Name(s): Tao.
Mode of Combat: ‘Breathing’ Sword (Swordsmanship)
Date of Birth: 1980 according to Earth’s human timeline.
Place of Birth: Dangun, Republic of Hwanung (Alternate Universe).
Race/Ethnicity: Human.
Height: 5’7’’ (Five feet, seven inches)
Weight: 150lbs. (One hundred and fifty pounds)
Body Type: Agile, light, flexible.
History: Born with a name that he has long since forgotten, Tao belonged to the higher echelons of the mafia controlling Hwanung – Korea in a parallel universe. As a child, Tao knew he would have to eventually succeed his father, the man keeping every single member within the organization safe and the one who tracked down anyone who attempted to harm it. However, Tao did not possess an inherent trait for killing, instead preferring to protect his charges. Only through years of extensive, and painful, training was Tao able to gain the insight of an assassin while retaining his love for protection.
He witnessed the deaths of many evil people and innocents alike, until he decided that one day, he’d had enough. Utilizing what he’d learned in his years of work within the mafia, Tao pried deeper in their hidden projects, documents that the handful of people above him would never let him, or his father, see. Carefully, Tao followed the leads of each document - traveling to each corner of the republic and picking up hints and information in several hidden locations which helped him get closer and closer to his final goal - until he stumbled upon something wondrous, something he’d never laid his eyes on, and something that he’d never forget. Deep in the mountain range to the north, Tao found what appeared to be a large shrine, a sanctum dedicated to the worshipping of a sole object: the four pieces of a beautiful blade scattered about in the middle of an altar.
A familiar tune resonated in Tao’s mind, and as he approached the dais, the pieces of the blade trembled in anticipation. Remembering what he’d learned in his latest travels - in all those secluded places -, Tao reached out for the quivering split sword, which lifted itself from the ground and pierced him square in the chest. Tao gasped in surprise but the pain never came; not a single drop of blood stained his clothes, and, in fact, there wasn’t even a cut. He felt power welling out from within him and, outstretching his right arm, Tao willed the weapon back into existence, finding out that he could manipulate it however he wanted with the movements of his arms; in fact, the blades themselves felt as an extension of his limbs.
The dais lit up as if responding to Tao’s wishes of leaving his current life behind, and he heard it calling. He promptly stepped upon the altar and into the shimmering glow, and his existence was removed from the alternate universe where Hwanung was located. Tao currently works defending cities and coordinating assaults against criminal hubs, putting his talents for protection where they can be best used. His services were not cheap, however, since the kind of criminals he pursued weren’t necessarily normal. Tao was interested in anyone who shared the powers he’d gained; partially to learn more about their origins and the history behind the shrine in his universe, but also to stop anyone who used them to cause destruction and wreak havoc throughout the world.
As fate would have it, Tao eventually encountered Vanessa “Grimes” Gracciano, a famous automaton detective, in the midst of a pursuit. The problem at hand was a criminal who had the nifty ability to create food out of nowhere. After cutting and punching through several waves of cake, meat, pie crust, noodles, and ice cream (and getting his entirely black suit dirtied), Tao managed to skewer the man by his right arm, ordering his own sword to pierce right through the criminal’s left sleeve and effectively pinning him to a nearby concrete wall.
Amused to learn of Vanessa’s profession and hungry for knowledge, Tao decided to join up with the automaton, hoping to learn more about this unknown world, collect information, and capture more people using their powers for evil.
Usual Equipment:
Seething Sword: This weapon is a single sword divided into four floating blades that react to Tao’s movements and is linked to Tao himself. The metal it is comprised of is assumed to be indestructible and, though the blades cannot cut through everything, they will never lose their original sharpness. The blades conduct electricity from outer sources which is directed towards the “core”, the empty space between them, and focused there. The static can be used to fuel the sword’s and Tao’s linked abilities or to attack the enemy.
Tattered Yakuza Jacket: Usually draped over his shoulders, this is the only reminder Tao’s conserved from his old days in the Hwanungese mafia. No real usefulness as a piece of armor.
Reinforced Black Leather Jacket: Tao can always be seen sporting one of these whenever he’s out in the field. The inner layers of the clothing are comfortable while the outer are capable of stopping most common weapons. The leather is reinforced with bits of steel, allowing for increased defensive capabilities. It offers protection for the neck, torso, arms, and ribs.
Reinforced Black Leather Pants: Although somewhat bothersome to wear in areas where heat is prominent, Tao can be seen sporting a different pair every day. They’re comfortable and easy to move in, and they can withstand the cutting power of a kitchen knife, for what it’s worth.
Black Leather Belt: Just for tightening the clothes up.
Supple Layered Leather Boots: Comfy and airy, they provide Tao with reliable protection and a nice grip upon his feet.
Abilities:
Hwanung’s Will: Once per battle, Tao can evoke the power of the divine god Hwanung, regaining lost stamina and clearing his mind. (Refreshes the cooldowns of all other abilities and restores the stamina spent in the last two posts.)
Dangun’s Style: Whenever Tao’s flying blade cuts an ally, it will heal their open wounds and regain a small portion of their stamina. The blade phases through healed allies but will still manage to cut enemies. Tao cannot use this ability on himself. (Striker only skill. Heals light wounds fully, average to light, heavy to average. Shortens the cooldowns on an ally’s abilities by 1 post.)
Aria of Resonance: Tao’s split sword naturally produces sound waves that remain swirling about the four blades, causing each of them to vibrate and ring subtly. While this is in effect, the blades gain increased cutting and piercing power. Alternatively, Tao can fire the sound waves off as shockwaves to travel a maximum distance of seven meters around him, which produce concussive blasts upon impact. (Ability takes 1 post to charge up and is sustained afterwards. If the soundwaves are fired the ability requires charging up once more.)
Firebrand: Tao can call upon the inherent power of the dais residing in his split sword, forcing it to manifest in a cloud of fire coating the four blades. Enemies cut by the blade will be unable to heal but they will not bleed out. (Requires Aria of Resonance to be in effect. Lasts 3 posts. Cooldown: 3 posts.)
Martial Arts: Tao has been trained in many martial arts throughout his life in the Hwanungese mafia. His strength is no pushover, though his real forte rests on his agility, reflexes, and physical flexibility.
Weapon Master: Aside from his training in martial arts, Tao also had to learn the usage of many different weapons, including but not limited to polearms, sword and shield, flails, maces, nunchucks, whips, different types of swords, and greatswords.
Guns Expert: Tao was also educated in the use of firearms with specializations in handguns and submachine guns. Although he can operate all sorts of firearms, he’s most effective with the aforementioned types.
Business Sense: This guy knows when and where to smell a good deal and to walk away from shoddy ones.
Paragon: If he can help it, Tao will never actually kill an enemy, instead choosing to incapacitate them.
View User's Journal
Characters
 |
