A Crown of Fangs, a Throne of Swords [NDE, R]

[Thomas Kroft]

Name: A Crown of Fangs, a Throne of Swords



Participants: TBD



Location: English Countryside



Difficulty Level: Medium



Setting: NDE



Plotline: Archaeology is a nice pastime, especially in places as storied as England. However, it's distinctly less good when an archaeologist finds the remnants of a reiatsu-tainted artifact, one that matches up with the descriptions of an item that an escaped Akki apparently crafted themselves. A few days after reporting the find, the farm that it was discovered on has ceased all contact with the outside world, and strange creatures have started attacking any and all population centers near the farm. What's more, any spiritually sensitive being can tell you that there's a feeling of wrongness emerging from the farm now, one that's only growing stronger...



Estimated Enemy Strength: Class 4 - Class 1



Estimated Time Until Completion: Until it's done.



Starts: Once I have my 3-4 participants



Special Conditions: DO NOT TRY TO END FIGHTS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Try to be a bit cinematic and anime about things like this. Unless you do something stupid, like sticking your hand in a blender, your characters will not be taken out. However, if you try to play a game of insta-gib rocket tag against anything that isn't showing up in large numbers, I will respond in kind.



In addition, while your characters can certainly choose to not get along or even fight each other, I will say that doing so is not a good idea.



Lastly, there is a one week posting window. If for some reason you can not post, try to inform all other thread participants, and whether or not it is OK to simply skip or harm you.

[Beast]

On the run from yet another Shinigami trying to take him down and drag him back to the Soul Society or execute him for "deserting", Beast found himself hidden on a boat bound for England. Huddled invisibly in a cabin, with nothing spiritually dense to feed on, the Hollow Wraith felt famished and dangerously close to becoming unstable. Sure, he had recently fed while in Brazil hunting down Shinigami with that monster with the many tails, but he still felt very hungry due to the long trip across the Atlantic Ocean. He was struck with cabin fever quickly, and took to making trips up to the deck to feel the salty wind on his face quite often. It was... oddly soothing for the creature born of Rage and Gluttony. When the boat finally arrived though, all sense of calm was gone as he sought to feed on whatever he could find.

Finding nothing to feed on, all Beast could do was stretch out with his Energy Sensory to locate something even remotely spiritual. He wandered the countryside until he felt it. Something that not only felt heavy with reiatsu, but just felt... off. Felt wrong. This dark foreboding drew Beast in like a moth to an open flame. He was magnetized towards this sense of wrongness, not just because he was a monster himself, but because where there was trouble, there was sure to be a meal. And where there was a meal, there was strength to be obtained. Strength that could eventually lead him to the Zookeeper, his mortal enemy. Strength that could eventually lead him to full control over Grodd and completing his Vizard transformation.

Strength enough to rival the great Espada he looked up to and feared at the same time...

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats/Skills}

Stats



Strength - [300 x1.25 (375)] Points

Speed - [150] Points

Spiritual Pressure - [200 x.75 (150)] Points

Reiatsu Strength - [200 x1.25 (250)] Points

Light Aura - [35] Points

Dark Aura - [65] Points

Instinct - [200 x.75 (150)] Points

Senses - [100] Points

Energy sensory - [50 x1.25 (63)] Points

Healing Expertise - [0] Points


Total SP: [1200] Points



Skills


[Boxing] {2}

[Hakuda] {2}

[Pain Tolerance] {2}

[Strength of Will] {2}

[Damage Recovery] {2}

[Cold Tolerance] {1}

[Mental Incantation] {1}

[Jikken Kaze]

Xcution was an annoying place to work. Sure, it paid pretty good, but Kaze never really cared too much about money. Sure it's convenient to have, but he rarely thought too much of it. Being employed at Xcution was a death sentence from his experience. He hated being tied down to one place for too long, and there was little escape from that place. Those that left often found themselves dead pretty quick, and that wasn't something he wanted to go through. He needed to get strong enough to deal with his boss before he could leave, since he was the one who said he'd hunt him down if he ever ditched the place.

'Still, it's not all bad. I get to go on cool missions around the Earth.' He thought to himself, as he floated upside, ten feet above the dirt road. His hands were behind his head, fingers intertwined, and legs crossed, giving him a laid back vibe, even as he moved at a constant speed of 500. He hadn't been paying too much attention to the details of the mission when it had been assigned to him, but he had gotten the important bits; go to place, find the farm, and grab the demon item before returning to base. The tech guys wanted it for something, but he was bored at that point.

Now he was on his way to some creepy place that was starting to send chills up his spine. It was creepy for him to feel energy, given how bad he was at it. Whatever it was he was picking up had better be worth it, because there was no way he was gonna get it without a fight. He began to wonder if he should invest in some armor or something, before scratching it. He hated clothing, too constrictive. His phone started beeping. Pulling it out, it told him he was a few minutes away from his objective. Sighing in disappointment, he flipped himself rightside up, and crossed his legs, as if he was gonna sit on them. "Let the fun begin."

SPOILER: Click to show

{On a need to know basis}Stats:

Strength - [50]
Speed - [400] Points
Spiritual Pressure - [150] Points (+50%=225)
Reiatsu Strength - [400] Points (+50%=600)
Instinct - [100] Points (-35%=65}
Senses [100] Points (-35%=65}
Energy sensory - [0] Points
Healing Expertise - [0] Points]
Light Aura - [50] Points
Dark Aura - [50] Points

1200 Sp

Skills:

[Cold Tolerance] {2}
[Anti-Stealth] {2}
[Pain Tolerance] {2}
[Street Fighting] {2}
[Strength of Will] {2}
[Lack of Fear] {2}
[Learning] {2}
[Analysis] {1}

SPOILER: Click to show

{Wind Elemental}[1. This level is a passive ability that is always active. This is called 'Wind Elemental', and though this ability, Kaze has the ability to fly. While moving and only via this ability, Kaze does not use his stamina. While Kaze is Rank 1, 'Wind Elemental' moves at a speed equal to his own speed. At Rank 2, it is 25% faster. At Rank 3, it is 35%, and Rank 4 is 50%.

: Speed boosted to 500

[Deleted]

If there was anything he had to complain about when it came to U.E it was the lack of there being nothing for him to do. Most of the core members of the Senior Employee’s list had been tasked with their own missions and investigations into the still relatively unknown Hollow Handler threat. Everyone was off doing their work and Luke was...sitting on his hands. Uzaki was a smart guy. Smarter than Luke could ever hope to be. But the man couldn’t help but feel he wasn’t entrusted with enough work. All Luke had to do was look into whatever Taka’s club had to know about all this Hollow stuff and, sadly, it turned out there wasn’t anything for them to report at all. Granted, street racing wasn’t exactly deep in the belly of the underworld but still.

So Luke had, basically, been sidelined. While everyone was off on their own missions all Luke was tasked with was city defense and the likes. Sure, beating Hollows and people abusing their powers was good. It was, in fact, part of what it meant to be a hero, but Luke didn’t feel very good about it. Well, he felt good about helping people. Seeing the smiling faces of spirits and spiritually aware he saved from Hollows made him feel good inside. But he was getting stir crazy. He wanted to help. He wanted to do something more for U.E. Thankfully, though, it seemed Kazura might have noticed Luke’s growing dissatisfaction in his tasks. Or, maybe, it was coincidence and the boss didn’t have anyone else to send on this.

U.E. had received the report of something big being discovered by an archaeological team in England. Luke didn’t want to admit his confusion on the matter, not really understanding that archaeology pertained to more than just dinosaur bones for a few moments when this was explained to him. But that wasn’t really why Uzaki’s had taken notice. It was what happened later. Reports hit the company that strange creatures were being spotted near and around the dig site. Nearby towns were also going quiet as whatever was causing this was spreading out around the farm.

The hum of the cars engine filled Luke’s ears as he sat, arms crossed, with his attention focused outside the truck window. He was quiet, going over everything that had been explained to him, as the countryside passed by. The two police officers, inhabitants of a town that wasn’t affected, would sometimes look back at Luke in the rear view mirror. ”Hmmgk hmmgk.” the driver suddenly coughed, clearly wanting the Bount’s attention. Blinking, Luke turned his attention to the driver. ”So the chief told us to drop you off at the last town that went dark. We ain’t goin any further than that, alright?” the officer explained, with clear nervousness in his voice.

Smiling to calm the man, Luke nodded. ”Don’t worry. I wouldn’t ask for anything more.” The officer seemed to be relieved to hear that. ”I can’t believe all them rumors are turnin out to be real. A paranormal investigator, bah. Can’t believe the chief is believin this.” the other officer commented, earning himself a smirk from Luke. It was fine that he didn’t believe it. The less the real world knew about the paranormal the better. ”Okay, there it is.”

The truck didn’t waste anytime turning around when Luke was dropped off. Watching to ensure the truck vanished into the hills, Luke turned his attention back to the town he was dropped off at. Vacant, quiet, and with a feeling of wrongness in the air, Luke frowned as he stared into the town. Pulling out the map given to him by the chief of police, Luke noted his location and how far he was from the farm. ”Couldn’t they have dropped us off closer? It’s soooo faaar…” Jäger whined. Shut up. It’s not that far. Luke retorted, sliding the map into his knapsack and stepping forward, eager to get through the town as quickly as he could by going straight through the main road.

[Thomas Kroft]

If there was one word to be used to describe the reiatsu emanating from the farm, it was vile. While an area infested with Hollows may have possessed a certain unpleasant quality about its flavor, there would be no way to consider this as even remotely the same in quality. The reiatsu here was unusually dense, far denser than it should be in the likes of the Land of the Living. But there was more to it than that. It was almost like every shadow here was watching you. You could even see scuttling forms out of the corners of your eyes, forms that simply disappeared when you tried to look directly at them. And while the musty smell of peat was normal for the region, there was an indistinct scent lurking just beneath it as well. Something was very wrong with this place. Very, very wrong.

Elsewhere on the farm....

"My my, the Demiurge wasn't kidding about this place! Sealed up tighter than a nun's asshole here, innit?!"

"Your terms are elementary, but accurate. The shortlifers seem to have inadvertently activated the emergency protocols. A pity."

"Vorniclex knock down door?"

"Unfortunately, things are slightly more complicated than that. Between the Grey Maidens funneling reishi into it and the Feasters mucking about with the latent energies of the area, I doubt that even you could simply brute force it. It seems that this one requires a woman's touch."

"Wonderful idea! But just a wee bit complicated now, though."

"Verlain. You of all people should know that this sort of thing is my specialty. It doesn't matter how competent this Council was. I have yet to see a lock that I couldn't-"

“What Verlain means to say is that we have company, Nualia.”

“Oh. Yes, that *would* complicate things a tad. Still, with the stummers going, we should be fine for a few hours though. You know, if they don’t find us.”

“Well, guess we’ll just have to wait and see on that one. Feasters should keep ‘em busy anyways.”

Beast

The silence of the area was suddenly broken, though the sound was subtle. It started as a fluttering of wings, scrapes of chitin against chitin, and a faint tinny ringing. Suddenly, a rush of wind would come from the sky, and thousands of glowing, yellow eyes would open up. While it was difficult to make out their exact shapes of the creatures in the fading light of day, they seemed distinctly avian in nature, possibly owl-like. However, no normal owls would be gathered in these kinds of numbers, nor would they ever attack any spiritual being.

Begone, Hollow.[/i] A voice echoed in the criado’s head. The reiatsu and souls here have been claimed by the Thief of Life. Leave now, or forfeit your existance.

Kaze

The silence of the area was suddenly broken, though the sound was subtle. It started as a fluttering of wings, scrapes of chitin against chitin, and a faint tinny ringing. Suddenly, a rush of wind would come from the sky, and thousands of glowing, yellow eyes would open up. While it was difficult to make out their exact shapes of the creatures in the fading light of day, they seemed distinctly avian in nature, possibly owl-like. However, no normal owls would be gathered in these kinds of numbers, nor would they ever attack any spiritual being.

Greetings Mortal, A voice echoed in Kaze’s head. Your offering is accepted. The Council thanks you for your sacrifice to revive the Thief of Life. Prepare for disablement and redistribution.

Luke

The silence of the area was suddenly broken, though the sound was subtle. It started as a fluttering of wings, scrapes of chitin against chitin, and a faint tinny ringing. Suddenly, a rush of wind would come from the sky, and thousands of glowing, yellow eyes would open up. While it was difficult to make out their exact shapes of the creatures in the fading light of day, they seemed distinctly avian in nature, possibly owl-like. However, no normal owls would be gathered in these kinds of numbers, nor would they ever attack any spiritual being.

Greetings Shinigami, a voice echoed in Luke’s head, one that wasn’t among the usual assortment. Either he had another Doll, or something was up. You intrude upon affairs that concern you not. Your reiatsu shall be used to aid in the ressurection of the Thief of Life. Prepare for disablement and redistribution.

[Beast]

Ah, a challenger approaches...

Beast completely ignored the warning and began walking towards the Parliament of Owls. Blades unsheathed, he held aloft his twin Zanpakutou and examined them for defects as he proudly moved forwards. In his right was the pitiful blade of Grodd's that he had reforged longer than the useless three inches. In his left, the blade he pulled from his own soul. No taint from the weakling Grodd was in his precious Bloeding Rand. The bronze saber was much more fitting for battle, but the pugio wasn't incapable of doing damage, especially to an avian foe that could be prevented from flight with a single stab wound. If they intended to fight him, they'd find a particularly bloodthirsty foe who loved to cause as much destruction as possible.

"Bring it, fools. Thief of Life? That's a title I'd like for myself..."

[Jikken Kaze]

As Kaze flew across the haunted planes, he felt a sense of foreboding wash over him, and he could suddenly feel the gaze of many, staring relentlessly upon him. It was more than enough to make the usually care free mod soul paranoid. He didn't know much about Hell, or any demons that were spawned from it, but he was warned not to let his guard down under any circumstances. That was why he kept on going. If this was a trap, then they were in for a rude awakening. That was, until, he felt a powerful gust of air practically slam into him, causing Kaze to flinch and come to a stop, closing his eyes to prevent them from watering.

Never before had he felt a breeze so... twisted. It felt like ice that had been made into wind, and it smelt of death and rotten eggs. When he opened his eyes again, he realized that he was surrounded. The flapping of wings filled the air, drowning out all other noise. When he looked up, he was shown a sight that would have made weaker run screaming for their lives. If Kaze was smart, he might have done just that. The tree branches were covered in what he though to be black leaves, but that wasn't the case. Owls, too many to count, gathered on those trees, pressed so tight together, that the mod soul couldn't tell where one started and the other ended.

The skies weren't free of the avians either. Hundreds of the creatures were circling Kaze, like vultures waiting for a dying animal to finally bite the dust, to kick the bucket, to lay down and die. The artificial soul grabbed his head, as they started speaking to him. The voice spoke as if his fate was a forgone conclusion, as if he came here to meet his end at the hands of birds. "Wrong!" He roared to the skies in rage. "I am many things, but I no mere mortal! I am the Titan of the Wind!" He spoke with a passion, bearing his bare chest to the demon birds. You dare make a mockery of my skies!? The only thing I offer to you is a swift death!" He said, air rolling off him in waves, ready to fight to his last breath.

[Deleted]

”Shinigami?” Luke asked with a confused and almost insulted tone. The ominous silence of the deserted town was shattered by the sudden arrival of fluttering wings. Luke stood, brown eyes narrowed, and faced down the massive minge cloud that formed in the skies before him. Well, it wasn’t actually a minge cloud. These things weren’t mosquitos. They were owl looking fuckers. Well, birds. Luke really couldn’t get an exact look. But what else would be flying around at night? Well, they could be bats. But anyways, yeah, it was surprising to suddenly see these things fly up out of nowhere...but even more surprising was the sudden voice that spoke in his head.

Funnily enough, hearing a new, completely random, voice in his head actually pissed him off. Wasn’t because it was weird or anything. It was because Luke found himself to be really sick and tired of having voices in his head. ”Fuck off it’s full in here!! REEEEEEEEE!!” Jäger suddenly screamed, causing Luke’s irritation to grow. ”Hrrmghff...huh? What’sh going on?” Springflut suddenly asked, the grogginess in his voice and lack of awareness made it obvious the Doll had been asleep either until the intrusive voice spoke or Jäger screamed.

”Do you want me to handle this?” Windstarke asked, at the forefront of Luke’s consciousness. No. I’ve got this. I’ve been wanting to try this out. Luke explained, crossing his arms across his chest and facing the swarm down. A smirk painted itself across his features as he let the moment swallow him up. ”Your Thief of Life doesn’t seem to understand something. These matters absolutely concern me. Any spiritual force that threatens the lives of the weak and innocent is my business. I’m here to put a stop to you and your master! So come get my reiatsu if you can you feathery fucks!” Luke broadcasted, eagerily trying to taunt the birds into action.