article

is an animated TV series that began screening in Japan in April 2006.

A manga adaptation is being simultaneously published in Comic Yuri Hime. The manga shares the same characters and setting as the anime, but to date it has presented a different storyline. A second manga adaptation is scheduled to begin serialization in Megami magazine, with a radically different setting, and a comic rather than serious and dramatic tone.

Background

Simoun takes place on the planet ("great sky land" or "heaven's shore"). Daikūriku is an Earth-like planet in a binary star system populated by humanoids who resemble humans, but are all born female and develop as girls until age 17, when they choose a permanent sex. At some point in Daikūriku's past, a more technologically advanced culture flourished, but it has since crumbled, and much of its technology has been lost.

At the start of the series, the theocratic nation of has a monopoly on technology left over from the fallen ancient civilization, which it uses to power aircraft and trains. The industrialized nation of , located on an archipelago across the ocean from Simulacrum, wishes to steal the helical motor technology in order to further their own technological advancement and imperialist ambitions. Argentum possesses technology similar to that of industrialized nations in the 1920s or 1930s, including mass-produced lighter-than-air rigid zeppelins and heavier-than-air propeller-driven biplane fighter aircraft, and as the series begins, it is preparing to attack Simulacrum with a fleet of fighter-carrying airships. Other neighbouring countries, such as the , also have hostile relations with Simulacrum due to religious differences or faltering economies.

Simulacrum is defended by advanced airships known as "Simoun." A Simoun is a two-seater aircraft propelled by two helical motors, based on technology left over from the fallen ancient civilization. The exact operation of the helical motor is not well understood by Simulacran technicians, but one of the two rotors apparently controls the Simoun's position in space, and the other affects the flow of time. A Simoun requires two crew members to fly. The two crew members have separate cockpits, each with its own independent flight controls and instrumentation. The crew member in the forward cockpit, known as the auriga, actually flies the Simoun, while the crew member in the aft cockpit, known as the sagitta, acts as a navigator and controls the Simoun's weapons and other accessories. Simulacrum also possesses one- and two-seater training aircraft similar to the Simoun, known as , which are based on a less-advanced design with one somewhat simpler helical motor.

Simulacrum's religion is centered on the worship of a spiritual force known as . Tempus Spatium is depicted in Simulacran iconography by winged pillars or goddesses. One of the most important centers of worship of Tempus Spatium is "the Spring", an underground grotto containing a ruined temple to the Tempus Spatium. Simulacran girls make a pilgrimage to the Spring when they turn seventeen; entering the Spring in a particular ritual context with a firm intention in mind causes the pilgrim to make a final selection of their permanent sex. Through a mechanism which is not fully understood (the Simulacrans believe it to be the power of the Tempus Spatium), the individual's DNA is rewritten to confirm or reverse their gender.

The Simoun are crewed by priestesses called (plural; singular Sibylla). Each Simoun sibylla is a girl who hasn't chosen a permanent sex yet; doing so permanently disqualifies one from serving as a sibylla. Some sibyllae have delayed their choice of gender past the age of 17; due to the war, they are granted special dispensation to do this. The sibyllae understand their use of the Simoun to be sacred to Tempus Spatium; a form of elaborate prayer. The main weapon of the Simoun is a large glowing green gem, (the "Simoun Gem") positioned between the cockpits, which produces an effect known as when the Simoun is flown in the correct pattern. The Simoun Gem is activated before takeoff when the two Sibyllae kiss it after kissing each other.

The sibyllae believe that inscribing enormous glyphs in the sky using the Simoun Gem invokes the power of Tempus Spatium to produce powerful magical effects. Different Ri Mājon glyphs can be combined to produce a nearly infinite variety of effects, but most of the lore surrounding the language of the Ri Mājon has been lost over time. As the series begins, the Simoun sibyllae are working to try to rediscover this ancient knowledge. Different Ri Maajons have different effects and functions. There are combat Ri Mājons, diplomatic Ri Mājons, funeral Ri Mājons, and so forth. Ri Mājons differ widely in the number of craft required to complete them, and in the time and skill needed to successfully inscribe them.

Sibyllae are organized into "choirs" of twelve priestesses. A choir at full strength operates six Simoun, which is sufficient to allow them to inscribe the most complex known Ri Mājon patterns in the sky. Simoun choirs take the title (Greek for "choir"), and a name derived from Latin or a language very similar to it. "Chor" is a homonym for "corps," and the resulting double religious and military meaning may or may not be intentional. A Simoun choir is led by a senior sibylla known as the . The most senior sibylla in the entire Simoun fleet is known as the . A group of one or more choirs is commanded by a , who is an adult religious official who has chosen a permanent sex, and therefore is unable to operate a Simoun himself.

The series focuses on one particular Simoun choir, , which has a reputation as an elite unit. Corps Tempest is one of three corps based on a large airship, the , which functions as a flying aircraft carrier.

Characters

Members of Chor Tempest

Aaeru is a brash young sibylla who joins Chor Tempest as one of three replacements for combat losses in the first battle against Argentum. She immediately takes a liking to Neviril, and pushes to become Neviril's new Pair after Amuria is lost. Aaeru fits the stereotype of the cocky fighter pilot, and has little patience for the sibyllae's role as priestesses. She volunteered for combat after serving as a cadet on the southern front, and possesses an outstanding flying ability. Her name means "divine love" in the language of the neighbouring mountain nation of Plumbum.

Seiyū (voiced by): Michi Niino (Japanese)

Amuria was Neviril's Sagitta until the first battle against Argentum. She was a very determined sibylla, keenly interested in the Simoun as instruments of power. She and Neviril had been a pair, and romantically partnered, ever since Neviril first joined Chor Tempest. Amuria was lost when she and Neviril attempted the Emerald Ri Mājon (an extremely difficult and powerful Ri Mājon maneuver, which was Amuria's idea to try) in the first combat action against Argentum.

Seiyū (voiced by): Eri Kitamura (Japanese)

Alti is Floe's pair, and wears her hair in a chin-length bob parted in the middle. She is Kaimu's younger sister, and harbors a "sister complex" toward Kaimu.

Seiyū (voiced by): Megumi Toyoguchi (Japanese)

:
Dominūra is the eldest of all Sibylla. She is connected to ruling circles in Simulacrum, and was the only survivor of the destruction of Chor Dextra. She joins Chor Tempest at Guragief's request, to try to sort out Limone and the rest of the chor. She has mysterious political connections to a faction within the Simulacran administration.

Seiyū (voiced by): Yukana (Japanese)

Erī turns 17 shortly after the start of the series, and goes to the Spring under the temple of Tempus Spatium. Because she hasn't made up her mind as to which sex she prefers to be, she is assigned to be male. He then changes his name to "Erif," as the terminal -f signifies masculinity in the Simulacran culture.

Seiyū (voiced by): Yukana (Japanese)

Floe is an energetic red-haired sibylla, and Wapōrif's ex-lover. She flies sagitta with Alti. She is very forward with her feelings, and is not shy about expressing them.

Seiyū (voiced by): Michiru Aizawa (Japanese)

Kaimu is a diffident sibylla with large round glasses, who flies sagitta aboard Paraietta's Simoun. She is Alti's older sister. Although she is very nice, she is also alert and easily roused. She harbors an unrequited love for Paraietta.

Seiyū (voiced by): Michiko Hosokoshi (Japanese)

Mamiina is a skillful but haughty sibylla, formerly assigned to Chor Ignis aboard the Arcus Niger, who joins Chor Tempest at Halconf's request. Her parents were servants to Rodoraemon's family. Despite her humble origins, she was promoted to sibylla rank when she volunteered for combat duty when other sibyllae refused. Her hobby is cooking, and she also enjoys cleaning and other domestic chores.

Seiyū (voiced by): Rika Morinaga (Japanese)

Morinas is another of the replacement sibylla who join Chor Tempest after the first battle of the war. She pursues Neviril for a time when she first joins the choir, but eventually gives up. She has a keen interest in understanding how the helical motors that power the Simoun work, and is a compulsive flirt. She and Wapourif develop a romantic attraction.

Seiyū (voiced by): Nana Mizuki (Japanese)

Neviril is the Sibylla Aurea, and the Regina of Chor Tempest. She has a reputation for being the best Auriga in the entire Simoun fleet, and is the object of admiration of both the other sibyllae and the cadets aboard Arcus Prima. She is so revered that junior sibyllae are reprimanded for addressing her without an honorific even in her absence. She is the daughter of Halconf, the chief administrator of Simulacrum's government. She and Amuria were very close, and she is devastated by the loss of her beloved partner.

Seiyū (voiced by): Rieko Takahashi (Japanese)

Paraietta is second-in-command of Chor Tempest, and a respected Sibylla. She flies as an auriga, paired with Kaimu. She has a stern, masculine manner, and joined Corps Tempest because she is Neviril's childhood friend. She remains very loyal to Neviril.

Seiyū (voiced by): Ami Koshimizu (Japanese)

Limone is an extremely young sibylla assigned to Chor Tempest as a replacement for the losses from the first battle. She was promoted to the rank of sibylla at an unusually early age due to her flying ability and sharp intellect. She is very fond of sweets, and can frequently be seen snacking on some treat or other.

Seiyū (voiced by): Mamiko Noto (Japanese)

Rōdoreamon is a gentle, feminine Sibylla from an important family. Everyone addresses her as ojō-sama and treats her with deference. She flies with Erii until Erii leaves to go to the Spring, and has a deep knowledge of sibylla traditions. As children, she and Mamiina met, but were divided by the class difference between them.

Seiyū (voiced by): Mikako Takahashi (Japanese)

Mamiina's sagitta before the two join Chor Tempest. She speaks very bluntly, refers to herself using masculine pronouns, and hates war. She is devoutly religious, sincerely committed to the cause of peace, and loves to read. She holds herself aloof from the rest of Chor Tempest.

Seiyū (voiced by): Kaori Nazuka (Japanese)

Other characters

Angulas is a priestess of the deity "Animus" from the neighbouring country of Plumbum. When Plumbum and Simulacrum hold a peace conference, she is seconded to Chor Tempest for a time on the theory that Animus and the Tempus Spatium are the same deity.

Seiyū (voiced by): Miyu Matsuki (Japanese)

Anubituf is the captain of the Arcus Prima. He is a responsible, determined warrior and a wise commander. He and Guragief were sibyllae together before they went to the Spring, and the two have remained close ever since.

Seiyū (voiced by): Reiko Kiuchi (Japanese)

Guragief is the overall commander (or "Dux") of the Simoun forces aboard Arcus Prima, which consist of Chor Tempest, Chor Rubor, and Chor Caput. He is responsible for personnel decisions, and dispatches the Simoun fleet on their missions. He is very empathetic, and cares deeply about the sibyllae in his care.

Seiyū (voiced by): Hōko Kuwashima (Japanese)

Halconf is the father of Neviril and the Vice-Chair of Simulacrum's High Council, second only to Onashia. He is a former sibylla, and takes a keen interest in Chor Tempest and in Neviril's career.

Seiyū (voiced by): Yōko Soumi (Japanese)

Onashia is the High Priestess of the Tempus Spatium, and presides over the gender selection ceremony at the Spring. Daikuurikans are born female, and choose a sex at age 17; in Simulacrum, this is done by going to the Spring at the temple of Tempus Spatium. As head of Simulacrum's High Council, she serves as head of state.

Seiyū (voiced by): Sakiko Tamagawa (Japanese)

Vyura is a sibylla from Chor Rubor who is assigned to be Aaeru's roommate aboard Arcus Prima. She develops a rivalry with Chor Tempest at first, but grows to respect them.

Seiyū (voiced by): Ai Hayasaka (Japanese)

Wapōrif is a maintenance technician for the Simoun aboard the Arcus Prima. He went to the Spring under the temple of Tempus Spatium two years before the beginning of the series, and chose to become male. He and Floe were lovers, but broke up because it was against regulations. Wapourif is devoutly religious, and develops a close relationship with Morinas.

Seiyū (voiced by): Fumie Mizusawa (Japanese)

Plot

This section is a work in progress. Further plot details will continue to be revealed through September, 2006.

As the series opens, Argentum sends a large fleet of airships to attack Simulacrum, in order to steal the helical motor technology found in the Simoun. Fifteen or more carrier airships participate in the attack, yielding a total force of hundreds of "dragonfly" fighters. The invasion fleet is intercepted by two Simoun choirs on routine patrol: and Chor Tempest. Simulacran doctrine holds that any potential enemy will flee in terror at the first sight of a Simoun, yet the Argentine air fleet manages to completely wipe out Chor Caput. Chor Tempest is able to destroy large number of enemy fighters with its own Ri Mājon power, but just as it is about to destroy the entire attacking fleet with a powerful maneuver known as the , the choir's Simoun Gems begin to run out of power. One of the choir's Simoun is destroyed by enemy gunfire, and the remainder are left unable to execute a Ri Mājon effect sufficient to repel the enemy attack. In desperation, Neviril and her partner Amuria attempt an extremely powerful but extremely dangerous maneuver, the , in a last-ditch attempt to salvage the situation.

Neviril and Amuria appear to be on the verge of successfully completing the Emerald Ri Mājon when disaster strikes. Their Simoun has a head-on encounter with an Argentine dragonfly fighter. Neviril sees the enemy pilot inside his cockpit and meets his gaze, which forces her to see the attacking enemy forces as people rather than machines. She loses the will to kill them, and her resulting moment of hesitation causes the Ri Mājon to fail. The failure of the Emerald Ri Mājon causes an explosion similar to the detonation of a nuclear weapon. The remaining Simoun of Chor Tempest escape the blast, but the entire attacking fleet is annihilated, and Neviril's Simoun is crippled. The upper fuselage is a twisted wreck, and the sagitta cockpit is missing entirely... and Amuria with it.

Three Sibyllae from Chor Tempest were killed in the initial battle. After the battle, three more announce their intent to leave the ranks of the Sibyllae and go to the Spring to choose a permanent sex. The remaining Sibyllae are all too demoralized to act as an effective fighting force, especially Neviril, who can't even bring herself to leave her stateroom on the Arcus Prima. The only bright spot for Chor Tempest at this time is the arrival of two promising new recruits: Sibylla Aaeru, an excellent pilot with unshakeable morale, and Sibylla Limone, a child prodigy who was recently made the youngest Sibylla ever. Aaeru immediately decides to try to form a pair with Neviril, but Neviril is still grieving for Amuria. Neviril follows one of the three departing Sibyllae to the Spring out of friendship, and nearly enters it herself.

Over the following weeks, Argentum continues its harrassment of Simulacrum by sending fighter probes, conducting a powerful but inaccurate long-range bombardment intended to bring down the Arcus Prima, and sending agents into Simulacran territory to attempt to ambush and steal a Simoun. A second front to the war opens when Plumbum launches a mechanized invasion of Simulacrum over their shared mountainous border. Chor Tempest slowly tries to regain its confidence during this period, adding two new recruits: the flirty Sibylla Morinas and the mysterious and politically well-connected Sibylla Dominura. Dominura, the eldest of all the Simoun Sibyllae, is brought in to try to revive Chor Tempest, and she takes an immediate interest in Limone. Aaeru persists in her attempts to get Neviril to pair with her, but Neviril remains mired in severe depression, and lets Chor Tempest drift as she wallows in her grief. Aaeru and Limone, with Dominura flying sagitta for Limone, defeat the Plumbish armoured attack, leading the Plumbish government to sue for peace.

As the Arcus Prima heads for international waters to serve as the site of the peace conference between Plumbum and Simulacrum, Neviril's father Halconf interferes to try to jar his daughter out of her hikikomori phase. He orders two Sibyllae, Mamiina and Yun, to join Chor Tempest to bring it to full strength, and on the strength of Mamiina's service record, assigns her to be Neviril's new roommate and pair. Neviril, who is beginning to show signs of warming to Aaeru, rejects Mamiina, and in reaction, Mamiina attacks Aaeru. This shocking breach of conduct leads to the announcement that Chor Tempest will disband after the conclusion of the peace conference.

Relieved of its duties, Chor Tempest is assigned to play host to one of Plumbum's priestesses during the peace conference. The foreign priestess, Angulas, gets along well with the girls of the Simoun choir, but turns out to be a suicide bomber, who destroys two thirds of the Arcus Prima's Simoun wing and cripples the carrier herself. The bombing jars Neviril out of her funk. She agrees to pair with Aaeru, and leads Chor Tempest to save the Arcus Prima from certain destruction at the hands of a Plumbish battleship.

Now safe, Arcus Prima is brought into drydock at the Grand Temple as Neviril and Guragief travel to the chambers of the High Council of Simulacrum to try to defend Chor Tempest against Halconf's attempt to disband it. Neviril makes an impassioned speech before the council that offends many council members in its reference to the conflict as a "war," and in Neviril's refusal to blindly follow "the will of God" as Angulas did. Onashia, however, intervenes on Neviril's behalf, as does Sibylla Vyura from the rival Chor Rubor, who sets aside her rivalry to appear before the council and state that she thinks that Chor Tempest is the best. Vyura and Neviril return from the Council chambers just as the remaining members of Chor Tempest are performing a funeral Ri Mājon in memory of the victims of the suicide bombing... and right as Argentum launches a cruise missile attack against the Grand Temple. Chor Tempest easily destroys the missiles with the Iron Ri Mājon, and celebrates the news that the choir isn't to be disbanded after all.

That evening, Chor Tempest learns that Sibylla Dominura has found the choir a new ship to fly from while Arcus Prima is in drydock. Dominura, it turns out, had secretly attended the hearing as well, and had met with a secret faction of officials opposed to Halconf's administration. Dominura's faction was able to bring the old converted freight airship Messis out of retirement and refit her in the fashion of a World War II escort carrier. Conditions aboard the Messis are considerably more spartan than on the converted luxury liner Arcus Prima, and over the following weeks, Messis operates in a considerably more aggressive posture than Arcus Prima did, sparring with enemy patrols, participating in an airmobile assault with a unit of infantry, and intercepting an Argentine base ship.

Messis' active prosecution of the war is not matched by those in charge back at headquarters, however, and despite the discovery of a new class of heavy fighter based aboard the base ship and the possibility of an alliance between Plumbum and Argentum, Messis and Chor Tempest receive orders to passively monitor the base ship's activities rather than attacking. Dominūra takes matters into her own hands, ordering Aaeru and Neviril to sortie to intercept the base and conduct and armed reconnaissance of it. She also orders Wapōrif to dismantle one of the hitherto sacrosanct Simoun to learn the secret of how they work. Wapōrif is shocked at this violation of one of Simulacrum's strongest taboos, but eventually acceeds. His faith is shaken when he sees nothing obviously magical or divine inside the Simoun's helical motors; they appear to be mere machines to him. Dominūra, however, is able to see something inside that Wapōrif (who, being male, has already gone to the Spring) can't -- something profoundly shocking. She has to be helped away, screaming, from the flight deck.

Episodes

This list is a work in progress. Further episodes will continue to air through September, 2006.

Screenshot TitleTitles translated in English were taken from the English language fansubs and from Original titles in Japanese were taken from Original air date #

Theme Songs

Opening : That Which Is Beautiful Is Good (Utsukushi Kereba Sore de Ii) by Chiaki Ishikawa

Ending : Song of Prayer (Inori no Uta) by Savage Genius

References

External links

Anime series | Manga series | Drama anime | Science fiction anime

シムーン (アニメ)

 

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the "Simoun (anime)".

Home Page • arts • business • computers • games • health • hospitals • home • kids & teens • news • physicians • recreation• reference • regional • science • shopping • society • sports • world