Shimoku

'''Hadō #67. Shimoku ' (紫木, lit. "Purple Tree''") is unusual among Hadō spells in that its purpose is not immediate destruction, but actually gradually weakening the target. Shimoku is a spell which conjures forth a threateningly thorned purple tree, which secretes dangerous poison to anyone in range.

Overview
As the spell is cast, long slender purplish vines issue forth from the ground around the intended foe and swiftly surround the poor foe in a thorny prison; both the thorns and the resin of the purple tree are highly poisonous. While most are wise enough to avoid the thorns, the true danger is the resin, which disintegrates upon contact with air and forms noxious fumes that extend a few yards around the tree itself.

This effect causes excruciating agony and uncontrollable body spasms; which often leads to the thrashing victims suffering wounds from the actual thorns and thereby worsening their condition greatly. Although it rarely kills its victim, its thorns quickly cause paralysis and immobilizes the victim. Anyone unfortunate enough to have experienced Shimoku have been forced to recuperate for at least a week following the encounter, as the poison lingers on for quite some time.

It should come as no surprise then that the spell was devised by none other than ; and its unique in the regard that not only does it require ground to function properly, but its also a highly offensive spell of Conjuration which is known to increase in potency, size and duration based on the practitioners skill.

Due to its nature as being fundamentally inconsiderate of whether it affects friends or foes, Shimoku is often looked down at as being unnecessarily wicked in its execution and its use might get a careless practitioner in trouble with the Gotei 13 if allies or civilians came to be harmed inadvertently.

Incantation
"Bleeding mark of death, liquescent black, hands stained with countless executions, spread your roots and burst forth from the barren soil!!"

Known Practitioners

 * Megumi