The Thirteen Squads

The Shinigami of the Gotei 13, also known as the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, is the organization of the Soul Reapers within Soul Society. Each is led by a Captain and Vice Captain, and specialize in different forms of actions. These may be simple from Legislative work, to Heavy Fighting, to the deliverance of Justice. Each Squad is also represented by a flower, with it's own meaning. This symbol is shown on the Vice's arm badge, as well as the back of the Captain's garb and within the members clothing as well, signifying their squad.

1st Division - Government Officials

The First Division is comprised of many elder, more experience Shinigami, as most were originally from other squads and transferred to the first. The First Squad is noted for their above-average skills and holds most of the oldest living Shinigamis. Their powers, preferring to fight alone, are noted generally when they are moved. Because of this, few begin in the first Division. The First division deals with Legislative, Judicial, and Executive issues. Because of this, they pretty much are the government, dealing with almost all issues, large and small. Most Squads respect the first and are willing to listen to their members, as, even if their rank is lower, they typically know what their talking about. Their Captain, known as the Captain General, has authority over all other Squads, and serves as, well, the general. The Captain General is said to only be less then the King himself. The First Division's symbol is the Chrysanthemum, meaning Truth and Innocence.

2nd Division - Stealth Force

In the beginning, the Stealth Force and 2nd Division were two separate entities, with the 2nd Division analyzing the information and using it, and the Stealth Force gathering it. Eventurally, however, they became intertwined, to the point where the 2nd Division had authority over both of them. Thus, they became one. The Stealth force is odd in the fact that their have a black ninja-like uniform as well as the traditional Shinigami outfit. Which they wear, however, is up to personal preference as well as formalities. The 2nd Division specialize in espionage and investigation, uses their Stealth skills to spy, assassinate, and gather intel. They are experts in being unseen, and are also noted for their skills in Hadou. Their Captain often excels in Shunpo, up to the point where they are given the title of "God/Goddess of Flash." Their symbol, Tulip, means "Seeks Nothing" likely meaning that even when nothing is seen, something can be found.

3rd Division - Light Scouts

Operating similar to the 2nd Division, they are more combat oriented and fight in groups, utilizing flanking tactics and movements to combat an enemy. The 3rd Division is said to have less-then-average combating abilities, but make up for it by working as a Team. The 3rd Division specializing in fast movement and serves as a reaction force, moving out to a location the moment the word is issued. While not a force to be sent to fight an army, against smaller groups, they are capable of quickly dispatching them. They are often sent first to deal with Hollow Assaults as well serving as trackers. The third Division is also noted for their preference of long-ranged Zanpaktous, naming them the "Artillery Squad". The Third Division's flower is the Marigold, which means despair.

Fourth Division - Medical Suppliers

The Fourth Division, often downplayed by the other squads, is an essential part of the Gotei, allowing many Soul Reapers who would have otherwise die to return to the battle. Their members, often docile and quiet, are nonetheless proud, and any who insults them is insulting their intelligence. The Fourth Division serves as the Hospital Doctors, Supply trains, and field medics for the Shinigami, and despite their lack of combat expertise, are treasured members. The Fourth Division specializes in Chido, a subform of Kido that uses Spiritual Energy to heal and remove the wound. They are also unique in their knowledge of the underground, being able to navigate the tunnels below Soul Society to get around Soul Society undetected and without fear of attack. The Fourth Tradition has typically less aggressive Zanpaktous, and use them in defense. Their symbol is the Marigold, meaning "Those who grieve are loved."

Fifth Division - Kido Corps

Like the 2nd Division and Stealth Force, the two were once separate but similar, and eventurally became one. Most of it's members are calm-headed and knowledgeable, as well as, on occasion, devious. The 5th Division serve as the magical force of the Gotei, releasing powerful spells upon the enemy, and, much like the Third Division, as an artillery the force. The Fifth Division, typically use solely Kido-based Zanpaktous in combat, furthering their spell abilities. The Fifth also maintain the libraries and archives within Soul Society, giving them, and other squads, a wealth of knowledge to access. Finally, the 5th Division operates the Gateways to and from Earth and otherworlds, their knowledge of Reiatsu likely allowing them to manipulate them. The Fifth Division are noted for their lacking in other skills, most often close-range combat and swordplay, though it is not a rule. Their symbolizing flower is the Lily, meaning Sacrifice, Danger, and Pure Love.

6th Division - Tacticians

The 6th Division is the clear-headed masterminds of Seireitei, using brilliant strategy and occasionally reckless warfare to defeat the enemy. They are noted to be generally preceptive, quick reacting, and typically intelligent, to a degree. The 6th Division serves as planners and often leaders in combat, using fast adaptions and accurate assumptions on the enemy to win. They also serve as negotiators, using hard reason and powerful words to sway enemies. The Sixth Squad is noted for it's often balancing of fighting, utilizing all four skills at an imperfect, but not ineffective way. Their Zanpaktous are often unique in creation, and uses interesting abilities to defeat an enemy. Their flower is the Camellia, which means "Noble reason."

7th Division - Guardians

The 7th Division functions as the wall-guards of soul society, and like a wall, is hard. The members are often large, sturdy individuals who are able to more then likely take a punch. They are the protectors of Seireitei, but also defenders of Soul Society overall, such as the Rukongai districts. These defenders are noted for their silent but emotional nature, and wish to protect. The 7th Division take advantage of their status and often specialize in Bakudo, binding arts, to take down an enemy or even ally to stop danger. When the fighting is unstoppable, however, they combine Bakudo with ferocious strikes, utilizing powerful Hakuda strikes to overwhelm an opponent. Their Zanpaktous often supplement their strength, furthering their devastating power. The 7th Division, while meaning well, can have its flaws, specifically, the general trait of being quick to anger and slow to calm. Their representation is the Iris, meaning Courage.

8th Division - Education and Communications

The 8th Division serves a less combative approach upon being a Shinigami, taking in unique, more pacifistic jobs. Specifically, most 8th Division members function in communication between the Real world and soul society, creating with the 11th members the unique cells that are used by Shinigami to make contact. Serving both as maintaining these devices as well as relaying orders, their job may be less combat-oriented, but nonetheless valuable. More experienced members also serve the maintain the Academy, overseeing the students and instructors so the future Shinigamis may one day serve on the front lines. Despite their often non-combative professions, the 8th Division is as strong as any, with their Shinigami often serving as a reserve unit to be sent in when the other squads are sparse. After all, one could hardly speak of battle without being in it themselves. The 8th Squad flower is the Bird of Paradise, which means "Everything is obtained" which in turn may mean, "Satisfaction", or, "Desire"

9th Division - Police and Executioners

The 9th Division serves as an Internal Police within Soul Society, leading a specially chosen Shinigami to deal Justice through out the Seireitei. As often as there Shinigami who follow the path of justice, there are those who create Chaos and destruction. It is the 9th Divisions job to hunt down such Individuals and give judgement, capturing them, or killing them. They are watchers and Peacekeepers, serving to maintain order. The 9th Division often are prideful individuals who beliefs are key to what they do. Their Zanpaktous typically are capable of both Non-Lethal and Lethal action, depending on the situation. The 9th Division also, oddly enough, runs newspaper and magazine services through out the Seireitei, serving as writers and delivers of the mail. Their Symbol is the buttercup, meaning Oblivion.

10th Division - Special Ops

The 10th Division has long been a unique one, shown as both a heroic savior and noisy renegade. In a nutshell, the 10th Division is sent on hardcore difficult missions that sly words and forceful blades cannot deal with, and uses the means necessary to get the job done. Unlike the 2nd Division, the 10th is primarily action, with stealth generally not the primary concern. Dealing with oddjobs from capturing a special foe to infiltrating an enemy compound, these guys will do the job. The 10th Division, while considered a balanced squad in the for arts, seems to have a preference for Element Zanpaktous, showing their destructive and unique elemental control for various situations. While a fire Zanpaktou is great for cutting someone, it is also useful for lightning things on fire, or burning a hole in a wall. The 10th division gets the job done, and typically, will do any job. They have the Daffodil, and its meaning is mystery and egoism.

11th Division - Heavy Combat

The 11th Division is said to represent the power of the Shinigami. It is also said to represent the fault, with the typical idea of a 11th division being a muscular idiot who wildly swings his sword. For some, that isn't far from the truth, but not all. The 11th Division lives for one purpose. Fighting. While inept at complex combat maneuvers and calm diplomacy, the one thing these guys do right is beat their foes down. They, as the 11th division, focus on all out fighting, from single combat, to large-scale warfare, to all out brawls. The 11th Division is known for focus on Swords and dislike for Kido, which easily explains their mostly melee based Zanpaktous. They also look down upon other squads, with the 4th primarily their target for verbal assaults. Despite their Rep, the 11th Squad fights well, using occasionally brilliant insight and berserker like tendencies to overwhelm an enemy. Their strength has been so known, that it is said that even Hollows cringle at the word eleven. Their Captain is given the name Kenpachi, as the strongest Shinigami of all. Their symbol the Yarrow, which, somewhat unsurprisingly, means "Fight!"

12th Division - Research and Development

Commonly referred to as Shinigami R&D, the 12th division is noted for its highly intelligent and often somewhat odd members, and serve as the "brains" of the Seireitei. The 12th Division is perhaps the most ill-suited to combat due to its lack of combat-related ventures. While occasional testing may put the 12th Division in battle, most of their members focus primarily in lab research, creating unique devices for Soul Reapears to utilize in the field and learning more about...Everything! The 12 Division's Zanpaktou are often a unique blend of powers that are utilized for multiple purposes. This versatility suits the 12th Division. The 12th Division has also had its rumors of less positive info, particularly mad scientists and horrible experiments. Despite these rumors, the Twelfth Division is held typically in good regard, whether from love of their devices, or fear of their members. The Twelfth Division's insignia, oddly, means Strictness, independence, and Vengeance.

13th Division - Earth Recon

The 13th Division serves one of the most important roles, and to some, the reason why the Shinigamis even exist. The monitoring and protection of the Real world from spiritual enemies, more commonly known as the Hollows. They are the group that act against the Hollows, typically working Solo to deal with the various enemies that may pop up in their jurisdiction. The 13th Division is also noted for, other then perhaps the 11th Division, the highest casualty rate, as they are the ones that deal with Hollows the most, living each day with a risk of death. For some, they are considered fools throwing their lives away. To others, they are beacons of hope that serve even at the cost of their own death. The 13th Division vary in both skills and Zanpaktous, and all strive to the protection of Souls. While they are primarily Hollow Hunters, the 13th Division also serve to perform the important task of performing the Soul Sending, which helps fallen spirits find their to Soul Society. The 13th Division are symbolized by the Summer Snowflake, which means "Hope."

Notes -

For all those wondering, yes, I am quite aware this doesn't match the show EXACTLY. Yes, the Kido Corps actually is separate force. Yes, the Stealth force isn't the 2nd squad.

Guess what? ITS MY SITE!!! This isn't Bleach the Anime or Bleach the manga. The aren't any Ichigos, so guess what? Its not. Bleach. To the letter. Its Bleach RPG, Shinigami's Resolve. Simple to understand.

Any complaints that aren't directly related to what I've already said, feel free to Pm it.