals, the user will begin spitting up 5 baseball sized balls of glass over the course of the next 2 posts, and spitting them out at [Control] speed. They hit with [Control] strength and they each explode over a 2 meter area, throwing shards of glass all over the ground. This can make it harder to fight, and more dangerous to be thrown to the ground.

[color=#B0E0E6][b]~[Garaton • Glass Shuriken][/b][/color]
C-Rank Ninjutsu
After forming the needed hand seals and thrust their hands forward, causing 4 shuriken of glasses to shoot out of their palms at [Control] speed, slicing into whatever they impact with [Control] strength.

[color=#B0E0E6][b]~[Garaton • Glass Clone][/b][/color]
C-Rank Ninjutsu
After forming the needed hand seals the user will spit up a large glob of glass that will form into a shimmering glass clone of the user. The clone has the user's stats and can perform any of their garaton jutsu. The clone lasts for [Control]/5 posts.

[color=#B0E0E6][b]~[Garaton • Glass Rain][/b][/color]
B-Rank Ninjutsu
After forming the needed hand seals the user will focus chakra at an area within 40 meters of their position. Two hundred of shards of glass the size of playing cards will form at [Control] speed to a maximum of 10 meters above the ground , rapidly rotating as they form. These shards remain for three posts. At the end of the three posts the shards of glass will fall to the ground at [Control] strength. With additional seals, the user can cause the glass to rain down before the end of the third post.

[color=#B0E0E6][b]]~[Garaton • Glass Cannon][/b][/color]
A-Rank Ninjutsu
After forming the needed hand seals, the user will focus chakra throughout their body, remaining completely stationary. From their skin, glass will leak from their pores, creating a thick film of glass all over their body, and a helmet over their head at [Control] speed over the course of the post. This doesn't interfere with any of their senses, but has [Control] strength, giving the clan member a thick protective armor. This jutsu naturally shatters away from the user when destroyed, which makes them something of a walking bomb.

[color=#B0E0E6][b]~[Garaton • House of Mirrors][/b][/color]
S-Rank Ninjutsu
Forming the necessary hand seals, the user will focus chakra on a 30m³ area then thrust their hands upwards. Along the perimeter of the designated area walls of glass will form at [Control] speed, then within the area, hundreds of mirrors 1 meter wide by 2 meters tall will form in rows within it at [Control] speed, creating a maze of mirrors. Each corridor of the maze is one meter wide. 2 meters above the maze floats a rectangular ceiling. It can be very difficult to navigate the maze because of how the glass reflects the victim everywhere they go. While the large walls on the perimeter and the ceiling have [Control] strength, the small mirrors have only [Control]/2 strength, but when broken they shatter towards whatever destroyed them, typically covering them in glass, which can cause a lot of damage over time.
Last edited by Ace Trainer on Mon Jan 01, 2024 10:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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