Creepers from the Deep

[Ippin]

Name: Creepers from the Deep

Participants: Shinigami, Hollows, Beastclan

Location: Soul Society

Difficulty Level: Easy to Medium

Setting: Damage Permanent

Plotline: The borders of the Wilderness have become a bit populated as of recently. Large groups of villagers and settlements who have lived within the wilderness have begun to leave and taking vacancy into Rukongai. Numbers are consistently growing with each week that goes by with tid bits of information suggesting that the beastclans have now begun to be more violent than ever. Not only that their activities and fighting have become more apparent, but their struggles have now pushed villagers out of their homes and into the arms of the Shinigami that patrol the ghettos. What the hell is going on?


Estimated Enemy Strength: Class 8 - 4

Estimated Time Until Completion: 3 or 4 pages..........probably

Starts: [Insert Here] - When there are 3 participants duh

Special Conditions: There will be instances of "horde mode" that will be active in this thread, so be wary.

[Shawn Rabuburēdo]

Shawns in, be gentle with him!

[Zadora]

Curiosity won’t be the end of this cat

[Teresa]

I’m in

[Miranda Frost]

Miranda's here to provide support.

[Ippin]

Side Note: Since there are different races entering this adventure I will be providing further information to help with your introduction posts fwue in regards the race's perspective on things. With that being said, despite it feeding perspective on each race, this information is pretty much general knowledge for everyone involved. Up to you to decide how this affects you and where you would like to start. Word of caution for Beastclan and Hollow participants, if you want to start in the depths of the Wilderness already, then brace yourselves.



Scenario/Setting[/i]

The Shiningami


Humans chatting among each other. The Pluses here gathering along the border of the Rukongai ghettos looking to integrate with the community as they are forced to leave their homes within the Wilderness. With large masses of bodies the Shinigami presence here has grown with different squads coming to assist with settling the new souls into the community, and at the same time to avoid a possible aggression from within the crowds. Tensions are at a all time high now with resources that usually came from the Wilderness are now becoming more scarce, which leaves people setting out to secure more in the dense sea of trees. However, before their embarking on their journey those that came from the Wilderness spoke to them with words of warning. "Don't go it's too dangerous" A few of the pluses would say to the groups when the first horde of souls removed themselves from the woods. The other Souls that came along soon after added further details though small, "There are strange creatures in there. Nothing that I have ever seen before." One would vaguely say. "They were just everywhere. First there was just one, then more, and more," another added with panic.

The souls that came during the duration of the week only grew in number with a fraction shown clear signs of injuries. Those Pluses that came showed signs of struggle, with half of the fraction being severe wounds. Missing limbs, bodies barely hanging together with nothing more than just bandages doing what they could. Soon, during the end of the week, few Pluses emerged with portions of their households missing. Some women and children, while others were the men that decided to venture back to help. Those that ventured back, regardless of the reason, never returned. Those that resided, who lived, on the edges of the Wilderness decided to venture away from where they were to march to Rukongai, thus creating a much larger crowd, and fewer resources to go around. Now, the storage has begun to affect the civilians, and may become troublesome as time goes on.


The Beastclan


Usually, life in the Wilderness was a doggy dog world, where the survival of the fittest was the only rule that was the be followed. Hunting and eating was the natural way of life for those that had the desire to grow, and survive. The Wilderness had always produced a means for both, with plentiful livestock of wild animals, to the Humans that have trained themselves to act as predators, to even the challenge of other Beastclans that fought to claim the best lands for living. However, things have begun to change. A change in temperature that seemingly has brought on a heavy sense of moisture in the air. Signs of birds migrating towards the East, to that of the Seireitei, to the Human settlements. The natural sounds of life that were once brewing all around have began to cease, even down the Crickets being silent. What were used as life stock for hunts to feed hungry packs have now been reduced in number, while to others being no where to be found. Life within the Wilderness seemingly coming to a standstill, oddly void of life.

With the natural order of things in the Wilderness becoming more quiet as time goes on, what occurs with the Beastclans that have become affected by these turn of events have now caused a bloodied war to begin. An internal war that was beginning to spark within the Wilderness as clans are now forced to reside closer to each other, while others invading one another's hunting grounds. Some packs swallow others. Others come to cannibalize what they can. For the few that desired to seek out the cause were no longer seen again. Now, things are becoming more harrowing as once flourishing rivers have been reduced down to streams, leaving the plant life to slowly perish. What will remain if this continues?


The Hollows


Finding souls to feast on, to prey upon was never a difficult task to do. Often times it required some patience, and a bit of action. The Wilderness offered a variety of souls from the weak to the strong, with each being plentiful, and able to be obtained without much interference by the other races. In some sense, this was a Hollows paradise, and testing ground for their strength. While it could be seen as such those with a bit of ambition could even see the Wilderness as a temporary base to lay siege to their hated enemies; the Shinigami. A vast land that the Shinigami could not monitor, or track so easily given what other races laid within the sea of trees. But, the situation has changed. No longer were there souls to be found, at least not as easily as before. Like finding a needle in a Haystack, what souls could be found were those who were already on edge, and ready to fight to the death. An alerted target was a more dangerous target. Regardless of what race they came from, being that of a Beastclan, Shinigami, or a mere Plus, there was going to be trouble when trying to hunt, leaving few options if hardly none.

What few options were those of the riskier sort. With the Human souls now leaving their small villages within the Wilderness behind to go to the ghettos, what Human souls were available were those being watched over by the Shinigami. Large numbers of Human souls being monitored by experienced Shinigami, along with those who were recently graduated but in large numbers. The beastclans that were being affected by these turn of events were now fighting among each other, becoming stronger with each battle they survive, and increasing their pack size. This left what Hollows that were in the Wilderness to hunt for what they could, even if it was their own kind. The only issue with this was were there any Hollows left at this point? With what was going on the Hollows that didn't want a struggle to feed on have moved on to other unaffected regions of the Wilderness, while those that wanted to become stronger would stay their ground and hope to become stronger. Still, would this continue to spread to the other regions if it was to continue?

[Shawn Rabuburēdo]

Herding the pluses began getting harder and harder as more and more of them seem to be heading into the village from both within and around the wilds. Struggling to keep the peace Shawn was running back and forth helping any who required a hand. What was happening inside the wilds that was causing so many pluses to flee their homes? Sweat building up on his face as he helps an older woman plus that needed a hand carrying some food to her family.

Just a few hours prior it was a peaceful morning, not much going on in the terms of jobs so Shawn was planning on hiking out to his favorite training grounds out in the more natural parts of the west Rukon district. Ensuring his Zanpakuto was secured on his back he was ready to head off, walking from the squad 11 sleeping chambers and heading to the doors leading out of the barracks. At about fifteen feet from the door another officer rushed through the doors screaming at the top of his lungs, "Squad 11 report to the outer Rukongai, problems from the Wilds, this is a direct order from Captain Grin!"

Hearing this order Shawn understood it was time to put his training into practice heading immediately to the area they were ordered. Looking around would show that there was representatives from most of the squads but the major working force seemed to be those from squad 11 and 10. What is happening that would cause the captains to send so many personnel to the edge of the Rukongai? Will this question be answered soon? Only time would tell so until then Shawn must keep working to insure everyone remains safe and protected.

[Miranda Frost]

 Squad 10 had many duties in regards to the well being and defense of the sereitei. Due to their jurisdiction centering mainly in the prospect of defense, they were often used to bolster other squads when it came to operations and problems arising within the soul society as a whole. Miranda would be there amidst the fringe districts assisting her sibling squads in keeping the peace and directing the souls flooding them. Due to the lack of space she had directed her men to take certain refugee groups to deeper districts. When reports came of unknown entities gathering in numbers out in the wilderness, her mind shifted to war mode. There are many creatures that can be confused as hollow and vice versa. The mission she was sent to clear out an overrun research facility displayed this clearly. The bug-like creatures there seemed hollow-like at first glance but the way they acted and operated refuted this observation almost immediately. Right now it was uncertain on what the threat was, but she would be damned if she would allow this rag-tag group of shinigami volunteers be caught with their pants down.

 She had spread the word among those she could to evacuate the fringe districts and bring those residents closer within the rukongai. It was better to prepare for the worst rather than dismiss the threat of invasion entirely. Some shinigami would disagree with this notion, and Miranda had no jurisdiction to combat that. She couldn't use her weight as 3rd seat of tenth squad for force these lower ranking soldiers into complying with her plan. However, it would seem many would agree with her suggestion and begin funneling people out, leaving those districts mostly depopulated. With those people gone, they can much easily help the refugees that fled the wilderness and take them elsewhere. When she was satisfied with the low population of the district she would pool the remaining shinigami together to come up with a plan to tackle this situation within one of the meeting halls. Unfortunately, these included those who were less enthused by the work Miranda had divvied out.

 The table was large enough to allow whatever seated members from their respective squads to sit and discussed with whatever notable unseated being able to seat themselves as well or stand around to listen in and propose ideas once called upon. Before them lay a map of the district and the surrounding area and another showing  the charted portions of the wilderness that were available, though Miranda felt that it wouldn't help much. It was all too easy to get lost still, even with a map. Shinigami were not acclamated to such environments. While the citizens and beastclan tribes would navigated it quite well, it is only due to their experience there. The forest was very much alive and would want nothing more for intruders to pay the price of losing their way. Her first mission was out there, and only through pity was she allowed to live.

 A loud voice among the the few seated members stood up and with heavy, strong fists, slammed them against the table. "This is outragious. Why are we sitting around squabling when we can be out there cutting down the enemy? Miranda, you overstep your bounds! Why take the time to remove these citizens from their homes. We could have crushed the enemy before they'll even have a chance to advance on the soul society! You didn't even bring your Zanpakuto. What kind of warrior are you?"

 Miranda grimaced at every word the man spoken and the mention of her not bringing her blade did turn quite a few heads. This man was a seated member after all. From the discussions prior, she gleamed that he was from her sister sqaud, squad 11 and he held the rank of 10th seat, a position he probably gotten from his sheer physical ability.  However, even many of the unseated here could sense that the gloves were her Zanpakuto. Miranda wouldn't even stand to face him, to fight him. She'd glance at him with a disinterested look in her eye as a crystal dagger formed within an instant a foot away from the man's eye. He'd stumble back over his stool and trip, with the dagger moving just fast enough to maintain that distance. "I would propose the same to you, but I already know what kind you are. You're reckless, selfish, and willing to waste thousands, no, hundreds of thousands of lives just for the chance to swing your sword at something.", she'd  sigh and move the dagger in, dodging his big meaty arms and created a cut just deep enough to leave a scar. "Your inability to even gauge the basic abilities of those around you will get you killed! You call yourself a seated officer. Leave us and quit the field before I actually get upset. Go tell your superiors what I did to your cheek. I'll gladly explain myself later."

 The man, stubborn as ever stood but knew he couldn't do much with that dagger poised  and ready to bury itself in this stupid, pathetic excuse for a soldier. He'd spit at the ground before him and leave without much more than a grunt and an angry expression shot in Miranda's direction. Miranda sighed and looked towards the empty seat and then out towards the surrounding unseated population. She squinted, noticing  a familiar patch of blond hair stick out. "Shawn? Shawn! Sit down! You're much better suited to this operation than your disgrace as an officer. He would gotten himself and those around him killed.", she'd sigh and let the dagger move back by her side, pointed down at the ground by her feet. "Now then, it has been a chaotic day dealing with these citizens. Has anyone been able to obtain any glimpse of information about them other than what was relayed by those fleeing the forests?"

[Teresa]

Step after step, constantly moving forward the large tree-like body of the Hollow moves forward through the grass beam to its feet. The Hollow that until recently had been dealing havoc throughout Karakura town for roughly a month, was now in the wilderness of Soul Society. The constant, abundant source of food had been enough to accelerate Teresa’s evolution from a basic Hollow into the next stage. Now though she was faced with a much larger problem than even being constantly in danger while staying in Karakura.

She had lost something when she evolved. The Hollow that had been smart enough to kill in silence, to eliminate the majority of her prey from behind. The one that had survived several altercations against the Shinigami with only minor injuries. She’d lost the very thing that had allowed her to claim such successes. Her intellect and awareness were now virtually gone. Her conciseness is a figment of what it had been only a few days ago. Almost as if she were stuck inside some immeasurably dense fog while her body became a servant to her hunger. Now though the Hollow simply seeks out the next meal moving through the wilderness aimlessly without knowledge that she’s approaching something of importance.

[Zadora]

Long golden grass swaying in the gentle breeze that swept through the grassy plains. The breeze was cooling in the blazing sun. Very few trees littered the plains giving little shade with most of the trees being thin and bare of leaves. And fewer trees that were large enough to create shade for animals to relax in from the hot sun. With the hot sun blazing down on the plains, there were few out and about. And what had been a large river was now just a stream.

Golden eyes looked over the plain, searching. It was Zadora’s turn to hunt for the pack. Yet she had traveled far in search of prey big enough to feed the three of them. Mostly Rafael. Since the large panther seemed to be a bottomless pit when it came to eating. Eating more than Lolth and herself. So finding large prey to feed the three of them had grown more scarce from her usual hunting grounds causing her to travel farther in her search. The traveling was rather unwanted but was needed. She needed her grounds to grow before she returned to it.

Yet this new hunting ground wasn’t providing what she was hoping for. Prey only seemed large enough to feed herself or Lolth. And not their large panther friend. And she wasn’t about to be carrying multiple carcasses to feed the pack. She only wanted one large prey that was large enough to feed the three of them. She wanted to curse at Rafael’s eating habit but she kept to herself. He was a large guy and he needed to eat a lot to keep up his strength.

But being out here for hours, she migrated to rest under one of the few trees that casted a shadow. Mild annoyance swelling inside her at the lack of prey. “Why is there so little good now?” She questioned quietly to herself as her eyes swept across the plains once again. Hoping that a large animal big enough would suddenly appear. Yet the search only brought more annoyance. A small grumbling growl vibrated in her throat as she turned her head down.

[Ippin]

Chatter rang around the pair of Shinigami from those among their squadmates, with rumors and theories being spread about. Some considered it to be Hollows, taking on new forms to create such a situation in masses. Another group spoke about the Quincies, referring to the battle that took place at the gates of the Seireitei that was nearly a year ago. Another assault maybe that was going to take place? More clutter continued to build up until a Seated Officer entered the area. "Oye, keep it down you hear. We just got word from the Captains." he first announced, letting the first part settle in before continuing on with what was going to be said. Coming out with a firm tone, the Seated Officer went on, "As we know now that the Pluses from the Wilderness are moving in masses to Rukongai, and from how things look right now they are continuing to come. It is because of this mass movement is the reason why we have a number of squads mobilizing everyone that they can to control the population, and organize them as such."

"Right now, Squads 4, 6, and 7 are dealing with the Pluses and trying to get them to settle in. Squad 9 and Squad 13 are assisting Squad 3 with information gathering, which leaves a select few members from other squads to be assisting Squad 10 and 11 to venture into the Wilderness to clear out the interior near the border." he explained. A number of Squads being moved about all at the same time, mirroring near the same number as the Souls that were moving into the ghettos. "However, since we still have a portion of Squad 10 and 11 assisting with crowd control it will take time to gather and send a suitable counter attack to whatever it is we are dealing with based on the limited information we have, which is why we are sending small teams of Shinigami inside to clear out whatever this is. Squad 2 and Squad 1 will remain within the Seireitei as quick response units in the scenario if this is indeed an attack, or a decoy to turn our attention to the Wilderness. So, I will call out the assigned teams that will be going in."

Naturally, Shawn and Miranda's names were called to be serve on individual teams that will be operating together. One after another the teams were announced, having three teams to stick together in key areas within the Wilderness. As in total, there were fifteen groups with three teams in each, consisting of five Shinigami in each team. "Each of your groups will be given a map of the area that you are to secure and investigate if you can. Once Squad 3 has members to provide they will begin their scouting with the assistance a selected members from Squad 2. After the other Squads settle with the Pluses, further assistance will be given to investigate the situation altogether. You dismissed to moveout." Once collected, the maps would indicate where each group was to be positioned, leaving the pair of Shinigami beside four other groups, and at the front line.

(Note: The interior of the Wilderness, where you are positioned, has the same environmental conditions as for the other characters.)





Trees snapping, with branches being crushed beneath the heel. The silence was unnatural compared to what previous experiences that the Hollow may have had here before. A dense fog nearly making the trees appear ghostly, almost nonexistent to the physical eye. The eye wanders off to the wet dew that continues to collect on the green leaves of the trees, masking what may lie beneath the thick brushes. A hunger that is driven by instinct. Instinct driven by hunger. One finds the other within the heavy veil of dew as a snap of a branch is heard from behind. Prattling, with quick steps in full motion one after the other. Then, another. Another set of prattling steps come from the East. A single howl echoes from behind to soon have another pair of running steps to erupt from ahead, almost if signaling. Steps hidden behind the thick layer of fog, with only a single dark silhouette trodding down a clearing among the trees to the Adjuchas' feet with bared fangs.

(Note: These are low class npcs that you can do what you want with them. Ranking them as Class 7.)


A howl erupts to break the silence of the Beastclan member. A howl that came out from the dense layer of the fog some distance away, but fairly close. Even with the heavy droplets of the collected moisture fell from the trees above, what came from the distance could clearly be heard. The fog rolled causing a cascade of soon to be falling droplets rain down from the nearby trees to give a bit of life from the seemingly lifeless Wilderness. At least for the moment as a bellow rumbled off from the distance. More dew dropped from above with another bellow softly being emitted closer.......much closer. A shuffle of rocks and dirt could clearly be heard from several feet away within the tall grass, inching closer to Zadora. Then silence.

No sound but the makeshift rain drops around with the shifting of the wind stirring the number of scents around the area. The bellow returned...........

.....from behind the behind.

A large shadow motioned forward, charging even as it sprang from the ground. A longated snout would be the first to be seen, but the figure itself blackened as it moved. It was big.....Very big. Its figure could easily eclipse Zadora's own body. Its snout opening to snap down at where Zadora was laying, clearly to finish this encounter quickly.

[Shawn Rabuburēdo]

As most of the Pluses seemed to be guided out of the area Shawn decided to join a meeting being held in one of the houses. Among those seated around the table he noticed his squads tenth seat, someone who by all means only has the position because he bullies his way into keeping that spot. Surprisingly Shawn also noticed another familiar face among the group, Miranda was sitting there and it seems her and his tenth seat are having a small argument. Without a doubt he was pretty sure the tenth seat probably started it and did so as an idiot, in any case it didn't last long before the bully was indeed bullied into running away. This could only bring a smile to Shawn's face as this man consistently went after Shawn on the fact he mostly uses Kido due to his weak physical abilities.



With the new empty seat it was clear Miranda wanted it filled, just as she began scanning the crowd Shawn was spotted and before he could say anything those around him began pushing him toward the seat. Apparently nobody else wanted to fill that spot after what just happened, so Shawn was the perfect scape goat for everyone else in the crowd. Reaching the destination he reluctantly takes his place among mostly seated officers. Actually after looking more intently he would realize the only people at the table were seated Shinigami of both squad ten and eleven.



While Shawn was getting comfortable Miranda asked if anyone had more information about what might be causing pluses to flee from the wilderness. The house filled with noise as people began talking to one another, one Shinigami was talking about how it could possibly be Hollows taking on a different form while another was talking about how it could be a distraction for another Quincy attack. Sadly there were too many theories and no actual facts being thrown around, this little gossip session would end abruptly when another seated officer came into the house and began shouting for everyone to quiet down.



Shawn listened as the officer began explaining the situation, as he kept talking Shawn realized he already knew most of the information with a few things being news to him such as both squad one and two will be the squads playing the role of emergency defense this time around. Finally he gets to the portion of dividing up teams, Shawn and Miranda ended up in separate teams but with the way groups are to function they will still be working together. Of course Miranda is the leader of her team, while on the other hand the seventh seat of squad eleven is the leader of Shawn's.



All groups finally make it to the Wilds and it seems the group of three teams that Shawn is a part of is working with another group of three, on the front lines. He hasn't seen anything yet but with the eerie silence hanging in the air he expects something bad can happen any moment. I can't let my team down, I must protect them, this thought repeated in his mind over and over. Making his way over to Miranda he asks, "Do you sense anything out of the ordinary around here? It seems suspicious that nothing has popped out yet even though this is deep within the territory the threat is supposed to be?" With that Shawn would listen to Miranda's response, gripping his unsheathed Zanpakuto a little more tightly than normal while also keeping his own senses on high alert.

[Teresa]

Continuing to walk through the wilderness as a semi-mindless entity as the wet dew of the environment marks her heavy white bone feet. The massive figure of Teresa’s new body struggling to proceed forward due to her massive weight. After a few more minutes passed the noise of something else in a fog that had found itself around Teresa were heard. Unable to see the potential threat in the vicinity around her, Teresa's mind, as fogged over as everything around her, begins to spit out something black like sludge that smacks against the ground. After a couple more moments pass and Teresa repeats this process two more times.

An ability that Teresa hadn’t displayed while she had been a fresh Hollow, this time guided by the instinct of being a Hollow. The black substance forms upwards, taking on the shape of Shinigami with the only difference being a blank white mask worn over each of the three. Each one drawing their zanpakuto and standing in front of Teresa. Over the next few moments the three figures that stood in front of Teresa kept themselves steady meeting the animal that saw her as potential food head on. The speed and strength difference between her soldiers was less than this animal that lived in the wilderness yet victory wouldn’t be so simple.

Rushing inwards on them would be little different than charging at a wood chipper as each one worked in tandem with the others. When this massive bear rushed in ready to swing it’s large paw the soldier on the other side stepped forward thrusting it’s zanpakuto out. Managing to clip the back left side of the bear near its back leg. The soldier in the middle swinging it’s zanpakuto down missed the head yet it’s zanpakuto would bite into the left shoulder of the bear. Finally the one closest to the paw would swing, managing to collide it’s zanpakuto with the bear yet the soldier was knocked to the ground regardless. It’s zanpakuto knocked from its grip from the sheer strength of the bear.

Howling in pain yet pushing forward in rage, the Bear turns its attention on the other two soldiers charging forward and knocking the one that had been in the middle up into the air and then down to the ground. The other soldier moving behind cuts low, managing to get the back of the bear’s left leg. Weakening its ability to move, the soldier keeps moving, stabbing it’s zanpakuto into the back of the bear while the one on the ground thrusts his forward into the chest. Still roaring in rage the bear stomps on the soldier below only to then bite down on the mask and maul it.

After a few moments the soldier bursts apart into reiatsu that rushes back into Teresa. The tower like Hollow shrieking in pain from one of her soldiers being destroyed. The other two didn’t waste any time as the bear tried to understand why it’s prey had suddenly disappeared from below him. Thankfully though the soldiers with their zanpakuto both pierce through the sides of the torso. Blood pouring from more than three different wounds the bear finally drops to the ground. Beaten and fighting to stay alive the bear would feel Teresa’s massive mouth bite down on it. Dozens of fangs all at once breaking apart its flesh, devouring it whole.

Class 7 Grizzly Bear
Strength: 180
Speed: 120
Instinct: 100
Senses: 100

[Zadora]

Zadora glanced around as she paused. Her rounded ears became erect and the thin appendages began to swivel at the top of her head. Trying to listen for any possible prey that is nearby that could feed her pack. Yet not a single sound of hooves nor paws hitting the ground besides her own. A frown marred her muzzle as she moved to continue her hunt for prey they seemed to be scarce today. She needed to find something for her pack.

But she didn’t get far. A loud howl broke the silence causing her to stop in mid step. The sound caused a tremble to race through her as the small droplets on condensation landed on her and the ground around her. Her head wiped to the side, in the direction of the sound. It sounded close. To be honest, it was too close for her liking and is probably the cause that there was no prey around.

Then fog started to roll into the area she was in. Her nose scrunched up as her spine started to stiffen. Something.. something was coming. She didn’t know what. Rain soon started to fall around her. And what came with the rain made her tremble once more. Another bellow of something she had never heard from. Whatever it was was something that she had never hunted before. But it was getting close to her.

For once she didn’t feel like a predator.. She felt like a prey. She felt like she wasn’t the one doing the hunting. But being hunted.