The Ruins of Tomari Village (Open)

[Christoff]

Tomari Village is situated in the foothills of the Amaterasu Mountains. The little village is nestled between two hills to the East and West. A cold mountain river runs down the valley from the North. The river runs all the way out to the Tydeus Sea and is a migration path for salmon. This seasonal bounty, combined with subsistence agriculture and hunting, sustained the small commune's way of life.

The village's houses were built around a lightly traveled road that heads north to Kumogakure and South to the Boarder with Frost Country. The road becomes steep and narrow in the mountains. This makes it unsuitable for most merchants and limits the traffic. As a result, many shinobi of Kumogakure make use of the road to travel quickly and without hassle. Prior to the village's destruction shelter was freely given to any road weary travelers. Outside of their hospitality to travelers the villagers largely kept to themselves and were considered to be serious and dour group.



The remains of the village stand in stark contrast to the otherwise idyllic surroundings. At one point the village had sixteen houses and buildings. Now all that remains are charred and dilapidated ruins. Some houses burnt completely to the ground. In these places a tangle of weeds and thick undergrowth have covered up all traces of human touch. The only hints that these lots were once filled are the barely standing structures evenly spaced around them. In one such place the ground drops off into a pit of briars that was once a cellar.

The buildings that still stand are in various stages of being claimed by the wilderness around them. In the late summer a mess of green berry carrying vines have wound their way up and around the charred beams. Two stone bridges cross the river in the middle of the village. One bridge forded the river for the main road and the other crossed just a little farther North. At the very center of the village, partially obscured behind the ruins is a large grey tree.

Map:

SPOILER: Click to show

(The tiny rectangle in the village clearing is the tree) Everything I have described is what you would see from a ways off approaching from the North

[Skulking Shinzu]

The journey between the two hills had been fairly calm and uneventful. Courtesy of a traveller’s instructions, Yis knew to follow the river North for some time, before simply traversing the road that showed signs of light wear. It wouldn’t be long before the group reached the remnants of the village. However, before they could, Yis had a few questions for Haru. “So then, kid. You sure you’re prepared for this mission?” The Kedoin paused to let Haru speak, before revealing what he knew of the boy. “I noticed you skimming through the notes we were given. Not in haste, but in search of something. What was it?”

Yis knew he could be intimidating. Rank aside, Haru was walking alongside a patchwork man with large areas of flayed flesh scattered across his body. Being questioned by such a creature would likely put anyone on edge, which is why Yis decided to reassure the boy. “Don’t worry about whatever personal reason you have for being here. I just want to make sure any surprises don’t bite us in the ass. Be honest with me, and I’ll help you with your goals. Kimi will help too – won’t you?” The sentence was more of a command than a question to further help put Haru at ease, and to put emphasis on the authority he held over the group as a Chunin.

Minutes later, the scene before the group seemed to change as blackened and charred structures came into view. No doubt about it, that had to be Tomari village. “Kimi. Haru.” Yis handed both a piece of small rectangular paper with a symbol inked onto the centre – a Hiraishin mark. “Keep these with you at all times so that I can track you and assist should there be any danger. Kimi – could you fly up and monitor the village from above?” A high enough vantage point would ensure that if anyone was hiding out in the abandoned village, then any attempts of escaping would be spotted by Kimi. In the meantime, Yis lead Haru towards the centre of the village, where he would eventually discover the large grey tree. In the meantime, Yis’ 70m radius of enhanced hearing would alert him to the faintest of sounds within the area, including even whispers, footsteps and the drumming of heartbeats [Observation 290]. It made sense to start the search at the centre of the village, where his enhanced Bard hearing cover the most ground possible.

Therakill

[Therakill]

“That’s not a problem at all.” Kimi grabbed the ear piece and activated his Wingblast Jutsu. He took off into the air and started to survey the area. With his eyes active his eyes would be capable of enhancing his vision up to eight times. This would allow him to see better than anyone but a Hyuga or an Uchiha, those two clans had him best handily. But none the less he would skirt the village ruins and search for any signs of the three. Even if it seemed as same as freshly disturbed dirt he would see it.

He would listen as well for anything that was out of place for this area. With all his sense focused out to avoid any kind of sneak attack, he would not be caught flat folded. In fact he would draw his bow and knock an arrow just incase. This would allow him to attack anyone before they attacked him.

SPOILER: Click to show

Ryuugan (Dragon Eye)
Rank: "B"
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: The power of the Ryuugan Doujutsu is unleashed, allowing the user to see the elements of Lightning, Air, and Water up to a certain distance and increase general seeing distance of one's eyes.
Special: ---
Drawback: Cannot see out of natural line of sight, takes a negligible amount of Chakra to maintain. Cannot pierce Genjutsu
Description: The second stage of the Kazeraikou Doujutsu forces a temporary change of the user's eyes. The iris and pupil of the eye become one and change to a color decided at the first awakening depending on their mood. The color is like a cloud and swirls around the user's eye when looking around. Small lines of white will flash across the eyes like lightning bolts and continually do so as long as the eye is active. Also a slight glow of the eyes illuminate in the dark at this point. With the second stage of the Ryuugan Doujutsu unleashed, it allows the user to see the elements of Lightning, Air, and Water up to one's viewing parameters. One's natural sight is also enhanced giving the capability of 4x zoom capabilities. The user sees the elements as three new, vibrant, and opaque colors that mesh perfectly with their normal vision, giving the user the ability to see the three elements without hindering their normal vision in the slightest. Of course normal vision can hinder this special sight, as the user cannot see through walls or other things as normal.
Limit: Must be a Kazeraikou, must have Raiton, Fuuton, Suiton releases. Must have Chibi Ryuugan.

Buffered by the Sky
Rank: "C"
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: The air around the user always acts to aid the user.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: User gains a DR 1/—, and take 1/4 damage from all falls.
Limit: Must know Wind Release.

Air Supremacy
Rank: "B"
Skill: NinJutsu
Effect: User has a stronger sense of control over the air around them.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: While in the air, the user gains a +2 Enchantment bonus to all Saves that can knock the user down to prone position. In addition, the user is always affected with a Feather Fall. Feather Fall changes the rate at which the target falls to a mere 20 meters per round, and the subject takes no damage upon landing.
Limit: Must know Wind Release. Must know Buffered by the Sky.

Wingblast
Rank: "C"
Skill: NinJutsu
Effect: A multi-purpose technique. User creates dragon like wings to fly that can then be used as an attack, or to block view.
Special: Handseals
Drawback: ---
Description: Duration of this technique is 5 rounds per Class Level or until expended. Hazy wings of mist form at the user's sides, bearing the user aloft. At the user's command, the wings transform into a great blast of wind or a cloud of fog. When the user performs this Jutsu a large set of mist wings—resembling those of a dragon of the user's choice—form on their back. The user can fly with good maneuverability. As a Weaving movement, the user can choose to transform the wings into 1 of the 2 effects given below. In either case, doing this immediately ends the Jutsu's duration (if the user is flying when this occurs, the user will fall).
A 20-meter-long line-shaped gust of severe wind (as the gust of wind Jutsu).
A 6-meter-radius cloud of fog centered on the user (as the Obscuring Mist Jutsu).
Limit: Must know Wind Release.



Observation 125/125 SP
Rank: "E"
Skill: Skill
Effect: This skill focuses certain powers of observation - sight, smell, hearing, and touch.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Can be learned by an Animal. A failed check indicates that the character is oblivious until the thing is pointed out to him. This skill is important for ferreting out advancing enemies or ambushes, generally real-time events and actions occurring, versus scrutiny, which covers static objects or areas. A Game Master may roll an Observation skill check for a Character any time there is an NPC, monster, event or happening that a character might notice, even if he did not specifically state that he is monitoring his surroundings. Characters are capable of noticing any event within their perception. Observation reveals only facts, not motivation. If user has 25 or more Ranks in Evidence Analysis user gains a Synergy Bonus +10 to Observation. Each time learned user gets 1 die roll to increase the skill.
Limit: --

Tracking 62/125 tp
Rank: "D"
Skill: Sophisticated Skill
Effect: User excels at following trails and tracks left by others.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Relevant Abilities: Acuity Skill. Die Rolls: 5 Die Rolls. Check Requirement: Described. Characters use this skill to follow the trail of animals and other persons. Simply put, a successful Tracking check means the character found a trail, while failure means they did not. If the character fails this initial skill check, they can attempt another Tracking check - provided that they spend at least 30 minutes attempting to pick up the trail again. If the user fails this second check, the user simply cannot find that particular trail. After finding a trail, further checks may be necessary depending on the situation. Darkness, falling rain/snow, a dust storm, moving from one terrain to another (such as from sand to rock), one trail splitting into two or crossing water are examples why a character might need another Tracking check. Some practical applications of Tracking follow:
Limit: Must learn from Skills.

Ears of the Fox
Rank: "C"
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: User has an extremely keen sense of hearing.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: User receives a +15 bonus to Observation checks pertaining to Listening. When the user rolls an Observation check pertaining to Listen with a -25 penalty, the user may wake up from a menacing noise.
Limit: Must learn from Universal Miscellaneous. Must know Observation Skill.

Eyes of the Hawk
Rank: "C" Always 20 Training Points
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: User's eyes can pick up targets from far away.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: User's base range increment is increased by +2 Meters.
Limit: Must learn from Universal Miscellaneous. Must know Observation.

Alertness
Rank: "C"
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: User often notices things that others might miss.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: User gets a +10 bonus on all Observation and Sense Motive skill checks. If the user has 50 or more ranks in one of these skills, the bonus increases to +20 for that skill.
Limit: Must learn from Universal Miscellaneous.

Keen Eyes
Rank: "C"
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: User has a keen eye for details.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: User gets a +10 bonus on all Observation and Sense Motive skill checks. If the user has 50 or more ranks in one of these skills, the bonus increases to +20 for that skill.
Limit: Must learn from Universal Miscellaneous.





Investigator
Rank: "C"
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: User has a knack for gathering information.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: User gets a +10 bonus on all Investigate and Observation skill checks. If the user has 50 or more ranks in one of these skills, the bonus increases to +20 for that skill.
Limit: Must learn from Universal Miscellaneous.

Uncanny Alertness
Rank: "C"
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: User's research into Chakra and the nature of reality has given the user heightened senses.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: This technique gives the user an additional +5 bonus on Observation and Sense Motive, and the use gains a +2 bonus on Saves against Sleep and Charm effects.
Limit: Must learn from Universal Miscellaneous.

[Christoff]

Haru was bringing up the rear of the the team, though he was keeping a good pace and not lagging far behind. Yis asked, “So then, kid. You sure you’re prepared for this mission?”

Haru responded quickly, "Yes sir. I'll do my best to support you both." The color had returned to Genin's face and he seemed to have more energy. He was clearly pushing to get to the village. Yis' next question drained that color away.

“I noticed you skimming through the notes we were given. Not in haste, but in search of something. What was it?”

Haru stammered out a response, "I... I uh... was looking for anything new." The Genin seemed to clam up. Yis must have sensed this with his next question.

“Don’t worry about whatever personal reason you have for being here. I just want to make sure any surprises don’t bite us in the ass. Be honest with me, and I’ll help you with your goals. Kimi will help too – won’t you?”

Haru paused letting the silence fill the air. Finally he spoke, "I was born here. My parents were here that night." Haru let that hang in the air for a second, "I want to avenge them... Yis. I want to know why the died. I... I..." Haru stopped lost for words trying to describe a feeling that had followed him for his entire life. "I don't know what I want. I don't know what I'll feel when I see them... But I feel like I have to be here. I feel like I need to play a part in this."

The group continued on and closed in on the village. As soon as it came into view Haru's energy depressed, he was clearly reflecting on everything that had just been dragged up. Yis handed out the pieces of paper and Haru took it with a murmured, "Thanks."

As the party approached Kimi took to the air. His Ryuugan would quickly find the tree at the center of the village. A massive man with a shock of red hair sat leaning against the trunk. His shoulders shook rhythmically, around him were markers From this distance Kimi couldn't hear anything going on. Kimi's teammates were still 30 meters out from the edge of the village, approaching from the North. Yis and Haru were about 130 meters away from the clearing without a clear line of site.

(You may post in whatever you order you like until combat begins)
Skulking Shinzu Therakill

[Skulking Shinzu]

Yis’s mismatched red and blue eyes watched Kimi soar high into the air. With the crimson-haired teen stationed at a vantage point directly above the village, there would be little chance of anyone escaping or sneaking up on the group. He then listened to the young Genin patiently and analytically. There seemed to be little change to Yis’ expression, not that Haru would be able to see from behind. From the beginning, it was clear that Haru had his own personal reasons for tagging along to the mission. However, not even Yis could hold back the twitch in his eyes upon hearing the fact that Haru’s parents had been slain in this village on that one gruesome night.

Being a Kedoin and Bard, Yis was expertly skilled at assuming other identities and even persona. If he truly believed it, he could even convince himself of the fact that right now, he was Yis of Cloud, and not Zuruel the Hunter. However, hearing Haru’s trail of thoughts couldn’t help but cause a flare of Zuruel’s anger to flare up in Yis’ eyes. After all, Zuruel knew all too well what it was like growing up with the untimely death of one’s parents looming constantly over their shoulders. Taking a moment, Yis’s gaze over Haru lingered for a moment or two after handing him the piece of paper. “We can’t change the past, but don’t burden yourself with the present alone. We will help you in any way we can.” The Kedoin then continued his path towards the tree, while wishing that there had been someone in his childhood who had said those exact words to him.

“Stop.” Yis whispered to Haru silently around 65m from the tree upon picking up on a heartbeat just beyond his line of sight. Utilising his Bard abilities and echolocation, Yis shut his eyes and utilised soundwaves to paint a mental picture of the man. Certain details would be impossible to sense, such as the colour of his eyes and hair. However, at the very least, Yis would be able to accurately determine the man’s height, weight and build, before cross-referencing what he had learned with the details in the packet from earlier to confirm who the heartbeat belonged to. Whether anything meaningful was learned or not, Yis whispered into Haru’s ear, just quiet enough that not even a Bard would be able to pick up on the sound as they approached the charred remains of the building closest to the tree, while remaining out of the individual's line of sight.

“There is someone just beyond this building. Stay here, just out of sight. I’ll sneak up on the figure, and will restrain him if he is one of the escapees. If things go bad, I’ll be relying on you to make some sort of distraction to draw his attention away from me so that I can take him down during the lapse in his concentration. Once things look safe, I’ll call for you and you can ask him whatever you need to. Understood?” Yis hoped the final words of reassurement would keep Haru in line and prevent him from acting out of haste or vengeance. With only a single structure now blocking his line of sight, Yis began to vanish before Haru’s eyes as he activated his Null Form ability to avoid Chakra detection, while also becoming more difficult to sense through hearing, mundane sight, scent, and even thermal imaging [Stealth: 550]. Even so, Yis still tried to remain close to any shadows to continue to remain out of sight in case something caused his technique to end abruptly. Fully stealthed, he circled around the structure to reach the tree in the rear, which he steadily approached to get a better view of the red-haired man and the markers, which he analysed with Chakra Detection to see if they were seals [Blue Eyed Gem, Observation: 290].

SPOILER: Click to show

x5 Jigoku no Mimi (Hells ears) [+20m range]
Rank: "D"
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: With this technique the Bard is capable of pinpointing the location of a noise within a small area.
Special: ---
Drawback: Cannot be used to hear techniques that silent the user's movement. Must be trained multiple times.
Description: Bards are around sounds constantly and all their training in the musical arts hones their hearing. They are capable of further training their ability to hear to allow them to listen and precisely pinpoint the location a sound is coming from as long as it is within ten meters of themselves. They can continue to train their ability to pinpoint the location of a sound to increase the distance it can be pinpointed from by ten meters each time, capping off at fifty meters.
Limit: Art of the Bard

Bodily Decipher
Rank: C-rank
Skill:Ninjutsu, supplementary
Effect: Explained below
Special: ---
Drawback:---
Description: The user interprets sound waves emitted by opponent. By understand the sound waves created by walking, breathing, heartbeat, etc. The user is able to gauge their enemy’s bodily specification, such as their height, weight, muscle mass, etc. until they have literally gathered an extremely accurate ‘picture’ of the person with sound. This also allows them to sense fluctuations within breathing, heart rate, pulse which can help the bard know how tired or ill a specific person is. This is extremely useful in gathering information on opponents before ever encountering them. This jutsu can also be used to retrieve information on multiple opponents as well, when first learned they can discern the information of ten opponents, this can be retrained for an additional ten people each time with the maximum of one hundred. Each time this skill is learned it also gives a 3% chance of discerning if an opponent is telling a lie, with a maximum of thirty percent.
Limit: Art of the Bard, must unlock Auditory Comprehension

Far Reaching Notes
Rank: B, A, S
Skill: Ninjutsu, Supplementary
Effect: Increases the range of melodies.
Special: --
Drawback: This skill does not stack. Each rank increases the base distance of a skill and does not stack with previous ranks of this technique.
Description: After years of playing and singing the bard has learned to project their instruments and their voice. With enough effort put in this has allowed their techniques to stretch their limits so as to effect more people. The "B" rank of this skill increases the base distance 5 meters. The "A" rank of this skill increases the base distance 10 meters. The "S" rank of this skill increases the base distance 20 meters.
Limit: Must have mastered Art of the Bard by gaining 500 Training Points.

Null Form
Rank: S-ranked
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: The highest form of camouflage possible.
Special: ---
Drawback: Molding and using Chakra for techniques beyond the clans own techniques will end this technique. Movement enhancement techniques (IE: Chakra gates) will cause this technique to end. This technique can be used only a set amount of times per day for a set duration of time.
Description: A powerful culmination of techniques that makes the user an assassin of the highest order. With utmost command and manipulation, the user can decrease the production of chakra to negligible levels. The Kedōin Blood Line can control every aspect of their cells functioning through their innate blood line abilities. At their whim, cells will either cease to produce chakra, and produce the bare minimum of chakra needed to sustain living functions. To users whom can see or read chakra, the Kedōin would appear as if they have disappeared. The user will further this technique by altering their smell in such a manner as to copy the ambient odors around them perfectly; becoming untraceable through scent. In addition, the body temperatures can be commanded to match the ambient environmental temperatures. Lastly, the user alters the skin in the same mannerisms as the "Textured Camouflaged" technique. As a whole, the user is nearly impossible to find or track. It takes one post to enter the null form. This technique lasts 36 seconds (6 posts). For every rank the user is above "B-ranked" they may extend this duration by another 12 seconds (2 posts), with the technique duration capping at 60 seconds (10 posts). This technique may only be used three times a day.
Limit: Kedōin Blood Line. Must know "Warped Visage: Flesh Architect". Must know "Aromatic Mislead, Textured Camouflage, Thermal Override and Deceptive Nature".

Hide in Plain Sight
Rank: "A"
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: User is able to hide in plain sight.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: The user can hide even while being actively observed. As long as the user is within 3 meters of some sort of Shadow, the user can hide from view in the open without the aid of anything to actually hide behind. The user may not however hide in their own shadow.
Limit: Must be an Alchemist.

Thermal Override [Neutral Body Temp]
Rank: C-ranked
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: The user can control their body heat.
Special: ---
Drawback: Complex movements and techniques, usually of the "A-ranked" and "S-ranked" nature will break the concentration needed for this technique. Movement enhancement techniques (IE: Chakra gates) will cause this technique to end. Temperature control is capped at a certain point.
Description: With mastery of the cellular functions within the body, comes the mastery of homeostatic functions. Through dominance of their own body, the user can override control to heart rate, breathing and temperature. The user can suppress or alter these autonomic functions to better mimic the foreground temperature and/or fool thermal sensing abilities or machines. Cellular control allows the Kedōin Blood Line a robust resistance to internal temperature changes, which would normally kill normal humans. Walking around in very cold environments while matching or combating the foreground temperature is not impossible, and not entirely lethal. Some Kedōin have been known to decrease temperatures to mimic the temperatures of dead bodies, making themselves appear as if a corpse. It takes one post to alter and maintain body temperature. Though the user can mimic the foreground temperature, temperature ranges they can mimic and operate in are strictly 30°F above or below the normal human ranges of 98.6 °F (68.6°F to 128.6°F/20°C to 54°C).
Limit: Kedōin Blood Line.

Aromatic Mislead [Neutral Scent]
Rank: B-ranked
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: The user can alter and produce various scents and smells.
Special: ---
Drawback: Cannot alter scents that have left the body; such as a residual scent left behind on clothing. Aggressive pursuit may allow trackers to pick up on the shift in scents.
Description: Cells and pheromones may be commanded by the user to alter their aroma and odorous signature. With a shift in the molecules releases by the cells and sweat glands, the user can change what they smell like. Kedōin are granted the capability of smelling like another person, or misleading a group or tracking dogs if the need arises. If the user posses an object that contains a scent from another, they may mimic that scent as well or reproduce smells they've encountered before. The user can even mimic perfumes and colognes that could not normally be produced by the human body. Multiple scents can be created at the same time. Scents can be manufactured all over the body, or manufactured in a single place. The user can even place scents onto different objects with their hands if they choose to (masking and hiding any old scents). All Kedōin have a "Default" scent, and they must make this conscious decision to change it. Altering scents takes 1 post.
Limit: Kedōin Blood Line. Must know "Warped Visage: Growth of Eyes" and "Shift of Organs (Internal)".

Cardiac Control [Avoiding Heartbeat Detection]
Rank: B-ranked
Skill: Tajiutsu
Effect: Commands the heart to stop beating
Special: ---
Drawback: This technique can only be used for a set amount of time. Duration halved during combat.
Description: Through cellular dominance, the Kedōin Clan are capable of stopping the heart, while retaining full cardiovascular function. At their whim, the user can command the fine muscles that line the vascular spaces within their body to operate in a manner as to pump blood where it is needed. Kedōin can pump blood via smooth muscle for 6 minute. This technique is helpful if the user needs to fake their death, and stop medical ninja from checking their vitals. Paired with other techniques, Kedōin can become a very convincing corpse or even stealthier with no heart beat to make sounds. Alternatively, this can grant the user a few remaining moments of function if their heart should fail. If the user's primary cardiovascular pump were to cease functioning due to damage, this technique can bid the user some time until they can repair damage, or produce a counter attack.
Limit: Must have 500tp within Kedōin Blood Line. Must know "Shift of Organs (Internal)"

Hush [Avoiding Sound Detection]
Rank: A-ranked
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: Silences the body of the user.
Special: ---
Drawback: Lasts only a set amount of time and can only be used 3 times per day. Blood lines with hyper aware hearing may not be fooled as easily.
Description: With specific manipulation of flesh, the Kedōin are capable of dulling sound production from their body. The user alters their skin in such a manner, as to increase surface area and texture. Their skin undertakes a "rippled" appearance, while growing slightly thicker, plumper and softer. Various undulations of the skin and the altered nature of the flesh act very similar to how grooved surfaces and panels dampen sound in "Anechoic chambers". When sound leaves or comes into contact with this altered flesh, it is rapidly dispersed and absorbed directly into the skin. Air pressure is mitigated through this process, producing a very effective means of sound reduction. Running, jumping, and full combat sound like dull whispers and faint pin drops to others. It takes 1 post to prepare for this technique and it lasts for 10 posts (1 minute). This technique can be paired with any other clan techniques without penalty.
Limit: Kedōin Clan. Must know "Warp Visage: Flesh manipulation".