The general idea behind this is great, but very hard to actually put in place. The reason is, I as a mod check custom while trying to figure out all the possible ways to counter it. With my experience in the RP, I'm able to draw a line that should not be crossed for a certain type of jutsu. However, that line is always shifting from one side to the other based on the way a jutsu was worded out, the subtle restrictions, the rank, and it's fundamental applications. Let's not forget this line can also be influenced by other submissions. If I check two pages of customs and there's around 15 custom swords that can all shoot elemental blast, I'll be more inclined to decline them.
Knowing this, how can there be a general template to make customs?
Let's say someone creates a custom to make a Water dragon out of water source (my favorite and most used example 
), I may be tempted to decline it and ask to add this to the restrictions:
"Note: Can only be used on a water source not infused by his opponent's chakra."
I would restrict it this way, because I have seen members in the past create jutsus out of their opponent's jutsu (of the same rank). This goes against the fundamental principles of our RP.
Now, how can we make a template to remind all those little details to new members? It's near impossible since it requires experience and years of RP to know those (which they obviously lack). Of course, a simpler template can be created only to remind of what's obvious; no teleportation, no instant jutsu, no copying of the gates...etc.
All in all, a definite template would restrict the range of creativity, and bound it to what as already been created. If I need to go though 10 times more customs only to finally get to one who actually innovates since he wasn't forced to follow a guide line, it'll be worth it.
As usual you make much sense. ^^ The application of what i'm suggesting would be to have a Sticky with some rules. For example, i've seen that you say you won't approve of any fusion jutsu and manipulation jutsu as well as expansion ones are auto-decline. Also, one move kills, etc etc. These apparently basic rules, if formalized, would prove useful to the members. Just a place to keep tabs on what is currently "banned" or "auto-decline", like the dinosaur contract (LMAO). ^^ Perhaps a more subtle approach to what i initially suggested would prove actually more useful, as you state (and after reading your reply i agree completely) that CJs are more like a fluid thing rather than a static thing...More of an "art" rather than a simple mold. And what i initially suggested would in fact murder some of the creativity. But some basic, more broad rules and guidelines might help.
I remember suggesting something like this a long time ago...
Great minds thing alike :lili:
Pretty good idea ^::^ i think that a total custom cap will make more jutsus be approvable, that and if they stop all that "too close to someone elses jutsu" crap :/
Nah, you customs wouldnt get stripped.
I actually agree with most of the judgement on "too similar to existing jutsu" as most of the times i've found the "original" jutsu and it seems that there is a new plague of people that seem to "copy" or base their jutsu on existing ideas or existing ones.
If I could be precise, I'd be the one making the template Scrops wants to incorporate
Just go with what you feel is right and I'll guide you through it if it needs to be declined.
I rarely decline and ask not to resubmit. When I do it's simply because they are unacceptable in our RP.
I think Izuna hit the nail on the head.
There are so many factors that go into the approval of the customs that we cant make a guideline to incorporate anything. Yeah there are the basic parts, function, rank, usage, but each one is interconnected and changing one will change another. Like Izuna said, the guys checking the customs have been around so long that we have a really good idea as to what will work, and what is stepping over the line of acceptability.
Like court judges, we have to determine what is acceptable on a case by case basis
Yeah, he's always right...dam him! <.<
I think this is a good idea.
This will decrease not only the mods load but also let RP'ers know what is the context in which they need to build a jutsu appropriately and not having to submit the same jutsu 10 times with minor changes.
On a sidenote can anyone define rag's words OP and unrealistic xd 
I actually agree with most of rags reasonings and motives. But every mod has his way of checking jutsu and we have to trust their judgment in what can be done or is possible in the RP or in what makes sense. All mods that review the CJ thread are experienced fighters and long members of the RP. I trust in most of their judgment. U_U
Definitely yes on Genjutsu thing. Having a genjutsu cast at long range is BS. Even advanced Genjutsu made by 1st hokage (Bringer of Darkness) goes only to short range. There isn't any (or almost any - not sure
) canon genjutsu that goes all the way to long range... As for summonings - I don't even know how that "Summon can stay for maximum of [X] turns" even got into usage. Once you summon the animal you don't have to do anything to keep it in place. As for other restrictions - Izuna said it all.
Summons in our RP are generally like a clone that can use only one nature and have some special ability. The thing is about this special ability. This is why summons must be limited in duration. Otherwise, some contracts would make people as OPed as ever. At least that is my reasoning. ^^
On a side note, thank you all for the positive feedback! ^^
As expected of Hokage sama!.
Do you think you can elaborate on what would fit in "...etc."
