Shō Long

**Shō Long** (寿龙), known as the **Phoenix of Heshun** is one of the major protagonists in Sin & Virtue: Rise of the Runelords. Introduced in Chapter 13, Shō Long not only serves as one of the closest allies to the Virtuous Vanguard. After suffering numerous blows to his pride and body, Shō now acts as a general in the northern reaches of Goreo, picking up the pieces that were scattered by The Raid on Higashikagawa.

## Appearance

"*My friends say brother is very handsome. Like hero from tale.*"
—Mei Ling

Shō Long can be described a fair-skinned man of a highly above-average height with spiky, black hair that had a slight blue tint to it. His facial features, soft yet sharp seem to be clear of any scars. His appearance can be said to have features that would have made him popular in the eyes of the opposite sex. As he grew older, Shō had let his hair grow to waist-length with shoulder-length bangs framing the sides of his face, covering most of his right eye.

He has several scars throughout his body. Although still young, more prominent creases had developed under each of his eyes. That of which hold an alien hue of deep scarlet that compliments his determined glare.

At times, he wore crimson armour with numerous metal plates, forming protective guards along his chest, waist, shoulders and thighs. Following the Festival of Spring, this armour has been damaged with a large hole near his heart.

1/1

## Abilities

* Powers
* Skills
* Magecraft
* Abel Weiss

* **Forged Identity of Phoenix and Flame: Hollow Burst (C Rank):** - Forged Identity of Phoenix of Flame: Hollow Burst is the crowning title of forged flesh given shape. It is not a true Spell, but rather the quintessence of his martial arts where all of his hard strikes, even those meant as a diversionary strike or a feint, are enough to snatch away the opponent's life. To be an expert martial artist with strength that surpassed that of others, but the principal of "engulfing the opponent with Chi" being put into practice was thought to be more important than physical strength. This technique skew his target's nervous and circulatory systems as well as Magic Circuits. It disrupts the internal Magic Circuits like a tornado.
* **Forged Identity of Phoenix and Flame: Rolling Phoenix Suplex (D Rank)**
* **Eye of the Mind (Fake) (C Rank)** - A danger-avoidance ability that calmly grasps of the enemy’s strength as well as his own situation during predicament and deduces the available means of survival on that situation. As long as there is even a 1% chance of comeback, it draws in the chance to put said strategy into motion. Although closely similar to the True version of this skill, this is not a result of talent, but an overwhelming amount of combat experience. A weapon wielded by none other than a mortal, gained through tenacious training. It can be said that those with this skill have honed their mind, body, and soul to the songs of battle.
* **Valor (A Rank)** - With his brave and daring spirit, Shō is able to neutralize mental interference such as suppression, confusion, and charm. It is said with those with A rank and above are not afraid of death.
* **Giant's Fervor (D Rank)** - The ability of "Resistance.", Giant's Fervor allows the user to ingest even the most deadliest of poisons and come out unscathed. The concept of "poison" is very broad in this case, it is considered to be an innate defence to inner-bodily harm.
* **Copied Legacy - Divine Grace (C++ Rank)** - A unique ability that belongs to Sho alone. Copied Legacy is a C++ rank "materialisation" that Shō holds that allows him to alter the property of his physical strikes with that of raw positive energy. Although not necessarily divine, it can be considered the nearest thing to divine power. It is due to this ability that those with demonic influence and negative energy crumble before Shō. Only those with a resistance higher than C++ may circumvent this attack as it quite literally deconstructs the target with touch. It is unknown how exactly Shō acquired this ability, however it is reminiscent of legends of angels in Aaenwall mythology.

- **Martial Arts (A Rank):** - Codified systems of martial prowess. It is a belief that true mastery of martial arts comes not through training, but acceptance. As this technique is extremely difficult to understand, let alone master, it is only when achieving the rank A that one is thought to have actually begun to learn. Those with ranks exceeding A are considered true masters of the arts.
	* **Mushinken (A++ Rank):** - The last true survivor of the art of Mushinken, Shō has long since showcased his prowess with the martial art of his bloodline and could be even considered a master by those of the past. Shō's ingenuity with Mushinken has allowed him to adapt Mushinken's tenants to assist him in near to every scenario imaginable. His knowledge in the art of Mushinken is beyond that of "student" and more akin to the word "instinct". Even now, he continues to improve in his martial art and shows no limits to Mushinken's power.
		+ **Liu Quan Chu (B Rank):** - A technique of Mushinken that involves the continuous bombardment of precise strikes to the joints and pressure points of the human body. It is said to require such precise movement and control of your body, your heart beat must remain 60/100. At ranks C and higher, one is able to surpass the limits of the human body and deliver the sensation of two blows in one.
		+ **Concussion Driver (C Rank):** - A move constructed to end the fight before it even starts. Concussion Driver involves Shō reeling his primary arm back and pushing a majority of his weight into the targets temple. The strike sends the opponent reeling and tumbling to the ground unconscious.

- **Weapon Proficiency (E++ Rank):** - Given that Mushinken does not study the tenants of weapons in the art of combat, Shō has never had any formal training with them. Lacking this knowledge, Shō can be considered an amateur with weapons, it is due to this that he is ironically less dangerous with a weapon in hand than with without.
	* **Swordsmanship (E+ Rank):** - The art of swordplay is foreign to Shō. Only lifting a blade after Saku's demise and inheriting Faye'nhalon from him.
	* **Axes (E Rank):** - Having never wielded an axe before. Shō has no knowledge regarding how to wield one.
	* **Bōjutsu (D+ Rank):** - Thanks to Mushinken at least teaching some basics of Bōjutsu, Shō is able to wield one without much trouble. Although he lacks the tact and know-how of those who truly battle with these eastern weapons.
	* **Lances (E Rank):** - Shō having never wielded a lance before, has no knowledge of how to handle one.
	* **Hammers (E Rank):** - Shō having never wielded a hammer before, has no knowledge of how to handle one.
	* **Marksmanship (E Rank):** - Choosing to hunt with wrestling techniques, Shō has disregarded any amount of training and skill with Marksmanship.

- **Acrobatics (A Rank):** - Shō is a master acrobat of high regard. Able to contort, bend, and balance his body to borderline super-human degrees.

- **True Magic *(D+ Rank)*:** - An irregular Magus, Shō is extremely new to the art of magecraft yet has shown an aptitude unlike any other. Although he can be considered a "beginner", he has already displayed a prowess of a fine Magus. This is in part due to his irregular number and quality of circuits, although not risen to the "Divine" status that circuits may attain, Shō's quantity is almost two times that of an average human Magus and the quality of them alone can be compared to creatures designated the rank of "Fey". However, he is limited with a lack of a proper teacher. It is due to this that his rank may never raise itself above D.
	* **Abjuration *(C Rank)*:** - The few schools of Magic that Shō has displayed, Abjuration is often used as a school of protection. Shō has quickly latched onto it to allow him to counter the holes in his martial art.
		+ **Deflect Lesser:** -
		+ **Sunder Breaker:** -
		+ **Shield:** -
		+ **Explosive Runes:** -
		+ **Symbol of Sealing:** -
		+ **Primal Scream:** -
		+ **Justice of the Fire Lord:** -
	* **Transmutation *(E Rank)*:** - Transmutation, sometimes called transfiguration, or transformation, As its name suggests, it deals with the transmutation or transformation of objects and people, or the changing of one of their attributes. Wizards who specialize in this school of magic are known as transmuters. Shō has yet to showcase any abilities in this school of magic and seems to lack an affinity for it.
		+ **Amplify**
		+ **Sonic Weapon**
		+ **Fly**
		+ **Sonic Form**
		+ **Resonating Word**
	* **Conjuration *(E Rank)*:** - Conjuration, also known as Summoning, is the school of bringing forth beings or objects from "nothing". It is closely related to Invocation and Transmutation with the "creation" and "shaping" of matter. Shō has yet to showcase any abilities in this school of magic and seems to lack an affinity for it.
		+ **Mage Armor:** -
		+ **Force Anchor:** -
	* **Divination *(C Rank)*:** - The magic of truth, Divination is considered a rank higher for Shō due to his affinity for it.
		+ **Detect Magic:** -
	* **Charm *(E Rank)*:** - The magic of the beguilers, Charm also incorrectly referred to as Enchantment is the magic of altering the mind and heart. Shō has expressed a strong distaste for this school of magic and as such, refuses to stoop to it.
	* **Illusion *(C Rank)*:** - The magic of lies, Illusion is considered a rank higher for Shō due to his affinity for it.
	* **Invocation *(C++ Rank)*:** - The evocation school of magic included spells that manipulated energy or tapped an unseen source of power in order to produce a desired end. In effect, they created "something out of nothing." Shō has been drawn to this school primarily due to its appearance of raw power and as such, will often default to it in combat or study. It is due to this reason that his rank in Invocation is far higher than others, despite his lack of affinity for it.
		+ **Sonokinesis:** - A rare variant of Invocation. Sonokinesis is the manipulation of sound, although it is not considered to be "Lost Magic". It is widely under-utilised in the art of witchcraft. Shō's affinity for it seems to be innate and a majority of his Sonokinesis spells are considered to be B Rank rather than his usual rank due to his contract with Raiden.
			- **Ultrasonic Ray:** -
			- **Sonic Snap:** -
			- **Ear-Piercing Scream:** -
			- **Floating Disk:** -
			- **Sonic Missile:** -
			- **Sonic Burst:** -
			- **Force Sword:** -
			- **Force Anchor:** -
			- **Sound Burst:** -
			- **Force Knives:** -
			- **Painful Echoes:** -
			- **Scourge of Force:** -
			- **Rebuke:** -
			- **Resonating Bolt:** -
			- **Sound Lance:** -
			- **Great Thunderclap:** -
			- **Shatterfloor:** -
			- **Windsphere:** -
			- **Battlecry:** -
			- **Thunderlance:** -
			- **Burst of Force:** -
			- **Wall of Force:** -
			- **Sonic Thrust:** -
			- **Destructive Shatter:** -
			- **Resounding Thunder:** -
			- **Sonic Form:** -
			- **Shout, Greater:** -
			- **Howling Chain:** -
			- **Heaven's Trumpet:** -
			- **Divine Tsurugi Kusanagi:** -
		+ **Aerokinesis**
			- **Windsphere:** - Requiring an acute control of magic by shaping it into a sphere. Windsphere involves the infusion of air into raw mana as it is being shaped in order to make a "handheld hurricane."
	* **Necromancy *(E Rank)*:** - The darkest of magic, that of life and death. Necromancy is incorrectly assumed to involve the magic of resurrecting the dead when in fact it is so much more. Spells that mend wounds are considered to be a part of the school of Necromancy. Necromancy in itself is the manifestation of "creation of life." and as such is considered to be the school of the gods. Shō lacks any knowledge regarding this school.

- **Invocation of Fatherhood - Borrowed Blood (A Rank):** - An ability awakened after the betrayal following the Festival of Spring. Solely tied to Shō and him alone, this ability is based on the physical connection of blood that is shared between Raiden and Shō due to the fraction of DNA that Shō shares with him. It is thanks to this link that the contract used to lend Shō, Raiden's power; has manifested instead as something else. This power is so great that Shō's body physically changes following it, growing far more paler and his hair losing most of its pigment. His eyes also gain the same subtle glow that Raiden's shares. This transformation, though physically not as modifying as demonic corruption usually is. Does in fact share a lot of traits regarding demonic corruption. Firstly, the massive enhancement of strength, speed, and endurance. Shō's performance in this form drastically outshines his peers and is surpassed only by the tiniest of fractions of mortals. However, this power comes with a great price, as this transformation is "corruption of the soul." Shō's very soul is altered to that of a "Demonic Entity" and as such, will be treated as such, with resurrective magic no longer being able to grace him and even positive energy causing him mild discomfort. Finally, it can be said that this ability is a "leash" to Raiden, as Shō when in this form takes Raiden's word at the upmost of importance and will even willingly turn on former allies, friends, and family should Raiden ever order it. However, it should be noted that Shō is not completely without free-will, it is more that Raiden and himself in this form are the "sole existence" he cares for.
	* **Realised Identity of Falsehoods: Twin Hollow Shiver (A+ Rank):** - A highly advanced variant of Hollow Burst. Twin Hollow Shiver requires the involvement of Raiden as he amplifies Shō's already immense power in this form to raise every rank he currently holds to A. In this briefest of moments, Shō attains speed "unfathomable" and breaks the sound barrier with a simple jerk of his muscles. The pair attack at a perfect synchronised rate, striking at each pressure point rapidly at such high speed that the opponent feels as though they are beset upon by gravity itself, this force is so great that the opponent is brought into the air at rapid speed, with Shō and Raiden maintaining contact with them until a certain height is reached, upon which. Shō returns to the ground and leaps skyward whilst Raiden is able to mirror this in the air. He is able to do this akin to how a swimmer is able to move through water, by kicking the air with enough force and speed that it becomes highly pressurised and launches him to the opponent. The two then meet and simultaneously strike the Anahata chakra from the back and front. The outcome is an explosion of such high yield and magnitude that it sends out a shockwave with enough energy to topple trees and part small clouds.

## Relationships

Nuno Dias
**Shō Long**: "*Nuno.. ..Back then..*"
**Nuno Dias**: "*Heh-.. ..It's all right man, water under tha' bridge.*"
— An uncertain compromise.
 Nuno has always been of questionable character in the eyes of Shō. From their very first impressions his foreign appearance and propensity for speech left Shō intrigued. However his morals quickly came into question when on the night of their meeting Nuno stole money from an unconscious guard at the Higashikagawa border. Shō would be left feeling conflicted about his new companion leading up to the raid on Higashikagawa as the brief time they shared together was filled with conflict escalating to Shō's arrest and subsequent unwilling prison break. Wherein Nuno would angrily lecture Shō and Raiden, showcasing to Shō that Nuno genuinely means well for people.

Nuno and Shō's relationship was met with more strain in Palin's cove when amidst another prison break Nuno cast a mind affecting spell on Shō in an attempt to subdue him. Shō managed to just barely escape and his impression of Nuno soured as he began to question his intentions anew.

It was then ultimately in Kamashigori that Shō's distrust for Nuno reached its peak, when his continued interference in the grove put people at risk on multiple occasions and Raiden convinced Shō that Nuno could not be trusted. Through all the hardships they've faced, Shō is left in feeling that Nuno is a weak, impulsive and confused man with grandiose, narcissistic ambitions.

Saku Les
**Saku Les**: "*Y'know, if it wouldn't be too much to ask. Can you call me Arbour?*"
**Shō Long**: "*Is that a nickname? You know, I have one of my own..*"
— The Phoenix of Heshun meets with the Arbor of the West.
 To Shō, Saku would be considered his first friend following the tragedy in Heshun. Whilst not as powerful or outspoken as his other companions, Saku made up for that by his kindheartedness and his courage. His eagerness to explain and demonstrate various spells and sorcery quickly caught the full attention of Shō, and with various hostile creatures and magic users beginning to make themselves known to Shō and the group, Saku was quite possibly the largest influence on Shō's view on magic being one of curiosity rather than fear. Shō would come to respect Saku through the battles they fought and meals they shared, even beginning to call him by his preferred nickname of Arbor in private.

Shō's impression of Saku however was not spotless. Following Palin's cove, after Saku had accrued a plethora of curses from greedily looting various containers throughout the lighthouse, asylum and mansion, it had become clear to Shō that whilst Saku was well-meaning, his wits and judgement were not always about him. This culminated in Kamashigori when Saku had helped Nuno track Shō against his wishes and killed one of Charlotte's children, earning him the death penalty. Whilst Shō did not personally agree with his punishment, he did not speak out in reverence for Raiden, and instead chose to silently mourn his friend following the news of his death. Following his death, Shō keeps Saku's sword Faye'nhalon, despite not knowing kenpo, as a sign of respect.

Raiden
My kindred spirit. It's uncanny how well we've come to understand one another. He's a bit rough around the edges and is seemingly always irritated but he means well at heart. I wish to someday possess power equal to his.
Akira Taketora
... Who?
Mei Ling
My dearly beloved sister, I wish for nothing more than to see her smile once again.