The Abyss [Epic]

[Skulking Shinzu]

A grand prize. A great beast. A kingdom swallowed by turmoil and inner conflict. Rumours of these trivialities make their way to your ears. Individually, both your halves have no interest in these words. Words carried by the wind. Words uttered by passing strangers. Words scribed onto notes and discarded pieces of paper. Together, however, the constant bombardment of information reminds you of your past. Of a better time. Of a worse time. For one reason or another, you find it impossible to ignore the rumours any longer.

As if entranced by a Siren’s Call, you follow the trail of whispers to the Land of Whirlpools. A single step into the soil breaks both your hearts. You know what lays beyond. You escaped your father’s fate by fleeing. What good awaits by returning? The winter breeze strikes down on your exposed flesh with unnatural cruelty. A degree colder, and it would feel like knives of ice flaying flesh. Of course, why would this halt your journey? By boat, flight or any other mode of transport you are capable of mustering, both your forms traverse the oddly-calm waters towards familiar land. Towards your birth right. The land of the perpetually setting sun.

Anor Londo awaits.

[Starnaess]

A cold gust going through their clothes,a solid yet scarred and dead terrain under their feet - their mind racing through old and warm memories, the pair walked through lands that were once familiar to them but that now  seemed like meeting a stranger for the first time. Almost as if they had been called there - the twins and their family walked one next to the other through these unrecognizable lands. Their pace was rather calm and slow as if they wanted to take in their  surroundings trying to remind themselves of their past, almost as if that could somehow  make them recognize these lands  that seemed to have changed so much in the past two decades.

The twins wore their usual noble clothing, blue and white fabric woven into one another giving them a very noble figure - that paired with their many jewelry and ornaments truly made them stand out compared to the rest of their group. The pair , on top of  Ukko - were guarded by the right side from Galadriel, who wore a simple , plain white robe - black leather boots and gloves, a fur coat that matched the color of the robe and a hoodie with black fur and on her back a simple steel sword. On their left side Uryen, wearing a rather heavy kimono made to keep its cultural look while keeping his body warm in the colder climates. A normal steel sword on his left him with his left hand on to pof the hild while the right  tried to adjust his long white beard as the wind moved it around.

Afriel stood in front of them, bow on her back - Brown fur cloak with a brownish leather shirt paired with both legs boots and gloves of the same color and material.

The group did not know why the twins decided to go explore these lands, but to them it seemd as if something was calling out to them. They dared not to ask for they were not the kind to question their leader's decisions but ,somehow, they felt unease exploring these lands.

[Skulking Shinzu]

The edge of the coast greets you with dull grey sand. It is obvious ash has been mixed in with the particles, giving it an odd texture. Dense brown clouds of smog seem to sweep the land repeatedly. This isn’t the land you know. Where you remember pristine white beaches now stand rusted metal constructs. The architecture is unrecognisable. Definitely not the work of Anor Londians. Both your halves glance up at the sky. Instead of hope, all you see are ash clouds obscuring the sky. Not quite dense enough to cover the land in pitch-blackness, but enough to hide the sun.

Your merry group of misfits sense no signs of life around you. Whatever these large rusted monuments are, they have not stood up to the test of time. You feel inclined to explore and identify what exactly they are. However, as you peer into the horizon, you see the faint outlines of more scattered across the distance. There seems to be no end to them. Beyond the mountain tops, you vaguely recollect the path to your precious kingdom. A path, you know is paved with peril. Glancing around further, you remember what your father taught you. ‘Always stay beside the coast.’ The journey would be longer… Almost twice as much. However, who are you to not heed the words of a king?

[Starnaess]

The voice of their father echoed in their memories almost as if he stood beside them, one hand on their shoulder while the other pointed toward their destination. They knew about the dangers of the island and while they were not afraid of them - they were not so full of themselves to underestimate them either. So , for now, the twins and their group decided to heed the wise words of their now deceased father. Walking on the disfigured sand that was once white - the group kept themselves to the coastline, with the intention of circling around the island.

The mood of the group was rather calm - Galadriel and Afriel were talking to eachother, pointing toward various bizzarre things they had never seen in order to show them to eachother. Every now and then a seashell could be spotted among the metal scraps that seemed to have infested the beach like ghosts in an old and abandoned town.

Uryen would keep his hand on the sword at all times. He was too old to be moved by never seen structures or even places. All he could see was possible retreat paths - vantage points , paths they should avoid in order not to get ambushed.

Ukko would instead slow her pace down , due to her size a single step of hers would greatly outpace those of her companions. The twins, on her top, would simply stare at the land that was once theirs but that now seemed to have been completly ruined.

[Deleted]

The coast is silent and ugly. Ruined by ruins. Its sand is mostly the fragmented amassing of rubble. The others in your party cope with the gray smear of the crumbling land edge with calm. The seashells they find are glassy and bright. Caked in grit. Absent evidence of a living thing having made them its home. The stillness that persists despite the groups exploration is broken by the onset of movement.

Fifty four meters north-northeast of Uryen's position, something disturbs a half-rotten stub of old tree. Its husk should simply lie still in the wreckage of its death, atop a far off spread of stones. But it trembles, against the weak push of the wind, at intervals too purposed to be natural. Something is in it, perhaps, underneath it. Using it to hide. Like a half-moon of silver beneath it, the metal girder of some unknown machine construct. An opening or a shutting out.

The wind carries a mournful, pained nuance. A breathless dirge. Only the strange bit of tree seems to still cling to the irregularity of life.

[Starnaess]

The group walked together - one guarding the other , scouting ahead. They did not trust these lands, even though they  once were their home. Uryen would be the first to notice - a strange looking tree, making movements just as strange, unnatural ones at that. "Look over there, masters!" said the old men as he pointed toward the tree's direction. It was obvious that something was going on, they just did not know what. Approacing it what could easily turn out int oa dangerous situation carelessly, was not their style - and from what little they could discern from that distance, something seemed to be  inside of it or underneath it. Keeping roughly twenty meters away from the tree, Aldritch spoke "Stay here, i will check it out - make sure nothing comes toward us while i investigate" He said calmly to the others. He carefully and stealthly as possible approached the tree while using whatever natural advantage he could as cover to better improve his odds of stealth,

making sure there were no traps near him or possible toxins in the air as he approached. If everything went smoothly he would try to discern what was inside the tree - and just what was happening overall.

using

/observation

/stealth

/investigate

/trap finding

/tracking

/sense motive

/auto find poisons

/autofind traps

stealth  230
acting 215
disguise  250
sleight of hand  170
observation  185
sense motive  180
leadership130
jumpgood 180
tracking185
trap finding 215
investigate  125

• Trap Sense 10 TP
Rank: "C"
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: User can sense nearby traps even if they are not actively searching for them.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: If the user passes within 5 meters of a trap, user is entitled to an Observation Check to notice it as if they were actively looking for it.
Limit: Must learn from Universal Miscellaneous. Must have Art Appreciation (Traps) (125 points). Must have Observation (125 points).

Poison Sense 10 TP
Rank: "C"
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: User gains an uncanny instinct for detecting substances.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: User can instantly sense the presence of any Poison within a 2-meter radius. User can determine the source but not the type of Poison.
Limit: Must be an Alchemist.

[Deleted]

No traps spring suddenly into the senses, and there are none in the surrounding area, nor in or hidden within the stump of tree. The myriad skills utilized are sufficient to determine that the sliver of metal is a half-buried metal tube, barely one person wide. It is a grated fence leading to this coast from parts unknown, with something like an exhaust fan whirring slowly deeper down. From twenty meters away, the bulk of your misfit pack can surmise only that something is definitely jostling the tree. Once within 5 meters of it, Aldrich can simply feel that there is something poisonous - quite poisonous in fact - very close by.

From behind its rotting mass a strange frog-like creature hops. Its back leg appears to have been mangled by many small blade slashes.  It is covered in what looks like dried blood and waste, stark and tarnished. It is almost as large as a fully grown man, roughly 5 feet in height, and sturdily built.  It seems to be too girthy to have come from the pipe itself.  It is albino, pale and pink-eyed. It lands three meters in front of Aldrich with a bored expression and makes a sound something between a belch and a fart from its puffed up jowls, taking all of you in with slow swivels of its neck.

On its forehead, is a tiny black five pointed star.

SPOILER: Click to show

"Bwicky"
Diplocaulus
Rank: "S"
Type: Uncommon, Medium, Animal
Effect: Amphibians, treated as guard dogs by the Hoshigaki and fish-people. Can natural perform shunshin.
Special: Preparation: ---; Duration: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: These large amphibians are holdovers from a lost age. Hoshigaki breed them as a mammalian race would a guard dog or bloodhound. It is unknown how the fish-people get these creatures to respond to their commands, but they make great use of the diplocaulus's heightened senses to find food and enemies. Whether tamed or wild, a diplocaulus uses the same hunting strategy; a lightning fast lunge of tearing teeth. They prefer to drag their prey into the water to feed. Their voracious appetite, aggressive nature, and strange appearance have earned the diplocaulus the title “killer newts.” Some less reputable neighbors of the Hoshigaki have been known to purchase these creatures, starve them, and pit them against one another. Hoshigaki view this practice to be strongly abhorrent, and will often organize large recue parties to save these creatures from this cruel fate. Unfortunately, “killer newt fighting” is still gaining in popularity, regardless of their benefactors’ plight and the tendency for at least one handler to lose life or limb during this heinous event. A Diplocaulus can shunshin forward 3 times per day. Diplocaulus can hold their breath (10+(2 per Indomitable Fortitude)) x5 rounds.
Yields: Meat of Diplocaulus is edible.
Diet: Carnivore;Intelligence Animal; Activity: Any; Alignment: Neutral; Organization: Solitary; Number Appearing: 1; Region: River; Identification: Average; Cultivation: Average; Skills: ---; Innate Abilities: Blindsight 20 meters. Low-light vision. Scent. Amphibious. Hold Breath. Shunshin.
Limit: Must know Creature Lore for River Regions. 50% chance in finding.

[Starnaess]

The instant Aldritch felt like poison was around, thanks to her requip seal - an helmet with a filter mask appeared on his face. This helmet would not only protect Aldritch from possible poison in the air, but would also check up on his current vitals from her on out until he wore it. The pipe underneath the tree, after being analyzed - appeared to be a rather deep one, with some sort of ventilation system underneath, but before they could inspect it further - a strange albino looking frog jumped out of nowhere and landed roughly three meters near Aldritch. As his head turned to face the frog, he wasnt impressed.

The creature not only didnt look smart but it also looked rather weak - and ,as always, his first thought was - "Im going to kill it." However his train of thought was suddently deviated as Afriel screamed "So Cute!". he had been thinking of gifting her a pet for a while now but he just could not find the right one , perhaps this frog was fated to encounter them. Regardless, Aldritch still h ad to deal with the situation. He did not know much about these type of frogs, nor had he  ever encounter one before, but regardless of what tricks the creature held up his immaginary sleeves - he knew one thing , a punch is still a punch and one of his definetly hurts.

His right foot would briefly step sideways as his entire body lowered just enough to make him look as if he was about to sprint. This split  second motion was then followed by a forward rush at the creature with the intent of punching it right in the stomach. Thanks to his jump good training, the speed of the rush against the creature would be rather impressive, so much so that as the group watched him move, they all felt impressed.

Mask summoned:

SPOILER: Click to show

Fang of the Wolf (Helmet Pristine)
Rank: "S"
Type: Main, Protection, Armour
Effect: Armour created to protect the head of the wearer.
Special: Flashlight, Battery Flood x2, Rebreather, Gas Mask, Zooming Vision x20, X-Ray Vision, Underwater Vision, Infravision Lens, Night-vision Vision, Lie-Detector Lenses, Condition Viewing Vision, Camera Vision, Anti-Flash Lenses, Anti-Flash Lenses, Goggles, Covert Listening Device x4. User gets +10 resistance to fire.
Drawback: Helmet gives -10 to observation.
Description: Forged by the White Wolf in the magical fires of his forge he created a mask designed to conceal the identity of the user. While the mask alone only covers the face the user can press a button and have the mask cover the users entire head as a full helm. Designed to invoke fear in anyone who can see the mask when the words are spoken. When the words are spoken all members in the audience must a will save of 35 or be rendered frightened and run away in fear. The lenses on the visors themselves give the user the ability to cycle through several viewing lenses and styles. The mask also can take pictures, record video and audio as well as leave bugs to record audio themselves.
Armour Class: 3.
Limit: Crafted By Shiki Senri, The white wolf.
Cost: 128,875 Ryo each.

Seal Used:

SPOILER: Click to show

Requip Seal
Rank: "S"
Skill: Fūinjutsu
Effect: The seal and activation technique that allows the user to instantaneously transport equipment to and from a pocket dimension.
Special: ----
Drawback: ---
Description: The seal used for Requip. This specially designed seal allows the user to teleport objects to and from a dimensional pocket. The seal can be applied to any item that is medium, or smaller through physical contact. Applying the seal is a 1 minute movement. The seal glows faintly for a moment before disappearing, becoming transparent to any visual eye. This seal acts as a bond from the item to the user. Each time performed consumes 1 Charge of Requip Seal. This only works on inanimate objects (not creatures).
Requip - Duration: Instantaneous. Range: Up to 3,000 Miles (Use Naruto Geography Thread). Range is only applicable if user is not within range of the item within the realm of the user's location. This does not apply to the dimensional pocket. This technique allows the user to store items in a pocket dimension so they can easily summon it at any time, even during battle, which gives them a high level of flexibility in combat. Summoning an item from the Dimensional Pocket equals to a "D" Rank weaving movement. With the same movement the user may replace an item they are holding or wearing. Placing an object into the dimensional pocket takes no movements. User may sacrifice multiple weaving movements to summon multiple objects (example: multiple armour pieces, 2 or more swords, etc.) in a single movement.
Gate of Babylon: Duration: Instantaneous and Concentration. Range: 7 meter radius sphere centered around the user and 7 meters + 6 meters per Class Level attack range. Also known as Divine Gate. A broader version of Requip, built as an attack. The user connects to the space of reality to their dimensional pocket, opening an invisible door that allows for the contents inside the dimensional portal to pass through upon the user's command. Range of effect is 7 meter radius sphere centered around the user. Performing this attack is an "S" Rank weaving movement. When completed the weapons appear and the user may release all of the weapons as a single attack, shooting them at a straight line with a distance of 7 meters + 6 meters per Class Level. Each weapon deals weapon damage (including material damage, or any Enhancement Seal that increases damage). Objects within range of effect may be teleported back into the dimensional portal at a rate of "D" Rank weaving movement per item. User may sacrifice multiple weaving movements to summon multiple objects (example: multiple armour pieces, 2 or more swords, etc.) in a single movement.


Limit: Must know Requip.

Techs used

SPOILER: Click to show

• Great Leap 50 TP
Rank: "B"
Skill: TaiJutsu
Effect: A user can jump without a running start.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: This technique enables the user to make long jumps without a running start and grants a +20 bonus to Jump Good.
Limit: Must learn from Universal TaiJutsu. Must know Legendary Leaper.

Improved Unarmed Strike 5 TP

Rank: "E"
Skill: TaiJutsu
Effect: User is skilled at fighting while unarmed.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: User is considered to be armed even unarmed. User's unarmed strikes can deal lethal or nonlethal damage, at the user's choice.
Limit: Universal TaiJutsu Technique.


• Trap Sense 10 TP
Rank: "C"
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: User can sense nearby traps even if they are not actively searching for them.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: If the user passes within 5 meters of a trap, user is entitled to an Observation Check to notice it as if they were actively looking for it.
Limit: Must learn from Universal Miscellaneous. Must have Art Appreciation (Traps) (125 points). Must have Observation (125 points).

Poison Sense 10 TP
Rank: "C"
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: User gains an uncanny instinct for detecting substances.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: User can instantly sense the presence of any Poison within a 2-meter radius. User can determine the source but not the type of Poison.
Limit: Must be an Alchemist.

Skills used

SPOILER: Click to show

/jumpgood
/observation
/stealth
/investigate
/trap finding
/tracking
/sense motive
/auto find poisons
/autofind traps

stealth 230
acting 215
disguise 250
sleight of hand 170
observation 185
sense motive 180
leadership130
jumpgood 180
tracking185
trap finding 215
investigate 125

[Deleted]

As Aldritch leaves the ground to pounce from the 5 meters separating them, the Diplocaulus moves as well. Though your jump occurs quite fast, boosted by your considerable skill in the area, the animal only notices your intention to get closer to it, and reacts through instinct at the moment your feet are airborne. Your strike to its stomach misses as it shunshins underneath you during your passage to its previous position. It's utilization of this innate ability brings it to a halt only five meters from its previous position, though this is five meters closer to your traveling companions.

The Diplocaulus is not overtly hostile, however, and it has moved only enough to prevent contact with you as you land behind it. Your senses indicates that the poison you detected earlier is still in the exact same location - it is coming from the vent itself. Though the Diplocaulus is covered in the dregs of unknown toxins, it is not the source of them. You have arrived close enough to the vent now to begin smelling a foul odor emanating from it. This odor lingers on the creature as well. It swivels its head to look at Aldritch blankly, makes a disconcerting throat sound in your direction, and then tries to waddle quickly towards the nearby waters.

[/b] Innate Ability - Shunshin
[/ul]

[Starnaess]

Seeing the frog shunshin away from him, AL was surprised. He did not expect such an ability from a simple animal. Regardless of that, as soon as his feet landed onto the ground he decided to make a shunshin of his own Following the frog. Once near it, he would attempt the same thing/ punch it without killing it with the intention of knocking it unconscious with a single powerful punch, and if the frog shunshinned away he would follow it until he caught up with her sure that his stamina would far outmatch that of a simple frog.

The rest of the group stood at a distance, watching the fight and as always keeping their guard up. Just in case, gwyndolin decided to surround her party with a sphere of tenkai.

[Deleted]

The Diplocaulus is surprised by your pursuit, and shunshins twice more, to the limit of its innate ability. However, its direction has reversed. As you will not allow it to go to water, it retreats to the only place like safety it has known. It arrives at the vent opening after a quick blurring flash back, and it is obvious given its coloration that something has changed. The tiny black star that dots its forehead has spawned duplicates. Hundreds of them. It's body is covered now in the tiny black stars, which spread over its skin and envelop it as it nears the broken open metal.

When you arrive just instants after, extending out to punch at its body, the Diplocaulus earns its true name.

The creature is shrunken. Barely a fifth its original size. Its body looks like a crudely cut rectangle covered in thin splotches of white, where the black stars marring its flesh have fattened and are so great and number they have made it like a thing of shadow. Tiny areas of bunched and overlapping scale raise a blister-like pattern of oddly geometric protrusions. It looks like a brick made of coal.

Your fist connects with it, but somehow its weight has not diminished. It it capable of withstanding the force of your mundane blow, and does so without even being knocked back. Though the rigid surface of its body cracks and flakes beneath the intrinsic strength of your strike, it is able to slip back down the strange metal contraption it crawled out of. Back into the center of the mass of poison you are able to detect. It quivers in fright at the bottom of what looks like a pile of sewage.

Your companions Tenkai successfully surrounds your party.