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Elpis

Elpis, "The Orphic Veineline" is the antiheroic protagonist of BioMassCore's storyline. He serves as one of the international military crusaders known as the "Tannin Jaegers", within the sacred aerospace group titled the Talon Regime that uses guerilla tactics to keep mutant threats under control, stopping misuse of lifestream and liberating life together while recruiting them together to undermine various factions. He is a cyborg utilizing restructured gear-like cells and molecules contained in his Exonaut suit. He willingly converted himself into a cyborg through conditioning his body into conversion as a way to compensate for a genetical misfunction via scientific means when being inspired by his idol. He lives with his human daughter, Birdy and his oath sister, Lyra who leads the Tannin Jaegers. A special division of Ultfinites administrating races of alien mutants labeled Fermials while he is under an enigmatic figure known as Lucius Verde whom understands more of his hollow forms than Elpis could know himself.

Elpis is often set onto missions involving the hunt of Ultfinites, Armigers or Nosoimones, making him believe that the hope he was destined in the future to find is twisted. A twisted hope he wishes to carry out onto others by achieving his wish for freedom by breaking out of what restrains him, and it is this humanly freedom he believes he can ascend to for the sake of forcefully protecting those he cares for. Engrossed in the idea of a place known as the "promised land" that he believes has answers to his means after sensing it in his failures of incantations due to his genetical misfunction during a plague.

- Personality -

Elpis is a stern and realistic person, shaped by his upbringing and experiences. He rarely shows his emotions to others, as he was taught to suppress his right to think and feel. He has a hard time comprehending emotional concepts like happiness, which he sees as colors or chemicals that he cannot perceive. Finding pain to be how he finds pain to be proof that he's alive. He is driven by his quest for truth and his right to think, which makes him resentful of his superiors who try to stop him. However, he does not want to harm them, as he believes they are still the key to his goals. Elpis has a deep fear and hatred of mutation, which he views as a disease that makes neo-gens look abnormal. He feels guilty when he sees Ultfinites who have some rationality, as he thinks they are wasting their lives and being forced into simple-mindedness by the plague. He does not seek to harm anyone, but he feels compelled to do so in situations that he considers experiments from the "Monad". He is determined to pursue his goals and explore the world, even when it is difficult. He has different ways of dealing with those he does not respect: he may mock them with his realism, or he may ignore them. He may act this way to defend himself or others, or to express his displeasure with someone who interferes with his leadership, like Lightstreak. Elpis can be very blunt and sometimes insensitive, as he prefers to solve problems directly and by himself. He often puts himself in danger, either out of defiance or out of a desire to feel free. Becoming enveloped in the thought of stimulating control with him without anyone else suffering the burden. Even willing to take a decent amount of injuries to get through something.

Elpis is a person who tries to be fair and insightful with others at first encounter, but he also has a morally grey dilemma. He is willing to rebel against his superiors and lie for his own benefit, if he thinks they are wrong or unjust. He does not follow any standard moral code, but his own. However, he is afraid of being taken advantage of by strangers, so he acts formally and cautiously around them. He does not care about his heritage or his past, because they are too painful and complicated for him. He only cares about his goals and the people he loves. Elpis wants to achieve more than his current situation, such as dealing with Ritsueto who he met in the Genesis War. They have different reasons for feeling like failures, and Elpis wants to surpass Ritsueto. Elpis has synesthesia, which means he sees colors when he hears sounds. He associates bright colors with his false happiness, and black and white colors with his father's fate and a simpler time. He also sees purple and magenta colors as signs of tragedy and plagues, especially when he hears the names of his parents. He wants to see black and white colors more often, because he thinks they represent peace and purity. He tries to cleanse himself of his impurities by gaining spiritual awareness, which he believes can be achieved through his destination, the promised land.

Elpis has grown loyal to Lyra and Birdy, who has a lilac color in his synesthesia. Lilac is the color of spirituality, purity, and grace, which are the qualities that Elpis longs for. He also has different feelings about the Beta-Candidates based on their colors in his Ciphers. For example, he feels nostalgic and conflicted about Craven, who has a color of looking forward and backward. However, he hates the color of his tech, Indigo, which he sees as a parasite that he needs to get rid of. He also doubts his own identity and free will, and he calls himself a "blank sheet" or "uncolored". He wants to break free from the expectations of society and find his own purpose and purity.

- Relationships -

    • Lyra: Due to her being somewhat older, Lyra attempts to constantly steer him in the right direction she sees fit. The two contrast in behavior due to Elpis being taken in by a group of bandits and rejecting his heritage, thus forgetting his second and last name. Though this part of him can make Lyra frustrated, she still persists to do what she can for him even if he’s not in interest at the time due to how much she cares enough for him. Both equally view each other with a portion of stubbornness within themselves, occasionally mediating between a positive or negative way. Elpis doesn’t like her opportunism, and Lyra dislikes his self-denial. She eases up to Elpis the most due to her willing to lay down her life for him.

    • Birdy: Elpis met Birdy when she was looking for her mother, and she quickly decided to partner up with Elpis due to his knowledge. Albeit he didn't know how to feel about her at first. He began to feel empathy towards her, lamenting the loss of child innocence. Making him more heavy-handed with the people that Birdy sees due to the potential danger they could have. Seeing anything related to neo-gens or the Tidal Cataclysm as a risk on his or her way of living thus attempts to condition her out of her habits. These habits being a result of her naturally open response to the Nosoimones or Ultfinites around her. The two of them share fake names, with Birdy's name being chosen by Elpis due to her nature being like that of a bird. Yet as part of that, he sees her caged by the circumstances she's in and doesn't know if she can be able to handle it properly. Birdy herself is unaware of what Elpis does in his works with the Talon Regime, feeling something off regardless of the beneficial means. Elpis himself feels similarities of Birdy to Lilynette, fearing that if he cannot have freedom to preserve against the diseased world around him, his circumstances will fall upon him. Causing Birdy to believe if he wants to see his goals meet, he must be able to relinquish it with others. Wanting him to be able to accept more within the life they're bound to share.

    • Lilynette/Shidarena: TBA

    • Astaroth Lagriemelex/Nachash: A constant thorn in his side, Nachash is always seeking to test Elpis' limits and capabilities. Whether it be his snarky remarks, his ominous offerings or vague sense of guidance. Claiming he's wanting for Elpis to only respond through instinct to get better. Even if he clearly doesn't know how to wipe away the maniacal attitude. Despite treating him as nothing more than a fly that can never be swatted, Elpis occasionally is thankful to have Nachash on the times he proves to be beneficial. This usually being in exchange for Nachash having total control over a situation. Something that Elpis will attempt to twist to his own benefit when necessary.

    • Lucius: TBA

    • Seirya: TBA

    • Lightstreak: Elpis has to prove himself worthy to the rest of the team, especially to Lightstreak, who considers himself a better candidate. Lightstreak is a brilliant strategist and a loyal soldier, who follows his own rules and always keeps his promises. He learned his skills from his mentor and his former partner, Minerva, who were both exemplary officers in the Armigers. He has a strong sense of patriotism and a desire to win the war by outsmarting the enemy. He is obsessed with planning his next moves and setting up his own "traffic" to achieve his goals. However, this also makes him arrogant and dismissive of others' opinions. He acknowledges Elpis' strengths and potential but can't help himself when thinking on his weaknesses and flaws. Elpis recognizes Lightstreak's talents and achievements and admires his dedication and loyalty. He does not let Lightstreak's hostility or criticism get to him and instead challenges him to improve himself and work together for the common good. He believes that Lightstreak can be more than just a soldier and that he can help him achieve his vision for a better world.

    • Coraline: TBA

    • Larasu: TBA

    • Daiyu: Elpis views Daiyu as a fascinating and intriguing person, but also as a dangerous and unpredictable one. He admires her skills and her courage, but he distrusts her brutality and her admiration for Ritsueto. Yet that never stops him from helping her keep her hopes up. He wants to learn more about her and her background, but he also wants to keep his distance from her and her emotions. He also wants to communicate with her better and more effectively, which he thinks are important and meaningful. Often enjoying her company but doesn't impose on her or himself.

    • Daibo: Elpis had always been a skeptic, a realist who knew the harsh realities of life. He had seen too much pain and suffering to believe in fairy tales and happy endings. He had learned to rely only on himself, and to keep his emotions in check. He did not need anyone else, or so he thought. Daibo was different. He was a dreamer, a hopeful soul who saw the beauty and wonder in everything. He had a heart of gold, and he wanted to share it with others. Elpis finds Daibo naive, and he thinks he can act too recklessly. Not believing in his optimistic outlook so much, though he wouldn't snap at him. Daibo, on the other hand, finds Elpis intriguing and mysterious, and he wants to get to know him better. He thinks Elpis is smart and brave, and he admires his dedication and determination. He tries to cheer him up and make him laugh, and he hopes to break through his cold and aloof exterior. He does not give up on him, even when he is met with indifference.

    • Gerda: TBA

    • Beta-Candidates: TBA

    • Ritsueto: Elpis dreads Ritsueto's presence. Seeing him as a representation of everything that's plaguing the world. His arrogance, the code that the Obyrith live up to, etc. Due to Ritsueto believing all life is simply an emanation off the base matter, he sees someone like Elpis as going against the path of his god through his technology. While Elpis thinks that Ritsueto's god would never be satisfied with him regardless of what he does, because he already has everything. And is simply overcompensating for an issue that he can't handle by doing it for a lost cause rather than executing the central issue. Thus Elpis' constant chasing of freedom is the foil to Ritsueto's objective and totalitarian visions over the world. Ritsueto challenges Elpis' standards, claiming that they are unrealistic and unsustainable, and that he is hiding his true self from the world. Elpis senses that Ritsueto is also haunted by the past, and wonders if he is fighting for the wrong reasons. But he cannot afford to sympathize with him, as their goals are irreconcilable. Their fate is uncertain, as they continue to fight each other.

- History - Origin -

    • Strange.. This specimen should have an analog disc of him somewhere. Could he be hiding something?

    • There must be some reason for this man's potential.

    • I concur, but his name doesn't even appear anywhere on our data libraries. It might not even be his real one.

    • No matter, I need to find as much as I can of him if he's going to be with us.

    • As I'd expect you would.

- Abilities (Astral Indigo) -

Astral Indigo is an electric/atom-powered mechanism within Exonaut as a thermonuclear pulse of radiation streams from atomic energies that is controlled by Elpis through an Ex Arm-like function of neurotic-controlled aelophis technology. This is to compensate for a genetical misfunction hindering any ability development through a plague. Exonaut is linked to Elpis' arc reactor which helps Elpis' respiratory system and keeps it stabilized through the air around him, depending on his veins. The arc reactor sends atomic energies across the Exonaut, empowering it as a transmutated armor of organic technology. This organic technology involves how it's frame is restructured to attach to Elpis' body via his DNA and respiratory system flowing with charged cells made from 31 miniature asterisps as silvery Quinteseeds, helping supply his arc reactor. It is through these Quinteseeds that Elpis is able to use his main means of mobility, bio-warping. Which allows him to quickly transport toward a direction of a reasonable distance with helix-like trails that create a tailwind of atomic particles, disassembling Exonaut at a molecular level as veiny string that later reassembles when he reaches his destination.

A core function within Exonaut is to quickly distort objects and organism into reformation via their atoms and cells, often used for a previous state or into a naturally converted state of their matter. Reversing flow to destroy abnormality across the body through reconfiguration of cells or atoms with an atomic stimulation that damages DNA of infectious cells. Causing a radioactive seal mark on where it was done, but supernatural abilities such as restoring life cannot be done with this. As well as how this can be negated by people that warp life in a harmful manner like Ritsueto, or those who can use nuclear force and are stronger. With the power to atomize, Elpis can break down matter into its constituent atoms, manipulating them at a fundamental level. This ability allows him to disintegrate objects, turning them into a state of atomic particles. Moreover, Elpis possesses the capability to trigger fusion reactions. Unleashing raw, controlled energy, enabling him to devastate opponents or manipulate his environment at will. On the flip side, Elpis also possesses the power to induce fission reactions. This ability allows Elpis to break apart matter into smaller materials, effectively disintegrating targets or structures with precision and force.

Quinteseeds move in a geometric formation when generating and are contained within charged slots of lifestream with altered blood pressure and propulsion linked to the intravenous exoskeleton of Exonaut stabilizing Elpis in synchronization. Thus generating various nanite-like alchemical technology through Elpis commanding their formations in configurations of reactionary properties for the atomic energy. These configurations are based upon the matter flow of veins with oxygen, which Elpis reads with atoms to disassemble and reconfigure with a symbiotic bond. Increasing blood flow through inducers, flowing lymphs throughout his prehensile cardiovascular system transfusing blood and veins for the Exonaut to alter various things through energy with a bio-topological bind, Such as compressing into atomic bursts caused by a powerful thrust into surfaces, spiralling rays, atomic bullets firing in a wide-spraying range from fusion orbs (Which release their compression so far that the deposited beam can burn up ectoplasm) or diving while coated in an "anchor-drill" of energy streams reflecting in upward trajectory via threaded tendrils of spiralling helix-cords. A key strength of Elpis is his surgical capabilities, deeply analyzing the atomic structure of tissues, organs and other biological materials during surgical procedure. Enabling him to make precise adjustments and corrections at the smallest scales, ensuring that he's on point. Such as sculpting tissues, removing tumors and repairing damaged organs with meticulous attention to detail. Through his Exonaut, he can accelerate healing processes for smaller wounds and reduce recovery times. However, he can only perform abilities like these if he understands enough during a situation and requires careful management through not rapidly transmutating, due to how it builds up more harm that could require a breathing rehearsal.

    • Various elemental weaknesses affecting Elpis will put his Quinteseeds into a silenced status, temporarily restricting the usage of spells

    • Elpis is resistant to poisons due to his arc reactor and is unable to drown in water

- Weapons -

Gestalt Art

Gestalt Calibur: Elpis' singing rod dagger, Gestalt, is a remarkable weapon that can bend and twist like a snake through a jointed whip mechanism on it's hilt that alters it's attacks when transforming it, utilizing conductive fangs on it's sides. It is a multi-sectioned Lux Espada-styled blade that belongs to the Ophiuchuses and was based on a splintered fang, as it's charged attacks are said to be venomous to enemies due to the quicksilver material tied to Elpis' curse. Gestalt is kept in a holy temple, where only kings and chiefs can access it. It is a sacred blade that can seal exacosm from subjects with the same pearly ore as Elpis' arc reactor, utilizing it for Ex Arms. Gestalt has a flute-like handle that allows Elpis to use the asterisps inside for atomic reactions, such as it's chain segments able to shoot off into the enemy and can be retracted back using a charged attack, detonate vibrational spikes with it's fangs, binding enemies together like atoms, sharpen into a drill, harden into ballistic flails, or fissioning the whip to extend in multiple dagger claws. It also has a pod-cocoon named Titania that controls the Quinteseeds, the seeds of life that can manipulate matter and energy. Elpis prefers to utilize rotational attacks such as twist and turns that are akin to a snake via Nachash's incorporation, holding Gestalt downward rather than wielding it properly. Gestalt can change its shape and function according to the Cipher, the code that Elpis uses to activate different modes. Gestalt can also combine with other weapons of the Tannin Jaegers to create powerful attacks during spell cards.

Gestalt can also distill lifestream during synchronization, and use it to create various effects, such as optical blasts, railgun shots, and more within slots of Quinteseeds. these slots use charged nexeratic cells that Elpis uses chemistry on with chemical injections, treating them as a medium to project energy in Exonaut for augments. Alternatively, Elpis can allow Gestalt to absorb and condense it's energy before releasing it at the tip of the blade, magnifying into a wide-slash attack that flies forward. This requires a massive cooldown.

- Gameplay and Moveset Plan -

    • Unpredictability, strategy, agility and flexibility are Elpis' strong-suits, as his attacks have a wide range and are often rapid, making him move sharply for hit-and-run. His attacks are based upon deconstructing his enemies to use his Gestalt to reconstruct into beneficial stats and devastating attacks through conserving up on nearly-dead enemies, being able to see weakpoints on an enemy to mark and deal the most damage to restrict them from certain attacks. Resulting in effects such as stat augmentation, restoration, refining weaponry, etc via using his bio-warp. Though he deals medium damage at best and has to follow up his attacks with unique ones to not break his combo, along with how the tip of Gestalt's whips deals poisonous damage to debuff enemies with each hit during follow-ups or held moves. While the dagger on the staff is linked to standard attacks and can stack up poison via nexeratics used in different ways. His combo capabilities allow him to pressure defensive enemies well, increasing damage through his extended combos whether on ground or air. Though, he cannot attack consistently when moving due to his evasive nature. His evasive nature allows him to navigate through narrow passages or wrap around obstacles to find hidden areas easily, and his dodges cause him to do a held slither motion that's twistable through double inputs for a quick and powerful attack. This is to deal with the fact that Elpis' illness causes him to take more damage from enemies, leading to him losing more health through the more damage he takes thus makes it his risk demanding more use for his kit. Relying on his grapples and finishers to heal

    • Elpis' Climax Gauge has stacks of tincture in each slot of his Climax Gauge that can be consumed to accumulate and increase the poison mixtures / nexeratics on his whip attacks with mixed follow-ups that are done in different combinations, requiring to perform a held hit combining a basic attack with a special cancel attack (Driver Tail Moves) by timing it after liquid mercury begins to build up on his blade, causing the mercury to excite and split into atoms (Stocking nexeratics) to spread Cipher-based damage and will be affected by Cipher-linking whip/dagger moves such as Ouroboros Cross for different effects by chaining element-inducing moves during a certain amounts of attacks. Comboing in multiple spell cards with these moves by holding then cancelling continuously after holding again causes Elpis' Climax Gauge to form an Ouroboros Vial for a special attack of the current Cipher boosting elemental effects that Elpis can hold for executions or stock nexeratics / cards. Multiple of these Ouroboros Vials can be used in combination to form an Ouroboros Ring that activates all of his effects from previous whip/dagger moves to stack on top of each other, allowing for extension on nexeratic-infused moves and effects via multiplications levels on the Flow Chain that charge up special finishers/executions. Ouroboros Rings can be stocked or fissioned for more energy through adding up poisonous damage with chained Driver Tails, having different levels via the Flow Chain that range from emitting waves on attacks that heal upon hit by leaving behind elemental trails to varying Ascension Finishers with debuffs to enemies.

    • Through mixing different nexeratic chips from his Cipher, Elpis can augment their stats on himself at the start but is limited to atomic tincture slots in his Climax Gauge. These chips will boost his weapons, movement and passive abilities and are utilized with key combinations of Cipher attacks. Being able to "fission" an enemy's health to get more points with grabs, finishers, etc. Such as weakening an enemy through an element-augmented attack then following it up with the right input, allowing Elpis to restructure the weakened enemy through a dash. Altering their weakened state and taking in their stats as part of elements related to that attack, thus Elpis can mix in multiple elements like an alchemical brew and send out a Quinteseed that uses that attack through using a portion of the energy gauge to shed a piece of Exonaut. Charged multi-hitting damage buffs are in the form of orange nexeratics, projectile buffs are blue nexeratics, point-multiplying buffs are black/red nexeratics, defense buffs are purple nexeratics, speed buffs are green nexeratics, item buffs / energy boosts are yellow nexeratics. Using any nexeratic puts different layers on Elpis' health, and using all at once can only be done when Elpis is at low health. These nexeratic types slot absorbed tinctures in association with an enhancement through evoking a Cipher in Elpis' base moves through it's sound and movement, fusing the restructured stats and attacks based on the enemy into it's moves.

    • However, some enemies could be notably infected causing them to be more active towards Elpis causing the player to need to approach more tactically while keeping the sounds going. Requires a decent understanding on enemies to understand what nexeratics they could give in combination with other ones or ones that match. Uses both the enemy's health and Elpis' energy gauge for restructuring. The less health an enemy has left, the more energy that will be used for efficient attacks. Matching nexeratics can be beneficial and more are gained through a combo of attacking the enemies tactically as they are aggressive and progress in stats. The slotted nexeratics can be accumulated to form a white incantation out of a collective nexeratic cube to perform a key combination of a spell card.

- Basic Attacks -

      • Overflowing Combos: Has a 3-slash combo, either slashing straight-forward or slashing in a swipe. First slash is horizontal, second slash twists vertically and the last slash has Elpis coil Gestalt behind his back into an enemy. The last slash is somewhat heavy but deals the most damage. Pausing in the middle of his combo causes Elpis to twist Gestalt backward in a curved slash in a heavy 5-slash, allowing for combo extension and mixes in projectile shots before Elpis rushes at an enemy with quick whip hits. Elpis' third combo has him charge up a previous stab in combination with Driver Tail, making him do quick twisting cuts and sweeps as he whirls Gestalt's whip before doing an anchor-drill slash from the ground. Elpis can mix in different finishers after 2 hits, 3 hits or 4 hits for combo extension via Ouroboros Cross for alternate combos.

      • Ouroboros Cross: 2 held cross slashes from Elpis' dagger that are meant to link into another combo whether from a Cipher or Ex Arm, adding up constant damage by twisting against an enemy during a combo before a follow-up. Such as a cross slash from Aegle that goes past the enemy and pierces them with electrified mercury, a revolving slam from Machaon, a rocket chainblade punch from Telesphorus, a multi-stocked shot from Podalirius that causes stun, a double spinning forward slash from Panacea with poisoned drills reaching up to mid-air, a thrown shield from Hygeia reflecting attacks with lightning shocks, etc. This allows to repeat certain attacks that have follow-ups or hold them before the follow-up. Ouroboros Cross can be charged to use a portion of the Climax Gauge and increase nexeratics for spatial mercury tendrils after a certain amount of attacks in a combo or be held for a Mercurial stance that utilizes Elpis' nexeratics in an Ouroboros Ring.
      • Sky Eater Combo: Elpis' mid-air combo has 4-slashes. Including a series of winding whip twists and a rapid slash that can be paused in the middle to get more attacks. Elpis' winding twists can be held to turn him around against other enemies. Slashing in mid-air keeps Elpis in mid-air after a jump for a short amount of time, allowing him to reach higher platforms. It also gets a large swing in on grounded enemies, being performable twice and the second causes Elpis to leap back as he unleashes a medium-long curved slash toward an enemy.
      • Gaia Massacre: Spell card where Elpis wildly flails Gestalt's dagger-whip back and forth before it returns to him, setting off atomic fire that drags to his path with multi-directional shots from PB-Railbuster before holding his weapons in unison upward and slamming them downward for a devastating blastwave
      • Nibelung's Rotting Maw: Charged lunge onto enemies to drain 1.2% of their health passing each second to regenerate his energy until they have no more, killing them unless they're hit again while latched if the player doesn't need the health or is already full. Can serve as a counterattack grab to enemies coming toward Elpis, causing them to be infected with his curse and buffs subsequent charged attacks.
      • Upon landing from mid-air, does a kick attack
      • Fury Vein: Elpis slamming his staff down from the air to the ground with a diagonal kick makes a small stunning wave as he splits Gestalt's whips in both directions. Can be used to destroy damaged terrain on the ground that could lead to hidden passages by drilling downward.
      • Striking Viper: A spinning launch that sends enemies and Elpis into mid-air by the end of his staff. Can follow up this launch attack with a twisting light dagger or heavy whip attack extending Gestalt to slam the enemy back down. Holding it makes Elpis bring enemies back down. 
      • Follows up attacks with a timed whip charge or a dagger cancel, adding up critical damage. These can be done continuously before a finisher.
      • Driver Tail - Bringer: Grapples Elpis towards points or enemies to platform. Elpis can hit enemies from far away or hold to snatch enemies mid-combo through Gestalt to extend his juggles through redirection whether from ground or mid-air. He can also use enemies to swing over them and/or pull them for a heavy attack with great knockback. Is able to perch on points such as enemies or cliffs and hold on walls/roofs to prepare takedowns, sending out a snakehead from Gestalt to hit enemies when attacking. Can be done while back-dashing. Stomps on downed enemies when on ground, drops on enemies for a neck-snapping attack when in mid-air. Causes a multi-piledriver when grabbing enemies. Can affect enemies differently when they're nearly dead, utilizing them as nexeratic enhancements through extracting parts of them or altering them for different benefits with a short minigame.
      • Tail of The Dragon: Holding Driver Tail or a basic attack after it's done alters Gestalt to it's whip mode, altering Bringer to knock enemies away with a dagger attack.
      • Shadow Fang: Chargeable sword thrust dashing towards enemies from a reasonable distance with a sweeping whip twist. This thrusting dash can deflect projectiles and happens twice. If the attack key is pressed on-time the enemy is contacted to a certain amount, Elpis can unleash a barrage of dagger strikes rather than a thrust. Can be followed or cancelled with Striking Viper. This thrusting dash can be done with a dash jump as well, reaching up to mid-air. It can also be used downwards to boost a jump, allowing an air-dash forward through lock-on. Charging a dash on a wall allows to anchor-drill damaged terrain. Gaining enough speed within a dash allows to charge towards enemies with a devastating attack ignoring their shields. Holding it causes Elpis to sweep away enemies with his whip rapidly upon continuous inputs. 
      • Slides down and is able to shoot at the same time to get past obstacles. Crouch dash is performable after a parry. Stopping Elpis' slide causes him to enter a flipping kick that hits low and then sweeps enemies. Sliding can be predecessed with a downward slash and is a decent move to counter enemies by avoiding a huge attack. Lesser enemies that get caught in the way of Elpis' sliding are thrown in a wave.
      • Wind Break: Can dash back to twist dodge with an evading whip slash but cannot cancel it as well as having limited dashes. After dodging, Elpis can swiftly attack an enemy with a held backstab. Dashes can be cancelled with a quick rotational slash that causes Elpis to turn around or flip over an enemy with a twisting dagger slash, helping avoid incoming damage.
      • When on a wall, Elpis can do short attacks to reach enemies that are either on the wall or away from him. Doing a finisher makes Elpis kick flip off.
      • Air Taunt: Elpis says "Jormungandr Punishment!" as he performs a dagger finisher coating his dagger in bloody mercury, causing poisonous damage over time and chains finishers quicker. Causes a different reaction based on Ciphers.
      • Constriction: Wraps tendril wires around enemies to grab them, restricting them to pummel them up close, perform finishers or throw them into others. Can grab enemies from mid-air or aerial enemies and slam them down. Gives follow-up attacks for snatches
      • Slashes with precise cuts from his daggers in mid-air for 3 slashes, crossing his blades while performing a flip.
      • Death Slammer: Can finish off enemies with a quickly-timed whip grab either with Gestalt or a PB-Railbuster shot using nexeratics. Works in mid-air. 
      • Charges up for a wide-ranged whip attack hitting enemies all around Elpis, whether on ground or mid-air.
      • Stretches out whip to hit enemies far away, whether on ground or mid-air. On ground, it serves as an anti-air, while in mid-air it yanks in enemies.
      • Helix Snatch: Is able to disarm enemies that wield weapons or reach items that are far away with it's whip pull. Can use wires to grab obstacles to throw at enemies or throw enemies into others. Follow-up attack causes Elpis to charge at enemies with an elemental dagger attack. 
      • Revenge: If Elpis gets knocked down, he can twist his blade like a staff to hold himself for recovery and perform a counterattack
      • Elpis' Ultimate Attack is Death's Approach, where he unleashes fang-like extensions on Gestalt's hilt and uses the blade like a dagger, using both in conjunction like whipping claws with a wide range on it's attack.

    AiX Bulwark: A holy energy quintesson techno-shield of Elpis used to compensate for weak stamina in melee, passively wielded in unison with PB-Railbuster and sometimes Gestalt. Compacted within a satellite dish-like shape for attachment on Elpis' back. When used, it can store charges of energy within it's cartridges to redirect it after analyzing it into an Ex Arm. It is equipped with jets on it's angular ends for Elpis to engage into a high-speed attack charging his shield into opponents while covered in an X-shaped orb aura of code. It's laser cannon is used within the Hygeia Cipher, only shortly used normally as a quick cannon blast. Commonly used for parries with Elpis turning his arm sideways with Bulwark and Gestalt.

      • If Elpis performs his parry while moving, it causes him to do a swift step along with multiplying points scored. However, he cannot parry in the middle of an attack and his parry doesn't work on heavy attacks like beams. Parries with well thought-out follow-ups against opponents could put them in a dazing stagger

      PB-Railbuster: A rifle-crossbow with a shotgun-like maw that charges atomic particles from the ore within Elpis' heart reactor in helix-like directions as cross waves of high diffusion and compressed air, utilizing infected darts as ammo. These darts convert dealt damage to enemies into health, and is very useful when Elpis is moving due to it's high firing rate that can go through terrain and obstacles. Charged shots deal more stun and knockback at close range, while the rifle function can tag targets with a lock-on after sending a Quinteseed signal via a thrown dart tagging those nearby when far away, increasing range. When charging shots, the maw becomes bigger and becomes an angled mechanical projectile bio-cannon resting on Elpis' shoulder either emitting an missile spray or a wide atomic beam and is plugged to Elpis' back via it's bent tail. The horns' energizing growth indicates the charge levels while PB-Railbuster increases in size expanding on Elpis' arm. Having the capability of causterizing Nosoimones through it's angular aim.

        • Intro-Scope: Tags enemies with darts by hitting them with finishers or dashing into them makes Elpis fire a stream of homing shots or manually-activated blasts when focusing on an enemy through lock-on. Lock-on also reveals hidden objects, directing rapid projectiles when charging after dashing into objects or enemies. Elpis can hold his charge while locking on to slow down before unloading shots rapidly, mixing shots with melee, etc.
        • Repeater: Fires rifle darts that pass through enemies, damaging all targets in a straight line and electrifies them, building up a chain reaction that can deal more damage to subsequent foes. After hitting multiple times, the bullets can be charged for a burst debuffing enemies caught in it's blast.
        • Ascent: Fires off curved shots as Elpis launches upward, hitting enemies around him.
        • Skyhook: Elpis fires off shots of compressed air while above, sending away enemies while moving him in any direction. Works for dashes.
        • Dropkicks down from mid-air while firing bullets, pushing away enemies. Can be followed with a held shot that fires off an explosive poison bolt.
        • Arc Spray: Fires an elevating spread of high diffusion from down to up quickly, with range increasing based on how high Elpis' Climax Gauge is. Can be used in mid-air.
        • Assassinate: Marks weakpoints on an enemy or boss to fire for critical damage upon timing it after a dart glow. Hitting multiple weak-points allows for follow-up attacks.
        • Fires off bouncing shots with splash damage that create marked enemies/areas for support fire upon doing a finishing shot on time, but will bounce against guarding enemies. Works in mid-air.
        • X Disintegrator: Charged shots with increasing knockback based on how high Elpis' Climax Gauge is. First charge fires a standard anchor-drill blast, second charge fires a spiraling helix-shaped ray that passes through enemies, third charge fires a bouncing harpoon shot that locks multiple enemies by sweeping them in, fourth charge shot can be fired off multiple times with an explosive AoE, and final charge is a finisher. Stocked shots will fission out the larger charged shot into smaller projectiles that spread damage.
        • Fires into launched enemies before blasting them away with a timed charge.
        • When holding dodge, Elpis flips over an enemy with rapid shots and can time to release a charged shot. A follow-up makes him perform Shadow Fang with a burst shot that can be done with as many stocked charges.
        • Continuously pumps out charged shots, making Elpis fire in multiple directions. Works in mid-air.
        • Fires at enemies behind or on Elpis' side while holding his position. He's able to move the direction he aims.
        • Blood-flaying Drift: Rapid dart shots can be held after melee attacks, counters or dodges. Releasing makes Elpis fire a railgun rifle shot as he slides around, increasing stun by leaving behind a toxic mist.
        • Elysium Reaver: Leaves behind a trap that causes area denial when detonated. Up to 6 can be used.
        • Doom Rift: Fires off a held shot after a melee attack that creates a shockwave warp that can be followed with stocked shots to create consecutive shots that hit enemies rapidly while sweeping them in.
        • Can mix different elemental shots with stocked charges to add up effects that also alter the trajectory and damage. Ouroboros Vials affect the charge levels, stocked shots, and elemental effects of Railbuster.

        Exonaut Alean: A bodily armor of restructured molecules and is the "peak of Elpis' craft" He projects into this form with a link and always tries to force abilities onto this armor by his conscious projected into his arc reactor's ore linked to his pendant to prevent bodily stress. Using mutant chain-like fibers known as serge to keep Elpis bound and keep his instincts high by wrapping around his veins. This armor is activated by Gestalt's unsealing, with Nachash bound to the exoskeletal spine. Elpis' serum dose was modified so that the crucial undersheath of Exonaut is supercompressed and stored in the hollows of his bones. Directly wired toward his brain to allow him to control it via a Quinteseed interface. It can restructure cells and molecules of Nosoimones to forcefully cure them with atomic energy that pulses through nerves and veins.

        Exonaut has the capacity to absorb smaller particles as fuel. By assimilating and utilizing various particles as a power source, Elpis can sustain his energy levels and amplify his control over atomization, fusion, and fission processes.

          • Elpis uses fusionism and fissionism on Exonaut with various Ciphers in reconfigurations through the chemicals in armor's transmutated frame.

        Chiron Strata: A bio-organic horse hoverbike Elpis rides during missions on-road for faster travel via augmentation of his legs. Has turbines on the side linked to Elpis to boost in sync with him. Elpis' AiX Bulwark can be infused with the engine of Chiron to act as it's battering engine block.

        Ciphers: Sub-device gadget implants within Elpis that transplants memories of the past within Elpis and mimics genetical codexes of the old age. It is able to see through the memories of users from the past and future. Ciphers reconfigure the Synchro-Gear mechanism flowing energy in Exonaut to allow usage of tincture-slotted nexeratics and a portable mobile terminal in the form of a Necronomicon Tome containing spells in the form of data cards.

        The terminal is equipped with a signaling artificial brain data-emulated through a prototype. Ciphers contain cathode raytubes within their cores serving as transmuational adaptors.

          • Each Cipher receives different forms of spell cards that can be adopted as a primary fighting style when battling with a specific Cipher for a long duration.

          • When selecting a Cipher, Elpis' attacks for Gestalt are altered, allowing him to freely switch to the Cipher mid-combo and utilizes each Cipher as different gadgets that enhance his playstyle.

          • Ex Arms produce different forms of sound and movement in it's move-set and spell cards that could potentially resonate together with other Ex Arms of the other Ciphers. Other forms of shapes are made too, altering transmutation incantations.

          • Ciphers/Ex Arms give different shapes to Exonaut Alean's armor through Elpis adapting

          • Only 5 Ciphers can be chosen during a mission

        Elpis Telesphorus
        Elpis' new HUD Concept (By Lin)

        Telesphorus Cipher (Orange): This Cipher is capable of one-on-one combat on enemies and utilizing continuous attacks combined with agility and knockback, enhancing ground combat through charging attacks easier. It has more follow-ups that can either finish off an enemy or keep them down. Elpis' form of alchemical technology usage in this Cipher is melting, degrading solids and enemies down to liquids thus altering Elpis' moves in powerful focused attacks that sweeps enemies with damage building up in close proximity. Having Bulwark split across Elpis' prosthesis claw arms and shins as a pair of scaled gauntlets and grieves covered in graphene, equipped with flails. Elpis is able to cancel his moves easier to get in and out of close range. Key combinations melting enemies builds up molecular heat and speed based on multiplied points from the Flow Chain.

          • Driver Tail - Quickdraw Heat: Elpis can extend and retract Gestalt's attacks for more damage by either pausing his charges or using cancels in the middle of his attacks that are chargeable, sweeping enemies and causing potential knockback through speeding up atomic particles to deliver kinetic impacts with permanently fused nexeratics. When charged hits land on marked enemies, Elpis can continuously extend his attacks into rapid hits such as Serpentine Cascade that releases any built up damage on that enemy as critical knockback with high stun as follow-ups before having to charge up again. Charging it at the end of an attack causes Elpis to stab downward and pull back up to send an enemy away. But charging multiple times does a combo attack that has damage based on how high the Climax Gauge is, causing chain reactions based on follow-up attacks.
          • Earthbound Scorcher: Cleaving slash that hits enemies with the dagger then locks them down with Gestalt's staff, swiping along the ground
          • Barbed Ringtails: Gestalt extends 2-3 flails outward in a twirling claw/kick combo that goes from side to side around an enemy before Elpis flips over with a timed explosive flail slam where he pulls back an explosion afterward to leave trails of flame. Can be done in mid-air, with Elpis revolving downward with a heavy swing.
          • Morningstar Braid: 2 flail-like swinging tendril spin attacks swiping enemies extending reach that can have the last attack modified. This swinging spin attack is somewhat defensive against projectiles and has a follow-up swirling multi-slam with Gestalt that works for extension before exploding with cursed trails. This can be held for a whipping slash upward or downward with Gestalt that fits into any combo, using double inputs makes it extend.
          • Crossed Paths: Works in the middle of a combo. Elpis turns his dagger from left to right rapidly (Causing debuffs) then activates the claws to close in two flails inward and crush enemies with a powerful energy blasts.
          • Rave Nerve: Can hold attack while running and release to do a spinning flail slash while rushing, allowing to destroy any obstacles in the way while boosting speed
          • Serpentine Cascade: Charge fires a short rapid burst of uninterrupted fist shots from PB-Railbuster in the gauntlets, damaging guarded enemies with slithering waves of fire. Has vertical shotgun-styled charged shots from Railbuster that damages enemies while charging, firing out an explosive shot that can be aimed anywhere. When charged shots are fired, Elpis can use the shot key again for when the shot makes contact for it to make a burst.
          • Molten Collapse: Pausing in the middle of both of Elpis' combos causes 3 held follow-up attacks that attacks frontal enemies by held combo that's heavy with swings from Gestalt's rod, turning Elpis' first slash into a uppercut slash that will dodge an incoming enemy and cause them to flinch. Using Gestalt's dagger causes Elpis to flip around with leg kicks while slashing around with agility. The finisher slashes in a crossing triangle to create an explosion as Elpis zips across the area. Is able to charge each of Elpis' basic attacks by holding it during dashes/dodges
          • Neutron Compression: Compact matter by squeezing atoms tightly, releasing immense energy and releases stocked charges in a powerful burst to get past enemies and obstacles. Can cause chain reactions.
          • Radioactive Shower: Commands Quinteseeds to rapidly punch with flails that spray flames on ground, whirling around trails of flames. Being able to aim upward, forward or downward. Held attack in the middle of a mid-air 5 slash combo leads to a rapid attack on the ground slamming enemies back with a wide slash sending a charged plutonium core into the ground blasting enemies below with chains of mercury.
          • Nuclear Bond: Transfers nuclear energy to whatever is linked through Gestalt's wire from a Tango move.
          • Fusion Tango: Attaches wires to 2-5 enemies causing them to slam into each other exploding. Throwing out these wires before an enemy attacks grants Gestalt multi-joints in an AoE attack that can be done on ground and mid-air. Holding it makes Elpis do a rolling slam that closes the joints in and out.
          • Atomweave: Fires out multiple unstable explosions at once with a mortar merging atoms together. This attack will push back enemies that are hit enough times for Quickdraw Heat after a combo. Works in mid-air. 
          • Shadow Fang is chargeable, coiling Gestalt behind Elpis to slam a pillar shot toward an enemy, then performs with a palm attack from Railbuster that goes upward after bashing against the enemy's jaw, blasting them with a plutonium orb. Works in mid-air to get past enemies. Held Shadow Fang sends Elpis and the enemy attacked into the air as he twirls Gestalt like a staff whether from ground-to-air or air-to-ground
          • Sonata Embrace: A sweeping thrust that can also be done as a back-dash, being able to be done continuously before firing off a wall of elongated atoms hitting past defenses. Fury Vein has a follow-up attack that's continuous. Can cancel out to swing an enemy with Gestalt's rod for follow-up dagger slashes that twists Elpis around
          • Elpis' Striking Viper is chargeable has him rotate in an arcing slash that retracts and extends rapidly, doing multiple whirling slashes with the dagger whip when launching. Before landing, another attack can be done sending a downward circular slash repelling Elpis. Quickly cancelling uses nexeratics for an extensive double launch.
          • Atomic Cut: Can use a blastwave attack for third charge mediating between both Gestalt's drilling blade thrust and Railbuster's's arc spray in a cross slash stunning enemies with raising damage. Releasing a fusion orb from Railbuster. This blastwave can be altered when jumping before releasing thus releases a swirling projectile and requires a portion of the energy gauge. Can be upgraded for it to be repeatable by 3 time.
          • Chernobyl Mass: Quickly charging Elpis' sword swing during a combo allows to extend for more attacks that are charged, this can also occur after a dash but will hit multiple enemies when charging.
          • Interior Claw: Elpis detaches a flail arm off of Exonaut, kicking it toward enemies like a rocket. Can be used after an attack for a quick charge with Elpis hopping over with it for Driver Tail effects. 
          • Nova Eruption: Spell card where Elpis claps his hands together to make an atomic orb that increases before Elpis throws it into an opponent crushing them into it. Has heavy damage. Orbs can be held to place them onto ground or mid-air, damaging nearby enemies and can detonate them to fire out a rubble blast.

          Elpis Podalirius-Panacea

          Panacea Cipher (Green): Elpis' form of alchemical technology usage in this Cipher is nexeratic restoration, having key combinations that can reverse the state of something. Useful for restoring energy or health due to how it causes items to spawn more frequently at the cost of nexeratics. This Cipher forms jets on Exonaut and uses PB-Railbuster as a stun gun with blade attachments of Gestalt and fights with swift flows. Having a longer time in mid-air due to dashes. This Cipher focuses on health and exploiting the energy-health exchange of enemies, regaining lost stats through retaliating against enemies well to weaken them. Making it easier to access spell cards during stylish combos. Strategizes healing through different elemental reactions due to how Elpis' health can be lost easier to stronger enemies.

          This Cipher emphasizes usage of nexeratics to enhance Elpis' moves of anchor-drill for high-impact hits, enhanced wall-jumps, camouflaging, attacks during movement, etc. Elpis' moves leave trails of mist and fissures on the ground with his bio-warping mechanic to make him step quicker to enemies for certain actions such as stabbing the gunblade's edge into them and sending them away with a missile. Having air-dashes and anchor-drill moves that can be used in mission progression as a utility, such as turning machines within a surface causing objects to move and elevate, interacting with the environment for unique attacks, or using anchor-drills to tunnel through certain parts of a mission, enlarging and boosting Elpis towards a direction as he passes through a barricade. Anchor-drills lock onto nearby enemies upon first hit to make Elpis automatically dive in on them with a warp dash to cause recoil damage. Is very effective against weaker and smaller enemies, as Elpis is able to immobilize them with his combo set-ups to finish them off with anchor-drills thus gaining the most out of his nexeratics. It can also can retrieve out-of-reach items.

            • Razor Skin-shed: Sliding attacks are quicker roll sweeps that can be cancelled with a launching jump to get over enemies and throw down a projectile mid-jump or do a close-ranged attack after leaping over them. It could either serve as a follow-up to dodging, parrying or another attack to deceive enemies with a quicksilver afterimage that can be held for quick bursts of wind on marked enemies. Holding it sends an anchor-drill twister at enemies while back-flipping. 
            • Is able to hover in mid-air to use wide-reaching aerial slashes. Enemies below Elpis are hit by his jetstream exhausts.
            • Side-steps while doing a cross dagger slash. This can be held for an extra whip input where Elpis throws out daggers before divekicking into an enemy with his legs covered in an anchor-drill.
            • Uses Chiron Strata as a damaging platform to cancel off of.
            • Sidewinder Rush: Attacking and dashing in mid-air twice causes Elpis to spin into enemies in an anchor-drill of tailwinds for a limited time, slowly descending. Constantly attacking enemies left and right in mid-air while spinning makes Elpis elevate. Can't work against stronger-leveled enemies and bosses will attempt to block it, causing the player to have to try a different tactic to overwhelm. Dash attacks leave trails, using nexeratics
            • Cyclone Eater: Elpis' aerial combo is upgraded with his repelling Miasmic Stamp, which has arcing slashes when done continuously on ground and air. Charging in the middle of a mid-air combo causes following slashes to be curved, attacking multiple targets as he spins upside-down with his daggers in a multi-swing that traps enemies in a whirl of continuous damage. But simply holding the final slash in either combo variation causes the enemy to be slammed down.
            • Follow-up attack with jetstreams forming trails on Gestalt in the form of talons. Using it as a follow-up after heavy attacks makes it sweep enemies in longer, while lighter attacks do a continuous pierce.
            • Ethereal Blink: Can hold dodges for quick evading attacks, getting around enemies easier with a follow-up from any Cipher after he retracts Gestalt onto them for distance. Elpis' dashes are cancellable, with him scurrying about wildly leaving mist trails and can reposition him with an anchor-drill boost upwards, sideways, forward, backwards or downwards. During his dodge slash, he has an evasive combo that's held. Back-dash attacks makes Elpis do a flipping shot.
            • Ethereal Loop: Elpis times his dodge for a slash that can be done 2-5 times as long as there's enemies hit by the attack, making Elpis hit from behind the enemy.
            • Distant: Elpis marks an enemy with Harmonic Leaper, continually anchor-drill dashing into them then repositions with Ethereal Blink to strike from multiple positions before zipping past them as a finisher, while the enemy succumbs to critical damage.
            • Rides on a downed enemy via Chiron Strata. Can be cancelled with a slide kick.
            • Freed Thrasher: Elpis can stop his dash with a grab, pulling enemies with his tendrils and swinging them over him in mid-air as a smash down
              • Revenge Bail: Can recover out of damage and grabs through jumps that cause damage, throwing out small anchor-drill.
              • Venomous Blast: Palm blast that pushes away enemies or moves around Elpis in a direction whether on ground or mid-air through an anchor-drill, boosting jump or dash distance. Charging it leads to Elpis doing a double blast forming a vortex then following it with a wave slash that spreads jetstream mist in his direction sweeping any enemy nearby.
              • Hits enemies out of mid-air with a drill.
              • Clings to a wall before doing talon-like slashes into an enemy.
              • Rushes forward with daggers in mid-air, being able to do a held execution.
              • Driver Tail - Harmonic Leaper: Anchor-drill lock-on can detect incoming enemies or invisible items. Lock-on dashes causes Elpis to thrust into enemies multiple times in a row with tags, with the first one absorbing damage but the damage absorption decreases with each bio-warp dash following it. Having different attacks on enemies that Elpis dashes into depending on the amount of tags, ranging from attacking backwards with 2 tags to a finisher with max tags. Charging a dash into a bio-warp when an enemy is behind causes spiralling tailwinds to blow them away, going through walls while Elpis moves in any direction. Used to quickly move and reach high places. Tailwinds could guide various things into Elpis' direction. Air-dashes are diagonal, allowing Elpis to bounce off his walls and slow his descent.
              • Held spin with anchor-drills being sent out like tornadoes. Works in mid-air, making Elpis do a slam downward.
              • Continuous inputs makes Elpis do a rapid spin combo before slashing into the enemy with drills from both sides that then cross for him to do a spinning rotor slash. This can be done during a basic attack to boost range and stun.
              • Tailwind Crucifix: Cancelling out of an attack string continuously makes Elpis do an anchor-drill combo. Can be used during a spell card or Ultimate Attack.
              • Pulsed Vein: Heavy revolving dive in mid-air letting Elpis fall to the ground at an accelerated rate by using an anchor-drill. Can be held for Elpis to bounce off an enemy.
              • Pulls out a double dagger to do a rolling slash against launched enemies with Elpis spinning it akin to a rotor blade.
              • Sweeps enemies with an anchor-drill spin. Holding it sends them away with a whip attack
              • Anchor-drill is sent to rapidly pierce into an enemy. This can be charged on time for Elpis to do a rapid thrust with it. Works in mid-air.
              • Dashes through enemies that are hit rapidly with dagger attacks, marking them for them to be hit with multi-hitting wind slashes on later attacks.
              • Drops a drill on an enemy from above, causing drills to cover the ground in the form of a ribcage. Can send enemies back down to the ground from mid-air. Lock-on shots sends an anchor-drill onto enemies when far away, shooting while backing up after a 3-slash of Gestalt.
              • Extends out multiple pincer-like strikes after lunging down low, reaching higher then closes in with a drill thrust
              • Sickle Curve: Downward slash sending a vertical scythe-like attack that can be done in reverse with Elpis doing a revolving kick. 
              • Back-dashes with Chiron Strata.
              • Steps around for a backstab finisher on an enemy, grabbing them before elbowing them away.
              • Hooks off the ground with a drill before Elpis swings across the area
              • Lap Sprint: Can spawn Chiron Strata to ride as a vehicle any time, using nexeratics. 
              • Rides on Chiron Strata with an anchor-drill toss after dodging
              • Circles around the enemy with anchor-drill, causing ring trails to close in on them before slashing inwards in a launch
              • Drills into an enemy. Holding it causes multi-hits on ground and mid-air akin to a scythe before charging to explode. In mid-air, Elpis dashes into aerial enemies with a held 3-slash that sweeps via an anchor drill.
              • Spins on grabbed enemies with Chiron Strata

              Elpis Podalirius-Iaso

              Podalirius Cipher (Blue): This Cipher uses a tailed axe variation of Gestalt with PB-Railbuster. Being ranged with usage of multi-directional rapid projectiles that decelerate molecules, bending the trajectory of shots and sets up critical damage on enemies. It can send oscillating wave projectiles when charging melee by strumming at perfect timing in multitudes of directions such as a spin making a shot divide into shards of ice sent across the area.

              Elpis' form of alchemical technology usage in this Cipher is freezing, solidifying various substances through it's waves for either platforming or stagnating both attacks and enemies. Mixing in shots and melee at the right time causes multiple dagger hits with ice damage stacking. Utilizes vial/dart knives that explode, splitting and crawling along floors upon hitting a surface.

                • Swings axe with darts imbued for 5 slashes before casting down a beam. When pausing, Elpis rapidly throws around darts with a swiping slash that twists Elpis to slam onto any enemies behind him, sending a destructive wave in the form of shards on both sides. Doing this continuously causes Elpis to spin his legs for a swirling kick while standing on the edge of Podalirius.
                • Raises 2 long-ranged trail of ice that intersect. Works in mid-air.
                • Swaying: Can "freeze" enemies or projectiles as platforms via swinging an axe extension and can hold them for taunts.

                • Imprisoned: Charges stocked shots to mix with melee attacks before unloading to fire off a freezing dome. The freezing dome converts tinctures and restores previous nexeratics, slowing down enemies caught inside and will cause Elpis' attacks to deal critical damage as long as it hits the dome before exploding. The restored nexeratics can be used in an arranged combo to charge up cards, finishers and Ultimate Attack.
                • Force Reflect: Places interconnected fields that will redirect the next attack or projectile to the destination, whether on ground or mid-air. Placing these on the ground or the wall sets up traps to petrify enemies when Elpis activates an Ouroboros Ring. Elpis can place a field in front to keep an enemy in from behind or in front of them. 
                • Whiplash Shatter: Flipping attack with a whirling slam on ground that can be held to increase the duration, creating an AoE of crystal pillars from the ground then from above.
                • Sinking Blossom: Creates a sinkhole on the ground dissolving enemies caught inside, slowing them down. Multiple sinkholes can be connected with tectonic paths to cause area denial. They can be detonated to cause crystal waves of spikes to protrude with vibrations that destabilizes structures around Elpis, juggling enemies.
                • Pythia Serenade: Calls out gorgon constructs of neutron/plasma energy to lash at enemies from the ground, walls, above, or behind an enemy. Holding causes it to be continuous.
                • Arsenic Rain: A continuous shot on launched enemies with shots of compressed air turned venomous. Rapidly fires on enemies in mid-air while firing out beams then compressing an atomic orb that blasts a snake-like trail.
                • Places down Elpis' Gestalt to switch to dart-only attacks while it serves as a damage zone of ice. Elpis can use his Ouroboros Ring to freeze enemies caught in it, leaving them open for instakill finishers.
                • Driver Tail - Swarm: Explodes dart knives to spray out venomous mercury, creating a stunning flash that stops enemies from moving and causes them to be blinded with counters or charged hits. Throwing multiple of the same dart at once causes a larger burst by connecting them and can be used at the end of a move to create an area. But using Ciphers to shift the dart causes a chain reaction in shaped formations to modify pieces of an area. Will cause marked enemies to be blasted with mercury, infesting them from the inside. Attacks will become more powerful when done continuously.
                • Drops darts on enemies from above, below, or around them.
                • Hunter's Enmity: Rolls toward an enemy with a quick rushing dart lance. Can sweep in dart knives before the roll to close in on the enemy from both sides, bouncing off them when blocked but will stun them when hit and make them vulnerable to follow-ups.
                • Places darts in mid-air.
                • Devourer's Festival: Positions dart lances in front, then turns to position them behind as well. Can position upward to hit aerial enemies, but will position downward when done in mid-air.
                • Splitter Crescendo: Throws out 3 dart knives in a wide arc whether on ground or air while doing a wild slash, and can lock-on to throw them rapidly but is focused on enemies only. Dart knives will split into 5 mercurial shots that expand into orb bundles when hitting a surface. These can be used to thrust dart lances, causing spore bags to grow on enemies.
                • Crosses dart lances for a grab-styled finisher that's timed, piercing into enemies and sending them into mid-air.
                • Stocks 3 shots that spread outward, travelling long distances and can be mixed with melee attacks for evasiveness or for Elpis to hold dodges to position for charged shots before Elpis raises his blade to strike nearby enemies that are lined up in an explosive field. When charging, Elpis creates a cluster field of projectiles around Elpis to fend off any shots from indirect enemies, being sent toward them when released.
                • Caduceus Tomahawk: Can spin the axe tip toward enemies, heavily damaging them and can be used after using a thrown lock-projectile to send a detonated storm of Railbuster projectiles to enemies nearby, splitting a projectile of Railbuster to the same amount of enemies that are locked on thus increasing the damage. Charging it holds Gestalt in front of Elpis whether for ground and air, whipping it at enemies rapidly. Using this in mid-air makes Elpis use the hilt of Gestalt in a vertical uppercut with an upward spiralling anchor-drill slash, ending with a downward heavy slash upon attacking again.
                • A slower double hit on ground. Does a 3-hit revolving swing from mid-air, making a strummed wave be sent in front of enemies.
                • Prima Tide: Fires at the ground to create a frozen zone, sending waves of mercury at enemies that sweep them and weaken defenses. Sending 2 of them then charging causes a large geyser. Grapple points above can be pulled and chained to this attack to drop freezing mists from above.
                • Rolls Gestalt across the ground before slamming it for a double spread blast of Quinteseed projectiles or vertically spins it to latch on an enemy with it's dagger whip. Charging it causes Gestalt's whip to bounce in a flail-like form, spiraling the blast outward in a swirling cluster that fires with increased speed and is more flexible. Can be used during launch combo.
                • Stellar Annihilation: Rotating stream of bolts forward penetrates enemies and terrain when tagged, the Quinteseeds will home for a direct shock as a whip missile and the streams can pass through walls. Using nexeratics. Can be enhanced into firing a surface-level spiralling beam that then splits into three swirling lances homing at the target, coming from a dragonic mouth firing 3 atomic balls that then emit drill beams that shield Elpis
                • Mid-air slash makes Elpis spin down into the ground, stabbing the edge of gunbladed Gestalt for a short blast to enemies near or dealing heavy damage to the enemy he landed on. This spin can deflect projectiles.
                • Ammunition Hive: Mid-air shot with Elpis sending whip missiles in a downward parabola and pushes Elpis to potentially get him into high ground.
                • Gamma Lense: A charge that sends beams that reach outward, hitting all enemies near Elpis with a poisonous blast
                • Sends a long-ranged multi-hit combo with crafted Quinteseed formations. Quinteseeds form in different shapes for melee attacks, such as surrounding singular enemies pushing them back with automatic attacks unless parried.

                Machaon Cipher (Yellow):  Uses yellow nexeratics to draw out of enemies for more energy to combine usage of other nexeratics. Elpis' form of alchemical technology usage in this Cipher is crafting, enhancing the shape of Exonaut through releasing a deconstructing attack that will affect the environment in sync with the armor. Such as various interactable stage pieces, or handling nexeratic mixtures. Picking up items causes them to divide into lesser items of certain nexeratics. Items with matching nexeratics can be crafted into an enhancement. Health pick-ups are more Copi points used to craft supercraft weapon enhancements. Is limited in passive items, needing to sacrifice them in exchange of newer ones picked up. Interacts with the environment for resources.

                Uses a spiked totem-like nexeratic cube resonator that causes tremors, pillar formations and shockwaves to form which can be used for setting up stun and multiplying points on the Flow Chain through distortion. Has messy attacks but is able to keep pressure on enemy defenses thus will get stronger when chaining enemies properly. Requires long and risky preparation for devastating attacks that could potentially be 1-hit kills through critical effects that improves the flow of combat when executed.

                  • Chtonic Splitter: Hits the ground with a split shot of boulders to hurl at enemies, causing shockwaves with heavy knockback that leave behind crystal pools as damage zones.
                  • Madnesss Song: Emits a soundwave from a device, dealing radial damage to break down enemy formations. Can be used in taunts to affect enemies' points dropped. Grabbed enemies succumb to critical damage.
                  • Elpis wields Gestalt with two hands as he relentlessly beats with a mixture of bludgeons and trailing slashes to form a rod that's thrown. Timing a cancel with it 3 times makes Elpis do a sequence of soundwaves that cause tremors.
                  • Catches enemies that are continuously hit inside of a soundwave field before cracking it and pressuring them down under huge vibrations.
                  • Reconstructing Touch: Rearranges the atomic structure of an obstacle or item to form a weapon, utility, etc. Can merge different items or spell cards together to create new items with enhanced properties, or altered elements.
                  • Duplicating Touch: Duplicates nexeratics, items or spell cards to stock them
                  • Driver Tail - Particle Dispersal: Breaks down enemies or items to an atomic level with a finisher, causing them to disintegrate into item pick-ups or cards. Is able to disrupt enemies or items that are connected to each other due to Fusion Tango, creating a fission reaction based on what category they are and creates blasts of destructive force.

                  Elpis Telesphorus-Iaso

                  Iaso + Aceso Cipher (Red): TBA

                    Elpis Hygeia

                    Hygeia Cipher (Purple): Hygeia is a strategic Cipher that increases crowd control, having counterattacks and ambushes through a Karma Meter for every amount of damage negated from an enemy that Elpis holds as he sits still after a combo to extend attacks and reflect back stun via his nexeratics, spreading out marks on enemies that Elpis has received damage from to send out lightning towards them and cause area denial through damage zones that will act on their own upon higher Karma. Even transferring damage into spell cards, but will be limited in usage. This Cipher uses a taunt stance which can tag enemies caught in it through attacking while Elpis holds his damage and once they're tagged, it allows Elpis to bind them. Utilizes a shell-like gunblade bow-shield augmentation of Railbuster and Bulwark in the style of a scaled ballista.

                    Uses an assymetrical permeable shield charged from an organ in Exonaut, doubling Elpis' defense and can absorb attacks when attack based on the rhythm of an opponent's movement. The shield is formed with the more perfect parries surging more atoms to the organ to absorb more attacks doing small damage by contact until the shield has enough atoms to become a spinning shield shredding enemies, pushing them away with harder impact upon rushing into them, or can be used to ricochet the shield into a rolling motion in an orbit. Parries under the shield gives Elpis a short amount of health and energy. Elpis is immune to sharp materials with this Cipher and can perform a recoil dash staggering enemies by contact. Is able to disarm enemy weapons and use it as pickups.

                      • Driver Tail - Diamondback Rattlesnake: Grounded and aerial parries are replaced with a Gestalt-spinning shield stance, deflecting projectiles and damaging enemies that come near it. Counterattacks use Bulwark to detonate a shock projectile, can be charged for more bouncing range by causing Elpis to manipulate the electric arc of shield launch via Quinteseeds to send in nexeratic pulses during dodges or dashes and chain together kills during a counterattack, leaving electric currents. Sends out electric shocks in melee attacks after absorbing projectiles while parrying, adding up defense equal to Elpis' attack to boost stun. Can use multiple counters, each which automatically switch depending on the situation. Purple nexeratics can make Bulwark have a secondary durable layer, allowing it to unleash a small energy burst minimalizing the defense in an AoE that can be strengthened with more matching purple nexeratics, causing more stun and recoil that can be used for mobility. Shield attacks can be used as follow-ups to make enemies vulnerable to multiple elements.
                      • A shield-swinging and throw combo that pulls or pushes back enemies based on forward or backwards input.
                      • Tethering: Discharges a whip surge that's wide, causing enemies that touch it to be damaged automatically and feel lighter. Can be held forward, upward, or downward from mid-air.
                      • Static Bash: Shield dive from mid-air that causes an explosion of mercury tendrils shocking enemies
                      • Scutum Buckler - Blood Frenzy: Rush combo with lightning-infused attacks on Gestalt's sections before ending with an overhead AoE slash. Purple nexeratics allows to throw a cube-altered Quinteseed from Bulwark energy bursting in a shot while engaging in a high-speed dash in an air-to-ground combo or ground-to-air combo. The finisher makes Elpis split the ground with lightning damage zones as he pierces through with his shield, charging into enemies. 
                      • Mesmerizing Dischord: A taunt on knocked down enemies that transfers damage if an enemy attacks during it. Can turn enemies docile, nullifying their damage and leaving them vulnerable to finishers.
                      • Merciful Cleaver: Elpis grabs an enemy to use them as an electrified shield, and he can also grab them while downed. Afterward, he throws them into multiple enemies. This can be used after Alberich Saucer for Elpis to leap above with Bulwark through tendrils and slam down with electric domes in an extensive attack, swinging across the area with atomic trails before leaning downward for an upward kick that swings multiple weapons at once after throwing darts that erupt waves of poison upward.
                      • Connects all marks of Karma to form a pillar that binds all enemies near it's damage zones, crucifying them as lightning electrifies their bodies.
                      • Zanber Galient: Elpis calls out lightning on Gestalt before sending it out in a split wave of lightning that hits in all directions to mark the ground with damage zones, shocking enemies to push them back before sending currents upward.
                      • Ionizing Shift: Continuous slash that cancels out guards, with Elpis using an electric-coated dagger from Gestalt. When hit, Elpis launches himself into an enemy to deliver a powerful close-range attack with a mid-ranged shot then chargeable shoulder bash.
                      • Siren Tango: Sets up a grenaded decoy that self-destructs on enemies that come to it, allowing Elpis to do an electric attack infused with mercury afterward
                      • Slither Reversal: Elpis immediately recovers when an enemy attacks or tries to grab him, having a potential electric counterattack that leaves them open for finishers
                      • Deflects an enemy attack with an electrified Gestalt, increasing damage based on how close it is and blasting them away in any direction. Going forward makes Elpis launch the enemy, while side inputs are used for mobility and back input is a grab.
                      • Splits Bulwark and continuously claps it's halves together, spreading out shockwaves.

                      • Thunderous Aspis: Spins Quinteseeds around Elpis, firing out beams at enemies while shielding him in 3 formations. Beams can be used to propel himself forward by aiming backwards to boost mobility.

                      • Nano-scale Firmament: Creates a dome that damages enemies who contact it, serving as a safe-zone for Elpis deflecting the attacks of enemies by using gravity on them, turning Elpis' slashes into rift-like atom cuts that make enemies lighter upon forming an Ouroboros Ring with a thrown Bulwark's arc. Disrupting weapons' atomic structure thus rendering enemy attacks to be weaker. This can also create a wall platform with Bulwark that catches in enemies, restricting them while Elpis can platform over them and collapse the walls.

                      • Stormcaller's Gambit: Downward kick slam with Bulwark with a Gestalt-attached snake digging into the ground before Elpis does an upward flipping hook, sending out a crystal tremor of electric shockwaves
                      • Purged Sin: Bola-like throw with high-tensile wires covered in liquid streams to wrap around enemies when thrown, affecting their attacks temporarily unless parried or is a boss. These can also be placed down on areas and will cause any throws, explosions or charged attacks to send electrified floods of mercury. Marked enemies will be purged if they're on low health, cleansing harmful isotopes.
                      • Can ride Bulwark to surf across enemies, leaving trails of lightning in his past before Elpis rolls off the enemy. Going forward stops the attack with Bulwark being kicked toward an enemy before bouncing back to Elpis
                      • Has a flipping shot before slamming downward with a heavy blast from Railbuster/Bulwark. Pausing or holding makes Elpis throw Bulwark in a circle around him.
                      • Quark Dissonance: Creates electric orbs. Charging it makes Elpis sends out electrified lances, slicing enemies caught inside.
                      • Crushing Geomagnetism: Dashes forward while throwing Bulwark to push enemies away. Back-dashing pulls in enemies with Bulwark. Both require timing an input for it to push or pull, otherwise Bulwark will stay on the enemy causing constant damage on them.

                        • Crimson Prism and Thunderbolt Fission: Elpis absorbs the shot into his shield and fire it back as an atomic ball emitting an anchor-drill pulse. He can also convert absorbed attacks into health, energy or an item. PB-Railbuster has less range in Hygeia as a cannon of high diffusion working for ground and mid-air with shots simply bursting upon contact, leaving a short mist that will induce an elemental reaction on enemies that touch it. Nexeratics allows Elpis to blast an energy burst in the form of a beam with big range, reshaping Railbuster into a dragonic maw. Triggers fission reactions to create waves of destructive force.
                        • Sonic Wail: Can cause shockwave bursts as projectiles through detonating after attacks, causing claps with Bulwark that sweeps with extensive whirls such as after throwing it, increasing with Karma. Works in mid-air.
                        • Tectonic Sunder: Throws Bulwark in an enhanced arc as a forcefield before returning to Elpis on ground or mid-air. The arc can be formed by throwing out connected knives before throwing, or can chain across enemies that are marked by Elpis. Enhances shield-bash with a recoil that can be used to push against heavy objects. Recoil has defensive properties allowing Elpis to safely collide with and bounce away from hazards, having a cooldown consuming energy when used. When used against enemies, Elpis recoils and backflips with a kick.
                        • Alberich Saucer: Causes Bulwark to bounce back and forth from enemies and platforms through parries or dodges as a sonic disc, increasing the damage and stun with each bounce that restrains enemies with Elpis' cloth to not attack or move while multi-projectiles are sent. Can be thrown in mid-air. Holding it longer causes it to lock enemies or points in place before Elpis dashes into them.

                      Aegle Cipher (Grey): Elpis' default Cipher that's balanced and focuses on the staff form with charged propulsions that sets up extension or huge damage, emphasizing maximization of melee power. With it's downside being that it carries Elpis' moderate damage in exchange for highlighting enemy weakpoints. Affects charged shots with roaring waves that amplify attacks. When using Aegle, Elpis drags his Gestalt, potentially wielding an Ex Arm in unison and allows synergy of Gestalt and PB-Railbuster together, turning the projectiles of Railbuster into anchor-drills in the form of lazarus waves while Gestalt pressures enemies. Applies mercurial poison to Elpis' attacks, and will increase both Elpis' health and points with how many kills he's gaining through using poisonous attacks along with nexeratics he gains. But will lose it when not properly following any special moves. Mercurial's held Quintseed attacks pass through enemies with continuous damage, setting up huge danage and extensive moves

                        • Polluted Ophidian: Grey nexeratics causes PB-Railbuster to fire miniature nexeratics, leaving behind gaseous swarms intoxicating enemies inside. Limited to 10 at a time. Using a timed charge or Mercurial pushes enemies away with Gestalt's rod whether on ground or air, unleashing a powerful burst of tendrils for knockback against enemies

                        • Driver Tail - Mercurial: A dagger stance on ground and mid-air that cause stun by adjusting angle and direction of attacks for easy aim to dismember limbs/weakpoints, using Elpis' health to cause enemies to become staggered in rapid damage temporarily with trails of mercury. Attacks will be imbued with a charged effect with liquid mercury coating Gestalt, and chaining a different amount of charges after 2, 3, 4, or 5 attacks causes atomic reactions in a marked space. Holding these charges then quickly releasing for continuous inputs uses tincture stacks to accumulate spatial damage in quick combos, extensions, or finishers affecting the duration. This affects dagger moves by Cipher follow-ups and can hold Climax Gauge to make an Ouroboros Ring's amplification field based on Ciphers used for different stocks of tincture nexeratics tied to cards used prior to Mercurial. This amplification field mixes nexeratics via attacks and works well with follow-ups for potion mixtures, being able to stock extra spell cards for elemental damage. Using this at the end of a move spews out a snake-like trail of burning mercury with a harp sound tied to the Cipher, raising it's effects with how high the Climax Gauge is and can be done 3 times in a row, adding up charges for spell cards and Ultimate Attack's debuffs.

                        • Spiral Pierce: Turns 3-slash combo into cyclical kicks with Gestalt being held via Elpis' leg as he swings forward, ending with a butterfly kick twisting Gestalt's blade over to slam onto opponents. Charging the last hit makes Elpis spin while holding onto Gestalt, continuously jabbing at enemies with the whip near it before performing a butterfly kick. This can be continuously done for Elpis to spin Gestalt's whip on his leg. In mid-air, Elpis performs a flipping slash that's held as he rolls his leg against the enemy.

                        • Forbidden Knowledge: Elpis charges up as he drags Gestalt, materializing a snake off of it's blade before it bites at enemies in a series of heavy continuous slashes from side to side bashing his staff then pauses for a charged finisher. Works on grabbed or downed enemies. Uses buffs from Mercurial.

                        • Miasmic Stamp: Can hold down attack to unleash a 180 staff swing with wide range and damage, having 4 quick follow-up whip slashes that go forward. Doing it upward causes Elpis to launch himself and an enemy into the air with a twirling whip slash.
                        • Acidic Spew: Does a double swing that closes in when in mid-air. Has a follow-up sweep attack when landing from mid-air that leaves radioactive trails of atoms.
                        • Virulence: Elpis leaps by his staff then rapidly bashes the ground mid-combo to create shockwaves that build up stun before extending whip hooks off of it that cut inwards and outwards.
                        • An overhead staff smash from mid-air that shakes the ground with a wave of tendrils, suspending grounded enemies and keeping aerial enemies down
                        • Holds an enemy that Elpis dashed into, using his staff to spin them away and keep them suspended.
                        • Snatches two enemies and holds them before batting them away
                        • Caustic Blade: Creates a marker in front. Enemies that fall into the marker are hit with a quick dagger execution, leaving them vulnerable to elemental damage.
                        • Elpis does a shoulder bash with his staff then sweeps with his leg before doing a flip kick with a spinal whip.

                        • Silver Flash: One-hit finisher on enemies that are frightened or provoked through a taunt marking them, but has short range. Elpis generates a Vaporizing Shroud cloak that restrains enemies for finishers or after cards, making mercury-stacking attacks add up automatically through extensions, cancels and finishers. As well as adding an enhancement to other Ciphers such as making Telesphorus attacks explode, Podalirius attacks cause multi-hits, Hygeia attacks drag in enemies from anywhere when charging, etc.

                        • Pestilent Torment: Can inject non-boss enemies with a device that causes them to attack their own allies temporarily, and any health/energy lost from those enemies can either be given to Elpis or allies with nexeratics.

                        • Ripple Chain: Elpis can perform a swift slash hitting back and forth to enemies far away from him or close to him based on input but has slower recovery. Charging it causes a burst of twisting cuts as Elpis uses wires off of Gestalt to atomically dash across enemies, slashing an enemy when his radar lights up through his lock-on

                        • Nucleic Catalyst: Can fire a charged shot from Elpis' arc reactor that's multi-hitting for a short time. Cancels out charged attacks with ranged-melee attacks that splits into multiple slashes of radioactive decay, such as splitting projectiles into multiple orbs that explode.

                        • Cursed Rancor: Elpis dashes up to enemies with a perfectly-timed sword swing that does a high damage combo of all ground attacks before swiftly slashing horizontally, spreading out rotting mercury from his body in the form of a yelling dragon.

                        • Cobra's Elixir: Spell card that converts health and energy pick-ups into universal items, replenishing both and boosting points gained. Can revive fallen allies immediately.

                      - Trivia -

                      Gestalt Calibur was originally named "Bane of Destruction", but this became the name of Perseus' Harpe.

                      Elpis was going to have a string-related ability to reference the idea of Spaghettification to work well against Ritsueto

                      Nachash being bound to the spine of Exonaut is a reference to the Kundalini

                      Elpis was formerly going to be a Devil Hunter that assisted Lin, being equipped with a rocket arm and an AWP rifle. Being linked to an entity who calms him down named as Stardust, which served as his Ultimatrigger and allowed him to fuse with others. Stardust would've been linked to a "Stardust Head" from a Cerberus. This form was expanded upon as a separate consciousness from Alean that acts more calm and rational than him.

                      Elpis was originally going to be the leader of the Tannin Jaegers. This was changed for Lyra to be in the position for a more dynamic direction.

                      Elpis and Ritsueto share many thematic parallels with each other:

                        • Elpis, with his black attire and focus on truth and self-perception, represents a quest for purity and understanding. His synesthetic perception of colors ties him to his past, emotions, and aspirations for spiritual awareness. On the other hand, Ritsueto’s white attire and emphasis on stability and adaptation showcase a commitment to collectivism and strength amid challenges.

                        • Elpis' stoic demeanor and obsession with uncovering the truth reflect his struggle with emotional complexity, happiness, and mutation. In contrast, Ritsueto's charismatic yet passive-aggressive nature, rooted in his heritage and innate abilities, demonstrates his adaptability and fearlessness. Both characters exhibit loyalty towards those they care for, integrating personal relationships into their overarching goals and identities.

                        • The snake-themed twisting, bending, and rotating nature of Elpis' design contrasts with Ritsueto's fish-themed movement akin to flowing water, suggesting two distinctive approaches to maneuvering and adapting to challenges. Both fish and snakes occupy different environments within the ecosystem. Fish are primarily aquatic creatures, thriving in water bodies like rivers, lakes, and oceans. On the other hand, snakes are terrestrial and can be found in various habitats such as forests, grasslands, deserts, and swamps. Fish and snakes have distinct physical characteristics. Fish have sleek, streamlined bodies designed for efficient movement in water, equipped with fins and scales. Snakes, on the other hand, have elongated bodies, scales, and venomous fangs in some species, facilitating their survival on land. Fish are agile swimmers that can move swiftly and change direction rapidly in water. Contrastingly, snakes are known for their slithering motion on land, utilizing their muscle contractions to move smoothly across various terrains. Fish represent emotions and adaptability while snakes represent cunning and flexibility.

                        • Elpis and Ritsueto possess unique abilities that shape their approaches to conflict and self-discovery. Elpis wields the power of synesthetic perception and bio-warping through the Exonaut, utilizing surgical precision and atomic energy control in pursuit of healing and transmutation. Ritsueto, as a Black Obyrith, commands bio-mechanical protoplasms imbued with dark energy, showcasing mastery over matter creation, distortion, and energy absorption for offensive and defensive purposes.

                        • While Elpis embodies logic, courage, and self-improvement through understanding and purifying impurities, Ritsueto represents adaptability, strength, and a strive for stability and dominance. Their contrasting ideals and abilities provide a rich narrative tapestry that explores themes of truth-seeking, control, balance, and personal growth amidst adversity.

                        • Elpis' Gestalt being able to be activated through a harp handle constrasts with how Drazenith's hilt can simply be used like a flute

                      Various sound cues such as a hidden path or damaged terrain being hinted at causes Elpis to spark a certain color

                      Elpis, Ritsueto, and other player characters have poses when completing a mission

                      Elpis originally was going to be able to perform executions on weakened enemies and slash when moving. This was passed to Ritsueto instead. There are more mechanics scrapped from Elpis' Ciphers such as:

                        • Ciphers originally being called Spectrum Modshifts

                        • Ciphers having a unique form of health signified by different scar locations on Elpis' body. These scar locations would've been a reference to Dragon Marked for Death's Dragonblood characters.

                        • Panacea was originally going to be able to camouflage underwater. It was also going to have a gliding hover and hook-like scythe attachments but the latter was changed for Aegle while the former was removed for balancing.

                        • Podalirius was going to have a health regen

                        • Machaon was originally going to be able to alter trajectory of shots and use a portal interface to explain how it warps

                        • Iaso was going to have a move that combusts with an emerged smoke that's in the form of a screaming soul. Was a potential move accessed when gaining high combos but was changed due to feeling more appropriate for Aegle.

                        • Hygeia was originally going to be a counter-based Cipher like Telesphorus as well but using afterimages

                        • Aceso was originally going to have a mechanic of if Elpis happens to die with a full gauge activated pre-death, he will immediately respawn as Astaroth using Akesis and he's put on a time limit to resurrect Elpis by collecting souls needed to rebuild a Rosa Cross tomb of him before turning into a Nosoimones if the time limit is met, forcing a reset of the mission if failing to do so.

                        • Akesis was originally going to have a mechanic in which it detaches Quinteseeds from Elpis to be set in different locations at the cost of having less defense.

                        • Akesis was going to have a dragging field pulling enemies toward Elpis when fully depowered down, manipulating phantasmic rapiers of rays to fire at enemies when aiming quickly.

                        • Enigmatic Telesphorus was going to have a crystallized Elpis being picked up by Exonaut to attack enemies but must be protected from not taking damage due to an increase in vulnerability. An idea inspired by Tainted Forgotten from The Binding of Isaac, similarly to how Enigmatic Akesis has traits from Tainted Jacob

                        • Chao Feng was originally going to be in Aratus Cipher while Ba Xia was going to be in Panacea Cipher. This was changed for a more thematic fit.

                        • Enigmatic Machaon was originally going to have Enigmatic Hygeia's ability. This was also changed for a thematic fit

                        • While not a scrapped mechanic for Elpis, Ritsueto originally was going to have a harder time parrying with his melee.

                      Elpis' scarf is threaded with wing strands

                      The second name of Elpis' armor, "Alean" comes from the name of an old scrapped protagonist for BioMassCore whose premise would be having a bodily armor through infusing with an alien meant to protect Earth.

                      In his redesign from Alean, Elpis was going to be a nameless assassin simply referred to as the Historical Warrior. This was until the idea of Ophiuchuses were conceptualized.

                      Elpis' skill is meant to be based on the idea of a weak but smart rejuvenating powerless Armiger

                      Elpis' Ciphers are named after the children of Asclepius. Most of which were female, save for Podalirius and Machaon.

                      Exonaut's current design is intended to reference various aspects of greek clothing around the torso.

                      Exonaut helping Elpis' respiratory system and stabilizing with the air around him is based on how the god Aether rules the upper sky and how Aether is considered to be the essence breathed by gods.

                      Each Cipher's form is based on the Nine Sons of The Dragon

                      The molded scars on Elpis' chest are meant to be resembling of the Serpens constellation. This is a reference to Fist of the North Star's Kenshiro.

                      - Gallery -

                      Exonaut Alean 2

                      A past HUD Concept

                      Elpis' old HUD Concept

                      Elpis' older HUD Concept

                      Hygeia Daggers and Greaves

                      Machaon Gun Concept

                      Podalirius

                      XueBeach

                      Elpis and Lin - The poses serve as a reference to Azure Striker Gunvolt's GV and Copen

                      Elpis Sketches (Face, Normal Body, Chest with Serpens-shaped Scar)

                      Elpis, Birdy (Front) Astaroth and Birdy's Umbra shade (Back) (The Following Arts by Lin)

                      Aging Elpis

                      Draft of a semi-mutated Elpis fighting

                      Proto-Elpis and Birdy

                      Cipher Effects Concept - Has a more humanoid face of Elpis without his cyborg marks

                      Elpis' body