A Frozen Marsh

[Y]

Winter in the land of Waterfall was not as severe as my native land's, but it did still have its strength. I walked in what I could only assume was the wetlands of some tributary to a major river. However, the ground had frozen solid; my footsteps were answered by a gentle crunch rather than the splashing sounds of mud.

Dusk was nearly upon me, and the air was cooling rapidly. Perhaps here I would pitch my camp tonight? I did not know the region, but I figured there was little in this part of the world that could truly threaten me. To be safe, of course, my headband resided in my field pack. The forces of Konoha need not know of my presence here. My cloak wrapped my body, obscuring my form, although I doubted I could be recognised. In my bag clinked away two small empty vials I carried, and sat my tactical transceiver, along with my maps of the Fire Nation and old Yuki no Kuni. 

In the distance, I thought I saw some form moving. I wondered, for a brief second, whether there were ghouls or other monsters in this part of the continent. I surely hoped not. But, if there were, I would stand vigilantly against them. The Jugan race was a friend of Nix, or so the lord of Yukigakure said. So I peered across the plain, wondering what was beyond the trees.

[Spectre of the Falls(Kuroki)]

(OOC: Sorry, It took me so long.)

The cold winter air carried a rare icy mist with it. And out of the mist drew out one of the guardians of the Land of Waterfalls. Though here was just a frozen marsh, Kuroki was on the look out for the evil dead or those that would violate the borders of his lands. He ghosted upon a lone figure in a cloak. He had been watching for a mark or two it was time to see what the cloak man had for business out in the deep marshes.

"Your business?" Rasped a whispery croaked voice that echoed eerily. Appearing in the woods one could make out the outline of a large figure that was indistinct against the mist. He flow through the trees like they were not even there. Around the Lone Yuki native appeared thirteen fireballs that looked like the souls of the dead. Hitoma they were sometimes known. They could lead to safety or doom.

The six foot one figure was dressed in dark garb of a large trench coat without sleeves. Across his chest was a bandolier that appeared full of various implements. His dark shirt and pants blended nicely into the dusk becoming night. His arms were odd though as they looked like dusky bone in the shape of muscular arms. One could see the hint of a mask though of the face deep in the recesses of his hood of the coat. This was an odd imposing man who had appeared to question him.

The large boots he wore should have made some sound but none was made at all. Not a blade of grass or impression in the frost was made. His hands though were covered in black finger-less gloves with reinforced knuckles. The dark metal studs on his gloves revealed to be in the shapes of skulls, one was of better quality than the other. His fingers seemed to be wrapped in some sort of wire. Attached to his leg was rig of some sort holding, a pair of knives and a pair of Kunai dulled with soot to darken their reflections. His bandoleer carried what looked like his tools of work or fun. Their was a selection of six yo-yo's, though only one was strung up with a silk bundle of string. A pouch of what could be caltrops, and couple pouches each of Bo and Hira Shuriken was in that bandoleer.

Hanging in another pouch of that bandoleer was a walkie talkie. In more pouches was flint, a flash light, a electronic compass, a base-plate compass, and a glass cutter. Then one could see his sleeveless trench coat was sized to his frame. In the pockets of it was another pair of knives and another pair of kunai. What little that could be seen in the shadows of his hood was a three quarters mask that had an integrated goggles. Only a corner of his face was left uncovered though it could be apart of the mask for all one could tell.Hidden that bandoleer because it deserved another look would also be about ten vials and even a small glass container. This man was completely silent in his movements even though everything said a man that big and equipped should make sound.

SPOILER: Click to show

Density Manipulation - set to incorporeal
Rank: "S"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: User is able to increase or decrease their density, granting them the following abilities.
Special: To perform: 12 hour; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: User may only use one of these at a time.
Description: Internal - Takes up 6 Augmentation Points. Reduce Density: Gain the ability to become incorporeal. Increase Density: User can gain Damage Reduction equal to 2 per Class Level. Furthermore this Damage Reduction stacks with any other form of Damage Reduction the user might already posses, including Techniques, Armour, Rituals, and Traits. User may use this ability a number of times equal to 2 per Class Level per day.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 48,000 Ryo Performing Price: 36,000 Ryo

Chameleon Skin
Rank: "C"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: Target's skin (or chitin, fur, or scales) can change color to match their surroundings.
Special: To perform: 12 hours; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: When the Target moves, there will be a man-shaped, "bubble" in the air.
Description: Internal - Takes up 1 Augmentation Point. Target's skin (or chitin, fur, or scales) warps light around the Target and projects a hologram of the wall behind it over top of the bent light, rendering the Target invisible. The Chameleon Skin is a thin layer of skin placed over the Target's and attached making it the Target's own. When the Target moves they will bubble in the air making them difficult to be noticed but possible. User gains a Ritual bonus +20 against an Observer’s Observation.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 12,000 Ryo Performing Price: 9,000 Ryo

Exoskeleton
Rank: "A"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: A thick exoskeleton forms over the user's skin.
Special: To perform: 12 hour; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: A creature with fur, scales, or the Scaly Armour Augmentation cannot gain this Augmentation.
Description: Internal - Takes up 5 Augmentation Points. A thick exoskeleton forms over the user's skin. The exoskeleton usually consists of interlocking plates of bone or chitin covering 90% or more of the user's body. User gains a +3 Natural Armour bonus, or their existing Natural Armour Bonus improves by 3.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 35,000 Ryo Performing Price: 26,000 Ryo

Redundant Organs
Rank: "B"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: User's body is equipped with various redundant systems.
Special: To perform: 3 hours; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: ---
Description: Internal - Takes up 3 Augmentation Points. Losing an organ is seldom fatal. User also gains a +10 Armour Points protection against Damage. Once this protection is gone the user must rest before it is re-applied.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 23,000 Ryo Performing Price: 17,000 Ryo

Unnatural Voice (eerie, echo like quality, sounds like from beyond the grave)
Rank: "C"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: The Target's voice is altered in some marked fashion.
Special: To perform: 1 hour; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: ---
Description: Internal - Takes up 0 Augmentation Points. This ritual alters the vocal cords of the Target's throat. It might change pitch or become more lyrical, raspy, whispery, or guttural. Change is determined prior to the performance of the Ritual. Target may alter their voice with this ritual 3 times. A 4th time will result in loss of vocal usage.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 12,000 Ryo Performing Price: 4,000 Ryo

Luminous Eyes
Rank: "C"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: Target's eyes glow faintly, generating an eerie colored light at the Target's discretion.
Special: To perform: 2 hours; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: ---
Description: Internal - Takes up 0 Augmentation Points. The Target's eyes glow, but do not provide any illumination. At will, the Target may deactivate this Augmentation so as not to interfere with their hiding abilities in dark areas.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 12,000 Ryo Performing Price: 4,000 Ryo

Unnatural Eyes (Black pits)
Rank: "C"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: The color of the Target's eyes change drastically.
Special: To perform: 2 hours; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: Cannot alter Bloodlimit Eyes, cannot alter Normal Eyes to have Bloodlimit Eyes.
Description: Internal - Takes up 0 Augmentation Points. An Augmentation Ritual which alters the Target's eyes to a color of the target's choice prior to the ritual performance. The color, whatever it may be, is unnatural and atypical of the Target's species. Perhaps the Target's eyes turn dead black, maybe they change color to suit the Target's mood, or perhaps they glow faintly in the dark.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 12,000 Ryo Performing Price: 4,000 Ryo

Aura of Misfortune
Rank: "C"
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: The user gives an uncontrolled aura that weakens anyone around them including the user.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: All creatures (including the user) within 3 meters of the user are subject to a -2 profane penalty to their Saves. This penalty increases to -3 at "C" Class, and increases by an additional -1 every Class Level thereafter (Maximum -5). This Ability functions only while the user is conscious, not if they are unconscious or dead.
Limit: Must start with Character; replaces 1 Freebies.

Necrotic Aura
Rank: "C"
Skill: Faith Trait
Effect: Their exposure to the necromantic arts has strengthened your defenses against its vile rot.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: The user gains a +1 trait bonus on Saves against Jutsus from Necromancy, they also gain a +10 Armour Points in defense against negative energy damage. This trait replaces 1 Freebies.
Limit: Must start with Character; replaces 1 Freebies.

O Ni Bi En (Will-o-the Wisp Circle)
Rank: C
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: Creates a ring of dancing flames around the target that confuse and disorientate them.
Special: Handseals, holding the last seal. Must have performed Gōsuto Hikari (Ghost-light) before using.
Drawback: User can give away their location if used carelessly. Must be within the given range of Gōsuto Hikari (Ghost-light).
Description: The user performs the handseals and creates twelve more balls of flame in the same manner as Gōsuto Hikari (Ghost-light). The user then sends these flames towards the target and forms a circle around them. Channeling their chakra into the balls of flame, the user causes them to move around in a slow circle around the target, almost like the flames are dancing. Occasionally these flames will wink out of sight only to reappear again a few moments later. The flames gradually speed up with each round that passes. The bright, moving lights along with the blinking are designed to confuse and disorientate foes, leaving them dizzy and addled. The circle encompasses a five meter circumference, increasing in size by three meters per class level the user is above "D". The user may control the movement of the flames so that the circle stays around the target.
Limit: Fire release. Must know Gōsuto Hikari (Ghost-light), must know O Ni Bi (Will-o-the Wisp).

O Ni Bi (Will-o-the Wisp)
Rank: C, additional D rank
Skill: Ninjutsu, supplementary
Effect: Gives the Gōsuto Hikari (Ghost-light) the ability to give off a more prominent and appealing light, letting people see it even in genjutsu induced darkness.
Special: Handseals
Drawback: ---
Description: This jutsu gives the Gōsuto Hikari (Ghost-light) a stronger and more appealing light, allowing it to be seen easier in the dark and giving off a sense of "warmth" that draws those looking at it closer to the flame. This also allows the Gōsuto Hikari (Ghost-light) to be seen through genjutsu induced darkness, though blinding genjutsu are unaffected. The first time learned the user learns how to actually make the flame more alluring without it being a normal flame. The second time learned the user learns how to project it through genjutsu.
Limit: Fire release. Must learn Gōsuto Hikari (Ghost-light) before learning.

Shadowskin
Rank: "D"
Skill: GenJutsu
Effect: User's skin takes on the dark and indistinct tones of shadow.
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: ---
Description: Affects anyone who sees the user. The user is able to perform this technique on the user. The duration of this technique lasts for 50 minutes per class level. User must have the equivalent of at least 1/4 concealment from lack of light to make this Jutsu work.
Limit: Must know the Glamour or Shadow Perception.

Umbral Aura
Rank: "C"
Skill: GenJutsu
Effect: Shadow energies wreathe the subject of this Jutsu in a protective aura that stretches 1 foot from the subject's body.
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: ---
Description: Affects anyone who sees a willing creature. The user is able to perform this technique on the target they touch. The duration of this technique lasts for 5 hours per class level. Shadow energies wreathe the subject of this Jutsu in a protective aura that stretches 1 foot from the subject's body. This protective aura grants the subject the following benefits: While under the affects of the umbral aura, the subject of the Jutsu acts as if he is 1/4th cover (due to the quasi real nature of the aura) and is considered to be under 1/4th concealment (10% miss chance). In addition, the umbral aura provides the subject a +20 to Stealth checks. The umbral aura does not interfere with the subject's sight. If an opponent attacks with a melee weapon and misses their Will Save by 2 or more, the umbral aura is hit instead and takes damage from the Jutsu used in the attack. Area of effect Jutsus also damage the aura, but as long as the subject fails their Save by more than 1 the aura only takes half/damage. When created the umbral aural has an amount of Armour Points equal to the user’s Armour Points from other Techniques including Temporary Armour Points.
Limit: Must know the Shadow Perception.

Controlled Soul
Rank: "D"
Skill: NinJutsu
Effect: User's soul can adapt souls to temperatures normal people could not handle.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: A personal or touched based technique. Works on 1 creature at a time. Duration of the Jutsu is 5 hours per Class Level. A creature protected by Controlled Soul suffers no harm from being in a hot or cold environment. It can exist comfortably in conditions between -50 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit (-45 and 60 degrees Celsius). The creature's equipment is likewise protected. Controlled Soul des not provide any protection against other environmental hazards such as smoke, lack of air, and so forth. User also gains 10 fire and cold resistance (this stacks with any they may have already).
Limit: Must be a Soulcaster.

Lofted Stride
Rank: "D"
Skill: NinJutsu
Effect: User gains the ability to walk on water and do it silently.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: User's soul grabs hold of their body and holds it just off of the ground making their movements much more quiet. The target of this Jutsu is personal. Duration is 5 hours per Class Level. By performing this Jutsu the user gains the effects of walking on any liquid as if it were firm ground. Mud, oil, snow, quicksand, running water, and even lava can be traversed easily, since the subjects’ feet hover an inch or two above the surface. (Creatures crossing molten lava still take damage from the heat because they are near it.) The subjects can walk, run, charge, or otherwise move across the surface as if it were normal ground. Does not leave footprints. User also gains a +10 per Class Level to Stealth due to the silent running.
Limit: Must be a Soulcaster.

Eyes of the Planes
Rank: "D"
Skill: NinJutsu
Effect: Gain Low-light vision and see invisible.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: A personal based technique. Works on 1 creature at a time. Duration of the Jutsu is 5 hours per Class Level. User stumble on a way to change their soul's eyes so they are more like the eyes of planar creatures. Since they are a reflection of their own soul their eyes change as well. User gains the ability of low-light vision and can see auras of invisible creatures (issuing invisible creatures only a 20% concealment). User also sees lingering auras where living creatures have touched solid objects much like a footprint. These lingering auras only last for 2 rounds and fade away.
Limit: Must be a Soulcaster.

Kirigakure no Jutsu (Hidden Mist Skill)
Rank: "C" Rank
Skill: NinJutsu
Effect: A Skill where a user uses the water around them to create a massive mist to fill around the user.
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: ---
Description: A skill which creates a very dense fog that descreases the surrounding visibility to near zero. It produces an environment perfect for a silent assassin who follows an opponent through sound. This mist can not be blown away by any type of Wind Jutsu.
Limit: Water Release

[Y]

SPOILER: Click to show

OOC: No problem, man. But, could you do me a favor and quote jutsu in the future? 

---

So this was the type of thing which lurked in the mists? Turning, I would size up the figure in a glance. A strange one it was, to be certain, a slight bit taller than me, and a fair bit larger. It's decor was that of a spook or a hunter of wicked things, or perhaps merely one who enjoyed the aesthetic of fear. Masks, bandoliers, bulges which could only be weapons, and a raspy voice to boot - a man who thrived on the fear of the dark. But no Jugan man could truly know darkness: only those who have gazed upon the day-long dark of the arctic climes could truly understand it.

But, this fellow, who I now knew to be a caster of some sort, brought also with him a form of light. He would procure around me a little over a dozen orbs of near-harmless seeming fiery orbs. An unskilled man might mistake these for the power of some spirit, but a skilled studier of the lore of chakra such as myself [Trivial Skill check: 1d100 - 90 vs 125 +10] would be able to identify this jutsu as Ghost Light Circle, a technique from the famed Fire Release.  I'd also know that the technique was not particularly powerful, and that one who depends upon it would be little threat to myself. So I replied accordingly.

"I am traveling in this land seeking to understand it. I request that you dismiss your Ghost Lights this instant, so we may discuss peacefully, or else you will face the wrath of a Nixian spellcaster."

Knowing that this was a potentially dangerous situation, I prepared to cast a jutsu, just to be safe. Using my superior understanding of chakra, I prepared to cast without movements a force related technique which would bolster my defenses against a potential attack. Unless I received an immediate reply in the affirmative to my ultimatum, I would bolster my defenses and begin my attack. I could not trust foreigners like this, unless they demonstrated excellent respect.

I felt my chakra welling up in side of me as I examined the figure in the fading light. One who wore so many decorations... let us see if his desired aura of fear interferes with his ability to make peace.

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Chakra Lore
Rank: "D"
Skill: Skill
Effect: A skill for basic Chakra Jutsu understanding allowing the user to identify and read all Chakra matters.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: A person versed in Chakra Lore knows the basic principles behind Chakra. They are tuned in to secrets about the world around them that most others do not and know how to read Chakra Scrolls or Writings. They may not be able to perform Jutsus, but they can read Chakra Writings and generally tell what it is all about. Some practical applications of Chakra Lore follow: Identifying Jutsus, Identifying Chakra Items, and Deciphering Scrolls. Look in Jutsu Lore Skills thread found in the Skills and Traits Index for more information. Each time learned user gets 5 die roll to increase the skill.
Limit: ---

Chakra Armour, Greater [Prepared]
Rank: "C"
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: An improved version of Chakra Armour.
Special: ---
Drawback: Does not stack with Armour.
Description: Affects 1 creature touched. A supplementary technique that increases the Hardness of Chakra Armour. User creates an invisible but tangible field of force around the subject of the Jutsu. It provides them Armour giving them a hardness bonus of +15. As a force effect, this armour bonus applies normally against touch attacks and attacks from incorporeal creatures.
Limit: Must be a Shape Transformation Specialist. Must know Chakra Armour, Improved.

Still Jutsu
Rank: "S"
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: User can perform Jutsus without moving.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: A Stilled Jutsu can be performed with no Handseals. Jutsus without Handseal components are not affected. Still Jutsu cannot be reduced by Efficient Jutsu Enhancement Technique, Easy Jutsu Enhancement Technique and similar Jutsus. Jutsu Handseal/Chakra Increase: 1 Rank.
Limit: Must learn from Universal NinJutsu.

OOC: Technically, you could make me roll for my chakra lore check, for that 1% chance I failed to identify. Up to you though.

[Spectre of the Falls(Kuroki)]

Kuroki raised an eye ridge as he allowed the mist to absorb them completely and removed the warming light of the ghost lights. He seemingly vanished from sight when he did so but it was what the figure had asked for. He wasn't inherently hostile at the moment so he was going to play nice for the moment. The shadows latched onto him making him even harder to see in the damning mist that swallowed all within and provided a chill. The Yuki native would feel even colder as Kuroki's aura washed through him as he approached with no fear of another caster.

"Nixian Caster means little human. You travel on the graves of many to understand this place why? Do you not know where your at?" His raspy eerie voice seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere. No hostile moves had been made but the terrain and area grew darker as the sun set. And the chill seemed more than just winter. Kuroki's eyes glowed for a second as he talked letting the man know where he stood which was just five meters away now.

In the shadows below the line of slight, wire moved silently along the ground around the Yuki. He was not all that trusting of the humans of the normal world. He was a half spirit himself or at least has been since reading the book of Necril that he did. Let see what a Nixian caster has to say now.

[Y]

The man was compliant with my initial requests, which I was respectful of. However, I examined his actions and movements and tone as carefully as possible. To be safe, I released my jutsu, bolstering my natural defenses and fortifying myself with an invisible armour. That, combined with my natural affinity for resisting chakra would help me against any attacks that this stranger made. I would prepare another technique; a hypnotic illusion, and if any violent attack of any form was made on me, I would cast it instantly.

I watched the man before me intently; if he were to use any sort of jutsu or technique, I would attempt to flex my knowledge of Rituals, Alchemy, Chakra and Divinity to predict the power before it went into use. Further, I would use my powers of observation to watch and see if he was moving in any sort of malicious way; a movement, and I would cast that paralysing jutsu, setting my target to 1 meter behind and 1 meter above the stranger, who I'd say was standing ten meters from me. If it were to happen, it would take the form of a bright, pulsating and chaotic pattern in the sky, designed to dampen the parts of the human mind in control of voluntary movement.

"I know precisely where I am, traveller. I seek only adventure in this part of the country, and to better obtain kinship with the Jugan people of Takigakure, as I am an emissary of their ally, Yukigakure. I ask this of you; retract your insult to me, and we may peacefully discuss my doings in this land. I meant not to dishonor the graves of any."

On the off chance I was compelled to cast that jutsu, I would also prepare to block any physical attacks made on me. I remembered carefully the specific set of handseals to summon an instantaneous barrier of force, which I would summon were any projectiles to come my way, and also the incantation for my mind to summon a barrier, were my hands to be rendered unusable. I was prepared, but I hoped I wouldn't need to be.

SPOILER: Click to show

Pattern of Paralysis
Rank: "A"
Skill: GenJutsu
Effect: User weaves a swirling pattern in the air before their victims; even if they cannot see it, they’re overcome by its Chakra.
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: ---
Description: A Mind-Affecting Technique. Affects anyone in a 10 meter radius emanation. The user is able to perform this technique at a distance of 7 meters plus 6 meters per class level. The duration of this technique lasts for 1 round per class level. This technique may be negated. This pattern causes the creatures caught in its area of effect to be subject to the Paralyzed condition for a number of rounds depending upon their Class Level.
"D" Class - Paralyzed for 4d4 rounds.
"C" Class - Paralyzed for 2d4 rounds.
"B" Class - Paralyzed for 1d4 rounds.
"A" and "S" Class - Paralyzed for 1 round.

Limit: Must know the Pattern Perception.

[Save is 10 + 7 (Rank) + 6 (Illusion Focus) + 3 (Jutsu Focus(Illusion)), or 29]

Instant Barrier
Rank: "C"
Skill: NinJutsu
Effect: User creates a barrier instantly for protection.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: User is able to perform this technique at a distance of 10 meters. This Jutsu evokes an invisible barrier of pure force at the desired location that lasts until the start of the user's next turn. This Jutsu has an effect of 3 meters high and 3 meters wide. The barrier must be formed so that its flat surface faces the user. An instant barrier is destroyed by any Jutsu or effect that destroys a Wall of Force. It can also be negated by Dispel Chakra and can be damaged by Jutsus as normal. Weapons attacks and abilities damage an instant barrier, but it has a hardness of 20 and Armour Points equal to 50 per Class Level. Breath weapons and Jutsus cannot pass through an instant barrier, though a spread effect can reach those behind it if a clear path is available. The Jutsu otherwise functions as a Wall of Force. Because of its name Instant Barrier can be evoked without sacrificing a movement, it can be used to cause a fireball to detonate early or to stop a charging creature in their tracks.
Limit: Must be a Shape Transformation Specialist. Must know Wall of Force.

[Class level is effective "S" +3, so wall has AP of 400.]

 

[Spectre of the Falls(Kuroki)]

Kuroki watched this human who had some power behind him. But he was puzzling what insult he gave for a moment. " What insult Yuki? Human are you not human? Or do you think yourself a Valkyrie like that child hunter, Gunnr. I know Koori had no illusions. If you mean no dishonor for all seriousness, there is a clearing but a few meters to the north. That is clear of the souls of the damned. Lets head there to continue this, ally of the Taki. Know this I am the Spectre of the Taki, I will judge if you speak truth. " His voice never really changed. But after a second the wires that were near invisible before were back in his hands like they had never left.

He suddenly and walked northward expecting the stranger to follow. With a few seals that were obscured by his body suddenly another ghost light appeared over his shoulder leading the way. This shadow man was definitely an odd one. The air became warmer as soon as he wasn't so close even though the temperature remained unchanged. " This land in which we step is steeped in the blood of thousands from far forgotten wars. We tread on the battlefields of old. The trail for travelers is further up"

SPOILER: Click to show

Gōsuto Hikari (Ghost-light)
Rank: C
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: Creates a small ball of flame that can be used to guide someone along or get them lost.
Special: Handseals
Drawback: User must be within a certain distance of the flame depending on their rank or else it will go out and the user will have to cast the jutsu again.
Description: The user makes the handseals and creates a small ball of flame in the air in front of them. The flame doesn't give off much heat at all and is not as hot as other fire. Touching this ball of flame will not burn the person touching it in the slightest. Similarly, the light this flame gives off is incredibly dull in comparison to other flames. When someone other than the user gets within a foot of this flame, it will disappear only to reappear two meters away in any direction, chosen by the user. User must be within twenty meters of the flame to keep it sustained, plus ten meters for every rank the user is above "D".
Limit: Fire release

O Ni Bi (Will-o-the Wisp)
Rank: C, additional D rank
Skill: Ninjutsu, supplementary
Effect: Gives the Gōsuto Hikari (Ghost-light) the ability to give off a more prominent and appealing light, letting people see it even in genjutsu induced darkness.
Special: Handseals
Drawback: ---
Description: This jutsu gives the Gōsuto Hikari (Ghost-light) a stronger and more appealing light, allowing it to be seen easier in the dark and giving off a sense of "warmth" that draws those looking at it closer to the flame. This also allows the Gōsuto Hikari (Ghost-light) to be seen through genjutsu induced darkness, though blinding genjutsu are unaffected. The first time learned the user learns how to actually make the flame more alluring without it being a normal flame. The second time learned the user learns how to project it through genjutsu.
Limit: Fire release. Must learn Gōsuto Hikari (Ghost-light) before learning.

[Y]

The man appeared to shift in his intentions and accept my plea for help. While he did not retract his insult of my race, further, he referred to me as 'yuki' as if that were an appropriate term for someone from Yukigakure or Yuki no Kuni. Perhaps he thought it was an acceptable diminutive of Yukinin and he knew from my manners I was a ninja? Who knows. But regardless, this man was overly sure of himself. Now he called himself a Specter, and thought he could judge right from wrong. Then again, I didn't want conflict, so I would try my best.

"To speak ill of Nixian caster's is high sacrilege. There is neither a profession more noble than those who manipulate the Chakra of this world nor a race superior to the Nixian one."

I allowed the man to cast the firelight technique again. It was a harmless one. I was skeptical of his insistence that this was an ancient battlefield, but I did not know this area's history, so I kept quiet. I let him provide his light source, not using my own chakra, and saving it instead for any potential combat which might arise. I wondered what this would bring...

[Spectre of the Falls(Kuroki)]

The weeping willows that surround this particular clearing were fine specimens but excluded an air of the veil being thin to those that could sense such things. Kuroki stopped at a point on the other side of clearing and grabbed ahold of his little fireball flinging it at a dead campfire set up he had. With a couple of seals the will-o-wisp burned hotly for a moment then faded, in it's place was a roaring campfire. It was a little theatrical but it served its purpose as he sat down on a fallen log that was set there for that purpose.

"I know not of Nixian is that some Yuki no Kuni bred race of human? As far as chakra manipulation that is only the beginning of some caster arts. What is it specifically you were looking for from the Takigakure? Roar of the Falls was our emissary to you, did she not make it?" He was curious now but also seeing if this figure can confirm some of his information. Now that Kuroki was lite up by the fire light one could see his arms were very unusual indeed. But more so his fingertips were skeletal in nature. Was he still man anymore was a good question but not a polite one.

Looking upon the three quarters Oni mask that the firelight revealed one could not see the hint of eyes. Only pits where there should be eyes. The portion of his lower face that was revealed as well was not the skin and jawline of the living, but a skeletal mockery of one. Theatrics it seemed had some fun with this mysterious large man.  He didn't have the build of a skeleton but certain portions seemed to be naught but that. Maybe saying he was a spectre was not so far from the truth.

Kuroki's manner though betrayed humble upbringing though by tone, and voice pattern if one could recognized such did not speak of formal education. But he did speak as someone who knew more about the energies of the world than most. The oddest part of that though was the lacking of a traditional plate of the Takinin, no its symbol was square in the forehead of the mask he wore.

SPOILER: Click to show

Gōsuto-kō Odoroki (Ghost-light Surprise)
Rank: C
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: Creates a stationary ball of dull flame that, when approached by anyone but the user, rapidly heats up and expands.
Special: Handseals
Drawback: ---
Description: The User makes the handseals and creates a small ball of flame in the air in front of them. The flame doesn't give off much heat at all and is not as hot as other fire, being exactly normal body temperature. The flame is stationary and floats in the air a couple of feet off of the ground, bouncing in place, appearing harmless. When someone other than the user, or something with higher than normal body temperature, comes within a foot of the ball it rapidly heats up and expands outwards for two meters, burning whatever is caught within it.
Limit: Fire release. Must know Gōsuto Hikari (Ghost-light).

[Y]

OOC: Not sure if you're just ICly unaware, but here theres a listed name for a person for each country: Nix, Jugan, et. cetera. Kinda cool, adds some flavor.

---

The clearing might be beautiful in the summer time, but here it was nothing but sad and dreary. Honestly, the winter here was so... half-done. True, the trees were bare of branches and the water was frozen, but there was no real snow, no sense of existentialism. Regardless, the 'Spectre' seemed to have an air for the dramatic here; with his will-o-wisp inspired lights and his mystical mask. I recognised some of his bodily alterations from my knowledge of rituals. I was shocked, really. How quick are men to abandon their humanity in return for the benefits of a few cosmetic changes from a higher power?

"I see you are not particularly well-traveled. You know of Yuki no Kuni? Nix is the demonym for a person hailing from the Land of Snow. I bare no diplomatic news from the Lord of Snow; perhaps your ambassador has reached him, perhaps not. I merely come seeking allies, strength, and understanding in this foreign land. And I know plenty of casting; you need not tell me what it is and is not. 

"I am a scholar in matters chakra, ritual, divine, necromantic, alchemical, mineral and philosophical. I see by your gentle firelight that you depend upon the elemental releases for the bulk of your casting? An understandable crutch. Some day, when you understand the true nature of this world, you will come to realise that the elements are nothing but impurities, and that true strength comes from the power of chakra itself."

My tone had grown borderline didactic. I could respect this man; after all, he is a ninja and likely knows more of casting than a commoner. Yet, he had slighted my race with his ignorance, so I owed him no respect.

Enjoying the light of his procured fire though, I began to cast a jutsu of my own. Carefully using the handseals, trying to demonstrate no ill-will, I channeled the celestial energies within myself outwards, and procured around us a dome of pure chakra. The dome was milky pale; the colour which my pure chakra had taken recently, and stretched approximately five meters in each direction.  Already, it kept us warmer, and blocked out the wind and the eerie atmosphere of the site.

"Come now; relax. This shelter will keep us warm. Tell me what you know of 'casting' and of your village."

SPOILER: Click to show

Tiny Hut
Rank: "C"
Skill: NinJutsu
Effect: User creates an opaque sphere of force capable of protecting multiple targets from outside damage.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: The user is able to perform this technique at a distance of 5 meters. Duration of the Jutsu is 10 hours per Class Level. User creates an unmoving, opaque sphere of force themselves. Half the sphere projects above the ground, and the lower hemisphere passes through the ground. As many as 9 other Medium creatures can fit into the field with the user; they can freely pass into and out of the hut without harming it. However, if the user removes themselves from the hut, the Jutsu ends. The temperature inside the hut is 70° F if the exterior temperature is between 0° and 100° F. An exterior temperature below 0° or above 100° lowers or raises the interior temperature on a 1-degree-for-1 basis (thus, if it's -20° outside, inside the hut it's 50°). The hut also provides protection against the elements, such as rain, dust, and sandstorms. The hut withstands any wind of less than hurricane force, but a hurricane (75+ mph wind speed) or greater force destroys it. The interior of the hut is a hemisphere. Although the force field is opaque from the outside, it is transparent from within. Missiles, weapons, and most Jutsu effects can pass through the hut without affecting it, although the occupants cannot be seen from outside the hut (they have total concealment).
Limit: Must be a Shape Transformation Specialist. Must know Force Tent.

[Ryutatsu "Sakurai Sword"]

wrong account

[Spectre of the Falls(Kuroki)]

An odd chuckle came out of Kuroki as this 'scholar' made more assumption than he did. So this nix was a caster of the shinobi arts which was nice. He shook his head, " You mistake what I do for convenience for a crutch that isn't there. " Then his voice grew even more whispery as he spoke in Necril, " Scholar, you say you seek understanding then say you need not to be told. That is true ignorance. " Then he switched back to common. "You may be learned in the ways of man, but chakra manipulation does not reach the spirits nearly as well as you may think. I know the energies and the layers of this world. You seek allies, yet you insult knowingly and not out of ignorance. Especially to one who you were seeking such allies out of. And you ask questions of which you already have the answer to. Are you really of Yukigakure? For I did just ask after Gunnr and Koori in which you gave no response of recognition." No hostility was in his tone more curiosity.

[Y]

This man was convinced that his mystic... misguided wisdom... was reality. I could try to convince him further that he was wrong with words, but somehow I doubted he would listen to me. After all, what did my mastery level understanding of all four basic schools of Jutsu mean? Nothing, to a spook wandering in the swamp. But I must try. No wrong uncorrected.

"Look. I understand your spiritual view. But you must understand the classifications of reality. Contemporary knowledge divides the forces of the world into various types, and for good reason. 

You may see other forces in the world, but 99% of what you will encounter falls into the four basic schools of Necromancy, Chakra, Divinity, and Ritual. Alchemy does fill some necessary gaps there, for certain. The Divine Lore, of which I am a master scholar, has quite some interesting insights into the layers of reality you mention. Please. Do not speak down to me on understanding the universe. It is a thing I am most adept at. Divine and powerful being's powers can often be understand in the terms of chakra and ritualistic techniques. The universe is more unified than it would initially appear." I was beginning to lose patience, but I held my tongue from intense insults.

"Before we get too far into this, I am Yaromir, Wizard of the Hidden Snow.


"As to the names you mentioned; there are fewer and fewer ninja in the north each day. We are spread around and work hard, with little time for festivities. I'm not particularly familiar with the names you stated. I verily hail from the Hidden Snow, however. You will hear that in my voice and see that in my deeds.

"But I have spoken in length about my talents and deeds. What are yours?" 

[Spectre of the Falls(Kuroki)]

Kuroki smiled behind his masked and chuckled some more. "So the scholar of man does recognize something other than chakra. But yes those four schools do rule our ways. As to my achievements lets say I am far traveled in the realms that are Earth but not. I walk the path of the shadows and the soul seeking the evil dead and give them eternal rest. I am Wraithfire of Takigakure. I would be considered more a Shaman than a wizard. And as I said I protect these lands and look after the ancient battlefields. So you can say I am a scholar of Necromancy and the Divine. I know of ritual and chakra though I merely dabble there for now." Kuroki doesn't usually like talking for so long, besides that his voice still has that eerie quality. It seems it wasn't a voice he put on for no reason but that was his actual voice.

[Y]

The man was a little reluctant to talk, but he seemed to be a hunter of the dead, as his apparel might befit, and also a dabbler in things.

"Interesting. You hunt the undead, so to speak? I'm assuming you do this in the name of Takigakure?" I was somewhat interested in this. Perhaps I could do the Takikage a favor before I left, and bolster relations. I assumed I'd easily best any undead creature.

[Spectre of the Falls(Kuroki)]

Kuroki inclined his head slightly as they were getting into personal matters but ever so lightly. " All I do is in the name of my village. But yes I hunt the living dead and spirits, making the evil ones rest again and the good ones move on to the beyond that awaits. The spirits has blessed me so with such a task. As such I find fire is the most effective weapon against those that are flesh that rotted. And light against those that dwell in the night. Though day spirits and fire dwellers require other methods. Most spirits are tied to some element or another." This was a matter that he was well versed in better than most scholars. He lived in and spoke the word of world of the not quite dead.

[Y]

"Interesting." I would say, under my breath as the man explained in his near-mechanical voice as to what exactly it was he did in these parts.

"I guess I understand the merits of the more... corporeal elements to your cause. I'll admit, I've given up on such things long ago. Once, I believed, being a ninja of the Snow, that ice would grant me the power I sought in life. I've quickly come to the conclusion that the most efficient use of chakra, for my personal fighting style, is raw and unyielding; either in the form of illusions to attack the mind, or missiles of pure force for the body.

"I'll be frank here, my illusory potential is quite potent, as is my molding of chakra. Judging by your appearances [Know Ability 125] you are certainly not without your competencies. But, as a gift to your village and your nation, if there is any knowledge of illusions you would wish for me to impart on you, I would gladly offer such."

Outside, it was growing darker and darker. Most likely, I would sleep here in the hut tonight, rolled up in my cloak. But, if this man wanted some training in the arts of chakra, I would offer him as much, as a gesture of goodwill and continued alliance.

---

OOC: If you want to spar and train techs, most likely genjutsu or universal ninjutsu, that'd be cool. Or, we could hunt zombies or take/make our own mission or something. Just let me know.

[Spectre of the Falls(Kuroki)]

Kuroki raised an eye ridge from behind his mask at the wizard of Yuki and thought for a moment. The night held no fear for him. No only sleep held a special place for him in the haunting of life. But the offer of some formalized training from a learn scholar was nice. "Shadows are my only abilities in that arena. I could use time to train that better. But you must know illusions are generally useless against the living dead unless you have very specific training indeed. The pure chakra abilities though now that might actually hurt one or two. Often  the living dead do not have a mind to speak of and their body is something that takes damage really well."

(OOC: lets train some )

[Y]

"Shadows, you say?" I asked, nodding, expecting a nod in reply.

"A strange school of illusions. The semi-real, combined with the uncertainty of man's heart make for a most powerful combination. Let me show you the greatest Shadow I have access to." I would say, and begin using handseals, very slowly, showing each one as I went. Then, I would reach into myself, and channel my understanding of unreality, of dreamlike states and unknowable circumstance. Then, projecting that feeling outward, I would let my chakra flow out of my body, and cover the region around us.

"Look; reality shimmers around us. There is no real and unreal. Well, there might be, but you'd be damned well hard-pressed to detect it. See the power of Shadow? Now, try to cast your illusions on me. I'll see if I can help you make them realer."

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Alter Reality
Rank: "S"
Skill: GenJutsu
Effect: Upon performing, a ripple of silvery light spreads out from them, leaving behind a slight shimmer that surrounds the user to a radius of 1 mile.
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: ---
Description: Affects anyone within a mile area of effect. The user is able to perform this technique at a distance of 120 meters plus 60 meters per class level. The duration of this technique lasts for 25 minutes per class level. This technique may be disbelieved once interacted with. Within this area, the save to disbelieve all illusions is increased by 4 (as everything takes on a slightly unreal appearance and the minute mistakes in an illusion are harder to identify). Phantasms within this area become fully visible to all. This region moves with the user for the duration of the jutsu.
Limit: Must know the Shadow Perception.

OOC: I'll probably train Jutsu Focus once you start training.

[Spectre of the Falls(Kuroki)]

0/20

Shadow Sentry
Rank: "C"
Skill: GenJutsu
Effect: Shadow sentry creates either a shadowy or faceless humanoid warrior under the user's command.
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: ---
Description: Affects anyone who interacts with the Shadowy guard. The user is able to perform this technique at a distance of 7 meters plus 6 meters per class level. The duration of this technique lasts for 5 hours per class level. This technique may be disbelieved once interacted with. The sentry may be commanded to “guard,” where it shouts an alarm if it notices anyone approach within 50 meters, “patrol,” where it follows a route first walked by the user and calls an alarm if it notices anyone approach within 50 feet, and “attack,” where it attacks with its shadowy sword. The sentry has the same movements as the user. The sentry is discharged after being successfully struck for any damage.
Limit: Must know the Shadow Perception.

Kuroki nodded and was a little impressed at the illusion that the wizard cast but his snow capped and living origins were betrayed in the illusion. For one never truly gets rid of the faults of one's own mind. He was going to cast a much smaller illusion that was less expansive and just for the simple purposes of guarding. It was very similar to the favored legion in what he was making.

Instead of fashioning forty something phalanx of heavily armed warriors that was mainly incorporeal meant to convey numbers he concentrated on a one. This one that Kuroki was weaving with his hand seals would be a faceless shadowy humanoid. Like most of his illusions though it wasn't enough for it to be humanoid no. He was making much more detailed creature.

Kuroki weaved in his knowledge of the afterlife and those that are dead but not into a more whole picture. He gave details of armor and a sense of a pike. This was a sentry a guard and in his mind he pictured a heavily armored guard. A constable or something similar rather than the armored knights of his phalanx. He gave the creature hands of bone like quality and a sense of unliving.

[Y]

Convincing Illusions
Rank: "B"
Skill: GenJutsu
Effect: The user has learned to create truly compelling Illusions.
Special: ---
Drawback: Must learn per Illusionary Perception.
Description: The user has learned to create truly compelling illusions and may add their Enchantment Focus bonus (if any) to the saves of any Illusion Jutsu they perform.
Limit: Universal GenJutsu Technique. Must know an Illusion Perception
0|40

---

"A sentinel of shadows, I see?" I smiled with slight joy. The illusion was imperfect, for sure, but the caster had a fair amount of talent in his own right. Here in the field of illusions, everything seemed unreal, but his conjurations seemed a little more so... I tried to explain the process of illusions ot him, all the while, strengthening my own understanding by reinforcing the basics of illusory genjutsu.

"Look," I began "the art of the shadow percetion is to conjure something with chakra, a real chakra summon. The trick is though, Shadowweavers summon but a skeleton with chakra, and drape a coat of unreality over it, forcing the opponent to suspect the thing is more than it is. Your sentinel must be able to strike for real, but it's humanity, it's strength and it's terrifying aspect need be but projections of your mind."

It was refreshing, to speak about the very basics of illusion. I conjured a similar shadowy figure, but showed carefully how I enhanced it. Molding my chakra, I superimposed tiny illusions, almost like figments. I summoned a sword of chakra for my guard, but cast the illusion of real, cold steel over that. My guard was merely a silhouette ,but I cast over him the semblance of muscles. 

Further, I tapped into my knowledge of the workings of the human mind, as I'd been an illusionist for a long time now, and refined the things I was working with. I knew that man believes a sword to be dangerous when it glints just right in the fading light; that amor appears most intimidating when the cut and the shape match perfectly with the rest of the body; that the mind fears most a visage which it cannot see. So I coated my illusory figures in these things, and made my shadow slightly more convincing. 

Refining and molding my chakra, I sculpted these things, and began to integrate the illusions together: I made the leather belt bend slightly downwards in response to the weight of the scabbard, made the muscles in the should ripple as the sentinel touched the sword. An illusion is only as effective as it is convincing.