Storyline: Play Demons or Damned Spirits!

[Kender Bard]

Hell has been unleashed on Naruta again, enabling players to play as demons and the spirits of the damned!

Allow your imagination to run fairly free with the style and manner of your demon. The Abyss hosts all types and sorts. Most demons are either free demons, those who answer to no one but themselves or else they're enslaved demons, bound up into the will of a stronger demon. There will be NO demon lords allowed to be played by players at this time. This may change. Please send all descriptions of demons and their powers to me for approval before playing.

Damned Spirits are those individuals who, after death, no Force would allow into their afterlife. Either they simply didn't appeal to any of the Forces in life or else they outright offended one and could not seek refuge with another. These spirits have spent time since death being used as the playthings of demons of all ranks--either foot soldiers, jesters, or even food. They are useless, save as perhaps currency, and highly expendable. These spirits are to be treated as any normal ghost.

Every now and then a damned spirit will be forced into the body of a low-ranking demon for any number of reasons. These spirits now have a corporeal body but they're forced to share it with the personality of whatever demon they've been pushed in with. As such, though they are able to interact with the world around them, they tend to be highly unstable and often can't control their own actions, giving into whatever whims the demon they cohabit with wants. This can either be a fairly seamless merging of personalities to create a new person or there was resistance from one or both parties, each entity will retain their personality but fight for dominance and control. If you would like to have a damned spirit possessing a demon body, it will cost brownie points. Please contact me.

As always if you have any questions, feel free to ask me.

[Kender Bard]

DEMONS AND TAINT

Dealing with demonkind causes a kind of stain on the soul of mortalkind. This can be a very mild effect for dealing with minor demons or only having a passing meeting with one or it can be a deep-seated stain that begins to corrupt the mortal who dabbles too long in the profane. This is to be decided on a scale of 1-10. Here are some guidelines on side effects:

0 Points - Untouched Why are you here. You're fine, man. Go home.

1 Point - Insubstantial No strong effect. A nightmare or two, random chills down your spine, or similar 'creepy' feeling side effects, but nothing that would disrupt your life. Comparable to being told an incredibly scary story and having its fear linger a little while.

2 Points - Mild Temporary psychological effects. Occasional mild hallucinations, mild to moderate mood-altering effects. Weird stuff, things that might make close friends give you the side-eye, but nothing too severe.

3-4 Points - Moderate More severe psychological effects. Beginnings of physical illness and/or mutation. You might experience inexplicable symptoms, mysteriously appearing marks, minor physical alterations... Check with me for suggestions.

5-6 Points - Severe This is the point at which some effects become irreparable - I.E. even if you downgrade back to mild or moderate, you'll keep some of the severe effects. More drastic physical harm/mutation. Psychological effects become semi-permament to permanent.

7+ Points - Mortal At this stage, the character's mind is no longer their own. If it reaches this point, a discussion on the total effects needs to be had with me.

How do I acquire taint?

Casual interaction with demons will give you 1 point. Meeting one, talking to them, so on.

Battling a demon may cause taint if you are wounded by one. How severe it is depends on how bad the wounds are.

The fastest way to rack up points of taints are to wheel and deal with demons. Sometimes this involves accepting a deal by one, but other times it merely means accepting the presence of one for a long-term period. Demons who tolerate or desire followers generally will give taint points through their presence or powers that will accumulate.

How do I remove taint from a character?

The fastest and easiest way is to douse the wound or body in holy water. This will burn the taint out of the body of the mortal, though it is a painful process. Do not drink holy water if you are tainted; it can be an agonizing, possibly fatal, experience. Dousing with holy water only works for wounds--submerging yourself in holy water will not work if your taint is completely internalized.

Another method is to fast while in prayer, cloistering yourself within a temple for however long it takes to remove the taint. Fasting is not necessary but it does expediate the process.

1-2 points will fade on their own through the course of time. 1 point will take 1-3 days, 2 points will take up to a week.

A big thanks to Nightwatch Weyr for giving us permission to borrow their Blight system!

[Darastrix]

Some additional thoughts on demon encounters:

General notes:

Not all characters will be ICly aware that contact with a demon warrants special cleansing, particularly if they're not from Contrasta or have not had much contact with Contrastan priests. Narutans (both clergy and lay-folk) didn't really keep up with that sort of thing, while the Contrastans did, so someone from Anarlina or Morilanta will be much more likely to go to a priest for holy water than your average native Narutan.

It's quite possible for a character to encounter a demon and become tainted without having the slightest clue that it occurred. Some demons may resemble humans, Beast elementals, strange animals, or monsters, and until word really starts spreading that 'Um, guys? Remember back when the weather went crazy and we had demon-things showing up? I think it's happening again,' folks may just jump to the simplest conclusion regarding what they're seeing. We had widespread monster incursions and a plague more recently than we've had widespread demonic activity, so that's probably what people will start thinking of at first when they run into demons and begin displaying signs of demonic taint.


Questions:

How much taint is a single dousing of holy water going to remove?

How effective are these methods when a character has been moderately to severely tainted?

Since the spirits have been marinating in Evil Central from anywhere between a few days to hundreds of years, is there any lingering effect from encountering them as well?

Will those who are particularly devoted to their patron Force be more or less vulnerable to the taint than others, or will it be roughly the same across the board?

[Kender Bard]

1) The holy water is most effective against taint incurred by wounds. Pouring the holy water in the wound will cleanse it completely of taint; ergo, it removes 1 point of taint for 1 point gained via wound. Imbibing it is not very helpful for non-physical taint. It'll remove 1 point per day of drinking it daily.

2) All the methods are effective up to moderate, it's simply a matter of how long it takes. Severe runs the risk of not working, but only if the character's will and/or devotion are not very great.

3) No. Ghosts/spirits themselves will not confer taint since they cannot interact with mortals very well. However, souls inhabiting the body of a demon will be able to deal taint like a normal demon.

4) Vulnerability against taint is effective across the board, but recovery will be faster and more sure for individuals strong in faith than for people who are lacking. Demons may try to avoid priests as they find them a little unnerving to be around (unless the priest is not very faithful.)

[Darastrix]

Playable Demons
Anyone is free to pick these up to use in a thread. These are approved species of demon, not single individuals.

Name: Elemental Tick
Type: Parasite
Size: Tiny

Before feeding, this tiny, reddish-bown demon is flat and roughly the size of a person's pinky fingernail. It is a simple being that functions on instinct rather than reason, seeking out a host and latching on to feed. Rather than blood, the elemental tick feeds on elemental energy. In the Abyss, it is able to feed on the damned, but on the mortal plane where spirits have no substance, it feeds on living humans.

It latches onto its host underneath clothing or in the hair where it's better able to hide, its head and legs penetrating the skin. Its venom renders this painless, but it also has the effect of increasing aggression and decreasing elemental control in its host; it can feed more freely when its host is actively using their element. As it feeds, the tick takes on aspects of the energy it's consuming. For example, a Fire-feeding tick becomes warmer than the surrounding flesh. An Ice-feeder becomes cooler. This can make it easier to find and identify, but at this point, it also has enough energy to use in its own defense.

Aside from being more short-tempered and apt to release elemental energy when they don't intend to, a tick's host may also find that their power seems weaker. A Beast may become physically weaker, a Water's healing water may be less potent, a Mind's mental range may be reduced, etc. This is because as they use their sign, the tick is siphoning away a portion of that energy. If the tick is not found and removed, the host's elemental ability may become permanently weakened.

The simplest way to kill an elemental tick is by dousing it with holy water. One can also attempt to cut it out of its host's flesh, but it can and will defend itself using the energy it has drained. A tick feeding on a Fire will lash out with flame if it's being pried up. A tick feeding on a Water is kind of screwed will heal the flesh around itself. A tick feeding on a Mind will telekinetically shield itself. If the element it has been feeding on has an opposite, it will be more vulnerable to it, while gaining immunity to the element it has been siphoning.

It will not attempt to feed on Clears, the signless, Fire/Waters, Storm/Waters, or Fire/Ices. Feeding on other combinations is possible, though it is more likely to go with whichever element the host uses first after it latches on. Differently-signed elementals may be 'shared' by two or three ticks, each feeding on a different element. Luckily for their hosts, ticks generally will not double up on people with multiples of the same sign.

(So, Die [Fire/Ice], Saul [Clear], and Twilight [Storm/Water x2] would be immune to them, Libre [Mind x3] would have one very greedy one, Dusk [Water/Wind] could host one feeding on either her Wind or Water power or two feeding on each, and Etch [Earth/Storm/Wind] could host up to three.)

---

Name: Acidic Bloodletters
Type: Insectoid Bloodfeeder
Size: Small to Medium

These creatures are a type of bloodsucking insect from the Abyss. They are not overly intelligent although they can reason enough to select prey that will be easiest or most nourishing to feed from. It moves about in a crouched position on hands and feet, each claw having only three long fingers that, if necessary, can provide enough suction to crawl up walls (but not ceilings). Its head contains a large grouping of eyes that given almost 360 vision and a large proboscis shaped somewhat like a bird's beak. It is able to extend or retract somewhat and is razor sharp. It uses to stab and drink the blood of its victims.

It keeps its stomach on its back in a fleshy sac which it stores the blood it sucks up. The blood is slowly absorbed into the body as nutrients are needed, and also acts a defensive measure. If the bloodletter feels threatened, it will expel the blood it is holding mixed with a caustic chemical it produces in its stomach. The resulting mixture is a superheated and acidic pile that burns almost all organic material. It takes virtually no time for the mixture to form so it is able to expel the blood it is draining from a victim if it is attacked while feeding.

Its secondary defense is an insanely fast speed. The creature can move great distances in almost no time at all. The only time it remains stationary is when it is feeding or stalking a victim.

Although its proboscis is quite sharp it is not able to penetrate material as hard as or harder than wood. It can learn from its mistakes but it is also capable of misjudging new prey's weak points. As a result, it may attack an armored character without realizing that the armor can't be breached, but if it survives the encounter, it will not do so again in the future.

---

Name: Rage Imps
Type: Mind-altering Demon
Size: Small

Rage Imps are very small creatures, no bigger two or three inches long. They have six 'arms' ending in small, very sharp claws, and almost comically oversized fangs. These demons feed on violence and anger. Their mode of feeding themselves is to latch on to an individual and sink their fangs and claws into them, almost burrowing into the skin so that they're nearly impossible to remove by force. Their fangs release a neurotoxin that causes blind berserker rage that sends anyone affected into a violent, indiscriminate rampage.

The only way to remove the rage imps are to douse them with holy water or to cut them off the affected person. This can sometimes be impossible depending on where the imp has attached itself and will most certainly cause bodily harm to the host. If the host dies mid-rampage, the imp will normally dislodge itself and seek out another host immediately. They last only one day if not feeding.

[Kender Bard]

Force Orders
(For reference)

Etaf
Acqua, you are in a prime position to gather intelligence. What you learn, I learn, and with my Sight narrowed considerably, I need to learn as much as I can. You are tasked with gathering information on the demons, their strengths, locations, plans. Approach them with caution.

Amaro and Talon, both of you are warriors. Your task will be simple; hunt demons or help guard the weaker ring bearers from threat in their own assignments. I may call upon you, if you are near enough, to lend aid to an individual. Be prepared to answer my call if you choose to accept this task.

Brad, the mystics and seers of the world will find that we are unable to answer their questions more often than not as our attention is drawn to our own work. I ask that you offer your assistance to any ring bearer who is in need of information from me. Your prayers will be heard clearly and I will answer to the best of my ability. Perhaps with more clarity than even you are used to.

Sunflower, as an Anarlinan priestess of Contrasta you are aware of the potent power of holy water on the taint that the demonic inflict, or you may have heard of it in passing during your lessons as a novitiate. Spread the word wherever you can so others will know how to be treated. Treat the infected where you encounter them. Pass on, too, the power of prayer within our temples and our homes.

Love
Twilight heard I need to marshal my forces alongside my sister--and once our own home is safe, begin making movements towards Naurorod at a steady pace, wiping out any demons we come across. But he also heard, But it will be such a long and hard journey and many, many will die. Why should I put them on such a brutal path once my own borders are safe? Better to wait and watch.

Dusk heard I need to order the demonically infected to the temples--not only for the treatments they will receive there, but so that they will be easy for me to access. A loving touch. That's what they need, and in the truest sense. As well as but if I expose myself to them, there is a possibility they will be able to pass on their taints to me. And then what will I do if I grow ill or worse? I should keep myself safe for when the Forces call upon me for the final battle.

Nalani, Sonata, and Snowflake heard I need to keep the people calm during this time when danger is so near to us. And furthermore, I need to see if I can find those folks who are infected with demonic taint but do not realize it yet. I'm not sure how, but I just know that I'll be able to pick them out if I chance upon such a person. As well as But during times of fear and panic, people can turn ugly and brutal. The Forces chose me for a reason, but is this truly what it is? I'll be putting my life at risk by exposing myself to frightened people. All it takes is a little too much fear and they may turn on me. It may be safer to just wait.

Thuoth
Nagi and Libre, you are both in prime positions to mobilize a great deal of people to service if necessary. Khelek's army is one of the finest--their long military tradition will make them an invaluable asset. Libre, while the Minds are not notorious warriors, the versatility of the Mind's abilities make them a key component in any army. There is already one demon lord who has roused an army and another who will perhaps gather one to herself as well, if not with an eye to conquering. If my predictions are correct, we'll also begin to see a sharp spike in activity amongst the lesser and free demons wherein they will begin to act in units without any seeming commander. In either case, I want you both to work together to help eradicate the threats. The more demons that are destroyed now, the less opposition we face in the final confrontation. Worg will be giving a similar command to Lucifer, so it is not only my will that wishes for this.

Sunray, though you no longer are in charge of your people, you are bound by blood and love to your family. Your king and general will be hot to spill blood. This is fine, so long as it is demonic blood. But they are passionate and they need your even temper to help guide them away from error and misjudgements of the heart. Tell them that you have my blessing to become their war adviser. I am already quite aware that you're more fluent in the history of war than you let on. Use that knowledge now.

Klara, my priestess, I have a daunting task for you but one I know you will see through. Go to my high priest and explain to him the need for information for all of the peoples of Naruta, but especially the leaders and other ring bearers. Have him put all projects on temporary halt. Comb your archives for every bit of information on demons and their defeat. I want you to personally oversee this. My essence in your ring and your faith in me will help guide your search, speeding it along.

Zira, my warrior scholar, you are a rarity amongst most of my worshipers. I name you an honorary Thesaurii Susceptor. It is my wish that should any of your fellow ring bearers need assistance in their work, that you should guard them. I may even call upon you to assist and defend the ring bearers of other Forces.

And Crow, my sly bard, I task you with perhaps the most dangerous job of all. Etaf has sent people forth to watch and spy, but I ask more of that from you. Anyone with eyes can observe. I ask you to learn what few mortals learn and come away unscathed from. Go speak with demons. Find out not only their agenda, but the current state of the Abyss and even all you can learn about demonkind itself. My ring will protect you from their corruption, though tread carefully. If you mire yourself too deeply in their influence, the purging process will be most unpleasant, as Zira and Sunray are already aware of.

Worg
Neil, with your Taed-given abilities, I expect you to make full use of them. You can be in and out of any situation in the blink of an eye and have little to no threat of capture. You will be my sword into their heart. Head to Naurorod and begin to take down as many of their numbers as you can. The clans of Erif's children will provide you rest and shelter when you need it. Merely invoke my name and if they give you trouble then call out for my assistance. I'll teach them proper respect.

Farfarello, your skills lend themselves well to guarding and so that is what you will do. Guard any ring bearers who fall into your care. Protect the weaker of the chosen so that they may survive to fulfill their roles later.

Lucifer, your prodigy has been given a role in warfare. I want you to see to it that it that it is carried out efficiently and well. And where demon incursion comes near your location, I want you to personally take up arms against them. Your icy cold will be anathema to some of the demons who rely on fire and heat as their primary weapons of choice. You have three signs. Use that Force given strength to capacity.

Thavan and Masego, rouse your Beasts. Your time of licking wounds from the fairy fights are over. The Beasts are wasted in idleness. Head to the northwest and join in the Fires in their fight against the demonkind. Use Beleg as your base of operations.

Suri, you will join someone--either the Beasts or Neil--and assist them in fighting in Naurorod. Your swiftness and wings will allow you to gather information easily and your fierceness in battle will see you out of a tight spot should it arise.

Osane, the waters are perilously unguarded and not all demons walk upon land. Ronduin is near to useless in doing more than maintaining their own shores. Take Aluvar and scour the River clean of demonic filth.

Edward, Ilyamen may not be an actively militaristic state, but you have proven that her people can rise up in the face of adversity. Begin gathering your own forces. Then march them in the direction given to you by your ring. You will know your destination when you come upon it--spread your forces to guard the place well, for it will be a critical point in the upcoming battles, or so our Seer Sister says.

Darin, oh soldier of fortune. Make your way west to Naurorod as well. Eventually, you will join up with Neil in assisting the Fires. Kill anything unnatural along the way.

Taed
You are my chosen. You are my mortal hands on this world. Either you bring death to man or lay his body to rest--perhaps both. Either way, I have need of you now.

The rings you wear are a direct link to me. In this way, we may communicate and I may call upon you fully when the hour of battle has begun. If you have need of me, pray and call on my name, but do not abuse this gift you have been given. I will be most displeased.

To each of you, I assign a task for idleness will not be tolerated. There is much to be done and time is rapidly slipping away in which to do it.

Christian, high priest and my voice in the land. You are seated at the foot of the trouble, perilously close to the portal the demons are spilling out of. However, my land is hallowed ground and you will be safe there. Throw open the temple doors and invite the Naurites, Belegites, and anyone else, to take shelter within your walls. My halls ring hollow and quiet, filled more with the dead than the living, but I will tolerate their presence during this time.

Morrigan, Michael, and Tadeus. The three of you are deeply faithful priests. It is your task to tend to the dead and that task will continue on, but now with an emphasis on those slain by demonkind. You three will wander between the lands and instruct the temples and the people on how best to tend to the dead victims of demonkind. Though it is possible to simply pray and bury the body as normal, some of the demons are capable of continuing their machinations even after the body has grown cold and I have reaped their souls. Push to have bodies burned and their ashes scattered over holy ground. Barring that, place blessed objects on the body at the point of burial to prevent the mortal shell being used as a puppet for demons.

Nicolais and Zevran, hands that wield the hour of death. You are in charge of killing not only demons, but more importantly, mortals who are too far gone to be redeemed or saved. There are some mortals who would sell their souls for their greatest desire, regardless of whom it is going to. Slay them. Be merciless. I will not tolerate humans throwing away our gifts to them. Make them suffer for their insolence and send their souls to the Abyss they belong to.

These are my tasks. Carry them out well, as I know you will. When the hour of gathering has come, return to any loved ones you may have and prepare yourself to meet your Makers.

Efil (part 1)
Chosen, my dear children. Our task is still not complete and more rings still need to be given out, but things are progressing rapidly. Danger has only increased considerably. Unlike my brethren I have no tasks for you. Look after yourselves and help all those around you. This is a time of great suffering. Man MUST join together against the threat.

Those of you who fear danger or have been injured by demonkind thusfar, I encourage you to seek the shelter of our sanctuary. Think of me and let your rings guide you. They are your beacon and your protection. If you feel your ring warm, a demon is near. Beware! And finally, if you have great need of me, call on me. I will listen.

For those of you who do want active tasks, and can think of no way to help, pray. I will whisper a task to you.

You will not hear from me again for a time. I will call out to you again if my rings are delivered before Soahc's, but otherwise I will see you all when we Forces are finally ready for the great battle. That day draws near.

My chosen, my beloved mortals. I am with you with every beat of your heart and every tear you shed.