Okita Takao

Description

An agent of The Abyss. He was a significant orchestrator in the disappearances in the Drains. He was often seen with Aigneas.

Takao had a salesman's charisma, wearing a constant smile and easy confidence. He appeared difficult to phase beyond his supercilious countenance. He was deceptive and immoral, unflinching and even delighting in the violence he inflicted upon others. Takao treated life as dispensable and people as tools, his consideration only for whatever method would further his goals. 

He also held a resentment and jealousy towards Loveless, seemingly due to the attention that Marionesse grants her. 

Within the Campaign

Takao was present at the Crystal Star Hotel and Casino. As Liutubang investigated, they noticed him signaling to one of the members of the "focus group." He would later abduct Vic'tel, and tell the party where to find him. This turned out to be an ambush.

He would later help kidnap Yu Atsushi, bringing them into an Unknown during Blood Rite. His precise intentions were unknown, but he appeared satisfied with what he'd done before Liutubang destroyed the Fissure.

When Liutubang scryed on Takao utilizing Scopophobia, they found him performing a sacrificial ritual. He killed one person as a sacrifice to an unknown "Master", and the other was given up to an unseen creature. The party saw a spindly arm grasp the corpse, and black pebble fall from where it was hidden on the ceiling. This was later revealed to be the demonic form of Lau Ruolan.

A scry on Aigneas revealed that her alliance with Takao was far from willing. He appeared to know more about her own nature than she did, aware that she would regenerate after death and uncaring in the face of her despair.

Following the discovery of the Lau Demons, Takao escaped Yu Clan pursuit. He remained in hiding until the invasion of Serpent Gardens, where he initially appeared to ally himself with Liutubang. However, his apparent helpfulness was a ruse. Potions he had been sent out to collect were instead disguised poisons. In the ensuing conflict, Liutubang brought Takao to the brink of death, to be finished off by the very master he worshipped: Marionesse. 

History

Takao was raised in a cult worshipping a giant, spider-like demon named Ferigami. He was apparently selected to be the next leader of the flock, intended to be Ferigami's priest. His early machinations swayed the cult to his will and he eventually turned them against Ferigami with the truthful accusation that it saw itself as above its own master: Marionesse. 

Takao would incite a revolt against Ferigami that resulted in the annihilation of both the demon and its cult. Free from these bindings, he turned his devotion to Marionesse and continued to act in their name.