Kruze

## Lore

### Backstory

Kruze's life story is one defined by the darkest corners of humanity and an unrelenting will to survive. Born into a world that bore no warmth, his earliest memories were ones of captivity. Kidnapped before he could even start forming basic memories, he was subjected to a life of unspeakable cruelty. A mask, bolted to his face, served as both his prison and his shroud of anonymity, concealing his identity as he was forced into servitude. Years passed, each marked by torment and subjugation. His captors stole his innocence and his voice, reducing him to nothing more than a pawn in their malevolent game. He carried out their commands, enduring abuse that would shatter most spirits. The mask that veiled his face also masked his emotions, leaving him a silent witness to his own suffering. But fate twisted its hand when Kruze was sold to a drunken man for a pittance. It was this man's violent rage that brought Kruze to the brink of death, an axe poised to end his misery. Yet, the mask that had been his curse also became his savior, deflecting the blow and granting him a second chance at life. The revelation that the mask's design allowed him to see, to truly see the world around him, was a turning point. With newfound clarity, Kruze escaped his tormentor, his heart heavy with a mix of desperation and determination. He sought refuge in a dilapidated cabin in the woods, where his days were a cycle of survival, honing skills that would ensure he would never again be a victim. It was here that a chance encounter changed everything. A seemingly emotionless boy named ##### stumbled upon his hideaway, bridging the gap between Kruze's world of solitude and the realm beyond. #####'s absence, however, thrust Kruze into a state of panic and sent him searching for answers. His journey led him to a world of law enforcement, illuminated by flashing lights and the piercing wail of sirens. Fearful of the worst, he fled, haunted by the thought of losing the one person who had connected with him. In a cruel twist of fate, Kruze discovered an enigmatic power within himself - the ability to absorb knowledge and skills from the people and creatures around him. This newfound ability unlocked a path to survival, enabling him to gain mastery over various disciplines. Yet, this power came with a devastating cost - a disease that would claim his life. Desperation drove Kruze to conduct reckless experiments, hoping to stave off his impending doom. These experiments unleashed an uncontrollable force, one that fused with his being, forever altering his existence. A black liquid, a living embodiment of his ailment, clung to him like a shroud of doom. Terrified and isolated, Kruze found solace in the familiar embrace of his old mask. In this dark moment, an idea formed, a whisper of hope amidst the chaos. He conceived the notion of Mask Co, a venture to provide support and refuge for those who suffered as he had, a beacon in the abyss of despair. Kruze's backstory is a journey through the abyss and back, an odyssey of survival, self-discovery, and redemption. It's a testament to the strength of the human spirit, capable of enduring the harshest trials and emerging not only as a survivor but as a force for change.

### Appearance

He has medium-length brown hair with subtle streaks of dark grey, adding depth to his appearance. His eyes are a striking shade of dark gray, hinting at the complexities within him. Kruze's choice of clothing embodies his adaptable nature. He often wears a white, slightly roughed-up undershirt that conveys a sense of resilience. Paired with a black and red hoodie. His ensemble is completed with baggy sweatpants, offering both comfort and freedom of movement. His most distinctive feature is the mask he wears, a relic from his past that both hides and empowers him. The upper right side of the mask has been broken off.

### Personality

Kruze possesses a calm resilience developed from surviving a traumatic past. He's introspective, empathetic, and adaptable due to his unique ability to absorb skills. He values deep connections, is curious about the world, and struggles with his identity due to his complex experiences.

## Abilities

### Skill Absorption

Kruze possesses the extraordinary power to absorb skills, knowledge, and physical attributes from people and creatures he encounters. By observing them, he can replicate their abilities, ranging from combat skills to intellectual expertise. This uncanny skill grants him immense versatility and adaptability.

### Enhanced Reflexes and Agility

Through absorbing the physical attributes of skilled individuals, Kruze gains heightened reflexes, agility, and coordination. His body reacts swiftly and precisely, allowing him to excel in various physical activities and combat situations.

### Empathetic Perception

Kruze's empathetic nature is heightened by his abilities. He can sense and understand the emotions and pain of others on a deeper level, enabling him to connect with people on an emotional plane and offer comfort.

### Skill Mastery

Kruze's absorbed skills are not superficial; he can fully master and wield them as if he had spent years honing them himself. This makes him proficient in a wide array of disciplines, ranging from martial arts to scientific knowledge.

### Adaptive Strategy

Kruze's ability to quickly learn and utilize skills from various sources grants him a unique strategic advantage. He can adapt to unpredictable situations rapidly, formulating effective strategies based on his acquired abilities.

### Sensory Heightening

Kruze's observational skills extend to his senses. He can perceive details that others might miss, whether it's detecting subtle changes in the environment or discerning emotions through subtle cues.

### Cautious Defense

Kruze's traumatic past has made him cautious and attuned to potential threats. He has an uncanny ability to anticipate danger, often allowing him to evade or mitigate harm.