I’m trying to get some writing done today. This is an exercise, practice if you will, just to get the writing juices flowing. I always thought ‘writing juices’ was such a weird thing to say, but hey, if there are actual juices to help with writing, I’ll take twelve. What am I attempting to accomplish today? I ‘m trying to come up with a numeric system of magic and spells for my fantasy novel. It’s hard to start from scratch, but I keep thinking about the system of magic in the manga/anime Bleach. I know, I know, you’re thinking about what an anime nerd loser I am, and I accept that, but just know that you’re missing out.
Anyway, after doing some research, I learned that the basic system of fighting techniques for Shinigami (Soul Reapers) in Bleach is called Zankensoki. It’s a combination of four words, each four elements being basic skills and techniques. Broken down, ‘Zan’ stands in for Zanjutsu, which is basic sword fighting techniques. Then, onto ‘Ken’ which stands in for Hakuda, or unarmed fighting that focuses on using ones’ body as a primary fighting technique. Thirdly, ‘So’ which stands in for Hoho, which focuses on agility and moving techniques, high speed fighting, and Shunpo [Flash Steps]. Lastly, ‘Ki’ which stands in for Kido, advanced spells that can be broken down into two categories: Hado and Bakudo. Hado are spells used for direct attacks and Bakudo are spells for battle support. Kido requires strong spiritual power, and can be triggered through incantation. Advance practitioners can trigger spells without incantation, but the power of the spell can wane. All four of these primary combat skills can be broken down even further. (A few of these words are missing proper accents. I still can’t figure out how to type in accents on the pc. Sigh.)
My point is that I want to create a system of magic just as complicated and perhaps even more complex. Perhaps attempting to break down the combat and magical techniques of an anime series was counterproductive, but I feel that understanding how other people have come up with such unique systems is beneficial for me as I attempt to construct my own.
This writing exercise has taken much longer than I would have liked. Might be time to call it for the day on writing all together. I need coffee.
01.21.18
Anyway, after doing some research, I learned that the basic system of fighting techniques for Shinigami (Soul Reapers) in Bleach is called Zankensoki. It’s a combination of four words, each four elements being basic skills and techniques. Broken down, ‘Zan’ stands in for Zanjutsu, which is basic sword fighting techniques. Then, onto ‘Ken’ which stands in for Hakuda, or unarmed fighting that focuses on using ones’ body as a primary fighting technique. Thirdly, ‘So’ which stands in for Hoho, which focuses on agility and moving techniques, high speed fighting, and Shunpo [Flash Steps]. Lastly, ‘Ki’ which stands in for Kido, advanced spells that can be broken down into two categories: Hado and Bakudo. Hado are spells used for direct attacks and Bakudo are spells for battle support. Kido requires strong spiritual power, and can be triggered through incantation. Advance practitioners can trigger spells without incantation, but the power of the spell can wane. All four of these primary combat skills can be broken down even further. (A few of these words are missing proper accents. I still can’t figure out how to type in accents on the pc. Sigh.)
My point is that I want to create a system of magic just as complicated and perhaps even more complex. Perhaps attempting to break down the combat and magical techniques of an anime series was counterproductive, but I feel that understanding how other people have come up with such unique systems is beneficial for me as I attempt to construct my own.
This writing exercise has taken much longer than I would have liked. Might be time to call it for the day on writing all together. I need coffee.
01.21.18
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