If this isn't already too crowded, then I'd love to get involved! This sounds like an interesting concept and it could lead somewhere rally great... Just to throw in my two cents initially, I'd be more in favour of adding and changing new stuff than stripping stuff back. I love to see things flourish rather than suffer under inhibition, so I guess that'll be my take on the situe - though I'm happy to go with other people's preferences.

malmshodes said Yeah, I saw the post about chakras, but I'm still sort of confused as to how they work now, with your most recent idea, so I'm kind of holding off saying anything about that until I can understand it better.

As for the markings, they would depend on the beast, if you go that route. Though, I think the markings should be used as hindrance to the missions. So here's the idea. The markings will glow a certain color, when chakra is used. This serves two problems. The first is that it lets the enemy know when the chakra is going to be used, and its bright so the ninja will stand out like a elephant in a dog parade. Maybe, the markings could be a display of power like the brighter the color, the stronger the user's chakra. Also, maybe it could be a meter too like if the persons reserves start getting low the colors dim?

Well, I guess it's good that you're a bit confused. It hasn't been cemented yet. If you pick out the things that confuse you or anything that you find interesting, that would be helpful in deciding upon a direction to take with it.

I think where that is going is too meta-gaming. I understand in the taking it further that Chakra use is a stigma/curse, but I can see this being taken advantage of too much. If you disagree, please continue to argue. I don't want to shut anything down without hearing it out completely. And I don't deem "arguing" as purely negative, unlike some/most others. I see it as a way to learn, so don't be afraid to fight for it. ^^

Gokiburi7 said If this isn't already too crowded, then I'd love to get involved! This sounds like an interesting concept and it could lead somewhere rally great... Just to throw in my two cents initially, I'd be more in favour of adding and changing new stuff than stripping stuff back. I love to see things flourish rather than suffer under inhibition, so I guess that'll be my take on the situe - though I'm happy to go with other people's preferences.

I don't think it's beneficial to see this as "stripping back." Essentially, this is a top-down "reconfiguration" of canon into an "original" re-imagination of the universe.
If you take a look at this post, you'll know what I'm talking about (hopefully ;)):
http://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/27349/posts/ooc?page=1#post-820958
Some things may be "stripped," but there would be a reason and mechanic for that omission. Also, other areas will probably be deepened when we decide on the nature of Chakras. Again, debate with me with examples, facts, opinions, etc. and we will come up with something that fits most everyone or satisfy others with a particular path taken. I don't want to be the only one contributing anything (along with Tatsua). This is meant to be a collaboration from the start. :)

Speaking of chakras, do colors apply?
Bad guys always have this purplish chakra aura on some sorts which makes it look sinister and intense? So does that apply?
What about bloodlines?

I'm sure colors would have to do with the personality rather than the chakra used. Overall, the color would really be up to the individual, I don't plan on having that regulated.

I'm thinking of doing away with bloodlines so it's not so difficult to have what you want, though some will be more common than others.

Unsure if this is still alive or not, but here goes. (Or if you are still looking for participants).

** Reinventing ‘Naruto Universe’ **
What needs to be changed? Some? All?

Politics/Government/Leadership: National/International Interations, does each country follow the same system? Kage vs. Feudal Lords; Or more detailed: (Oligarchy, Monarchy, Republic, Democracy, Authoritarian, Theocracy, etc…)

Social Classes: Poverish regions?

Fear vs. Peace: Perhaps fear creates the peace (MAD: Mutual Assured Destruction). Example: If two countries attempted to ally (war-attemps), the other three countries would likely ally for protection.

Each country has a power over another country (Similar to the aspects of the 5-element system, or perhaps the power is the Bijuu/Jinchuriki, I would suggest rebuilding the Bijuu dynamics).

Elemental Affinities: Are elements still fairly easy to attain (Most Ninja’s had 2 or more affinities)

Warriors vs Monks: What affects Chakra Control, Affinity, and Capacity. Chakra could be more attuned to enlightenment (or some of the non-elemental types, such as Natural, Yin, Yang, or even Genjutsu. Not sure where Medical would fall inline. Taijutsu would be available in many forms, perhaps keeping some of the currently represented styles: Jūken, Gouken

Chakra Circulatory System: Leave as in or Change?

Elements which one’s? 4 – Element, 5 – Element, 7 – Element.

Elements could manifest differently: Perhaps as shapes, Somewhat relating to some alchemy principles

Basic Elemental Traits could prevent the utilization or mastering of other elements. Such as learning Fire AND Water (Relating the effects of the elements). Or Water and Earth (Fluidity and Formlessness of Water compared to the Stoic nature of Earth).

Yin vs Yang <Dark vs Light and/or Physical vs Spiritual>: Each Element could have 2 Alternate Stages/Types Based on Yin/Yang incorperation. [Yin Fire vs Yang Fire or Yin Water vs Yang Water]

Internal Manifestations: How a user ‘understands’ a specific element. Shapes or Mental Manifestations (You could look at it ‘Bleach’-like or an Animal Manifestation <Similar to Summons, ie Monkey, Lion, Toad>)