Post by Alain Merrick on Sept 24, 2017 13:10:12 GMT -5
Current Base GP: 1500
Current Masteries: N/A
Desired Masteries: Weapon Proficiency (Zanjutsu)
Last Mastery Request: N/A
Thread Links
A Martial Plan - Private instruction with an officer of Fifth Division in the underground training facility.
Starved and Cornered - Alain confronts a hollow with the ability create multiple clones.
Reflections - Merrick looks for more combat insights from a member of Fifth Division.
Usage of the Skill
At the start of the character’s life in the academy, his skill with the blade was essentially non-existent, having never held a weapon or been a real fight. From that day forward, he has worked steadily towards improving his swordsmanship. Initially, this began with simple one and two handed maneuvers. Later, he would incorporate the sheath as a prelude to dual wielding as part of his zanpakuto powers. Then as his skill with shunpo and bakudo developed, they were also added to his evolving combat style.
As part of his self-preservation tendencies, he often employs bakudo as an opener before following up with the sword. Similarly, he tries to end confrontations quickly. This leads to single strikes where he uses shunpo to place him in position for the killing blow. Reflections showed him using the sheath as a secondary weapon as well as his shunpo single strikes technique. While A Martial Plan best highlights everything that Merrick was capable of at the time. He used bakudo to try and move his opponent into a desired position where they can be more easily attacked. Later, it was used to conceal his movements before a strike. One of his biggest takeaways was the need for adaptability, especially in the face of an unknown opponent. A second takeaway was a realization that one doesn’t always have time to think and must simply react. The latter remains a work in progress. The fight ended after Alain utilized a feint with multiple flash steps and a two chained attack. Another concept which he rarely saw in the academy was multiple foe combat. Starved and Cornered provided an example of this. Again, we see the use of bakudo as an opener as well as the sword and sheath tactic to attack and defend simultaneously while dealing with a large number of enemies. To summarize, it isn’t zanjutsu techniques alone, though they have grown precise and refined, but rather how he has incorporated all manner of skills into his signature style that truly show mastery.
Other Information
Following the resolution of the new custom skill rules, Merrick will likely incorporate hado into his evolving combat style. Though the Zanjutsu skill itself will likely not advance beyond master level. However, things could change.
Current Masteries: N/A
Desired Masteries: Weapon Proficiency (Zanjutsu)
Last Mastery Request: N/A
Thread Links
A Martial Plan - Private instruction with an officer of Fifth Division in the underground training facility.
Starved and Cornered - Alain confronts a hollow with the ability create multiple clones.
Reflections - Merrick looks for more combat insights from a member of Fifth Division.
Usage of the Skill
At the start of the character’s life in the academy, his skill with the blade was essentially non-existent, having never held a weapon or been a real fight. From that day forward, he has worked steadily towards improving his swordsmanship. Initially, this began with simple one and two handed maneuvers. Later, he would incorporate the sheath as a prelude to dual wielding as part of his zanpakuto powers. Then as his skill with shunpo and bakudo developed, they were also added to his evolving combat style.
As part of his self-preservation tendencies, he often employs bakudo as an opener before following up with the sword. Similarly, he tries to end confrontations quickly. This leads to single strikes where he uses shunpo to place him in position for the killing blow. Reflections showed him using the sheath as a secondary weapon as well as his shunpo single strikes technique. While A Martial Plan best highlights everything that Merrick was capable of at the time. He used bakudo to try and move his opponent into a desired position where they can be more easily attacked. Later, it was used to conceal his movements before a strike. One of his biggest takeaways was the need for adaptability, especially in the face of an unknown opponent. A second takeaway was a realization that one doesn’t always have time to think and must simply react. The latter remains a work in progress. The fight ended after Alain utilized a feint with multiple flash steps and a two chained attack. Another concept which he rarely saw in the academy was multiple foe combat. Starved and Cornered provided an example of this. Again, we see the use of bakudo as an opener as well as the sword and sheath tactic to attack and defend simultaneously while dealing with a large number of enemies. To summarize, it isn’t zanjutsu techniques alone, though they have grown precise and refined, but rather how he has incorporated all manner of skills into his signature style that truly show mastery.
Other Information
Following the resolution of the new custom skill rules, Merrick will likely incorporate hado into his evolving combat style. Though the Zanjutsu skill itself will likely not advance beyond master level. However, things could change.
