What are Sugiura?

Mon Nov 12, 2012 11:45 am

Sugiura Information.

This a thread to help define what Sugiura are, what they can be capable of, and to increase interest in the race.

What are Sugiura?
Sugiura could be called a mutation of Shinigami. But that's like saying that lizards and crocodiles are mutations of one another. Sure, they may have a common origin, but they are so distinct nowadays there's no reason to call them just a mutation. The interesting thing about Sugiura is that there are different "classes" of them. This isn't normally a path chosen, as it is closer to a path already predetermined. See this for detailed explanations on the sub-classes. Sugiura can use Shunpo, much like a Shinigami, as well as Kidō. The normal Sugiura have a Guardian Beast, a Sacred, and access to the Denryoku no Sanbagarasu (their release forms).
Guardian Beasts.
Guardian Beasts are divided into two terms: Phantasmal Species (幻想種, Gensoushu) and Heroic Spirits (英霊, Eirei). But essentially, both are those of myths, legends, folklore, etc. given form. They can have existed, or could not have. It is all up to the strength of the legend. They can be ranked into three categories, which change as the creatures age and increase in power towards becoming higher existences. The lowest rank is Monstrous, which then change into Ascended, and finally become classified as Divine.

Phantasmal Species is the common term used to refer to all non-human creatures that are found in legends. Rather than a classification for a separate ranking for beasts, it encompasses everything from demi-humans, such as fairies and giants, to monsters, such as dragons and oni. They embody mysteries simply by existing and it is said to be a miracle if one is simply observed being formed. Many of the Phantasmal Species fall into the category of all creatures that do not fit in the ordinary biological classification for living beings and those that do not fall within the normal ecosystem. The term "beast" does not necessarily mean quadrupedal mammals. They are true deviations from biology that cannot be explained by immature research or sudden mutations.

Heroic Spirits are elemental spirits of heroicism itself that is considered a natural phenomenon in itself. Heroic Spirits are beings that accomplished great achievements such as saving the world and, after their death, became the object of worship and lore. As a result, they are placed outside the cycle of transmigration of the soul and ascend to an existence closer to the Phantasmal Species. Note that despite the origins of the term, they are not bound to the common understanding of the word “hero”, thus even Heroic Spirits of evil alignment exist.
Origin.
Origin (起源, Kigen) is the orientation at the time that an event occurred. It is the starting point that defines one's existence and directs one's actions throughout life. It is the driving force from the inside that managed to stream out of the Source and take material form. The form it can take at times is that of a human being, and all humans match their actions to be in harmony with the driving force that originated them from the moment they enter into the world. These actions are more along the lines of an inherent compulsion that could be called a person's instinct rather than a conscious decision. If a person becomes awakened to their Origin, it becomes nearly impossible to stray from their Origin, if it's even possible in the first place. It becomes an impulsive behavior one would follow as though it were an absolute order.
Sacred.
A Sacred is a weapon of a Sugiura used to release their Denryoku no Sanbagarasu. The weapon is not necessarily a weapon. Rather, it is a catalyst to release. It can take the form of a weapon, but it is truly a physical or metaphysical system used to release their power.
Denryoku no Sanbagarasu.
Denryoku no Sanbagarasu (電力の三羽烏, Triumvirate of Power) is the name of the Sugiura's three releases of their power. The three releases are Joushou, Zenou, and Kyuu Kyou. Joushou (上昇, Ascending) is the Sugiura's first release. It can be compared to a Shinigami and Vizard's Shikai in terms of power. It generally allows for the base powers of the Sugiura+Guardian Beast to be released. Zenou (前王, Before the King) is the Sugiura's second release. It can be compared to an Arrancar's Ressureccion and a Shinigami's Bankai in terms of power. It allows for more advanced powers of the Sugiura+Guardian Beast. Kyuu Kyou (仇供; lit. Pledged Revenge) is the Sugiura's final release. It is the most powerful and has no true power comparison from other races because of how it is done. This truly is not the Guardian Beast, but the Sugiura him or herself. It is the existence (but not necessarily the Origin) of the Sugiura taken form. Unlike other forms except for a Vizard's Ressureccion, Kyuu Kyou has an added risk of releasing a "buried self." The self is an Alter, which is defined more below. The Alter has more of a chance of being released the longer and more often Kyuu Kyou is used.
Alter.
An Alter is the existence that exists parallel to a Sugiura. It is not an alternate existence like some may think the name implies. Rather, it is an "Alternate Vision." This is, essentially, an inversion of the character. However, that is too simple of a definition for it. It's closer to anything about a character that could have been changed to have been changed. Such as if a character had brown hair, his Alter could have blond hair. However, it's not just appearance. Personality also changes. If someone fought with honor, then her Alter could fight like a beast. Powers are also included, though they have a special case. Alters on their own have their own powers, to an extent. They do not have access to a full release, as they are not a full Sugiura. However, Alters do not truly exist until the Sugiura learns Kyuu Kyou. This is because Kyuu Kyou is the learning of the existence of the Sugiura himself. The Alter technically does exist, but the Sugiura in mind and body does not acknolwledge it, making it impossible for the Alter to manifest. In extremely rare cases, an Alter may be able to take physical form as a separate entity.
Reversion.
The greatest threat with an Alter is that an Alter may take control of the original existence. This means that it is entirely possible for an Alter to take over the original Sugiura's body, making the original Sugiura the new Alter.
Special Body Makeup.
“Spiritual Body” is a word that describes an existence with spiritual properties. In other words, a shape is constructed without relying on components with physical properties. On the other hand, “Material Body” means something that is identical in structure as flesh bodies. A Material Body, cannot walk through walls, and will hurt and become wounded when beaten with an iron baton. However, a Spirit Body is capable of completely disregarding such physical interference. Attacking a Spiritual Body with a regular baton or sword (unless they are magical items) will only hit empty space. Sugiura have a special mix of both. Their bodies can be seen by normal humans, but they are not able to be harmed like a Material Body.
Spirit Form.
Spirit Form is how Sugiura travel across dimensions and long distances. It uses the makeup of the Sugiura's body and spreads it out. It's closer to separating and moving the cloud of particles.
Inversion Impulse.
This is something all half-breed Sugiura can face. While in the Sugiura realms, it is possible for a half-Sugiura to "invert" their dominant half to become mainly Sugiura (allowing them to gain the Denryoku no Sanbagarasu). This is irreversible, and it can only happen if their dominant half is not a Sugiura.