Elemental Modes

The Elemental Modes stand as a distinctive set of combat styles embraced by samurai, each drawing inspiration from the mimicry and replication of natural elements. These modes are an integral aspect of samurai training, emphasizing diverse strategies and techniques based on the essence of water, flame, thunder, wind, and stone. Unlike Nature Transformations, a samurai typically masters only one Elemental Mode, though as an Apprentice and Aonisaibushi, they often experiment with multiple modes to discover their most compatible one.

## Basic Elemental Modes

The fundamental modes trace their origins directly to Ninshū, embodying ancient wisdom and traditions.

### Water Mode

Water Mode mirrors the characteristics of water, capturing its flow, flexibility, and adaptability. Practitioners seamlessly integrate fluid motions into their techniques, visualizing themselves manipulating rushing or flowing water. This mode is a common starting point for beginners and can be employed with Tachi, Katana, and Wakizashi swords.

### Flame Mode

Flame Mode replicates the essence of flames, infusing techniques with powerful, burning strikes. Users initiate attacks from a high stance, with visualization centered on creating and manipulating fire. Flame Mode is the least common among the main modes and is compatible with Katana or Tachi.

### Thunder Mode

Thunder Mode mimics lightning, focusing on swift strikes and movements akin to lightning's rapid traversal through the sky. Techniques emphasize blinding speeds and quick attacks, accompanied by visualizations of creating and manipulating lightning. Thunder Mode is exclusive to the Katana, particularly suited for quick-draw sword techniques.

### Wind Mode

Wind Mode emulates powerful torrents of air and whirlwinds, generating offensive attacks with rotating movements. Attacks deliver swift whirlwind-like slashes, extending the user's striking range. Wind Mode is exclusive to the Katana, highlighting opening strikes and high stances.

### Stone Mode

Stone Mode replicates the strength of earth and stone, utilizing the ground and surroundings for robust offensive and defensive maneuvers. Compatible weapons include Flail, Axe, or Kusarigama.

## Evolved Elemental Modes

Evolved modes offer unique alternatives created by samurai who do not find resonance with the basic elemental modes.

### Flower Mode (Evolved from Water)

Flower Mode imitates flowers and fruits, incorporating graceful attacks focused on agility. Users may enhance their vision at the cost of potential eyesight issues. Flower Mode employs Katana or Wakizashi.

### Insect Mode (Evolved from Flower)

Insect Mode mirrors lethal insect stings and movements. Techniques involve stabbing and thrusting with a specially coated/made sword to inject wisteria-based poisons. All swords can be used, provided the tip is thinned and sharpened.

### Serpent Mode (Evolved from Water)

Serpent Mode imitates serpents' slithering motions, focusing on twisting and bending the sword unpredictably. It can only be used with a Kris sword or a similarly bent blade.

### Love Mode (Evolved from Flame)

Love Mode draws inspiration from the emotion of love, infusing gymnastic and movement-oriented rhythm into attacks. It uses superhuman flexibility, agility, and dexterity for mid-to-long range applications. Love Mode employs a Whip Katana, Urumi, or Whips.

### Sound Mode (Evolved from Thunder)

Sound Mode mimics disorientating loudness, utilizing explosives for massive damage with fast movements. It is exclusive to Nunchucks, Cleavers, or Kusarigama.

### Mist Mode (Evolved from Wind)

Mist Mode emulates the obscurity of mist, involving obscure movements and attacks to confuse targets. It can be used with Tachi, Katana, and Wakizashi swords.

### Beast Mode (Loosely Evolved from Wind)

Beast Mode replicates the unpredictable, ferocious nature of wild animals. Techniques involve straightforward yet wild, unpredictable, and animalistic movements. Duel swords are required for this mode.

## Trivia

* The names of modes are very strict. For example, the Flame Mode should never be referred to as Fire Mode.
* Samurai occasionally transform their Elemental Modes into traditional dances to aid in instructing their children.
* While Elemental Modes can generate certain elements, their elemental output is not as extensive as ninjutsu. Instead, it serves as an extension of the samurai and their sword techniques.