Hoxin Lao

Kanabo - Lao's favorite weapon is a powerful two-handed studded war club. Long, the weapon can be considered massive with a full Seven feet in length. The weapon comes in at a hefty 15 pounds. Custom to the Oni, the weapon is made of an odd black material with a smooth marble-like surface. The sound made when clashing against metal is similar to stone against steel. The weight is not much heavier nor is the weapon any longer than what a usual Kanabo meant for mortal hands might be. The handle has an oval grip, rather than round, and is wrapped in a lengthy leather strip with dark amethyst cloth tightly bound over this for an ergonomic and comfortable grip. The weapon holds a brutal spike at the pommel, the weapon's head is cruelly studded by rounded and dull spikes rather than sharp pointed ones. The head is hexagonal with multiple flat surfaces, rather than a rounded cylinder or the usual, simpler, rectangular head.

Flames and Fury - Lao's resistance to fire and flames exposes itself in her moments of rage. Her hair comes alight in a silvery coat of flame, her arms and feet engulfed. When losing herself to her anger, she becomes wild and untamed. Her Kanabo burns brightly, illuminating its surroundings. While raging, even if she loses her Kanabo, Lao is able to continue in her fury despite injury and weakness. While heat radiates from her body, the only effective parts of her body become her claws, teeth and horns which share the same qualities as heated red-hot metal. Grabbing her by the wrists and ankles will, however, result in burns if there is prolonged exposure as heat will gradually mount up on anything in contact with these parts of her body.

[*]Loss of her Kanabo will see Lao severely weakened, though not in strength but rather the lack of magical ability and lowered resistances. Once more, her third eye betrays her vulnerability and weakness as it awakens.

[*]With control over flame, all Oni are capable of flight. Once Lao's feet are alight with silvery flames, she is able to ascend into the sky with her speed in flight similar to that of her on-land sprint.

[*]Lao's third eye can open from time to time, even without moments of weakness as it is not directly linked to her vulnerability. Yet not all her boons come to light with only a glance.

Karuta Armor - Karuta armor is a type of armor created by linking plates of lacquered wood together into a protective set of armor. For Lao's Karuta armor, her chest is bound in a single wooded plate. In addition, her belly and upper arms are protected by layered cloth with smaller wooden plates attached to the thick layers of fabric. Her shoulders are guarded by a number of long, curved plates tied together and her forearms and top of hands have these same plates bound to elbow-length gloves of layered fabric. Her hips also have wooden tasset armor protecting her rear and upper thighs. Forelegs and top of feet are also host to protective layers. As for the armor's design, the wood is painted black with chords of a deep violet stringing and lining her armored ensemble. The armor can catch arrows and blades, absorb hard strikes but cannot be repaired by hammer or reforged. Rather, broken portions must be replaced. The armor sports decent protection in the areas covered, does not burden the wearer with heavy weight, and allows for decent mobility.

Full Body - As an Oni, Lao's body is tough and durable in a supernatural sense. She holds a high tolerance to pain, though this is nothing too special. As for physical resistances, her body is quite resilient against blades and bludgeons. While skin splits and cuts easily, the pink layer beneath absorbs much of the blow and proves quite difficult to cut. A fast pace of healing would see to it that her bleeding quickly ends and grants her fast recovery from diseases. While not impossible to cut and bludgeon, there is difficulty to be found in the supernatural strength of an Oni if no weaknesses are exploited.

[*]The further from her weapon that she is, the more susceptible to the material plane Lao will become. Injuries and wounds may yet bleed, but lasting damage will only come when her weapon is far from her reach. Removing the Oni from her Kanabo is not a means to destroy her, but only temporarily disarm her.

[*]Beyond the methods mentioned above, Lao does have other weaknesses. Other netherworld entities or creatures from the spirit realm are as real to the Oni as a blade to a mortal man. Divine or blessed weaponry, sacred or divine objects and other items are capable of dispelling Lao's mysticism or causing the Oni harm.

[*]Whichever of these harms Lao, regenerative properties will be dispelled and the damage sustained.

"It is magical, mystical, and full of magical oni juice. It'll get anyone drunk. Usually."

The cask is of mystical origin, made from dark cedar wood with iron bindings. A length of rope is tightly bound and settled into grooves at either end, near the rim, of the cask. One end is the bottom while the other holds a hole often plugged with cork or a thick bamboo straw. The cask is of no set size, changing as it is filled with the desired drink. This object often hangs from a length of rope, secured to Lao's waist or tightly bound to her hip.

In addition to the cask's odd change in size to accommodate the amount of liquid within, it also has the extra effect of enchanting whatever is held within. With but a snap of her fingers, Lao is able to set ablaze any and all liquid spilled from the cask. Amidst these abilities, Lao is also able to take a swig from the object and briefly exhale flames in a broad or concentrated cone at a limited range.