Fantasy Tales of Tengoku [Character Thread]

[The Black Knight]

ONLY APPROVED CHARACTER SHEETS ARE PERMITTED IN THIS THREAD. DO NOT POST YOUR CHARACTER SHEET HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED BY THE GM. YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THE GAME WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY DENIED.

Approved Characters
Toratetsu Akyoto - Human/Samurai - StormWolf
Jin Huoxu - Human/Guardian/Escort - Jabu

The GM allows the approved writers to create NPCs as long as their purpose and concept are approved prior.

 

[ThatGuyWithSouvlaki]

Spoiler: Inactive

Name: Haruhara Tanaka
Nickname: Haru
Alias: Panther
Age: 19
Gender: Female
Race: Human
Role: Shinobi
Birthplace: Born to the Orayama Clan of shinobi who have their namesake village deep in the mountains near the imperial capital. Orayama village officially was known for its sweet red wines once favoured by Huayaun Emperors. Unofficially the Orayama is the home of the Emperors personal private shinobi agents. Since the death of Honghui the village had been attacked and raised to the ground.
Height: 5ft8in
Weight: 50kg
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Blue
Skin: Asian Pale
Physique: Athletic and Slender

Written Appearance: Beautiful and mysterious usually always hidden behind her red mask unless required for her job. Almost robotic in a sense, seemingly never seemingly coming to life unless there is a job to do. She seemingly does not relax standing straight backed, either staring out from high point in quiet contemplation or looking at others around her. Her gaze seemed always probing and analysing when looking at others or thoughtful. Not exactly approachable and neither she seemed to mind being alone.

Personality: Haru is a difficult one to measure. Her role as shinobi and the necessities of her roles makes her a capable actress, changing her manner and personality to suit the needs of her situation. In fighting gear she is stoic and taciturn speaking little beyond the necessities of the mission. As a gheisha she can be sweat and demure, as courtesan can flirt and sly and so on. What is known for sure is cunning and manipulative therefore not to be fully trusted. What is to be trusted is that she is loyal to the young emperor and would do anything to end the threat that is coming from them. What is the true Haru and whether she is worth someone digging deep to see? It I'd for one to find out.

Background: Shinobi, master of stealth and disguise, are a controversial open dirty secret of imperial life. Officially shinobi are despised for there dishonorable methods, being mercenaries, and the general association with darkness, dishonesty assassinations and scare tactics. Still thought officially despised there are few nobles in the land who havent used a local clan of shinobi for their own ends whether for assassinations or intelligence gathering. Despite the reputation, Shinobi never renege on a contract when hired and fiercely loyal to those that hired them. When captured, Shinobi either fight to the death or take their own life.

One such example of sacrifice is Toru Tanaka, leader of Clan Orayama and Haru's father. He and his clan fought in the shadows for the Emperor during Ichirou uprising even when clans like his where falsely accused of being on the side of the evil Oni. It was said that the subterfuge was what helped Honghui get as far as he did in his fight for evil. Toru also was also one of the first to sacrifice himself for the young heir and his mother. Haru was one of the handful of survivors of the clan carrying on their service to the new young empire at whatever cost.

Gear: Changes clothing to suit the necessities for her mission whether it is a peasant, geisha or courtesan. For combat situations and stealth, she has a light set of armour designed to give her maximum movement over protection (see picture). Otherwise, she carries a few gadgets for her work, including smoke bombs and fire crackers.

Weapon:

• Ninjato
• Shurikan
• Hidden dagger

Magic: Though some of Haru feats may seem magical in nature, such as disappearing without a trace. These are simply both of skill and misdirection. Though there are techniques Haru can learn, she had only been trained in martial abilities and the magical techniques were lost with the fall of her father and village.

Fighting Style: Shinguru katto no hōhō or Way of the Single Cut

Martial Arts: The Way of The Single Cut is a method of avoiding prolonged fight with your opponent. Indirectly weaken your opponent, preferably indirectly, so when you strike you need only strike once to fell an opponent. This requires as much precision strikes as trickery and misdirection. A practitioner needs to strike where necessary to cause a fatal or incapacitated blow as required. Thought some extended fights are sometimes necessary and acceptable it is always more advised to disengage at such exchanges and live to fight another day. In prolonged fights, combative is defensive either waiting for a mistake or causing opening through misdirection. The main tenants of the way of the Single Cut and motto of the Clan Orayama is "Eagle's sight, Panther's prowl, Fox's cunning." A ninja of the clan and follower of the single cut is learned mantra by heart and taught to demonstrates these traits of the animals.

-Eagles sight: encourages situational awareness and know your enemy
Getting a birds eye view whenever you can. It is also using such height advantage to your benefit as position to manipulate the enemy. In a straight up fight, keep your distance to give maximum time to react and force the opent to act. See the opponents method of fighting and attack accordingly at their weakest.

-Panthers prowl: do not search for a fight, a ninja takes his time picking their target carefully from safe hidden position. It is also about using fear, strike hard and fast and return to stealth leaving only a fallen comrade of the enemy behind as warning that their next and they wont see it coming. In straight, maintain control and be unpredictable to keep the opponent on the back foot.

-Fox's cunning- when usually you are one against many creativity is key to survival. When there is no opening, make one when you can. Use tools like firecrackers to isolate a targets. Fight smart and hit them when your dont expect him. Fain attacks to expose a vulnerability to the opponents guard and strike with a hidden weapon.

-Panther Stalks on Trees-Orayama Ninja Variant of "Leopard stalks on Snow." Shares the focus on adaptive and evasive footwork but attempts to taking advantage of the ninja lighter armor and freer range of moment to add acrobatic such as wall running. Aimed to keep an opponent off guard but also to strike the opponent at unexpected angles.

-Elephant kicks up dust- When surrounded with enemies the user throws out several flash and smoke bombs around her to disorient and blind opponent. This can be used to other make an escape or give the user a chance to thin out the opposition.

Guardian Spirit: Alias namesake and symbol of her clan a black panther. The stealthy and powerful hunter but also stands for valour and determination as well as protection. Panther mothers guard their youngs fiercely when under their charge,

 

[StormWolf]

Name: Akyoto Toratetsu of the Golden Tiger Clan (following naming convention of family name first, personal name second)
Nickname: Bearer of the Sun and Dawn, Brass Tiger
Alias: Lord Toratetsu/Toratetsu-sama, Dai-shan, Gaidin
Age: 26
Gender: Male
Race: Human
Role: Samurai, Bushi, Heir to the Akyoto Family of the Golden Tiger Clan, Yojimbo to the Child-Emperor
Birthplace: Ryokujin - The seat of the Golden Tiger Clan, the Akyoto Family estate.
Height: 1 Ken, 2 Sun (6'2"]
Weight: 3 Maru, [~198 lbs]
Hair Color: Walnut brown, sun-kissed to have streaks of copper tones
Eye Color: A honeyed amber
Skin: Roughly the average regional Tengokuni skintone
Physique: Solid athletic

Written Appearance: Toratetsu was known around the Imperial Palace as the Brass Tiger, not only for the hue of his garb or the crest of his clan, but for his eyes and his smile. For his very countenance. Tall and supple with muscle, with a brass-hued complexion given only by the sun over the sea, Toratetsu carries himself with the predatory languidness of a panther; relaxed, but able to spring into explosive violence at the drop of a pin. He is hirsute for a Tengokuni human, with hair on his arms and chest, giving him something of a wild and untamable allure. Toratetsu has his share of pale scars across his battle-hardened body, the most noticeable across the bridge of his nose, as well as one splitting his right eyebrow and his chin.

Spoiler: Personality

Fire, Earth, and Water. The Fire is his passion, his ferocity. He is passionate about his work, the honor and glory inherent in his position and in the elevations it provides his family and clan. This passion is what puts a spring in his step and the neigh-perpetual smile on his lips - a tigerish thing to match that ember-like ferocity in his eyes. Earth is his grounded beliefs in his oaths and his code; the bonds of station, family, faith, and fellowship. Water for his adaptability, and his capacity to think on his feet and go with the flow.

These together are what made him a fine choice as an Imperial Yojimbo, tenaciously loyal yet capable of thinking individually. Trained as a warrior as much as a courtier, such mannerisms allow him a wide spectrum of pressure points to apply politically; attacking, evading, and defending much like he would in combat. As is expected of a samurai in service to the emperor, Toratetsu carries himself with poise, stoicism, and grace. His eyes, however - those killer-eyes - are the first to betray him when passions rise.

Spoiler: Background

It is the honor of the Golden Tiger Clan, being renowned in the arts of war, to provide members of the Emperor's bodyguard. When word came of the heavenly blessing that was the divine heir to the Imperial Throne, it was the families of the Golden Tiger Clan who set out to select only the finest warriors as their gift to the royal family. Over the span of six months, great challenges were held at each of the Golden Tiger Clan provinces, each great family expected to host a challenge. Those who succeeded were awarded a jade seal. Only those who collected all seven jade seals were chosen.

Akyoto Toratetsu, first-born son of the Akyoto Great Family, was one endowed with such an honor. It was not without pain nor strife, so exhausted by his return to Ryokujin that he nearly collapsed four times in the closing ceremonies. It was only when Toratetsu had been selected that his father, Akyoto Kurusu, passed the swords Taiyoku and Akarustume into his care. With one night to say his heartfelt farewells to his father and his mother (Akyoto Ayame), as well as his many siblings and extended familly. A great feast was held at their manor in the Ryokujin country, celebrating the renown brought to their name and wishing one of their favored sons well in the capital. His dear mother, of course, praying - and after too much sake, insisting - that Toratetsu also find a suitable wife of good breeding in his service.

At the day of Guang Zhou's birth, blessed in memory, Akyoto Toratetsu and four other sons and daughters of the Golden Tiger Clan offered their lives and service as a gift to the Emperor, his house, and all who bear his name. It was Toratetsu who was charged to protect the holy prince, while others were places as guards of consorts, ministers, or the Emperor himself. At first, Toratetsu felt slighted, besmirched to play a trounced-up nursemaid to a suckling babe. He, of course, did not air such discontentment. In his post, he learned to know the queen, if mostly from afar. He knew the handmaids of the queen or the nurses for the prince far better. Most importantly, he developed a deep and protective caring for the prince, ever at his side or behind his shoulder as surely as prince’s own shadow down every hall and every chamber. When courts and festivals were held, Toratetsu remained close at hand to his charge, even when conversing with others of political standing.

When evil came to the palace, Toratetsu, along with the others of the Palace Guard, gathered to face unearthly horrors. Bravery and gallantry was nothing to the claws and fangs of demons, but they met them all the same, and not one died with a clean sword. Pushed back by the umbral tide of antediluvian evil, the Palace Guard slowly buckled. Toratetsu, frantically beckoned by a dying handmaiden, was beseeched to protect Bing and her son.

Sword in hand, he strode the scarlet-washed halls of this hell with teeth set imperishable against the pain of his many wounds and the icy, gnawing fear that trembled his hands and shook his core. When the Devourer came, it was a command from the queen that swayed Toratetsu,

"Protect him." Never before had Toratetsu's guardian spirit roared so loud.

A final bow to his Lady, a hand of blessing upon his brow, and Toratetsu leapt after his young Lord, even as oni gouged and raked against him. Plunging into the river, the peerless armor of Toratetsu was abandoned, lest they drown him. In bloodied tatters, swords still at hand, he kept to his Lord's side.
Ever his shadow.

Spoiler: Gear

Akyoto Toratetsu's non-combative garb is modestly courtly. A kimono-meets-hanfu, a rich pattern-woven silk and embroidered collar and hems, matching the sash about his waist. The jade badge of Toratetsu's station is as a medallion around the trunk of his neck. The patterns and colors of his courtly attire match his battle-dress, as seen in the image. When attending court, he still carries his swords, as well as a fan
In combat dress, Toratetsu dons his ashigaru armor, complete with kote and sode, as seen in the art. His helm bears a crescent moon crest and a mask like a snarling fu lion. A tiger-skin jinbaori is worn over his armor, painted with the Akyoto crest on the back.

Presently, he is in tatters. His armor and finery abandoned in the escape from the palace, Toratetsu's clothes and body were hastily stitched together to contine serving their purpose.

Spoiler: Weapon

Toratetsu, like so many in his station, carry a pair of matched swords at his hip. His, however, are a specialty of is Clan, and one of the heirlooms of his family. The primary blade is a dotanuki o-katana - an Akyoto Family specialty. The kind of savage cutting weapon that would be considered outlawed in peace-time, if not for the jade badge of his station. His wakizashi is to similar form, both with a wolf-tooth hamon and lotus-styled tsuba. White stingray skin is set beneath red silk tsukamaki on the handle, complimented by the brass of the tsuba and engraved kashira.
The pair of swords is one of four relics in the Golden Tiger Clan. Taiyoku and Akarustume. Said to be forged from the shards of stars, they are light and balanced, strong to their core and harmonic with a sword-song as it cuts the air.
Akarustume is the o-katana, the first of the two. The Elder. Dawn Claw.
Taiyoku is the wakizashi, the second. The Younger. Sun Fang

Spoiler: Magic

While possessing no true magic of his own, Toratetsu carries a gourd of sanctified sake, marked with a finger-of-jade charm about the neck. This sake can be used to sanctify the watered steel of his blade, imbuing it with an ethereal essence, making it anathema to demons, capable of striking spirits, and even able to intercept other arcane energies. When imbibed, the sake has meager healing properties, or can wash away demonic taint, poison, or spiritual anguish inflicting by some ethereal entity. Spitting this blessed sake into a demon or dark spirit will burn like acid upon their forms.

This gourd only carries four "servings", before it needs to be refilled, which involves a lengthy sanctifying ritual of the sake itself, to be performed at dawn and dusk for four days.

Spoiler: Fighting Style

Hyoho Niten Ichi Ryu; Two Heavens as One. An advanced school built upon the many lessons and foundations of traditional swordsmanship. It is flame and void, a oneness with destiny and fate, a surrender to the inevitability of death, so that no fear nor hesitation may halt the hands, nor the sword(s) in them. A complex, but versatile school, Ichi Ryu opens the hands of the masterful to a second sword. Toratetsu has been drilled in the sword since he was younger than the child-emperor in the intricacies of Ichi Ryu and its interconnecting disciplines.

Spoiler: Martial Arts

Tiger Pushes Mountain - An aggressive school of martial arts that lends itself to Fire and Earth. Unrelenting, decisive, and merciless. It is grounded, only moving in sweeping and crushing advance, but never in retreat. With body or blade, it is the flowing and raging momentum of a wildfire, consuming and cruel in the face of the enemy. Masters of Tiger Pushes Mountain are said to be able to shatter blades with their hands and to cleave through stone with gliding steel.

Leopard Stalks in Snow - Borne of the Rings of Water and Air, it is one on adaptive and evasive footwork, meant to outpace and deny the enemy and wear them down for a decisive strike. Balance of mind, body, and spirit is the fulcrum of Leopard Stalks in Snow, true masters able to stride over fresh-fallen snow without leaving a mark, walk the edge of a sword without falling nor bleeding, and even tread the breeze.

Wolf's Breath, Lion's Roar - A hybrid school of Fire and Air, hinging on focused and dedicated breathing. In the martial scrolls, it speaks of embodying the spirits of Wolf and Lion, making the one the many. It is designed to face multiple opponents, not only through combative maneuvers, but in the presence of the self. Through furious kiai, it makes one appear more than they are by evoking the primal roars and howls of Wolf and Lion to haunt the spirits of their foe.

[Mentions are made to the supposed capabilities of masters in these martial arts. It should be noted that Toratetsu is not a master of these martial arts]

Guardian Spirit: Tsovakali, a tigress-spirit that has passed down on his mothers side from the Clan's founding. Tsovakali is warrior and nurturer, guardian and destroyer. She rests idly in the sanctified steel of Akarutsume, awaiting her charge to invoke her name in a time of need.

 

[OSWonder]

Spoiler: Inactive

Note: Items marked with * have further explanations of origin or limitations in the Extra page

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[div class=tabbox][div class="tabs tab1"]requisite[/div][div class="tabs tab2"]appearance[/div][div class="tabs tab3"]personality[/div][div class="tabs tab4"]background[/div][div class="tabs tab5"]gear & weapons[/div][div class="tabs tab6"]abilities[/div][div class="tabs tab7"]extra[/div][/div] [div class="container page1"][div class="leftside img1"]

[/div][div class="rightside content1"][div class=title]"he who travels in the shadow of falling snow"[/div]

[div class=title]name:[/div] Yín [銀] || Luó Xuě Yǐng [羅雪影] of the Phantom Valley *

[div class=title]nickname:[/div] Ying’Er

[div class=title]aliases:[/div] Snow Lotus of Thousand Blossom Manor || The Silver Reaper

[div class=title]previous aliases:[/div] Silent Smiling Blade, The Sixth Star of the Phantom Valley [Assumed Dead] || Wild Great Serpent of Jīngshu [Long Forgotten]

[div class=title]age:[/div] 18-21 [Apparent] || 464 [Real]

[div class=title]gender:[/div] Mostly Male

[div class=title]race:[/div] Bā Shé [巴蛇]; Magic Beast

[div class=title]role:[/div] Renowned Entertainer/Courtesan || Strategist || Assassin

[div class=title]birthplace:[/div] A Cold Cave, Somewhere Deep In A Forest, Jīngshu City

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[img height=660px width=500 px]https://i.pinimg.com/564x/09/c7/7b/09c77b598aeb1d1360fceb2a3d684233.jpg[/img]

[/div][div class="rightside content2"][div class=title]height:[/div]180cm [6ft] - Human Form || 24m [78ft] - Snake Form**

[div class=title]weight:[/div] 143lbs [65kg] - Human Form || 7000lbs [3200kg] - Snake Form**

[div class=title]hair color:[/div] Light Grey

[div class=title]eye color:[/div] (Very Pale) Yellow

[div class=title]skin:[/div]Glistening white scales often disguised as porcelain skin in most areas of his body. The scales show up sometimes in combat or when he is angered even while in human form.

[div class=title]physique:[/div] Toned muscles packed into a lean body that looks deceptively willowy when covered under layered clothing.

[div class=title]written appearance:[/div] Xuě Yǐng has two forms: that of a snake and that of a human. In the former, he takes the appearance of a giant serpent, mouth full of venom-dripping fangs and stretching long enough to cover the length of an entire street. While most of his kind are covered in pitch black or jade-like green, Xuě Yǐng has rare, pure white scales that led him to be hunted down many times over in his youth. As a result of men constantly trying to cut them off, there are many faint scars on his scales — that they haven’t healed despite his regenerative abilities are a testament to how deep the wounds were and the pain that he suffered during those years.

In human form, Xuě Yǐng has often been described as Hóngyán Huòshuǐ [红颜祸水]; a beauty to fall nations. He, himself, would like to agree. Narcissistic? Perhaps. But it is undeniable that, even for a magical creature, Xuě Yǐng has a striking appearance. Bright eyes that seem to see into your soul, a tall, sharp nose and petal-like lips — a combination of exactly what humans of his country favors on a face. With his slender structure and delicate features, it is not unusual for him to be mistaken for a woman, especially due to the nature of his workplace. To be fair to those who have, however, gender is not an important factor for Xuě Yǐng and he dislikes adhering to the traditional picture of how men dress and hold themselves. This is clear from how his long and silky silver hair is often left to fall freely around his shoulders, decorated with beads and pins to his liking as well as the powder and rogue he always wears in public... though the purpose of the makeup is so that nobody can exactly pinpoint his true appearance and Xuě Yǐng feels he looks far better without it. Though his looks generally pitch him in his late teens, the elegance and mystery with which he carries himself often makes people reconsider this.
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[/div][div class="rightside content3"][div class=title]personality:[/div] Xuě Yǐng is a rather complicated soul. He is too old to be bright-eyed yet too young, by the standards of his kind, to be completely immune to being affected by emotions. The experiences throughout his life has hardened him, instilling in him the idea that mercy is dangerous. Yet, it was not until recent years that he became too quiet, too suspicious and far too apathetic — a sly and cold-blooded schemer true to the stereotypes of the snake-kind.

Before, though he was as heartless as an assassin should be, he was also naive. He admired the beauty of the world and the songs of the people as much as any young man, finding great pleasure in freedom. Though his sense of humor is rather dark and scathing, he doesn’t find enjoyment in the pain or shame of others and used to hold back his sharp tongue around people he felt would take offense to it. He had a relaxed warmth to him, much unlike one would expect from his frosty appearance. His smile was rare but it was genuine when it appeared, saved for the moments when he felt truly happy and free. In part, this was due to the influence of his only family, Song Yi, who was gentle and caring to him when he needed it most, providing him with one last hope for the world and the people in it.

That hope died with her. Now, he is seemingly left only with the part of him that is cunning and vicious. His strengths are his weaknesses, in that he is single-mindedly determined to get what he wants and intolerant of anything that might hinder him. He is unceasingly rational and cool-headed, relying on logic rather than emotion to get through life, yet sometimes he forgets that feelings are, in fact, a big factor in life. He is guarded and cautious of everyone around him, detaching himself from the world and locking himself in a fortress he will soon find is as tremendously difficult to escape from as it is to enter. He is always smiling, now, but it is clear to all who can see beyond that it is a painted smile. His sarcastic and cutting humor, however, is in even fuller a swing now than ever before.

Perhaps unexpectedly, he has a secret soft spot for the young, helpless and alone. Should he come across someone who fulfills all three criteria, he is unable to help himself from lending subtle aid to whom he considers one of very few humans that deserve kindness. [/div][/div] [div class="container page4"][div class="leftside img4"]

[/div][div class="rightside content4"][div class=title]background:[/div]Born in a dark and dreary cave, he was alone from the moment he hatched from his egg. No name, no family, nothing. Just him, the darkness and mice for food. He does not know how long he spent like that before he ventured outside his habitat into the forest outside. He didn’t even realize he was a magic beast until quite late after his first century.

Due to his lack of cultivation, he remained a relatively normal-sized snake and was a murky grey that nobody really paid attention to. He has already forgotten how but, at some point in those hazy couple centuries, he named himself Yín after a human word for the color of his scales. Though he didn’t know exactly what he was, the humans who came in contact with him did. As the people of the city he was born near regarded Bā Shé as sacred animals who served the god Haepi, hunting them was considered immoral and, hence, Yín was mostly treated well by the people he met. It was only when he discovered cultivating and began to grow that the problems began.

As Yín grew larger and more powerful, his dull scales revealed themselves to be a glittering white, a rare and gorgeous coloration. For collectors, hanging his skin on their wall would have been worth paying hundreds of thousands. And so came the poachers. One by one, they attacked him mercilessly, determined to tear off as much of him as they could. Cornered and terrified, Yín inevitably began to fight back, began to kill. He killed hunters, killed so-called defenders of justice that came to put him down, killed people that so much as accidentally stepped on his tail, becoming increasingly paranoid with each fight. He killed and killed until he gained a name for himself as a crazed beast. Eventually, he caused enough of a fuss that warriors of the famous Akyoto clan were sent by the Palace to get rid of him. It was one fight he had no way of winning and it forced him back fleeing into his cave, tattered and dying.

That was when he met Song Yi. A tiny human child, who wandered somehow through the labyrinth-like structure to end up where he lay. She brought him food and tended to his wounds, chattering on and on to him despite never receiving even one word back. She continued this for months. How she didn’t get caught and questioned, he didn’t know. She claimed it was because she was an orphan, someone nobody cared about. Without knowing it, he began to feel a sense of kinship with the weird little human.

Let’s become family, you and I. I’ll take you everywhere I go. She had claimed. He thought she must be crazy.

Sure, if you’ll carry me. Those were the first words he had said to her. It was only after she spent half a day trying to lift his already 20 feet long body that he accepted her sincerity. At that point, he had no human form and could only shrink himself. And, so, he followed her, a tiny snake in her pocket.

When Song Yi turned 13, she was picked up by recruiters from the Phantom Valley who recognized her martial talent. Yín, of course, went with her to the mountain where hundreds of children gathered to be trained. Phantom Valley was a mystical place, built on a giant spiral statue of a dragon. Rumors said that it was once a real dragon, a minor god that ruled the mountains under Haepi, but it angered the dark god and was turned into stone. Despite the menacing appearance of their residence, unlike many other Assassination Houses, Phantom Valley was more like an actual dojo and kept their training relatively humane. Even so, those without talent or good attitude were immediately thrown out of the sect, their memories of any martial art they learnt erased. Song Yi, however, was not one of those many.

As she grew, Yín grew with her, secretly learning Phantom Valley’s arts through her. He cultivated regularly, too, until he eventually gained a proper human form. It was then that the relationship between the two grew from a simple childhood friendship to something more complicated and, perhaps, romantic.

One day, Song Yi was called to meet her Master, the Lord of the Phantom Valley. It was a sudden call and, in her haste, she had brought Yín curled up in her bag along. Unsurprisingly, he was caught by the Lord right away. Though he was prepared to fight a battle he knew he couldn’t win, the Lord instead accepted him fairly easily. When the man saw his talent in the Valley’s martial art, he even went so far as to take Yín in as a disciple and give him a proper name: Xuě Yǐng.

To the other students of the Valley, he was known as the Master’s nephew, previously hidden away to be trained alone. His rank in the sect rose like a storm, quickly earning himself a spot in the coveted Seven Stars of Phantom Valley, the elite of the elite among the new generation. With that title, he was accepted into the Lord’s family, becoming known as Luó Xuě Yǐng of the Phantom Valley.

Song Yi, unfortunately, failed to rank among the Seven. Cracks appeared in their relationship, as she distanced herself from him and all her friends to immerse herself in training.

When Ichirou’s ascendance began, Xuě Yǐng argued with the Lord on which side they should join. He felt that it was inevitable for the dark god to win, now that he had such a powerful vessel. Though he knew that his race was meant to serve Haepi, he had never once seen or sensed the god himself and felt there was no need for loyalty to something that clearly cared not about him. Before they could even come to a decision, however, disaster struck.

Youkai attacked Phantom Valley. It should have been an easy victory, really. But with their newfound strength, the evil spirits corrupted and twisted the minds of many disciples, inciting them to betray the sect. Even Song Yi, his beautiful, brilliant, loving Song Yi, turned, raving and manic, raising her sword against the Seven Stars whom she wished so strongly to be a part of but couldn’t.

It was snowing that day. The scene of carnage was far too beautiful. Red on white. Crimson blood against pure snow, like a painting, a poem of passion destroying purity. And Xuě Yǐng stood in its midst, holding the hilt of a blood-stained sword. Impaled on it was the woman he loved and around him were the bodies of people he called brother. He had killed. Again. Because he had to; he always did. But he killed. People he had loved, he had slain to survive. He wondered if this was punishment; that for daring to think of betraying his god, he should be betrayed by those he cared about the most. It drove him mad. He tore into his own mind and body, quite literally, in a futile attempt to destroy himself and follow the souls of his dead friends.

Clearly, it didn’t work. While he lay unconscious and seemingly dead for a long time, the strength of his race was too high and he remained alive, despite a multitude of internal injuries. The death of his newfound family sowed two seeds in Xuě Yǐng. One, the seed of hatred for Ichirou and his evil forces. Two, a cold emptiness that replaced his heart, engraving cruelty and ruthlessness into his heart.

While he thirsted for revenge, he knew that it was impossible on his own. Thus Xuě Yǐng entered the Thousand Blossom Manor, a high-end courtesan house, as Yín, a musician and dancer to collect information while scheming in the shadows, searching for a sure way to strike down the dark god. His unprecedented popularity with the customers, however, was entirely unplanned and, in Xuě Yǐng's eyes, more than a little unfortunate. He moonlights occasionally as an assassin-for-hire, merely as a way to keep his skills sharp, thus earning himself the moniker of The Silver Reaper. [/div][/div] [div class="container page5"][div class="leftside img5"]

[/div][div class="rightside content5"] [div class=title]gear:[/div]While in public as the entertainer, Yín, he wears mostly white traditional clothing, often with gold threads and embroidery. A relatively flamboyant look, one might say, despite his reputation for being cold as ice behind his fake cordiality. As himself, on the other hand, Xuě Yǐng adorns himself with far darker fashion. However, he dislikes tight clothing and wouldn’t be caught dead in the typical skin-tight suits of assassins, keeping to cloaks and loose pants to allow flexibility as well as leather vests and gloves for extra protection — very light ones, as his style means armor isn't particularly important in combat for him. He wears a metal mask to cover half of his face — while it does nothing much to hide his features, it works well with his martial art when confusing the enemy and leaving them unable to pinpoint exactly what he looks like.

[div class=title]weapons:[/div]Fangs - Not his literal ones but rather a pair daggers shaped in the likeness of them, soaked in his venom for good measure. They are his favorite and most commonly used weapons. Often hidden away under the first layer of his clothing or tucked in his belt. ***

Dancer - Used to be Xuě Yǐng’s primary weapon. However, Dancer was a gift when he became the Sixth Star and is well-known as belonging to the Silent Smiling Blade of Phantom Valley. Hence, he is very careful about using it, in fear of his identity being found out.

Bladed Fan - Seemingly innocuous but tactfully equipped with thin, needle-like blades within. He rarely uses this and only keeps it in case of emergency attacks while in his courtesan persona. Thus far, this has not happened. [/div][/div] [div class="container page6"][div class="leftside img6"]

[/div][div class="rightside content6"] [div class=title]magic:[/div]Typical Traits of a Bā Shé- As most magic beasts do, Xuě Yǐng has a natural predator’s instincts, heightened senses and increased regeneration. His scales are tough as steel and require either superhuman strength or strong martial arts to cut through. He is immune to all natural poisons and possesses poison of his own, widely considered to be one of the most lethal venoms in the world, which is secreted through his fangs.****

Shape-Shifting - Between his snake and human form. This takes way too long to complete fully and leaves him mostly defenseless while it occurs. Hence, the transformation is never done in the middle of battle, except when he covers parts of his human body with his scales as a defensive tactic. Contrary to the usual abhorrence of magic beasts toward human skins, Xuě Yǐng instead finds his exorbitantly huge snake body cumbersome and almost never uses it. He does, however, shift into a shrunken version of his snake form (about 7 inches long) when he needs to fit into somewhere small or spy on someone — note that this small form is extraordinarily useless in combat.

Snake Eyes - As one of the very rare few of his kind to ever really interact with humans, Xuě Yǐng has had the chance to refine the hypnotic trait of his gaze from its natural use in capturing prey to a stronger form. He can stun enemies and instill fear in them with a glance, allowing him the opportunity to attack, though the effectiveness differs depending on the willpower and mental strength of his opponent.

[div class=title]fighting style:[/div]Huàn Yǐng Dǎo [幻影蹈] - The Phantom Dance, a school of martial arts once feared throughout the lands, used by the ghostly assassins of Phantom Valley. It is said that those who had perfected this art were able to walk through large crowds without being seen by a single soul and slice dozens of necks in the blink of an eye. After the death of his master and the dissolution of Phantom Valley, Xuě Yǐng remains one of the only vessels to preserve the great art in its full form. However, his version of the art differ greatly from the original and incorporates his own edits and ideas — it could be said that his Phantom Dance has already become a branch made to suit fighters like himself, rather than the true style. While he can use the original style, it no longer comes naturally to him.

[div class=title]martial arts:[/div]Shadow in the Mist - A breathing technique that draws on forces of air to create a thin layer of mist that wraps tightly around its user, allowing them to move without being detected/while being extremely hard to detect. Someone using Shadow in the Mist to walk through a crowd will likely be perceived as an odd, cold gust of wind passing by. Even when detected, which is possible by other martial artists or inhuman creatures with hypersensitivity, the user’s face and figure will appear blurred and difficult to recognize.

Melodic Steps- A movement art that strongly emphasizes on agility and takes inspiration from traditional dance and acrobatics. While it is excellent for use in any battle, its power is best displayed when used against multiple enemies.

Whistling Blade - Named as such due to the similarity between the sound of blades cutting through air when moving at high speeds to an eerie yet oddly cheerful whistling tone. The technique involves flowing yet rapid moves and teaches the user how to meticulously arrange series of feints, swings and strikes in short time-spans. It is often combined with Melodic Steps to create an exceedingly smooth and efficient fighting style. To the untrained eye, the combination is like an elegant and gentle dance. To the keen observer, it is a lethal and ruthless combat technique.

Ki Cultivation [Lower-Advanced Tier] - His immortality, combined with his inborn talent for this art, made him a monster in terms of Ki among martial artists. The nature of his Ki is akin to ice, so cold that it burns those who come in contact with it. He can infuse this Ki into his strikes (which will strengthen them) or release it in blasts which feel like a gust of bone-chilling wind but with enough force to blow your average grown man away by a few feet. Those who are hit by this blast will, at worst, suffer internal injuries from their blood being momentarily frozen. At best, they will suffer fairly nasty frostbite wounds on their skin. Once upon a time, Xuě Yǐng had enough inner Ki to win battles against a dozen martial artists using only that and his fists, without any other technique. After he nearly destroyed himself, however, the internal injuries has left him with only a fraction of his previous Ki cultivation. It is now barely enough to be considered advanced by human standards and, if pushed beyond that limit, brings about serious physical damage to Xuě Yǐng as an after-effect.

[Note: Due to his race and cultivation thus far, Xuě Yǐng can only learn arts that originate from the forces of Water or Air. Regardless of how hard he tries in other elemental-based arts, he will not be able to go past the most basic level in them.] [/div][/div] [div class="container page7"][div class="leftside img7"]

[/div][div class="rightside content7"] *Luó Xuě Yǐng is the official given name of his human persona, gifted by his Master when he joined the Phantom Valley. Thinking this way, although he no longer considers it as such, Yín is his true name.

**Bā Shé were mythical snakes big enough to swallow elephants whole and occupy entire mountains as its sleeping space so 24m is considering that Xuě Yǐng is a young adult for his race. The weight was calculated with the same rate (kg per m) as an anaconda. Apparently that's over 300kg per meter, who woulda thought?

***Fangs : https://i.pinimg.com/564x/d3/8f/34/d38f34f75a00ff662552dbb6ff92f202.jpg

****The capabilities described here only apply to his snake form. He only retains the passive traits in human form and they are significantly reduced. [/div][/div]
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code by Ri.a

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[Ruby Owl]

Spoiler: Inactive

Name: Kokoro (こころ)
Nickname: Ko
Alias: The Heart of the Wilds
Age: Appears late teens/early twenties, actual age: 102.
Gender: Female
Race: Kitsune (Fox Spirit)
Role: Trickster, Shrine Maiden, Mage
Birthplace: Born in a rice field in the southern settlement of Inari. It’s named after the fox spirit who ascended to divinity by Haepi. They’re well known for their shrines to the minor deity as well as their regional sake. After Ichirou took over the land, it is now occupied by the Yako.
Height: 5’1
Weight: 110 lbs
Hair Color: Orangish-brown
Eye Color: Golden

Skin: In human form, Ko has light skin. As a fox, she is covered in soft tawny fur.
Physique: Pear shaped.

Written Appearance: All kitsune are born as foxes. When they hit 100 years of age, they gain the ability to transform into a human. Over time, they can learn to mimic other people's appearances or even change between entirely unique ones. However, Ko only knows one form-- one that she feels represents her the best.

As a fox, Ko weighs about 10lbs and appears to be a normal fox-- albeit one with golden eyes. She keeps herself well groomed, looking more like a noble’s pet rather than a wild beast.

As a human, Ko appears as a young maiden with long hair. When she shifts this form, she also acquires clothing-- typically consisting of red, white, and gold. Her favorite outfit is to appear as a shrine maiden. Despite her unique hair and eyes, there is nothing else that would indicate she is a kitsune.

However, when she uses intense magic, is injured, gets drunk, or in any other way loses focus on keeping a human form-- her true ears and tail pop out. Though kitsune are known to have up to nine tails, Ko only has one.

Personality: Perhaps the best way to describe Ko is ‘chaotic good’. She hates following the rules of establishments and dislikes the civilized world. She is most at home when she is in the wild, but will not actively try to bring down society. Instead, she prefers to follow her heart and live life to the fullest.

This does not mean she is selfish, however. Ko treats everyone she meets as if they are a potential friend and is an ‘eternal optimist’ when it comes to first impressions. She will offer to help out and does her best to follow the righteous and moral path, as it follows the tenets of Inari. However, if someone is actively ‘evil’, she will take action against them.

Trickery is as innate to a fox as eating abuurage or drinking sake, yet the way they choose to use it is what truly defines them. Kokoro can be sly and cunning when the time is right... but as she is just a young kitsune, she isn’t always successful. These plots are always aimed at the malicious and cruel.

Background: Kanoko gave birth to her litter prematurely during a thunderous spring storm. Only one of her kits would survive the night. Kokoro grew up in the gentle summer that followed. Always protected by her mother, she adored the countryside she called home. It was never easy to survive, but the challenge made life sweeter. Ko and her mother lived for many years in relative peace, until one fateful night...

Kanoko woke her daughter in the middle of darkness and ushered her to flee. As they ran, Konoko could feel the presence of something dark, choking the air with its vileness. And then, it struck-- a black fox with white glowing eyes snapped her mother’s neck with its maw before turning its gaze to the kit. She ran and ran until her legs gave out, the last thing she saw being a warming white light.

When she regained conciousness, Kokoro was at a peculiar shrine. A large stone statue of a fox with a crystal in its maw stood before her, surrounded by offerings of food and coin. She eagerly began to eat a piece of abura-age when a looming figure appeared before her. It was an elderly man with dark red hair tied back. He peered at her with a gentle, warming gaze as he spoke to her in the language of foxes. His name was Koan, he explained as fox ears and a tail sprouted. He explained to her the truth of her kind--- that those who survived long enough would gain divine power. Some continued on their lives as before, tricking humans to serve their own interest-- these were known as wild Kitsune. Others, like the pure black fox, were tainted by Donshoku-- the Yako. Lastly, there were those who served underneath Inari, the first fox to acquire nine tails and be raised to divinity by Haepi-- the Zenko.

Immediately, Ko knew what she would do. She begged and pleaded with Kouki to let her stay at the shrine and learn the ways of Inari, to become a Divine Fox. He laughed, shifting his form into that of an eight-tailed fox. “Of course.” He said, as if it was foolish for her to even ask.

So for the next hundred years, the little fox trained underneath her mentor’s watchful eye. She learned how to manifest their innate spiritual energy in a multitude of ways. She crafted illusions, manipulating fire, and eventually unlocked the secret to harnessing her raw qi into foxfire. Her final lesson was to use her knowledge of illusions and spirit to change her form. When Ko shifted into a human, Koan beamed bright. Quite literally, as a divine white glow surrounded his body as a final tail was added to his menagerie.

“Little one, you have done well.” He remarked, his voice echoing. “But now it is time for you to embark on your own journey. Good luck.” Before she could reply, he faded away. With her mentor’s whereabouts unknown, the maiden attended to the shrine for the next few months, uncertain what to do... until the forces of Donshoku-sha took over the land.

The foxes of the settlement had their hearts blackened by Oni, turning hundreds of wild kitsune into Yako. She was backed into a corner, the shrine the last place to fall. Though she tried valiantly to defend it, she was outnumbered-- only her faith to Inari and Haepi keeping her soul safe. Now, she’s made her way to the capital, seeking a way to restore peace to the wilds she calls home.

Gear: Kokoro’s shapeshifting powers allows her to dress in any sort of garb she is familiar with. However, it is as protective as fur. She does not own any armor or other items as it would be a burden to carry around as a fox.

Weapon: Kokoro, as a kitsune, can manifest a hoshi-no-tama. A ‘star ball’ is a manifestation of a Kitsune’s spiritual energy. It is a crystalline orb that can be manipulated in size (from the size of a softball to a pearl) and can be manifested at will--- but Ko must be holding it to dematerialize it. Though some rumors claim it contains a kitsune’s soul, it does not-- instead, it must be manifested and near her in order to cast most of her spells.

Additionally, Kokoro knows how to hunt as a fox. Though this helps little in her human form, she is a capable fighter when it comes to catching prey.

Magic: Shapeshift: Kokoro is capable of changing her shape in the blink of an eye. A puff of smoke surrounds her or the affected area. It is not an illusion, but those who can detect spiritual energy will be able to tell hers is not human. She is only capable of changing between one human form, one half-human form, and one fox form. It does not require the presence of her hoshi-no-tama.

Illusioncraft: Ko can use her innate spiritual energy to make illusions. She can make a minor illusion, such as making a small object different to all five senses, or make a large illusion that involves one. For example, she can make a pile of rocks look like shiny gold coins. However, illusions don’t last forever-- and the longer she maintains it, the higher the cost to her energy. A large illusion requires her hoshi-no-tama.

Pyromancy: A self explanatory magic. Kokoro is capable of manipulating fire, with all of the standard benefits and drawbacks. Small displays, such as lighting a candle, do not require her hoshi-no-tama, but most offensive uses do.

Spirit fire: Instead of using oxygen as a fuel for fire, Ko can use her own spiritual energy to manifest foxfire. These white flames often resembles will o’ wisps, appearing as small orbs used as projectiles. It cannot harm Kokoro, but when touched by others it feels like a cold burn. Casting it requires the presence of her hoshi-no-tama.

Hoshi-no-tama: As explained in her weapon section, Kitsune possess the ability to manifest an arcane focus known as a star ball. As well as being used to channel magic, she can also use it to detect the presence of other magic users. However, she cannot tell the specific type.

Fighting Style: “The Path of the Fox” also known as Kitsune no michi キツネの道 is a method centered around creating distance with your opponent and tricking them with feints. Commonly adopted by shinobi who prefer ranged tactics, it originates with its namesake-- the fox.

Martial Arts:

Spirit Bite: This martial move can only be done in her fox form. Kokoro can bite an opponent with her foxfire manifesting in her mouth, weakening the area afflicted. It does not require the presence of her hoshi-no-tama, but is much stronger with it.

Foxfire Knockback: Kokoro’s hands are charged with spiritual energy before she pushes the opponent backwards. The force is enough to push back smaller units or one large unit. It will feel like a warm gust of air, as if opening up the door to a furnace. Requires her hoshi-no-tama to be manifested.

Leap of Faith: As the name suggests, this is a jump forwards or upwards. It leaves behind a trail of foxfire and requires her hoshi-no-tama.

Fun Facts about Kitsune in Huayuan:

• Inari was chosen by Haepi to be the patron of fertility, farming, and merchants. Gender neutral, they will manifest as either a young maiden, an old man, or an androgynous figure. White kitsune are their chosen, acting as their messengers.
• The preferred weapons of human form Kitsune are tama (sickles), kodachi or tanto (short, dagger-like swords), and whips. Weapons specialized for kitsune users often have a slot to store their hoshi-no-tama.
• A Kitsune’s power is related to how many tails they have. They automatically earns another tail for every hundred years they live after 100. (200 means 2 tails, etc.) When a Kitsune reaches 900 years old, they gain their final tail.
• Inari can personally give Kitsunes another tail if they are following his path. A nine-tailed fox is the only kind that can be turned white and achieve minor divinity.
• Yako are Kitsune who have been corrupted by the Black God. They are considered Yokai.
• A Kitsune’s first act of magic is to manifest a hoshi-no-tama. All Kitsune, whether they be wild, divine, or blackened, must manifest a hoshi-no-tama in order to cast most of their magic.
• All Kitsune love abura-age (fried tofu skin) and adzuki beans.

 

[Jabu]

Name: 金火旭 Jīn Huǒxù
Nickname: N/A
Alias: Traitor of Tiāntáng Tī (Paradise Ladder), The Wandering Guard
Age: 22
Gender: Male
Race: Human
Role: Guardian/Escort
Birthplace: The base of the mountain Tiāntáng Tī.
Height: 5'11
Weight: 140 lbs
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Black
Skin: A fair skin tone without any non-human traits
Physique: Lean and athletic

Written Appearance: Huǒxù doesn't spend too much time talking about his looks, he'd only get carried away doing so. The young man sports ahead of long raven hair that falls down to his waist. Black eyes with a harmless, mischevious twinkle to match his dark hair. Standing at 5'11, he's accepted that he most likely won't be the tallest man in the room, though he may walk on his toes in an attempt to look a bit taller. The young man often walks with a bounce in his step, the bell on his waist making soft jingles with each bounce. He's fair-skinned with dark brows and lashes. On each ear, he wears a single obsidian earring. He has an overall kind and friendly demeanor, but it can change in an instant if he deems you a threat to what he's guarding.

Personality: On the surface, Huǒxù is rather simple. He's lively and energetic, while also proud and impulsive. But, his heart is always in the right place. Despite his impulsiveness, he's incredibly resourceful as well as dependable when it comes to carrying out a task he's been assigned and just in general seeing as the Jīn were raised to be survivalists. He takes his work seriously but also enjoys to take time to simply enjoy himself. Even if that means causing a bit of (usually) harmless trouble. Huǒxù loves fresh citrus fruits and a good tree to hang out in. They remind him of home, despite how many issues home as caused for him. He doesn't enjoy the cold and takes extra care to dress appropriately for the weather. While sociable, he isn't one for unwarranted physical contact and will make that known should need be.

When working in groups or with a partner, Huǒxù does very well. He works just fine by himself but seems to enjoy teamwork. Maybe it reminds him of working with his brother. Or maybe he just likes being able to show off his martial arts. When engaged in battle, Huǒxù is a close-combat fighter. The closer he is to his opponent, the more deadly his attacks. Though Huǒxù has a somewhat strong personality, he knows his place on the team and won't stray from that position. He can lead, but he excels in a support position rather than leadership.

Huǒxù, while delighting in the attention of others has issues letting others get too close in friendly, nonwork-related relationships. Due to a misunderstanding in his past that he still has yet to completely understand, he keeps himself at an arm's length. Huǒxù has no issues being friendly, but he has no intention of spilling his thoughts and feelings to anyone. He feels those feelings are his to bear alone.

Background: At the base of Tiāntáng tī, the tallest mountain in Huayuan, the Jīn clan guards the mountain. Tiāntáng tī, literally called Paradise Ladder, is considered one of the most sacred places within Huayuan. The Jīn were said to have been chosen by the divine themselves to look after the sacred land many generations ago. Tiāntáng tī is easily the largest burial site in Huayuan. When coming to bury the deceased, the Jīn offer no help as it is the final journey the friends and relatives of the deceased are taking with them. The further up the mountain they travel, the shorter the journey for the dead when it's time to leave their bodies to seek paradise. Out of respect, the Jīn only guide the friends and family back down the mountain. Not only do the Jīn guide people down the mountain, but they maintain the area as well. Whether it's offering prayers or clearing weeds, the deceased must be shown the utmost respect and care. Not everyone feels that way though. Tiāntáng tī is the resting place of many important and rich historic figures, which makes the mountain prone to grave robbers and thieves. The most important job of the Jīn is to ensure that the deceased can rest easy and undisturbed. Tiāntáng tī, with so many bodies buried on its land it is also very fertile. The Jīn use many of the resources on the mountain whether it be the wild fruit or medicinal herbs. The Jīn are known for their survival skills as traversing the mountain can sometimes take days depending on the destination.

Jīn Huǒxù and his twin Jīn Jìngxī were brought into the world and immediately embraced by those around them. Born to the clan's leader, his first and only sons would be next to watch over the mountain. The twins would grow to understand the importance of their jobs as well as having compassion and empathy. Cultivated into well-rounded guardians as those before them they would become a force to be reckoned with. On the south and east sides of the mountain are two Jīn settlements. The north and west sides are steep and hard to traverse, though there are some that will attempt to enter from those sides.

Tiāntáng tī, with so many bodies buried on its land it is also very fertile. The Jīn use many of the resources on the mountain whether it be the wild fruit or medicinal herbs. Whatever isn't on the mountain they travel to nearby villages and towns to get. The Jīn are known for their survival skills as traversing the mountain can take days depending on the destination.

Even at the base of what was considered to be one of the most sacred places in Huayuan they were not safe from the evil unleashed by the demonic emperor. On Tiāntáng tī, there are many actions considered unfathomable by a Jīn warrior. Some of the worst being defacing graves and digging up the deceased. Jīn Huǒxù had the image burned into his mind of what he saw the day he was accused of dishonoring Tiāntáng tī. Strung from the trees like party decorations were the decaying bodies of many resting on Tiāntáng tī. Severed body parts were strewn across the grounds. The air was suffocating, the spirits were angry. Jīn Huǒxù had been the first to stumble across the scene and by his corrupt his brethren he was accused of causing the scene. He could see the corruption in their eyes and hear it in their voices as the chorus rang out, "Jīn Huǒxù! Traitor of Tiāntáng Tī!"

With little choice and a heavy heart, the leader of the clan banished his son. Without proof of someone else causing the incident, Jīn Huǒxù was forced to leave his homeland. Though, not everyone had turned their back on him. Jīn Jìngxī, knowing his brother wouldn't have caused such a horrific scene, promised to prove the innocence of his sibling and eventually bring him home. While Jīn Jìngxī's faith meant the world, it didn't mend his brother's heart completely. Since leaving, Huǒxù can only imagine that things have gotten worse.

After spending some time wandering from place to place and cursing his very existence after his banishment, Jīn Huǒxù was able to find work as an escort for hire. He'd been trained to guard, so the job felt like the right fit. Though it wasn't the same, it kept him fed and busy. His charm and skill helped him become a rather popular choice for those looking to travel in such dangerous times. He does the work more for himself as it gives him a sense of purpose, though it's usually short-lived.

Gear: Huǒxù isn't one for heavy armor or excessive layers. He wears just enough to keep from getting cold and doesn't mind getting a bit warm. He wears black and/or white like all of the other Jīn members do. Every Jīn member is given a gold bell to wear on their waist and Huǒxù is never without his. Despite the loneliness the jingle reminds him of, he can't bear to part with it. There isn't anything particularly fancy about what he wears and he tends not to stray from his usual fashion. Which is comfortable enough for him to lounge about in as well as mobile enough for him to fight in with no issues. He tends to carry a knife around, but it's never exclusively for combat. Being a survivalist he'll use it for other things like skinning animals or tending to a fire.

Weapon: Jīn Huǒxù excels in hand-to-hand combat. Without having to rely on carrying a weapon around, he's always ready to jump into the fray. At most, he'll carry a knife. Which he uses more as a tool than a weapon.

Magic: While there is no magic that the Jīn can conjure up on their own, the golden bells they carry allow them to call on the spirits. Through the bell and prayer, the Jīn are able to inquire with the spirits for a short amount of time. This is the skill is especially useful on the mountain when looking for a burial party to escort back down. Through the spirits, they are able to receive the relative location of whatever it is they are searching for. The location is hardly ever exact, but it helps to narrow down the placement of the person or thing. There is always the chance that the spirits won't answer though. On the mountain, they always receive an answer, but spirits in other places may be wary or even too hostile to communicate with.

Fighting Style: 青铜狮步 Qīngtóng shī bù - Bronze Lion Step. A style cultivated by the Jīn when they were first assigned to watch over the mountain generations ago. It focuses more on subduing the opponent but certainly has the potential to kill. It uses a lot of moves such as grapples and stun techniques. It isn't the prettiest style and involves getting in the dirt sometimes, but overall it's a mostly defensive style. It was created specifically for bodyguards and escorts during a time when thieves and robbers were especially active on Tiāntáng tī. One of the many philosophies of the style is to have compassion and empathy for the opponent, the same ideals that Jīn practice on the daily whether fighting or not. While taking a life is a big deal to the Jīn, they are capable of doing it through this style.

Martial Arts: Dog Claw Latch: A restrictive technique used to keep an opponent at bay when their cooperation is needed or merely no longer a threat to anyone else. The technique consists of manipulating the opponents’ joints in the shoulders, elbows, and/or wrists until they reach their maximum degree of motion through twisting and bending. The pain caused by the grapple leaves the opponent at the mercy of the martial artist. This move is incapable of causing casualties, but going past the degree of motion allowed by the joint will cause injury.

Three Bulls Push: A technique used to create space between the enemy and the martial artist or someone else. This technique is useful when needing to create a quick escape and secure a path out of harm's way. It’s a strong, forceful pushing strike using the palm of the hand. It’s said that the initial creator of this technique paved the mountain paths using this technique and boulders.

Wind Walking: A breathing technique that heightens the user's focus to increase their speed. It's said that this is the technique used by the Jīn to scale the sacred mountain so quickly.

Eight Rivers: This technique is most useful when cornered by multiple opponents or facing tougher enemies. The martial artist is able to match the enemy's pace and flow to strategically place counters and various other strikes. One of the harder techniques to master as the user must remain calm and focused in the midst of many opponents or someone proving to be quite the challenge.

Aeirial Lift: One of the few techniques that call on the assistance of the elements. This move allows the user to borrow the wind and take multiple steps within the air. While useful to gain height for other attacks or to reach high objects, it slows down one’s speed and leaves the user vulnerable to projectiles should they not be wary. Much like skipping stones, the more the skill is practiced, the more steps one can take. But, one too many steps can be the martial artist’s downfall.

Guardian Spirit: A large, bronze-colored lion dog by the name of Zhōng. Frightening at first, but a loyal spirit with a strong drive to guard and protect. Throughout the Jīn clan, it is a common guardian spirit. Zhōng is identical to Jīn Jìngxī's guardian spirit.