Way of the Quincy (Complete!)

[Yoshino]

Way of the Quincy

Quincy (滅却師 (クインシー), Kuinshī; lit. "Monk of Destruction") are a long lived clan spiritually aware humans who have learned to harness the power of their environment to their advantage. Each existing Quincy hails from an ancestral source clan circa 250 BC, though memories of the far past are all but forgotten, save the Mongolian remnant, who closely guard the secrets of their heritage, leaving the rest to assume German ancestry for the Quincy arts.

Reishi Manipulation: the core of a Quincy's power is that of creation, using small portions of their inner reiryoku reserves to employ the resources of the environment. For the most part, these resources are used for basic combat applications (bow and arrow manifestation, Seele Schneider activation, Ginto Spells, etc) but out of combat uses abound.

Reiryoku conversion: (Beginner and Basic ranks) At the basic level, a Quincy draws free flowing Reiryoku from the atmosphere, the spiritual equivalent to unbound electrons and radiation of various sorts (heat, light, etc) and converts it according to their purposes. (It's also conceivable to apply these principles to Reiatsu attacks of the more spiritually direct races, but the compression of these makes it vastly more difficult.)

Reishi conversion: (Intermediate) The next level of Reishi manipulation takes all easily accessible free-flowing particles for the Quincy's use, converting from Reishi, to Reiryoku, and back to Reishi of a different sort. Think of it as the 'dust' in the air and all about, tiny particles that aren't bound to anything and easily removed. With concentration and time, a Quincy of this level can convert non-sentient Reishi structures (such as a bowl or rock or hell even a tree) into Reiryoku and subsequently use it as they would any other Reiryoku. Such isn't really applicable in combat, however and would leave the Quincy vulnerable to attack. Decomposing Reiatsu attacks is a little more viable now, but for the most part it won't accomplish much (depending on techniques and such.)

Reishi Dominance: (Advanced) To a sufficiently powerful Quincy, there is no difference between spiritual particles and spiritual energy as a source of power. A Quincy of this level can be truly dangerous to their environment, particularly in spiritual regions, because they can freely decompose unattended, non-sentient Reishi (ie a Seireitei building would be possible, but a Shinigami's worn clothing would not) for use in combat. Weak Reiatsu attacks with low compression are just fodder for a Quincy of this level, though more concentrated ones still prove difficult.

These principles are only strengthened for Masters and Grandmasters (or Exalted Masters or whatever the appropriate term is.)

Applications

There are a myriad of applications for a Quincy's powers, but those that follow are the most common.

Quincy Weapon Manifestation: the most basic of a Quincy's combat powers is the Quincy Weapon (frequently called the Quincy Bow, though the chosen weapon varies by location.) For a myriad of reasons, from tradition, to caution (you only live once, after all) to others yet unnamed, all Quincy manifest a ranged weapon of some sort, partially influenced by their locale. Some may or may not have melee capacity (a harpoon, for example, could be used both ways) but all can be fired from some distance.

There are two different ways in which a Quincy may manifest his weapon. The first is an 'energy weapon.' These weapons are only partly formed Reishi, bound together to serve their function, but not fully formed into reishi of any specific type. Easily and quickly manifested, they make an excellent tool for Quincy first starting out. They are, however, particularly vulnerable to disruption (and as a result, can not be used in conjunction with a Sanrei.) The second, is a 'solid weapon.' These are fully and completely synthesized Reishi, and are known to be very durable. They tend to be a fraction slower to form than an 'energy weapon' but the benefits usually outweigh that minor downside. Of course, only an Intermediate or better Reishi Manipulation skill can form such weapons.

Ransōtengai: a generally rare ability, Ransōtengai is the materialization of Reishi strings, manipulated solely by the power of the mind used to operate a body that otherwise won't function or won't function well. While initially designed to help aging Quincy continue to fight, this maneuver is of incredible value should a Quincy be paralyzed or otherwise rendered unable to move under their own power.

Hirenkyaku: The Quincy's answer to Flash Steps and Sonido, Hirenkyaku employs the use of platforms of Reishi under the Quincy, carrying them at extremely high speeds. While the average Quincy uses these in a manner similar to the Vanishing Step techniques of other races, this principle can also be used to manifest a large platform for whatever reason (Be it carrying others, travelling longer distances, a mobile crossbow sniping platform, etc etc etc.)

Ginto: These are the Quincy's answer to Kido and Cero. Magic spells of versatile potential, powered by the most concentrated and pure reiryoku available. Ginto can come in nearly any form imaginable, but one thing remains a constant. Each and every Ginto spell requires the use of at least one (and sometimes many more than one) Ginto Tube (see equipment below) Incantations, while a fairly common focusing tool, are not a part of all Ginto Spells.

Synthesis: A Quincy's power is one of destruction, and also one of creation. Given enough time (hours or days or weeks, depending on the amount to be synthesized), a Quincy can create Reishi in the manner of any matter with which he is familiar. In canon we've seen examples of Soul Synthesized Glass and Soul Synthesized Silver, but in truth the sky is the limit given enough time and a real-world familiarity with the desired substance.

Inversion: The final attribute to this ability, is the capacity to convert non-sentient matter from Reishi, to Matter or Matter to Reishi. In this way, a Quincy's power can be said to be a bridge between the two worlds, though its application is most limited under normal circumstances, especially given the time required. (Anything less than Advanced Reishi Manipulation can probably forget about converting and absorbing living world Matter in a timely manner on a usable scale, possibly even Master would be required.)

Tools of the Trade

There are a number of tools at a Quincy's disposal, artifacts that help them to employ their powers effectively.

Mekkyaku: called the 'destruction cross,' the Mekkyaku is a focusing agent for a Quincy's powers. To bridge the gap into the spirit realm and help in the manipulation of Spirit Particles, a Mekkyaku MUST be invested with personal meaning. It is for this reason that MOST Mekkyaku are of religious significance, be it a Cross, a Pentacle, or something else entirely. Not all Mekkyaku are religious, however, so long as there is a strong meaning to the item. A piece of jewelery that belonged to a precious lost loved-one, for example, could just as easily become a Mekkyaku (such as one's departed mate's wedding ring.)

This device serves as a focusing agent by helping the Quincy to draw the spirit particles through it, manipulating them more easily on the other side. A Quincy without a Mekkyaku can arguably make use of his powers, but he won't be on the same level without it. The nature of a Quincy Weapon is often influenced by a Mekkyaku, and a replaced Mekkyaku may in some way change the appearance of that Quincy's Weapon (and infact an accompanying technique could explain some new functionality granted by the new form) but the Quincy's Ability will remain the same.


Seele Schneider: often mistaken for a sword, this device focuses a Quincy's power, helping him to draw and condense vast amounts of Reishi into the space of its 'blade,' spinning them at rapid speeds to produce an effect similar to a lightsaber and chainsaw. A Seele backed by sufficient strength and skill behind it can go toe to toe with a Zanpakuto, but its true purpose is a sort of 'special finisher arrow.' On occasion, a Ginto spell may make use of Seele Schneider in some way.

Ginto Tubes: these small tubes, about the size of a shotgun cartridge, are filled with 'Ginto Liquid.' This substance is purified, ultra-condensed Reiryoku, until such time as it liquefies into a silver substance. These are the power source of Ginto Spells (some of which may seem more like simple techniques, save for their use of Ginto Tubes.)

Sanrei: a Sanrei is a device used in the training of Quincy to the upper tiers of development. This piece of clothing (A glove, a boot, a headband, a Brassiere, what-have-you) is made of Reishi through a special ritual long ago locked away and supposedly forgotten (though normal release of a Sanrei destroys it, and a Sanrei always seems to fall into a Quincy's possession when he is ready) for a very specific purpose. This device repels atmospheric Reishi and Reiryoku, making use of a Quincy's powers very difficult. So much so, infact, that it is generally considered impossible to form an 'Energy Weapon' while wearing one, though no change need be made to the projectiles themselves. Training through this resistance is the mark of a Quincy mature in his powers, and helps to unlock the next level.

A Sanrei, once put on, can NOT be taken off through normal means (though it is made in such a manner as to permit cleansing of the covered flesh.) Should the need arise, a Quincy who has mastered his Sanrei can remove it (destroying the Sanrei in the process) to activate his Letz Stil (Quincy Final Form) and temporarily achieve vast power, at the cost of losing his powers thereafter.

A Quincy who recovers his powers will inevitably regenerate his Sanrei, as it has come to be associated with his powers. (Exceptions no doubt exist, but this is the norm.)

[Izumi Tenshi]

I don't see anything that stands out. Overall it fits together nicely and flows well. Considering again that Kubo didn't give us much to work with this is a great alternative.

[Miki Tenshi]

Looks good to me. I would also like a brief overview of the Quincy past. I know you wanted to put something together, but I want to have something that is about 1 to 2 paragraphs long so we can make a Race Info section for the Quincy.

[Yoshino]

Certainly. I've already got the past up in that other thread, but I can provide a brief summary (Besides that extended past needs a little finetuning)

[Miki Tenshi]

Once it is done give me a PM and I will up date it.

[Miki Tenshi]

If you get into Quincy Final Form or whatever. I don't want the FF to be a one shot thing then have to loose you powers then regain them then get a continuous FF... Final Form is going to be the Quincy Second release and unrestricted.

[Yoshino]

Huh, big shift from canon, but it sounds cool to me Miki. Guess we just say Uryu was a talentless hack like his dad always said

[Izumi Tenshi]

Its a big shift from canon but its a good one. For gameplay reasons it makes the Quincy on par with the other factions which is a great thing.

*stamps with Reirei's seal of approval*

[Yoshino]

The history of the Quincy is a long one, fraught with the troubles of man. Birthed on the Mongolian Steppes among the Xiongnu tribes circa 250 BC, this clan of Spiritually Aware humans have scattered across the globe during various migrations and wars, until it could be said that Quincy had a notable presence all across Eurasia. Eventually, the Quincy allied into layered councils, Local < National < Regional < Continental. In centuries past, before the great purge, those two Continental Councils would convene together at Constantinople (Turkey) once every ten years to discuss events and plan for the Quincy future.

During this time, the Quincy prospered, growing in power and authority primarily as religious leaders and peculiarly powerful warriors. Such prosperity could not last forever, however. During the 1700's, the Shinigami determined the Quincy to be a threat, and made a move to eliminate them. This 'Great Purge' as it was called, killed huge swaths of Quincy. For every Quincy who successfully retired and went into hiding, five were killed. Finally, when the threat had been mitigated, the Shinigami called off their hunt, and the Quincy remnant could live in peace.

Over the years that followed, the Quincy have slowly grown in number, linking back up into their traditional council structure. For the longest time, they were without over-all leadership, and as such, some national councils fell into disarray, collapsing into tribal/clan type structures and once again viewing one another as potential enemies. It was during this time that the Shinigami once more began to view Quincy as a potential threat, and tension between the two races rose.

But one Quincy rose up out of the ashes, first uniting a single broken nation before going on to restore the Global Quincy Council as a cohesive unit, and begin preparations should the Quincy face another purge.

[Yoshino]

Since the Global Council's restoration, its headquarter's have been moved to Karakura Japan. There, councilmen from each region (as well as councilmen from nations and locals, along with their contingent guardsmen) frequently spend time helping to guard the 'spiritually rich land' that Karakura has become, while monitoring the Shinigami activity as well.

'Quincy doesn't pay the bills' is a statement that has, in the past century or two, been true. To mitigate this, the Global Quincy Council covers itself as a Mercenary Organization, based in Karakura with several layers of insurance given to the Japanese government to never act against Japan.

In honor of the traditional clans, each member has two titles. One as a councilman/merc, and one as a Quincy. The regions are as follows:

Western Europe (ends in the east with Germany, Switzerland, and Italy) modern council in Paris, France
Eastern Europe (Everything east of Germany, Swizerland, and Italy, includes European Russia and the Scandinavian Peninsula) Modern Council in Budapest, Hungray
Western Asia (everything west of the Indo-china combined border) Modern Council in Tehran, Iran
Eastern Asia (Everything east of the western Indo-China border) Modern Council in Lhasa, China
Northern Asia (Asian Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan) Modern Council in Novosibirsk, Russia
Oceania (Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia (All of New Guinea included) Modern Council in Sydney

Chief Executive/Global Elder: 800 EP
Regional Executive/Elder: 600 EP
National Executive/Elder: 400 EP
Local Executive/Elder: 300 EP
Quincy Guardsmen: 150-250 EP
Quincy Apprentice: 125 EP

Note concerning American Quincy: American Quincy have two options, either to align themselves under one of the Eurasian Quincy Councils (most often England, Japan, or Spain) or to remain 'independent.' These independent American Quincy can not achieve a rank of higher than National Executive, and face much greater difficulties in increasing their effective rank (treat each rank equivalent as one higher than it is for purpose of skill demonstration required.)

[Miki Tenshi]

Summarized History = Grand and all good.
Quincy Hierarchy ='s One small thing. We don't mind letting one group being a Mercenary type of Clan, but to have all of them titles as merc's is a bit too much for us. We don't want the element of "Rogue" or "Vagabond" here in Exile for a few reasons. First one being that we want to fill the ranks of the houses and clans. Now with Human Clans we have eliminated the idea of being a "Maverick" with the flexibility of creating your own House. With the Quincy being all Mercenaries could solve that problem, but then it opens a can of worms with other people to be rogues and exiles from their prospective race. All though they can do this through RP each and every Race will still be their own race and belong to their race.

If I misunderstood that tell me, but over all Izumi and I like this build for the Quincy and it breaths a life into them that they have sorely lacked in the past.

[Kenshou Ine]

One issue I have right now is why are ginto and seele schneider lumped into one skill? Personally I see them as two completely separate skills.

[Yoshino]

I think you may have misunderstood Miki. The mercenary thing is among the real world, as a cover for Quincy affairs and to produce an 'honest' stream of income. X country wants Y country's Z unit torched but doesn't want to do the dirty work? So long as that target country isn't Japan (or the US most likely, assuming the current relationship remains) then they are free to call us to do the job.

It's not something EVERY Quincy will actually do IC. Some might not like the idea of involving themselves in real world conflicts, or might have a day job they do in addition to being a Quincy, but this sets a foundation, and gives an excellent background for Quincy missions (particularly in conjunction with THISTLE [the human House of spiritually powerful Special Agents] if Yoshikaze is still forming it.)

[Kenshou Ine]

I would suggest after talking it through with others that the universal zanjutsu just be renamed Seele Schneider for Quincy. This allows for the same skill numbers still and it just makes sense.

[Yoshino]

I think you misphrased yourself there Ken. It would be removing Seele Schneider from the Ginto skill, and noting somewhere in that area that Seele Schneider would be covered by the Universal Weaponry Skill.

[Kenshou Ine]

Yes, that's exactly what I meant. I haven't had time to eat at all today and it's now 8 pm. Work kills us all slowly, usually I try to make more sense.

[Miki Tenshi]

Okay I understand that. Change the wording to reflect that also you may want to state that this is one of their main sources of income to keep the clan's well being in check. Even though that is mercenary work maybe reword to reflect it as a corporation of hired security or private armed soldiers.

[Yoshino]

That re-wording is a good idea Miki, I'll get on it right away, thanks.

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