Clouded Horizons:Diviner

A Diviner is a sacred, Ethereal weapon used almost exclusively by Malakh. It was a widespread weapon, as well as a rite of passage, for Malakh until the Great Ethereal War erupted. Most of these weapons were destroyed with their wielder in combat, and the process of creating one was thought to be lost until the Order of Grim Angels was rebuilt.

Overview

Each Diviner takes the form of the weapon the user has either the most preference for when created or the most affinity with if there is no preference; some will be swords, and will then differentiate between specific types of swords, for example. Under this ordinary exterior, however, lies a sentient spirit. This spirit supplements and enhances the user's power, can open, repair, and close holes used to travel between planes or Realms, and even transform itself into more elaborate and powerful forms. While seemingly similar on the outside, all Diviners have unique (though sometimes similar) abilities that usually compliment their owner's personality.

The process of creating a Diviner is a drawn-out affair, requiring intense concentration and focus, as it requires the user to physically extract a portion of their own soul. The user then creates a circuit of spiritual energy between themselves and the extracted soul, maintaining it while the soul matures, taking on its weapon form. This can take days and is highly exhausting, but the end result is a Diviner that is an extension of its creator as it is alive in its own right. Although rare, Diviners can be used by those other than the creator, but the more different from the original creator the new user is, the more difficulty they will have working with the Diviner, to the point where it's possible for each to damage the power of the other.

Diviners, being sentient beings, are a Malakh's partner in battle and cannot be replaced (and since most Malakh were members of the Order of Grim Angels, the Diviner has become a symbol of the Order). Because they are alive, a Diviner will regenerate if broken, though there is a limit to such regeneration (a vaporized Diviner would not regenerate, for example). As a Malakh gains power, their Diviner can change form by allowing the inner being to manifest itself to a greater degree in the outside world. The weapon and the inner being are synonymous to each other.

Forms

Beyond their standard sealed state, Diviners can manifest themselves in two additional forms, the use of which is dependent upon the Malakh's ability to communicate with and control the Diviner's spirit. These two forms, known as the initial release (Shikai in the Angelic tongue) and the final release (Bankai), are akin to "upgrades" for the Diviner, giving it abilities far beyond that of its basic use. Malakh usually carry their Diviners in the sealed state and activate the released forms as necessary.

In addition to the upgraded forms, the sealed form of a Diviner can also be radically altered, though such alterations are purely cosmetic and usually don't offer any significant advantage in battle. For example, Malakh who are unable to control their own magical or spiritual power have larger sealed Diviners. It was explained before the Great War by Etchel Beoulve that Malakh must be capable of maintaining and suppressing the size of their weapon; otherwise, they would end up swinging around swords the size of skyscrapers. Diviners can also be disguised as other objects, though such objects seem to need to be of similar proportions to the weapon itself.

Initial Release

The initial release is the first "upgraded" form available to a Diviner. To activate it, the Malakh needs to learn the name of their Diviner. This is not as simple as simply picking a name, as the living spirit of the Diviner chooses its own name. Therefore, the Malakh must be able to communicate with their Diviner effectively. Achievement of the initial release is a mark of expert control and is a requirement for advancement within the Order of Grim Angels, as most seated officers and all vice-captains (also referred to as lieutenants or adjutants) are capable of the initial release.

After first learning the Diviner's name, the initial release can be performed at will simply by speaking a command followed by the Diviner's name. The command phrase varies between users and often relates to the Diviner's signature ability, or hints at the nature of its spirit. This step may be bypassed by expert Malakh, usually those who are at least approaching discovery of their final release. In rare cases, a Diviner, once released, will remain in that state and will not have a sealed state. Such Diviners are described as a full-time released form type.

Once the initial release is activated, the Diviner will change form to access whatever special abilities it is capable of. They usually retain the shape of their original form, but this can differ radically among various Diviners. The special abilities have specific names that usually must be announced to fully activate the effect. As explained by Ledah Rozwelli prior to the Great War, knowing the name of an attack and not knowing it makes a difference in the amount of power that attack will have.

Final Release

The final release is the second and final form of a Diviner. To perform it, a Malakh must be able to materialize their Diviner's spirit in the real world and subjugate it, giving full reign over its power. Because such an act usually takes hundreds of years of combat experience to achieve, it is a requirement to achieve captaincy and above within the Order of Grim Angels.

After a Malakh is able to materialize and subjugate their Diviner's spirit, their Diviner can assume its final and most powerful form. Unlike the initial release, there is no command phrase to activate the final release, though the user will usually say "final release" in the Angelic tongue beforehand. The final release is often a manifestation of the spirit itself, usually creating a massive creature or effect to aid the user in battle. Certain Malakh also change with their Diviner, gaining different clothing to fit with the form. Most final releases will also gain additional special abilities. As with the initial release, most of these abilities have an associated name. Using the final release is taxing for the wielder, and it is difficult to maintain it for long periods of time.

Arrancar Release

Arrancar, which are demons that have removed their 'essence' (the demonic equivalent of a soul) and gained Ethereal powers (specifically, those of their counterparts, Angels), have Diviners and can perform something similar to the initial release called Resurrección (Resurrection in the Demonic tongue). Unlike a Malakh's Diviner, however, an Arrancar's Diviner doesn't have a spirit. Rather, it is simply the Arrancar's demonic essence and powers sealed into sword form. By releasing their Diviner in the same manner as an Angel, an Arrancar can release their demonic and ethereal powers. No Arrancar has demonstrated any sort of additional released form beyond their Resurrección.

Because their powers are sealed in their Diviner, an Arrancar's release will usually transform some or all of their body into a demon-like form, allowing them to use their abilities freely. Arrancar normally only return to their human form when they reseal their demonic powers; doing so without resealing, though possible, is a permanent change comparable to amputating a limb. The reason Arrancar go through such trouble to seal their power is twofold: it allows them to maintain human form and conserve their power in times of inactivity.

Types

All Diviners have a type associated with them; whether they take the form of a sword or bow, their unreleased forms represent medieval-era equipment (of both western and eastern design). They can be classified then as either melee or ranged weapons, and then further detailed based on range and design. Certain Diviners are especially attuned to the magical energy of their wielder and are both slightly different and fairly uncommon.

Melee

There are two basic divisions to melee weapons — edged weapons, of which examples include swords, spears, axes and knives, and blunt weapons, such as clubs, maces, and hammers. This is the general type of Diviner.

Senbonzakura

• Name: Senbonzakura (A Thousand Cherry Blossoms)
• Owner:: Byakuya Kuchiki
• Classification: One-Handed Katana
• Initial Release: Senbonzakura's blade scatters into thousands of tiny blades ("petals") controlled by Byakuya. It is activated by the command "scatter" (chire).
• Final Release: Named Senbonzakura Kageyoshi (Vibrant Display of the Thousand Cherry Blossoms). Byakuya drops Senbonzakura, causing it to disappear into the ground. Two rows of swords then appear to either side of Byakuya and dissolve into millions of tiny blades controlled by Byakuya.
• Abilities: In its final release, Senbonzakura has two abilities. The first compresses Senbonzakura's blades into four rows of swords around Byakuya and his opponent, which is triggered by the command "scene of a massacre" (senkei). The second compresses every blade into a single sword and gives Byakuya a pair of white wings, which is triggered by the command "final scene: white imperial sword" (shūkei: hakuteiken).

Einherjar

• Name: Einherjar (Brave Warrior Spirit)
• Owner:: Etchel Beoulve
• Classification: Two-Handed Longsword
• Initial Release: Einherjar is reduced to just the hilt, the blade reformed into a crackling beam off electrical energy. It is activated by the command "unleash a fragment" (houmen ikko).
• Final Release: Named Hekireki Einherjar (Thundering Brave Warrior Spirit). Einherjar becomes six blades, each similar in appearance to its initial release, but two are designed to attack, two to defend, and are controlled mentally. The remaining two are held in each hand.
• Abilities: Einherjar can unleash powerful blasts of electrical energy which are triggered by the command "strike" (sutoraiku). In its final release, Einherjar gains the ability to create a powerful barrier with its blades; only two are needed initially, but with each additional blade the barrier becomes significantly more protective. It is triggered by the command "defend" (fusegu).

Hyōrinmaru

• Name: Hyōrinmaru (Ice Ring)
• Owner:: Chieko Murakami (formerly), Benji Powell
• Classification: Two-Handed Katana
• Shikai: Hyōrinmaru gains a crescent-shaped blade attached to the hilt by a a chain. It is activated by the command "sit upon the frozen heavens" (sōten ni zase).

Shikai Special Ability: When Hyorinmaru is swung, a dragon-shaped flow of ice is released from the blade which is capable of flying towards and freezing whatever it impacts. The chain and crescent blade is also capable of freezing whatever it wraps around.

• Tensou Jurin: One of Hyorinmaru's basic powers, it allows the user to control the weather in the area by controlling the water in the surrounding area and atmosphere. A stronger version of this skill may be used in Bankai.

• Bankai: Named Daiguren Hyōrinmaru (Great Crimson Lotus Ice Ring). Ice flows onto the user's back in the form of wings and a tail. Ice claws also appear on their feet and left hand and a dragon head encases their sword arm to the fingers. Finally, three "flowers" of ice are also created behind the user with four petals each. These disappear as abilities are used, but may regenerate indefinitely if there is water in the surrounding area.

Bankai Special Ability: Hyorinmaru's Bankai enables the use of several additional techniques.

• Ryusenka: When Hyorinmaru stabs the enemy, a large burst of ice erupts from the blade, entrapping and freezing them within. The ice, and the opponent, may then be shattered if the user is strong enough.
• Sennen Hyoro: The user creates several large ice pillars around the enemy; when they turn the blade 90 degrees counter-clockwise, the pillars contract, trapping and crushing the enemy within them.
• Guncho Tsurara: The user collects the water around them before swinging their blade, sending a shower of icicles at their enemy.
• Hyoten Hyakkaso: While using Tensou Jurin, the user causes a hole in the clouds above to open, through which a large amount of snow falls down towards the enemy. If any of the snow contacts the enemy, ice flowers begin to sprout all over the enemy's body, quickly trapping and freezing them.

Suzumushi

• Name: Suzumushi (Pure Insects)
• Owner:: Celes Chere
• Classification: Two-Handed Runesword
• Initial Release: Dependent upon the command.
• Final Release: Named Enma Kōrogi (Enma cricket). Suzumushi creates a large black dome anchored to the ground with ten rings. Anything caught within loses every sense except for touch. The user of this ability is immune, but making contact with them returns all senses.
• Abilities: If triggered by the command "chime" (nake), Suzumushi projects a high-pitched tone over a wide area, overloading the hearing of anyone in range and knocking them unconscious. If triggered by the command "smash his limbs" (shishi wo tsubusu yo), Suzumushi becomes Benihikō (Crimson Flying Locusts) and creates a group of blades that rain on opponents.

Peacemaker

• Name: Peacemaker (Arbitrator)
• Owner:: Liam Jacob Bayloh
• Classification: One-Handed Manablade
• Initial Release: Peacemaker glows bright green. It is activated by the command "mediate" (kaisuru).
• Final Release: Named Zealous Peacemaker (Fervent Arbitrator). Peacemaker becomes a solid black double weapon, a glowing-green axe on each end. In addition, it can split into three sections, connected by a lengthy chain. Angel gains a set of form-fitting black armor and matching cloak in this form.
• Abilities: In its initial release, Peacemaker, upon striking an enemy, dispels any Enchantments. Whenever it removes an Enchantment in this way, it converts that Enchantment into magic damage that cuts into the target, burning away Mana. In its final release, when split into three sections, the command "judge" (hanji) causes the axes to glow with greater intensity and the chain to lengthen, allowing for inward cleaves with enough force to cut through even full plate with fair ease. It also allows for ranged sweeping strikes.

Ryūjin Jakka

• Name: Ryūjin Jakka (Flowing Flame Blade)
• Owner:: Dmitri Yuriev (formerly)
• Classification: One-Handed Katana
• Initial Release: Ryūjin Jakka is consumed in flame. It is activated by the command "reduce the whole of creation to smoldering ashes" (banshō issai kaijin to nase).
• Final Release: Unknown.
• Abilities: Ryūjin Jakka creates flames so hot that the aura alone can disintegrate anything Yuriev waves the sword at. The area surrounding him is also consumed in flame.

Lorelei

• Name: Lorelei (Murmuring Rock)
• Owner:: Ledah Rozwelli
• Classification: Two-Handed Spear
• Initial Release: Lorelei transforms into a naginata that can split into a three-section staff. It is activated by the command "split" (sansetsukon).
• Final Release: Named Ryūmon Lorelei (Demon Crest Murmuring Rock). Lorelei transforms into an oversized Chinese Monk's Spade and an equally large Dadao, each connected by a large chain to an oversized Halberd blade with a parallel handle forged into the blunt end and a dragon crest on one side of the blade.
• Abilities: While it has no special abilities, Lorelei in its final release becomes increasingly more powerful as time passes. Its power level is indicated by the dragon crest, which fills with red dye as Lorelei's power increases. When the design is completely filled, the full destructive force of Ledah's final release surfaces. However, the force of unleashing so much power can leave his Diviner's edge brittle.

Skadi

• Name: Skadi (Giantess)
• Owner:: Malice Ructor
• Classification: Two-Handed Poleaxe
• Initial Release: Skadi transforms into a sword hilt with a deformed trident for a blade. It is activated by the command "rip" (kakimushire).
• Final Release: Named Kyousei Konjiki Skadi (Great Golden Giantess). Skadi returns to its sealed state and produces a giant caterpillar with a grotesque baby's head and a silver halo.
• Abilities: In its initial release, Skadi paralyzes opponents by cutting off the brain's signals to the arms and legs. This paralysis can't be healed and still allows the opponent to feel pain. In its final release, the monster released by Skadi breathes a poisonous derivative of Malice's blood which is lethal to anyone who breathes it. Several blades can also extend from its chest, allowing it to run through and skewer opponents.

Zangetsu

• Name: Zangetsu (Moon Cutter)
• Owner:: Serene Elmirae
• Classification: Two-Handed Scythe
• Initial Release: Zangetsu takes the form of a large and elegant scythe as tall as Serene is. It has no command phrase as it is always active.
• Final Release: Named Tensa Zangetsu (Heavenly Chain Moon Cutter). Zangetsu takes the form of a nodachi with a black blade and a manji crossguard. When Serene uses Zangetsu's final release, she wears a black coat with a red inner-lining. In this form, Serene's speed is greatly increased, exceeding the velocity of flash steps.
• Abilities: Getsuga tenshō (moon sky-piercing fang), an energy attack that fires blue-colored blasts of magical power in the shape of a crescent. When used with the final release form, these blasts are black and red and their path can be controlled.

Projectile

Most Angels prefer melee combat weapons, thus making this type of weapon exceedingly rare, but those who do utilize them are often quite accomplished. They naturally enhance the accuracy of the wielder, which improves over time as both wielder and Diviner grow.

Neji Serimochi

• Name: Neji Serimochi (Spiral Arch)
• Owner:: Lina U'noei
• Classification: Two-Handed Longbow
• Accuracy: High [A]
• Initial Release: Neji Serimochi becomes a bow made entirely out of energy particles. It is activated by the command "project" (keikaku).
• Final Release: Unachieved.
• Abilities: Neji Serimochi fires blasts of magical energy at a target as well as various equipped arrows. The command "rebuke" (shisseki) launches a single, massively powerful blast of energy at a target.

Magic

Diviners that focus the magical powers of their wielders are rare, but powerful. These amplify their physical damage with magic-based damage, increasing their melee capability significantly. Their greatest asset, however, is improving the power of their magical spells, enhancing their effect and potency to greater heights.

Sode no Shirayuki

• Name: Sode no Shirayuki (Sleeve of White Snow)
• Owner:: Cierra Olivier
• Classification: One-Handed Staff
• Focus Power: Extremely High [A+]
• Focus Type: Mind-stat based
• Initial Release: Sode no Shirayuki becomes completely white and a white ribbon forms from the pommel. It is activated by the command "dance" (mae).
• Final Release: Unachieved.
• Abilities: Sode no Shirayuki has three techniques: "first dance, white moon" (some no mai, tsukishiro), "next dance, white ripple" (tsugi no mai, hakuren), and "third dance, white sword" (san no mai, shirafune). The first technique creates a circle of influence around Cierra's target and freezes everything within the circle from the ground upwards until it reaches the sky. The second technique is a directed version of the first attack, creating a massive wave of ice a considerable distance in front of Cierra. The third technique is used if her Diviner breaks, and restores the form of her staff with ice, even through an object or opponent.

Rosier

• Name: Rosier (Fallen Angel)
• Owner:: Fia Nelcas
• Classification: One-Handed Rapier
• Focus Power: Very High [AA]
• Focus Type: Spirit-stat based
• Initial Release: Rosier's blade glows with a faint energy and produces several, jitte-like prongs along its length. It is activated by the command "snap" (hajike).
• Final Release: Unachieved.
• Abilities: Rosier acts as a focus for Fia's magical power, concentrating it into pink-colored energy bursts capable of cratering floors and holing walls. Fia can also compress her power into a single massive energy ball.

Futongawa Eimin

• Name: Futongawa Eimin (Ticking Death)
• Owner:: Ryou Misaki
• Classification: Multi-Weapon
• Focus Power: Medium [B]
• Focus Type: Mind/Spirit-stat based
• Initial Release: Dependent upon the command phrase.
• Final Release: Unachieved.
• Abilities: If triggered by the command "synch" (doukiwotoru), Futongawa Eimin becomes a pair of twin blades with saw-like teeth. If triggered by the command "sunder" (tachikiru), Futongawa Eimin becomes a massive two-hand broadsword, also with saw-like teeth. If triggered by the command "sweep" (soutou), Futongawa Eimin becomes a large two-hand scythe. If triggered by the command "strike rapidly" (kirikaesu tomini), Futongawa Eimin deals additional damage based on the release form: if in the twin blade or broadsword form, it uses the saws to rip into an opponent. If in the scythe form, it blasts opponents with a wave of sonic energy.

Kazewana

• Name: Kazewana (Wind Snare)
• Owner:: Kari Inihara
• Classification: One-Handed Katana
• Focus Power: Medium [B]
• Focus Type: Mind-stat based
• Initial Release: Kazewana takes the form of a long chain with a crescent-shaped blade on one end and a long spike on the other. It is activated by the command "swirl" (uzu).
• Final Release: Named Kiritori Kazewana (Slicing Wind Snare). Kazewana takes the form of a long chain connecting two identical blades shaped like three-pointed stars.
• Abilities: In its initial release, Kazewana is capable of cutting enemies with Wind-elemental energy when a piece of the chain is wrapped around the target. In its final release, Kazewana gains the ability to launch funnels of wind energy at enemies which will trap them in a vortex of wind if stricken.