Post by strangevisitor on Aug 13, 2007 4:22:05 GMT -5
Origins
The Kyousei Clan has a long history with Konohakagure, having lived in the forests which hide it for hundreds of years. Originally a nomadic people, they finally settled down in the depths of the forest, making their Clan grounds amongst the most ancient trees. It is believed that they are an offshoot of the Aburame Clan, for several well grounded reasons.
Proclaiming themselves the protectors of the forest and the secrets it hid, the founders of the new Clan set out to learn as much of the forest as they could. It was amongst the trees that they found the potential for a powerful alliance.
In the depts of the forest there were insects of immense size, some almost as large as the humans themselves, and surprisingly intelligent! Looking over them, and indeed the forest as a whole, was the great Fuurinkazan*. A Hercules beetle over 20 feet tall, Fuurinkazan possessed incredible power and knowledge. Warily he had observed the Kyousei, for he knew man and his destructive, greedy ways.
The Kyousei founders knew not of these ways, having lived in harmony with the forest, and for this did the great beetle make himself known to them. Much to their surprise, the giant knew the language of man, and though alarmed at first, many nights were spent in coversation with the wise insect.
A conclusion was reached: Strong apart, stronger together. A binding pact was formed between the founders and Fuurinkazan, pledging their families to forever work as one, protecting eachother and the forest they so loved.
*-translates to "as fast as the wind, as quiet as the forest, as daring as fire, and immovable as the mountain". Like Gamabunta, Manda, and Enma, he is the head of all Beetles.
Clan Traits
Several generations after the pact's formation, several interesting traits began manifesting within the clan. Skin pigments darkened, taking on the dark 'tan' commonly seen today. Much more noticeable, however, were the radical hair and eye colors that began to surface. Another striking, but not immediately noticeable trait, was that single births became unheard of, twins, triplets, and even quadruplets becoming the standard. The longer the bond went on between the two clans, the more characteristics they came to share.
About The Bond
Using his immense knowledge and their considerable combined power, the founders and Fuurinkazan forged a bond between their families. Through this bond, a Kyousei can summon forth members of Fuurinkazan's family to aid them in a variety of ways. After several generations, births became almost synchronized, and each child of the Kyousei was to be paired with a larvae, partners for life.
In return, similar to the Aburame they were said to decend from, the Kyousei share their chakra with the larvae, allowing them to become more than the average bug(as well as provide them with an alternative food source so certain species stopped munching on the foliage as their ancestors did), as well as knowledge.
What's the deal with these names, man?
In one of the most curious developments of the clan, they adopted an incredibly unorthodox system of naming. After many enlightening conversations with the wise, and increasingly ancient, Fuurinkazan, the elders adopted the philosophy that humans experienced an inner metamorphosis, just as beetles experienced an outer.
A newborn is a blank slate, helpless and small just like a larva, but as it grows it 'consumes' experiences and influences from all around it. These aspects affect the person that the newborn will eventually become, provided they spend the time to reflect on them, a sort of chrysalis of the mind. Eventually, this results in a unique and complete adult. It was noted that the individual's partner beetle's physical state quite accurately displayed his or her phase of this three-fold lifecycle.
With this in mind, all newborns of the Kyousei clan are 'named' Shichuumaru/Shichuuko, depending on gender of course. When the partner larva enters its chrysalis, the child is then referred to as Sanagimaru/Sanagiko (sanagi- chrysalis, obviously). At last, when the mature beetle emerges from its chrysalis, the Kyousei is allowed to choose a name that they feel reflects who they have become as a person. Of course, the 'problem' with this system, is that it takes a varied amount of time, and as such an immature person who does not learn from life could forever remain a Shichuumaru/-ko.
Chakra information and Fighting Style
Kyousei Clan members possess an incredibly high level of chakra, developed of the neccesity to have both chakra to use, and chakra to sustain their partner. Chakra affinities vary from person to person, although not surprisingly, Fire and Lightning are rarely seen. Fighting styles are as varied as the individuals, although it is not common to see ranged combat among their ranks.
Additionally, with the wisdom and tutelage of the venerable Fuurinkazaan, individuals born into the clan with select traits have learned a highly guarded new element, Zyurinton (Forest Element). Similar to Moukuton, Zyurinton allows the user to manipulate existing plant-matter to their liking. See jutsus below for an example.
Clan Jutsus
A variety of techniques have been created by the clan to utilize the bond to its fullest.
Kuchiyose no Jutsu:The quintessential summoning technique, used by the Kyousei to summon a member of the 'Kabuto Clan', as they affectionately call their counterparts. As with any animal summoning, the skill and chakra levels of the summoner dictate the 'level' of beetle which appears. A particularly skilled shinobi can even call for Fuurinkazan himself, should he truly be needed.
Muragaru no Jutsu (swarm technique): A summoning of sorts, this jutsu calls out to all commonplace insects native to the area, causing a swarm of pests to distract and hamper opponents.
Henge-Koukaku no Jutsu(carapace technique): A basic technique taught to Academy Graduates, and arguably a very useful one. Focusing chakra into the topmost layer of skin, the user transforms it into a hard shell, guarding vital areas of the body for a time. Strong attacks can, of course, shatter the shell, and repeated usages becoming increasingly painful as new, raw skin becomes utilized. At higher skill levels the shell becomes harder and bigger, giving the user a more beetle-like appearance. It is said that at very high (late Chuunin, Jounin) levels, the technique even forms the elytra, the hard forewings which cover and protect the alae, or flight wings, which can be extended and allow the user to fly, albeit not very well.
Sanagi no Shouheki (Chrysalis Barrier Wall): A variation of Henge-Koukaku, by channeling chakra into a piece of chrysalis, the user can create a stronger barrier, either around himself or others, made of the same, strengthened material. The downside of course, lies in the very nature of a chrysalis, protecting at the expense of mobility. Like any shielding technique, the more skill/chakra inputed, the more durable.
Goudou no Jutsu (Fusion technique): A favorite, and powerful (Jounin!), technique of the Kyousei clan. As its name states, this jutsu merges Kyousei and beetle partner, creating a fearsome...and to some frightening..warrior. Depending on the species of beetle, the exact effects and abilities granted vary. Among the constants, though, are an incredibly hard armor shell and an extra set of arms.
Examples: Fusing with a Bombadier beetle, amongst other things, bestows a foul-smelling, highly acidic spray. A fusion with the Stag beetles grants use of their powerful crushing incisors.
Zyurinton: Bokutou Souken no Jutsu(Forest element: Wooden Sword Creation Technique): A moderate-level technique for those learning Zyurinton, this jutsu allows the user to grow and shape a piece of wood into that of a classic wooden sword. The only difference being that with enough practice, it CAN be made with an edge as sharp as any steel blade.
Clan Customs
Aside from the naming custom, the Kyousei treat their partners as a member of the family. When a partner dies, they are given a proper burial, and in the case of seasoned warriors, their carapace is crafted into a suit of armor.
Clan Grounds
The Kyousei grounds sit in the deepest, densest part of the woods, unseen by most save for a select few. Instead of killing trees to build, they used hollows in the existing ancient oaks to fashion homes for themselves.
