Arc 1 ~ Canon S-2: New Generations: Bount [Hard, DP]

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

Name: Arc 1 ~ Canon S-2: New Generations: Bount, Series 3

Participants: Max of 4 allowed. Restricted to Class 2-0

Location: Karakura Town, Japan

Difficulty Level: Hard

Threat Level: DP

Plotline: The True Bount is aware of all of another organization of Bount within the world. He isn’t happy about it. Luckily, he still has his own followers who heed his every command without question. Will there be enough power amongst the group to take down his army? Will he ever be exposed?

Estimated Enemy Strength: Class 0

Estimated Time Until Completion: 5 pages

Starts: October 26, 2024

Special Conditions: Each character can only join one Canon thread at a time. There is a strict one-week posting timer that begins once a previous participant posts. If the next participant fails to post during their turn during this time period, they get skipped. This does not mean they get dropped, but that participant’s character will suffer the consequences (such as being forced to take whatever damage has occurred due to a previous poster’s actions). Participants are free to drop if they so choose and new participants can join, but there can only ever be a maximum of four participants at any time. If someone gets skipped, the DM will post who was skipped and whose turn it is to post. If any participant is skipped 3 times within the Canon thread, they will be automatically dropped and someone new may be permitted to join.

DISCLAIMER: I fully expect your characters' Classes to increase because of other threads outside of the Canon! That is okay, but you are required to use the stats and skills your character has at the time of Canon entry. They cannot be updated. If your character was Class 6 for an Easy thread, for example, and you post your stats and skills as they were at Class 6, then that is what they will be throughout the duration of the Canon thread. If your character's Class increases to 5, that is okay. They are still required to use their Class 6 values. Likewise, if your character was Class 8 at the time of entry and increased to Class 6 outside of the Canon, they must still use their Class 8 stat and skill values. The same rule applies for any power changes/additions.

[Luke Clyburn]

Throwing the real Bount daddy in.

[Serraph Quarrere]

"Far from home, and far away from the sacred dome, one man joins forces with an unlikely ally, with whom he conducts raid after raid and forces the enemy to redistribute its strength. The moon cools the desert sands as the legend in Karakura grows. The man is Serraph Quarrere, and these are the four wings of history"

[✠Asmoskon Masurao✠]

Time to find Jin!

[Tala Selao]

"Sounds like a weird cult, and one that wants to start a war. I can't stand aside and let that happen, even if my powers are incomplete."

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

Sign-ups for this thread are now closed! I'll post the intro on October 26th and then character intro posts can be made in any order, but once the order is established after everyone posts their character intro, that will be the posting order going forward.

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

On a dusty morning, the streets were bustling. Cars were zooming. Everyone was moving about their days, thinking about where their lives were going to take them next. They wouldn't dare think about who could be lurking beneath the shadows before the sun began to rise, slowly picking these people off as if they were apples from a tree. The sudden burst of energy had caught the attention of many in the Bount community, and not all of them were so friendly. One in particular was especially keen on the idea of meeting up with this group who followed a false Bount leader, potentially figuring out exactly what it was that made her tick.

Until that time, the army could be free. They could run wild. They could feed on whoever necessary in order to strengthen their Dolls and fight. That was what was coming, anyway. A fight. Was it for dominance, perhaps? Or something else? Who was to say? All that was known was that there wasn't just a single Bount looking to take control over the community. Plans had been set in place for some time now, possibly months. Living within the shadows may have been the only way to survive, but soon enough there wouldn't be a single street without a Bount roaming freely. Maybe then they would be taken seriously.

"I never would have suspected so much could happen during my time away."

"W-wait... But you're dead! We all heard about it! You're dead!"

"Exaggerated. I didn't want anyone to steal my title away, but I came from a time where the Bount population was much more... minimal."

The woman's voice faltered as she spoke. "What are you talking about? Let go of me!"

"No, I don't think I will. I already tried playing nice years ago. I don't want to do that anymore. I have since evolved." Turning his head, the man gestured towards some unseen force just a few feet away, waving his hand in dismissal. "Hitze, burn this place to the ground."

"Yes, Master. As you wish."

Pivoting on his heels, the man walked away from the scene as flames erupted faster than anyone could blink. The Doll, producing high amounts of heat, was working on destroying the club belonging to an old group of gang members who once threatened its master and the Bount way of living. This had been years ago. Strange to think that it took this long to take revenge, but at least it was possible. It was a shame that the man had no idea who that woman was. She was human, but she knew too much. Her entire group had been full of Bount hunters who feared them due to their vampire-like motif.

The smell of burning flesh filled the air as the man, donning a floor-length coat as it covered his black dress shirt and black slacks, smiled and continued down the path. Hitze soon caught up with him, condensing down into a small figure until it finally took the shape of a yo-yo and settled in the man's coat pocket. He rubbed the yo-yo with his thumb, silently thanking it for performing that one last task. Now the real party could get started. He'd return to his followers, greet them with open arms, and go back to finish the job he started so long ago. He wasn't going to let some poser take over the goal he'd had for over a decade.

---

The setting is Karakura Town, Japan. True to form, the Bount army following the original True Bount has been sent out to fight the group Aura led along with any allies. Interestingly enough, the other organizations heard rumors of activity ever since Luke's awakening, enticing them and forcing their curiosity to win. After sending out whoever could volunteer, they found that the army was quite large in number. Despite being a rare breed, Bounts seemed to be plentiful. At least, enough for the True Bount to lead. He wants to finish what he started back when he was active, and he never truly found a successor, so it was only natural for him to want to take control once again.

Unfortunately, he wasn't one to get his hands dirty if he didn't have to. This was why he sent the army. Full of perfectly capable Bounts, they charged after anyone who opposed this man and protected him with their lives. They had no choice since he was fully able to bend them to his will. As the True Bount, it was possible for him to subjugate all other Bount with next to no effort, and they willingly went along with his plans very quickly. It was easy to do that when he could be so compelling. The goal at the moment is to fight off the army and draw out the True Bount, but he won't be one to give up his hiding place so easily.

[Luke Clyburn]

When he first heard the report, he found it laughable and insane. From everything he understood, the Bount population was critically endangered to the level that you’d expect outreach groups to start making sanctuaries and repopulation initiatives like you see for panda bears or Chinese giant salamanders. But getting a report delivered to him that there were seemingly enough Bounts to create something of an army was just insane to hear. It's the sort of insane you’d expect to see from a badly written sequel to a popular horror movie, like Nightmare on Elms Street 2. That was the only comparison Luke could think of. He didn’t watch a lot of movies anymore. Especially when everything started to suck shortly before taking a dirt nap for the last few years. But Xcution’s information could be trusted. He had to trust it since he was now the head of that information department.

Sitting atop the rooftop of a rather tall building was the one Bount who could have potentially caused this entire thing to happen. Sitting on the edge of the roof, feet dangling in the air, he leaned forward on his knees as he stared out across the city from beneath the red helmet he had donned this night. He hadn’t worn this mask in a long time. But tonight was one of those nights where he had no choice. He wasn’t here as Xcution’s Chief Strategist. He was here as one of Karakura’s protectors, as a hero of justice, and he would do what needed to be done. But he still found it so laughable. A name reappearing after all of these years doing something that according to all known files and information on him was entirely out of character. Why had he chosen this course of action? Why throw the lives of Bounts into a meat grinder? If this actually was who the information said it was, approaching Aura’s coven with diplomacy should have been the move that individual made. Especially if he cared about his kind. It led Luke to one conclusion.

This is a faker.

It wouldn’t be the first time someone had used another person's name to elicit command and prestige. One couldn’t gauge Luke Clyburn’s expression from underneath his Vigilante’s Hood. The Bount stared out at nothing in particular. The feelings in his guts mixed. He had come to Karakura Town all those years ago to seek out clues regarding his mothers disappearance. He had come to search for a man with the same name as the one he was now potentially turning into an enemy. Questions that Luke had long since forgotten. He no longer cared about finding out about his mother. He no longer cared about learning why she abandoned him and who she was. That had long become something of no importance. Reaching into the pocket of his usual brown, bomber, coat Luke pulled out a slip of paper. The letter that his mother had written him all those years ago. He had held onto it and had been lucky he hadn’t lost it after coming back to life.

He read it over again. From behind his mask, his eyelids closed partly. Amber hues reading the words over and over again. He had already committed the letter to memory. But he had held onto it for sentimental reasons. It was all he had left of his mother. A mother whose face he didn’t even remember anymore. Whose voice he had long forgotten. What color had her hair even been? A mother who left him with two strangers that she mentally manipulated into believing were Luke’s grandparents. Closing his eyes tightly, Luke let up on the pressure in his fingers as a breeze yanked the letter from his hand. He tilted his head slightly in the direction it went, watching the paper drift away into the city as it danced with the wind. That’s all it was after all. Paper.

”I’d half expect you to be desperately trying to find a way out of what’s to come, boy. Trying to find some way to make peace or just run away from the conflict since it doesn’t involve you. I guess you’ve grown a bit.” a familiar voice within the back of his mind spoke, breaking the silence for the Bount.

”He might not have chosen this battle but it isn’t one he can simply ignore. Not when you-know-who is at risk. He has a point though, Master, it’s impressive how firm your will is on this. You’ve done well centering yourself. Your heart has become rather cold.”

”Whether he’s a fake or not, it doesn’t matter at the end of the day. Anyone or anything, regardless if they are my people or not, that threatens the ones I love or my peace will be cut down. They’re my enemies. It’s plain and simple.” Luke replied vocally, his voice altered and modified by the helmet he wore, before turning his head towards his shoulder as he felt a pair of reiatsu signatures. Or, rather, he only felt one. But he detected something else alongside it. ”So, you’ve come. Las Noches made good on its word after all, huh? I’ll have to remember to thank my boss for reaching out.” Luke would say to one party first before turning his attention to the second one to arrive.

”And you. You decided to show up. Congratulations on your election. I’m surprised that you agreed to help. Then again, I guess it helped that I asked you personally instead of leveraging my position.” the Bount would say to the second individually before getting up from his seat to give his two guests his attention.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats and Skills}

• [Weapon: Swords] {3}
  
  
• [Battle Analysis] {3}
  
  
• [Strength of Will] {4}
  
  
• [Pain Tolerance] {3}
  
  
• [Anti-Stealth] {1}
  
  
• [Charisma/Leadership] {1}
  
  
• [Battle Focus] {3}
  
  

Skill Points: 19


Luke | Leader

Strength - 100 - 50 Points

Speed - 300 Points

Spiritual Pressure - 400 - 800 Points

Reiatsu Strength - 500 - 1250 Points

Light Aura - 70 Points

Dark Aura - 30 Points

Instinct - 300 Points

Senses - 100 - 50 Points

Energy sensory - 100 Points

Healing Expertise - 0 Points

Total SP: 1800 Points

SPOILER: Click to show

{Inventory}
x1 Class 1 Beatstick (Katana)

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{x1 Vigilantes Hood}
Name: Vigilante's Hood
Description: A red helmet, worn by those who seek justice. Made in the style of a full motorcycle helmet, this covers the head in its entirety. There are two eye holes cut out, with lenses that completely obscure the eyes, making it look like two white orbs, rather than what the user actually has.
Class: 1
Item Type: Armor
Item Power (IP): 1,000
Offense Type: Spiritual, if any
Durability: 3,000
Bonuses: Those who wear this helmet find a series of visual options. From infrared, to night vision, to a unique spiritual sight, this baby has a lot of different options. All the better to spot crime. This mask amplifies the user's sight as if they had 150 Senses and Es.

Another benefit is subterfuge. This mask allows the user to mask their reiatsu signature as something other than itself. The user can make themselves appear as any other race, throwing off those with less than immaculate Energy Sensory. Those with under 600 Es will be unable to see past this disguise through raw numbers, while those under 900 will still be unable to read the user's soul, but will be able to know what race the user truly is. Releasing will decrease both of these requirements by 200.

The penultimate feature of this item, this that mask comes with a built in voice changer. This lets the user truly mask their identity from would-be ne'er-do-wells, or friends who don't know the user enjoys doing what they do.

And lastly, the grand finale kicks off with a bang. This mask packs quite the punch, and can be triggered to explode. The force of this item matches the IP, as does the size, matching it in feet. Once primed, the helmet will explode at the end of the post, destroying the helmet. This item can be repurchased.

Drawbacks: The various vision settings are subject to sensory overload.

Cost: 30,000
Crafting Skills: 4 in Crafting
Donated to Urahara's: Commissioned personal item.

[Tala Selao]

The light spread softly over Karakura Town, casting a faint glow that bathed its rooftops and streets, leaving an almost serene quiet beneath it. The townspeople moved through their routines, unaware of the hidden forces that circled above them, weaving an unseen threat into the air. Tala Selao stood watching, his figure poised yet relaxed as he monitored the subtle energy currents that could signify a potential danger. Rumors had drifted through the Soul Society, tales of an ancient enemy emerging—the True Bount, a shadow from the past, commanding a powerful army intent on dominating or destroying any who opposed them. Tala knew if there was truth to these tales, they would be wise to remain alert.

The familiar weight of his Zanpakuto, Hestia, rested by his side, and he resisted the urge to release her, trusting instead in his restraint and readiness. His patience was his strength, and while Hestia’s flames were capable of immediate and intense destruction, he only wielded her abilities when absolutely necessary. To Tala, being a Shinigami was not about fighting for fighting’s sake; it was about protecting those who couldn’t protect themselves. He took his position as a guardian seriously, seeking to resolve any threat as quickly and efficiently as possible without creating unnecessary harm. Though he didn’t relish conflict, his sense of duty compelled him to face danger head-on when needed.

And today, he sensed something ominous on the horizon. Whispers of the True Bount’s return spoke of a master manipulator, able to bend others to his will, gathering Bounts under his banner for a purpose steeped in darkness. If an army was indeed approaching, Tala knew it would not hesitate to force its way into Karakura Town. The subtle traces of reiatsu drifting toward him seemed only a faint echo of the power yet to come, like the first breaths of a storm. Standing at the ready, he resolved to remain vigilant, prepared for whatever threats might appear in this quiet town.

Closing his eyes briefly, Tala attuned himself to the quiet hum of spiritual energy around him, sensing the faint disturbances that might reveal an approaching danger. Every shift in the air, each flutter of distant reiatsu, seemed to signal the arrival of something more. With only rumors to go by, Tala knew he’d need to trust his instincts, relying on his senses to warn him when words were not enough. His grip on Hestia was steady yet calm, a testament to his dedication; he would only unleash her strength if Karakura’s people were truly threatened. He felt Hestia’s presence steady within him, their bond reaffirmed by shared resolve. Together, they would face whatever might come.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats/Skills}Type: Soldier v2

Strength: 150 (-40%) 90
Speed: 300
Spiritual Pressure: 400 (+75%) 700
Reiatsu Strength: 250
Healing Expertise: 0
Instinct: 100
Senses: 100
Energy Sensory: 100
------------------

Light Aura: 50
Dark Aura: 50

------------------

Analyzing 2
Memory 1
Battle Analysis 2
Weapons (Pole Weapons) 1
Acrobatics 1
Mental Incantations 1
Heat Tolerance 2
Pain Tolerance 1
Charisma 1

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{Items}

SPOILER: Click to show

{Ocular Lens w/ Reiatsu Scan}Description: A contact-like lense that fits over the eye. This is a powerful recording device, that allows the user to instantly record everything that they see while wearing it, allowing for more efficient reconnaissance even if the user is killed, as all data recorded with it is sent via live feed to Squad 12's archives. In addition to this, the Ocular Lens may have any of the following "visions" added for no extra cost: Reiatsu scan (Allows the user to judge the approximate strength of the target's reiatsu for those with lower ES), Night Vision, Infrared and Binocular. Only one vision type may be selected with the Ocular Lens which is specified upon purchase.
Class: 4
Item Type: Utility
Item Power (IP): 500
Offense Type: N/A
Durability: 50
Cost: 10,000
Crafting Skills: Crafting 2
Donated to Urahara's: No

[✠Asmoskon Masurao✠]

Well this certainly wasn’t something that Asmoskon had perceived as a possibility. A large amount of spiritual signatures had been flowing into Karakura Town over the last few days. They were either moving into the town itself or just nearby and constantly moving around one way or another which made figuring out the purpose a bit more difficult. Asmoskon figured that with such a large gathering of Bount it was only a matter of time before his citizens got hurt.

Controlling this many spiritual individuals took someone special, either they possessed a remarkable degree of power or an equally proficient tongue. Regardless, looking into the matter was something of import so deploying his scouts had been the first call to action. The allies that had come back from his past, some mercenaries, others freedom fighters and a few good soldiers from other countries. Asmoskon had made some very unique friends when he’d left Japan in his earlier years selling his body to war. Now the people he could call friends had answered his call and been turned into those that would help his people, their people.

Trained to look through not just the scope of a rifle, but binoculars as well is something that all soldiers would claim. That's all Asmoskon needed from his scouts for now. Each had been turned into a Quincy by him, each of them had no issue following him as their commander and now each reported to him that these Bount felt strange. They were moving like an opposing force that was discreetly trying to get close to their target. Asmoskon had the same inkling, now getting confirmation from all three of his buddies told him something major was about to happen and he’d have to stop it personally.

It was that information along with the whispers that traveled via rumors which led Asmoskon to the unlikely conclusion. Jin was surfacing again, if that was the case then Karakura was truly in danger. Jin was the True Bount, a very skilled warrior that employed custom yo-yo as weapons. He’d fought against Asmoskon years ago when he’d first been coming into his personal abilities as a Quincy and his career as a Mercenary was in its first chapter. That encounter had been a true test for Asmoskon and he knew personally from it just how strong Jin and his doll were.

It was for this reason that Asmoskon had addressed all of his followers. “Stay underground. Don’t leave safety no matter what.” He now had more than a hundred Quincy which followed him, most of them though were still figuring out their abilities as Quincy. Only a handful had the talent for it that led to them already achieving combat prowess that Asmoskon would deem acceptable.

His friends the scouts were such Quincy, but they were meant to protect the underground in case it was found. One day Karakura would be protected by hundreds of Quincy firing volley after volley of arrows upon any enemy who dared to attack. Today wasn’t that day. He was sure that others had felt the surge coming for Karakura. He hadn’t yet worked out alliances with any of the factions that called Karakura home though. Moving through the town now Asmoskon felt the reiatsu signature of those very people who would defend Karakura.


He could feel the presence of a Shinigami, one that from the feeling had quite the strength spiritually. The other was observing themselves so that their race couldn’t be picked up. All the same though they possessed enough strength to be an advance guard. A messenger sent to negotiate with someone on behalf of Karakura. It wouldn’t take more than a couple of moments for Asmoskon to arrive on the same rooftop several meters behind the individual. The individual wore a helmet that based on what he could tell worked almost like a suppression cloak or his mask. Instead of making the wearer feel like something else though it just cloaked that aspect of them.

This individual from what he could tell wasn’t the sort that’d work for Kazura. UE was all things considered very straight and narrow, not to mention Asmoskon knew most if not all of the employees that worked under his friend. This male was likely one of Shizuka’s rifles. All things considered though Asmoskon wished that she’d sent out her pet Arrancar. Asmoskon wasn’t sure what they meant by asking for help, perhaps something of that accord had been sent his way, but hadn’t reached him. It didn’t matter, a foolish belief when Karakura was in danger so of course the Mayor had to take action. A little surprised though all the same that Kazura wasn’t being felt. If need be all the same though he could alter his friend and pull him here should it be necessary.

The only absolute at the moment though was finding Jin and beginning negotiations.

SPOILER: Click to show

Strength ❖ 150-50%=75
Speed ❖ 400
Spiritual Pressure ❖ 350
Reiatsu Strength ❖ 400x2.5=1000
Light Aura ❖ 80
Dark Aura ❖ 20
Instinct ❖ 300
Senses ❖ 300
Energy sensory ❖ 200
Healing Expertise ❖ 0

•[Weapons: Archery] [4]
•[Acrobatics] [3]
•[Strength of Will] [4]
•[Battle Analysis] [3]
•[Battle Focus] [2]
•[Crafting] [3]

[Serraph Quarrere]

The Espada was quite in a pickle, weren’t they? When the day came where Maria herself not only asked for help for the cleansing of Los Noches, but also to assist X’cution on an emergent threat that could strain the two group’s relations, Serraph was befuddled! He was a scholar, not a warrior. It was true that his skills and abilities rightfully landed him with the mark of Sexta, but this sort of assignment he feared was out of his paygrade.

The target was a newly revealed one, one going by the title of “True Bount”. Little else was known. Even deriving his texts on the matter of Bounts in general, the Lord Librarian was hard pressed to find anything of help to bring to bear down in Karakura. It was tragic, but orders were orders. Both he and Maria knew well that Serraph will need to gain strength for the trials ahead, and so her polished boot was needed. Without it, Serraph would be sweeping up the charred remains of the main floor of his Library, Lexicon!

As he prepared himself for the battle ahead, he opted out of his normal flare of clothing. He was going on business, so the normal choice of a coat and cape was out of the question. He’d opt instead for a set of white slacks, black leather loafers, a white button up, and a black tie. He’d fasten his spiritual steel Spadone and flask of blood-wine to his belt and grasped his cane in hand.

Tapping the point of his cane into the open space in his quarters, reality would unzip, revealing the dark void of the space within worlds. “To bear witness to the battle ahead is glorious. To have it recorded and study will provide us with the mental strength to endure the days ahead. Lady Seris, let’s go”, he declared to himself and the slumbering other within his soul and stepped through the portal.

Finding the place he’d needed to appear within Karakura wasn’t too difficult. Convening with Seris Frost, whose information came from elsewhere, he knew the basic description of his point of contact, “Luke Clyburn”. Now, he probably wouldn’t recognize him when clad head to toe in gear, he really only knew what his face and general build looked like, but he did know a bit too much of the make and model of his motorcycle of choice. Of this information he’d receive the pets he charged with looking over Seris’s kin, Mirim Frost. Hell, he even had its technical manual in his collection, lucky Sexta.

Above the streets, reality distorted and opened, letting Serraph leap from the dark’s embrace. As he fell, his light body buffeted and guided by the wind. The crimson of his eyes would spot a piece of paper fluttering up through his path. Curiosity pained his chest. It would be a shame to let this article go. Words and information were the lifeblood of all sentient beings and serve as puzzle pieces. Knowing his anatomy very well, he often viewed such discarded articles as kin. After all, his body was clad in paper and his blood an ebon ink.

Taking his cane into his teeth his outstretched hand would catch the fleeing letter delicately between his fingers. The Sexta slowed his descent until his feet finally met the ground near the motorcyclist. Just as he originally surmised, Serraph didn’t quite recognize its rider, but the bike was one to one with his information. This was undoubtedly his contact. Before he could speak, the Espada would be greeted, then another who approached. As Serraph turned his gaze to see… the newly appointed Mayor of Karakura Town? The Arrancar nearly laughed of the hilarity of it all. An arrancar, bount, and the Mayor go walking down the street one fateful day, it was the start of a horrible horrible joke. All they needed now was a Shinigami and the punchline would be complete.

“‘One doesn’t discover new lands before losing sight of the shore’”, he’d respond to the greeting, bowing at the waist with his cane outstretched like a wing. The statement all but summarized his true reason for being here. There were new things to discover, strengths to be obtained, and opportunities to secure. It had been decades since his last true venture into the human world, let alone proper combat. “The name’s Serraph Quarrere, Sexta Espada, at your service, Lord Clyburn”

He’d raise from his bow and approach the man, his hand still carefully holding the letter he’d rescue upon his descent. He’d hold it out to him, a gesture of good faith. It meant a lot for Serraph to return such an article. After all he possibly was the greediest of Librarians. Even a letter such as that deserved a spot in his library. Hell, he didn’t even read it before returning it. Hopefully Serraph wouldn’t regret this. “The power of the written word on the soul is immense. Take this as a sign to hold onto it. Don’t worry, I didn’t read it, unfortunately”, he’d say softly.

“‘A multitude of rulers is not a good thing, let there be one ruler, one King’”, he’d then quote, referring to the mission at hand, this so called “True Bount”. Serraph wasn’t fully informed on the state of their race as of late. In fact this was the first time he’d meet one face to face, but he did know the basis to their lore, and considering Luke’s strength, it was likely this was a title he either held as well, or was a contender for. Maria’s mission would become clearer and clearer by the second. The throne of the bounts would need to be secured for their new allies.

 "And you," he'd begin, spinning on his heels to face the Mayor. "I heard your election was a victory by a landslide. Well done~"

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats and stuff}Stats-

Strength - 100(50)
Speed - 400 (800)
Spiritual Pressure - 280 (1400 Reiatsu total)
Reiatsu Strength - 400
Instinct - 100
Senses - 100
Energy sensory - 100
Healing Expertise - 0

Light Aura: 50
Dark Aura: 50

Items:
Class 2 spiritual greatsword
Class 2 spiritual steel dagger

Class 2
Skills -
Cero: 3
Battle analysis: 3
charisma: 3
interrogation: 3
Acrobatics: 2
Martial Arts: Multi-Limbed combat: 1

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

Master, are you sure you do not feel guilty? I can sense something from within you that stirs with anxiety.

"Hitze," the man said out loud despite the fact that his Doll was sealed within his pocket. "You being worried about me touches my heart. I don't feel guilty, though. Knowing that creatures out there are making a mockery of us hurts me too much."

I understand. Had you not known the woman you had me kill had a copycat ability, perhaps it would have played out differently.

After a sigh, Hitze would feel a thumb rub against the side of its sealed form. "You're the most noble partner I could have asked for. Just don't worry about it."

How long had it been since he'd walked amongst the people of this world? Years, for sure. It had been years. At the time of his disappearance, Bountkind had practically become extinct save for the small handful who dwelled within Karakura Town. He remembered them fondly and wished for them to find true peace, only to discover his people were being told lies by another false leader. This 'Aura Kyuketsuki' had been around for a short time prior to his semi-retirement, and he remembered her. The reports of her gathering her own group of Bount seemed too good to be true, and he had his suspicions.

He knew he was doing what needed to be done to protect his race. He was the leader, after all. He didn't want anything to risk the lives of the race he fought so hard to protect, and he was willing to do absolutely anything in order to see his goals through to the end. It was entirely likely that Hitze would be able to feel the adrenaline kicking in as his master thought more about what he was going to have to do. He'd amassed his own following despite his disappearance, and the fact that they stayed on his side was admirable enough for him to promise them the world. Part of that promise would be creating a world where they were all safe. He knew what that was going to mean.

Knowing that there was a group of people out there who threatened his hopes at building the perfect sanctuary was more than he could handle. Pacing out an old mansion just outside of Karakura Town, the Bount tried to come up with a plan that didn't involve hurting his brethren. He'd threaten and drive away anyone else, but he couldn't stand the thought of hurting any Bount who was out there, lost and afraid, probably trying to figure out why their True Bount left in the first place. So when he'd heard of Aura's efforts, even though they seemed admirable, whispers got through to him that made him believe otherwise.

"Sir, they are ready for us."

A female Bount, likely only in her early twenties, approached her leader and informed him of the army's status. He had other work he needed to do, so he wasn't going to dare accompany the rest of them. Instead, he was going to support from the side while he did some detective work and tried to figure out any information on Aura that he could. After nodding at the female, he took three long strides over to the window of the room he was staying in and opened the glass panes. Looking out at everyone, he couldn't help but smile. They were going to rewrite history, and he was going to make sure no one could deny the power he held.

"Rae, tell the others that they have been deployed. I'm going to take some time to investigate. There's a certain man who I've been told is part of Aura's group... I think it would be good for me to find a way to catch up with him later."

Crossing her hand over the center of her chest, Rae bowed. "Yes, Jin Yamada."

In no time, the army of Bount that Jin had sent would arrive at the massive empty field where Luke, Tala, Asmoskon, and Serraph gathered. There were easily one hundred of them, all who had been in hiding for years and only resurfaced after Jin had called to them. The resurfacing was brought on by a massive surge of Reiatsu that had clearly come from a bound several months prior, and Jin was desperate to locate the man who caused it, wanting to revisit the blast from his past. Until the right time to do so, however, he wasn't going to leave the safety of his hideout. He needed his followers to capture this team and bring them back alive. Weakened, but alive.



OOC: The official posting order is Luke, Tala, Asmoskon, Serraph, then the Canon Master. This is the order we will go off of in the event of skipped posting turns. Each participant has a week since the previous participant's post to make their own post before they get skipped. The Canon Master counts as a participant in this case.

During this time, be as cinematic with your abilities as you want. There are 100 Bount that you can defeat, but three of them will be Rank 3 stat-wise. I'll control them and introduce them intermittently. I will also include several Rank 2 Bount for you to fight. Your attacks won't cost any Reiatsu until you get put against a legitimate NPC (meaning one that I've built stats for), but until then, consider these opponents as Class 6. You have the freedom to write as much as you want for a few turns and I'll add details in as we go, but it's up to you what happens to these guys. You're going to be stronger than them by default until I throw one of my NPCs into the thread for you to fight. So for the next turn, simply use your abilities however you wish!

NOTE: The only thing I won't allow is an ability that causes wide-spread damage. That means no Domain Expansion or similar YET. There will be a time and place for abilities like that later on in the thread, but this is a good chance for you to flex your powers and get creative. You cannot defeat more than 5 per post per character. During my turns, as you defeat the Bount army, I'll casually throw in how many are left and use that time to introduce the legitimate NPCs for you to fight.

[Luke Clyburn]

There was a detail that I asked Asmoskon to edit out of his post due to him having no possible means to have the knowledge that he did. Asmo went a step further and edited out more than I had asked, including the dialogue Luke is responding to, but I am going to be keeping this post unedited.

Mentally he sighed. He heard another sigh from within his mind as well. ”...the boss has nothing to do with this. Xcution has nothing to do with this either. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have reached out to you for help when I could have gotten any number of the Guns.” Luke replied, his voice altered and modulated by the Vigilante’s Hood he wore upon his head. It kind of annoyed him that this was the first thing that the Quincy had said, not at all realizing that Luke had reached out to him out of concern for the city. Instead, seemed as though Asmoskon thought this had something to do with a power grab or that Luke wouldn’t have been here, protecting his city, without Shizuka’s permission. It would seem that what Shizuka had said about Asmoskon’s social skills weren’t too far off the mark. But Luke needed the help. Xcution was busy with something else, other missions, and nobody else was available to lend Luke a hand. He recognized the growing threat that was coming. While he intended to keep his relationship with Aura to himself, the rival Coven's attack was a risk to the city.

His attention turned to the Arrancar that joined them. ”Don’t call me “Lord”. You may call me Mr, if you wish, though.” the Bount would interject, getting to his feet to properly greet the new arrival. What caught Luke by surprise though was the reveal of Seraph’s title. The Sexta. From what Luke understood, it was all thanks to Shizuka that Xcution was now enjoying something of a friendly relationship with the Hueco Mundo faction Las Noches; or the Espada and Souken Kouhai. She had become rather buddy-buddy with one Maria Ashwin and it was thanks to that friendship that lines of communication had opened between the two teams. In truth, and only Luke’s Dolls would potentially feel this, Luke felt a slight bit of disappointment for a moment. Luke had been hoping for someone with a higher title than the “Sixth” to be present during this. But that disappointment was quickly abated when rationality was applied to his way of thinking.

The fact that Las Noches had sent anyone at all, and no less than one of the Espada at that, meant more than one might realize. It was a show of good faith from Las Noches. They had actually responded to Xcution asking for assistance. What it was that Shizuka arranged to be received in return wasn’t something Luke knew. Or if there was anything offered at all. Maybe it really was that Las Noches wanted to put on a display of good will and camaraderie. Thus, Luke wouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth. But something did give the Bount pause. Seraph extended his hand outward and held between his fingers a piece of paper. One that was all too familiar to the Bount. That helmet's gaze was locked onto the paper for a few moments before a modulated sigh escaped from it. ”Seems that one cannot ever truly escape from ones past.” the Bount complained, taking the paper from the Arrancars grip and sliding it into a pocket inside his jacket.

”Thanks.”

”Heh. How nice of them.”

”Introductions aside. Intel has it that there are roughly one hundred enemies not far from this position. Our task is simple. Stop them. While their intentions aren’t fully known yet, we do know that they’ve mobilized offensively. Whether they’re intending to attack Karakura Town or some other target, either way we cannot allow some rogue group to move in and act as though they own the place.” Luke would explain to the two, along with the positions where the Bount army was going to be at. Xcution’s access to satellite imagery and drone usage was paying off in dividends. Luke would explain to Asmoskon and Serraph that he meant to intercept the Bounts at a midway point. An empty field that would be perfect for a fight. ”I’ll meet you each there.” Luke would say to them, descending from the rooftops to his waiting motorcycle and hitting the road. There were things he was keeping from them. Things that were personal and that Luke would keep close to his chest.

—--

Just as Luke said, roughly a hundred enemies. Luke remained seated on his motorcycle, watching the number of people who showed up rise higher and higher. He had never felt this much reiatsu before. Not in terms of overwhelming power, but in how much there was just from how many people were here. How many of us are still out there? Hiding. it made Luke wonder, turning his head in the direction of his allies showing up. But there was another reiatsu signature that he felt, catching Luke’s attention. A Shinigami? Here? he probably shouldn’t have been surprised but for some reason he was. Had Soul Society also noticed the army of Bounts? Why only send a single reaper? The audacity annoyed Luke a bit. He refrained from commenting on Tala for now. There were more important matters at hand.

”There’s something I want to try first. Trust your instincts.” Luke would say to Serraph and Asmoskon, pushing off of his motorcycle after turning the ignition off. Boots crunched the dirt and grass beneath his feet as Luke departed from his small three-man team and approached the army of Bounts at a walking pace. The katana at his side banged against his leg with each step. ”You remember what I said, don’t you?” Springflut asked from within Luke’s mind, the presence of his Doll so strong it was akin to the monstrosity walking right beside him. I do. And make no mistake, I am not going back on my words. But, you know I can’t help myself. Luke would reply, coming to a stop after reaching what he felt was the “halfway” point between his side and the Bount army.

”Do you think it will work?” Windstarke asked from behind Luke’s other shoulder. I don’t know. All I can do is try. the man responded before waiting. The meaning of him coming out alone should have been obvious to whoever it was that was leading the other side. Though Luke’s reiatsu was masked, hidden behind the masquerading properties of the Vigilante’s Helmet, his reiatsu was still present although limited. Luke made it clear through his reiatsu that he meant no harm. There was no bloodlust in his reiatsu as he stood there, in the field, looking on at the Bount army and simply… waited.

[Tala Selao]

Tala’s eyes swept over the scene, catching the mingling reiatsu signatures radiating from the figures nearby. He noted their distinctive qualities—a Quincy’s, a Bount’s, and even an Arrancar’s, an unsettling mix for what seemed like an allied force. But with no sign of immediate hostility, Tala turned his focus to the immediate threat of the Bount army. His mind raced with strategies, each aimed at avoiding unnecessary harm while maintaining control over the encroaching force.

The first line of Bount charged forward, and Tala leapt into motion, flowing through Shunpo steps that blurred his form in streaks of speed across the battlefield. As he neared his targets, he began casting several instances of Bakudō #1: Sai, sending quick pulses of restraint energy to force several of the nearest enemies’ arms behind their backs he passed by them. With one hand extended, he moved among the Bount foot soldiers, disabling them with precise, non-lethal holds. This strategy allowed him to keep advancing while immobilizing as many as he could with minimal effort.

Some Bount attempted to press forward, but Tala swiftly raised his palm and began a quick chant, “Throw the pebble in the pond; ripple across the still waters, trace the boundaries, return." As he sent a ripple of reiatsu outward, the wave of energy revealed every spiritually active presence within its impressive radius, alerting Tala to hidden opponents trying to flank him. Adjusting his position based on the incoming feedback, he preemptively raised his wrist as a small round shield of orange energy formed to deflect a Bount’s blade and send a brief jolt through his attacker, buying himself precious seconds to reposition.

Several of the Bount proved resistant, their movements unimpeded by his lower-level Kido spells. Recognizing their strength, Tala’s hand tightened around his zanpakutō as he prepared for stronger measures. But instead of escalating to more destructive forms, he whispered another incantation and a larger-than-usual shield of yellow energy formed in the place of the smaller one to block a sudden barrage of projectiles. The yellow shield absorbed the force, holding just long enough to cover his advance toward a cluster of Bount soldiers.

As the fighting intensified, one of the Bount attempted to rally the forces and for a moment it seemed to be working. Tala focused his gaze and raised a single hand toward the individual. Six golden beams materialized in mid-air, converging around the Bount and halting his movements completely as they were paralyzed. The binding light illuminated the battlefield, showcasing Tala’s calm yet unyielding command. Now paralyzed, the Bount was an easy target—but Tala withheld the killing blow.

With his pacifistic resolve intact, Tala maneuvered with calculated care, using Bakudō to control and disarm rather than destroy. The familiar hum of each spell and shield grounded him, a reminder of the self-discipline he had cultivated through his hardship and training. If his presence could stifle the Bount’s aggression, he would hold to that path, opting for restraint over ruin.

[✠Asmoskon Masurao✠]

The individuals that continued to show up were making it perfectly clear that even if all of theBount were kept from fighting inside the heavily populated sections of Karakura, there would be extensive work to do with rebuilding. An Espada showing up wasn’t something that Asmoskon would have anticipated and yet all the same it just meant more potential damage. While it was a headache and not something Asmoskon wanted to think about, it wasn't unexpected. If Jin really was back, then it was going to take throwing everything at him so Karakura wouldn’t melt.

Asmoskon had seen who was here so there was no other reason to stay thus he started to walk off while Luke was speaking. Over the next minute or so while Luke was speaking and then leaving on his motorcycle Asmoskon found himself in an alleyway. His hand over the ginto tube attached to his belt. Over the course of the next minute Asmoskon changed his clothing from his nice suit to that which the normal civilians wouldn’t be able to recognize.

Perhaps Luke would recognize the Uniform of War, the design was the same appearance as the military uniform of Xcution that Asmoskon had created when he’d served as its military commander. Satsujun had liked the attire enough to actually pay for it. Asmoskon of course didn’t fall under that banner any longer though. The uniform now was just as the name implied, one for war. Normally he would wear his eye patch, but pulling it off his head and inside the ginto tube he thought about what could hide his identity. The heavy metal mask popping up out of the tube into his right hand.

Guren no Kamen, a specific mask that now would keep Asmoskon’s identity hidden from at the very least those in Karakura who weren’t spiritual. It covered his face completely with only his hair remaining visible. The moment it was put on though those that sensed Asmoskon wouldn’t feel him anymore. His reiatsu changed from that of a Quincy to the sensation of an Arrancar. His aura was already fairly negative and yet now it would feel as dark as the depths of Hueco Mundo. A black mask with the red circular pattern of the Masurao Family on the face, the family crest would never be forgotten.

The only remainder from what Asmoskon had looked like a few moments ago was his hair, now like the others he made his way over to the location of the approaching Bount. When he got there he made sure to put some distance between himself and others. Standing a good hundred and fifty feet to the right of the nearest temporary ally. Raising his right hand up Asmoskon’s dark reiatsu surgery the Bount closest to him. He could have gone for a killing attack, but perhaps better than anyone he understood Jin. Killing a Bount wasn’t the correct thing to do and thus his reiatsu would act like a wave knocking them backwards, off their feet, onto the ground and then against one another.

SPOILER: Click to show

Name: Uniform of War
Description: The uniform of Xcution’s former military crafted by Asmoskon. A uniform that has been given purpose once again no longer under the flag of Xcution, but the Masurao family directly. Those of the Masurao family may request one. The attire consists of multiple sections the main one that most instantly sees is the long sleeve black coat. The coat has two lines of six buttons running down the center vertically. Either of these button lines is actually where the coat can be unbuttoned and taken off, the location is actually decided upon crafting for each individual based on their dominant hand which will reach over to the furthest line across their chest.

The coat has red Epaulette on each shoulder with golden edging, the epaulette orange the dominant side has a golden Aiguillette that’s connected from the front down to the center of the chest. The uniform has a belt with a black center line and white above and below. In the center of the belt is a crimson buckle taking the appearance of the Masurao circular family crest. Other than that the uniform consists of long black trousers and black boots/shoes. It should be noted though that females can have a skirt instead if they wish to alternate the uniform just a bit more in a feminine manner.
Class: 2
Item Type: Armor
Item Power (IP): 700
Offense Type: Physical
Durability: 2x IP
Bonuses: The uniform of a Quincy family most would suspect to aid them in absorbing the reiatsu from the environment, something similar to the cross each one possesses. Instead though this uniform aids not just Quincy, but anyone wearing it with their spiritual projectiles. It doesn’t matter what sort of projectile whether it be Cero, Kido, Arrows, etc if it’s formed from the wearer's reiatsu and it’s a projectile it can work. What’s it do? The wearer of this uniform by infusing their reiatsu further with the projectile can either enhance its speed or size. Paying 150 reiatsu increases the speed of a single projectile by 250 or increases its size to that of a spear or cannonball depending on shape of projectile. This can be done up to three times in a post. Paying 300 reiatsu will double these effects but can only be done once per post.

SPOILER: Click to show

Name: Guren no Kamen
Description: A thick metal mask of considerable weight with a very aggressive look to it with intense downturned brows. The face is very angular with a strong nose. The mask instead of having a mouth has four slit openings vertically that are only about the size of a pencil in thickness. The mouth looks almost like it’s screaming despite the mouth being partially connected. The mask is colored crimson red with pitch black markings that resemble many circles. The eye holes have black lenses that hide the eyes of the wearer. Once put on the mask stays attached using then reiatsu of the wearer like glue. It can be taken off when the wearer suppresses their reiatsu in the same manner as one would to hide themselves normally.
Class: 1
Item Type: Utility/Armor
Item Power (IP): 800
Offense Type: N/A
Durability: 1200
Bonuses: This mask is made from Spirit Ore granting it all the positives and negatives of that material. Additionally though the mask has been built with two other functions the first of which are the four slits over the mouth. By infusing reiatsu into the mask, poison is prevented from entering the slits. This enables the wearer to maneuver through poisoned areas without harm for a short period. So long as the poison doesn’t possess a superior OS/IP to the mask. (2 posts/costs 100 reiatsu, cooldown of 2 posts)
The moment the mask is put on the reiatsu signature of the user is altered in sensation to that of 100 Dark Aura and the feeling of an Arrancar. Those that can sense reiatsu will feel the wearer is an Arrancar with only those few truly gifted at sensing reiatsu being able to peer at the true nature. (+400 ES)
Any reiatsu type attacks that make contact with the mask are bounced back on the same path they traveled. This will cause projectiles such as Arrows or Beams to reflect back at the originator. Melee attacks that use reiatsu have the reiatsu portion reflected onto the user while the physical portion is unaffected. Reiatsu that isn’t inherently offensive such as smoke will stay near the mask, but will be kept a foot away. Attacks that possess superior OS or are Class +2 cannot be reflected. Increases the strength requirement to move by 25.