Hitoku

## Origin

The exact origin of this species is unknown. What is known, however, is that the oldest stories of them originate from the island nation of Japan. They are a mortal species with a demonic soul, known for their insanity and love of killing.

## History

Throughout history, Hitoku have been a threat to the denizens of Japan, feasting upon the flesh of mankind, and bathing in their blood. The thing is though, that many actually existed among mankind with little incident. The ones that were known about were extreme cases, ones afflicted by insanity or extreme hunger, who went on murderous sprees, feeding and killing as they pleased.

As things are, this dark reputation still causes Hitoku trouble, portraying them as monsters, even among other non-Human species.

## Appearance

Hitoku look much like Humans do. They possess the same body shape, as well as the same general height. In some cases, they are known to have paler skin than Humans, though, this is not a very reliable way of identifying them. The main feature that stands out, is the fact that their eyes are red. If they are not always red, they will change color when they grow too hungry, are on the hunt, or are feeding.

When hunting and fighting, tendrils sprout from the lower backs of this species, produced by a special organ known as a kagune. These tendrils tend to be be a dark, menacing color, generally one color mixed with black. In addition, the tendrils are known to be as long as 15 feet in length.

## Society

Hitoku society is one of eat or be eaten. Literally. Cannibalism is another thing that they are notorious for, as it is the primary method by which they become more powerful. To be exact, they gain power by eating the source of what makes them so dangerous as a species; a special organ located in the lower back, known as a kagune, where the tendrils of this species sprout from. Kingpins are the highest ranking members in their society, as well as being the strongest. Below that are the Gluttons, who are generally lieutenants of Kingpins, and have consumed many others of their own kind. Gluttons may also be the leaders of small bands of Hitoku. All in all, Hitoku society is one where one's status is determined by their strength and ability to kill before being killed.

There are many Hitoku who are known to hate what they are, but at the same time must accept it. These individuals, when forced to feed, or do something else that they feel to be monstrous, put on masks to hide their faces. It is likely that this is their way of separating themselves from the monsters that they believe their species to be.

## Abilities

The primary abilities of Hitoku have to do with their special organ, the kagune. Tendrils sprout from their lower back, where the organ is located. These tendrils are highly flexible tools. They can go from being as flexible and swift as a whip, to as strong and touch as steel in a moment. These tendrils are used equally as weapons and as a means of defense, being able to sharpen and solidify their points like spears, or block strikes with deadly speed. If a Hitoku is not expecting an attack on a tendril, or not expecting an attack to break through the tendril, it has been found that the tendrils possess a surprising amount of blood, though the flow quickly stops after damage or severing. In addition, Hitoku have pain receptors in these tendrils, so, in the case of an unexpected strike, they show pain if a tendril is damaged. But, they seem to be able to disable the receptors if they are expecting the attack, as they do not show pain if they intentionally let the tendril take the damage for them. The number of tendrils that a Hitoku has generally indicates how much power it has, as more tendrils means that they are more deadly in battle, but also that they have consumed more kagune. Once an individual consumes enough kagune, their own kagune can produce an additional tendril. If a tendril is severed, it can grow back, except under certain circumstances. The last thing to note about these tendrils, is that they generally reach lengths of about 15 feet, giving them a considerable reach.

Beyond their unique organ, Hitoku also possess a heightened sense of smell, making them a hard enemy to shake once they have caught the scent. Their regenerative abilities are also rather good, however, it seems that attacks using magical, angelic, and demonic energy do not quite fully heal, leaving noticeable white scars.

## Weaknesses

While Hitoku possess a unique ability, they are not without their weaknesses. First and foremost, Hitoku are known to suffer from mental illnesses, whether it be schizophrenia, or some other form of insanity. Also, the more powerful an individual grows, the more likely it is that they will begin to exhibit some form of mental illness.

There is a way to permanently cripple the tendrils of a Hitoku. One can do this by severing a tendril, and then burning what remains. The tendril will no longer grow, and the Hitoku will be down one tendril. They can still, however, get another one by repeated feeding.

The final weakness that Hitoku possess, is an ingenious tactic by the people of Japan, to use their strong sense of smell against them. The Japanese people found that a certain incense was extremely irritating to Hitoku, to the point of causing extreme pain within their noses and throats if they inhaled it. It turned out to be a surprisingly effective way of forcing Hitoku out of hiding, as well as keeping the creatures out of certain areas.

## Diet

Hitoku are strictly carnivorous. They can eat just about any sort of flesh, but it must be raw. In addition, Human is by far a preference, many Hitoku going out of their way to dine on it, even if they have other, easier options. Hitoku have been able to drink coffee (something they are very grateful for), as well as alcohol. They must be careful with alcohol, however, as their body is not as good at processing it, meaning that they get drunk far easier than most species.

If Hitoku attempt to consume processed, cooked food, or anything that is not a through and through meat, they run the risk of severe food poisoning.

## Life and Death

### Lifespan

Hitoku actually live surprisingly short lives in general, dying at about the age of 80. This is most likely due to their cannibalistic habits, and the fact that their bodies start to decline at that age, meaning that younger, more fit individuals overtake them.

### Reproduction

For a non-Human species, Hitoku actually possess rather high fertility rates, at about 40%. The main reason that their numbers are not higher, is most likely down to their habit of eating eachother. They generally mate with Humans and their own kind, though it is not unknown for them to mate with other species. In general, the child will either be a Hitoku, or whatever the other parent is.

### Death

There are legends of 'The Great Feast', a glorious afterlife where the souls of the strongest Hitoku go. It is said that in this place, food and luxuries spill forth like a great river, and all who make it here live in a paradise, having no more worries, pain, discomfort, or strife.

## Ranks

Rank E - Biter - Individuals born with the uncommon symptom of not having a kagune. They are little more than Humans who must eat raw flesh, and are often cursed with insanity.

Rank C - Stalker - Lower ranking individuals, they have either one or two tendrils to their kagune. These individuals are less experience than the higher ranks, and are known to either be overly cautious, or recklessly aggressive.

Rank B - Killer - Mid ranking individuals, Killers have experience in both combat and hunting. They generally have about three tendrils, and their accumulated experience makes them deadly foes.

Rank A - Glutton - Individuals who have tasted the flesh of their enemies many times. They are dangerous, commanding much fear and respect. These individuals have four tendrils in total, and their combat experience makes them a challenge for all but the most capable individuals.

Rank S - Kingpin - The most powerful and dangerous of Hitoku, these individuals claim entire cities as their territories, and run gangs of Hitoku. They are known to have either five, or six tendrils, and bring down foes with terrifying brutality.