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Description

Riakk had always been a hoarder - rarely a user, save for the occasional dose of Rust, so as to protect his stash. At least, until he was six. But hoarding made him vulnerable, and kids aren't always smart about drugs they've never seen. Riakk had never seen Fang, and so he wasn't expecting the nearly lethal stab of the sharp spine by the streetwalking girl, nor the countless hours of ab-tearing laughter he subsequently had to endure. Needless to say, his stash was empty when he finally came to. Depression set in, and using more Fang to counter it seemed only logical. Unintended exposure to Sanguine before getting Fanged gave Riakk a desire for masochism, and perpetuated further Fang injections. By the time he was 9 he was a walking Fang factory, his entire left arm covered in the sharp needles. By delving so deep into Fang, coupled with the cellular speed-boost that Rust offers and the blood disease that Sanguine embodies, Riakk has inadvertently mastered Fang needle production on his own body. The natural levels of Fang in his blood cause for a Turette's style laughing syndrome. Addicted, but at the same time fearful of the effects of some other drugs, Riakk only ever maintains his commitment to Rust, finding it an acceptable substitute for other nourishment in a world where drugs are more readily available than food.

The unfortunate side effects of Fang-induced laughter followed by a dose of Rust have caused for Riakk's jaw to hang permanently open, his face an unchanging caricature of laughter. The squint that he has developed as a result has drastically impaired his vision in the dark. His abs are incredibly toned after years of convulsions. On the bright side, his Rust-related muscle growth is only more drastic on his Fang-seeded arm, making the appendage look more like a battle mace than anything else. In contrast, his other arm is thin and wiry - as though the Rust never bothered with it - but it is thus great for pulling out ripe needles for use or trade. His posture is atrocious, and only more exaggerated thanks to his long legs. His body type and Fang protrusions make him a very capable jumper and climber, making scaling Skyscrapers a surmountable feat.

He isn't the brightest of the youths of Omega, but he does enjoy the status quo. He is wandering protection for the Rust suppliers, warding off all but the most courageous, desperate, or stupid of adversaries with his enFanged arm. His loyalty does not extend far past his spines however - anyone willing to trade for his Fang are as much a friend as the last guy. Riakk's only regret lies where no streetwalker dares to: the Fanged arm scares the girls just as much as it does the guys. Riakk's life is a lonely one. Depressing even. But nothing that another dose of Fang wont cure!

Equipment

Fang - Prick your skin just enough to let the dye ooze just under the surface, and feel the joy. Fang causes a high characterized by uncontrollable laughing, and all the joy it entails. Inserting the needle to far causes death, and injecting too much causes the heart to stop from the laughter. A drug for the severely depressed, usually resulting in a few odd effects. Increased exposure will cause spines to grow out of the body, usually at the injection sight, rooted just under the skin, even torn out painlessly due to their numbing of the surrounding area. The best part? These spikes or "Fangs" actually form from the used fang being deposited along with huge amounts of excess minerals. Usually these are torn out and used to inject more fang, but some think of it as a mark of distinction and will seed their body with fangs, creating a hard, spiked shell in certain areas or their whole body. Fangs will deflect most slashing weapons, and injecting the fang correctly can created curved spikes, protecting against stab wounds. Bruising done under a fang shell will cause Fang to leak into the body, causing death, however. Use at own risk.

Rust - A coppery-red substance that comes in either flakes or powder form, it can be eaten, chewed, or smoked. It tastes like molasses, but not as sweet, and very dry. It doesn't get you high, but it does have a certain punch that is very addicting, like the exhilarating feeling of lifting something heavy. In effect, it gives high blood pressure and causes cells to multiply at a faster rate. But the reason why people smoke it is mainly because is strengthens your muscles and bones and causes many other effects, depending on the person.

Sanguine - A sickly green liquid. The strongest reaction is attained by injection, though the drug can be taken almost any way the user desires. It's very nearly a poison in anything greater than a minuscule dose, and can make people with weaker constitution deathly ill. Those who can stomach it can develop powers over blood: most notably the power to use the magical energy in blood for spellcasting through other abilities, turning a few drops of blood into a potent energy source. The most common side effects aside from illness are blood obsession, "vampiric" behavior, and self mutilation.

Riakk's Story