The Conversation that led to this topic:

Before I begin this presentation, I would like to make very clear that I mean no offense to Xion or to the current system of acquiring canon weaponry.  That being said, I do believe that a change (whether slight or significant), might make the process less time consuming.  

While I do agree with the chance-based Canon claim, I believe that the current method of proving yourself worthy of the weapon is too slow.  As is, Xion has four duels to fight simultaneously on top of his duties both in reality and as staff.  This will likely cause fights to 'drag on' for extended periods of time.  Beyond that, when more people begin coming to the site, the fights might increase in number to become overwhelming.  

In the C-Box, the ideas that were bounced around included an RP Sample, a demonstration of how you would use the weapon offensively and defensively (extension/replacement to the RP Sample), and the thought of adding 'combat moderators' whose function would be specifically to perform these practice duels.  The C. Mods could also perform other tasks as necessary, like the moderation of IC Combat when it begins.  

Thoughts, my fellow members?

I still believe that RP samples (no matter how they are dressed) can only either be too easy and everyone wins (virtually) all the time, or people will just not get them. Trial by combat is really fitting for a multitude of reasons. Is it painless? No. Is it quick? No. Is it effective? Yes. Plus, the person fighting may look and say "Wow! I get to use Zabimaru?! Cool!" and then get to the fight portion of it and go. "Er...I really suck with this Zanpakuto." Sure they wasted a roll, but it's better to find out you are bad with that kind of Zanpakuto in a setting where it doesn't matter than against an actual enemy where you risk losing your character. You'll never get that kind of self-reflection in just a RP sample or a solo training topic. Not to mention I just have nightmares about people making fluff posts with their Zanpakuto saying how they mastered it. I've met very few people who could accurately capture the personality of a canon anything, let alone a Zanpakuto. If they want to botch it, that's fine. Botch it when it's already yours, not when you're doing the RP sample and you build up this whole visage of a stubborn Zanpakuto who is rude and disrespectful, then who magically in the last few moments comes to realize you may be Neo (i.e The One). Or who is just a pushover from the start. Either way, it's basically a 90% chance you'll fail regardless, and most posts, I can imagine, would fall into either of those two categories. Of Xion's portrayals so far, they are, more or less, spot on which removes the self-bias factor from everything.

Now. That being said, I would be all for people being assigned to do that and only that. Takes it away from one guy. Obviously at some point there will just be no claims left and it'll be too bad so sad. In the meantime however, the wait time is just brutal.

People designated to specifically oversee combat has usually worked in the past. The only areas of conflict I have ever seen have been them feeling that they are the end all be all, "he who shall not be judged" god of combat. Not the case. In my mind they are basically the lowest level of staff, with an average level of importance (high above c-box moderation, and still well above Non-combat IC moderation)...I think I just described retail...

In my opinion, it wouldn't be a bad idea at all. It has more benefits than it does drawbacks. It also has the capability to allow for more freedom for current staff (not even just Xion at this point) to manage their own RPs, handle other staff business. *Shrugs* Just my two cents on the topic...

Here is the thing, I do apologize for being busy and not being able to respond in a timely manner. As far as RPing for the blade, that is how this will occur whether with me or with Achreios or Roddo. When you are rping we aren't just grading you based on length, we want to see actual tactics and proper utilization of the blade that may not be displayed in a environment under the rpers control. Also, length is never a display of skill or content as visible in any major form of writing from writing for prose or for screenplay. Thank you all for your suggestions I will speak with Achreios about this shortly and we will let you know what is to come after. As for now, ALL CURRENT FIGHTS will continue and any changes implemented will only apply to future fights for blades.