NRPG Character Creation Guide

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Shinobi Level - the level of the character plays a very important role in the character's profile. It determines their overall fighting ability, experience and high-end jutsu limitations. Each level of shinobi rank is equal to twice that of the next lower rank: twice the physical strength, speed, stamina, and skill. Because of this great difference in ability a Chuunin using a C-rank fire-type jutsu can overpower a Genin using the exact same technique in a Jutsu Exchange. The Genin will never be able to defeat the Chuunin no matter how many times they battle.

A character may be created at any given level, from Candidate to Jounin. Each rank brings its own challenges and play style.

Shinobi Ranks:

Candidate (unranked): This sub-level of shinobi are not ranked or tied to any particular village. The village of Hidden Leafs has deteriorated to the point where there are no more yearly graduation exams. Instead, candidates are expected to prove themselves capable of being a shinobi through their own acquisition and development of the classic ninja arsenal (Magic, Illusion, Physical, Sealing, and Summoning techniques) and other practical abilities.

Skill: E.
Strength: E.
Jutsu Limit: E-rank jutsu.

No initial Talents. +2 TP.

Genin (Low-ninja): Many Genins in the Big Five Shinobi villages are young ninja that have recently ascended to the official rank of ninja, and are identified by the head protector engraved with the village's insignia. The village leaders place them into three-person teams based on their individual abilities and potential, and are left under the command of a specially selected and experienced squad leader. In previous years the leader would be Jounin, but with the record-low numbers of skilled shinobi more Genin squads are being assigned to Chuunins. The purpose of this team is to gain experience for the Genin by participating in real missions.

Skill: C.
Strength: C.
Jutsu Limit: D and C-rank techniques; access to basic bloodline limits.

Talents: Chakra Formation, Equipment Usage, Generic Skillset, Chakra Sense (0). +3 TP.

Chuunin (Medium-ninja): Having proved themselves to be of good quality the average Chuunin is a seasoned ninja with noteworthy individual and team-oriented skills. They are issued special protective flak-jackets, and exceptional Chuunin may even be the leader of their own squad during missions. Still, this is considered to be the "average" rank since most ninja never go beyond it.

Skill: B.
Strength: B.
Jutsu Limit: flawed B and A-rank jutsu; advanced bloodline limits.

Talents: Chakra Formation, Equipment Usage, Generic Skillset, Chakra Sense (1). Must have at least one major Custom/Bloodline Jutsu or one type of Nature Manipulation. +4 TP.

Jounin (High-ninja): This is the highest level that only outstanding ninja may reach. The requirements are much more difficult, however: ability to use at least two elemental chakra nature manipulations, some sort of bloodline ability or other unique skills, expertise in both solo and squad-based missions, high intelligence and fighting ability, and key performance in over a dozen B-rank missions with a high rate of success. The standards for Jounin are so high because they are expected to accomplish the most important tasks for the village.

Jounin are further categorized into regular Jounin that are assigned to elite squads and perform dangerous missions contracted by the village, and Special Jounin that are selected for an individual high-level talent and assigned to non-combat duties or other tasks. Both types are hand-picked for each duty by the village leaders. The wisest and strongest Jounin may become the village's Kage, the position of central military and political leadership.

Skill: A.
Strength: A.
Jutsu Limit: perfected A-rank techniques, mastery of bloodline.

Talents: Chakra Formation, Equipment Usage, Generic Skillset, Chakra Sense (1), Martial Arts Master (1), Illusionist (1), Tactician (2), Technician (2).
Must have at least two major Custom/Bloodline Jutsu or Nature Manipulations. +5 TP.

Special Ranks.

ANBU (special class): The secret ANBU ninja are comprised of an elite corps hand-picked by the village's number-one ninja, the Kage, and are exempt from the standard rules and regulations regarding all other ninja. They may be selected from any rank of official ninja if their individual abilities are suited for a specific task, and most of those that are chosen only stay within the ANBU for a short time. They are the ninja's ninja, and report directly and only to the Kage, and may even be expected to accompany the Kage on the most difficult missions which the number-one ninja attends to personally. They never speak of their work even among each other, and the secretive nature of their rank makes them a very mysterious and intimidating force. ANBU ninja wear special light armor, carry a short straight sword, and always wear a mask to hide their face.

Skill: Classified.
Strength: Classified.
Jutsu Knowledge: Classified.

Talents: Classified.

Missing Ninja (rogue): when a shinobi defects from their home village they are considered a "missing-nin" or AWOL. Since even a low-ranking Genin has knowledge of the village's training methods, combat tactics, and jutsu they are considered too dangerous to be left alive. Each major village has an entire corps devoted to hunting down and eliminating such shinobi. (for instance, Konohagakure employs elite ANBU as hunters) While "missing-nin" isn't an official rank, the individual shinobi may be of any other regular rank and will be routinely attacked by appropriately skilled hunters.

Skill: Various.
Strength: Various.
Jutsu Knowledge: Various.

Talents: Various.