Post by Shigure on Mar 15, 2016 13:15:03 GMT -5
___ S H I N I G A M I ___
The Soul Reaper
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Takanashi, Shigure
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小鳥遊 時雨
Takanashi, Shigure
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小鳥遊 時雨
▎Personal Information
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Age
182
Apparent Age
18
Gender
Male
Birthday
August 28th
Height
5'9"
Weight
62kg
182
Apparent Age
18
Gender
Male
Birthday
August 28th
Height
5'9"
Weight
62kg
- - - - -
Physical Appearance
Shigure stands at average height and appears as a young man with unkempt, silvery-white hair. Dishevelled and messy tufts grow from the top of his head, while similarly untidy sections of hair frame the sides of a pale and somewhat feminine face. Unassuming features punctuate this countenance, lending an air of nonchalance and lack of care; with his slightly hooded eyes and an unbiased expression that never falls to sheer ecstasy or overt sadness, Shigure may indeed give an impression of detachment. However, genuine and humble warmth can still be felt when one's gaze meets with his lilac-grey eyes, suggesting a compassionate wisdom that strays from his initially icy look.
Upon becoming closer acquaintances (or, perhaps even after the first conversation), Shigure exhibits a gently untailored smile, and is also said to smirk during humorous moments with friends. Even when circumstances are not particularly pleasant or favourable, he can still be seen with his trademark look of mild bemusement.
Shigure carries himself with a neutral gait: neither striding proudly nor shuffling with insecurity. Training in the martial arts has also contributed to a healthy posture, but even this does not prevent the occasional slouch when the Shinigami is off-duty and relaxing.
In terms of physique, his shoulders are by no means broad and his frame is slight. However, his torso and arms still bear the expected muscle definition of a swordsman-in-training, while his calloused hands and feet further prove his diligence and dedication to the martial arts. A combination of hardship, travelling, and living off the land has also contributed to a surprisingly robust body - even if his frame might suggest otherwise.
▪ Sociable
Even though he enjoys solitary reflection, Shigure is still keen on spending time with friends and meeting new people. Here, he finds communal gatherings and social events to be the perfect setting to study aspects of the human character. As a result of his more immediately obvious introversion, peers usually label him as quite unapproachable until the figurative ice has been broken.
Negative Traits
▪ Duplicitous
Tormented by his past wrongdoings, Shigure presents a completely contrived persona whereby he seeks to hide his insecurities and inadequacies. He is also not above lying if he deems it beneficial to the greater good and while his guise has not yet slipped in his 6 years at the Academy, events that remind him of his past are likely to cause his restraint and gentility to falter.
▪ Sentimental
As a self-proclaimed “enemy to all things empirical, concrete, and statistical”, wistful thinking has often resulted in biased and overly poetic justification in decision-making. Thus, when facts and figures contradict with his ideals, Shigure can feel challenged and, in more extreme cases, neutered of his individuality.
▪ Lax
Although seemingly contradictory with his observant nature, Shigure’s perception of most problems being merely fleeting burdens can result in insufficient concern not only for himself, but often for the circumstances he finds himself in.
▪ Impractical
A very particular idealism often results in unrealistic expectations of himself and his own progress. Furthermore, Shigure's asceticism can be taken too far, even to the point of neglecting eating and sleeping for the sake of pursuing a passion or cause.
▪ Private
Although considered somewhat of a confidant by many, Shigure himself deems very few people creditable enough for him to open his heart to. As a result, he tends to present himself as some contrived idea and stereotype to avoid presenting his truest image. While not a cynic by any measure, Shigure does seem to take significant time before placing trust in an acquaintance. However, he does (perhaps as an empty pleasantry) loosely consider most people a "friend" of sorts.
-Miscellaneous Traits-
▪ Austere
Accustomed to squalor since an early age, Shigure still prefers rougher living as a means to foster discipline and a balanced temperament. However, this severe aversion to excess is often interpreted as stinginess and bizarre frugality - perhaps best exemplified in his shoddily-repaired garments and general appearance.
▪ Nonconformist
Exposure to thoroughly strange and unconventional folk during his tutelage under a similarly eccentric monk has led to a puzzling disposition. He also has quirks in his manner of speaking - identifying himself with archaic pronouns and nameless expressions such as 拙者/"sessha" and 某/"soregashi", meaning "this one who is clumsy" and "so-and-so" respectively: terms ordinarily reserved for old men and samurai. His idealisation of all things rustic and deep respect for forgotten traditions can also render some first impressions negative and outlandish.
Interests
▪ Tea
Shigure considers enjoying tea of paramount importance in his daily routine, regarding it as one of life’s most simple yet most beautiful pleasures. He also engages in the study of the Japanese Tea Ceremony in memory of his deceased life mentor: a monk who was in frequent praise of the Tea Ceremony and its calming and therapeutic properties. However, it should be stated that Shigure himself prefers the less formulaic traditions of the Chinese Tea Ceremony.
Shigure is known to venture out into the countryside to pick and roast his own tea leaves, resulting in tea bricks of his own blending and preparation that are often gifted to friends and colleagues.
▪ Reading
For Shigure, reading is what swimming is to fish. Though he recognises the majority of life experiences cannot be fully expressed and enjoyed within a book’s pages, he considers the writings of others to often be phenomenal teachers with lessons and morals worth studying.
In addition to non-fiction treatises on topics ranging from philosophy to military strategy, he also admires literature and poetry - believing it to be key in not only better understanding the emotions of the self, but also the ways in which one should behave and interact with others. Shigure is bewitched by the rustic and unassuming simplicity of the Haiku, but still appreciates the vivid and flowery writing found in other creative works.
▪ Martial Arts
Shigure is equally interested in both swordplay and unarmed combat, believing the martial arts and its philosophies to go hand-in-hand with his own quest for self-improvement. Self-defence and the art of combat are naturally crucial in his future as a Shinigami, but it is the holistic mindset necessary that truly intrigue and motivate him in his pursuit of mastery. His gladiatorial experiences coupled with more formal study throughout childhood and adolescence has also meant a solid foundation which Shigure continues to improve upon.
▪ Housekeeping
Shigure appears to be very skilled at domestic work - a talent perhaps befitting his gentle demeanour. He finds cooking, sewing, and tidying unusually therapeutic, and he is often seen grocery shopping for ingredients to cook meals for friends. It is also worth mentioning that while the repairs on his own clothes look shoddy at best, his handiwork is impeccable when mending the clothes of his peers.
Shigure stands at average height and appears as a young man with unkempt, silvery-white hair. Dishevelled and messy tufts grow from the top of his head, while similarly untidy sections of hair frame the sides of a pale and somewhat feminine face. Unassuming features punctuate this countenance, lending an air of nonchalance and lack of care; with his slightly hooded eyes and an unbiased expression that never falls to sheer ecstasy or overt sadness, Shigure may indeed give an impression of detachment. However, genuine and humble warmth can still be felt when one's gaze meets with his lilac-grey eyes, suggesting a compassionate wisdom that strays from his initially icy look.
Upon becoming closer acquaintances (or, perhaps even after the first conversation), Shigure exhibits a gently untailored smile, and is also said to smirk during humorous moments with friends. Even when circumstances are not particularly pleasant or favourable, he can still be seen with his trademark look of mild bemusement.
Shigure carries himself with a neutral gait: neither striding proudly nor shuffling with insecurity. Training in the martial arts has also contributed to a healthy posture, but even this does not prevent the occasional slouch when the Shinigami is off-duty and relaxing.
In terms of physique, his shoulders are by no means broad and his frame is slight. However, his torso and arms still bear the expected muscle definition of a swordsman-in-training, while his calloused hands and feet further prove his diligence and dedication to the martial arts. A combination of hardship, travelling, and living off the land has also contributed to a surprisingly robust body - even if his frame might suggest otherwise.
- - - - -
Attire
Shigure wears the standard-issue Shinigami shihakushō, though it is severely worn and marred by a strange array of mismatching patchwork. More minor tears and fraying around the sleeves and ankles have been left as is and in a state of careless disrepair.
His eccentricity extends even to his footwear; while the majority of Shinigami tie their sandals (waraji) in a method that specifically reflects their soldierly status, Shigure prefers a style of fastening usually associated with monks and wanderers. He also rarely wears tabi - claiming that they itch and interfere with the pleasant feeling of wind passing between his toes.
When not preoccupied with his usual duties, Shigure is typically clothed in kinagashi (the practice of wearing a kimono without the hakama) of varying but mostly neutral colours. Navy, olive, and black tend to be his favoured colour palette when choosing garments. He also prefers coarser fabrics to better represent the customs and conventions behind his sartorial choices; forgoing the hakama in traditional Japanese dress was associated with villagers and lower-class townsmen. As such, he does not seem to mind the jokes and teasing that point to his impoverished and peasantly appearance.
On occasion, he is known to wear a crude cape that hangs down to his waist. Constructed from a rough, hemp-based textile known as boro cloth, this haphazard patchwork of blue and indigo only serves to enhance his scruffy, folksy persona. This cape also happens to be one of very few belongings Shigure took with him from his Rukongai days when entering the Shin'ō Academy.
In a perhaps failed attempt to look less outdated when patrolling Earth in a Gigai, garments typically seen on an English country gentleman or an American Ivy Leaguer of the 1960s form the basis of his "modern-day wardrobe". Oxford button-down shirts, tweed jackets, cotton twill trousers, and penny loafers have all been adopted with an unusual zeal.
Spiritual Appearance
Though an uncommon sight, Shigure's reiatsu in its perceivable form is a startling colour somewhere between crimson and magenta. With a silhouette akin to the subtle vapours emanating from a teacup, it has been stated that his aura has a calming quality to it and has been used (often unintentionally) to place both opponents and sparring partners under a false sense of security. The more astute have also commented on the faint scent of Oolong tea when Shigure unknowingly exerts his spiritual pressure. In times of stress, his eyes are known to momentarily flash magenta.
Personality: The Individualist
It is immediately apparent that Zen Buddhist teachings form the basis of Shigure's early onset of promising wisdom. Vigorous self-study and mentorship under a number of wise people has accumulated in insight that belies his youthful features, though his relatively young age and troublings experiences still betray him. This has led to an array of contradictory attitudes existing within himself that he does not readily acknowledge - in spite of his usual and perceived self-awareness. This dormant emotional turmoil is dealt with appropriately, but is still a dangerous burden for the young Shinigami whose philosophy and world-view has yet to fully mature.
As an eccentric at heart, Shigure also considers himself fundamentally different to those around him in skills and in thinking. However, this is by no means borne of arrogance, as he also perceives himself as uniquely flawed - recognising that everyone has their own talents and shortcomings. As such, his humility often inspires others to readily impart wisdom to him, and he is also known to return the favour if his own understanding permits him to do so.
While he generally refuses to hold grudges and imagines himself to have already accepted his past, Shigure’s quiet strength can slip at times. His modesty often deteriorates into doubt, leading to a persistent dissatisfaction with progress; his actual abilities, while not poor by any means, become a source of embarrassment and a thorn in his side. On the other hand, a latent knack for duplicity is often, albeit unknowingly, employed to selectively conceal his deficiencies. His peers believe him to be thoroughly trustworthy and honest and while he would never betray the confidence of a friend, his dishonesty with himself challenges the values and legitimacy of his esteem.
Unknown even to those he would consider his closest friends, Shigure's true self is a significantly different character. In truth, his contrived public image is actually the result of severely repressed guilt. He could not help but blame himself for the tragedy that had once again robbed him of "family" when his elderly master died to facilitate his survival. Having lost other loved ones and also injured his own friends earlier in childhood, it is this survivor's guilt that has led him to believe he indirectly harmed those who had fallen before him. This emotional pain consequently led to Shigure retreating behind a shell of whimsical antics and placid cheer: his persona a facade for a deeply insecure and anguished young man bearing the burden of past powerlessness.
On the surface, Shigure maintains a perpetual ease that does not give away any of the inner turmoil and anguish that oftentimes plagues him. This outwardly serene nature angers some of the more hot-blooded individuals of Seireitei and can be a reason for argument and misunderstanding. Luckily, Shigure handles this conflict well, and is a natural orator and negotiator; he often utilises these skills to dissolve ill feeling with words alone. However, his pacifism is not absolute and when words fail to appease, Shigure will readily use force to protect others - even if he fears and rejects the act of killing.
Now that he has graduated from the Academy, remnant guilt compels him to a life of humble and selfless service to the wider community, aiming to grow stronger and wiser to protect the things and people he loves.
Positive Traits
▪ Benevolent
Shigure is known to be charitable and a man of kind acts - without ever loudly advertising his actions, and preferring a more understated approach to providing aid. While not a raison d’être by any means, Shigure does feel a degree of fulfilment when helping others. This is reflected in his wish to contribute to the wider community by joining the Third Division.
▪ Modest
Shigure has a preference towards humility and considers hubris to never be justified. This is compounded by an unwavering politeness: reverence for elders and respect to juniors are both equally expressed in Shigure’s demeanour. Good manners are always adhered to, and any accidental slip in decorum is always followed by sincere apology. This is further reinforced by a refined and even tone of voice to match his serene appearance.
▪ Observant
Having spent much of his happier years in the countryside, Shigure has developed an acute appreciation of the natural landscape - along with all its flora and fauna. Thus, despite his carefree attitude, minutiae that would otherwise be missed are picked up upon by his attention to detail. His peripheral vision and hearing almost immediately register abnormalities in his surroundings, though such talents tend to be dampened in more urban climes.
▪ Tolerant
Shigure is exceptionally slow to panic, given the patience and perspective acquired from his study of philosophy. This feeds into a deeply introspective character, by which emotional resilience has been fostered over the years. His lack of complaint also prompts people to share a confidence with him, finding solace in his serene fortitude. As a patient listener and provider of sound advice, Shigure is known to have many acquaintances - albeit very few close friends.
Shigure wears the standard-issue Shinigami shihakushō, though it is severely worn and marred by a strange array of mismatching patchwork. More minor tears and fraying around the sleeves and ankles have been left as is and in a state of careless disrepair.
His eccentricity extends even to his footwear; while the majority of Shinigami tie their sandals (waraji) in a method that specifically reflects their soldierly status, Shigure prefers a style of fastening usually associated with monks and wanderers. He also rarely wears tabi - claiming that they itch and interfere with the pleasant feeling of wind passing between his toes.
When not preoccupied with his usual duties, Shigure is typically clothed in kinagashi (the practice of wearing a kimono without the hakama) of varying but mostly neutral colours. Navy, olive, and black tend to be his favoured colour palette when choosing garments. He also prefers coarser fabrics to better represent the customs and conventions behind his sartorial choices; forgoing the hakama in traditional Japanese dress was associated with villagers and lower-class townsmen. As such, he does not seem to mind the jokes and teasing that point to his impoverished and peasantly appearance.
On occasion, he is known to wear a crude cape that hangs down to his waist. Constructed from a rough, hemp-based textile known as boro cloth, this haphazard patchwork of blue and indigo only serves to enhance his scruffy, folksy persona. This cape also happens to be one of very few belongings Shigure took with him from his Rukongai days when entering the Shin'ō Academy.
In a perhaps failed attempt to look less outdated when patrolling Earth in a Gigai, garments typically seen on an English country gentleman or an American Ivy Leaguer of the 1960s form the basis of his "modern-day wardrobe". Oxford button-down shirts, tweed jackets, cotton twill trousers, and penny loafers have all been adopted with an unusual zeal.
- - - - -
Spiritual Appearance
Though an uncommon sight, Shigure's reiatsu in its perceivable form is a startling colour somewhere between crimson and magenta. With a silhouette akin to the subtle vapours emanating from a teacup, it has been stated that his aura has a calming quality to it and has been used (often unintentionally) to place both opponents and sparring partners under a false sense of security. The more astute have also commented on the faint scent of Oolong tea when Shigure unknowingly exerts his spiritual pressure. In times of stress, his eyes are known to momentarily flash magenta.
- - - - -
Personality: The Individualist
It is immediately apparent that Zen Buddhist teachings form the basis of Shigure's early onset of promising wisdom. Vigorous self-study and mentorship under a number of wise people has accumulated in insight that belies his youthful features, though his relatively young age and troublings experiences still betray him. This has led to an array of contradictory attitudes existing within himself that he does not readily acknowledge - in spite of his usual and perceived self-awareness. This dormant emotional turmoil is dealt with appropriately, but is still a dangerous burden for the young Shinigami whose philosophy and world-view has yet to fully mature.
As an eccentric at heart, Shigure also considers himself fundamentally different to those around him in skills and in thinking. However, this is by no means borne of arrogance, as he also perceives himself as uniquely flawed - recognising that everyone has their own talents and shortcomings. As such, his humility often inspires others to readily impart wisdom to him, and he is also known to return the favour if his own understanding permits him to do so.
While he generally refuses to hold grudges and imagines himself to have already accepted his past, Shigure’s quiet strength can slip at times. His modesty often deteriorates into doubt, leading to a persistent dissatisfaction with progress; his actual abilities, while not poor by any means, become a source of embarrassment and a thorn in his side. On the other hand, a latent knack for duplicity is often, albeit unknowingly, employed to selectively conceal his deficiencies. His peers believe him to be thoroughly trustworthy and honest and while he would never betray the confidence of a friend, his dishonesty with himself challenges the values and legitimacy of his esteem.
Unknown even to those he would consider his closest friends, Shigure's true self is a significantly different character. In truth, his contrived public image is actually the result of severely repressed guilt. He could not help but blame himself for the tragedy that had once again robbed him of "family" when his elderly master died to facilitate his survival. Having lost other loved ones and also injured his own friends earlier in childhood, it is this survivor's guilt that has led him to believe he indirectly harmed those who had fallen before him. This emotional pain consequently led to Shigure retreating behind a shell of whimsical antics and placid cheer: his persona a facade for a deeply insecure and anguished young man bearing the burden of past powerlessness.
On the surface, Shigure maintains a perpetual ease that does not give away any of the inner turmoil and anguish that oftentimes plagues him. This outwardly serene nature angers some of the more hot-blooded individuals of Seireitei and can be a reason for argument and misunderstanding. Luckily, Shigure handles this conflict well, and is a natural orator and negotiator; he often utilises these skills to dissolve ill feeling with words alone. However, his pacifism is not absolute and when words fail to appease, Shigure will readily use force to protect others - even if he fears and rejects the act of killing.
Now that he has graduated from the Academy, remnant guilt compels him to a life of humble and selfless service to the wider community, aiming to grow stronger and wiser to protect the things and people he loves.
Positive Traits
▪ Benevolent
Shigure is known to be charitable and a man of kind acts - without ever loudly advertising his actions, and preferring a more understated approach to providing aid. While not a raison d’être by any means, Shigure does feel a degree of fulfilment when helping others. This is reflected in his wish to contribute to the wider community by joining the Third Division.
▪ Modest
Shigure has a preference towards humility and considers hubris to never be justified. This is compounded by an unwavering politeness: reverence for elders and respect to juniors are both equally expressed in Shigure’s demeanour. Good manners are always adhered to, and any accidental slip in decorum is always followed by sincere apology. This is further reinforced by a refined and even tone of voice to match his serene appearance.
▪ Observant
Having spent much of his happier years in the countryside, Shigure has developed an acute appreciation of the natural landscape - along with all its flora and fauna. Thus, despite his carefree attitude, minutiae that would otherwise be missed are picked up upon by his attention to detail. His peripheral vision and hearing almost immediately register abnormalities in his surroundings, though such talents tend to be dampened in more urban climes.
▪ Tolerant
Shigure is exceptionally slow to panic, given the patience and perspective acquired from his study of philosophy. This feeds into a deeply introspective character, by which emotional resilience has been fostered over the years. His lack of complaint also prompts people to share a confidence with him, finding solace in his serene fortitude. As a patient listener and provider of sound advice, Shigure is known to have many acquaintances - albeit very few close friends.
▪ Sociable
Even though he enjoys solitary reflection, Shigure is still keen on spending time with friends and meeting new people. Here, he finds communal gatherings and social events to be the perfect setting to study aspects of the human character. As a result of his more immediately obvious introversion, peers usually label him as quite unapproachable until the figurative ice has been broken.
Negative Traits
▪ Duplicitous
Tormented by his past wrongdoings, Shigure presents a completely contrived persona whereby he seeks to hide his insecurities and inadequacies. He is also not above lying if he deems it beneficial to the greater good and while his guise has not yet slipped in his 6 years at the Academy, events that remind him of his past are likely to cause his restraint and gentility to falter.
▪ Sentimental
As a self-proclaimed “enemy to all things empirical, concrete, and statistical”, wistful thinking has often resulted in biased and overly poetic justification in decision-making. Thus, when facts and figures contradict with his ideals, Shigure can feel challenged and, in more extreme cases, neutered of his individuality.
▪ Lax
Although seemingly contradictory with his observant nature, Shigure’s perception of most problems being merely fleeting burdens can result in insufficient concern not only for himself, but often for the circumstances he finds himself in.
▪ Impractical
A very particular idealism often results in unrealistic expectations of himself and his own progress. Furthermore, Shigure's asceticism can be taken too far, even to the point of neglecting eating and sleeping for the sake of pursuing a passion or cause.
▪ Private
Although considered somewhat of a confidant by many, Shigure himself deems very few people creditable enough for him to open his heart to. As a result, he tends to present himself as some contrived idea and stereotype to avoid presenting his truest image. While not a cynic by any measure, Shigure does seem to take significant time before placing trust in an acquaintance. However, he does (perhaps as an empty pleasantry) loosely consider most people a "friend" of sorts.
-Miscellaneous Traits-
▪ Austere
Accustomed to squalor since an early age, Shigure still prefers rougher living as a means to foster discipline and a balanced temperament. However, this severe aversion to excess is often interpreted as stinginess and bizarre frugality - perhaps best exemplified in his shoddily-repaired garments and general appearance.
▪ Nonconformist
Exposure to thoroughly strange and unconventional folk during his tutelage under a similarly eccentric monk has led to a puzzling disposition. He also has quirks in his manner of speaking - identifying himself with archaic pronouns and nameless expressions such as 拙者/"sessha" and 某/"soregashi", meaning "this one who is clumsy" and "so-and-so" respectively: terms ordinarily reserved for old men and samurai. His idealisation of all things rustic and deep respect for forgotten traditions can also render some first impressions negative and outlandish.
- - - - -
Interests
▪ Tea
Shigure considers enjoying tea of paramount importance in his daily routine, regarding it as one of life’s most simple yet most beautiful pleasures. He also engages in the study of the Japanese Tea Ceremony in memory of his deceased life mentor: a monk who was in frequent praise of the Tea Ceremony and its calming and therapeutic properties. However, it should be stated that Shigure himself prefers the less formulaic traditions of the Chinese Tea Ceremony.
Shigure is known to venture out into the countryside to pick and roast his own tea leaves, resulting in tea bricks of his own blending and preparation that are often gifted to friends and colleagues.
▪ Reading
For Shigure, reading is what swimming is to fish. Though he recognises the majority of life experiences cannot be fully expressed and enjoyed within a book’s pages, he considers the writings of others to often be phenomenal teachers with lessons and morals worth studying.
In addition to non-fiction treatises on topics ranging from philosophy to military strategy, he also admires literature and poetry - believing it to be key in not only better understanding the emotions of the self, but also the ways in which one should behave and interact with others. Shigure is bewitched by the rustic and unassuming simplicity of the Haiku, but still appreciates the vivid and flowery writing found in other creative works.
▪ Martial Arts
Shigure is equally interested in both swordplay and unarmed combat, believing the martial arts and its philosophies to go hand-in-hand with his own quest for self-improvement. Self-defence and the art of combat are naturally crucial in his future as a Shinigami, but it is the holistic mindset necessary that truly intrigue and motivate him in his pursuit of mastery. His gladiatorial experiences coupled with more formal study throughout childhood and adolescence has also meant a solid foundation which Shigure continues to improve upon.
▪ Housekeeping
Shigure appears to be very skilled at domestic work - a talent perhaps befitting his gentle demeanour. He finds cooking, sewing, and tidying unusually therapeutic, and he is often seen grocery shopping for ingredients to cook meals for friends. It is also worth mentioning that while the repairs on his own clothes look shoddy at best, his handiwork is impeccable when mending the clothes of his peers.
- - - - -