Post by GoldenKitten on Feb 23, 2008 6:11:30 GMT -4
Tenth Division
Outer Defense
----------------------
We are power. I am power.
I face down the foe
that stands in gross perversion
to all that is good in man.
I am not alone. We are legion.
We are the protectors of the weak.
We are the protectors of the strong.
We are the shield of all mankind.
With our backs to one another
we face our innumerable foe
and purge them back to
whence they came.
We abolish the degenerate.
We educate the weak willed.
We free the oppressed.
We are the blade of all mankind.
Now we fight for here we
gain honor and prove ourselves.
For this is our life, this is our death,
this is our fate, this is our cause.
This is our very essence of being.
We are the sword, we are the shield.
We are the protectors of the very thing
called Existence.
- 10th Division Introductory “Prayer” – Written by Saigotschuu Yun Taichou
----------------------
Origin and Mission Statement
Tenth Division began much like any other, crafted from the dire necessity the system of balance that attempts to keep the world in check so desperately needed. The system is meant to be self-sustaining but of course there are always those who would abuse any fault they come across in a system and so outside enforcement sometimes needs to be created to regulate the issue. Tenth Division was the answer to the violence in the real world, while for hundreds of years the main and only culprit of these acts were Hollows that definition has since expanded to many others and even certain humans who would see the grand circle tarnished. While in the beginning the squad was predominantly comprised of the main clans as were most of the starting divisions it has since opened up to all who are strong enough to defend mankind.
The mission statement of Tenth Division is to protect the grand circle, to protect life and existence as we know it from hollows or any other entity that seeks to bring harm to the continued motion of the soul stream.
Important History
Tenth Divisions history as the defenders of the living world is full of ups and downs but never ceases to be illustrious and honorable. The great majority of historic data can be found in the division archives and if you so wish it you may seek that information out at anytime, however as this documents intent is to bring the reader up to date with more current major events it will deal with key moments that brought the division to its current point. Chief among these is the death of previous Taichou, Denizagwa Gato, the rise of current Taichou, Saigotschuu Yun and the modernization of the division as a whole. While more detailed accounts may be found within the archives or by contacting the division historians for those needing to make specific classifications this will seek to instill the basic fundamentals of recent historic occurrences within you.
Denizagwa Gato would become the Fukutaichou of tenth squad in 821 and a year later due to unforeseen medical complications with then Taichou, Izimari Omaki, would step up to become the new Taichou with no other viable candidates to be found. Denizagwa was a traditionalist believing that the division and Soul Society as a whole was progressing too quickly and losing much of the honor that kept it from becoming like the very corruption it fought. Thus while he could not do anything outside of the division he saw that little or no technology was allowed to be utilized by the division and ownership of such technologies was punishable by expulsion from the division. While this did have the effect of tenth division retaining many ancestral traditions others would not it also created an obvious handicap in the actions taken, especially in comparison to the other divisions which speed and efficiency were growing at a rapid rate. Still, Denizagwa proved an excellent logistics master despite his rough transition from the previously pro-growth Izimari and so despite his eyebrow raising ethics most made little complaint about his actions. Denizagwa would steer Tenth Division for just under a three hundred years and while he maintained a slower turn around speed than other divisions and his latter years were filled with strife he is still widely respected, especially by traditionalist who believe in the moral quandaries he brought to the table, if not to the extent he did.
Unfortunately all did not go well and where he started out as a strict traditionalist the division found him turning into a near zealous figure who became an outspoken critic of other squads roughly eight hundred years ago during the technological boom. After several violent outbursts on his part, all non-lethal but considered misdirected and inexcusable a petition was made to have him removed from his position. By this time even other Taichous had seen enough of his actions to know he could no longer function realistically in the growing world and the petition was soon passed, citing that he would receive an honorable discharge and be given full privileges till the day he died. However as is natural for such a figurehead Denizagwa did not take kindly to this stripping of rank and before the order could be enacted on an official level he entered the old Tenth Division headquarters and took several “heretics”, those who utilized technology, as prisoners demanding that his words be heard. Fortunately the Tenth Division headquarters was an old building built in feudal style and was easily broken into. However instead of the Taichous moving in and subduing their old partner then Fukutaichou, Saigotschuu Yun suggested a means that might appeal to his honor and at the same time not leave a blemish on an otherwise perfect division record. So going in alone Saigotschuu spoke with Denizagwa and minutes after his entry a deal was struck and the prisoners were released. In the traditionalist style that made Denizagwa proud he met Saigotschuu in battle, one of the few observed by all the then current Taichou as well as a good majority of Seireitei’s populace. That day Denizagwa died in a way that all are sure very much appealed to him and Saigotschuu would become the next Taichou.
Saigotschuu had always respected his former Taichou and had functioned under his rule quite well. Regardless, he was far from a traditionalist and with the growing outcry against his old rules as well as the falling efficiency of Tenth Division it was quickly decided all laws regarding technology would be dropped and a new era of bringing the division up to speed would begin. The first act Saigotschuu would pass would be to begin construction of the “Crypt”, a nickname since given to the new Tenth Division headquarters, so that the division could begin entirely anew. Training courses in the use of all forms of technology as well as the dropping of many outdated traditions were begun and soon the days of Denizagwas traditionalist regime were all but forgotten. Saigotschuu was not content to be reliant on other divisions however and soon enacted the S.D.R.D.B (Sub-Division Research and Development Bureau), a system which saw Tenth Division utilizing its own tracking and ordinance procedures, management of its own archives, uniformity in design of all gear and readily available equipment for the Outer Defenses. Many claim it was not in the right of Saigotschuu to drop reliance on the Research Division but pro-Saigotschuu members as well as the Taichou himself claim it is the right of every Division to be self-sufficient. Even so more complex items must be allocated from the Research Division but for the most part Tenth Division has become a self-sustaining force to be reckoned with that eliminates threats with extreme prejudice, lightning fast reaction and an efficiency rating never before seen.
Life in Tenth Division
While Tenth Division like every other division maintains the general rules of Seireitei expected of all Shinigami and keeps a more or less freedom of choice structure it is a bit more rigid. Being on call at all times and generally facing more danger than other divisions ordered lifestyles are a must and those serving Tenth Division tend to have schedules they are required to follow instead of a vague guideline of duty. Other requirements are that all members must be of a certain skill level to be included in Outer Defense otherwise they will serve as regulars in the Crypt (or if intelligent and trustworthy as Communiqués in the Column or D.B's in research) since Outer Defense members can often be sent on extremely dangerous missions. Junior members are required to attend daily physical practice sessions and weekly mental and technological training sessions, advanced courses are offered for middle or senior members looking to specialize in a certain sector. As well while not a requirement it is often recommended members either have no romantic or important ties with others or that those important to them are content with the dangers the job will put them in, just in the event of a worst case scenario. Tenth Divisions take on other divisions is neutral, while communication is made if something will affect Seireitei as a whole the general consensus is self-reliance and certain members such as the communiqué are forbidden from contact with other divisions, one of the few freedom privileges taken.
To thoroughly understand life and work within Tenth Division one must understand the Crypt, the headquarters of Tenth Division. After witnessing the ease with which he infiltrated Denizagwas headquarters Saigotschuu claimed he would never allow an enemy to take a Tenth Division headquarters again. The Crypt was formulated not only to produce a working and living place fit for division members but to also create the most secretive and well fortified location in Seireitei, befitting of the defenders of life. Located on the easternmost fringe of Seireitei the Crypt is surrounded by massive walls in the normal Seireitei style, one small red door on the western edge in the only visible ground level entrance. However as four giant black obelisk which points tower even over these walls show, what lies beyond is anything but average. The Crypt is five buildings in total, one massive building sporting the four obelisk which house receptors and senders like massive antenna on its corners and four smaller buildings at the ordinal directions (SW, SE, NE, NW). All five buildings are two-story creations that are made completely out of black lethality stone and while this means sensing what is outside is extremely difficult for most it also means getting in is a couple times harder than that, meaning impossible. The reason it is called the Crypt is obvious because of the long and wide rectangular structure compared to the low height giving it the look of being low to the ground in comparison and seeming to be rather locked up and unbreachable. Between each building is a more traditional wooden pyramid roof under which there are rock gardens, small waterfalls, a plethora of trees, benches, meditation centers, different styles of lighting lanterns and other little pleasures for members to enjoy when not working. A concrete walkway surrounds all the buildings leading to their entrances but manages to stay out of these delicate areas showing that despite the rather sterile and professional style of Tenth Division basic human comforts are still understood and provided.
Each building is entered through a single pair of massive hydraulic doors which face inwards toward the largest structure, that structures door is facing east, opposite of the red door that enters the compound. The Southwest buildings are the barracks for all members with rooms large enough for all seated members to receive individual rooms and other members to manage one or two member rooms unlike the overcrowded barracks of other divisions. The barracks is the only building in the crypt sporting a lighter less work-ish touch with a more traditional wooden style and freedom to personalize as the occupants see fit though directly under these outer furnishings is the same metal structure. Like the rest of the Crypt all light is electrical or candle lit, no windows are to be found. The Southeast building is less interesting housing a great majority of lesser supplies such as food with short shelf life, gardening items for the outdoor collections and similar items. The Northeast building houses the gymnasium as well as a dueling center, workout center and the classrooms used to teach technological courses, newer members will be spending a great deal of time here as a requirement while it is simply a suggestion to stay in peak form for long time members. Nobody knows what is in the Northwest building, not even the high seated members and it has long been suggested that this building houses a weapon crafted by the Taichou to repel invaders.
However as is to be expected the large central building is the most interesting and among Tenth Division members is often referred to as the actual Crypt, who instead call other parts of the compound by their names instead of labeling the entire compound as that structure. The building houses the only visible signature of Division Ten in the compound with a white badge above the massive hydraulic door, like all other doors in the compound it can lock down in an emergency and being pure lethality stone would be near impossible for anyone not supremely powerful to take down, what makes the central building interesting is it houses over fifty of these doors making it near impenetrable in lockdown. The insides of the main building have been called "spartan" and "boring" by the few outsiders let in and are generally a constant white metal with little ornamentation. The first floor houses the Taichou and Fukutaichous housing as well as a large number of storage rooms containing imperishable foods and items making the main building a long lasting bunker if need be. The second floor houses the Tenth Divisions research Bureau that while no replacement for the Research Division still manages to craft specialty equipment ready for mass production for Tenth Division. However the main reason the Crypt exist is called the Column, directly in the center of the main building, down a massive elevator shaft some several hundred meters below lays a room often referred to by members as the nerve center. A room where nobody but communiqués and the highest echelon of Tenth Division go that houses tracking monitors, communications equipment and high powered research devices used to give Outer Defense members in the field the best and most up to date information. Using the Column Tenth Division maintains all its outboard patrols with no help from other divisions maintaining its own self-dependence all along the board.
Specialty Jobs
Being so self-dependant and housing such an amazing setup as well as the unique duties Tenth Division has it should come as no surprise that there are several jobs you will find within the division no other has.
----------------------
Thanks for reading. I hope this article gave you a good view of where I am going with this and was a fun read. I hope to see you around Tenth Division!
Outer Defense
----------------------
We are power. I am power.
I face down the foe
that stands in gross perversion
to all that is good in man.
I am not alone. We are legion.
We are the protectors of the weak.
We are the protectors of the strong.
We are the shield of all mankind.
With our backs to one another
we face our innumerable foe
and purge them back to
whence they came.
We abolish the degenerate.
We educate the weak willed.
We free the oppressed.
We are the blade of all mankind.
Now we fight for here we
gain honor and prove ourselves.
For this is our life, this is our death,
this is our fate, this is our cause.
This is our very essence of being.
We are the sword, we are the shield.
We are the protectors of the very thing
called Existence.
- 10th Division Introductory “Prayer” – Written by Saigotschuu Yun Taichou
----------------------
Origin and Mission Statement
Tenth Division began much like any other, crafted from the dire necessity the system of balance that attempts to keep the world in check so desperately needed. The system is meant to be self-sustaining but of course there are always those who would abuse any fault they come across in a system and so outside enforcement sometimes needs to be created to regulate the issue. Tenth Division was the answer to the violence in the real world, while for hundreds of years the main and only culprit of these acts were Hollows that definition has since expanded to many others and even certain humans who would see the grand circle tarnished. While in the beginning the squad was predominantly comprised of the main clans as were most of the starting divisions it has since opened up to all who are strong enough to defend mankind.
The mission statement of Tenth Division is to protect the grand circle, to protect life and existence as we know it from hollows or any other entity that seeks to bring harm to the continued motion of the soul stream.
Important History
Tenth Divisions history as the defenders of the living world is full of ups and downs but never ceases to be illustrious and honorable. The great majority of historic data can be found in the division archives and if you so wish it you may seek that information out at anytime, however as this documents intent is to bring the reader up to date with more current major events it will deal with key moments that brought the division to its current point. Chief among these is the death of previous Taichou, Denizagwa Gato, the rise of current Taichou, Saigotschuu Yun and the modernization of the division as a whole. While more detailed accounts may be found within the archives or by contacting the division historians for those needing to make specific classifications this will seek to instill the basic fundamentals of recent historic occurrences within you.
Denizagwa Gato would become the Fukutaichou of tenth squad in 821 and a year later due to unforeseen medical complications with then Taichou, Izimari Omaki, would step up to become the new Taichou with no other viable candidates to be found. Denizagwa was a traditionalist believing that the division and Soul Society as a whole was progressing too quickly and losing much of the honor that kept it from becoming like the very corruption it fought. Thus while he could not do anything outside of the division he saw that little or no technology was allowed to be utilized by the division and ownership of such technologies was punishable by expulsion from the division. While this did have the effect of tenth division retaining many ancestral traditions others would not it also created an obvious handicap in the actions taken, especially in comparison to the other divisions which speed and efficiency were growing at a rapid rate. Still, Denizagwa proved an excellent logistics master despite his rough transition from the previously pro-growth Izimari and so despite his eyebrow raising ethics most made little complaint about his actions. Denizagwa would steer Tenth Division for just under a three hundred years and while he maintained a slower turn around speed than other divisions and his latter years were filled with strife he is still widely respected, especially by traditionalist who believe in the moral quandaries he brought to the table, if not to the extent he did.
Unfortunately all did not go well and where he started out as a strict traditionalist the division found him turning into a near zealous figure who became an outspoken critic of other squads roughly eight hundred years ago during the technological boom. After several violent outbursts on his part, all non-lethal but considered misdirected and inexcusable a petition was made to have him removed from his position. By this time even other Taichous had seen enough of his actions to know he could no longer function realistically in the growing world and the petition was soon passed, citing that he would receive an honorable discharge and be given full privileges till the day he died. However as is natural for such a figurehead Denizagwa did not take kindly to this stripping of rank and before the order could be enacted on an official level he entered the old Tenth Division headquarters and took several “heretics”, those who utilized technology, as prisoners demanding that his words be heard. Fortunately the Tenth Division headquarters was an old building built in feudal style and was easily broken into. However instead of the Taichous moving in and subduing their old partner then Fukutaichou, Saigotschuu Yun suggested a means that might appeal to his honor and at the same time not leave a blemish on an otherwise perfect division record. So going in alone Saigotschuu spoke with Denizagwa and minutes after his entry a deal was struck and the prisoners were released. In the traditionalist style that made Denizagwa proud he met Saigotschuu in battle, one of the few observed by all the then current Taichou as well as a good majority of Seireitei’s populace. That day Denizagwa died in a way that all are sure very much appealed to him and Saigotschuu would become the next Taichou.
Saigotschuu had always respected his former Taichou and had functioned under his rule quite well. Regardless, he was far from a traditionalist and with the growing outcry against his old rules as well as the falling efficiency of Tenth Division it was quickly decided all laws regarding technology would be dropped and a new era of bringing the division up to speed would begin. The first act Saigotschuu would pass would be to begin construction of the “Crypt”, a nickname since given to the new Tenth Division headquarters, so that the division could begin entirely anew. Training courses in the use of all forms of technology as well as the dropping of many outdated traditions were begun and soon the days of Denizagwas traditionalist regime were all but forgotten. Saigotschuu was not content to be reliant on other divisions however and soon enacted the S.D.R.D.B (Sub-Division Research and Development Bureau), a system which saw Tenth Division utilizing its own tracking and ordinance procedures, management of its own archives, uniformity in design of all gear and readily available equipment for the Outer Defenses. Many claim it was not in the right of Saigotschuu to drop reliance on the Research Division but pro-Saigotschuu members as well as the Taichou himself claim it is the right of every Division to be self-sufficient. Even so more complex items must be allocated from the Research Division but for the most part Tenth Division has become a self-sustaining force to be reckoned with that eliminates threats with extreme prejudice, lightning fast reaction and an efficiency rating never before seen.
Life in Tenth Division
While Tenth Division like every other division maintains the general rules of Seireitei expected of all Shinigami and keeps a more or less freedom of choice structure it is a bit more rigid. Being on call at all times and generally facing more danger than other divisions ordered lifestyles are a must and those serving Tenth Division tend to have schedules they are required to follow instead of a vague guideline of duty. Other requirements are that all members must be of a certain skill level to be included in Outer Defense otherwise they will serve as regulars in the Crypt (or if intelligent and trustworthy as Communiqués in the Column or D.B's in research) since Outer Defense members can often be sent on extremely dangerous missions. Junior members are required to attend daily physical practice sessions and weekly mental and technological training sessions, advanced courses are offered for middle or senior members looking to specialize in a certain sector. As well while not a requirement it is often recommended members either have no romantic or important ties with others or that those important to them are content with the dangers the job will put them in, just in the event of a worst case scenario. Tenth Divisions take on other divisions is neutral, while communication is made if something will affect Seireitei as a whole the general consensus is self-reliance and certain members such as the communiqué are forbidden from contact with other divisions, one of the few freedom privileges taken.
To thoroughly understand life and work within Tenth Division one must understand the Crypt, the headquarters of Tenth Division. After witnessing the ease with which he infiltrated Denizagwas headquarters Saigotschuu claimed he would never allow an enemy to take a Tenth Division headquarters again. The Crypt was formulated not only to produce a working and living place fit for division members but to also create the most secretive and well fortified location in Seireitei, befitting of the defenders of life. Located on the easternmost fringe of Seireitei the Crypt is surrounded by massive walls in the normal Seireitei style, one small red door on the western edge in the only visible ground level entrance. However as four giant black obelisk which points tower even over these walls show, what lies beyond is anything but average. The Crypt is five buildings in total, one massive building sporting the four obelisk which house receptors and senders like massive antenna on its corners and four smaller buildings at the ordinal directions (SW, SE, NE, NW). All five buildings are two-story creations that are made completely out of black lethality stone and while this means sensing what is outside is extremely difficult for most it also means getting in is a couple times harder than that, meaning impossible. The reason it is called the Crypt is obvious because of the long and wide rectangular structure compared to the low height giving it the look of being low to the ground in comparison and seeming to be rather locked up and unbreachable. Between each building is a more traditional wooden pyramid roof under which there are rock gardens, small waterfalls, a plethora of trees, benches, meditation centers, different styles of lighting lanterns and other little pleasures for members to enjoy when not working. A concrete walkway surrounds all the buildings leading to their entrances but manages to stay out of these delicate areas showing that despite the rather sterile and professional style of Tenth Division basic human comforts are still understood and provided.
Each building is entered through a single pair of massive hydraulic doors which face inwards toward the largest structure, that structures door is facing east, opposite of the red door that enters the compound. The Southwest buildings are the barracks for all members with rooms large enough for all seated members to receive individual rooms and other members to manage one or two member rooms unlike the overcrowded barracks of other divisions. The barracks is the only building in the crypt sporting a lighter less work-ish touch with a more traditional wooden style and freedom to personalize as the occupants see fit though directly under these outer furnishings is the same metal structure. Like the rest of the Crypt all light is electrical or candle lit, no windows are to be found. The Southeast building is less interesting housing a great majority of lesser supplies such as food with short shelf life, gardening items for the outdoor collections and similar items. The Northeast building houses the gymnasium as well as a dueling center, workout center and the classrooms used to teach technological courses, newer members will be spending a great deal of time here as a requirement while it is simply a suggestion to stay in peak form for long time members. Nobody knows what is in the Northwest building, not even the high seated members and it has long been suggested that this building houses a weapon crafted by the Taichou to repel invaders.
However as is to be expected the large central building is the most interesting and among Tenth Division members is often referred to as the actual Crypt, who instead call other parts of the compound by their names instead of labeling the entire compound as that structure. The building houses the only visible signature of Division Ten in the compound with a white badge above the massive hydraulic door, like all other doors in the compound it can lock down in an emergency and being pure lethality stone would be near impossible for anyone not supremely powerful to take down, what makes the central building interesting is it houses over fifty of these doors making it near impenetrable in lockdown. The insides of the main building have been called "spartan" and "boring" by the few outsiders let in and are generally a constant white metal with little ornamentation. The first floor houses the Taichou and Fukutaichous housing as well as a large number of storage rooms containing imperishable foods and items making the main building a long lasting bunker if need be. The second floor houses the Tenth Divisions research Bureau that while no replacement for the Research Division still manages to craft specialty equipment ready for mass production for Tenth Division. However the main reason the Crypt exist is called the Column, directly in the center of the main building, down a massive elevator shaft some several hundred meters below lays a room often referred to by members as the nerve center. A room where nobody but communiqués and the highest echelon of Tenth Division go that houses tracking monitors, communications equipment and high powered research devices used to give Outer Defense members in the field the best and most up to date information. Using the Column Tenth Division maintains all its outboard patrols with no help from other divisions maintaining its own self-dependence all along the board.
Specialty Jobs
Being so self-dependant and housing such an amazing setup as well as the unique duties Tenth Division has it should come as no surprise that there are several jobs you will find within the division no other has.
- Communiqués – Those few individuals who work in the Column, feeding instant information such as enemy strength, location and important facts to in field operatives. Communiqués are one of the few members of Tenth Division not allowed certain choices, because of the secrets they know they are not allowed to leave the Crypt compound, tell anything about the Column, carry on relationships with those not of Tenth Division or ever leave Tenth Division without signing a censure form that claims their life if secrets are told. Many have claimed this unethical but Communiqués while chosen are not allowed in until they have been informed of these facts and signed in agreement. Most Communiqués are not horribly strong but this is not always the case, sometimes they just prefer the job to field work and the secretive feel of it.
- D.B Researchers – Much like Communiqués D.B’s are required to uphold a certain level of censure though they are allowed out of the compound when a forward request is made. These men and women craft the unique Tenth Division equipment given to field operatives and since creation have waged a sort of silent feud against the Research Division, many of who see the Tenth Divisions S.D.R.D.B as stepping into their territory. These researchers also teach many of the other members about the uses of the technology they create and others they are likely to run into at some point.
- Regulars – Field work is dangerous and many are not ready for it. Most newcomers serve a good bit of time in this profession and some who just never shape up to much find themselves stuck here too. Regulars pull cleanup duty around the Crypt, those more trusted individuals might do paperwork or run task for higher ups as well. Occasionally if Tenth Division is to overtaxed Regulars might be sent on field missions in the real world where the enemy strength is obviously to small to warrant an actual kill squad.
- Outer Defense – Also know as infielders or kill squads the Outer Defense are strong members who have proved their worth and are sent out to dispatch Hollows at regular intervals. Outer Defense jobs range from easy to pretty difficult but that’s where kill teams step in, organized units specializing in taking down more powerful Hollows.
- Deaths Hand – The Hammer of Death as some call it are the elite among the elite, perhaps below the seated members in rank but nonetheless some of the best fighters in Seireitei. Deaths Hand members are experienced kill teams who have gone beyond the barriers of ordinary shinigami and hunt the most deadly prey including even the most dangerous ranks of Hollows as well as other enemies to the grand order of things. Deaths Hand are privy to heavy weaponry and armored suits not normally found on shinigami and they are utilized much like a specialized commando unit, shock and awe doesn’t even begin to explain it at times. Deaths Hand are few in number but more than make up for it in pure power, most of the time these units work as a group but occasionally are split up if the occasion calls for it, each is head and shoulders above the rest anyhow.
----------------------
Thanks for reading. I hope this article gave you a good view of where I am going with this and was a fun read. I hope to see you around Tenth Division!