The Mark of Cain

» Name Of Character: Sofia Montero
» Link To Character: https://www.platinumhearts.net/t19527-sofia-montero-approved-0-4-0-3-hazard-rating-s

» Upgrading: Adding a special section called The Mark of Cain:


Design: When she wills it her seal will begin to expand and change into a very specific and fitting design. From its miniscule wing like pattern to the back of her left shoulder, it would begin to wrap around her neck. It results in what looks like a necklace with threads that resemble the lines or scores on a music sheet. The necklace-like tattoo goes down to her breasts like a second layer of skin. It wraps around the nape of her neck but also comes up to both sides of her neck. The triple lines go up her cheeks and connect to the underside of her eyes, like tears. It also has the effect of creating a larger and more noticeable eyeshadow. Her spiritual energy will also either change in color or at least present subtle hues of purple and black.

Battle Effects: During battle Sofia will gain an edge in certain areas while paying a hefty price accordingly. Her tier will increase by a variable of “+” (meaning for example 0-3 to 0-3+) to a maximum of 0-2++ (unless otherwise approved in the future). Due to using the presence and influx of the Mark of Cain as a source, the power of her reishi based abilities and the speed of its moments and hers are increased by x1.5. The Mark of Cain can be kept active for five posts, once per fight. Regardless of how long the Mark is active, her physical strength is reduced by x1.5 for its entire duration, by x0.75 for a total of four posts once its stopped. Using The Mark of Cain during Vollstandig is extremely dangerous and something she tries to avoid. Vollstanding causes the increases to reflect the power and be more akin to x2. More importantly, there’s an extra cost to the use of the Mark, that's not quite as evident. If the battle has not ended by the time the Mark of Cain is no longer active then Sofia will receive punishment in the form of a huge cut to her energy reserves. ⅓ of the damage inflicted to her foes will be mirrored in her reduced energy reserves for not being able to finish the fight.


» Why: The Mark of Cain is a both a seal and a curse unique to Sofia. It originated as a Seal of Maris; a certain mark of power and ownership with a strong link to the Demon Queen Mana. In her quest for power years back, the young Quincy came into contact with knowledge of such a seal and the positive and negative effects it could have. In an effort to secure extra power far above her race, she did what she deemed necessary to try and get a hold of it, and she did. With the Seal she was able to tap into levels of power she never thought possible. She also twisted that power of a Quincy into a fashion the likes of which her kind could not realistically replicate. Once the Seal and its benefits had ran their course she chose to rid herself of it, though that was no easy task. To her knowledge no one had ever been capable of doing so, and for a good reason. Despite her prowess it seemed futile. She instead turned to her skill in allure and manipulation to try and get one of her peers, the former Emperor of the Quincy to try and remove the seal. His skill with that specific art far surpassed her own, and he was the best bet to get it working.

After his intervention the seal was seemingly removed for good, but not for long. For some time Sofia enjoyed the grace and feeling of pureness. While she was always a pure Quincy, she felt cleaner. With the advent of the most recent world war, her powers and her mind were pushed to the edge yet again. This in turn caused a new sea, the cursed Mark of Cain to resurface. It looked distinctly different than the old Eris Seal, but it had similar effects, to a point. This time however, not only could Sofia not control it, but even the individual that had given her the Eris Seal had no means to control the Mark of Cain either. It seemed to have a mind of its own, and it was intent on devouring and swallowing the Quincy whole. Through training and aid from a former enemy turned lover, Sunshine, she was able to embrace the brewing darkness and lay claim and control over her own seal. The Mark of Cain is no longer something she wants to get rid of, but rather a tool for battle and a source of power she intends to keep forever on.

(The above happened and spread between threads with Arianda, Sunshine, Crow, Tsubasa, and others in an arc that spans just over three years).

» Extra: I like Owls.