The Unlit Dawn; Sun Eaters Augury
Posted: Tue Oct 22, 2024 1:16 pm
Name: Jao-Den Denkou-Shi/Jao Shi/ Shadowfang
Age::16
Order: Human
Faction: The Great Shinobi Families. The Shinobi presence in early Edo was divided among three Shinobi clans, who were said to be the founders of the Shinobi way on the continent. Each clan is prominent in power and prestige and possesses unique mystic practices and inherited traits. They are in a constant gridlock for supremacy, often waging battle and assassins against the others.
Tribe:Denkou-Shi: The Original name of a brutal clan of fearsome warriors that stormed the lands of Edo long ago. Commonly referred to as the Snake clan for the use and reverence of serpents. The Shi view them as the purest reflection of a true shinobi’s nature and have learned to harness their symbolism in their life and work—fierce combatants possessing skill, and relentless brutality. Shinobi were once considered lesser-class citizens despite their ability—nothing but bloodthirsty demons for hire. Beheld to no master but the person with the deepest pocket, and for the lands of Edo, a place in constant civil turmoil, there were no shortages for uses for tools of war. Now after the failed coup the Shi who were once one of the most prominent powers in Edo, now reduced to slaves who have their eyes gouged from them. But the third astral year has shifted the paradigm. And a grasp at the greatest awaits them once more.
(For full history go here)
Unique Marks: Striking violet eyes that shimmer like distant galaxies—compelling and serpent-like, which can instill both fear and fascination. Most modern-day Shi have had their eyes plucked out in fear of their Dankestu awakening. A dark ritual known as Sun Eater. They have enchanted masks they are forbidden from removing. He has scars from training and battles etched across his arms, each telling a story of hardship and resilience.
Appearance:
Shadowfang is a tall, imposing figure, 6'2", with a lean, muscular build showcasing years of rigorous training. His short, raven-black hair stopped just short of his cheekbones. His skin bears the scars of battle, each telling a story of survival and vengeance. He wears a dark, form-fitting ninja garb adorned with subtle motifs of snakes, symbolizing his connection to his clan's values.
Personality
Cold and Calculating: Possessing an air of quiet confidence, Shadowfang is both contemplative and fierce. His demeanor is calm and collected, but beneath the surface lies an undeniable ferocity that emerges in combat. He embodies the principles of the Snake Clan, being physically and mentally agile. He's deeply attached to his clan's legacy and views every battle as an opportunity to reclaim the honor lost when the clan fell from power.
Fierce and Ruthless: Shadowfang shows no mercy in battle. He views sentimentality as a weakness and is unwavering in his missions, whether they involve personal vendettas or assignments from his clan.
Cautiously Observant: Jao's heightened senses constantly bombard him with information, fostering a careful and insightful nature. He is highly observant, constantly processing the world around him.
Analytical and Intuitive: Jao's ability to create mental profiles based on his enhanced senses lends him a highly analytical mind. He likely makes quick judgments about people and situations, often based on subtle cues most would miss.
Reserved Jao's unique sensory experience might make it difficult for him to connect with others personally. He might come across as distant or aloof simply because he's processing overwhelming information.
Intrigued and Curious: Despite his reserved nature, Jao's enhanced senses fuel a constant curiosity about the world. He is drawn to understanding the subtle intricacies of life and its hidden patterns.
Animal Compassion: Despite his ruthless reputation, Jao has a soft spot for animals. He often cares for injured or abandoned creatures, finding solace in their company. This odd duality adds depth to his character, revealing a complex relationship with the world around him. As a ninja, Shadowfang minimizes relationships with people, viewing them as distractions. He may form temporary alliances when necessary but avoids deeper connections to prevent vulnerability. His only friend is his companion, Kuro, a black snake with a red scale underbelly that he rescued as a child. Kuro often accompanies him as a reminder of his milder side, and he acts as an ally in combat.
Anthem
Danketsu:
Stage: Bea
Description: "Unity" is the original anthem of the Shi clan. A devilish pair of mystic eyes that is seen as taboo even in the morally gray lands of Edo. Enabling Shi to consume the souls of those they have slain, adding to their mystic power. A dark inheritance from a curse inflicted by the Djynn of Darkness and Chaos, Aphosis, its sinister impact engraved their names in Edo, from meager ninja mercenaries to one of the deadliest shinobi families. Cursing them with endless hunger, this anthem only manifests in less than a third of the clan. Those who inherit this devilish violet glow are known as "Descendants." When in use, their slit pupils open, becoming swirling voids. Staring into the haunting glare of these mystic eyes places the target in a state of paralyzing delirium as if staring into chaos itself, in this state the soul can force from the body. As this age's vessel for Aphosis, Jao inherited his ancestor's "Endless Art." A Dankestu that is constantly active. Depending on the strength of the soul, this process can take a bit of time, though the closer the creature is to death, the more seamless the process.
Jao's abilities come with significant burdens. His endless thirst for powerful souls drives him into dangerous situations where he must confront powerful foes who might overwhelm him. The digestion of souls leaves him vulnerable, stripping him of much of his naten and forcing him into hiding for three days or more, depending on the size of the soul consumed. Weaker souls are useless; they merely delay the inevitable hunger and damage his capabilities, making him susceptible to attack during periods of weakness.
Traits:
Dark Bearer: Jao hosts an ancient Fae born from darkness and chaos dating back to the first astral year. Aphosis, The Dynn Of Darkness, has held many names, The Nether Serpent and The Wingless Dragon, but the most infamous is the Black Sun. However, due to the advent of the Clash Of Two Suns, a sealing of its soul fragments, its power has been drastically reduced, and much of its old knowledge has been lost. Even as it is, being the host to a primal djynn affords an array of mystic abilities, notably a form of darkness manipulation, but it is largely unavailable to him. As Jao devourers more souls, its power will grow and unravel more of its ancient power. Another notable mystic trait is the ability to communicate telepathically with snakes and other serpents.
Thermal Perception: Through Nestu, Jao can perceive thermal energy, allowing him to 'see' the heat signatures of individuals and objects with his mind's eye. Though Jao is forbidden from using his eyes, he has attained such an evolved grasp of Nestu that he can create infrared scales of his surroundings.
Ephemeral Arts: The practice of manipulating naten to perform otherworldly feats. The origin of this craft is stepped in eons of self-preservation and mastery of one's self alongside nature in connection to mysticism, and its influence is rooted in all three of the great ninja families. Edolians have always had deep ties to the land and learned to manipulate naten in various ways. However, the spark of the Djynn of ambition's encouragement inspired Ephemeral Arts. The spectrum of ephemeral arts is vast and esoteric as it can be applied and used in innumerable ways; for the Denkou-Shi, their signature art is the ability to manipulate Thermal energy, also known as Nestu.
Metallurgy Prowes: During their infancy as Shinobi, the Denkou-Shi were miners with a special knack for finding the best Ore. This innate understanding of stone and metals was eventually expanded with the influence of the Djynn of Ambition, which evolved this trait to mystic levels. Now that they have a vast understanding of metals and how to manipulate them, they've become master smiths/weapon specialists. This is the primary application of their Nestu style Emphereal arts, allowing the invention of an expansive range of uses. As for Jao, a prolific study has learned to manipulate metal with such uncanny precision he can wield it in a liquid form. Made possible by the find of a rare black ore known as Ophidian.
Enhanced Senses: Though Jao is not Sunless because of a Sun-Eater ritual, because of his "Endless art," he has been forbidden from using eyes save for particular circumstances. So he has been given one of the masks that the Sunless wear, enchanted with special seals that inhibit the djynn's power. As a result, he has had his other senses trained to superhuman levels. Able to hear a pin hitting the flow or tell what a person had for breakfast the day before.
Enhanced Conditioning: Shinobi are trained from infancy in the ways of their kind, honing their bodies and minds and often pushing both beyond their limits with extreme training regimes. The aftermath of those measures is a mercilessly athletic build. They possess enhanced strength, stamina, speed, and durability, are resistant to poisons, and can stand life-threatening temperatures due to their nestu. As a bearer, some traits are enchanted to superhuman degrees for Jao. His Stamina, speed, and poison resistance are uncanny.
Path of the Serpent: His training as a member of the Denkou-Shi has imprinted the principles of stealth, speed, and cunning on him. He can blend seamlessly into the environment, often striking from the shadows when least expected. His agility allows him to dodge attacks with serpent-like grace, making him a formidable opponent.
Tactician: Speaking to his cold and calculating nature, Jao excels in strategic planning and the manipulation of battlefield dynamics. He can analyze opponents quickly, formulating counter-strategies that exploit their weaknesses and employing psychological tactics to instill fear and doubt.
Arbiters
Nestu
Stage: Ava
Description: Denkou-shi's founding technique centered around using naten to influence thermal energy. The scale and scope of this manipulation depend entirely on the user, from manipulating one's temperature to affecting the temperature of the environment or even the body of others. These temperatures can be from light burns to scathing to total incineration. Constructs, beams, and bursts are just a few possibilities. These arts exist in two styles: Rhyme centered around cold and Sinder, which focuses on hot. Rhyme style is typically more challenging to master. There are only four users of this style in the clan. Jao has the potential to become one of them, but he scarcely pursues it, for his preferred combat style involves heat.
Sinder style; Dark Matter
Stage: Bea
Description: Shadowfang can manipulate a unique liquid metal called Ophidean, which he keeps in a special jar resembling a coiled snake. This metal can harden on command, allowing him to create weapons and armor or manipulate it for stealthy attacks and traps. He is exceptional at its use and can do so with fine-tuned precision. This jar passively absorbs and regulates heat, allowing for quick on-the-spot uses.
Sinder Style; Dark Matter; Kuro Kiri
Stage: Ava
Description: The Dark matter shapes into a serpent-like form that mimics Kuro's snake companion. It is typically his go-to use, and this form allows him swift and versatile approaches to battle. Providing both excellent offensive and defensive options.
Snake Charmer:
Stage: Ava
Description: Using his ability to communicate with snakes telepathically, he uses Ephermrla arts centered around using these deadly creations. He can summon/conjure both natural and metaphysical serpents. Kuro is used as a medium for some of these techniques. He can forge pacts with other serpents to summon for various needs.
Weapons: Shadowfang utilizes a litany of weapons and, with Dark Matter, can manifest virtually any martial weapon for any scenario. He is proficient in Kurasigama and dual-wielding.
Pillar of Projection
With the shift in power dynamics in the third astral year, Shadowfang, having been raised by the descendants, a group of Shi who have awakened their Dankestu and have been freeing Shi from their slavery, has turned 16 and is finally being called to restore the Snake Clan's influence. He seeks to reclaim his ancestors' legacy, freeing and uniting the clan's remnants and transforming them into a force that commands respect rather than just blind fear. He is determined to change the perception of shinobi society both from within and outside, striving to carve a path that honors his lineage while shaping the future of the lands of Edo.
Pillar of Reflection
Shadowfang's upbringing was strictly regimented; questions were seen as disloyalty. His mentors instilled in him a sense of unwavering loyalty to his clan’s honor and teachings. With each soul he claims as sustenance for the djinn of darkness he inherited, Jao feels the insatiable hunger grow within him—the thirst for power. Shadowfang is at a crossroads, torn between destiny and self-determination. His journey reflects the broader themes of freedom, destiny, and the moral complexities of power in a world steeped in shadow.
Pillar of Illumination
Shadowfang is a pivotal figure in a prophecy foretelling a climactic clash with an opposing force drawing from the same source. His journey will redefine the future of Edo, likely impacting the world as he navigates destiny, freedom, and the supernatural burdens of his lineage.
Age::16
Order: Human
Faction: The Great Shinobi Families. The Shinobi presence in early Edo was divided among three Shinobi clans, who were said to be the founders of the Shinobi way on the continent. Each clan is prominent in power and prestige and possesses unique mystic practices and inherited traits. They are in a constant gridlock for supremacy, often waging battle and assassins against the others.
Tribe:Denkou-Shi: The Original name of a brutal clan of fearsome warriors that stormed the lands of Edo long ago. Commonly referred to as the Snake clan for the use and reverence of serpents. The Shi view them as the purest reflection of a true shinobi’s nature and have learned to harness their symbolism in their life and work—fierce combatants possessing skill, and relentless brutality. Shinobi were once considered lesser-class citizens despite their ability—nothing but bloodthirsty demons for hire. Beheld to no master but the person with the deepest pocket, and for the lands of Edo, a place in constant civil turmoil, there were no shortages for uses for tools of war. Now after the failed coup the Shi who were once one of the most prominent powers in Edo, now reduced to slaves who have their eyes gouged from them. But the third astral year has shifted the paradigm. And a grasp at the greatest awaits them once more.
(For full history go here)
Unique Marks: Striking violet eyes that shimmer like distant galaxies—compelling and serpent-like, which can instill both fear and fascination. Most modern-day Shi have had their eyes plucked out in fear of their Dankestu awakening. A dark ritual known as Sun Eater. They have enchanted masks they are forbidden from removing. He has scars from training and battles etched across his arms, each telling a story of hardship and resilience.
Appearance:
Shadowfang is a tall, imposing figure, 6'2", with a lean, muscular build showcasing years of rigorous training. His short, raven-black hair stopped just short of his cheekbones. His skin bears the scars of battle, each telling a story of survival and vengeance. He wears a dark, form-fitting ninja garb adorned with subtle motifs of snakes, symbolizing his connection to his clan's values.
Personality
Cold and Calculating: Possessing an air of quiet confidence, Shadowfang is both contemplative and fierce. His demeanor is calm and collected, but beneath the surface lies an undeniable ferocity that emerges in combat. He embodies the principles of the Snake Clan, being physically and mentally agile. He's deeply attached to his clan's legacy and views every battle as an opportunity to reclaim the honor lost when the clan fell from power.
Fierce and Ruthless: Shadowfang shows no mercy in battle. He views sentimentality as a weakness and is unwavering in his missions, whether they involve personal vendettas or assignments from his clan.
Cautiously Observant: Jao's heightened senses constantly bombard him with information, fostering a careful and insightful nature. He is highly observant, constantly processing the world around him.
Analytical and Intuitive: Jao's ability to create mental profiles based on his enhanced senses lends him a highly analytical mind. He likely makes quick judgments about people and situations, often based on subtle cues most would miss.
Reserved Jao's unique sensory experience might make it difficult for him to connect with others personally. He might come across as distant or aloof simply because he's processing overwhelming information.
Intrigued and Curious: Despite his reserved nature, Jao's enhanced senses fuel a constant curiosity about the world. He is drawn to understanding the subtle intricacies of life and its hidden patterns.
Animal Compassion: Despite his ruthless reputation, Jao has a soft spot for animals. He often cares for injured or abandoned creatures, finding solace in their company. This odd duality adds depth to his character, revealing a complex relationship with the world around him. As a ninja, Shadowfang minimizes relationships with people, viewing them as distractions. He may form temporary alliances when necessary but avoids deeper connections to prevent vulnerability. His only friend is his companion, Kuro, a black snake with a red scale underbelly that he rescued as a child. Kuro often accompanies him as a reminder of his milder side, and he acts as an ally in combat.
Anthem
Danketsu:
Stage: Bea
Description: "Unity" is the original anthem of the Shi clan. A devilish pair of mystic eyes that is seen as taboo even in the morally gray lands of Edo. Enabling Shi to consume the souls of those they have slain, adding to their mystic power. A dark inheritance from a curse inflicted by the Djynn of Darkness and Chaos, Aphosis, its sinister impact engraved their names in Edo, from meager ninja mercenaries to one of the deadliest shinobi families. Cursing them with endless hunger, this anthem only manifests in less than a third of the clan. Those who inherit this devilish violet glow are known as "Descendants." When in use, their slit pupils open, becoming swirling voids. Staring into the haunting glare of these mystic eyes places the target in a state of paralyzing delirium as if staring into chaos itself, in this state the soul can force from the body. As this age's vessel for Aphosis, Jao inherited his ancestor's "Endless Art." A Dankestu that is constantly active. Depending on the strength of the soul, this process can take a bit of time, though the closer the creature is to death, the more seamless the process.
Jao's abilities come with significant burdens. His endless thirst for powerful souls drives him into dangerous situations where he must confront powerful foes who might overwhelm him. The digestion of souls leaves him vulnerable, stripping him of much of his naten and forcing him into hiding for three days or more, depending on the size of the soul consumed. Weaker souls are useless; they merely delay the inevitable hunger and damage his capabilities, making him susceptible to attack during periods of weakness.
Traits:
Dark Bearer: Jao hosts an ancient Fae born from darkness and chaos dating back to the first astral year. Aphosis, The Dynn Of Darkness, has held many names, The Nether Serpent and The Wingless Dragon, but the most infamous is the Black Sun. However, due to the advent of the Clash Of Two Suns, a sealing of its soul fragments, its power has been drastically reduced, and much of its old knowledge has been lost. Even as it is, being the host to a primal djynn affords an array of mystic abilities, notably a form of darkness manipulation, but it is largely unavailable to him. As Jao devourers more souls, its power will grow and unravel more of its ancient power. Another notable mystic trait is the ability to communicate telepathically with snakes and other serpents.
Thermal Perception: Through Nestu, Jao can perceive thermal energy, allowing him to 'see' the heat signatures of individuals and objects with his mind's eye. Though Jao is forbidden from using his eyes, he has attained such an evolved grasp of Nestu that he can create infrared scales of his surroundings.
Ephemeral Arts: The practice of manipulating naten to perform otherworldly feats. The origin of this craft is stepped in eons of self-preservation and mastery of one's self alongside nature in connection to mysticism, and its influence is rooted in all three of the great ninja families. Edolians have always had deep ties to the land and learned to manipulate naten in various ways. However, the spark of the Djynn of ambition's encouragement inspired Ephemeral Arts. The spectrum of ephemeral arts is vast and esoteric as it can be applied and used in innumerable ways; for the Denkou-Shi, their signature art is the ability to manipulate Thermal energy, also known as Nestu.
Metallurgy Prowes: During their infancy as Shinobi, the Denkou-Shi were miners with a special knack for finding the best Ore. This innate understanding of stone and metals was eventually expanded with the influence of the Djynn of Ambition, which evolved this trait to mystic levels. Now that they have a vast understanding of metals and how to manipulate them, they've become master smiths/weapon specialists. This is the primary application of their Nestu style Emphereal arts, allowing the invention of an expansive range of uses. As for Jao, a prolific study has learned to manipulate metal with such uncanny precision he can wield it in a liquid form. Made possible by the find of a rare black ore known as Ophidian.
Enhanced Senses: Though Jao is not Sunless because of a Sun-Eater ritual, because of his "Endless art," he has been forbidden from using eyes save for particular circumstances. So he has been given one of the masks that the Sunless wear, enchanted with special seals that inhibit the djynn's power. As a result, he has had his other senses trained to superhuman levels. Able to hear a pin hitting the flow or tell what a person had for breakfast the day before.
Enhanced Conditioning: Shinobi are trained from infancy in the ways of their kind, honing their bodies and minds and often pushing both beyond their limits with extreme training regimes. The aftermath of those measures is a mercilessly athletic build. They possess enhanced strength, stamina, speed, and durability, are resistant to poisons, and can stand life-threatening temperatures due to their nestu. As a bearer, some traits are enchanted to superhuman degrees for Jao. His Stamina, speed, and poison resistance are uncanny.
Path of the Serpent: His training as a member of the Denkou-Shi has imprinted the principles of stealth, speed, and cunning on him. He can blend seamlessly into the environment, often striking from the shadows when least expected. His agility allows him to dodge attacks with serpent-like grace, making him a formidable opponent.
Tactician: Speaking to his cold and calculating nature, Jao excels in strategic planning and the manipulation of battlefield dynamics. He can analyze opponents quickly, formulating counter-strategies that exploit their weaknesses and employing psychological tactics to instill fear and doubt.
Arbiters
Nestu
Stage: Ava
Description: Denkou-shi's founding technique centered around using naten to influence thermal energy. The scale and scope of this manipulation depend entirely on the user, from manipulating one's temperature to affecting the temperature of the environment or even the body of others. These temperatures can be from light burns to scathing to total incineration. Constructs, beams, and bursts are just a few possibilities. These arts exist in two styles: Rhyme centered around cold and Sinder, which focuses on hot. Rhyme style is typically more challenging to master. There are only four users of this style in the clan. Jao has the potential to become one of them, but he scarcely pursues it, for his preferred combat style involves heat.
Sinder style; Dark Matter
Stage: Bea
Description: Shadowfang can manipulate a unique liquid metal called Ophidean, which he keeps in a special jar resembling a coiled snake. This metal can harden on command, allowing him to create weapons and armor or manipulate it for stealthy attacks and traps. He is exceptional at its use and can do so with fine-tuned precision. This jar passively absorbs and regulates heat, allowing for quick on-the-spot uses.
Sinder Style; Dark Matter; Kuro Kiri
Stage: Ava
Description: The Dark matter shapes into a serpent-like form that mimics Kuro's snake companion. It is typically his go-to use, and this form allows him swift and versatile approaches to battle. Providing both excellent offensive and defensive options.
Snake Charmer:
Stage: Ava
Description: Using his ability to communicate with snakes telepathically, he uses Ephermrla arts centered around using these deadly creations. He can summon/conjure both natural and metaphysical serpents. Kuro is used as a medium for some of these techniques. He can forge pacts with other serpents to summon for various needs.
Weapons: Shadowfang utilizes a litany of weapons and, with Dark Matter, can manifest virtually any martial weapon for any scenario. He is proficient in Kurasigama and dual-wielding.
Pillar of Projection
With the shift in power dynamics in the third astral year, Shadowfang, having been raised by the descendants, a group of Shi who have awakened their Dankestu and have been freeing Shi from their slavery, has turned 16 and is finally being called to restore the Snake Clan's influence. He seeks to reclaim his ancestors' legacy, freeing and uniting the clan's remnants and transforming them into a force that commands respect rather than just blind fear. He is determined to change the perception of shinobi society both from within and outside, striving to carve a path that honors his lineage while shaping the future of the lands of Edo.
Pillar of Reflection
Shadowfang's upbringing was strictly regimented; questions were seen as disloyalty. His mentors instilled in him a sense of unwavering loyalty to his clan’s honor and teachings. With each soul he claims as sustenance for the djinn of darkness he inherited, Jao feels the insatiable hunger grow within him—the thirst for power. Shadowfang is at a crossroads, torn between destiny and self-determination. His journey reflects the broader themes of freedom, destiny, and the moral complexities of power in a world steeped in shadow.
Pillar of Illumination
Shadowfang is a pivotal figure in a prophecy foretelling a climactic clash with an opposing force drawing from the same source. His journey will redefine the future of Edo, likely impacting the world as he navigates destiny, freedom, and the supernatural burdens of his lineage.