Post by Erin on Oct 1, 2006 1:23:20 GMT -5
Name: Erin Kumo
Occupation: Apprentice Mask-Lord
Nationality: Japanese/Australian
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 182 Lbs
Age: 24 Years
Hair Color: Light Brown
Eye Color: Dark Green
Appearance: Face-wise, although none can see it, Erin seems fairly fragile. His skin is pale due to it's last few years, and his whole complexion is very soft. However, that is not the part one will see. They will see the face of the Doji mask, the base mask for Erin's specific art. However, the eyes of this mask are empty, revealing Erin's own. As well, his short brown hair is easily shown out the back as well as to the sides of the mask, showing that at least some human form is present behind the mask of Doji.
Clothing-wise, Erin is generally in a loose, black, men's kimono, white hakama pants, and socks-less Tatami sandals (traditional Japanese form). There are times when he is seen in somewhat more western clothing, but the Japanese is the usually more preffered cloth.
Personality: Eccentric would be a good way to describe Erin. He seems to be somewhat overly dramatic at times, which gives him a strange sort of charm in his voice. Of course, he could also be described as a little bit mental by those less optomistic, but he would much prefer the term "dramaticly senseless". Even so, he seems to be somewhat cursed when it comes to making friends. An attitude about him just seems to push others away.
History:
Erin was born 24 years ago in Hobart, Australia. His mother was Japanese, and his father was Australian, him being somewhere in-between. He spoke with an Australian accent, and was quite adept with the English language, however, his mother insisted upon him learning Japanese as well. And so he did. Strangely enough, that was soon to come in handy.
Until nine years of age, everything was normal in the Kumo household. His mother was the regular stay-at-home type, while his father did the regular business job. It was almost too good. One was quick to see it was the calm before the storm. Until the present Erin can never get what it was that triggered them moving, but even so, he and his mother moved to Kyoto right before his tenth birthday. Actually, besides that, his life was fairly good. His mother made a decent amount of money in Japan, and is studies in both Japanese as well as English continued as they did normally. Erin even got into a fairly good college when he was seventeen. However, everything about the masks began then.
As Erin first began historical studies, he found something that interested him quite deeply. Theatrical masks. The traditional form of artistic beauty was quick to stun him, eventually leading him into studying upon it on the side. He found many interesting facts, but none as much so as a legend. Legends of ancient civilizations that used masks for rituals and celebrations. He was swift to tell his best friend (who was also very interested by masks) about this discovery. This seemed to spark something in Erin's friend, and reluctantly, he led Erin to the place of origin. As it seemed, Erin's accomplice was already a part of the small group of mask lords, as the young-adult Kumo would soon become.
Four years later had Erin graduating with top honors in all of his classes. He was a well-adept mask lord, however, the mask's spirits that seemed to infest his mind during practice with the art seemed to slowly change him, making him somewhat more talkative, but almost creepily eccentric. Even so, the masks were his passion.
And no sooner said than done.
Erin was quick to recieve an invitation to join Arcane academy, his skills in the masks now seeming to show towards the academy's in-sight. Eager of such a task, he told his now aged mother of something else. He told her he would be leaving soon. He had recieved an offer in a very prestegious school in Tokyo, and he wished dearly to go. Even with the lie, something itched in the back of his mind. Something that said his mother knew the truth. But, true enough, he was allowed to go, the promise of "calling often", some of the last words spoken between them for the next week.
But that was only half of it.
Next, Erin had to tell the other mask lords, and that would be not nearly as easy, for he was under oath to truth. But, as it seemed, the build up to himself was short-lived. They all seemed quite excepting, however, the leader gave him the parting gift. A curse in some ways, but a gift in another. Spiritually as well as physically, he bound Erin to the mask of Doji, telling him merely five words.
"This mask is your life."
Those words would ring in Erin's ears for quite a time. Over the past 7 years of his loyalty to the group, he had come across the words to that seal. If the last bit of that mask broke, then his life was sure to shatter with it. Truly body and soul. But even so, he kept foreward, holding his amounts of fear, hatred, and possibly concern inside and leaving quite suddenly, but as it seemed, calmly. One would never know. After all, his face was now stuck in one expretion. As it would be for his lifetime.
Style
Masks - A fairly simple name that truly says all it needs to. The style is that of using a mask to cast any spell needed. These are generally Japanese Noh masks, but it is not always so. Native Indian and even English theatrical masks have been known to be used for the specific style, the Japanese really only used through tradition, given that the origins place the first Mask-Lords (users of Mask spell-casting) in Japan--or more specifically--the Kyoto area.
One sees both the style of masks as well as painting them as an art form, some of one's spells even revolving around plays and dances.
Strengths:
The masks are somewhat strange within their strengths as well as weaknesses. Strengths-wise, they have the advantage of being catalyst magic, meaning less mana generally needs to be used in order to perform tasks. Of course, Erin is fairly fit, about average, and maybe a bit above so. This is actually important in his style, for the masks were originally used in use with one's own body. This is most commonly seen today in the theatre (I.E. Plays/acting).
Weaknesses:
The mask way of using spells is not generally the strongest. It is not well-known in comparison to some other magics, possibly because of a major weakness of it. If the mask is broken, then the spell is rendered useless, occasionally burning (causing mana to be expelled into open space. Somewhat uncomfortable to the person being burned) the user. As well, although Erin is fairly fit, he is not particularly good at combat without the help of one of his masks. This can leave him at a major disadvantage if his mask is broken.
Spell List:
Doji Mask - The Doji[ mask is the basis of all spells and other masks used by a Mask Lord. It is made up of one hundred very thin layers of enchanted wood. This enchantment is very specific in it's effect. It grants each layer of the mask the ability for only one layer to be broken at a time. For example: if a swordsman stabbed at the mask and successfully hit, only the first layer would break, the next only being able to be broken by another stab/slash/spell. As well, each layer is painted, meaning even after one is destroyed, the exact same look will appear on the next one to follow.
Seal Layer - Done to the Doji mask particularly after battle. It's a simple spell used to add another layer onto the mask, and needs only thirty seconds of one hand upon the front of the new layer, now stacked upon the others. This can only be done to the Doji form.
Warai-jyo Form - This is one of Erin's favourites, and rightfully so. By simply calling Kojyo's name and focusing mana into the mask, Doji will instantly change form into the old man. In this form, Erin's personality actually changes to a somewhat more calm and happy man, even with his back slightly hunched over in a typical old-man position. With this, his Strength and Endurance and Energy are knocked down to five, however, he becomes much more nimble, his dexterity being maxed out. The effect is lost, as is the old man's face, however, as soon as the foremost layer is broken.
Hannya Form - The Hannya form is one Erin is particularly wary of. This mask is not merely a spell mask. With it is paired with an almost animalistic sense of rage and fury, causing Erin's body to actually gain claws as opposed to the tips of one's fingers. Erin's energy is reduced by five, as is his endurance, but his strength and dexterity gain five points. Blood will surely be spilled when this mask is brought out. As well, after three minutes of Hannya, the effect is worn off and the mask is returned to Doji form, but the effect will also be cancelled if the layer is broken.
Ayakashi Form - Ayakashi is somewhat more contained in comparison to Hannya, representing one's warrior spirit. Also called by Erin "The Samurai", he seems to carry a personaly respect to this form. The form itself seems to be very contained in the midst of battle, never letting Erin get off even one word in battle. It forms one samurai-style gauntlet on his right hand, as well as a black-handled katana in the same hand. Both seem to appear out of nowhere. Strangely, this one does not change Erin's stats, merely puts them to more experienced use. Even so, the warrior is not afraid to let Erin regain control of his own body. The effect will be nullified if the layer is broken.
Three Guards - The three guards are something that requires discarding of three of Dobi's layers, and a fair amount of Erin's energy. Basically, Erin quickly releases three of the layers of his Dobi mask, throwing them into the air and thus casting the spell. The three masks seperate quickly, each forming the mask guard form (above), as well as a semi-transparent man wearing the mask. These men have long black hair, a white men's kimono, and white hakama pants. They have no shoes or socks, and each has a white-handled katana as well as saya (sheath). The three are very adept in battle, but have no spell-casting ability.
Guard Stats
Strength: 15
Dexterity: 20
Endurance: 5
Wisdom: 10
Intelligence: 5
Energy: 5
Weapons/Gear:
The Dobi Mask
Items:
None
Stats
Strength: 15
Dexterity: 15
Endurance: 10
Wisdom: 8
Intelligence: 7
Energy: 10
Note: All masks are eyeless, revealing Erin's own green eyes.
...
And yes, this is Onira.
Occupation: Apprentice Mask-Lord
Nationality: Japanese/Australian
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 182 Lbs
Age: 24 Years
Hair Color: Light Brown
Eye Color: Dark Green
Appearance: Face-wise, although none can see it, Erin seems fairly fragile. His skin is pale due to it's last few years, and his whole complexion is very soft. However, that is not the part one will see. They will see the face of the Doji mask, the base mask for Erin's specific art. However, the eyes of this mask are empty, revealing Erin's own. As well, his short brown hair is easily shown out the back as well as to the sides of the mask, showing that at least some human form is present behind the mask of Doji.
Clothing-wise, Erin is generally in a loose, black, men's kimono, white hakama pants, and socks-less Tatami sandals (traditional Japanese form). There are times when he is seen in somewhat more western clothing, but the Japanese is the usually more preffered cloth.
Personality: Eccentric would be a good way to describe Erin. He seems to be somewhat overly dramatic at times, which gives him a strange sort of charm in his voice. Of course, he could also be described as a little bit mental by those less optomistic, but he would much prefer the term "dramaticly senseless". Even so, he seems to be somewhat cursed when it comes to making friends. An attitude about him just seems to push others away.
History:
Erin was born 24 years ago in Hobart, Australia. His mother was Japanese, and his father was Australian, him being somewhere in-between. He spoke with an Australian accent, and was quite adept with the English language, however, his mother insisted upon him learning Japanese as well. And so he did. Strangely enough, that was soon to come in handy.
Until nine years of age, everything was normal in the Kumo household. His mother was the regular stay-at-home type, while his father did the regular business job. It was almost too good. One was quick to see it was the calm before the storm. Until the present Erin can never get what it was that triggered them moving, but even so, he and his mother moved to Kyoto right before his tenth birthday. Actually, besides that, his life was fairly good. His mother made a decent amount of money in Japan, and is studies in both Japanese as well as English continued as they did normally. Erin even got into a fairly good college when he was seventeen. However, everything about the masks began then.
As Erin first began historical studies, he found something that interested him quite deeply. Theatrical masks. The traditional form of artistic beauty was quick to stun him, eventually leading him into studying upon it on the side. He found many interesting facts, but none as much so as a legend. Legends of ancient civilizations that used masks for rituals and celebrations. He was swift to tell his best friend (who was also very interested by masks) about this discovery. This seemed to spark something in Erin's friend, and reluctantly, he led Erin to the place of origin. As it seemed, Erin's accomplice was already a part of the small group of mask lords, as the young-adult Kumo would soon become.
Four years later had Erin graduating with top honors in all of his classes. He was a well-adept mask lord, however, the mask's spirits that seemed to infest his mind during practice with the art seemed to slowly change him, making him somewhat more talkative, but almost creepily eccentric. Even so, the masks were his passion.
And no sooner said than done.
Erin was quick to recieve an invitation to join Arcane academy, his skills in the masks now seeming to show towards the academy's in-sight. Eager of such a task, he told his now aged mother of something else. He told her he would be leaving soon. He had recieved an offer in a very prestegious school in Tokyo, and he wished dearly to go. Even with the lie, something itched in the back of his mind. Something that said his mother knew the truth. But, true enough, he was allowed to go, the promise of "calling often", some of the last words spoken between them for the next week.
But that was only half of it.
Next, Erin had to tell the other mask lords, and that would be not nearly as easy, for he was under oath to truth. But, as it seemed, the build up to himself was short-lived. They all seemed quite excepting, however, the leader gave him the parting gift. A curse in some ways, but a gift in another. Spiritually as well as physically, he bound Erin to the mask of Doji, telling him merely five words.
"This mask is your life."
Those words would ring in Erin's ears for quite a time. Over the past 7 years of his loyalty to the group, he had come across the words to that seal. If the last bit of that mask broke, then his life was sure to shatter with it. Truly body and soul. But even so, he kept foreward, holding his amounts of fear, hatred, and possibly concern inside and leaving quite suddenly, but as it seemed, calmly. One would never know. After all, his face was now stuck in one expretion. As it would be for his lifetime.
Style
Masks - A fairly simple name that truly says all it needs to. The style is that of using a mask to cast any spell needed. These are generally Japanese Noh masks, but it is not always so. Native Indian and even English theatrical masks have been known to be used for the specific style, the Japanese really only used through tradition, given that the origins place the first Mask-Lords (users of Mask spell-casting) in Japan--or more specifically--the Kyoto area.
One sees both the style of masks as well as painting them as an art form, some of one's spells even revolving around plays and dances.
Strengths:
The masks are somewhat strange within their strengths as well as weaknesses. Strengths-wise, they have the advantage of being catalyst magic, meaning less mana generally needs to be used in order to perform tasks. Of course, Erin is fairly fit, about average, and maybe a bit above so. This is actually important in his style, for the masks were originally used in use with one's own body. This is most commonly seen today in the theatre (I.E. Plays/acting).
Weaknesses:
The mask way of using spells is not generally the strongest. It is not well-known in comparison to some other magics, possibly because of a major weakness of it. If the mask is broken, then the spell is rendered useless, occasionally burning (causing mana to be expelled into open space. Somewhat uncomfortable to the person being burned) the user. As well, although Erin is fairly fit, he is not particularly good at combat without the help of one of his masks. This can leave him at a major disadvantage if his mask is broken.
Spell List:
Doji Mask - The Doji[ mask is the basis of all spells and other masks used by a Mask Lord. It is made up of one hundred very thin layers of enchanted wood. This enchantment is very specific in it's effect. It grants each layer of the mask the ability for only one layer to be broken at a time. For example: if a swordsman stabbed at the mask and successfully hit, only the first layer would break, the next only being able to be broken by another stab/slash/spell. As well, each layer is painted, meaning even after one is destroyed, the exact same look will appear on the next one to follow.
Seal Layer - Done to the Doji mask particularly after battle. It's a simple spell used to add another layer onto the mask, and needs only thirty seconds of one hand upon the front of the new layer, now stacked upon the others. This can only be done to the Doji form.
Warai-jyo Form - This is one of Erin's favourites, and rightfully so. By simply calling Kojyo's name and focusing mana into the mask, Doji will instantly change form into the old man. In this form, Erin's personality actually changes to a somewhat more calm and happy man, even with his back slightly hunched over in a typical old-man position. With this, his Strength and Endurance and Energy are knocked down to five, however, he becomes much more nimble, his dexterity being maxed out. The effect is lost, as is the old man's face, however, as soon as the foremost layer is broken.
Hannya Form - The Hannya form is one Erin is particularly wary of. This mask is not merely a spell mask. With it is paired with an almost animalistic sense of rage and fury, causing Erin's body to actually gain claws as opposed to the tips of one's fingers. Erin's energy is reduced by five, as is his endurance, but his strength and dexterity gain five points. Blood will surely be spilled when this mask is brought out. As well, after three minutes of Hannya, the effect is worn off and the mask is returned to Doji form, but the effect will also be cancelled if the layer is broken.
Ayakashi Form - Ayakashi is somewhat more contained in comparison to Hannya, representing one's warrior spirit. Also called by Erin "The Samurai", he seems to carry a personaly respect to this form. The form itself seems to be very contained in the midst of battle, never letting Erin get off even one word in battle. It forms one samurai-style gauntlet on his right hand, as well as a black-handled katana in the same hand. Both seem to appear out of nowhere. Strangely, this one does not change Erin's stats, merely puts them to more experienced use. Even so, the warrior is not afraid to let Erin regain control of his own body. The effect will be nullified if the layer is broken.
Three Guards - The three guards are something that requires discarding of three of Dobi's layers, and a fair amount of Erin's energy. Basically, Erin quickly releases three of the layers of his Dobi mask, throwing them into the air and thus casting the spell. The three masks seperate quickly, each forming the mask guard form (above), as well as a semi-transparent man wearing the mask. These men have long black hair, a white men's kimono, and white hakama pants. They have no shoes or socks, and each has a white-handled katana as well as saya (sheath). The three are very adept in battle, but have no spell-casting ability.
Guard Stats
Strength: 15
Dexterity: 20
Endurance: 5
Wisdom: 10
Intelligence: 5
Energy: 5
Weapons/Gear:
The Dobi Mask
Items:
None
Stats
Strength: 15
Dexterity: 15
Endurance: 10
Wisdom: 8
Intelligence: 7
Energy: 10
Note: All masks are eyeless, revealing Erin's own green eyes.
...
And yes, this is Onira.
