Phoenix

Bleach: The Hollowing

Player-Created Lore

Noble Houses

Hider

Credit: @Oblivion

Ichigawa

The Noble House of Ichigawa deals mainly with the political aspects of Seireitei, as well as humanitarian issues. They handle most of Rukongai, monitoring the distribution between the districts (although they do overlook the furthest districts) and managing the Academy (deciding on who to let in, conducting the examination. and overseeing who's fit for graduation). The politics they deal with are secretive but it is known that they must work closely with the other three families. Most of the time, they do not see eye-to-eye, especially with the Yukihiro family's militaristic approaches. It's not unusual for them organize or participate in meeting with the Central 46.

This family is most closely related to the Third Division and utilized their talents to meet specific ends. It has come to be that many descendants of the Ichigawa House are seated within the Third Division specifically. The Ichigawa House also has relevant relations with the Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Divisions as well.

Usagi

The Usagi House is highest family currently in existence of Seireitei. Numerous Captains and even Veteran Captains belonged to this proud bloodline of Shinigami over the centuries since its acceptance into the Seireitei. The Usagi House filled several peacekeeping roles, due to their strict belief that the Law must be followed and carried out without hesitation, and most of its members act according to this belief. By most Shinigami, the Usagi Family is viewed as nothing more but a bunch of Nobles who believe they are superior to everybody, but regardless of this, they are highly praised. Their combat skills and abilities are remarked by many Shinigami to be worthy of praising.

The Usagi House is most closely associated with the Second Division and the Onmitsukido in particular. They are known to have informally created the Onmitsukido during the long era of "peace" within the Seireitei when intrigue was at its highest amongst the Houses and Divisions. They also share relations with the Seventh, Ninth, and Twelfth Divisions.

Seicho

The oldest Noble House and one of the original, the Seicho House was part of the construction of both the Rukongai and the Seireitei. Rumors say they used a relic to create a the realm itself passed down directly from the Soul King, but it's only a fabled tale told to children born within the House. It now keeps independent from the other Houses, technically having little significance in either the politics of the Center 46 or the workings of the Gotei 13 and is not called to attend important meetings. Their main duties are that of record-keeping and history. Ironically, they hold significant say in most aspects of Soul Society as a whole, however unofficially and informally. The Matriarch, Seicho Inoue, can conduct meetings with the other Houses' Heads and even the Central 46 and the Captain-Commander on short notice and without issue. It's not common knowledge, but it's safe to assume they have their hand in everything. The other Houses believe the Seicho House the least "Noble," but due to its origins and the Seicho House's respect for the other Houses in general, little contempt has arisen against the Seicho House.

This house is most closely related to the Fourth House, making their dendrology and herbalism relevant throughout Seireitei. They also have fair relations with the Fifth, Ninth, and Tenth Divisions.

Yukihiro

The Yukihiro family deals mainly with militaristic issues, working closely with the Gotei 13 and the various organizations for the best approaches. Their strategic yet brutal tactics assure them victory in every battle and most wars. As of recent times, they're heavily involved in the affairs of their own house: they have three extension families.

The main family (or "the Heads"), of which include Isao and Setsuna Yukihiro, mainly deal with approving of battle plans and making adjustments within ranks as they see fit. They also oversee the actual training. There are various other members under this family, however "the Heads" is the smallest of the three. They have excellent relations with the First Division overall.

The intelligence family are "the Tacticians." They come up with the strategies, i.e. the plan, the positioning and the layout of the actual troops. There are more members in this branch than the main family. This branch works closely with the Seventh and Eighth Divisions.

Then come the 'fighters' of the Yukihiro clan. They're some of the best practitioners of Hakuda and Zanjutsu, having some of the most brutal and vicious attacks. They begin militaristic training during childhood and the route they take, Hakuda or Zanjutsu, is predetermined at birth. There is real discipline among the Yukihiro clan and they are no exception, having impeccable manners and behavior, even in the dojo. Most of the Yukihiro members are a part of this family. Many of the members of this branch work with the Eleventh Division with the remainder steering clear of the brutes for their lack of professionalism.

Grand Pokemon Champion

This will not follow the canon or game mechanics.
(Pokemon teams are made up of 8 and each know up to 8 moves, at least 3 of which are Status moves.)
This will be a real-time battle.
Dodging, countering, and combining attacks are legal maneuvers.
Pokemon may have any "legal" ability (according to Bulbapedia).
Pokemon cannot hold items.
Pokemon cannot know moves outside their type/species (examples will be provided).
Pokemon may know moves that fit their type/species (examples will be provided).
Legendaries are not allowed.
Pseudo-legendaries are limited to 2 a team.
Level does not matter.
Statistics do not matter.
Natures/Characteristics don't matter.
PP is gauged as "energy." This is expelled when dodging and countering.
Combining attacks will be executed more slowly than normal attacks and with generally less accuracy.

This is to be at least of Casual level. Give Pokemon and character personality (flaws).
Moves must hit on a regular basis. A round will be forfeited for 5 consecutive dodges (this includes attacking between dodges).
More rules will be described in the first post.
We may have two separate battles in which each is the victor if we so agree.
If you want any more information, feel free to ask.

Sebastian Nuit
Age: 20
Hometown: Cherrygrove City
Badges: 24 (Kanto-Hoenn)
Notable Achievements: 1-time Kanto Champion, 3-time Johto Champion, 2-time Hoenn Champion
First Pokemon: Vulpix

Pokemon:
Bisharp (Inner Focus)
Iron Head - Metal Claw - Metal Burst
Night Slash
Guillotine
Swords Dance - Iron Defense - Metal Sound

Breloom (Effect Spore)
Seed Bomb - Grass Knot
Sky Uppercut - Mach Punch
Stun Spore - Poison Powder - Sleep Powder - Leech Seed

Medicham (Pure Power)
Focus Blast - Force Palm
Psychic - Psycho Cut
Detect - Double Team - Meditate - Calm Mind

Masquerain (Intimidate)
Bug Buzz
Acrobatics - Air Slash
Ominous Wind
Bubblebeam
Rain Dance - Quiver Dance - Stun Spore

Froslass (Snow Cloak)
Blizzard - Ice Shard
Shadow Ball - Ominous Wind
Hail - Confuse Ray - Destiny Bond - Double Team

Shiftry (Chlorophyll)
Leaf Storm - Leaf Tornado
Night Slash - Feint Attack
Extrasensory
Sunny Day - Nasty Plot - Mean Look

Jumpluff (Chlorophyll)
Giga Drain - Solar Beam
Acrobatics
Sleep Powder - Stun Spore - Poison Powder - Leech Seed - Sunny Day

Ninetales (Flash Fire)
Flamethrower - Fire Spin - Fire Fang
Extrasensory
Shadow Ball
Sunny Day - Confuse Ray - Double Team

Youso Betsu Shori: Light's Shadow

The house felt exponentially smaller when he reentered. Shita and Iwata were setting the table and finishing up the meal when Akimoto entered the kitchen-bedroom-dining-room. He slid the trousers from the small chair by the bed he had slept in, allowing the legs of the garment to unfold and fall to the floor without the need to shaking or manually unfolding the item. He quickly slipped them on and tied them as he had yesterday before joining the two kin at the table.

It was a modest meal and Akimoto felt no need to over-compliment Shita who had no doubt prepared the meal herself. Instead he ate quickly and thanked them before and after the meal. He practiced a silence during meal-times if only to concentrate on consuming the food in order to return to tasks which were interrupted by the human condition.

“I hear you were training in town, Iwata-kimi. Would you be willing to show me where it is?” Akimoto asked as he put his dishes into the washing basin.

“Oh, yeah!” he said with some surprise. It was clear he did not make the connection between Akimoto’s body and from where such results stem. “I’ll have to introduce you to my partner, too. He’s never met a Firus before!”

His childish excitement would only produce a slight smile from Akimoto. Akimoto bowed to thank the boy before following him into town. A glance back at Shita told him she didn’t worry for the boy. Did she truly resent the boy so much?

The streets and paths into town never became crowded as they would in any other city or town. He was used to the physique of Berugans as a whole. Some of them pushed the limits of the human body while most merely kept a toned body for aestheticism and athleticism. He could have been mistaken as Berugan if he was wearing a shirt, but the late-fall air had no effect on Akimoto and proved his Heat.

In spite of a few whispers and invasive comments, the townsfolk seemed to care little for his presence, for which he was thankful. Less attention was better for he was usually the center of attention, and usually of the negative variety.

Many of the shops had stones and lumber around them and people lifted and dragged them in order to maintain their forms. There was a formal arena in the center of the village with many people having traveled from notable distances. Some sparred open-handed while others practiced with weapons. Many were merely lifting heavy objects repetitively, which always baffled Akimoto. What purpose could repetitive motions, however heavy, improve physical performance? It seemed counter-intuitive.

“Akimoto-sensei, over here!” Iwata called from further inside the arena. Akimoto followed the boy’s waving and caught the eyes of a man standing next to him.

“Akimoto-sensei, this is Funkakou Tonidou. Toni-chikai, this is Akimoto Kaito.” The men bowed and shook hands, rivalling each other in the ability to break the other’s.

Tonidou was a head shorter than Akimoto but just as wide, which made him impressively stout or “stocky” , as Toni would describe it. It could be argued that Toni was the stronger, but Akimoto was disinterested in pure strength and even less in showing it off.

“So, what’s your regiment?” Toni asked. He seemed quite friendly and unbiased, which Akimoto appreciated greatly.

“I don’t really have one,” Akimoto admitted. Toni only gave an inquisitive look before Akimoto explained further. “I usually have to work for food and bed wherever I travel as I tend to travel lightly. I usually smith, tend ranches, or lumberjack.”

“Ah, the hardy professions!” Toni exclaimed in his deep bass voice. He slapped Akimoto’s shoulder and squeezed as if to prove to himself of Akimoto’s strength. This was not uncommon among Berugans but Akimoto was still not used to physical contact with new acquaintances. “And do you practice any art?” he asked colloquially. “Art” in Beruga meant “martial” and nothing similar to what Hayate considers “art.”

“Sangaku Kiben, Kosasu, and Kikyuu.” He said plainly but with some pride.

“Oh, I’ve never heard of Sangaku Kiben. Would you be willing to show me its strength?” He was clearly eager to spar, as was Akimoto.

“It’s not an art of strength,” he warned and explained. “It’s more a philosophy.”

“Show me,” Toni repeated with a smile.

Toni fell back into a generic opening position of Ishite, the widest-practiced martial art of Shidaigenso. With his left foot forward, pointing at his opponent and his right behind and perpendicular for stability, he rose his hands into fists at chin-level and in the middle of his chest and the other more forward with his leading foot.

Akimoto stood flat-footed and facing full-front toward Toni. His hands curled into fists and rested on either side of his groin with his torso and arms flexed, proving his strength further.

Toni was clearly interested in playing and began to throw light punches at Akimoto’s body. After the first set of three, it was clear Akimoto was looking for a more serious spar, to which Toni was delighted to provide. Toni’s knuckles slapped against Akimoto’s chest and abdomen without his moving. The punches grew in strength until Akimoto’s feet began to slide backward in the sand but with his body remaining stiff and unchallenged.

Akimoto’s torso was red from the impacts but there was no sign of bruising. Toni stepped back onto the leap forward for an unhindered jab at Akimoto’s abdomen. He slid back a few feet in the sand and bent his body in order to take it better. He immediately straightened himself and regained composure. Toni had to pause and commend the foreign artist’s form. Iwata looked on in awe, having thought Toni’s punches too strong for any man to take without complaint.

Toni darted back in and this time attempted to out-maneuver Akimoto, determining the form to be static and purely defensive. He was proven wrong as Akimoto stepped just as quickly and grappled the strike aimed for his shoulder. He spun Toni around and struck him in the back to force him forward and away.

Akimoto looked behind him for a moment and found himself in front of a large sack filled with sand. “This is your target,” Akimoto said, gesturing to the inanimate object.

Toni smiled wide and went back into swifter than before. But since he had to move a greater distance, Akimoto easily intercepted every strike at the bag. Toni attempted to wear Akimoto out, but found this to be futile as Toni began panting while Akimoto appeared largely unaffected by the advances. He got close enough to where Akimoto had to strike him in order to protect the bag, but Akimoto’s strikes proved just as, if not more, powerful than his. Ultimately Toni conceded and praised the man he could not pass.

“Who invented that art”? Toni asked as he poured water over his face and into his mouth.

“My father,” Akimoto said coldly. He guzzled water between statements.

“He dead,” Toni asked without tact.

“Yes. When I was 14.”

“Shame,” Toni said, shaking his head. “I’m sure he’d be proud to see you so successful, though.”

“He was a Martial Specialist himself. I just strive to be good enough for his memory.”

“I’d say you are.”

“Toni-chikai is a Berugan Champion of Ishite,” Iwata boasted for his sensei.

“Is there a reason he doesn’t call you sensei?” Akimoto asked. He found it curious that Iwata referred to him as “sensei” but Toni as “chikai,” usually a derogatory honorific in his experience.

“I just own who I am,” he said with a bold laughter. He indicated with his hand his shorter stature. “Also, the jouren around here have seen me,” he added with a chuckle and motioned toward his groin.

Akimoto couldn’t help but laugh at this. Iwata lit up for this was the first sight of genuine emotion Akimoto had shown.

“You should enter into the Subetete Tournament next week,” Toni suggested in a more serious tone. “If I work with you on more offensive techniques to score points and faster victories, I’m sure you could get a hefty prize.” It seemed this was true excitement for Toni.

“I didn’t think they accepted Elementals. Even so, I’m not willing to amend the purpose of Sangaku Kiben for the sake of my father’s memory.”

“Come on, Akimoto-sensei,” Iwata whined.

“No, Iwata-naike. I respect the man’s decision.” He paused to think of something. “I’ll make an event of it,” he eventually concluded. “I’ll sign you up as a challenge event. Others will make bets and we’ll make a fortune.”

“I didn’t practice to make a fortune-” he began to explain.

“Neither did I. I just want to show the world a martial art that can best me,” he said and then burst out into laughter. “If that makes us rich men, then so be it!” he chuckled and firmly pat (slapped) Akimoto on the back.

Akimoto’s mind immediately went to giving to Iwata and his grandmother. He had no need for money and they would clearly benefit from it. “What do you need from me?” he asked.

“I just need to show them what we just did,” Toni said with a sly smile.

“Well, let’s get going,” Akimoto said, rising from the bench and then began to stretch as if they were going to marathon to the stadium.

“Ah hah! I like your vigor!” Toni shouted and began stretching himself.

Indeed they marathoned the several miles to the stadium. Somehow Iwata barely kept up, clearly excited for his trainer and his new friend to be showcasing their talents. The boy was clearly eager to learn. He idolized strong, but more importantly skillful, men.

Youso Betsu Shori: Light's Shadow

He woke up the next day to the sound and smell of a dinner being made. His stomach rumbled violently only to set off the soreness of his wounds. He winced before gently pivoting his head to see the woman over a stone stove and the boy helping; only if that meant simply watching. The boy then leaned away to fetch a pitcher of water and walked toward him. It seemed to be out of habit for he looked surprised to see Akimoto awake. Apparently he had been provided water throughout his sleeping. He was grateful as he was fed more water.

“So, what’s your name?” the boy asked with wide eyes. The woman turned her head so she might hear without it being repeated.

“Akimoto,” he coughed out. “Akimoto Kaito from the town of Toushin of the Southern Region of Kazan,” he repeated more formally.

“I’ve never heard of it,” the woman said dryly. “You come from far away, then.”

“Why are you here?” the boy asked.

“Because I am injured,” he said matter-of-factly and more easily this time. He took another drink of water himself, ignoring the pain from his wounds. “And to whom should I thank for such hospitality?”

“Oh, well I’m Kozue Iwata,” the boy said. Akimoto assumed the boy was born here. He also assumed he might die here as well since those who take names of the lands they were birthed into are usually rooted to it.

“And I’m Shita Ogawa from Tari of the Western Region of Hisen. This is my grandson.”

He thought it strange that someone would move so far from Hisen. He didn’t know of them settling in such modest conditions, either. Perhaps she was unsatisfied with the gluttony of Hisen. Perhaps it was something more tragic which drove them away. “And what of your mother and father, your daughter or son?” he asked, understanding it was prying question.

The woman remained silent and the boy looked down. “She died on the boat,” he said with some kind of sadness.

“I sympathize with your loss, Iwata-san.”

They didn’t recognize the father, so he didn’t question further. Iwata looked up with saddened yet dry eyes. Akimoto’s remained stern and void of emotion. The color of them provided some kind of softness to them, however. The boy exhaled softly and rose from his kneeling position to return beside his grandmother.

He took another mouthful of water. His mouth would not remain quenched for long. “I recognize that name, Shita-san. Are you related to Lord Shita Chouten of the Shita House?”

She didn’t bother to hesitate for very long. “Yes,” she said plainly. “I am his sister.”

“So, what brings you to Beruga?” he asked, again knowing his probing might touch a nerve. He took another gulp of water as she responded.

“The House has since been disbanded and is no longer part of the Royal Court.”

“I see,” he exhaled from his inhalation of water. “It seems each region has their turmoil.”

“It’s far simpler than that,” she interjected almost angrily. But it seemed targeted not at him.

“I see,” he said lower this time, indicating he would drop the subject. “I thank you both for all you have done toward my health.” He smiled slightly and the boy smiled wide back. The woman only nodded.

The boy began to set the table as Shita finished preparing the food. Feeling exponentially better, Akimoto flipped the blanket from him and eased himself to sit on the side of the bed. Though he was aware of his nudity, he stretched some and evaluated the bandages over his injuries. They had been freshly changed. He then stood to see how light-headed he would become, which was not at all. Any pain was only soreness as the cuts were deep but nothing was torn. The woman cared well for him.

She pointed to a chair next to him where trousers and a shirt had been neatly placed. With no man in the house, he figured they must have bought them for him. The trousers were loose and thin and tied high around his waist. Instead, he unlaced half of it and tied it around his hips for a less modest look. They fell straight and above his ankles. The shirt was open and tight around his arms. There were no buttons or straps with which to close the garment. He pulled it as if to do so but it was clearly not meant for such. It seemed they were conscientious of his Firus nature. His sai were held in sheathes that was not his own and his bo leaned against the chain. He left them where they were after touching them as if to thank them for their application in combat.

He walked slowly to the table and gently fell to the cushion and crossed his legs. His calf produced the dullest of aches. “Thank you both very much,” he repeated as he bowed his head with his hands upon his thighs. “You have saved my life and I wish to pay you back.”

“Nonsense,” the woman said. “You clearly have important work to do.”

“How would you come to such a conclusion?”

“I know what those of the Conclave wear,” she said straight. “You have more important missions than to look after a woman and her bastard grandson.”

“O baachan,” the boy whined, showing discontent for the callousness of his grandmother.

Akimoto looked sympathetically toward the boy which calmed his embarrassment.

“You may stay for a few days until you’re fully recovered and then return to your duties.” It almost seemed like a command. Akimoto could only bow deeply once more in thanks for her hospitality.

“Bless,” he said before eating his food. It was a blessing to the food but also his hosts.

He ate as heartily as he could. They allowed it for such a damaged man, but they could only provide so much. He attempted to help with cleaning but they shooed him off to bed so he would heal faster. So he undressed, leaving the clothes where he found them and quickly went back to sleep. He wished to at least take a walk for he felt quite stiff, but he knew the woman was right and that he needed as much sleep as he could get.

The land of dreams didn’t bother him that night and he woke early and refreshed. He neither heard nor saw any sign of the boy or woman. He rose more quickly than yesterday and walked over toward the sink. Using a pair of nearby shears, he cut off the bandages around his calf, forearm, and shoulder. He assumed the piercing on his back had healed quickly enough.

It was a shock to see how quickly the injuries had healed. There were almost no scars on his calf or forearm. His shoulder was almost completely healed with a sizeable mark. The only thing he felt from it was a stiffness greater than the rest of his body. He concluded she must have worked as some kind of medicine woman in Hisen.

After taking a long drink of water and eating as many oats as his stomach would allow, he decided to find his way toward the bath in order to clean himself more properly. The cold mountain water didn’t bother him in spite of the Heat he’d used up the days prior. He would have also been unable to recuperate any of that Heat by being inside, as well.

After cleansing himself thoroughly, he made his way outside in a sunny spot near the house. His bare skin would have done well to absorb all it could and he could feel the warmth return to him. It was only now he realized how cold he really was.

“Ah, Akimoto-hi. Good morning,” Shita greeted. She had clearly woken sooner than he for she was carrying firewood into the house.

“Good morning, Shita-kijo,” he responded. Though she was from Hisen, it seemed she wasn’t too put-off by his nudity. “Where’s Iwata-kimi?” he asked out of vague curiosity.

“He’s by the marketplace attempting to train as the locals do. I just hope he doesn’t hurt himself, the poor bastard,” she said as she turned her head in the general direction of the boy’s location.

“For what purpose do you call him ‘bastard’?” He was almost accusatory but attempted to keep a level tone.

“So he doesn’t forget what he is.”

“And why should something he has no control over define him?”

“Would you say you’re not Firus?”

“No, but that is not all I am. I am the Firus Master of Wisdom. I am an intern of the Conclave of Elders. I am the teacher of Knowledge in the Jisuikafuu Academy. I am husband to Shinobu Satomi. I am father to Masahiro and Saruwatari. I am son of a Weapons Specialist and the former Firus Master of Resolve. I am great nephew to the Firus Elders. But most of all, I am Akimoto Kaito.”

“And what is ‘Akimoto Kaito’?”

“He is a man who protects and works for the people of Shidaigenso. He is the teacher of the next generation and their counselor. He is a friend and rival. He is but a single person inhabiting this vast and powerful land.”

Stillness filled the air for a moment as she contemplated his self-description. “Iwata will never become so important. The stars don’t recognize him for greatness.”

“What makes you think the stars recognize any kind of greatness in anyone? Why would something so infinite and everlasting care for things so insignificant and finite?” His frustration seemed to grow with her biased opinions on something so indefinite. It was hardly notable, however. He maintained his meditative posture.

“There is nothing they point to which could be used toward the betterment of the country.”

“There is nothing the bodies indicated at my birth which pointed toward greatness. In fact, they pointed to so much self-conflict and constant inner struggle. In spite of them, I have made something for myself and my children and wife.”

“Who interpreted your chart?” she asked in disbelief.

“My great aunt, of who provided my name.” He shifted in his position, becoming more rigid and raising his chest in order to catch more rays. “The stars only say so much. They determine nothing.”

“That is what Kazanians believe,” she retorted.

“I have yet to have a Hisen prediction be so accurate as to change my outlook on the subject.”

She sighed and leaned against the house. “Neither have I.” She turned to enter the house. “I’ll call you when lunch is ready.”

“Thank you, Shita-kijo.”

A sizzling could be heard off his skin, but this was merely the interaction of the heat of the sun and his Heat becoming one. Shita had placed an urn of water beside, knowing he would need water even while meditating. Hours must have passed which were lost to his active mind. Shita called for him from within the house, rousing him from his meditation.

You Sobetsu Shori: Light's Shadow (Elemental Feudal Roleplay)

Caution: Repeat Attempt

You Sobetsu Shori: Light's Shadow (Elemental Feudal Roleplay)

Another bump for interest.

Youso Betsu Shori: Light's Shadow

“No one’s allowed within the target area,” a man high up in a watch tower repeated his orders. The arrow hardly whistled, specially designed for proper assassinations, when it flew toward the new target’s head for a lethal shot.

Akimoto burst into showy flames that wouldn’t burn anything. The burning came, instead, from the Sun Shards he pushed toward them, silently disintegrating them where they stood. The heat melted the buildings’ outer walls closest to the scene. They threatened to collapse should they have been less structurally sound.

Kusari’s grip loosened from the initial blast of fire and Akimoto took advantage of that mistake. Loosening the chain enough for his left arm to be freed, he tore out the sickle and began to unravel himself. However, he felt a firm tug from the other end and he knew the man was intimidated no further. Perhaps he assumed Akimoto was a low-tier Elemental with only showy techniques. Akimoto also found it odd that he would be attacked so openly. Perhaps these were ignorant recruits feeling confident they could take out a foreign Elemental.

Whatever the case, Kusari was clearly skilled enough to attempt to rebind Akimoto by waving the chain expertly to fall around him tightly once again. But with Akimoto’s background in combat, he spun with the chain as to not allow this to occur. The soreness from his wounds allowed him this at least. He felt he couldn’t do many more martial techniques until his injuries were properly bound. Excessive movement, until then, would only help him bleed more heavily.

With the rags over his first two wounds now completely red, his time was running out and he had to cut this duel short. He so desperately wished to capture the man, but the situation wouldn’t allow for such liberties. Another sliver of white fire was hurled toward Kusari, burning him up before it even touched him. He didn’t have time to scream before being consumed by the Sun Shard which disintegrated him like the other two.

No corpses were left in the area and though he absorbed as much of the excess heat from the shards, the buildings closest to him melted completely into the red soil. He could focus enough to not allow his weapons to be destroyed, however. Akimoto couldn’t risk going back into the town knowing the people would suspect him of the destruction caused by the conflict. So he walked further north and into the mountains using the bo as a walking cane.

He didn’t limp or gasp for air, but his gait was smaller and gentler than usual. He knew he didn’t have time to feel the pain or consider his condition any further. Once he reached a tree bearing some edible fruit, he sat to tear away some of his pants and wrap his still-open shoulder. He used the rest of his trousers to cover the puncture in his back, leaving him in only his netted smallcloths which were specially made to withstand temperatures he could easily summon and only served his prudery. The sash around his waist remained to keep his sai at his sides.

After eating some of the sour fruit, if only to feign the act of providing his body nutrients, he continued farther up the low-grade mountainside. A few hours passed before he reached the next town of Iwatana which nestled atop the sheerest cliff naturally formed within this shallow portion of the mountain. His now stumbling walk into the town alerted a more sympathetic individual and her child to rush to his aid. He grunted out thanks before struggling to focus on being led into a nearby house.

His small cloths were torn away as they undressed the bandages he hastily made himself. Clicks of the tongue were heard from the older woman while the boy gasped at the man’s disfigurement. The boy fetched water and clean cloths as the woman further evaluated the man’s state. The woman quirked a brow, finding a lack of clotting, but there was little bleeding at this point due to a searing of the wounds. The other scars across his body, both large and small, indicated an active man and a warrior. She fed him water straight from the bowl before dipping the cloths in it to clean the wounds.

“Hurry and boil me water. He’s probably going to catch an infection,” she added.

He was not sweating and though his blood was obviously thinning, he was not cold. In fact, she would have considered him feverish. But he showed no signs of any fevers she’d ever experienced. And he was in far better shape than any Fair in the area. “You’re no Earthean,” she concluded. “What’s a Firus doing all the way up here? You’re far away from the mine,” she explained.

She wasn’t expecting an answer from the defeated man. “And how does someone of your caliber become beaten this badly?” she jested to herself. But she did find it strange than an Elemental would suffer such wounds from weapons and not Elements. These wounds weren’t shaped with the Air or formed from Water. They were not jagged from Earth or seared from Fire. These were clearly inflicted by a skilled Weaponist.

She figured this couldn’t have been a tussle from the mine itself. He would have died long before reaching her home. “What did you get yourself into?” Perhaps she felt comfort in letting him know what she could determine simply by appearance. He only rested on the bed merely large enough for an adolescent. His feet and ankles jutted out from the hay mattress.

She finished cleaning and dressing the wounds as well as she could. Out of habit, she threw a blanket over him in spite of her knowing he would not lose body heat. It didn’t reach past his chest, since it was made for a child. It was mostly to provide the man with some sense of dignity rather than airing out in the open. A foreign victim deserved greater respect than that.

You Sobetsu Shori: Light's Shadow (Elemental Feudal Roleplay)

Another bump for interest.

You Sobetsu Shori: Light's Shadow (Elemental Feudal Roleplay)

Any others interested?

Input Requested: The Compendium of Modern Zoanthropes

I don't see much need for this to be a sort of article for the site. However, since you feel other RPs miss out on these unique creatures, you should make one yourself. There are plenty of threads in this section about GMing if you're concerned about such. Furthermore, you can find someone who likes your idea and would work with you. Your best bet is to just make an Interest Check (probably in Advanced as that is where I see this fitting best) and ask there what people might find most interesting to play.

I think "Authorial Advice" should be something more like "Pedestrian Accounts." Instead of making it clearly about your opinion and someone having to read "rambling," you could write it in a way that gets your opinion across, and even counter-points to make it interesting, but seems to be coming from innocents running into these creatures (and somehow surviving). Maybe key opinions of their "race" from other 'thropes.
I also think "Level of Danger" could be renamed to "Lethality" as a more intense term, but that's a needless suggestion. However, I think numbers should be used instead of asterisks. Also, what do those numbers mean? Perhaps it's best to not have a scale and just to simply describe it and compare it to a few other things but in the most generalized manner as to not give it strict comparisons. I just know that numbers don't really work in PbP RPing.

But going along with Cain, it'd be interesting to see such odd animals: dolphins, otters, seals, walrus, etc.
Are fish not allowed? Sharks, eels, puffer fish, etc.
What about reptiles? Snakes, lizards, salamanders, etc.
What about avian creatures? Hawks, eagles, pigeons, hummingbirds, etc.