Kumogakure no Sato: Laws, Rules, Systems, Story

[Cloud Seer]

This index is the comprehensive list of topics for all rules, laws, systems, and plot information for Kumogakure no Sato. If you cannot find the information you seek here, please contact a member of Cloud Council.

Index​

01. In Character

• Laws of Kumogakure no Sato's Ninja
  • Rules on Public Fighting
  • Protocol on Interception of Missing Attempts and Extrajudicial Execution of Runners
  • Protocol on Recognized Entry, Visitor Conduct, and Naturalization
  • Notes About the Justice System
• Ranks and Responsibilities
• The Three Branches, Their Sennin, and the Raikage
• Promotion Exam Prerequisites
• Travel and Passports in Kumogakure no Sato
  • How to Receive a Custom Passport
• Kumogakure no Sato, Kaminari no Kuni, and More
  • The History of Kaminari no Kuni and Kumogakure no Sato
  • The Path of the Kingslayer(past historical event)
• The Roster of Kumogakure no Sato's Ninja

02. Out of Character

• Mission Moderators, Academy Teachers, and Exam Proctors
• A Guide on Honorifics
• The Kumo NPC Guide

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[Cloud Seer]

The Laws of Kumonin​

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Rules on public fighting​

Spoiler

Rules on Public Fighting​

1. The use of physical force or any of the three disciplines of jutsu on another individual without their consent and/or without equivalent provocation and/or without legal sanction as determined by the Council of Cloud with the approval of the Raikage is assault.

2. Assault on other Shinobi shall be handled in the following manner:

• a. Every individual targeted by an aggressor s actions, even indirectly, is considered to be a victim of the assault.
  b. Assault on a shinobi is a primary offense.
  c. The victim of the attack may defend themselves to the fullest extent of their ability regardless of the rank of the aggressor.
  d. The victim is expected to attempt to summon ANBU or other shinobi for help if at all feasible.
  e. If the aggressor's actions result in the death of a victim, the aggressor may be charged with murder as a secondary (without premeditation) or tertiary offense (with premeditation).
  f. If the victim s actions result in the death of an aggressor, the victim may be charged with murder as a secondary offense.

3. Assault on non-Shinobi or secured prisoners shall be handled in the following manner:

• a. Every individual affected by an aggressor's actions, even indirectly, is considered to be a victim of the assault.
  b. Because non-Shinobi and secured prisoners cannot be expected to defend themselves at the same level as any Shinobi, assault on these parties is considered to be a secondary offense.
  c. If the aggressor s actions result in the death of a victim, the aggressor may be charged with murder as a tertiary offense.

4. Assault committed by visitors on any individual in Cloud, whether shinobi or civilian, is grounds for immediate arrest and expulsion, as covered by Kumogakure no Sato's Protocol on Recognized Entry, Visitor Conduct, and Naturalization.

5. The unsanctioned or unnecessary use of jutsu or weapons designed to cause mass casualties, in a populated area, is considered to be a tertiary offense.

• a. If the use of such jutsu results in widespread, significant property damage but no loss of life, it is considered to be a secondary offense.

6. Legal sanction to attack is given to the perpetrator of the attack if the victim of the initial attack commits any of the actions below:

• a. Failure to comply with a direct order issued by a designated squad, or task leader, Sennin of any branch, or Raikage.
  b. Deliberate insubordination against a team leader shinobi during a mission.
  c. Actions actively threatening direct harm to life and property.
  d. Resistance to arrest or detainment.

7. A shinobi given legal sanction to initiate attack may only incapacitate his or her target.

• a. If a sanctioned attack results in the loss of the target's life, the attacking Shinobi may be charged with murder as a secondary offense.
  b. The exception to Rule 7 and 7a is in the case of execution of a runner with a prior attempt known to the attacker.

Protocol on Interception of Missing Attempts and Extrajudicial Execution of Runners​

Spoiler

Interception of Missing Attempts and Extrajudicial Execution of Runners​

1. Every shinobi and kunoichi in Cloud has the right to intercept and question anyone making a run attempt, so long as:

• a. They are not in modded battle already in another thread.
  b. They are not currently outside the village or country in any other slots at the time (with the sole exception of self-modded missions).

2. A catcher shinobi has the IC right to initiate battle with a runner if:

• a. The runner OOCly ignores their post or character in a manner that would be considered godmodding.
  b. The runner ICly threatens the catcher or initiates battle.
  c. The runner ICly attempts to evade the catcher or attempts to sneak away after being confronted.
  d. The runner ICly does not obey an order from an ANBU or any shinobi of superior rank to cease and desist in whatever action they may be performing at the time.
  e. The runner ICly disobeys an order to produce a passport, other identification, or comply with a reasonable request.

3. A catcher shinobi must make his or her intentions clear to the runner.

• a. The catcher must clearly, ICly state at the beginning that they intend for the runner to stop and initiate conversation with their character.
  b. The catcher must clearly state to the runner that they are under suspicion of attempting to go missing.
  c. The catcher may call for backup at any point during the interception or battle. The backup is assumed to know the situation.

4. A catcher shinobi has the right to kill a runner if:

• a. The runner has hurt or killed any member of the catcher's party or the original catcher him/herself.
  b. The runner godmods in a way that renders them back to consciousness and/or battle readiness immediately after being incapacitated.
  c. The incapacitated runner's body is in imminent danger of being taken away by the runner's companions or any other non-Cloud shinobi or NPC's.
  d. The runner has a previous run attempt with the same character, AND the executioner ICly and concretely knows about a previous run attempt.
  e. All ANBU are considered to ICly know of a runner's previous attempts.

5. Runners are NOT to be killed if:

• a. They surrender peacefully to a catcher. This supersedes section 4d.
  b. They are attacked and incapacitated without fulfilling any of the criteria for killing a runner.
  c. If the runner is not a significant threat and/or was incapacitated easily. This can be determined by the ease of combat or a characters IC rank in the case of NPCS. (Ie. A low PL student or Genin caught by a Jounin)

6. A catcher may be penalized for attacking or killing a runner if:

• a. The catcher shinobi killed a runner without satisfying any of the criteria for killing a runner.
  b. The catcher shinobi attacked without having the right to initiate battle.
  c. There is a reasonable IC or OOC suspicion that the catcher shinobi could have used a less overpowering attack to incapacitate the runner, in the case when an attack by the catcher leaves a runner with less than -100% of their HP.
  d. The actual method of execution is considered to be excessively cruel, prolonged, or horrific as determined by the standards set by Cloud society.

Protocol on Recognized Entry, Visitor Conduct, and Naturalization​

Spoiler

Recognized Entry, Visitor Conduct, and Naturalization​

1. All visitors must legally and peacefully enter Cloud through the gates.

• a. Visitors must be admitted by a Cloud shinobi of chuunin rank or above.
  b. It is the IC and OOC responsibility of the admitting Cloud shinobi to obtain the visitor's reason for entry and verify possession or lack of passports or other travel clearances.
  c. It is the IC responsibility of the visitor to give the admitting Cloud shinobi accurate and complete responses to any pertinent questions asked of them - failure to do so will invalidate any requests for asylum or citizenship during their stay.
  d. All visitor entries are assumed to be reported to the ANBU and the Raikage's office upon entry, regardless of who admits them.
  e. All visitors, upon admission, are assumed to have been given clearance papers good for the stated duration of their stay.
  f. The clearance papers are ICly made unique from a day to day basis via a system of rotating ink seals placed on them, and Cloud ANBU and ANBU NPCs are assumed to be familiar with what seal is appropriate for what day.
  g. Visitors who employ forced entry to gain access to the village do not have these papers due to means of entry, and any attempt to forge them must have IC documentation and justification.

2. All visitors must be prepared to immediately present identification and clearance papers to any Cloud shinobi if requested.

• a. Refusal or inability to do so requires that the visitor immediately proceed to the gates under supervision for questioning, where they may be granted new papers or expelled from the village.
  b. If a visitor does not immediately comply with a Cloud shinobi's request to proceed to the gates, he or she may be detained.

3. Unless otherwise stated by a treaty, Cloud is a Neutral Zone for all visiting shinobi, regardless of past or present political affiliation.

• a. Missing status versus affiliation with a village will not affect a visiting Shinobi's status or treatment by the law.
  b. Only Cloud shinobi may detain a visitor for any reason, and may transfer custody of a visitor to any other party.
  c. The ANBU and Deathwatch members are assumed to know the whereabouts, status, and activities of every visiting shinobi at any time, and may intervene for any reason.
  d. Parts a and b of this rule do NOT apply to missing shinobi formerly of Cloud. These individuals may be detained without question.

4. All visitors are forbidden from using violence or coercion against any other individual in the village, regardless of rank or political affiliation.

• a. This includes, but is not limited to self defense against assault. Visiting shinobi are expected to attempt to distance themselves from an attacker and call for help.
  b. Any use of violence or coercion against any other individual in the village is grounds for immediate arrest and/or expulsion.

5. All visitors who wish to become Cloud citizens must formally request asylum and citizenship with the Raikage's office.

• a. Cloud Council (OOC members) reserve the right to formally vote on a visiting shinobi's request for asylum or citizenship or any other issues.

Notes About the Justice System​

Spoiler

The Justice System​

Regarding Administration:

- A person's innocence is not to be disputed until suitable evidence and condemnation robs it. This however does not entitle one to freedom outside of a holding cell.
- Negligence is not a reason for criminal violations
- Citizen's arrest is valid within Cloud. All shinobi are granted the right to arrest with the power of an official.

Three Levels of Law

There are three different levels of law within Kumogakure, even if the majority of possible violations go under the vague term of treason. Each one increases in severity until the Raikage, Sennin, or Ruling Council deem it necessary to condemn an offender to the Tarterial Specus or execution.

Primary (Crimes Not Resulting in Physical Harm): Minor Theft, Deviance, Trespassing
Secondary (Crimes Resulting in Physical Harm): Arson, Assault, Rape
Tertiary (Crime Against the State): Treason, Assassination, Conspiracy

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[Cloud Seer]

Ranks and Responsibilities​

Spoiler

Students​

Throughout the land of Kaminari no Kuni people share a relationship with both technology and the once rare innate power of Chakra. Once a land barren of any chakra users, the shinobi village of Kumogakure used to go by drastic measures to keep their ranks full of capable soldiers able to fend of the grand and strange while leaving the mundane to the Shoganate that ruled the country below. Bribing, blood-debts, and even kidnapping were not uncommon methods past the Cloud Shinobi as they hunted for the rare few capable of actually molding chakra. Then a war wracked the lands of Kumo worst than ever before, destroying the old ruling order and revealed the reason why chakra was such a scarcity before ushering in a new democratic order of nobles and commonweal overseen by the Raikage. Now nearly every person throughout Kaminari no Kuni can boast the ability to control chakra. Some far more than others, and these select few children are generally found by a special test every child goes through once they reach the age of eight in order to receive the free education the government offers.Around five-hundred children ranging from the ages of eight to thirteen enroll every year in the Shinobi Academy of Kumogakure. Among those five-hundred, about half fail from the strict curriculum, half of that half end up severely crippled, and every year, at least twenty-five students die. The exact details of the shinobi academy student curriculum are a closely-guarded secret. What is known is that children undergo intensive training in all forms of warfare and are expected to master everything from hand-to-hand brawling to field command of entire armies. The combination of these approaches makes academy students who survive their trials highly versatile and dangerous opponents against all adversaries they may encounter. This is done to uphold a certain reputation the Cloud Shinobi have, now able to fully weed out the weak from the truly gifted in order to continue pushing the ideals of the recently elected government and keep a strict order to their country.

Genin​

A student is already a formidable force by the time he or she graduates from the Academy and assumes the title of Genin. Although merely children or young teenagers for the most part, they are already considered a comparable fighting force to a company of non-shinobi military. Genin are expected to spend their time in preparation for their Chuunin trials; this is done by the performance of the simpler missions and regular training. It is in this stage that they learn to operate as an effective team with each other - a shinobi alone is a threat to a regiment, but a shinobi team is a threat to an entire army. Unlike most villages, Kumogakure also only pairs two Genins together under the eye of a Jounin. Each shinobi learns in this time to utilize everything they have, and not just simply focus on a single path of fighting. They are expected to also watch for the safety of Academy Students and Civilians within the village, and often find their first jobs through the Intelligence Service or Deathwatch. It is also during this stage that those with outstanding talents or, ironically, those who need to be intensively monitored, are often recruited as trainees by members of the ANBU or Medic Nin for the specialized training that those fields require.

Chuunin​

The Chuunin is the backbone of the village of Cloud. They are the first into any fight, and often the last to leave. They fulfill a wide variety of roles, from heavy weapons deployment to reconnaissance to advanced Genjutsu support in the field. It is said that one Chuunin alone is more than a match for a full brigade of soldiers, and combined, their firepower is enough to serve as a strong front for the village’s defense. Chuunin are in general, expected to participate in the missions that make the village money and prestige – often dangerous or high-pressure assignments that skirt the boundaries of international incident and acts of war. In addition, they are expected to help instruct and supervise the Genin of the village, stepping in if things become too dangerous or lives are at risk. These individuals usually occupy the directorships of the various divisions of the Main Branch, as they have the skill and time to do so, and because there are not enough Jounin who have the time.

Jounin​

The Jounin is a member of an elite brotherhood of powerful shinobi, few in number but great in might, who have fought, served, and survived against all odds to emerge as the pinnacle of the village’s strength. Out of an average academy class of one hundred individuals, less than one percent of those individuals, will survive to reach this level. Death, disability, aging, and also, for the most part, a simple desire to live as a normal human being, prevent the vast majority of shinobi from achieving this rank. Jounin often have forsaken family and friendships to become what they are; although they are respected and feared, few are loved. However, some form lasting partnerships during their times as a Genin and create a unique aspect to Kumogakure’s military: The Duo. A Duo are a pair of Jounin that have either managed to keep in touch throughout their whole career, or are two shinobi who’s preferred style of combat naturally supports each other. They are rare, with only a handful of them ever having been recorded throughout the entire history, but hold the power to shape the very landscape or silently remove entire villages if so ordered.

The Three Branches, Their Sennin, and the Raikage​

Spoiler

Kumogakure possesses three distinct branches with their own unique roles: the Main Branch, who take contracts to enrich the village and who provide logistical support; the Medical Branch, who treat the sick and wounded and research how to create better ninja; and the ANBU, who are responsible for village security and for enforcing shinobi law. Each branch is led by a seasoned member of the village, titled Sennin, and each Sennin in turn reports directly to the Raikage. The Raikage holds ultimate responsibility and authority for the well-being of all citizens of Kumogakure no Sato, and holds the title "Daimyo."

The identities of the Sennin and Raikage are open information in Kumogakure no Sato.

The Main Branch of Kumogakure

The Medical Branch of Kumogakure

The ANBU Branch of Kumogakure

Promotion Exam Prerequisites and How to Take an Exam​

Spoiler

Found in the branch information posts in the spoiler above or in the link below-
Information on how to take an exam may be found here: https://ninpocho.com/threads/exams-and-requirements-for-ranking-up-in-character.59486/

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[Cloud Seer]

Village Requirements for Travel​

• If you are on a mission you do not require a passport thread. It is assumed that part of being selected for the mission you receive a temporary pass to go and perform your mission. Standard Village Identification may be issued by anyone at a rank of Chuunin or higher. Typically, these are given by squad leaders to their subordinates before the start of a mission. Again, this is assumed to have been given to you when you were ICly given your mission! (No template exists for it at this time)
• If you wish to simply travel then you must visit one of the Sennin or the Raikage and roleplay requesting the pass. This will be detailed with where you are allowed to go and placed on your passport if it's for one-time use.
• There are two kinds of passports, temporary travel passports for one-time use and permanent passports which do not need renewal but should be updated with characteristic changes.
• Temporary passports will say where your destination is, and if you are supposed to be travelling with someone, who that person is. So if you tell the Raikage you are travelling to Sand but end up in Leaf, they may deny your entrance. If you end up at a destination without your travel partner, you might be denied entry.
• Permanent passports are given to those trusted by the Raikage, usually, those of advanced rank and years who have proven themselves trustworthy enough to have the ability to freely leave the country or whose work require it.
• The Raikage and Sennin are considered to have a passport automatically unless this right is revoked via RP
• If you are requesting a travel passport then the following spoiler should be taken into account.

Custom Passport Creation​

Spoiler

Cloud is instituting a new standard for passports that will make them easier to track and RP with, and harder to forge. Players can request a passport sutomized for them here: https://ninpocho.com/viewtopic.php?f=110&t=52909, free of charge. An example:

For your signature, it needs to be an image of dark black, dark red, or dark blue text on a pure white background (or give us the letters/names you want included and what color). You are welcome to use any language you wish. If you do not want to submit a signature, I will simply use a default cursive text.

You will receive your passport via DM. To make sure the image is not lost, please save it and host it yourself.

If you have a passport already approved, but do not want to wait for yours to be made the standard accepted format is:

Permanent:

Temporary:

Passports for International Travel may be given by the Raikage, Sennin of the Divisions, or their designated seconds in command.

Request Custom Passports here: https://ninpocho.com/threads/52909​

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[Cloud Seer]

Kumogakure no Sato, Kaminari no Kuni, and More​

Spoiler

Welcome to Kumogakure no Sato, or Cloud Village! The purpose of this packet is to orient you to some fundamental aspects of the setting you now find yourself in as a fresh academy entrant OR as a returning player from the old site. Remember that each village and nation has their own unique characteristics, and that this information may not apply to the other villages. If you have any questions, please refer them to Cloud Council.

Boundaries – Kaminari-no-Kuni is a peninsular nation bounded by the frozen waters and inhospitable islands of the Northern Sea to the North and West, the Sea of Kirigakure to the East, and Marsh and Bear Countries to the South. To the extreme northwest, a tiny sliver of perhaps a hundred kilometers of coastline is occupied by the independent Democratic Kagoshiman republic, and along the eastern seaboard of the country, the independent city state of Tenouza occupies one of the country’s southern natural ports and the surrounding lands around it.

Climate - The climate of Lightning Country is mostly long and cold during the winter. The average temperatures are around the in the low -40s to high 20s F. As with most northern continental climates, it snows quite often in especially during the late nights and early morning. The temperature mellows down in the mid-afternoon where the sun usually shines over most of the country. However, the temperatures are still cold enough that wearing warm clothing is imperative. The temperature begins to rise as the seasons approach the fall where the temperatures increase to the low 60's to mid 70's. During the fall, the sun is up for most of the day but the frequent brisk winds travels from up north down to the south. As the sun heats up most of the icy mountain ranges, lightning country experiences some showers. Between the winter and fall there are mild and rainy seasons. Thunderstorms occur but not often. During the early summer, it seldom rains but most of the time the temperature is warm. Average temperatures are comfortable ranging from mid 70's to high 80's.

Topography – The terrain is usually mountainous especially in the northern and eastern reaches. The military city state of Kumogakure no Sato is built on the nation’s southern-central mountain range, which is entirely divorced from the other mountain ranges and thus attracts speculation that it might have been formed by processes other than normal geological modeling. The central part of the country is occupied by a large, fertile valley within which lies the country’s breadbasket. To the southwest until the border with Marsh Country, hills and rock faces dominate the scenery.

Cities and Population Centers – The country’s capitol city is Kumogakure, replacing Raiden no Me, or Raiden’s Eye, which was located in the central valley; which is now just a major city. The size of Kumogakure has also nearly doubled since becoming the nation’s capital, building further in and around the mountain. Kelmura and Port Cirrus are large trade hubs which are located on the Northern and Southern coastlines to the country’s west. The city of Nikkei has attached to the east of Raiden no Me, and is the hub of many of the corporations and guilds.

Government and Military -
The government is best described as Neo Democratic. It is headed by the Raikage, a position officially chosen by a council of three separate political parties. Seven Daimyo of the Old Age, surviving nobles from the age of the Daiyamo that are granted their seats along the lines of hereditary selection. The Council of Kumo, a group of about ten retired shinobi of Chuunin Rank and above. Then finally, but not least, the Representatives of the Laymen whom are a group of twenty politicians from all parts of Lightning representing the common folk who have little to no use of the Chakra abilities or nobility.

The Kumogakure Army and Navy are the standing national military forces, commanded by the Raikage through their Three Sennins, who belay orders to their Generals. The Main Branch controls the Army and holds partial control over the Navy, while ANBU controls specialized forces in the Army and a majority of the Navy. Medical has an overall control over both with exception to specialized forces but holds no generals and must first get a major decision past through at least the Generals of either force. The military that protects the lands and seas are all filled with shinobi of about Genin Level or below, or at least militants who have some small manor of control over Chakra. While many people apply to become shinobi, or are swept up from the test to enter the country’s free schooling, only about fifty children per year ever become full fledged shinobi in service to Kumogakure - the rest are transferred to the lower rungs of the military on land and sea. That said, there is still a secondary ladder of ascension for any soldier who couldn’t cut it as a ninja and being a part of the military industrial complex is still a lucrative position for most families.

Economy - The country's primary exports consist of marble, limestone, concrete, timber, iron and fine steel, copper, electrum, and quartz, as well as certain rare building stone and jewels. The country dabbles a bit in livestock such as dromedaries and sheep in the countryside but not as extravagant as its competitors. Due to the typically rocky nature of the ground, Lightning Country tends to import more food products and natural fibers than export, with the exception of seafood. Lightning Country's prolific coastal region exports both delicacies and massive, cheap shipments of a bland but popular fish. The coast also provides many fine natural ports, which boosts the nation's economy via trade and monitored, taxed routes. The majority of its inhabitants are peasants at around 65% of the entire population, with 30% of the rest being a rapidly-growing merchant middle class and the rest the upper class. Nobility has seen a hit since the death of the Shogun and their power now only resides with the Seven Daiyamo. The peasant population is also starting to claw their way up from the dirt with the advanced opportunities being offered from their new government, but is still slow going with a number of small revolutionary pockets popping up.

Technology - The country utilizes several different types of energy sources for everyday citizens such as geothermal, electrical and wind energy. Most of the geothermal energy comes from harnessing the steam and heat from dormant volcanoes in the large mountain ranges. Also, the country burns fossil fuel as the primary source of electricity. Wind is not the main source of energy but during the winter and middle of the fall wind is used a backup source when burning fossil fuel is not exceedingly available. The country's primary method for communication is through letters either by messenger birds or professional couriers, but recently telephones are becoming exceedingly popular as a faster means of communication; though only middle to upper class can afford them. In regards to Kumogakure no Sato, its inhabitants still use messenger birds as their primary source of distant communication due to the built in privacy of well trained birds. The middle class travel through train or gas trolley. The cheapest way to travel is still using horses, donkeys or carriers but normally this is not used for extremely long distance unless there are financial issues. The upper class travel through privately owned vehicles and trains, however, the charters are less crowded and congested. The primary transportation for offshore traveling is a typical sailboat or a large ship. General ships or boats run on either burning fuels or using wind turbines. For short travels, bikes and horses are used. Technology itself saw a recent boom after the new government took over and chakra was no longer scarce between the commons. The Television was recently introduced as well as a way to report news rapidly from the local areas. It’s already starting to evolve a small entertainment industry, and a major news source known as Kumogakure Weekly gives the entire populace the biggest country updates every Friday.

Myths/Religions - As a country, Kaminari no Kuni has no official state-mandated religion. Most individuals within the country tend to adhere to religious traditions derived from historical ancestor-reverence, with select famous historical figures and heroes being given special attention. Whether thought of as traditional "gods" or figures that bring luck or prosperity, there are a few who stand out, depending on one's location, class, and profession. Typically, the founding figure of the country, Raiden, is given elevated status by most. In Kumo in particular, there are a few notable individuals who a shinobi might mention for a blessing, such as Akyama Kin, Shinbatsu, Aion the Dawnbringer, or Kagetsu Kiyo.

Education - The country has its share of rich resources in the scholarly world. Raiden's Eye and other major cities boast institutions of higher learning that were once typically reserved for the upper classes, but are now offered freely to anyone willing to take a Chakra Level Test to determine if they can take on the challenge of Kumogakure’s Academy; which is now seen as a prestigious institute and a chance at changing a family’s entire social standing. Kumogakure no Sato is also known for a large library that is free for most to access, provided they are able to tolerate the somewhat austere conditions within.

Current Cloud Leadership:​

Raikage: Shinrya Kitsune
Main Branch Sennin: Ryuu Rei
ANBU Sennin: Kagami Miro
Medical Branch Sennin: Midori Futotta

Ancient Kumo​

History of the Variations

The ancient language of Kumogakure was a regional dialect of a now extinct language of eidolons past. It survived its predecessor through cultural expansion and flourished during the advent of Cloud's militaristic conversion. Today there exists two dialects whose splits occurred around the same time for different purposes: The Vulgar Variant and the Classical Variant.

The Vulgar Variant has its origins during the Chaos Era, when flocks of immigrants from decimated lands made their way to the nascent settlement in Lightning country. At first they ignored the traditional language until a wave of backlash nationalism swept Kumogakure's previous residents into action and began enforcing linguistically draconian laws. Unable to return to their homeland, immigrants attempted to learn the native language while unintentionally introducing new words from previous archaic tongues. Words from foreign languages gnashed with the traditional mellifluous pronunciation and soon the language began to morph into the style recognized today. The Raikage Yamada Yuki feared that the loss of tradition would be catastrophic towards the descendants of the first settlers, so he organized a linguistics team to not only gather all known Pre-Chaos Kumogakure words, but to also he authorized a suppression of the vulgarized variant. Despite the waves of repression meted out against the variant, they met with resistance on nearly every level from folk tales to musical lyrics. The suppression was doomed to fail because of the inability to control thought. The retaliatory efforts were officially abandoned after only a year of enforcement. Resigned to allow the vulgar variant to flourish, the efforts of the linguistic team were redirected to salvage the ever-dwindling traditional language. Multitudes of scholars painstakingly worked to identify words that existed before the Chaos Era and compiled them into a set of scrolls now referred to as the Holy Tongue. In an ironic twist, the efforts of purity eventually terminated the language as anything more than a literary relic. Once the task was complete and the language fully usurped, the elite of Kumogakure hoarded the language allowing only the privileged few, whether it'd be those born of wealth or those proven in battle, to learn the language as a status symbol. The monopolization of the classical variant exists to this day despite populist movements on the part of local leaders to allow the knowledge to fall into open domain. The Classical variant remained mostly identical to the originally scribed version (or at least assumed so) while the Vulgar expanded only to decline after centuries of dominance to the now preferred Common. The Vulgar tongue's continued usage allowed it to graft important cultural additions, leaving both languages, despite the uniform origin, to vary in intonations, grammar, written symbols and social differential protocols.

The Vulgar Variant of Ancient Kumogakurian

The Vulgar Variant is the second most dominant language in Kumogakure even with regards to its increasing disuse. While previous eras had comprehensively taught this variant towards generations of citizens, the increasing popularity of the Common tongue has left the Vulgar variant to exist as mostly as a relic of the past. It can be found most dominantly spoken in the northern regions of the country or in small pocket regions who continue to use it. Only few people these days are born in neighbourhoods fluent in this style and most learn it as part of an educational addendum in their military careers for the purposes of secrecy. Initiatives by the most recent series of administrations have funded a comprehensive class for shinobi willingly to learn the language.

In RP, the language is written as Greek symbols and can be translated through: This Translation Site. Some words won't be translatable (For example: headband). You have to put this word in English and italicize it. For members of Kumogakure who have the requisite knowledge, they always retain the right to ask the user what the text means through private message if you do not post a translation in a spoiler at the end of your post. Vulgar Ancient Kumo looks like: Το σύννεφο είναι αρκετά δροσερό.</B><i></i> When RP'd, it must be written in purple and bolded. The Vulgar tongue takes many roots from the more Common language of the land, hence why some of the more frequently used words sound familiar such as Apple or Travel when an active attempt to decipher is made. Also, note that Vulgar has no question marks or other certain punctuation. Do not add those in.

In order to learn this language, you must post in the Bibliotheca Conscientiae with your Extra RP slot (not including your free RPs, or lesson RP). This is known as a Study Post. There is only one study post required that must approximate 500 words or unless the topic is extended which in case the entire user's contribution to the topic must be 500 words. There is no restriction on the upper limit on posts nor a restriction on whether a character can learn it alongside a friend. The only restriction is that at the conclusion of any thread, no matter how short or how long, there will need to be at least 500 words per user to gain proficiency. Once you have posted, post a request in Cloud request to have your new language approved and keep a link to that in your profile as it says you have acquired the knowledge to use and understand the Vulgar Variant of Ancient Kumogakurian. The only IC requisites to learning this language is to portray learning a language accurately. While you don't have to wait several months Out of Character, please keep in mind that it does take months if not years and it is encouraged to retcon your character history to reflect your tutelage. So continuity-wise, you may act as if you had been learning it for large periods of time. (For example, you could post a story that is a flashback or your character learning the language as a child)

The Classical Variant of Ancient Kumogakurian

For most shinobi, their linguistic career expires after the fluency of the Vulgar offshoot; however, there are a rare few that are privileged enough to begin the education process of the Classical Variant. This is a more difficult process and only a select few are ever allowed to even gaze at the scrolls, let alone learn it. The Classical Variant is much harder to learn and requires full permission of the Raikage himself. Yet even after such approvals, a background check is established for security. No foreigner is ever allowed to read anything from these scrolls, and anyone taught spreading the language is put to death along with everyone who learned from the violator. The Classical Variant's study starts within the Jounin rank, once a character knows Vulgar, and after the appropriate permission from the Raikage had been sought.

Classical Ancient Kumo looks like: συζήτηση τ για τη λέσχη πάλης. When RP'd, it is written in Near Violet (#7F00FF) The differences between the Classical and Vulgar are quite profound. While the Vulgar sounds eclectic at times, the Classical always retains an aura of commanding melody intermixed with the ferocity of thunder. To those who only know Vulgar, the Classical tongue seems foreign yet strangely familiar. They can only tell few words every once in a while and even then they are usually those mostly used by the general population, such as "shinobi" or "war."

Only one study post is required to learn the Classical Variant of Ancient Kumogakurian but only if the Raikage has given permission o do so. The only difference in this level of study is that the word requirement is now 1000 words for the brave few willing to take the challenge. Once the requirement has been met, post in Cloud Request, and a Cloud Councilman will inspect and appraise the post and reward the proficiency if found satisfactory.

Library post on the language(same info) here: https://www.ninpocho.com/viewtopic.php?p=3609#p3609

History of the Raikages​

The Lightning Country: A timeline​

---

**The tech age marks the beginning of character role-played events in Kumogakure. The prior war spurred a quick advancement in Kumogakure no Sato's advancement, creating a village of cultural tradition and new technology that is often at odds with itself. This timeline is by no means the complete history of Kumogakure, as the village has seen many amazing people through it's time, but it strives to give new and old players an idea of the previous events within the village.**

.:~o~:.​

Year 1: Following a long war of attrition, Kumogakure is finally at peace and calls for the start of a new age. Kagetsu Kiyo takes her birth-right title of Raikage and reforms current practices to release the stranglehold the Kagetsu clan keeps on the position of Raikage and allow for shinobi outside of the trio of 'founding' clans to lead the village. Breaking tradition, she names only one student as trainee for her position. The cult of the Dawnbringer begins its early founding spurred by the miraculous efforts of Aion during the war. Karubin-ree takes over the medical branch of Kumogakure.

Year 1.5: Aion the Dawnbreaker leaves Kumogakure, up-heaving Kagetsu's support of power. The first Raikage of the tech age disappears shortly there after, leaving the leadership of Kumogakure in the untrained hands of her student; Nigami Eimin. Nigami, though ill suited, manages to begin the wheels of cultural change within Kumogakure; leading to a brief period of freedom of thoughts and ideas.

Year 2: Eimin is disposed through threats and political upheaval created by 'Sarunishi' in a bid to take over Kumogakure. Sarunishi is successful, immediately throwing Kumogakure into a half decade of turmoil as the despot runs the country into the ground for his own personal gain.

Year 6: Sarunishi, sensing that his dictatorship is about to be violently challenged leaves Kumogakure to collapse. In the wake of Sarunishi's disaster, the Dawnbringer Aion returns to his homeland to claim the title of Raikage reigning side by side with Kizoku Takao. Together they lay a new foundation for Kumogakure's leadership, creating a council and assigning Sennin to watch over the three branches of Shinobi.

Year 9: The Dawnbringer ascends to godhood, becoming the left hand of Kumogakure's god Raiden. The cult of the Dawnbringer's numbers grow. Kizoku Takao shortly thereafter and is relieved of his Kage title, to be given to Santaru Ryuuto.

The Lightning Country Saga Begins;

Year 10: Fifth Raikage Santaru Ryuuto, Sennin Kazama Ringo, Mednin Chief Taji Yuki, and Former Raikage Kizoku Takao go on a mission to rescue one of their own ANBU operatives who had been captured by forces loyal to the current Crown Prince of Lightning Country, Shiro Amakusa Tokisada zi Kaminari. In doing so, they discover that the Crown Prince is the secret leader of an evil, far-reaching cult dedicated to a supremely powerful demon lord called the Hitokage, and that if he is allowed to become Shogun, the Hitokage will essentially rule the lands. They defeat the Prince and bring down the major parts of the cult, but incite the Hitokage's wrath.

Year 11: The First Demon Invasion of Cloud begins. Hell-gates open up all over Cloud, and the demonic armies of the Hitokage stream in, attempting to demolish the village and ransack its secrets and knowledge. Kumo shinobi suffer terrible losses but manage to repel the invaders and seal the gates, dealing a blow to the Hitokage and weakening him significantly.

Year 15: Santaru Ryuuto goes missing from Kumogakure though continues to keep his status as Raikage from afar. The village continues to function without him having little awareness still of who their Kage is.

Year 17: Santaru Ryuuto after two years of being outside of Kumogakure is stripped of his title, which is given to the god-like figure Shinbatsu

Year 19: Ridden with grief over the loss of all but one of his children and the strain of recent events, the last Shogun of Lightning Country dies, leaving his infant son, Prince Shiro Amakusa Yuuto vi Kaminari, as the sole heir to the nation. Although the Shogun has had many more older children, they were all killed off by the former Crown Prince Amakusa in his bid for power. At this point, the government falls into the hands of the Council of Eleven Moons, while Yuuto is entrusted to the care of Marshal General Nobunaga Kouhei, supreme commander of the Imperial Army.

Year 21: Shinbatsu rises to godhood, becoming the right hand and vassal of the god Raiden. Shortly there after Kagetsu Kiyo returns from her self imposed pilgrimage and re-assumes the title of Raikage in the turmoil caused by Shinbatsu's sudden departure from their realm. She becomes historically known as the first and seventh Raikage.

Year 25: Shoutaku no Kuni (Marsh Country) declares war on Kuma no Kuni(Bear Country) with a massive and unprecedented blitzkrieg-style assault, and the country’s unprepared defenders are quickly pushed back to within 100 kilometers of Lightning Country’s borders after losing the Capital City of Sagishi-Souru. Lightning Country remains out of the conflict officially.

Year 26: Kumogakure becomes involved in the conflict between Kuma no Kuni(Bear Country) and Shoutaku no Kuni (Marsh Country), siding with Kuma and their Hoshigakure shinobi.

Year 27: The Kagetsu treaty is signed, putting an end to war between Bear and Marsh Country.

Year 28: Prince Shiro is captured by Cloud Sennin Sude Sairasu for unclear reasons and is thought to have been callously murdered by the sennin in a fit of madness. This increases tensions between Kumo and the Bakufuu of Lightning, and now the nobles of the land begin a frenzy of murder and intrigue among their own ranks intended to determine who the next successor to the role of Shogun should be. Among the chief contenders for power is the supremely wealthy nobleman Amakusa Ryuu ro Kaminari, 87th in line for the throne. As the country enters a long period of decline and instability, Ryuu's mercenary forces increase in size, while Marshal General Kouhei and Grand Admiral Takumi both announce their de-facto independence as faction heads, each vying to represent the wishes of the old Shogun.

Year 35: Kumo is shaken by both a recent attack on Raikage Kagetsu Kiyo as well as the en-masse defections of most of its senior ANBU officer corps, and a virtual halt in the supply of new graduating Medical Nin. Things are looking bleak, but the Raikage Hayata Shin as well as Sennin Akira Saito quickly work to fill those gaps, pulling ANBU Sennin and Vice Commander Santaru Rin and Takaki Masao out of retirement, as well as promoting attending physician and chief researcher Isaki Kushin to Medical Sennin. New ANBU Vice Commander Takaki Masao as well as ANBU operative S. Joukuu uncover evidence that a hitherto-unknown missing-nin known only as "Makoro" had been responsible for the murder of several shinobi at Kumo's gates two years prior. They attempt to track him down, but are unsuccessful.

Year 37: Chancellor Tachibana Ami, interim head of the Bakufuu of Kaminari no Kuni, approaches Kumo for help with a mission to deliver a peace offering to Marshal General Kouhei. Cloud shinobi participate in this mission, driving off a large force of Ryu’s sent to steal the offering, and are successful in brokering an alliance between Ami and Kouhei. Meanwhile, Ami herself finds evidence that a Cloud mednin named Shiranai may actually be the long-lost Crown Prince Shiro Amakusa Yuuto vi Kaminari.

- Grand Admiral Kato Takumi orders the Imperial Navy to attack the independent state of Kagoshima, which lies on Lightning's northwest coast. The Kagoshimans enlist the help of Kumo due to the fact that the Kagoshiman head of state is married to a former Cloud kunoichi. An ANBU strike team is instrumental in repelling the fleet's piracy attempt. At the same time, representatives from the Imperial Army are sent to Kumo to contract for an assassination of one of Ryu's advisers. They succeed in the attempt, providing for growing trust between Kouhei and Cloud.

- A Cloud mednin named "Hayabusa Gin" is authorized by Council to contract senior Kumo Academy Students to make deliveries of medical supplies to the major cities in Lightning Country. However, soon after the event, the crates delivered to the cities explode, releasing devastating chemical attacks on the cities. This paves the way for an all-out invasion and occupation by Private Military Company forces loyal to Ryu. This starts the Lightning Country Civil War. "Hayabusa Gin" is revealed to have been a fake identity for the rouge ninja named Makoro, who is confirmed to now be an enemy of Cloud and a traitor to his nation, despite having escaped notice for at least twenty years if not more. Kumo and General Kouhei are quick to respond, taking back Port Cirrus in the first major use of shinobi alongside regular military forces within the nation in almost 50 years. In addition, Cloud forces also succeed with a secret mission to abduct a high-value-target named Ayatsuji Haru, who is Makoro's subordinate and main explosives maker. Interrogation reveals that Makoro's surname is Hayata, and that he is the Raikage's uncle.

Year 38: With fighting raging across the country as the Imperial Army and Navy attempt to take back cities from Ryu PMC forces, Chancellor Ami suspects that Shiranai is without a doubt the long-lost Crown Prince, and confronts him on this assertion. Shiranai confirms this to be true, and after a long period of soul-searching on the mednin's part, plans are made to transport him to the Capitol City to anoint him as Shogun and bring the fighting to a halt. Chancellor Ami gathers the heads of the factions, including Ryu himself, on board a train to the Capitol, where she hopes to start negotiations for peace. The train is hijacked, however, by forces loyal to Makoro and the Crown Prince is abducted.

- Makoro sends Cloud an ultimatum: either trade him the Raikage in exchange for Shiranai, or let the country be destroyed. Hayata Shin, in an act of selfless valor, gives himself up to the rogue who reveals his true plan all along, to kill Shin and himself end the Hayata Clan permanently. His plans are thwarted, however, by an unauthorized rescue led by the village Sennin, which results in Makoro's defeat. Shiranai is saved and taken to Raiden's Eye, where he assumes the throne as Shogun.

Year 39: Cloud enjoys a period of stability and peace in two years. However, despite the presence of a new and sympathetic Shogun and the end of the recent Civil War, not all is well in the state of Lightning. Harsh and oppressive new laws are a way of life, and rumors abound that Chancellor Tachibana Ami actually pulls the strings from behind the scenes. Amid growing dissent and frustration with the country's traditional Neo-Feudal system, a certain seditious and illegal philosophy is also gaining traction among not only the lower classes but also the bourgeoisie and some nobility: Democracy. Adding to the volatile mix is the fact that several high-powered individuals has recently been assassinated by an unknown group known in hushed whispers as the "Kingslayers", and that their leader may in fact be the same man who killed Cloud's last Raikage.

Year 40: Takaki Masao and Shinrya Kitsune are imprisoned falsely, accused of killing Bear Countries King.

- The infamous Week of Blood occurs in Bear Country, Daishi (a Kingslayer) reportedly kills the member of everyone in the jury which imprisoned Takaki Masao and Shinrya Kitsune as well as their families, missing only a single witness before then killing two dozen Star village shinobi. The reign of terror is only ended at the hands of Isaki Kushin who is hailed by the country as a hero.

Year 42: The Kingslayers are believed to be ended, Takaki Masao sacrificing his own life to achieve this.

Year 43: An increase in refugees from Water Country and the increased presence of Stone shinobi within Lightning Country causes conflict in and outside the borders of Kumogakure.

Year 44: During a meeting to discuss the future of Kumogakure, Hayata Shin is killed in his office along with two of his loyal shinobi, Medical Sennin Kaguya Daisuke and Anbu Raitoningu Eiji by Isaki Hoshikata, a missing shinobi, in conjuncture with cousins Shima Ai and Shima Haruka. The massacre is carried out with Shinrya Kitsune and Suzaku Keiji in audience, both of which are unwilling to aide their Raikage due to conflicted feelings following his proposed plans to reform Kumogakure's Shinobi system. After Hayata Shin is killed and the two loyalist shinobi are killed, Haruka and Ai turn on Hoshikata and end his rampage.

- The council launches and official investigation, and while the findings are damning for all those involved the council is inclined to overlook the incident instead of allowing for a period of turmoil created by executing so many of it's high ranked Shinobi. The council covers up the Shima duo's involvement in the 8th Raikage's death, as well as the inaction of Shinrya Kitsune and Suzaku Keiji in the conflict but imprison Shima Ai after his damning testimony incriminating himself.

Year 45: A new age is declared in Kumogakure; The Age of Democracy. Shima Haruka is voted ninth Raikage of Kumogakure. In her brief reign she assigns Kogami Ayumu as Main Branch Sennin and Shinrya Kitsune as Medical Sennin. Akira Saito returns as ANBU Sennin and begins to investigate the odd discrepancies in the death of Hayata Shin.

- Shima Haruka leaves the village of cloud, and with mounting evidence against her and the council she served, Akira Saito assumes the position of Raikage.

Year 46: The new age is ended before in can take root. Akira Saito disbands the old and instates a new council. He removes Shinrya Kitsune from Medical Sennin for being involved with Hayata Shins death, even if by inaction, and installs Shinrya Kahako, her adopted daughter, in the position. Akira Saito has Kogami Ayumu and Nobuyuki investigate his actions in disbanding the previous council to decide whether it was justified or not. The findings conclude that he has taken the right course of action, cementing his claim to Raikage. Shima Haruka is declared a criminal and eventually captured.

Year 47: Wanderer Kaze Kouin arrives at the gates of Kumogakure. After a series of evaded pursuit, conflicts in which he inadvertently kills two people and defeating several of Kumoagkures best; he is cornered by Raikage Akira Saito and Sennins Kogami Ayumu and Shinrya Kahako. In a turn of events, rather than executing Kouin, Akira Saito makes him Anbu Sennin as penance for his crimes.

Year 48: Shima Haruka is brought to justice for her direct involvement in the death of Hayata Shin and her other crimes against Kumogakure.

Year 49: Akira Saito steps down from Raikage and passes the title to a long time Main Branch Sennin, Kogami Ayumu, making him tenth Raikage of the Tech age.

Year 52: Leaf's Hokage visits Kumogakure with several proposals for Kogami Ayumu, including the joint construction of a railroad in Fire country, peace talks on Firestar Island and Medical branch information swaps.

Year 53: The Church of Tenouza, a religion boarding on cultish extremes begins to stretch its influence from its small lands in the south of Lightning Country, gaining heavy influence with the nobility of the land. The religion begins sanctioned hunts of 'cursed' people, aka, chakra users not already found by Kumogakure and make them vanish. In the cities, fear of being called a chakra user increases.

- The Railroad between Fire and Lightning's construction continues on course. Relations continue to improve as the village engages in short-term student swaps and send shinobi to each other's aide.

Year 54: Unrest increases amongst the youth of Kumogakure as those forced to join the village for their chakra affinities feel they have been kidnapped from their lives and families. A plague breaks out amongst a small section of Kumogakure's people, mutating them into hideous monsters, forcing those of the medic profession into high alert as they search for the cause and solution before the general population of the village becomes aware. Meanwhile, In spring, a ship from the frozen wastelands of Mist somehow finds its way to the eastern shores of Kumogakure, containing a mass of reanimated, frozen dead discovered by ANBU shinobi. As the months stretch into summer, the village prepares to deal with the cold bound creatures.

Year 55: A world martial tournament is called in Tea country to the far south. Despite troubles at home, Kumogakure cannot ignore the call to send their top shinobi to fight for the honor of their country, Miraku, Kaji and Hoshi are sent as representatives of Kumogakure, bringing them fame through the village and nations.

Year 58: The Raikage and many Sennin completely vanish without a trace. It is heavily theorized that the Church of Tenouza is behind the mass disappearance.

**Thus ends the Tech Age. Shinobi are still rare, and becoming rarer. The 15% Problem is becoming larger as the number of active ninja within Kumogakure starts to drop yearly. In a complete reverse of old draconian standards, Academy Students and Genin are being targeted by an unknown group. They are being kidnapped and returned with their chakra abilities having been cut or removed entirely; or dead. Technology continues to advance beyond the use of Chakra outside of Kumogakure while the reverse remains true within. Yet a light at the end of the tunnel reveals itself as the source of Lightning Country’s chakra suppression may have finally reared it’s ugly head. Should Kumogakure be able to find and eliminate the source chakra usage will return to the common man. This is the start of a new age; the Age of Edification.**

Year 1: Shinrya Kitsune is voted in as the 11th Raikage. Yamamoto Maru becomes the Academy Headmaster. Kashino Yuu becomes the Main Branch Sennin.

Year 2: Maki and Hoshirei from Konohagakure arrived at the gates of Kumogakure, and straightforwardly denied to believe Shinrya Kitsune is now the Raikage. Tensions had ensued previously, and was now even worse.

Year 3: In a mission to obtain equipment from the Tenouzan Church that supposedly drains the chakra of its people, the Academy Head Maru accidentally ends up destroying the devices and the entire village; the villagers were evacuated and Maru was demoted back to Genin.

Year 4: An ANBU operative Kagami Miro sets out and destroys a large slave trade.*

Year 5: A Jounin named Mizu Xaiyu breaks ranks. While leaving she is pursued by Ex-Academy Head Maru and ANBU Operative Miro. A fight breaks out in which Miro is left critically injured by Maru due to a Genjutsu, whom is then beaten by Xaiyu. When he comes to, Maru decides to also break ranks with the village instead of face the music of fatally injuring Miro who is considered dead at the time.

Year 6: Kagami Miro recovers from her fatal wounds, having been brought back from near death by advanced medical techniques used by Raikage Kitsune. Due to her loyalty of staring death in the face and surviving, Miro is promoted to ANBU Sennin.

Year 7: The Southern Providence of Tenouza begins a war long planned against the country of Lightning. Their aims were to destroy Kumogakure and The Shogunate through one of two methods: Total Domination or Total Annihilation. The brave shinobi of Kumogakure set themselves out to be the first act of defense against the Tenouzans after they used gorilla tactics to begin a war against the farming communities and lesser noble houses. At the same time an assassin and several well-placed spies within the Shogunate brought low their leader, and though Kumogakure was able to stop the conflict, they arrived too late to stop the assassination. A shinobi known as Umashi was able to slip in as temporary Shogun which lead to unraveling a massive time-trap conspiracy where he learned that the theocracy's second plan was to just bomb everything. Two specific devices with unknown origins had been planted in secret beneath the Shogun's Palace and Kumogakure's Academy. The war is ended shortly after the warring sides are jarred to a stop by the reveal of an alien race that supposedly controls them in some whim and red walls of light divide parts of the country into 2-dimensional living murals.

Year 8: With the bomb-like devices destroyed by heroics or alien technology, chakra is released completely throughout Lightning Country. No longer are the populace and shinobi separate in their reserves of chakra as every man, woman, and child suddenly began to show signs both weak and strong of having chakra within them. The remaining Major Noble clans begin to gather forces to begin a civil war that is ultimately stopped before it even begins by Shinrya Kitsune and the three Sennin. She then forces the major clans to bow to her rule, uniting the entire country and all of its politicians inside of Kumogakure. Five Towers are build to serve the needs of their new political system which contains a Lower and Upper court all controlled by varying levels of the remaining Major Noble Houses, Kumogakure Council, the Sennin, and the Raikage. The Shogun's Palace's 2D living mural is removed and squirreled away to be studied and a housing district replaces it. The Chronopolis is finally funded into low-income housing that all but destroys multiple illicit trades within Kumogakure's walls.

Year 12: Kaminari-no-Kuni now runs with new changes in the government, officially shedding the Neo-Feudal skin and becoming a democratic nation that votes on their ruler, the Raikage, through multiple levels. The land is seeing an uptick in quality of life for the layman as education becomes more readily available and the chakra capable are being placed into all parts of life as the variance between someone who can do a little extra and an outright genius fluctuates greatly. The Army and Navy are bolstered completely, ocean trade is at an all time high, and the aftermath of the war has granted the country in general an economic boom. Pockets of resistance are more frequent though as more people gaining access to chakra abilities aren’t just limited to farmers and peasants; but to bandits as well. Whispers of a group who plan to strike at Kumogakure’s new government as an act of revenge are on the lips of the populace in major cities.

Note: Note: A year goes by every three months, generally. Please update at the start of each three month interval (first of March, June, September, and December).
Updated 11/01/2022. It is year 13.

The Origin History of Kaminari no Kuni and Kumogakure no Sato​

Spoiler

In the beginning, the lands which became known as Lightning Country were a vast wilderness governed by the harsh storms of the northern ocean, the uneasy rumbling of a not-quite-extinct volcanic chain, and the rocky soil of the wet lowlands. Small bands of nomads roamed the valleys and steppes, but kept clear of the wretched slopes, upon which lived many vicious beasts of prey. Some say that humans were not the first to settle this hard country--that the gods had children before us, and the first man and first woman were to a modern ninja what a Kage in his prime is to a starveling serf.

Thus, in those days, the elders say giants walked the earth, and it trembled beneath their footsteps. In those days, the earth was colder, the snows fell harder, and the ice on the coast was thick enough to build a house upon it. These First People are, in the oldest stories, the ones no longer told, the ones who live on in our legends. They are ancient heroes, kings, and and kami. Among them number Raiden, Fuujin, Bishamonten, Susano'o, and Kannon. Their beget are men such as Aion Dawnbringer and Shinbatsu the Avatar. In time, the gods created mankind and set the First People to look after these children. It was in this age that humanity first looked up into the heavens, and found that the heavens were looking back. These heroes walked among men, among them, but apart from them.

In the ancient days, all was war. Survival was a constant battle of attrition between man and nature. The First People were fickle, sometimes interfering, at other times aloof. They might save a man or annihilate an entire people at a whim. In time these ways caused strife among the First People. Some wished to depart, disgusted at the gods for sullying their paradise with lowly men. Others wished to wipe mankind from the face of the earth and restore things to how they had been. A lonely few wished to co-exist with mankind, or even reign over them as gods themselves. The First People were thus split asunder and knew war. Brother against brother, sister against sister, they fought ferociously. They took the fiercest beasts of the land and by secret arts made of them true monsters; they murdered, betrayed, stole, and suicided. It is this warring period in which Raiden earned the epithet "Twice Fallen," as he fell from the gods' grace in deciding to bring war against humankind, and then fell from the grace of his people when he decided to defend humankind.

Thus it was that Raiden did great battle against one of his siblings, or perhaps a demon or some other immense beast--or perhaps one can eschew this legend, and it was only geological activity which raised the many great mountains our country is known for, rather than the ravages of an epic battle spanning the entire peninsula and many weeks. The legend ends with Raiden slaying his opponent, and the enemy's corpse becoming the great mountain range in our nation's heartland. In his dying days, Raiden bequeathed his legacy to his followers, man and immortal alike, and their camp upon the back of this beast became the first true and free settlement. Thus it is that Kumogakure no Sato's peculiar legends state that Raiden founded the hidden village itself. There may be some merit to the tale: the original dojo which taught the hiden of the Santaru is located at the site, and predates the hidden village by centuries.

For whatever reason, this tale closes the cycle of stories of the First People; after this point, it is held that they declined, or disappeared, or interbred and brought the slow rise of chakra use among humanity. Settlements along rivers, including Raiden's Eye, indicate that this period saw the decline of true nomadic socities and the rise of pastoral and agricultural societies on the peninsula. Our people's first forms of writing arose at these river and coastal sites, using vessels and clay tablets to record geneaologies and then to conduct trade. Paper came to our lands by route of what became Fire Country, and from our lands came the art of forging copper, bronze, and then iron. True war began anew with the foundation of permanent settlements and the notion of property.

The rise of the warrior class set the tone for the establishment of many territories which eventually became states of sorts, held, won, or lost by fractious clans. A system of serfdom arose, increasing productivity, and the population increased. A cycle of war, famine, rebellion, prosperity, and war again winnowed the field down to 23 great clans, each their own small nation on the peninsula. Thus a great conference was held, and it was named the Celestial Conference. It is at this conference that one could say Lightning Country was first founded--and in which it had its first civil war, due to the Incident at Kamakura.

Kamakura was the site at which the talks were held. Kamakura was a fortified trade town and considered sophisticated at the time, located near the heart of the peninsula; today, it is just another ward in Raiden's Eye. Three of the meeting clans made secret deals together to betray the others. Each of the three clans made separate deals with other clans. Some of these clans informed the rest, and some went on to complicate the tangle further. A word in the wrong ear led to eleven clans banding together and, in one night of bloodshed, destroying the flower of twelve nations' fighting youth. The maimed survivors saw their lands absorbed, their assets divided as spoils, and their women and children pressed into the service of the victors. The eleven victorious clans became known as the Eleven Stars for their devices, and thus began the age of the Lightning Federation.

In the succeeding centuries, conflict reared its head again in ugly rumors, economic sabotage, and mutual incursions between the eleven clans. But other nations were rising as well, and casting their hungry gazes upon the hidden wealth of the peninsula--its timber, fishes, and most importantly, ore. Thus the Daimyo each agreed to convene a Second Celestial Conference. The Council of Eleven Moons was established and each Daimyo was given a vote in selecting one among them to serve as the head of a great, unified nation: Lightning Country. Thus the title of Shogun came to Lightning Country, a warrior people ruled by a general.

The Path of the Kingslayer(past event)​

Spoiler

The full and completed story can be found here: https://ninpocho.com/threads/50042

Back to the Index​

 

[Cloud Seer]

Cloud Mission Mods, Teachers, and Proctors​

Spoiler

https://ninpocho.com/threads/mission-mods-teachers-exam-proctors-plot-team-app.1762/

A Guide on Honorifics​

Spoiler

This document is pending a serious revision as soon as I give up on locating the completed, revised version. Until then, ignore or enjoy.​

As Naruto is a Japanese show/manga, and Ninpocho Chronicles is based on Naruto, you can generally assume that, while you're writing in English, your characters are actually speaking Japanese and share certain cultural similarities with the Japanese. The most important of these similarities is how one addresses others and how they show respect. Certain pronouns and suffixes (known as "honorifics") can be used to show respect (sincerely or insincerely), and the name or title one also uses to address another person matters, too.

Names

Names on NC are formatted family (or last) name first, then given (first) name last. My character's family is the Santaru clan, and her given name is Rin, so her name is spoken and written as Santaru Rin. Meanwhile, Tagiushi Moro belongs to the Tagiushi family, and his first name is Moro.

If Rin and Moro were friends or relatives close in age (and not very different in social status), they would refer to each other by their first names. If they were co-workers of relatively equal status or students together in the same year, friendly (but not very close) neighbors, or extended relatives, they might refer to each other by last names (often with the honorific -san added), like so:

Rin said, "Hello, Tagiushi-san."

"Hey, Santaru," he replied.

Often times, if one person is superior socially (an older family member, a higher-ranking ninja, a teacher, a doctor, etc.), they will be referred to by a title instead of by name.

Rin said, "Hello, Tagiushi-san."

"Hello, Grand Commander," he replied.

Superiors may also refer to those beneath them in status by their title. Rin may refer to an AiT as a trainee, or a lower-ranked nin as Genin or Chuunin instead of using their name. This usually implies a certain level of formality. A higher-ranking person may also refer to someone by their last name, their last name with the appropriate suffix, or even their first name, depending on familiarity or what the superior wants to imply in conversation. There are many subtle shadings involved in addressing people that the speaker may want to use; it's also very easy for someone to take offense to not being properly addressed, or to take offense at what they perceive as facetious or sarcastic courtesy.

Honorifics

-San

This is the most common honorific, and most people will address each other by it whether they are equal in status, slightly inferior, or slightly superior. Use it with peers or when you just need to be generically but not especially polite. San is used for family and given names of men and women. Using san on one's own name is very vain and supercilious, however. The suffix is also often added on to occupation titles, like ninja-san or sakanaya-san (fish seller).

The suffix is also added on to company names or to institutions. For example, someone may, when speaking about the Legation, refer to it as Legation-san.

-Kun

This honorific is informal and usually used toward boys. Typically, senior individuals (older students, trainees, family members, teachers) will use it toward those of lower status. Boys of roughly the same age will use it toward each other, and anyone addressing a male child will use it. Women or girls may use it to talk to a male they're attached to emotionally. In professional settings, women may be addressed with kun by senior men. Using kun to address a male child is equivalent to using san when addressing adults.

-Chan

This honorific is what is known as a diminutive suffix. It is informal and used on younger children and female family members, females with whom the speaker is intimate (close friends, lovers, someone one has known since childhood). It's a term of endearment. It is not very different from using "dear." Men usually do not refer to each other by chan unless they are particularly close.

-Senpai

This honorific describes senior collegues, mentors, or more senior students, and is used by an inferior or junior individual. It can be used as a suffix or on its own.

-Kouhai

This honorific is the opposite of senpai. It is used to refer to juniors, but not usually to directly address someone. If a senior student addresses a kouhai, he will usually use the suffix -kun instead. Calling someone kouhai directly is a bit rude.

Sensei

This honorific is used for teachers, doctors, lawyers, masters of training (what an MiT or AiT would call their instructor or master), the leader of a dojo, and so on. It is also used to show respect for someone who has gained a high level of mastery in an art form or other skill: a Genin or Chuunin might refer to a Jounin or Sennin as sensei.

-Sama

This is the formal version of -san. It is usually used when talking to someone much higher in rank than yourself, and also used when speaking and referring to customers and clients. A ninja or Legation worker may describe the person who put out a contract (which becomes a mission!) with the suffix -sama. Using this suffix shows deference and respect. It can also be appended to the name of dieties. There are two derivatives of -sama: -chama, used for someone older, and -tama, which is a childish form usually used by a younger sibling on an older one (onii-tama being the best example).

-Shi

This is infrequently used in formal writing and very formal speech to refer to someone the writer or speaker doesn't know directly.

-Dono/tono

This honorific can be used as a suffix or a standalone, and means "lord." It can be used by two equally powerful, important people to address each other politely but as equals, or by an inferior to a superior (an officer, noble, or family head) to show more respect than -san but less than -sama. Thus, dono is slightly less formal and implies some personal affection.

-Heika

This suffix is added on to a royal title and means "majesty." Alone, it is a direct form of address, like "Your Majesty." This is used for a ruler.

-Kakka

This means "your excellency" and would be used for ambassadors, heads of state (the Daimyos of Lightning Country, for example), or even Sennin.

Criminals

A defendent is hikoku.
A suspect is yougisha (slightly derogatory in common use) or menbaa (an English loan word, "member").
A criminal serving a sentence is jukeisha.

Pronouns

You

Anata: analogous to "dear." Only used between individuals who are very, very close.

Omae: should never be used to elders. May express contempt or anger, or in a casual relationship between peers. Generally used by men; it indicates the speaker's higher status or age.

Temae: a rude and confrontational form of address used mainly by men. (Akin to saying "You bastard!")

Kisama: even more hostile than temae.

Kimi: used by both genders, this is an informal form of address to subordinates, or can be affectionate toward equals. Rude when used toward superiors, elders, and strangers, as it assumes a certain level of intimacy.

He / She

Ano hou/Ano kata: Very formal.

Ano hito: "that person." Formal.

Yatsu: informal. Like saying "dude" or "guy."

Kare: "he." Can be formal, or used to refer to one's boyfriend.

Kanojo: "she." Can be formal, or used to refer to one's girlfriend or lover.

Other Titles

People may also refer directly to each other, especially strangers, courteously with words that would otherwise be used to formally denote someone's family.

Okasan - literally means "mother," but may be used to refer to a slightly older woman for whom the speaker has respect and wants to get sympathy from. Obaasan, "grandmother," would be used for an elderly woman; Obasan would be used for a middle-aged woman, but with less of the wheedling tone you would get from using okasan. (you can see the potential mix-ups here, huh?).

Otosan - "father." Used like "okasan." Ojisan is uncle, and equivalent to Obasan. Ojiisan is "grandfather," used like obaasan.

Otoutosan - "younger brother."

Oniisan - "older brother."

Imoutosan - "younger sister."

Onesan - "older sister."

The suffix -san used on these titles can also be swapped for any other suffix (within reason, of course: you're not likely to refer to an older boy as "onii-heika").

The Kumo NPC Guide​

Spoiler

Hello Cloudies! This is your friendly council here. We are always grateful to our players for continually letting us know what their needs are, and one of those needs is to have an actual set of guidelines on NPC creation and application that we can all reference to make it easier for everyone to add to the RP experience.

As always, the site has rules governing NPCs, and you are expected to follow them. When in doubt, refer to the site rules. The link is here:

http://www.ninpocho.com/threads/4392

**Disclaimer*** this is a guide; for Kumogakure's current NPC basic request form look here: https://ninpocho.com/threads/request-templates.45194/#bbtemplateNPC

What we wish to accomplish with this guide:

1. To encourage the crafting of well-thought-out and purposeful NPCs of any type that enhance the RP experience for both the responsible player as well as the rest of the village in general.

2. To minimise wasting of player time and creativity on applications that have a high likelihood of rejection for various reasons outlined later in this guide, as well as NPC characters who may not actually need an application submitted for their use.

Note: The purpose of this guide is not to replace or supplant the overall site rules. Its purpose is mainly to inform players which types of NPCs do or do not need to be submitted to Cloud Council for approval. Some types of NPCs must be registered and approved by council. Some must be approved by council but do not need to be registered, and some do not need registration or approval. Refer to the site rules if you are unsure. When in doubt, submit an application to council for approval.

General format of an NPC application:

[b]Type of NPC:[/b] iNPC/dNPC/gNPC
[b]Name:
Rank:[/b] If applicable.  Not all NPCs need be shinobi.
[b]BL/CA:[/b] If applicable.  Not required.
[b]Age:[/b] As on the PC application, we'd like the minimum to be 8 years old.
[b]Appearance:[/b] A few lines.
[b]Personality:[/b] A general description.
[b]History:[/b] To avoid ugly surprises.  Please have this a minimum of 200 words.
[b]Relation, if any, to PC:[/b] If your NPC has predefined relationships with other players' characters or NPCs, you will need their approval as well.
[b]Purpose of NPC:[/b] This is probably the most important part of the application.  Please be very specific as to why you need this NPC and if you have given the NPC a rank above Chuunin, why the rank is important.  For example, "This NPC will give mednin and mednin chief exams.  That means that the NPC should at least be a mednin chief level since he will give exams for his rank."

General Notes:

1. The best NPC characters usually have as well-thought-out applications as any player characters. They are the product of extensive thought and consideration, and have excellent potential for further character development.

2. Alternately, they are used to fill a critical role in which there are none or few actual player characters who can fulfill that role, for example, a giver of mednin chief exams, which historically many writers have not felt comfortable doing due to their lack of IRL medical knowledge.

3. NPCs are fragile - remember that they can be killed with a single attack in modded battle that does more than 1 point of damage. Even though they do not have stats, the are still vulnerable to role-played attack as well, and a player who takes his or her NPC out of harm's way in an unreasonable fashion can be called out for metagaming. None of the various types of NPC can realistically defend themselves or feasibly harm an actual player character by depleting HP or CP. However, keep in mind that there are IC consequences for killing an NPC character, especially a character who is a shinobi of Cloud. An NPC who is killed will bring the same wrath on the killer than a PC's murder would. Therefore, NPCs are akin to glass swords - they shatter under any real resistance, but are capable of inflicting great and lasting damage at the same time. Players dealing with an NPC, especially in an adversarial situation, must remember that although even a beginning academy student can take out an NPC ANBU Captain with a single strike, that violence is often not the best answer and does have IC consequences. Conversely, a player who abuses the authority that an NPC may grant him or her over others is in danger of losing that NPC easily (as well as the chance to make new NPCs of any sort), and if the motivations for using that NPC are suspicious for metagaming, the killing PC has a high likelihood of being exonerated in the end.

Types of characters that usually do not usually need an application for approval from council, unless they have characteristics that might potentially overlap with those usually rejected by council:

1. Routine NPC characters who serve as “background noise” or filler in roleplaying scenes (shopkeepers, workers, civilians, or even other shinobi who are simply minding their own business in a public place). These are known as "faceless NPCs"

Example: A secretary working at the Torre Celeste who you ask to contact the Raikage/Sennin, or a shinobi at the mission legation who delivers your mission orders to you.

2. NPCs that have a one-time or very limited usage for roleplays such as kinjutsu applications, promotions, sparring opponents, or targets/helpers in a routine mission.

Examples: A jounin who you trained with at the Coliseum who agreed to give you an Uchiha Eye because you won a bet, or an informant in a mission who gives you a critical piece of information that you have paid for with blood.

3. Family members of your player character who you do not intend to have extensive interaction with other player characters throughout the village.

Example: Your character’s mother, who is a retired chuunin who may occasionally greet your friends in threads located in your character’s home.

4. NPCs who you intend to primarily have interact with only your character, or with others who have expressed their permission to have this NPC involved in a thread beforehand.

Example: An academy sensei who your character grew very close to and still relies on for advice. Occasionally you take him on adventures in the forest together with or without your friends.

5. Pets or companion animals.

Types of characters who usually need an NPC application for approval from council:

1. Authority figures, shinobi or nonshinobi, who may hold IC power over others, and who you intend to have participate in threads where their actions and decisions may have IC consequences for other player characters or their NPCs. This includes but is not limited to: ANBU of any rank, Mednin who clinically treat patients including other NPCs, Academy Sensei who teach classes and have the power to give and deny promotions to player characters, and non-shinobi characters who occupy prominent roles in the government of Lightning Country or surrounding nations/city states. Examples follow:

a. Kazama Ringo, an academy sensei of the main branch who you send into a thread because several Player Character Academy Students have started a brawl between themselves. He intends to stop the fight and potentially discipline one or more of them.
b. Taikyuu Tatsu, ANBU Captain who you send into a thread where a player character is acting suspiciously and potentially stalking someone to murder. He does not intervene directly, but sends a letter to the current ANBU Sennin to ask for an investigation.
c. Nara Bii-Ryu, a Mednin Chief who you use to give mednin exams and provide IC treatment to player characters who are injured.
d. Chancellor Tachibana Ami, interim head of state of Lightning Country while the Shogun remains at large. As Chancellor, she has the power to contract shinobi for missions.

Note: Be very careful in your utilization of these types of characters. Sending any type of NPC into a thread, especially in a disciplinary or intelligence-gathering role where you have no prior assent from the player characters already involved in it is often considered metagaming and will be dealt with decisively by council or admin. Also, this is a great way to ruin your reputation amongst your peers in Cloud.

2. NPC Characters who you intend to have a recurring role in multiple RP threads on a regular basis and who live their own lives almost entirely separate from your base player character. This is especially the case if your NPC is higher ranked than your actual player character's IC level.

Example: Zaku, an academy student just starting his career in Cloud. He has his own friends, takes his own classes, and really has little to do with his writer’s normal player character, Gekido.

3. Any type of NPC who is a Shinobi from another village. This is something that almost always requires approval from the village council in question, as well as Cloud Council.

4. Characters whose actions, past, present, or future, are going to have a significant and lasting effect on society, culture, or history of Kumo or Lightning Country itself.

Example: Santaru Ryuuto, ANBU Captain of Cloud, whose defeat of Crown Prince Shiro Amakusa Tokisada zi Kaminari led to the Demon Invasion of Cloud as well as the current political situation resulting in the ongoing Lightning Country Civil War.

Things that historically have been rejected by council and will likely continue to be rejected:

1. Characters with histories of obvious treason against the village or who are currently missing-nin. Also, characters with mental disorders (either obvious or latent), personality traits, kinjutsu, or prior experiences that would make them a potential danger to their fellow shinobi or likely to commit treason/crimes. Examples:

a. Sude Sairasu, a Jounin, who has had no less than eight failed assassination attempts against the Raikage, each one more explosive than the last. Each time he gets caught, he gets pardoned because the attempts are actually pretty funny. The last one involved a Gatling arbalest, a blow-up sheep, and strawberry shortcake.
b. Taji Yuki, Medical Chief of Cloud, who enjoys extreme forms of torture committed on often unwilling subjects, both in and out of Cloud. She manages to conceal her activities perfectly, and no one ever knows that she is really the feared serial killer known as “Miss Dismemberment”.

Note: Remember that we are talking strictly here about NPCs, not PCs. Each of these examples is actually a compilation of various things that real Cloud PCs have done in the past. Council cannot OOCly dictate the way in which you play your player character, but it DOES hold the right to deny an NPC application based on these criteria. Mainly, we are concerned about many instances of prior abuse of NPC characters as excuses for metagaming, especially metagaming that resulted in the harm of actual player characters.

2. Characters holding the rank of Sennin or Raikage, either past or current, starting from the time of Kiyo's first reign.

If you have any questions, feel free to join Ninpocho's Discord and bug a mod!

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