Nán Fāng Zhū Què- Phoenixs

[Megumi]

Nán Fāng Zhū Què
("Vermillion Bird Of The South")

"The phoenix hope, can wing their way through the desert skies, and still defying fortune's spite; revive from ashes and rise."

They were known as Suzaku the Red Birds of the South, Seiryuu the Azure Dragons of the East, Byakko the White Tigers of the West, and Genbu the Black Tortoises of the North; four summoning families whose members carried such power that they were revered over all others as the Guardians of their many worlds. They were a family, and a brotherhood. Their legend was a tale of gods and catastrophes. But all that has been lost now, and few survivors remains.

Many Years Ago...

The 4 Great Families, denizens of the Land of Kiokuhai, could not be tamed or contracted. Their power was too immense, and their position as guardians over the balance too important to allow themselves to be shepherded into the service of men. While conflict nearly destroyed the fragile creatures of the human realm, they could only sit by and observe as their brethren, the other great beasts called to defend or attack for the lowly mortal creatures who intruded into their lands, became tools for use in tragedies that threatened to unravel all of creation. Ironically enough, the four great families were revered as gods for their unwillingness to participate, seen as solemn watchers of the matters of the living, and omens of death whenever they left Kiokuhai long enough to roam the burning earth.

But when the cries of the dying grew to be too much, when the balance itself was threatened by the innumerable loss of life, the 4 Great Families had no choice but to intervene. They chose four humans, four mortals pure of heart and intent to embody their essence, and agreed to a contract that would allow them to be summoned to the earth, champions of peace and life. They learned to combine their essence with their champions, becoming stronger together than they ever had been alone. When these champions fought together, no evil, regardless of its power, could withstand their might and focus, and these four were hailed as heroes who saved a doomed planet from annihilation.

And then, Kōryū came. Kōryū the God Eater. Kōryū, the Golden Dragon of the Center.

Three of the four chosen humans were killed almost immediately after Kōryū arrived on earth, his creation a mystery, his purpose only to upset the fragile balance the Great Families formed. The other summons could not withstand his power, which seemed to be drawn from the Void of death itself. He wreaked havoc across all worlds, and it was not long before the Seiryuu, Byakko, and Genbu were destroyed along with their champions.

But the Suzaku persisted. They represented the undying flames of the phoenix, and were reborn continuously, combating the darkness that was Kōryū at every opportunity. The bloodshed continued with no end to the war in sight, and the resources of the last remaining Great Family were stretched thin over battlefields that spanned entire continents. When it was time for the final battle, the family made a decision that saved their lives, but also left their youngest member, Nán Fāng Zhū Què, miserably alone.

They became one. They resurrected their immense power within their youngest kin, and used the last of their fading strength to strike a blow to Kōryū that he could not recover from, spreading his essence out among all that remained. Their remaining human champion would carry the legacy of their pact for all time, and Nán Fāng Zhū Què returned to Kiokuhai, burdened by the disappearance of all she had known.

Eventually, she set out to find new champions, those who would forsake any previous contract and commit themselves to joining her in repairing and maintaining the balance. She created a new family, and from that moment forth, her name became synonymous with the power her family represents.

The story continues. There are still many tales left to tell...

The Phoenix family is based on burning chakra itself, and as such, their specialized attacks cause no actual physical damage whatsoever. This simply enough results in a sudden loss of whatever chakra might have been maintaining a specific element, attack, technique, or even, living being. In the event that one of the Phoenix family's attacks were to hit, for instance, an elemental ninjutsu/genjutu, one would see the visual effect of that jutsu being consumed. However, this is not an exclusively instantaneous effect, and will still take intelligent roleplay on the part of the user to accurately portray the family's abilities fairly. In the event that the phoenix effect is overpowered by an enemies own chakra output, it does not 'shave off' chakra or anything of the sort; if enough chakra is not used to overcome an enemy, the summons own attack will fail.

Note: This effect does not negate sensors/dojutsu/puppetry/etc. by default; each Phoenix can still be sensed/seen, and still be attacked quite easily through various means. Only the attacks/techniques which specifically utilize the 'phoenix effect' are capable of burning away chakra in the way described above, though its description is necessary to distinguish them from merely using common flame. This specialized chakra-burning fire will always seek out living sources of chakra before those utilized by techniques, though in many cases, this tendency can be altered/controlled/manipulated in some way depending on the technique of the user.


RACIAL BREAKERS
Unquenchable: Representing the cycle of rebirth, life, and power; the flame which coats a Phoenix is not a naturally occurring or elementally recomposed fire. All phoenix are covered from head to talon in pure chakra, that appears to 'burn' off into the sky like flame as it reacts to their movements throughout the world. They could alight on a tree without setting it aflame, and swim without being 'put out'. However the flame-like chakra does have its own unique property; it viciously burns away foreign sources of chakra that do not belong to its own summoning family, or to its contractor. This is the 'phoenix effect' mentioned in a majority of the families techniques.

Restrictions!:

Contract Holders
1. ---
2. ---
3. ---

[Megumi]

THE YOUNG PRINCE

PERSONALITY

Youngest and smallest of the Phoenix family, the 'Young Prince' hasn't even learned how to fly yet, though he is a fast-talking, fast-moving ball of energy for his age, and is quite ambitious. He constantly makes references to how 'big' he is in a metaphorical sense, dreaming of one day becoming the Phoenix Boss and gaining his clan's respect, despite being told (in a purely teasing fashion) by other family members that he is already done growing (forever!).


Juu Yokka'Suzaku

CLASSIFICATION Junior
RANK E
CHAKRA Low
LENGTH 3 Feet
WIDTH 11/2 Feet
WINGSPAN Pitiful.
WEIGHT 5 lbs.
STATISTICS Offense (1), Defense (1), Speed (2), Mid


Techniques

SPOILER: Click to show

Hotaru ("Firefly")
Type: Passive.
Cost: -
Description: Unfortunately, this little guy's phoenix effect is completely underdeveloped, but, as long as Juu Yokka'Suzaku is summoned, it remains the brightest thing (easily twice as bright) that anyone within its immediate area (15 Meters) can see. This brightness increases instantly in reaction to any and all changes in the brightness of its surroundings, and dampens to a subtle glow in complete darkness.

[Megumi]

THE GOLD KNIGHT

PERSONALITY

Easily the most serious member of the entire family, Sanya'Suzaku is convinced that discipline is the most valuable quality necessary to maintain the balance, and can appear a stuffy and rigid to others, even more-so than Jin'Suzaku. But Sanya'Suzaku's demeanor rarely, if ever changes, and she seems constantly dissatisfied with near anything anyone does, her favorite phrase being "Inadequate". Though hungry for knowledge and wise beyond her years, she is also the least compromising member of her family, and is often sent on tasks that might require a colder heart or more ruthless decision-making process than others.

She is the however, quite lenient with and it could even be said affectionate towards her younger brother, Juu Yokka'Suzaku, though it is unclear if this is merely because he ignores her solemn act and reminds her of when they were both even younger and played "Worm Boxing" with each other. It is unclear what "Worm Boxing" is, though both seem to remember the activity as quite enjoyable. The fact that she is capable of showing a softer side, suggests that it is merely difficult for her to open up to others, though it must also be taken into account that she has little tolerance for stupidity and is more prone to 'justifiable violence' (or her concept of it), than others within the Nán Fāng Zhū Què.

Often referred to as "The Fearless One", her bravery is widely seen as her most impressive quality, aside from the tactical prowess she shows utilizing her own highly specialized long-range combat style. She is also the families 'strategist' in the event they are called to battle a particularly strong enemy together. The reliance her family places on her is at times a heavy burden, but is also a major source of motivation and strength.


Sanya'Suzaku

CLASSIFICATION Senior
RANK B
CHAKRA x2 High
LENGTH 12 Meters
WIDTH 2 Meters
WINGSPAN 15 Meters.
WEIGHT Unknown.
STATISTICS Offense (3), Defense (0), Speed (1), x2 High


Techniques

SPOILER: Click to show

Osoikibaku Bakuhatsusupāku ("Slow Detonating Explosion Spark")
Type: Defensive
Cost: Mid Per Egg.
Description: A unique manipulation of the phoenix effect, it is formed first like a sphere Sanya'Suzaku is capable of guiding with her wings/talons to drop on enemies as if she were carrying a large (3 Meter) wide egg. The explosion of this 'egg', and the chakra burning flame it contains, can be perfectly timed to go off whenever its user wishes, resulting in a small 5 meter wide explosion that burns through x1 Mid of chakra per 'egg'. Multiples can be created (Up to 3 per turn), though they cannot all logically be carried at the same time.

[Megumi]

THE ORACLE

PERSONALITY

Believed to be connected to an 'extra-dimensional plane' which confers wisdom only she can understand, Juniji'Suzaku is a constantly joking, scatterbrained, and highly relaxed creature who speaks in punctuated streams of nonsensical phrases, and whose 'predictions' of the future never quite seem to have anything to do with the moment at hand. She appears frequently disoriented, but can also display high degree's of understanding, the likelihood of each state depending on her own emotions.

Known as both the Oracle and the herald of information for her kind, she is tasked with relaying information between the worlds of the summons, but is a notorious prankster due to her ability to 'see' into the cause and effect of each of her often inexplicable behaviors.

She is very fond of 'pretty boys', and talks about them constantly, causing her to sometimes behave more like a teenage human girl than a summons creature.


Juniji'Suzaku

CLASSIFICATION Senior
RANK A
CHAKRA High
LENGTH 5 meters
WIDTH 1 Meter
WINGSPAN 7 Meters.
WEIGHT Unknown.
STATISTICS Offense (0), Defense (2), Speed (5), Massive


Techniques

SPOILER: Click to show

Phoenix Flight
Type: Supplementary
Cost: -
Description: One of the fastest of the Phoenix Family, Juniji'Suzaku leaves a trail of fire across the sky, capable of flying in nearly any condition at incredible speeds, easily reaching up to 200mph, and changing direction with a simple flick of her tail. This speed of course, can also be a liability, as injuries sustained while in super-speed flight are more than enough to shatter the hollow bones of the summons. Others may ride atop her without fear of falling prey to the phoenixes chakra burning fire, however, this only applies to those who possess the summoning mark and her families contract.

Herald
Type: Supplementary
Cost: -
Description: Juniji'Suzaku can travel to and from the separate lands of ANY summoning creature, and transport others with her, at will. Even amongst species who might otherwise consider themselves enemies of her species or family, she alone is given 'free reign' as a messenger for ALL summons, and can be 'enlisted' to assist other summoning creatures to deliver messages between species. This ability cannot be used in combat, or to escape/negate being attacked.

[Megumi]

THE LANCER

PERSONALITY

The most vain, and rumored to be the kindest of the entire Phoenix clan, she is incredibly polite, but is a reportedly terrible listener, who becomes instantly enraged when any negative reference to her appearance is made, specifically the words 'heavy', 'discolored' or 'asymmetrical', which she hears almost regardless of what is actually said to her. In her nicer mood, she is thoughtful and caring, though reportedly scares the younger and less experienced members of the Nán Fāng Zhū Què when referencing her 'appetite' for young birds.

One must ignore all talk that Irebun'Suzaku would ever eat her own kind. This is absurd.

She is overly fond of reflective surfaces and water, but tends to find the world of humans too exciting for her own tastes. She does enjoy the act of training, and takes the combat ability and skill of her brethren rather seriously. She is frequently seen causing large explosions in the interest of 'surprise tactics assessments' which she performs more for her own joy.

She has a fragile relationship with Jin'Suzaku, though the nature of whatever conflict has caused them to subconsciously avoid each other is unknown.


Irebun'Suzaku

CLASSIFICATION Senior
RANK S
CHAKRA Massive
LENGTH 10 meters
WIDTH 4 Meter
WINGSPAN 19 Meters.
WEIGHT Unknown.
STATISTICS Offense (5), Defense (0), Speed (2), x3 Massive


Techniques

SPOILER: Click to show

Fukkireru ("Break")
Type: Defensive
Cost: Massive - x2 Massive
Description: Harnesses the full brunt of the phoenix effect chakra-burning flame and concentrates it into a single Lance-like creation 2 meters in width and 10 meters in length which is fired from the summons mouth, traveling a total of 45 meters before automatically detonating. It targets specific configurations of energy, and can assault, suffuse, and explode against all defensive structures with the entirety of the summons chakra reserve, causing incalculable destruction (from x1 Massive to x2 Massive's worth of chakra burning flame and all subsequent damage) It is believed that virtually no barrier known to man can withstand the sheer force of this attack. This technique requires 2 full turns of preparation time to be fully charged.

Note: The only creature to have ever survived one of these attacks, is the Dragon Summons known as 'Tate', though he remarks "I would not want to withstand another."

[Megumi]

LORD EMBER

PERSONALITY

Little is known about the Phoenix usually referred to as Lord Ember even by those within his family. It is uncertain exactly whose brother, son, or cousin he is, and the connection he has to the rest of the Nán Fāng Zhū Què is merely assumed to be considerable, given the general closeness of his relationship to Jin'Suzaku. He is massive an temperamental, quick to judgement, and often has his intelligence under-estimated, which infuriates him even more.

His power, however, cannot be ignored. He is believed to possess great inner wisdom, provided one is capable of breaking through significant psychological defenses in order to reach it. Excluding the Young Prince (and The Exile), Lord Ember is the only Male of age within the Nán Fāng Zhū Què, something that he takes great pride in, and if anything could be said to be his biggest flaw, it is his commitment to proving his masculinity and strength in front of others.


Ai'Suzaku

CLASSIFICATION Senior
RANK S
CHAKRA Massive
LENGTH 40 Meters
WIDTH 11 Meters
WINGSPAN 50 Meters.
WEIGHT Unknown.
STATISTICS Offense (5), Defense (3), Speed (4), x2 Massive


Techniques

SPOILER: Click to show

Akumu ("Nightmare")
Type: Offensive.
Cost: x1 Mid Per Feather.
Special: Does not effect the contract wielder or the summons themselves.
Description: Charges the flame-like chakra created by the phoenix effect, and channels it towards an opponent via Ai'Suzaku's wings. It will appear as if each of (a maximum of) 3 large [2-3 Meter Length]feathers from each wing is shot off towards an opponent. The flight path of these feathers can be further altered/manipulated beyond their initial linear motion for x1 Mid per turn. Upon contact, the feathers detonate and cause explosions similar to exploding tags, but instead of normal flame, simply burn through small amounts (depending on distribution) of chakra individually per detonation. This can effectively disrupt chakra manipulated offensively against the user, and defensively utilized by an enemy, as well as create openings in attacks that otherwise might not have been present.

Hai Shoseki Kokushokukayaku ("Gunpowder Ash Trail")
Type: Supplementary
Cost: High Per Turn
Description: Instead of a trail of flame, Ai'Suzaku can choose to leave behind a thick trail of black ash, that covers anything below him and reduces visibility for enemies to near zero (This ash can however be seen through with chakra-sensing/seeing Dojutsu). When this ash comes into contact with any type of exposed flame, it ignites, causing a grand explosion that spreads along wherever it is located, expanding an additional 5 meters in every direction. This trail can be a maximum of ten meters wide when formed and seems to fall specifically from his tail; strong fuuton techniques can easily blow this ash in any direction, and even back at the user.

Burst Blister Naraka
Type: Offensive.
Cost: Massive
Description: After using "Gunpowder Ash Trail", Ai'Suzaku can spend a large amount of his own chakra to cause the subsequent explosion created by the technique to be composed of the chakra burning flame of the phoenix effect, burning through a x1 Massive amount of chakra from the blast area.

Chattering Teeth Naraka
Type: Offensive.
Cost: Low-Massive
Description: Can emit his phoenix effect's chakra-burning fire as tiny (1 Meter diameter) stars which erode an amount of chakra equal to the amount placed within the technique. Can only create/fire off a maximum of 10 of these projectiles at one time, traveling moderately fast and capable of keeping up with the average shinobi easily. These orbs are charged within Ai'Suzaku's mouth for a full turn, with the chakra cost evenly distributed amongst each projectile, and equivalent to their burning effect on foreign chakra.

[Megumi]

THE EXILE

PERSONALITY

Long ago, Mizunoto'Suzaku was seen as a hero. Prepared to take up the mantle of Sage, he ventured out into the world of men alone to seek 'greater knowledge' of the strange beings calling themselves 'humans' who then populated the world. At first, it seemed a positive decision, and he would return frequently to delight his family with tales of the odd world where death was constant and life seemed to ignore its natural cycle. His younger sister, Jin'Suzaku, did not approve of his journeys, and was vocal about this, as she believed that merely observing the humans was enough. She recommended caution in light of the trials and tribulations of their ancestors, but was met with heavy resistance from not only Mizunoto'Suzaku, but the rest of the Nán Fāng Zhū Què as well. They agreed with the more popular and legendarily powerful elder phoenix, and when his returns to their land grew less and less frequent, they assumed he was merely caught up in the thrill of gaining wisdom and insight into the other world.

But things were not as they seemed. Somehow, Mizunoto'Suzaku had become...tainted. His essence itself was sick. Their came a point where he simply refused to return home, and was revered on Earth as a force of nature, a dark god, a creature of nightmare who had temples erected in his honor and was brought sacrifices to torture into oblivion to fulfill his cruel new obsession with agony and despair.

In Kiokuhai, tasked with confronting and putting an end to Mizunoto'Suzaku, the rest of his family fully understood the threat he now possessed, but none was foolish enough to challenge him in outright combat. He'd already proven himself as powerful enough to earn the title of sage, and his abilities were widely known as being impossible to overcome by any normal means, but when his destructive reach threatened to destroy the balance itself, the Nán Fāng Zhū Què decided they would all face him together.

Jin'Suzaku disobeyed. She left Kiokuhai before the others could mobilize, and faced Mizunoto'Suzaku alone....and she won.

Having been imprisoned within the Land of Summons for several years, Mizunoto'Suzaku's evil nature has not diminished in the slightest. He is cruel and intelligent, a meticulous manipulator and schemer whose every action has some underlying purpose bent on destruction. He is hateful and petty, a proud being that will take any opportunity to deceive and control those he considers enemies...and he considers everyone his enemy. His exile from the family in Kiokuhai, however, does not stop him from being summoned to the Land of Men if a summoner is powerful enough, and he will use this to his advantage in any way he can. Mizunoto'Suzaku does not normally heed to the commands of ANYONE, and if given the chance, usurps control forcefully over those who summon him, merely to cause further destruction.


NOTE: Those who hold the contract of the Nán Fāng Zhū Què are warned never to summon The Exile, and for good reason, except by those who are attempting to attain the title of Sage. The Exile WILL NOT help you defeat your enemies when summoned and WILL attempt to kill you in any way possible. Failure to RP these events appropriately will result in being stripped of the Summoning Contract.


Mizunoto'Suzaku

CLASSIFICATION Senior
RANK S
CHAKRA Massive
LENGTH 25 Meters
WIDTH 5 Meters
WINGSPAN 35 Meters
WEIGHT 2 Tons
STATISTICS Offense (3), Defense (4), Speed (5), x2 Massive


Techniques

SPOILER: Click to show

Kinisuru (Negative Mind Nuance)
Type: Passive.
Cost: -
Description: Mizunoto'Suzaku changes its summoners alignment to Chaotic Evil for the duration of its time on the field. This control over the summoner's mind can extend to near complete physical dominance and mental enslavement with the extra expenditure of x1 High per turn. This allows The Exile to quite literally control his summoners every word and deed, though his overall influence is less significant (but still always present) within those who have attained the legendary "Sennin Modo".


Jochuugiku Meikinrui ("Songbirds Pyre")
Type: Supplementary.
Cost: x2 High, Mid to Sustain
Description: Mizunoto'Suzaku's wings appear to spontaneously combust, becoming a shower of sparks that fall to the ground, and cause multicolored flame to rise up. Within these flames can be displayed for viewing any memory that Mizunoto'Suzaku or those who share the families summoning contract, have ever seen. This includes memories of nightmares, things long repressed, etc. To allow sound to accompany these memories, the great summons must remain still, with his head tilted back and his beak open, as if singing. Mizunoto'Suzaku cannot fly (naturally) while this is happening.

Tenkahibaku ("Heavenly Firebomb Waterfall")
Type: Supplementary.
Cost: High to Cast + Sustain
Description: Displaying his destructive mastery of the phoenix effect, he inhales deep and quickly expels a cone-like stream of chakra-burning flame which extends for 35 meters in a continuous blast. The cone begins at a width of 1 meter and gains an additional meter in width from every meter of travel. Cannot distinguish between friend or foe, and can even negatively effect the user if they are somehow caught in their own attack. This is usually done mid-flight, to ensure the best chance of success by raining the stream down on his opponents, hence its name, though it can theoretically be performed from any position.

Shinsei Teikoku no Tōchi ("Sacred Imperial Torch")
Type: Offensive.
Cost: Massive
Description: Generating a bright flare of the chakra burning flame granted by the phoenix effect throughout his entire body, he increases his speed drastically (equivalent to the 4th Gate) and flies directly into either an opponents body, or an enemy attack, an effective counter in that it can completely disrupt the effects of most any technique known to man, due to his size. This flare extends like a multicolored aura only about 1 meter past his own body, and can also be used to defend himself from a wide variety of attacks, provided more chakra than he currently uses is not placed into an enemies assault.

Shinsei Teikoku no Tōchi: Akireruhodo no Daihendō ("Sacred Imperial Torch: Unholy Cataclysm")
Type: Supplementary.
Cost: Massive
Description: After performing the Sacred Imperial Torch Technique, Mizunoto'Suzaku can detonate an aura of his own phoenix effect chakra to encompass a 20 meter area, completely annihilating up to 2 Massives worth of chakra within that area, but forcing him to return to his imprisonment within the Land of the Summons. Even the contract holder is not immune to this effect, and if they are caught within the area, will suffer all consequent chakra loss and most likely, death. This technique takes one full turn to prepare.